Reducing delirium and cognitive dysfunction after off-pump coronary bypass: A randomized trial

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric complications of surgical coronary revascularization are inconspicuous but frequent and clinically relevant. So far, attempts to reduce their occurrence, such as the introduction of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting method, have not brought the desired results. The aim of this trial was to determine whether using any of the 2 selected modifications of OPCAB could decrease the incidence of these undesired sequelae.MethodsIn this single-center, assessor- and patient-blinded, superiority, randomized controlled trial, 192 patients scheduled for elective isolated OPCAB were randomized to 3 parallel arms. The control arm underwent “conventional” OPCAB with vein grafts. The first study arm underwent anaortic OPCAB (ANA) with total arterial revascularization. The second study arm underwent OPCAB with vein grafts using carbon dioxide surgical field flooding (CO₂FF). Outcomes included the incidence of postoperative delirium (PD) and early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (ePOCD).ResultsThe incidence of PD was 35.9% in the control (OPCAB) arm, 32.8% in the CO₂FF arm, and 12.5% in the ANA arm (χ² [2, N = 191] = 10.17; P = .006). Post hoc tests revealed that the incidence of PD in the ANA arm differed from that in the OPCAB arm (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09-0.68; P = .002). The incidence of ePOCD was 34.4% in the OPCAB arm, 28.1% in the CO₂FF arm, and 9.5% in the ANA arm (χ² [2, N = 191] = 11.58; P = .003). Post hoc tests revealed that the incidence of ePOCD differed between the ANA and OPCAB arms (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06-0.58; P < .001).ConclusionsPerforming ANA significantly decreases the incidence of PD and ePOCD compared with “conventional” OPCAB with vein grafts, whereas CO₂FF is inconsequential in this regard. These results, which probably reflect decreased delivery of embolic load to the brain in ANA, may have practical applicability in daily practice to improve clinical outcomes.     

Titanium - castor oil based polyurethane composite foams for bone tissue engineering

Abstract

Polyurethanes (PU) foams with titanium particles (Ti) were prepared with castor oil (CO) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as polymeric matrix, and 1, 3 and 5?wt.% of Ti. Composites were physicochemically and mechanically characterized and their biocompatibility assessed using human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSC). PU synthesis was confirmed by FTIR, but the presence of Ti was detected by RAMAN, X-ray diffraction (peak at 2θ?=?40.2°) and by EDX-mapping. Materials showed three decomposition temperatures between 300?°C and 500?°C and their decomposition were not catalyzed by Ti particles. Compressive modulus (164–846?kPa), compressive strength (12.9–116.7?kPa) and density (128–240?kg/m³) tend to increase with Ti concentration but porosity was reduced (87% to 80%). Composites’ foams were fully degraded in acid and oxidative media while remained stable in distilled water. HDPSC viability on all composites was higher than 80% up to 14?days while proliferation dropped up to 60% at 21?days. Overall, these results suggest that these foams can be used as scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.     

咽后壁瓣修复术后并发阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停的临床研究

探讨腭裂术后腭咽闭合不全（VPI）患者行咽后壁瓣修复术（PFS）后阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停（OSA）的发生率及严重程度，并探讨手术年龄对OSA发生率及严重程度的影响。     

Titanium as a Reconstruction and Implant Material in Dentistry: Advantages and Pitfalls

Commercial pure titanium (cpTi) has been the material of choice in several disciplines of dentistry due to its biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion and mechanical properties. Despite a number of favorable characteristics, cpTi as a reconstruction and oral implant material has several shortcomings. This paper highlights current knowledge on material properties, passive oxidation film formation, corrosion, surface activation, cell interactions, biofilm development, allergy, casting and machining properties of cpTi for better understanding and potential improvement of this material for its clinical applications.     

数字化塑形钛网在颅骨缺损修补术中的临床运用

目的：探讨数字化塑形钛网修补颅骨缺损的临床治疗效果。方法对我院2010年8月~2013年9月收治的46例需进行颅骨缺损手术的患者行数字化塑形钛网修补术，比较同期的42例行传统手工塑形钛网颅骨修补术的患者手术质量和术后恢复情况。进行6个月的术后随访，统计评估患者术后恢复情况。结果与传统手术方法相比，数字化塑形钛网修补手术在用时、并发症发生情况等方面优势明显（P＜0.01），术后功能状态评分和生活质量评分差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。结论数字化塑形钛网技术在颅骨缺损的修复治疗上具有塑形美观、术后恢复效果好，可减少手术时间等诸多优点，是在条件允许的情况下的首选手术方式。