Grafting of alpha-tocopheryl phosphate on chemically treated Ti-6Al-4V for antibacterial bone implants

Alpha-tocopheryl phosphate ( tocopherol. Even if α α-TP) is the water-soluble form of the antioxidant and lipophilic molecule alpha- -TP’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties are known, it has never been exploited to prevent implantable materials against bacterial surface contamination, till now. Accordingly, the purpose of this work is to couple a chemically treated Ti6Al4V surface with α-TP conferring a local antibacterial activity preserving orthopaedic and dental prosthetic devices. The grafting of the α-TP molecule is explored both as a thin coating (3 logs (≈ 92%) in comparison to the uncoated controls. Contrarily, the phosphorylated groups were used to create the binding to the surface on the functionalized samples, as shown by the XPS analysis. The functionalized surface results in poor antibacterial properties (≈1 log reduction of viable colonies) and hydrophobic behaviour. Finally, the cytocompatibility evaluation towards human mesenchymal stem cells showed the coating treatment to be more cell’s friendly in comparison with the functionalization

Rehabilitation and respiratory management in the acute and early post-acute phase "instant paper from the field" on rehabilitation answers to the COVID-19 emergency

COVID-19 is a respiratory infectious disease that can cause respiratory, physical and psychological long-term dysfunctions in patients. First recommendations on respiratory management were published, but they were not based on the specific needs due to COVID-19. In this paper we share the early experiences from the clinical field in Northern Italy, where the epidemic started in February. This paper summarizes the second webinar on COVID-19 (230 live attendees, 11,600 viewers of the recorded version) organized by the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine about rehabilitation and in particular respiratory management in the acute (Intensive Care Unit [ICU]) and immediate post-acute phases. There is the need to prepare for the post-acute phase. ICU length of stay is relatively long, with immobilization in prone position. Some specific problems are described, including severe muscle weakness and fatigue, joint stiffness, dysphagia, (neuro)psychological problems, impaired functioning concerning mobility, activities of daily life and work. A lot is yet unknown and patients can experience longterm consequences as we know from the literature on the postintensive care syndrome, but COVID-19 has unique features to be investigated and understood. As a colleague stated during the Covinar: this is a marathon, not a sprint

Evaluation of patient skin breakdown and comfort with a new face mask for non-invasive ventilation: a multi-center study

none13noneGregoretti C; Confalonieri M; Navalesi P; Squadrone V; Frigerio P; Beltrame F; Carbone G; Conti G; Gamna F; Nava S; Calderini E; Skrobik Y; Antonelli MGregoretti, C; Confalonieri, M; Navalesi, P; Squadrone, V; Frigerio, P; Beltrame, F; Carbone, G; Conti, G; Gamna, F; Nava, S; Calderini, E; Skrobik, Y; Antonelli,