Laser applications in medicine and biology: a bibliography

Tailoring zirconia surface topography via femtosecond laser-induced nanoscale features: effects on osteoblast cells and antibacterial properties

The performance and long-term durability of dental implants hinge on the quality of bone integration and their resistance to bacteria. This research aims to introduce a surface modification strategy for zirconia implants utilizing femtosecond laser ablation techniques, exploring their impact on osteoblast cell behavior and bacterial performance, as well as the integral factors influencing the soft tissue quality surrounding dental implants. Ultrafast lasers were employed to craft nanoscale groove geometries on zirconia surfaces, with thorough analyses conducted using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle measurements. The study evaluated the response of human fetal osteoblastic cell lines to textured zirconia ceramics by assessing alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen I, and interleukin 1βsecretion over a 7 day period. Additionally, the antibacterial behavior of the textured surfaces was investigated usingFusobacterium nucleatum, a common culprit in infections associated with dental implants. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a widely used antibacterial antibiotic, was loaded onto zirconia ceramic surfaces. The results of this study unveiled a substantial reduction in bacterial adhesion on textured zirconia surfaces. The fine biocompatibility of these surfaces was confirmed through the MTT assay and observations of cell morphology. Moreover, the human fetal osteoblastic cell line exhibited extensive spreading and secreted elevated levels of collagen I and interleukin 1βin the modified samples. Drug release evaluations demonstrated sustained CIP release through a diffusion mechanism, showcasing excellent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, includingStreptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andEscherichia coli.

A review on the history of tympanoplasty

The history of myringoplasty and tympanoplasty is one of the most interesting in the history of ear surgery. The aims and ambitions of otologists have evolved along with time and experience. The objective of this article is to give an idea about the evolution of tympanoplasty, thus giving inspiration to future surgeons in their quest for a perfect technique which would be as good as a normal ear and its hearing. The history of otology starts from the early Egyptian healers. Hippocrates in his time observed that ear infections may be cause of death especially in young children. Early surgeries were performed mainly for drainage in order to save the life of the child having the ear disease. With time and scientific developments newer methods of treatment started to evolve. The invention of antimicrobials and their usage threw a new light into the treatment of otology infections. Then after the advent of microscope and with better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of ear and its diseases treatment strategies and surgical planning kept on advancing. Surgeons with time have become more interested in returning back the hearing along with curing infection from ear. But the quest is on for the perfect surgical technique which would give best results with minimal maneuvering. History of tympanoplasty nearly sums up the history of evolution of otology as a whole. The quest is still on to devise a way so as to give maximum post-operative hearing using minimal instrumentation.