Magnetic Glycol Chitin-Based Hydrogel Nanocomposite for Combined Thermal and d-Amino-Acid-Assisted Biofilm Disruption.

Bacterial biofilms are highly antibiotic resistant microbial cell associations that lead to chronic infections. Unlike free-floating planktonic bacterial cells, the biofilms are encapsulated in a hardly penetrable extracellular polymeric matrix and, thus, demand innovative approaches for treatment. Recent advancements on the development of gel-nanocomposite systems with tailored therapeutic properties provide promising routes to develop novel antimicrobial agents that can be designed to disrupt and completely eradicate preformed biofilms.

Telemedicine for postoperative visits at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Results of a needs assessment study.

The Minneapolis VA Medical Center initiated a telemedicine program in the early 1990s as a way to streamline care and increase convenience for patients and clinicians. In this study, we explored employing telemedicine for postoperative visits for patients in the general surgery clinic. We surveyed 346 veterans about their preferred method of follow-up.