Magnetic Nanoparticle-Mediated Heating for Biomedical Applications

Magnetic nanoparticles, especially superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs), have attracted tremendous attention for various biomedical applications. Facile synthesis and functionalization together with easy control of the size and shape of SPIONS to customize their unique properties, have made it possible to develop different types of SPIONs tailored for diverse functions/applications. More recently, considerable attention has been paid to the thermal effect of SPIONs for the treatment of diseases like cancer and for nanowarming of cryopreserved/banked cells, tissues, and organs. In this mini-review, recent advances on the magnetic heating effect of SPIONs for magnetothermal therapy and enhancement of cryopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs, are discussed, together with the non-magnetic heating effect (i.e., high Intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU-activated heating) of SPIONs for cancer therapy. Furthermore, challenges facing the use of magnetic nanoparticles in these biomedical applications are presented.

Comorbidities in Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease is associated with a long list of comorbidities. In our practice we like to draw attention in comorbidities of psoriatic arthritis and we are adapted with cardiovascular comorbidities. A great deal remains unknown about psoriasis associated comorbidities. An understanding of these comorbidity patterns can help us to ensure better care of patients with psoriasis. Objective of the study was to find out the comorbid conditions in the patients of psoriasis. This observational case control study was conducted 150 diagnosed cases of psoriasis and 150 age matched healthy control. Purposively 150 patients of psoriasis were selected from the Dermatology OPD of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2017 to December 2018 as case. After a complete physical examination, a pre-designed structured questionnaire was fulfilled with patients and controls. To detect unknown comorbidities the following tests was done in both groups and compared: Blood sugar, urine routine and microscopic examination, serum creatinine, serum AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP levels measured by an enzymatic method, X-ray chest view, USG of whole abdomen/KUB. The diagnosed comorbidity was listed and referred for treatment accordingly. Charlson-age comorbidity index chart was used to estimate risk of mortality in two groups. The mean age of incident psoriasis was 38.64 years. Diabetes mellitus (4.67%), hypertension (4%), ischemic heart disease (IHD) (3.33%) were the top three comorbidities in patients with psoriasis. among them 11(7.33%) patients of psoriasis was with single comorbidity and 5(3.33%) of them was with multiple comorbidity. In control group 3(2%) participants was detected with comorbidity and that difference was significant statistically. In current study Charlson-Age Comorbidity index (CACI) was used as a tool to estimate the risk of mortality in two groups. The mean CACI score was 2.5 and 1 in two groups respectively and the difference was significant (p<0.05). The estimated risk of death (ERRD) score was calculated form CACI chart and the score was 2.78 and 1.47 in two groups respectively. There was no significant difference in two groups (p>0.05). The rate of occurrence of comorbidity was more in psoriasis group than in control. The listed comorbidity was in mild severity range but the risk of mortality was same in psoriasis group and control.

Gestational anemia

Gestational anemia is a common public health problem in our country. Most anemia during pregnancy results from an increased need for iron as her body is making more blood. Often dietary supplementation does not provide enough iron to meet the extra needs. Also the growing baby takes all the iron it needs from mother, regardless of how much iron is stored in mother's blood. Gestational Anemia contributed significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality, IUGR, preterm delivery and perinatal morbidity and mortality. A high proportion of women in both industrialized and developing countries become anemic during pregnancy. The most important cause of gestational anemia due to iron deficiency, because high iron requirements during pregnancy are not easily fulfilled by dietary intake. Adequate iron stores can help a pregnant women replace lost red blood cells. So, iron supplementation is strongly recommended for all pregnant women in developing countries. Oral iron intake is the treatment of choice and almost all pregnant women can be treated effectively with oral iron preparation during their pregnancy period.

Evaluation of 68 cases of chest injuries

During the period of January, 2003 to December 2004 a descriptive cross-sectional study was done to evaluate the variations in clinical pictures of chest injury, rural and urban distribution, weapons used commonly and finally the result of existing treatment facilities in a general surgical unit of a tertiary level hospital. Total number of patient was 68. All patients of chest injury with or without extra-thoracic other injuries admitted in this period was included non-randomly. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical examination and relevant investigation like radiography and ultrasonography. Penetrating injury predominates over blunt injury in this study. Associated extra thoracic injury was present in a good number of cases. Most of the weapons were made locally and were used in household purposes. Homicidal injury predominates over accidental and incidence is more in rural than in urban areas. Most of the cases were treated by general supportive measures with or without intercostal tube thoracostomy. The outcome of treatment was satisfactory. Only one patient developed empyema thoracis and two patients died.

Short segment posterior instrumentation, reduction and fusion of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures--a review of 26 cases

From January 1994 to January 1998, 26 patients of unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture were treated by a short segment posterior instrumentation (pedicular screw plate/rod system), reduction and fusion in Kuala Lumpur and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital. Majority of them were young and in a productive age group (mean age were 30 year-old). The mean duration of follow-up was 24.4 months. The injuries were caused by fall from height (69%) and motor vehicle accident (31%). Most of the fracture occurred at 1st and 2nd lumbar vertebrae (24/26). Twelve of the patients did not have neurological deficits. Out of 14 patients with neurological deficits, 64.4% of them showed an improvement of at least one Frankel's grade. There was no defect correlation between canal compromise and neurological deficit. Kyphotic angle improved from 20 degrees to 7 degrees immediately after surgery. In the last follow-up average kyphotic angle was 9 degrees with average lost of 2 degrees. The average length of hospitalization following surgery was 24 days. A posterolateral bony fusion was achieved in all cases at an average of 3 months. Complication included 2 loosening and 3 misplacement of pedicle screw fixation. We concluded that short-segment fixation with posterolateral decompression and fusion is effective in the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture.