Thyroxine-loaded chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxyapatite hydrogels enhance angiogenesis in in-ovo experiments

Angiogenesis is one of the most important processes in repair and regeneration of many tissues and organs. Blood vessel formation also play a major role in repair of dental tissue(s) after ailments like periodontitis. Here we report the preparation of chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxyapatite based hydrogels, loaded with variable concentrations of thyroxin i.e., 0.1 μg/ml, 0.5 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml. Scanning electron microcopy images (SEM) showed all hydrogels were found to be porous and solution absorption study exhibited high swelling potential in aqueous media. FTIR spectra confirmed that the used materials did not change their chemical identity in synthesized hydrogels. The synthesized hydrogels demonstrated good bending, folding, rolling and stretching abilities. The hydrogels were tested in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay to investigate their angiogenic potential. Hydrogel containing 0.1 μg/ml of thyroxine showed maximum neovascularization. For cytotoxicity analyses, preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) were seeded on these hydrogels and materials were found to be non-toxic. These hydrogels with pro-angiogenic activity possess great potential to be used for periodontal regeneration.

Injury and injury rates in Muay Thai kick boxing

OBJECTIVE

To determine the type and number of injuries that occur during the training and practice of Muay Thai kick boxing and to compare the data obtained with those from previous studies of karate and taekwondo.

METHODS

One to one interviews using a standard questionnaire on injuries incurred during training and practice of Muay Thai kick boxing were conducted at various gyms and competitions in the United Kingdom and a Muay Thai gala in Holland.

RESULTS

A total of 152 people were questioned, 132 men and 20 women. There were 19 beginners, 82 amateurs, and 51 professionals. Injuries to the lower extremities were the most common in all groups. Head injuries were the second most common in professionals and amateurs. Trunk injuries were the next most common in beginners. The difference in injury distribution among the three groups was significant (p< or =0.01). Soft tissue trauma was the most common type of injury in the three groups. Fractures were the second most common in professionals, and in amateurs and beginners it was sprains and strains (p< or =0.05). Annual injury rates were: beginners, 13.5/1000 participants; amateurs, 2.43/1000 participants; professionals, 2.79/1000 participants. For beginners, 7% of injuries resulted in seven or more days off training; for amateurs and professionals, these values were 4% and 5.8% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are similar to those found for karate and taekwondo with regard to injury distribution, type, and rate. The percentage of injuries resulting in time off training is less.

A safe and reliable method of intra-operative limb positioning

Images

An atypical presentation of spontaneous pneumomediastinum

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition and a most uncommon complication of sporting activity. We describe a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a 17-year-old boy while playing football with no history of blunt trauma to the chest. The patient presented with symptoms and signs suggestive of an oesophageal perforation. The importance of correct investigations and subsequent management are discussed.

Orthopod or orthogod? A prospective questionnaire study of post-operative patients' impressions of orthopaedic surgeons

A questionnaire that challenged various stereotypes within the medical profession that are attached to orthopaedic surgeons was distributed to two groups of post-operative trauma in-patients: those with osteoporotic fractures and a much younger and active group. The results are presented here in a format that allows the reader to draw his/her own conclusions as to how 'orthopods' are perceived by their patients.

Blood pool SPECT and planar imaging in hepatic hemangioma

To determine the role of blood pool SPECT in hepatic hemangioma, 13 patients with suspected biliary disease but no prior history of neoplasm, in whom ultrasound examinations revealed one or more hepatic lesions, had blood pool SPECT followed by planar imaging of the liver. All 13 patients also had hepatic flow studies and early planar images. The 13 patients had 18 hemangiomas. The sensitivity for planar and SPECT for all hemangiomas was 12/18 (67%) and 17/18 (94%), respectively. All lesions greater than 3 cm were seen in the planar and SPECT images. For lesions 3 cm or smaller the sensitivity was 6/12 (50%) for planar and 11/12 (92%) for SPECT. This study suggests that blood pool SPECT of the liver may be the nuclear medicine study of choice in the diagnosis of hepatic hemangioma and that it has a considerably higher sensitivity than planar imaging in the detection of hemangiomas 3 cm or less in size.

A dynamic quality control phantom for radionuclide cardiology

A three-dimensional dynamic cardiac phantom suitable for quality control of equilibrium gated nuclear cardiographic procedures is described. Its flexible microprocessor based design provides an absolute standard for ejection fraction determination, ventricular volume quantitation, and physiologically gated single photon emission computed tomography. The cost of the phantom is comparable to that of commercially available phantoms suitable for ejection fraction quality control alone.

Simultaneous dual isotope studies in the diagnosis of infection

A simultaneous dual isotope technique incorporating computer subtraction for the diagnosis of bone, joint, or soft-tissue infection using [67Ga]citrate and [99mTc]MDP or sulfur colloid is described. Comparison of this technique with visual congruence or noncongruence of the two radionuclide images in 41 patients shows that the two techniques have identical sensitivity (93%) and specificity (92%) but the computer technique gave additional information in 17% of all cases (44% of abnormals) concerning the anatomic location of the infective focus which aided in the subsequent surgical management of the patient.