Improved Biocompatibility of Intra-Arterial Poly-L-Lactic Acid Stent by Tantalum Ion Implantation : 3-Month Results in a Swine Model

Objective@#: Biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with a highly biocompatible surface via tantalum (Ta) ion implantation can be an innovative solution for the problems associated with current biodegradable stents. The purpose of this study is to develop a Ta-implanted PLLA stent for clinical use and to investigate its biological performance capabilities. @*Methods@#: A series of in vitro and in vivo tests were used to assess the biological performance of bare and Ta-implanted PLLA stents. The re-endothelialization ability and thrombogenicity were examined through in vitro endothelial cell and platelet adhesion tests. An in vivo swine model was used to evaluate the effects of Ta ion implantation on subacute restenosis and thrombosis. Angiographic and histologic evaluations were conducted at one, two and three months post-treatment. @*Results@#: The Ta-implanted PLLA stent was successfully fabricated, exhibiting a smooth surface morphology and modified layer integration. After Ta ion implantation, the surface properties were more favorable for rapid endothelialization and for less platelet attachment compared to the bare PLLA stent. In an in vivo animal test, follow-up angiography showed no evidence of in-stent stenosis in either group. In a microscopic histologic examination, luminal thrombus formation was significantly suppressed in the Ta-implanted PLLA stent group according to the 2-month follow-up assessment (21.2% vs. 63.9%, p=0.005). Cells positive for CD 68, a marker for the monocyte lineage, were less frequently identified around the Ta-implanted PLLA stent in the 1-month follow-up assessments. @*Conclusion@#: The use of a Ta-implanted PLLA stent appears to promote re-endothelialization and anti-thrombogenicity.

Comparison of the Pain-relieving Effects of Human Milk, Sucrose, and Distilled Water during Examinations for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: This study compared the pain-relieving effects of human milk, sucrose, and distilled water during examinations for retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: Forty-five preterm infants were randomly assigned to receive a pacifier dipped in one of three solutions: human milk (n=14), 24% sucrose (n=15), or distilled water (n=16), 2 minutes before an eye examination. Their pain score, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at three time points: 5 minutes before the examination, 30 seconds after speculum introduction, and 2 minutes after the examination. RESULTS: The infants' mean gestational age and weight at birth were 33.1±2.1 weeks and 1,842±470 g, respectively. There were no between-group differences in pain relief during the eye examination. The pain score significantly increased both during (p<.001) and after the examinations (p=.003). Oxygen saturation decreased during the examinations (p<.001); however, the infants in the 24% sucrose group showed higher oxygen saturation (p=.047) during the examinations than the infants in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Sucking on a pacifier dipped in human milk or 24% sucrose did not reduce the pain associated with eye examinations in preterm infants. Pacifiers dipped in sucrose can be used to maintain better oxygen saturation during these examinations.

Desorption Kinetics and Structural Changes of Tetracycline Treated Barrier Membranes for Guided Tissue Regeneration / 대한치주과학회지

Tetracycline is known to be effective in eliminating periodontopathogens and have collagenolytic activity. This study was performed to observe the desorption kinetics and structural changes of tetracycline-treated barrier membranes for guided tissue regeneration. Four kinds of barrier membranes were tested : Tefgen(R)(American Custom Medical, USA) and Gore-Tex(R)(W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., USA) as nonresorbable membranes ; Resolut(polyglycolide & polylactide copolymer, W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., USA) and Biomend(R)(collagen, Collatec Co., USA) as resorbable membranes. The membranes were cut into discs(diameter : 4mm) and were immersed in 5% tridodecylmethylammonium chloride(TIMAC) ethanol and air-dried. The membrane discs were absorbed with 100microgram/ml tetracycline solution(pH 8) for one minute and dried. For desorption kinetics, TC treated discs were immersed in phosphate buffered saline solution(PBS, pH 7.4). PBS was exchanged daily and TC concentration was measured by absorbance at 276nm on UV spectrophotometer. To measure remaining antibacterial activity, discs of 1 day to 4 weeks after desorption were placed on Mueller Hinton agar containing Bacillus cereus and incubated aerobically in 37degrees C for twelve hours and the inhibition diameters were measured. To observe the structural change of membranes after TIMAC treatment or immersion in PBS, the membrane discs were examined under SEM. The results were as follows : 1. Total amounts of TC absorbed into membrane discs(0.7536mm2) were 2000microgram, 1800microgram, 2625 microgram and 2499microgram for Tefgen(R), Gore-Tex(R), Biomend(R) and Resolut(R). 2. The concentration of TC released from barrier membrane discs was maintained over 4microgram/ml until the fifth day in nonresorbable membranes and Resolut(R), but until the fourth day in Biomend(R). Until the ninth day in nonresorbable membranes and until the seventh day in resorbable membranes, the TC concentration was maintained over 1microgram/ml. 3. The four membrane discs in the first day showed similar size of inhibition zone. One to four weeks later, the inhibition zone was much smaller in resorbable membrane discs than nonresorbable membrane discs. 4. Any structural change due to treatment of TIMAC was not observed on the nonresorbable membranes. Resolut(R) did not show any structural change except fibrillar loosening during immersion period, but Biomend showed destruction of membrane structure from the first week of immersion. This study indicates that tetracycline treated barrier membranes lead to the sustained release of tetracycline for over 7 days. This slow release pattern of tetracycline may contribute to the favorable clinical outcome of guided tissue regeneration.