Knee Arthroplasty and All You Need to Know About it

Knee arthroplasty is also termed as knee replacement is a surgical procedure which is done to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to alleviate pain and the disability caused due to it. In simpler words, the knee joint which has been damaged due to various probable diseases is replaced with artificial parts i.e., prostheses. A normal knee functions as a hinge joint between the femur and the tibia and fibula. The surface where these bones come in contact with each other, worn-out over a period of time, mostly due to arthritis and/or any other conditions, which might result in excruciating pain and inflammation along with swelling in the knee joints. Knee arthroplasty market is booted by technologies such as 3D printed knee implants which is exclusively manufactured by the U.S. based medical company named ConforMIS.

Knee arthroplasty is performed generally for osteoarthritis along with other knee diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or any serious accidental damage to the knee joint. Patients, who suffer from severe deformity from trauma, advanced rheumatoid arthritis, and/or long-standing osteoarthritis, might undergo a surgery which is more complex and carry higher risk factor. A certain market study stated that, as of 2010, more than 600,000 total knee arthroplasties were performed each year in the United States alone. Presently, the global

Who are recommended for knee arthroplasty – A knee arthroplasty is quite an invasive surgery and hence is recommended if any of the alternate treatments such as physiotherapy or steroidal injections have not eliminated the pain of bettered the mobility. A total knee arthroplasty is suggested if…

…the knee pain is so chronic that it interferes with the quality of life and sleep.

…the pain, inflammation, swelling and stiffness in the knee joint and the mobility is disrupted.

…day-to-day tasks, such as shopping, bathing witness excruciating pain, and the dependency increases.

…the patient suffering is depressed due to the pain and lack of mobility.

Also, the orthopedic will assess if the patient’s body is well enough to cope with the major surgery and rehabilitation post the surgery. A few other causes of debilitating pain include cartilage defects, ligament tears and meniscus tears, and of these cases might also require knee arthroplasty.

Useful Pointers to Prevent Zika Virus

Zika is a flavivirus which is a mosquito-borne disease occurring primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. This virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys through a complex system which kept a tab on yellow fever, and the first few human cases were found in 1957 in the United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda. The first ever large outbreak of zika cases was reported from the island of Yap in 2007. Besides the mosquito bite, zika virus is also spread sometimes by having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. In May 2015, Brazil accounted the first zika outbreak in the Americas. Approximately, one out of five people show symptoms and the infection is generally quite mild. A few of the most common symptoms are rash, fever, joint pain or red eyes, muscle pain and headache. The symptoms usually start two to seven days after being bitten by an infected aedes mosquito and last for several weeks. Hospitalization and/or deaths from zika are very rare. However, a nerve disorder called Guillain-Barré Syndrome might seldom follow an infection. Also, one of the biggest concern is pertaining to the birth defects which have been witnessed when infected pregnant women give birth, as evidence supports link between zika and microcephaly (a birth defect which leads to incomplete brain development). A few ways one can prevent from acquiring zika virus are mentioned-below.

Clothing

·         Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

·         One can treat and spray the clothing apparels with permethrin.

Insect Repellent

·         Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.

·         Avoid using insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old, instead use mosquito nets.

At Home

·         Use mosquito nets to cover beds and use door screens to prevent mosquitoes from coming in.

·         Use mosquito repellent coil, electrical, sprays, etc.

Sexual Transmission

·         To avoid sexual transmission of Zika, always use condoms.

Unfortunately, zika does not have any effective and successful treatment yet; only paracetamol and ample rest will help with the symptoms. This illness cannot be prevented by any medications or vaccines; one can take all possible above-mentioned precautionary measure to prevent aedes mosquito bite.

Pharma Pellets – Pelletization Technique

The term pellet has been used by several industries to describe a range of clusters produced from different and varied raw materials. Many industries have been making use of pelletization techniques since the 20^th century, however pharmaceutical industry has been showing exquisite interest in this technology in the later phase owing to the rise in the demand of sustained release preparations. Pellets for pharmaceuticals of pharma pellets are defined as semi-spherical or spherical, free slowing solid units. On account of their numerous advantages, pellets have garnered substantial aid and attention in the production of both modified as well as immediate release dosage form. The commercial pellets are formulated with a polymer film coating in order to obtain a controlled release effect. Presently, the palletization technologies are getting more intense as they focus on an effective pathway for the manufacture of oral drug delivery systems. The credit goes to the fact that pellets give many technological, biopharmaceutical, as well as therapeutic benefits over the traditional and conventional oral dosage forms.

Pellets developed through the palletization technique results in better flow, appearance and mixing properties and thereby preventing development of excess dust particles and reducing the segregation. It helps in eliminating detrimental properties and enhances the chemical and physical properties of the fine powders. Pharma pellets are generated via several techniques such as layering, freeze palletization, extrusion or spheronization, spray congealing, cryopelletization, spray drying and compression. Out of all of these techniques, extrusion or spheronization is the most commonly used technique owing to its superior efficacy and simple yet rapid processing. Some of the advantages of pharma pellets are – enhanced safety and efficiency of the active ingredient, decreased handling hazards and user-friendly transport, lessened hygroscopicity, little abrasion, no crystallization, uniform size with tapered distribution, higher drug loading capacity, reduce drug accumulation, pellets disperse freely, etc. Also, pellets render reduced variations in gastric emptying rate and intestinal transit time and thus lessen inter and intra subject variability.

Hemoglobin Analyzer and its Significance

Conducting clinical diagnostic analysis on concentration of hemoglobin is a common blood test, and such types of analyses are performed on hemoglobin analyzers. Hemoglobin analyzers are also termed as HbA1c Analyzer and it has the ability to report the concentration of hemoglobin in urine or blood sample in g/dL, g/L, or mol/L. Hemoglobin analyzers can run in test samples as little as 1uL in just a matter of few minutes. Hemoglobin is a protein which contains iron in the red blood cells (RBCs) and these red blood cells transport oxygen to ever organ and tissues of the human body and carry carbon dioxide from the organs back to the lungs. Besides, the hemoglobin also trusses to various gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide. Also, there are several types of hemoglobin, out of which a few are said to cause diseases such as sickle-cell anemia. When a hemoglobin test unveils that the levels of hemoglobin in the blood is lower than the normal range, which would mean one is anemic. Anemia can be caused due to various reasons which include profuse bleeding, chronic diseases, and vitamin deficiencies. If a hemoglobin analyzer displays the hemoglobin levels greater than the normal level, it could mean many possible reasons like - polycythemia vera (PCV), smoking, dehydration, excess vomiting, living at high altitude, etc.

Hemoglobin tests are done in cases like:

Overall Health checkup – where the medical professional examines the hemoglobin as a part of complete blood count (CBC).

While diagnosing a medical condition – when an individual feels weak, experiences shortness of breath of dizziness, the healthcare professional might suggest a hemoglobin test to determine the underlying cause.

While monitoring a medical condition - when an individual is diagnosed with polycythemia vera or anemia, hemoglobin test is must to keep a tab on the hemoglobin levels and accordingly alter the treatment.

Hemoglobin analyzers work by either pricking the fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein of the arm, and taking a sample of the blood. 

Different Types of Breast Imaging

Breast imaging is more commonly termed as mammography and it is the most specific and specialized medical imaging which makes use of a low-dose x-ray system to view inside the breasts. The test is done prior to a woman starts experiencing the symptoms as it helps in early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases. X-ray radiography is a non-invasive medical test which helps healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat any medical conditions. Breast imaging is the key step in early detection of breast cancers because it can establish alterations in the breast up to two years prior to you or your medical practitioner can feel them physically. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Medical Association (AMA) suggest that every woman who is above the age of 40 must get a mammogram once a year. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) further suggests that women who have a hereditary case of breast cancer must consult their healthcare professional about what and when to start screening. There are different technologies of breast imaging and each has different methods of scanning, of which mammography has already mentioned above.

Breast MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast makes use of strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate the intricate pictures of the breasts from within.

Thermography – It is a non invasive, painless high-tech clinical test and does not involve any exposure to radiation. This technique is most efficient for early detection.

Tomosynthesis – Digital breast tomosynthesis which is commonly referred as tomo is a 3D mammography. It is uses screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool to enhance the early signs of breast cancer.

Nuclear imaging – It is a process of developing images by detecting radiation from several parts of the body post a radioactive tracer material is given to the patient. The nuclear imaging expert construes the images to conclude the diagnosis.

Breast Ultrasound – This technique is used to examine if a breast lump is filled with fluid material and/or if it is a solid lump.

At the time of mammography, a particular skilled radiologist will position the breasts in the mammography unit and the breast will be put on a specific platform and squeezed with a clear plastic paddle.

Benefits of Skin Toner and What You Need to Know About Them

A healthy and supple skin speaks volumes about regular grooming habits and skin toner is one of the most vital components of a skin regime. Regular use of a cleanser and a toner can help your skin look hydrated and toned. Our skin is usually acidic in nature having an estimated pH level of approximately 6 and skin toners help in restoring the skin’s natural pH level. A toner’s function is to deep-clean the skin by removing dust, pollution, dirt, oil, and all the impurities which can still are persistent post washing with a cleanser, because most of the cleanser consists of certain ingredients such as oil, which leaves a film on the layer of the skin. Skin toners also help in removing the makeup which get conglomerated in the pores of the skin and shrink the appearance of the pores. Many dermatologists recommend the use of toners regularly as they refresh and prep-up the skin and reduce irritation and inflammation caused because of several environmental factors. Toners control the oil secretion of the skin and give anti-aging nourishment to the skin.

Most of the toners are water-based liquids which comprises of particular ingredients such as essential oils, plant extracts, tailor-made to suit every skin type. There are different types of toners, such as calming and soothing toners, hydrating toners, and astringent toners. Astringent toners are the strongest form of toner and consists a higher proportion of alcohol (20% to 60%), water, antiseptic properties, and a humectants ingredient. Astringents are generally recommended for oily skins since they are more drying on the skin. As per a common myth, removing oil regularly from the skin does not make the skin secrete more oil. One can use a water-based, non comedogenic moisturizer in case the skin becomes too dry after using an astringent. Toners are usually applied to the skin in different ways – spritzing on a damp cotton ball and applying on the skin downward, by spraying directly on the skin, or by putting a tonic gauze facial mask (which is nothing but a gauze covered with skin toner and covered on the face and left for a few minutes.

Definition of Asthma and the Drugs Associated

Asthma which is actually pronounced as ‘Aaz-ma’ is a chronic respiratory condition wherein the airways which lead to the lungs become inflamed and tapered. It may result in a grave and incurable condition if left untreated. Asthma leads to reoccurring and persistent wheezing, i.e., a whistling noise while breathing, breathlessness, tightness in the chest, and coughing. Asthma cough generally occurs early in the morning or at night. The inner walls of the airways are inflamed, swollen and red. This inflamed swelling makes the airways exceptionally sensitive to irritants and escalates the vulnerability to an allergic reaction; also the inflammation lets very little air pass through them. Asthma affects people of all ages, although more often than not it starts during childhood. According to a survey, in the United States, more than 25 million people are suffering from asthma and of which approximately 7 million are children. Although it depends from person to person, there are plenty of environmental factors which trigger such as cold air, smoke, and various other allergens like dust mites, pollen, and infections. The wheezing starts when the chemicals present in the lungs dramatize with the cold air or dust mites.

Long lasting and prevention control measures are vital in arresting asthma attacks prior to them starting. The treatment generally comprises of learning to acknowledge your triggers, taking precautions to prevent them and keeping tab on the breathing pattern to make sure that the daily dose of asthma medications are keeping the symptoms under check. The appropriate medications for asthma depend on several factors such as age, symptoms, asthma triggers and what works best to control it. Preventive and lasting medications can control the inflammation in the airways which lead to the lungs. Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) rapidly open-up the inflamed and swollen airways which are obstructing the breathing. Moreover, in certain cases allergy medications are needed. One must jot down an asthma action plan after consulting the doctor such as the dosages, symptoms, and list-down triggers and the necessary steps to avoid them.