Facile microwave-assisted synthesis of benzimidazole scaffolds via Ugi-type three-component condensation (3CC) reactions.

Two series of fused benzimidazoles were synthesized via a facile, one-pot procedure under microwave irradiation. This procedure generated the desired products in high yields and could provide a useful synthetic platform with potential applications in medicinal chemistry.

Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor ß1 on the healing of reconstructed dura by carbon dioxide laser soldering in minipigs.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser soldering is an alternative technique for tissue bonding. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor ß(1) (TGFß(1)) are two key factors for wound healing. This study was performed to demonstrate the efficacy of CO2 laser soldering for dural reconstruction and the effect of bFGF and TGFß(1) on healing. METHODS: In Part I, 10 minipigs were randomized into two equal groups. Dural defects were reconstructed by conventional fibrin glue bonding (group I(a)) or CO2 laser soldering (group I(b)). The reconstructed dura was subjected to burst pressure (BP) measurement and immunohistochemical staining after 1 week. In Part II, 36 minipigs were randomized into three equal groups. Dural reconstruction was achieved by CO2 laser soldering. Exogenous bFGF (group II(b)) or TGFß(1) (group II(c)) was administered while group II(a) served as a control group. The specimens were subjected to BP measurement after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks, respectively. RESULTS: In Part I, the dura specimens displayed positive staining of only bFGF in group I(a) and of both bFGF and TGFß(1) in group I(b). Group I(b) showed higher BP than group I(a) ((98.00 ± 21.41) mmHg vs. (70.80 ± 15.09) mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). In Part II, BP of group II(c) was significantly higher than that of group II(a) (P < 0.01). The BP of group II(a) trended toward stabilization after 3 weeks of growth, while that of groups II(b) and II(c) trended toward stabilization after 2 weeks of growth. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser soldering is a reliable technique for dural reconstruction. The superior healing of dural reconstruction by CO2 laser soldering may be related to higher expression of bFGF and TGFß(1), and CO2 lasers may stimulate their secretion. Exogenous bFGF or TGFß(1) may improve healing by shortening the wound healing time, and exogenous TGFß(1) may improve the tensile strength.

Prevention of postoperative intracranial infection in patients with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial infection is a common postoperative complication of neurosurgery. This study aimed to identify risk factors of postoperative intracranial infection in patients with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and to suggest proposals for the prevention. METHODS: A total of 167 patients (113 males and 54 males, average age of 34.4 years) with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea operated on by the senior author were retrospectively reviewed. The data collected included etiology, previous history, clinical manifestation, site of bone defect, operative approach, and postoperative complications. Risk factor(s) for postoperative infection were analyzed using the stepwise multiple Logistic regression. RESULTS: Eighteen (10.8%) patients were infected post-operatively. The independent risk factors for infection were the site of defect (RR = 0.508, 95%CI 0.306 - 0.843, P = 0.009) and historical meningitis (RR = 0.290, 95%CI 0.094 - 0.893, P = 0.031). Patients with multiple defects and saddle floor defects had a higher infection rate. The germiculture was positive in 11 patients, and vancomycin was sensitive to all the pathogenesis. Nine infected patients needed lumbar drainage. Ten patients had hyponatremia, and hydrocephalus occurred in two patients with serious trauma. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent the infection, we should pay closer attention to the high-risk patients pre-operation. During the operation, the methods those can improve wound healing, such as using blood-supply materials, reliable fixation, and eliminating dead space are all helpful. Conducting lumbar drainage and choosing effective prophylactic antibiotics in the early postoperative stage for the high-risk patients are methods of postoperative management.