Background:In today’s society the ongoing discussion about euthanasia triggers emotionally charged debates surrounding the delicate balance between valuing life and respecting an individual’s autonomy.With the persi...Background:In today’s society the ongoing discussion about euthanasia triggers emotionally charged debates surrounding the delicate balance between valuing life and respecting an individual’s autonomy.With the persistence of this debate,there has been the emergence of the concept of the so-called alternative:palliative care.Positioned as a substitute for euthanasia,palliative care aims to alleviate suffering in terminally ill patients without engaging in the ethical dilemmas associated with euthanasia.Methods:This paper explores the facets of palliative care highlighting its core objectives such as providing adequate pain relief as a compassionate alternative to euthanasia.Results:By examining palliative care as a comprehensive approach to end of life support,this study challenges the perceived necessity of euthanasia and advocates,for compassionate and dignified end of life experiences.Conclusion:In conclusion,palliative care emerges as a viable and ethically sound alternative to euthanasia,emphasizing the importance of compassionate end-of-life care and pain management.展开更多
“Stem Cells is what stem cells does” ... “Stem Cells is what stem cells does” not Forrest Gump In the present day Stem Cells are increasingly becoming popularized as the potential “ultimate” cure for the most challenging maladies… the “Daddy of medical intervention”. Forefront SC research on human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other sub-disciplines, is quickly revolutionizing healthcare towards “Regenerative Medicine”, as beautifully exemplified by the use of iPSCs in treating and possibly curing osteoarthritis, discussed at the end of this publication. This review documents and reflects on the most topical discoveries in SC research, and the challenges researchers in this field nowadays face. Major Findings: 1) In 2006 Yamanaka et al. generated the first iPSCs from mouse fibroblasts, using retroviral transmission of c-Myc, Oct3/4, Klf4 and SOX2 transcription factors. Later, they successfully generated iPSCs from human fibroblasts (2007). 2) Contemporary cultivation methods carry high risks of iPSC genome disruption, possibly leading to tumorigenesis, teratoma formation and reducing iPSC induction efficacy. 3) Many studies on preserving genome integrity and decreasing malignancy in iPSCs, suggest using valiproic acid and protecting tumour suppressor genes. 4) In many malignant tumours only a small minority of cells, called Cancer Stem Cells, metastasise and hyper-proliferate. 5) Not all mature cell sources yield the same [undifferentiated iPSCs: lineage-committed] ratio as others. Feb 2014: Obokata et al. claimed to have generated iPSCs by exposing mature cells to a 25 min, pH 5.7 bath. These iPSCs were termed “Stimulus-triggered Acquisition Pluripotency Cells” (STAP). However by July 2014 this study had been revoked, as the results could not be replicated. Conclusion: Stem cells have enormous potential to offer, especially iPSCs. Although currently not a viable treatment option on their own, for many daunting diseases they will definitely be at the core of multi-disciplined therapies within the near-future, including multi-factorial diseases like osteoarthritis.展开更多
“After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep ...“After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I’m offering is the truth.” Epigenetics is a bit like the red pill—the more it is researched the further down the rabbit hole we are going—the realisation that my choices today as my parents’ and grandparents’ choices yesterday influence who I am now and who I am going to be tomorrow. Through the study of gene influencers, scientists are discovering that it is not only the DNA that makes us but which portion of is selected for use that tells us who we are. In the field of depression, epigenetics is still in its infancy, nonetheless significant connections have been uncovered. This paper gives a brief overview on epigenetics and the different mechanisms correlated with it. It also discusses factors affecting an individual’s epigenetic patterns and the effect of epigenetics itself. It specifically delves into the epigenetic effects on psychiatry, mainly depression, depressive symptoms and antidepressant treatments and the mediation of mechanism of action of the epigenetic modifications involved.展开更多
The use of umbilical cord blood as an alternative to bone marrow as a source of haematopoietic stem cells for the treatment of certain diseases has been on an increase since the first transplantation of umbilical cord...The use of umbilical cord blood as an alternative to bone marrow as a source of haematopoietic stem cells for the treatment of certain diseases has been on an increase since the first transplantation of umbilical cord-derived stem cells in 1988. In this paper, 6 of the latest case studies about the use of such stem cells have been discussed and are used as evidence to confirm the potential use of the umbilical cord as a source of haematopoietic stem cells for transplantation as treatment to various diseases. The debate over whether umbilical cord blood should be stored and why public banking facilities are preferred over those that are private have also been discussed in this paper.展开更多
This paper provides a comprehensive examination of euthanasia from various perspectives,including medical,legal,religious,philosophical,and moral.The study also explores the public perceptions and trends in Malta.The ...This paper provides a comprehensive examination of euthanasia from various perspectives,including medical,legal,religious,philosophical,and moral.The study also explores the public perceptions and trends in Malta.The medical perspective analyses the benefits and risks of euthanasia and its impact on the healthcare system.The legal perspective discusses the legality of euthanasia in Malta and the potential legal implications of legalizing the practice.The religious perspective explores the beliefs of various religious groups in Malta,particularly Catholicism,on euthanasia.The philosophical perspective discusses the ethical and moral considerations of euthanasia.The paper also analyses the results of surveys conducted in Malta,examining the public’s attitudes towards euthanasia.Overall,the study provides a thorough analysis of euthanasia from various angles,shedding light on the complex and controversial nature of the topic.展开更多
The use of umbilical stem cells in tissue engineering is gaining in popularity. Some of the various uses of these umbilical stem cells are highlighted in this review, focusing mainly on their cartilage, bone and neuro...The use of umbilical stem cells in tissue engineering is gaining in popularity. Some of the various uses of these umbilical stem cells are highlighted in this review, focusing mainly on their cartilage, bone and neuronal differentiating abilities. The review will also shed light on the application of these abilities in human clinical trials to repair, protect and treat diseases, e.g. neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cerebral palsy. A side by side comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (current gold standard for tissue engineering) will give a better idea of the viability and efficiency of umbilical stem cell use.展开更多
文摘Background:In today’s society the ongoing discussion about euthanasia triggers emotionally charged debates surrounding the delicate balance between valuing life and respecting an individual’s autonomy.With the persistence of this debate,there has been the emergence of the concept of the so-called alternative:palliative care.Positioned as a substitute for euthanasia,palliative care aims to alleviate suffering in terminally ill patients without engaging in the ethical dilemmas associated with euthanasia.Methods:This paper explores the facets of palliative care highlighting its core objectives such as providing adequate pain relief as a compassionate alternative to euthanasia.Results:By examining palliative care as a comprehensive approach to end of life support,this study challenges the perceived necessity of euthanasia and advocates,for compassionate and dignified end of life experiences.Conclusion:In conclusion,palliative care emerges as a viable and ethically sound alternative to euthanasia,emphasizing the importance of compassionate end-of-life care and pain management.
文摘 “Stem Cells is what stem cells does” not Forrest Gump In the present day Stem Cells are increasingly becoming popularized as the potential “ultimate” cure for the most challenging maladies… the “Daddy of medical intervention”. Forefront SC research on human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other sub-disciplines, is quickly revolutionizing healthcare towards “Regenerative Medicine”, as beautifully exemplified by the use of iPSCs in treating and possibly curing osteoarthritis, discussed at the end of this publication. This review documents and reflects on the most topical discoveries in SC research, and the challenges researchers in this field nowadays face. Major Findings: 1) In 2006 Yamanaka et al. generated the first iPSCs from mouse fibroblasts, using retroviral transmission of c-Myc, Oct3/4, Klf4 and SOX2 transcription factors. Later, they successfully generated iPSCs from human fibroblasts (2007). 2) Contemporary cultivation methods carry high risks of iPSC genome disruption, possibly leading to tumorigenesis, teratoma formation and reducing iPSC induction efficacy. 3) Many studies on preserving genome integrity and decreasing malignancy in iPSCs, suggest using valiproic acid and protecting tumour suppressor genes. 4) In many malignant tumours only a small minority of cells, called Cancer Stem Cells, metastasise and hyper-proliferate. 5) Not all mature cell sources yield the same [undifferentiated iPSCs: lineage-committed] ratio as others. Feb 2014: Obokata et al. claimed to have generated iPSCs by exposing mature cells to a 25 min, pH 5.7 bath. These iPSCs were termed “Stimulus-triggered Acquisition Pluripotency Cells” (STAP). However by July 2014 this study had been revoked, as the results could not be replicated. Conclusion: Stem cells have enormous potential to offer, especially iPSCs. Although currently not a viable treatment option on their own, for many daunting diseases they will definitely be at the core of multi-disciplined therapies within the near-future, including multi-factorial diseases like osteoarthritis.
文摘“After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill—the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill—you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Remember: all I’m offering is the truth.” Epigenetics is a bit like the red pill—the more it is researched the further down the rabbit hole we are going—the realisation that my choices today as my parents’ and grandparents’ choices yesterday influence who I am now and who I am going to be tomorrow. Through the study of gene influencers, scientists are discovering that it is not only the DNA that makes us but which portion of is selected for use that tells us who we are. In the field of depression, epigenetics is still in its infancy, nonetheless significant connections have been uncovered. This paper gives a brief overview on epigenetics and the different mechanisms correlated with it. It also discusses factors affecting an individual’s epigenetic patterns and the effect of epigenetics itself. It specifically delves into the epigenetic effects on psychiatry, mainly depression, depressive symptoms and antidepressant treatments and the mediation of mechanism of action of the epigenetic modifications involved.
文摘The use of umbilical cord blood as an alternative to bone marrow as a source of haematopoietic stem cells for the treatment of certain diseases has been on an increase since the first transplantation of umbilical cord-derived stem cells in 1988. In this paper, 6 of the latest case studies about the use of such stem cells have been discussed and are used as evidence to confirm the potential use of the umbilical cord as a source of haematopoietic stem cells for transplantation as treatment to various diseases. The debate over whether umbilical cord blood should be stored and why public banking facilities are preferred over those that are private have also been discussed in this paper.
文摘This paper provides a comprehensive examination of euthanasia from various perspectives,including medical,legal,religious,philosophical,and moral.The study also explores the public perceptions and trends in Malta.The medical perspective analyses the benefits and risks of euthanasia and its impact on the healthcare system.The legal perspective discusses the legality of euthanasia in Malta and the potential legal implications of legalizing the practice.The religious perspective explores the beliefs of various religious groups in Malta,particularly Catholicism,on euthanasia.The philosophical perspective discusses the ethical and moral considerations of euthanasia.The paper also analyses the results of surveys conducted in Malta,examining the public’s attitudes towards euthanasia.Overall,the study provides a thorough analysis of euthanasia from various angles,shedding light on the complex and controversial nature of the topic.
文摘The use of umbilical stem cells in tissue engineering is gaining in popularity. Some of the various uses of these umbilical stem cells are highlighted in this review, focusing mainly on their cartilage, bone and neuronal differentiating abilities. The review will also shed light on the application of these abilities in human clinical trials to repair, protect and treat diseases, e.g. neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cerebral palsy. A side by side comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (current gold standard for tissue engineering) will give a better idea of the viability and efficiency of umbilical stem cell use.
