A Glimpse into Gynecologic Practice During the Islamic Golden Age.

The Islamic Golden Age was the time in history from eighth to fourteenth century. This era was marked by expansion of Islamic world to all the Middle East, North Africa, South and East Europe, and Central Asia. The Islamic world was the wealthiest region in the world at that time and that wealth was utilized to promote great flourishing in the arts, philosophy, science, and medicine.

Development of Obstetric Practice During the Early Islamic Era.

Art of healing was considered the most noble of human undertakings by Islamic scholars. Acquiring medical manuscripts from previous civilizations and translating them into Arabic proceeded at a great pace. This was followed by the emergence of several great physician scientists who examined these writings, corrected many, and proceeded to produce their own, with the addition of significant original paradigm-shifting contributions to all branches of science and medicine.

Postmortem and perimortem cesarean section: historical, religious and ethical considerations.

Guillimeau was the first to use the term cesarean section (CS) in 1598, but this name became universal only in the 20th century. The many theories of the origin of this name will be discussed. This surgery has been reported to be performed in all cultures dating to ancient times.

Ethical aspects of prenatal diagnosis of fetal malformations.

Fetal malformations complicate approximately 3% of all pregnancies. Many of these are minor or can be corrected after birth, but there are certain malformations that are lethal and others that are severe and others, that, even if corrected lead to permanent disability. Advances in prenatal diagnosis made possible the diagnosis of many fetal malformations.

Developments in stem cell research and therapeutic cloning: Islamic ethical positions, a review.

Stem cell research is very promising. The use of human embryos has been confronted with objections based on ethical and religious positions. The recent production of reprogrammed adult (induced pluripotent) cells does not - in the opinion of scientists - reduce the need to continue human embryonic stem cell research.

Mechanism of development of pre-eclampsia linking breathing disorders to endothelial dysfunction.

High blood pressure is an important component of pre-eclampsia. The underlying mechanism of development of hypertension in pre-eclampsia is complicated and still remains obscure. Several theories have been advanced including endothelial dysfunction, uteroplacental insufficiency leading to generalized vasoconstriction, increased cardiac output, and sympathetic hyperactivity.