Bacterial infections represent an important drawback in the orthopaedic field, as they can develop either immediately after surgery procedures or after some years. Specifically, in case of implants, they are alleged to be troublesome as their elimination often compels a surgical removal of the infected implant. A possible solution strategy could involve a local coating of the implant by an antibacterial system, which requires to be easily applicable, biocompatible and able to provide the desired release kinetics for the selected antibacterial drug. Thus, this work focusses on a biphasic system made up by a thermo-reversible gel matrix (Poloxamer 407/water system) hosting a dispersed phase (PLGA micro-particles), containing a model antibacterial drug (vancomycin hydrochloride). In order to understand the key parameters ruling the performance of this delivery system, we developed a mathematical model able to discriminate the drug diffusion inside micro-particles and within the gel phase, eventually providing to predict the drug release kinetics. The model reliability was confirmed by fitting to experimental data, proposing as a powerful theoretical approach to design and optimize such in situ delivery systems.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the properties of curcumin formulated in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) microemulsion system developed using food-acceptable grade surfactants of Tween 80, Span 80 and Span 40. Cytotoxicity analysis was carried out toward VCO microemulsion using normal L6 cells in vitro. The microemulsion was formulated using VCO as the oil phase with non-ionic surfactants mixture consist of Tween 80, Span 80 and Span 40. Curcumin was incorporated into VCO microemulsion as a cold mixture under mild agitation to form curcumin microemulsion. The physical stability of curcumin microemulsion was investigated and its characterisations were further studied according to its appearance (visual), morphology, turbidity, pH, droplet size, viscosity, conductivity, and polydispersity index. Based on the results of optimisation studies, the final 0.1 % (w/w) of curcumin concentration was successfully loaded into VCO microemulsion system. This formulation had clear transparent yellow curcumin colour without phase separation. The results indicated that the curcumin microemulsion had an average particle size about 43.15 nm and good stability with zeta potential -0.24 mV. The curcumin micoemulsion morphology had spherical in shape when observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the curcumin microemulsion was slightly acidic with pH value 5.28, the conductivity was 241.2 ?S/cm and the viscosity was 8.5 cP.

Human life is constantly evolving and technology helps with the advancement. In many Muslim societies such as in Malaysia, halal and haram issue is a sensitive concern not only not only with regard to foods but also medical materials and devices. Many medical issues highlighted involve the use of drugs mixed with non-halal materials or impurities such as pigs, carcasses and corpses. The use of drugs is also an issue in the field of dental treatment such as Biogide®, EmdoGain® and Bio-Oss®. The absence of a fiqh principle model for dental treatment, especially involving these materials complicates doctors’ treatment of patients in order to know whether these substances are authorized by Islamic rules or otherwise. This study analyses guidelines used in the application of drug and medical devices derived from non-halal materials. The approach used in this study is based on a study of the Quran, Sunnah, views of the Ulama' and the analysis of contemporary fatwas. The results show that the use of non-halal devices in dental treatment is prohibited except in emergencies. The use of non-halal materials is also prohibited if the recovery is medically dubious. Advice of pious Muslim doctors is also demanded before treatment.

Hydrogels have been demonstrated to exhibit distinct efficacy as matrices for 3D cell culture. As this research field advances, the needs for matrices combining both the benefits of natural and synthetic polymer hydrogels are becoming more apparent. In this study, kappa-carrageenan-PVP-PEG (κCA-PVP-PEG) hydrogels have been micropatterned with microwells to enhance human squamous carcinoma (HTB43™) spheroid growth. It was found that the hydrogels’ swelling ratios (SR) were 11.91, 11.67, and 11.67 for day 2, day 4, and day 8, respectively. A stable SR indicated no further swelling of hydrogels in the cell culture media, hence allowing spheroid growth in an intact mold without the rupture or dissolution of microwell templet. The comparison between unirradiated and irradiated hydrogel Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed a slight shift of O-H (stretch) from 3,327 to 3,382 cm−1 and CH and CH2 (stretch) from 2,919 to 2,921 cm−1, respectively, whereas other functional peaks remained unchanged, suggesting the formation of interpenetrating network as the primary mechanism for hydrogels formation. The morphological study revealed the spherical shape of spheroids with measurements between 130 and 220 µm. Spheroids emit a signal in 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FIT-C) channels indicating spheroid viability. In conclusion, micropattern κCA-PVP-PEG hydrogels deemed suitable as a templet for generation and HTB43™ spheroid growth for 3D cell culture application.

Al-Quran and Hadith is the paramount reference for problems solving, regardless of the place, condition and time range. Texts of the Qur'an and Sunnah mostly are of general in nature to facilitate its application in the general principles and substitute issues of laws. These general principles will ease the legal fiqh consideration in the clinical management of Orofacial Cleft. Orofacial Cleft is craniofacial birth defects involving every 700 - 1000 live births. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current fatwas in the treatment of Orofacial Cleft and discuss the principles of fiqh related to Orofacial Cleft that can be used as guidance for the medical and dental practitioners. Information regarding these issues is gathered through the study of fatwas, books of fiqh and medicine as well as reference to scholars of fiqh and Orofacial Cleft. As a conclussion, the principles of fiqh including Al-Darurat Tubihu al-Mahzurat, Al-Darurat Tuqaddaru Biqadariha and Al-Umur Bimaqasidiha are applicable as guideline in the treatment of Orofacial Cleft.

Because of its high biocompatibility, bio-degradability, low-cost and easy availability, cellulose finds application in disparate areas of research. Here we focus our attention on the most recent and attractive potential applications of cellulose in the biomedical field. We first describe the chemical/structural composition of cellulose fibers, the cellulose sources/features and cellulose chemical modifications employed to improve its properties. We then move to the description of cellulose potential applications in biomedicine. In this field, cellulose is most considered in recent research in the form of nano-sized particle, i.e., nanofiber cellulose (NFC) or cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). NFC is obtained from cellulose via chemical and mechanical methods. CNC can be obtained from macroscopic or microscopic forms of cellulose following strong acid hydrolysis. NFC and CNC are used for several reasons including the mechanical properties, the extended surface area and the low toxicity. Here we present some potential applications of nano-sized cellulose in the fields of wound healing, bone-cartilage regeneration, dental application and different human diseases including cancer. To witness the close proximity of nano-sized cellulose to the practical biomedical use, examples of recent clinical trials are also reported. Altogether, the described examples strongly support the enormous application potential of nano-sized cellulose in the biomedical field. � 2017 by the authors.

The roots, twigs and stems of Salvadora persica (S. persica) also known as miswak have been used for centuries as oral hygiene tools. The cleansing efficacy of S. persica is thought to be attributed to the mechanical effects of its fibres. However, there is no study focus on S. persica whitening behaviour. Therefore, this study is conducted to preliminarily assess the whitening effects of S. persica on coffee and tea stained teeth. The bark of S. persica stems were peeled off and the pulps were dried and ground to produce powder. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were carried out to study the properties of S. persica fibre. SEM revealed the presence of crystals of various shapes and sizes that act as natural abrasive agents and might contribute to its whitening effects while EDX identified that these minerals constitute of O (43.44 wt%), C (31.2 wt%), S (11.7 wt%), Ca (11.2 wt%), Na (1.3 wt%) and K (1.04 wt%). The powder later formulated into paste of various concentrations; 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5% (w/w). Extracted permanent premolar teeth were cleaned and stained with tea and coffee solutions. Formulations of S. persica fiber paste were then used to brush the teeth and being compared to commercial whitening toothpaste. The teeth shade changes were evaluated using VITAPAN� Classical Shade. After brushing under standardized condition using a brushing simulator machine, it was found that the staining of teeth buccal surface was reduced at least one tone of shade according to the VitaPan� shade. � 2017 Nadia Halib et al.

Cellulose is a natural homopolymer, composed of ?-1,4- anhydro-D-glucopyranose units. Unlike plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose (BC), obtained from species belonging to the genera of Acetobacter, Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, and Sarcina through various cultivation methods and techniques, is produced in its pure form. BC is produced in the form of gel-like, never dry sheet with tremendous mechanical properties. Containing up to 99% of water, BC hydrogel is considered biocompatible thus finding robust applications in the health industry. Moreover, BC three-dimensional structure closely resembles the extracellular matrix (ECM) of living tissue. In this review, we focus on the porous BC morphology particularly suited to host oxygen and nutrients thus providing conducive environment for cell growth and proliferation. The remarkable BC porous morphology makes this biological material a promising templet for the generation of 3D tissue culture and possibly for tissue-engineered scaffolds. � 2019 Elsevier B.V.

The understanding and capability to simulate reproducible in vitro plaque model are important where this artificial plaque can be utilized as a tool in assessing the efficacy of tooth cleaning products. Previous studies were done on synthetic surfaces such as glass beads under a very strict, controlled environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish a simplified system to enable the formation of single species biofilm on the extracted natural tooth as plaque model. Healthy extracted natural tooth was incubated in broth mixture of Streptococcus mutans, containing 5% sucrose and stimulated saliva in a simplified system. The incubation was set at room temperature for 24, 48, and 72 hours. After 24 hours, the sticky deposit was formed on the surface of the tooth. The area of biofilm, stained with disclosing agent, expended from 19.05 ± 1.41 mm2 (24 hours) to 23.25 ± 0.35 mm2 (48 hours). However, no significant expansion of the plaque area was observed on 72 hours (23.83 ± 0.52 mm2). The biofilm was then observed under Infinite Focus Microscope (IFM) to measure the biofilm thickness. The preliminary attempt showed that plaque appeared as dark deposit with a certain thickness. Therefore, this simplified system is a reliable method for producing artificial plaque.

Malaysian Muslims are very sensitive to matters involving the law of halal and haram, especially in terms of food and drink. Quran and Hadith are the paramount basis for solving all problems, regardless of the places, circumstances and time range. Texts of the Quran and Sunnah are mostly of a general nature to facilitate the development of general principles and laws. These general principles will facilitate legal classification of the cases to date, including in connection with the treatment of materials or tools derived from the treatment of non-halal substances such as Biogide®, Emdogain® and Bio-Oss®. This study examined the current fatwas and principles of fiqh related to non-halal treatment that can be used as a guide for medical and dental practitioners. Information for this study was obtained from an analysis of fatwas, books of jurisprudence, medical scholars, Islamic jurists and experts’ opinion in connection with the use of dental treatment such as Biogide®, Emdogain® and Bio-Oss® in modern dental treatment. The study found a number of principles of jurisprudence that can be used in connection with necessity and limitations when performing a treatment using non-halal substances such as Biogide®, Emdogain® and Bio-Oss® , mamely, is Al-Darurat Tubihu al-Mahzurat (emergency justifies the unlawful means) , Al-Darurat Tuqaddaru Biqadariha (something that is permissible due to emergency must be adapted equally with the rate of emergency) and Istihalah (changing one state to another i.e. from haram to halal).