Reinforcement of bacterial cellulose aerogels with biocompatible polymers.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogels, which are fragile, ultra-lightweight, open-porous and transversally isotropic materials, have been reinforced with the biocompatible polymers polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), cellulose acetate (CA), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), respectively, at varying BC/polymer ratios. Supercritical carbon dioxide anti-solvent precipitation and simultaneous extraction of the anti-solvent using scCO2 have been used as core techniques for incorporating the secondary polymer into the BC matrix and to convert the formed composite organogels into aerogels. Uniaxial compression tests revealed a considerable enhancement of the mechanical properties as compared to BC aerogels. Nitrogen sorption experiments at 77K and scanning electron micrographs confirmed the preservation (or even enhancement) of the surface-area-to-volume ratio for most of the samples. The formation of an open-porous, interpenetrating network of the second polymer has been demonstrated by treatment of BC/PMMA hybrid aerogels with EMIM acetate, which exclusively extracted cellulose, leaving behind self-supporting organogels.

[Reduced time-frame for ward rounds and patient satisfaction]. / Arbeitszeitkonformes Visitenmodell und Patientenzufriedenheit.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction in 2006 of the European legislation restricting physicians work-ing hours has had a dramatic impact on working conditions. This restriction called for a marked improvement in hospital workflow, leading to a reduction of time spent on ward rounds. We conducted an opinion survey assessing patient satisfaction in the area of markedly reduced ward rounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By January 2009, the time-frame allowed for morning ward rounds had been reduced by 33 % from 45 to 30 min. At the same time, the attendance of the senior staff surgeon was declared mandatory on each ward round. We conducted a prospective study, assessing patient satisfaction over a period of 3 months. RESULTS: 86 patients with an average age of 56.7 years were repeatedly questioned by a single investigator. Average length of hospital stay was 7.2 days. Patients expected ward rounds to average 5.3 min, which was significantly higher than actually observed. However, an overall patient satisfaction of above 80 % could be measured. CONCLUSION: In spite of the reduced time spent on ward rounds, a high level of overall patient satisfaction can be obtained due to the regular attendance of a senior staff surgeon. Process management is furthermore endorsed by the routine -application of clinical pathways in patient management.