The incorporation of magnesium ions into the calcium phosphate structure is of great interest for the development of artificial bone implants. This paper investigates the preparation of magnesium-doped biphasic calcium phosphate (Mg-BCP) via sol gel method at various concentrations of added Mg. The effect of calcinations temperature (ranging from 500 degrees C to 900 degrees C) and concentrations of Mg incorporated into BCP has been studied by the aid of XRD, TGA and infrared spectroscopy (IR) in transmittance mode analysis. The study indicated that the powder was pure BCP and Mg-BCP with 100% purity and high crystallinity. The results also indicated that beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) phase can be observed when the powder was calcined at 800 degrees C and above.

The effect of Manganese (Mn) addition on the Vickers hardness and relative density of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) dense bodies were studied. The starting Mn doped HA powders was synthesized via sol-gel method with Mn concentration varies from 2 mol% up to 15 mol% Mn. The Mn doped HA disc samples were prepared by uniaxial pressing at 200MPa and subsequently sintered at 1300 degrees C. Characterization was carried out where appropriate to determine the phases present, bulk density, Vickers hardness of the various content of Mn doped HA dense bodies. The addition of Mn was observed to influence the color appearance of the powders and dense bodies as well. Higher Mn concentration resulted in dark grey powders. It was also found that the hardness and relative density of the material increased as the Mn content increased and influenced by the crystallinity of the prepared Mn doped HA powders.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of buccal midazolam as opposed to rectal diazepam in the treatment of acute seizures in children less than 18 years old. METHODOLOGY: This is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the use of buccal midazolam and rectal diazepam as treatment for acute seizures in children less than 18 years old. The total population of each study are as follows: 330 patients (Mpimbaza, 2008), 43 patients (Baysun, 2005), and 17 patients, all less than 18 years old, coming into the emergency department due to seizures. RESULTS: There is no significant difference in the mean duration of seizure in minutes and seizure cessation in ten minutes between the buccal midazolam and rectal diazepam groups (Mean difference 0.39; 95% Confidence interval [CI] -0.18 to 0.96; p=0.17; Risk ratio [RR] 0.99; 95% CI 0.83 to 1,19, p=0.2). There is no significant difference in the risk of respiratory depression between buccal midazolam and rectal diazepam (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.22 to 4.13; p=0.61). CONCLUSION The administration of buccal midazolam and rectal diazepam are similar in terms of efficacy and safety in terms of time to seizure cessation, termination of seizure within ten minutes, and risk of respiratory depression.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that presents in a myriad of clinical manifestations affecting the different organ systems. These manifestations emerge at different times in a patient’s lifespan and diagnosis early in the disease can be challenging. Majority of patients with TSC develop epilepsy and is often one of the most difficult to manage. We report two neonates with drug resistant epilepsy with seizure onset on the first day of life and were subsequently diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis. These two neonates exemplified the diverse phenotypic expression of TSC.

Historically, Eagle syndrome is a term that has been used to describe radiating pain in the orofacial region, foreign body sensation, and/or dysphagia due to a unilateral or bilateral elongated styloid process impinging upon the tonsillar region. Because elongated styloid processes–with or without associated Eagle syndrome–can present with various symptoms and radiographic findings, it can be challenging for healthcare practitioners to formulate an accurate diagnosis. Abnormal styloid anatomy can lead to a multitude of symptoms, including chronic orofacial/neck pain, thus masquerading as more commonly diagnosed conditions. In this report, we describe a patient who presented to our department with styloid process elongation and fracture. A careful history, physical examination, and a conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) investigation led to the diagnosis. The patient was then referred for appropriate care. This case report demonstrates the utilization of CBCT in differentiating a fracture site from a pseudo-joint that might mimic a fracture.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Deglutition Disorders ; Delivery of Health Care ; Diagnosis ; Eagles ; Foreign Bodies ; Humans ; Neck Pain ; Neck ; Physical Examination ; Sensation

The United States (U.S.) is facing a national opioid epidemic, and medical systems are in need of non-pharmacologic strategies that can be employed to decrease the public's opioid dependence. Acupuncture has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based, safe, cost-effective, and available treatment modality suitable to meeting this need. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for the management of numerous types of pain conditions, and mechanisms of action for acupuncture have been described and are understandable from biomedical, physiologic perspectives. Further, acupuncture's cost-effectiveness can dramatically decrease health care expenditures, both from the standpoint of treating acute pain and through avoiding addiction to opioids that requires costly care, destroys quality of life, and can lead to fatal overdose. Numerous federal regulatory agencies have advised or mandated that healthcare systems and providers offer non-pharmacologic treatment options for pain. Acupuncture stands out as the most evidence-based, immediately available choice to fulfil these calls. Acupuncture can safely, easily, and cost-effectively be incorporated into hospital settings as diverse as the emergency department, labor and delivery suites, and neonatal intensive care units to treat a variety of commonly seen pain conditions. Acupuncture is already being successfully and meaningfully utilized by the Veterans Administration and various branches of the U.S. Military, in some studies demonstrably decreasing the volume of opioids prescribed when included in care.