Surface modification of CoCr alloys by electrochemical reduction of diazonium salts.

Tailoring the surface chemistry of CoCr alloys is of tremendous interest in many biomedical applications. In this work, we show that CoCr can be modified by diazonium electrografting provided the surface is not homogeneously covered with an oxide layer. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show the electrografting of a poly(aminophenylene) (PAP) layer on CoCr when treated at a reductive potential (CoCr-0.5 V), whereas no PAP film was formed on CoCrOCP and CoCr1 V, treated at open circuit and anodic potentials respectively. Based on XPS results, we attributed the electrografting to the formation of carbide bonds between PAP and the inhomogeneous thin oxide layer of CoCr-0.5 V. We then show an example of application of PAP coatings on CoCr and prove that the presence of a PAP coating on CoCr-0.5 V results in a 5-fold increase of the adherence of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) to PAP-coated CoCr compared to uncoated samples; this is of prime significance to improving the long-term stability of dental prostheses. These findings support the importance of reducing the oxide layer for effective functionalization of metal oxides with aryl diazonium salts and suggest a promising surface modification approach for biomedical applications.

Enhancing in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion protection of organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel films with nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite.

Application of novel organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel coatings containing dispersed hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles improves the biocompatibility, normal human osteoblast (NHOst) response in terms of osteoblast viability and adhesion of a Ti6Al4V alloy routinely used in medical implants. The incorporation of HAp particles additionally results in more effective barrier proprieties and improved corrosion protection of the Ti6Al4V alloy through higher degree of cross-linking in the organopolysiloxane matrix and enhanced film thickness.

Triethylphosphite as a network forming agent enhances in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion protection of hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coatings for Ti6Al4V alloys.

The biocompatibility and life of metallic implants can be enhanced through improving the biocompatibility and corrosion protection characteristics of the coatings used with these materials. In this study, triethylphosphite (TEP) was used to introduce phosphorus into organic-inorganic hybrid silica based sol-gel coatings prepared using γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and tetramethylorthosilicate. Addition of TEP dramatically increased the rate of intermolecular condensation and resulted in materials showing greater cross-linking. Protein (fibrinogen) uptake, osteoblast in vitro biocompatibility and corrosion resistance was enhanced in coatings containing TEP. Although higher concentrations of phosphorus supported the greatest improvement in biocompatibility, a compromise in the phosphorus concentration used would be required if corrosion resistance was most desirable parameter for optimisation. Films prepared by dip coating on Ti6Al4V alloys from these sols offer a promising alternative to wholly metallic prostheses.

Factors associated with domestic violence in low-income Lebanese families.

PURPOSE: To analyze the cultural context of domestic violence in low-income Moslem and Christian-Armenian families living in Lebanon. Analysis also included an identification of family stressors, conflict management strategies, and Moslem and Christian-Armenian cultural differences. The study was part of a larger project designed to identify patterns of wife and child abuse in low-income Middle Eastern families living in Lebanon and Egypt. DESIGN: Qualitative content analysis of descriptive narratives by 60 low-income women who self-reported spouse abuse in two urban Lebanese clinics during a 2-month period in 1992. METHODS: Narratives describing exemplary incidents were obtained during a semi-structured interview and recorded in the participant's native language then translated to English for coding and content analysis. FINDINGS: Contextual factors for violence included unmet gender role expectations, conflict with husband's relatives, and alcohol abuse. Family stressors were: emotional, financial, and work. Women used three types of conflict management: negotiation, taking initiative, and passive resignation. CONCLUSION: From a cultural perspective, the analysis revealed both strengths and vulnerabilities of Lebanese women who experienced domestic violence. The study raised several questions, including whether it is appropriate to apply Western-generated domestic violence theories to a Middle Eastern population. Culturally-specific nursing interventions should be directed toward bolstering strong family and social resources to cope with family stressors and to modify patterns of maladaptive communication.

Patient satisfaction with nursing care in Alexandria, Egypt.

The study assessed the satisfaction of medical and surgical patients in a university hospital in Egypt using the La Monica/Oberst Patient Satisfaction Scale. In spite of the nursing shortage in that hospital, the results indicated that patient satisfaction was high. The implications for nursing care are discussed in terms of the validity of the scale and the objectivity of clients when responding to the questionnaire.

[Cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Apropos of 2 cases]. / Les cystadénocarinomes du pancréas. A propos de deux observations

The authors report two cases of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas and review the clinical, radiological and angiographic findings. The pathological study may be first disappointing, especially on frozen sections in the operating theater. The diagnosis depends essentially on the finding of an epithelial border which is difficult to demonstrate for it is often interrupted on one part of the circumference. Malignancy is suggested by the characteristics of the cells and the structural disorganisation. Total removal is necessary to avoid relapses, provided one removes neighbouring organs and all invaded lymph nodes. Cystadenomas and cystadeno-carcinomas are very rare tumours. The passage from one to the other seems inevitable. The necessity for surgery is thus absolute. However, if the malignant tumour is irremovable, an anastomosis between the cyst and the digestive tract may temporarily relieve the patient, especially as the course is sometimes rather slow.