Weaning from mechanical ventilation

Approximately 20% of all mechanically ventilated patients fail their first attempt to wean. Prolonged mechanical ventilation increases morbidity, mortality, and costs. No single weaning parameter predicts patient ability to wean. Weaning studies suggest that daily trials of spontaneous breathing for appropriate patients assured by standing protocol and driven by respiratory care practitioners and/or nurses improve the weaning process and patient outcome.     

Congenital anomalies and other perinatal outcomes in ICSI vs. naturally conceived pregnancies: a comparative study

Background  

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures have become accepted worldwide and their effect on society is well-known. However, the full extent of the possible complications of these procedures on maternal and neonatal outcome is still unclear.     

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) and sVEGFR-2 in systemic sclerosis patients: Relation to clinical manifestations and capillaroscopy findings

Introduction

The role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is well known. The imbalance between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and their anti-angiogenic soluble receptors (sVEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) has been proposed as a possible cause of microangiopathy.

Application of polycaprolactone,chitosan, and collagen composite as a nanofibrous mat loaded with silver sulfadiazine and growth factors for wound dressing

Fabrication of nanofibrous biomaterials composed of natural and synthetic materials that incorporated with antibiotic and growth factors with controlled release manner is an attractive topic in wound healing. The purpose of this study was to prepare optimal composite of materials as biomimetic nanofibrous mats for application in wound healing. The mat was prepared of polycaprolactone (PCL) in the bottom, chitosan/poly ethylene oxide (Cs/PEO) in the middle, and PCL/collagen (PCL/Coll) in the top layer. A panel of standard characterization tests of nanofibrous mat was performed and its compatibilities in strength and integration were confirmed. Middle layer was loaded with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and silver sulfadiazine (SSD) was incorporated in the bottom layer as an anti‐infection factor. Then, on the dorsum of rats, a 400‐mm² wound was created and surrounded by a silicone ring to control the usual tissue contractions. Nanofibrous mats with or without growth factors were applied as wound dressings and at day 14, the healing process was evaluated. At day 14, the treated group by designed mat showed faster epithelialization and angiogenesis. Silicone ring in the test group was desirable in wound closure compared to the control group. Reformation of skin tissue was manifested in a shorter time. This composite nanofibrous mat could be introduced as a dynamic and effective candidate for wound dressing.     

Comparable Reproductive Outcomes of ICSI for Couples with Unexplained Infertility and Couples with Male Factor Infertility

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) outcomes (fertilization rate, embryo quality, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate) for couples with unexplained infertility and couples with male factor infertility, and if the quality of semen is related to ICSI outcomes.