Spinal fusion remains the gold-standard treatment for several pathological spine conditions. Although, autologous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting is considered the gold-standard graft choice to promote spinal fusion; however, it is associated with significant donor site morbidity and a limited graft quantity. Therefore, several bone graft alternatives have been developed, to augment arthrodesis. The purpose of this review is to present the results of clinical studies concerning the use of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), alone or as a composite graft, in the spinal fusion. A critical review of the English-language literature was conducted on Pubmed, using key word "demineralized bone matrix", "DBM", "spinal fusion", and "scoliosis". Results had been restricted to clinical studies. The majority of clinical trials demonstrate satisfactory fusion rates when DBM is employed as a graft extender or a graft enhancer. Limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials (4 studies), have been performed comparing DBM to autologous iliac crest bone graft in spine fusion. The majority of the clinical trials demonstrate comparable efficacy of DBM when it used as a graft extender in combination with autograft, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a standalone graft material. Additionally, high level of evidence studies are required, in order to optimize and clarify the indications of its use and the appropriate patient population that will benefit from DBM in spine arthrodesis.

The capability of the first strike is crucial in the modern battlefield. An important parameter is the radar signature or Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a weapon system, such as a fighter aircraft, a warship, or a missile, affecting the range at which this weapon system would be detected as a target by an enemy radar. If the attacker is detected too late, there will be minimal time for the defender to react, possibly not sufficient to counter the threat. The RCS of a weapon system is considered generally as classified information. However, it can be measured at a suitable measurement test range, if that weapon system is available. Otherwise, it can be predicted with the help of computational electromagnetics. Concerning the second approach, the following procedure was recently proposed: construction of a three-dimensional model of a target, based on available images and any relevant data, and then computation of the target RCS, with the Physical Optics approximative method. In the present approach, this procedure is applied to an anti-ship cruise missile in order to compute its RCS. Finally, the expected detection range for various naval radars is calculated.

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Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard for all indications for bone grafting procedures but the limited availability and complications in donor site resulted in seeking other options like allografts and bone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft product with no quantity limitation. It is an osteoconductive material with osteoinductive capabilities, which vary among different products, depending on donor characteristics and differences in processing of the bone. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical review of the existing literature concerning the use of DBM products in various procedures in the extremities. Clinical studies describing the use of DBM alone or in combination with other grafting material are available for only a few commercial products. The Level of Evidence of these studies and the resulting Grades of Recommendation are very low. In conclusion, further clinical studies of higher quality are required in order to improve the Recommendation Grades for or against the use of DBM products in bone grafting procedures.

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