Evaluation of an intervention to maintain endotracheal tube cuff pressure within therapeutic range.

Background: Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be kept within an optimal range that ensures ventilation and prevents aspiration while maintaining tracheal perfusion.

Objectives: To test the effect of an intervention (adding or removing air) on the proportion of time that cuff pressure was between 20 and 30 cm H(2)O and to evaluate changes in cuff pressure over time.

Methods: A repeated-measure crossover design was used to study 32 orally intubated patients receiving mechanical ventilation for two 12-hour shifts (randomized control and intervention conditions).

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite bioceramic using microwave radiation: Synthesis and characterization.

In this work, we synthesized bioactive hydroxyapatite (Ca(PO)(OH), HAp) ceramic powder in the lower-end of nano-regime using microwave radiation, which offers several advantages. The powder was synthesized using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous as the starting materials. EDTA served as the complex reagent.

Assessment of endotracheal cuff pressure by continuous monitoring: a pilot study.

Background: Endotracheal tube cuff pressure must be maintained within a narrow therapeutic range to prevent complications. Cuff pressure is measured and adjusted intermittently.

Objectives: To assess the accuracy and feasibility of continuous monitoring of cuff pressure, describe changes in cuff pressure over time, and identify clinical factors that influence cuff pressure.

Influence of oxide-based sintering additives on densification and mechanical behavior of tricalcium phosphate (TCP).

In this research, we studied and analyzed the effects of four different oxide-based sintering additives on densification, mechanical behavior, biodegradation and biocompatibility of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioceramics. Selective sintering additives were introduced into pure TCP ceramics, in small quantities, through homogeneous mixing, using a mortar and pestle. The consequent powders of different compositions were pressed into cylindrical compacts, uniaxially and sintered at elevated temperatures, 1150 degrees C and 1250 degrees C, separately in a muffle furnace.