Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene (UHMWPE) as Desired Polymer Material for Biomedical

It is very important that any materials used as implant material work in harmony with the body. There will be drawback with every material. No matter how good, as nothing can be 100% identical as the natural human tissue. The body operates in an environment at a constant temperature of 37°C and pH of 7.25, so choice of materials will have to withstand these conditions. Incorrect use of material can cause rejection by the body, infection and even cancer, leading to more pain and discomfort by the patient. In turn the possibility of even further damage to the joint. The implant must work in the same way as the body part it is replacing- clear understanding of how the joint works is needed. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene is considered as the standard material for Artificial joints to decrease the total weight and the wear rate to make it more flexible. This is what makes Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene (UHMWPE) such an appropriate polymer. It is very widely used in total hip and knee joint replacements having the highest known impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made, can highly withstand abrasion, and has a very low coefficient of friction. Therefore, these properties, connected with extremely low moisture absorption, make UHMWPE especial material for the medical industry due to good industrial impact and wear resistance sliding applications. For moving joints, the friction would be damaging without the natural lubrication. In implant components this does not exist, however UHMWPE is self-lubricating, making it ideal for component such as an acetabular cup, which would wrap around a metallic femoral head in a hip joint. Also, UHMWPE has high impact strength, high toughness, and low elastic modulus, but it has disadvantages such as low tensile, transverse and compressive strengths with high creep rate. This review article deals with the history of UHMWPE, its material properties that make it an ideal candidate for total joints, implant-component fabrication procedures and provides insights as to why some of the implants eventually fail.

Changes of Corneal Thickness and Intraocular Pressure in Type II Diabetic Patients

Aims. The purpose of the present paper is to present the results of central corneal thickness & intraocular pressure measurements in diabetic patients with or without retinopathy, and compare the results with non-diabetic control patients. Methods. Total number was 152 patients were 152 eyes The study group was divided into 3 groups as following: 50 non diabetic (control). 50 diabetic type II with no diabetic retinopathy. 52 diabetic type II patient with diabetic retinopathy. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the association between glycosylated hemoglobin levels& Intraocular pressures and retinal changes among subgroups. Results. Demographic characteristics of study and control groups were similar (P>0.05). Mean CCT 553.62 with Std deviation (14.47) in control cases and 622.27 with Std deviation (507.09) in diabetic cases which is more than control however the distinction failed to reach applied math significance were (p value= > 0.05). additionally, CCT and diabetic retinopathy association was significant were CCT in diabetic patients with no retinal changes was 563.96 Std deviation (18.85) and in diabetic patients with retinopathy was 670.45 Std deviation (717.2) and P value = 0.004 (significant). There was significant correlation between increased corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were p-value = 0.002. Conclusions. We found that the central cornea of diabetic patients is thicker when compared with non-diabetic patients. Thicker central cornea associated with diabetes mellitus should be taken into consideration while obtaining accurate intraocular pressure measurements in diabetics.

Impact of Leadership Styles on Job Performance; from Nurse’s Points of View at Benghazi Medical Centre

Background and objectives. The relationship between leadership styles and job performance draws considerable attention from recent researchers. The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of leadership style (autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire) on job performance from nurse’s points of view at Benghazi Medical Centre. Method. This study was a descriptive questionnaire-based study conducted on 100 nurses working at Benghazi Medical Centre, Libya. To analyze the data (mean, standard deviation, ANOVA test were used. Furthermore, multiple regressions and Pearson correlation were used to determine whether a relationship exists between the independent and dependent variables. Result. Of 100, only 60 questionnaires were completed, giving a response rate of 60%. The findings of this study indicated that democratic was the most dominantly used in the hospital, followed by the autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles. Whereas, the laissez-faire leadership style had a strong positive and significant impact on performance (R2= .333; P < 0.01). Conclusion. Laissez-faire leadership style positively affected nurses’ performance. Future research that might be relevant to be further explored are worth.

Effect of Paracetamol on Sperm Biological Parameters and Testosterone Level in Albino Male Mice

Backgrounds and objectives. The wide use of paracetamol at high doses was found to alter sperm parameters especially sperm morphology, and thus its fertilizing capability. Therefore, the present study was designed to use different doses of paracetamol to identify its effect on sperm parameters and testosterone levels in adult male mice. Methods. Forty adult male albino mice were divided into four equal groups, the first group injected with distilled water, the three treated groups injected with different doses of paracetamol (20, 40, 80 mg/kg body weight /day) over a period of 42 days. All doses were given once daily via intraperitoneal injection. Results. The results showed that paracetamol causes a significant decrease in body weight, non-significance effect on sperm parameters at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg, while it led to a significant effect on sperm parameters at a dose of 80 mg/kg. Also, there was no difference in testosterone level between control and the treated groups (20 and 40mg/kg). But it showed a significant decrease in testosterone level at dose 80 mg/kg treated groups. Conclusion. It is considered safe to use paracetamol at doses 20 and 40 mg/kg but the dose 80 mg/kg has adverse effects on sperm parameters and testosterone level.

Epidemiological Profile and Postpartum Outcome for Severe Preeclamptic Patients

Background and objective. Preeclampsia is a multisystemic disorder, which involves the placenta, liver, blood, neurological and cardiovascular systems. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at describing the characteristic features for mothers who had severe preeclampsia and to know the complications during puerperium. Methods. A prospective study conducted over a period from February 2009 up to November 2009 involving 100 pre-eclampsia patients admitted and delivered in Aljalaa Maternity Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. Results. The patients mean age was 33.3 +5.9 years. The mean gestational age at admission time was 36.8+3.2 weeks and 64% of them were term. 58% of the patients with severe preeclampsia had a positive family history of chronic hypertension whereas 42% of patients had a previous history of preeclampsia. 40% of patients were primigravida. The mean systolic blood pressure at admission was 164+15.4 mmHg and the mean diastolic pressure was 113+6 mmHg. The common symptoms were headache, abdominal pain, and blurred vision (54%, 37%, and 31% respectively), whereas 9% of the patients presented with the eclamptic fit. The pregnancy in 66% patients ended by caesarean section, 78% of them were emergency caesarean section. The birth weight of 13% of new-borns was less than 1500 grams. Furthermore, 10% diagnosed with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) antenatally and 9% died after admission to nursery intensive care unit post-delivery. Conclusion. the effects of hypertensive disorder associated with pregnancy could be prevented by close antenatal care particularly for whose had previous history of preeclampsia. In addition; early recognition and adequate treatment, and timely delivery can prevent preeclampsia and will improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Massive Dentigerous Cyst within the Anterior Part of The Mandible: A Case Report

Dentigerous cysts are the most common developmental odontogenic jaw cysts, associated with crowns of an Unerupted tooth. Usually, they occur in the second and third decade of life with a male predilection. They are frequently asymptomatic and mostly discovered incidentally on routine dental radiographic examination. Its growth is slow, and can reach a considerable size causing bone expansion and displacement of teeth. Mandibular lower third molars are the most frequently effected teeth; dentigerous cysts involving impacted mandibular canines are rarely reported. Surgical enucleation with extraction of the associated tooth is the standard treatment for dentigerous cyst, marsupialization is recommended for large lesions. We report a rare case of a large dentigerous cyst in a 62-year-old male patient, associated with impacted left mandibular canine, extending from the retro-molar area of left side crossing the midline to the 2nd premolar in the other side, that was successfully treated by marsupialization followed by enucleation and removal of the impacted tooth.

Frequency, Pattern and Rationale of Tooth Extractions Among Orthodontic Patients: A 10-year Tertiary Institution Experience

Background and objectives: Tooth extractions are a vital aspect of orthodontic management that enables the orthodontist to achieve good aesthetics and function as well as long term treatment stability for the patient. Extractions may be necessary for various reasons among which are tooth size arch length discrepancy (TSALD), increased overjet and facial profile. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern and rationale of tooth extraction among orthodontic patients attending the Orthodontic Unit of the Department of Child Dental Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methods. A retrospective study of a cohort of patients who attended one of the outpatient Orthodontic Clinics in the Department of Child Dental Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria between 2011 and 2021. Data was collected from the patients’ records. Results. A total of 175 patients comprising 70(40%) males and 105(60%) females were included in the study. 67(38.3%) patients had at least one extraction. Twenty-eight (41.8%) extraction cases had extraction of the first premolars. Two-unit extractions of the maxillary first premolars (13, 46.4%) was the most frequent extraction pattern. Eight (29.6%) had extraction of primary canines only. Twenty-seven (40.3%) participants had extractions due to increased overjet. Over a third of the patients had extraction of at least one tooth. Conclusion. Two-unit extractions of maxillary first premolar was the commonest extraction pattern. Increased overjet was the commonest reason for extraction.

Effect of Pesticide Indoxacarb on the Thyroid Gland in Swiss Albino Mice

Background and objectives: Pesticides play an essential role in crop protection, but their overuse caused environmental pollution and harmful effect on different animal body systems, including the endocrine system. The thyroid gland is one of the homeostatic regulators of metabolic activities, which is affected by the elements of the external environment. There are very limited studies on the effect of indoxacarb on the histological architecture and functions of thyroid gland. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of examining functionally and histologically of the thyroid gland exposed to indoxacarb. Method: 24 Swiss albino mice male and female were randomly divided into two groups, each group male and female; group I is a control group given orally with 1ml of distilled water and group II orally treated with 120 mg/kg Bw. of indoxacarb daily for 3 weeks. Blood samples were collected from each mouse under anesthetic to determine the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) levels. Thyroid gland histopathology was attained for the evaluation of the indoxacarb effect. Results: The treated mice showed non-significant increase in T4 levels and a significant decrease in TSH levels but there was no significant difference recorded in T4 and TSH levels between sexes. Histologically, the sections of the thyroid gland of the treated group showed empty and irregular follicles, degeneration of the follicular epithelial tissue, and hyperplasia in the lining of some follicles, the capsule with congestion blood vessels. Conclusion: This study concluded that indoxacarb may act as a thyroid gland toxicant.

Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Laboratory Workers in Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives. Healthcare workers are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection than the general population due to frequent contact with infected individuals. However, Medical Lab workers at a higher risk of this contagious disease than those who work in other departments. This study aimed to analyze the perspectives of medical lab workers, in terms of the challenges, financial implications, fears, motivation, and satisfaction from organizational processes and policies adopted, amid the COVID-19 crisis. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 25 to April 9, among Libyan Medical Lab workers in three public hospital laboratories. Data on participant characteristics were collected with a specifically designed questionnaire. The responses were recorded on a five-point Likert Scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree). The statistical analysis was performed using the Microsoft Excel 2019. Frequency and percentages were calculated for gender, experience, and designation while descriptive results based on the responses were also recorded. Results. The study yielded a sample size of 90 participants. Of these 66 (73%) reported that the current lifestyle adopted during the pandemic was not better than the traditional one. Around 72 (80%) of the responses were not fear of employment termination amid the COVID-19 crisis. However, financial challenges were being faced by 63 (70%) respondents. The quality of family life was improved in 48 (53%) cases while 54 (60%) were of the view that their social activities at work have suffered. Furthermore, 60 (67%) did not feel the same level of motivation to come to work every morning during the outbreak, as before. Similarly, 60 (67%) were not satisfied with the measures taking by the management during the outbreak. Conclusion. The results of this survey provide a laboratorians perspective during times of crisis and provide us certain lessons to plan for such unexpected circumstances in the future.