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Large and critical bone defect reconstruction is still a hard challenge in tumor resections, non-unions, some traumatisms and articular prosthesis revisions. The application of electron beam melting technology (EBM) to implant manufacturing constitutes a promising alternative, which provides better biomechanics and customized solutions. Implant infections are one of the most serious complications associated with surgical treatments, which require immediate solutions for achieving better clinical results. Herein, to confer antimicrobial properties, a simple and cost-effective approach based on a bifunctionalization process to create a zwitterionic surface on Ti6Al4V EBM implants is proposed. The obtained results show a notable reduction of bacterial adhesion (more than 97%) and total inhibition of biofilm formation, combined with demonstrated biocompatibility and bioactivity, permitting cell adhesion on the entire surface of these 3D zwitterionic scaffolds. This surface zwitterionization provides new perspectives for custom-made Ti6Al4V EBM implants for bone tissue regeneration with antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on left atrial remodelling after short duration atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic hearts. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia found in hypertensive patients. AF causes atrial dilation, and progressive left atrial (LA) enlargement occurs once AF becomes chronic. The article presents information on a study that evaluated the effect of LV hypertrophy on the recovery of a trial mechanical function after cardioversion. LA diameters were found to be reduced after the recovery of sinus rhythm. Nevertheless we reported that a different rate of reduction and the presence of LV hyper trophy influences the magnitude of reduction. We found an interaction of LV hypertrophy and atrial mechanical and morphological remodelling.

The article focuses on a study on the use of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with concomitant multiple coronary arteries thromboses in a young patient with hyperhomocysteinaemia. In this study, a Caucasian man was presented to the emergency department with onset of retrosternal chest pain at rest. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed after acute myocardial infarction.