Medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications of 3D-printing technology in diabetes.

AIMS: Despite numerous studies covering the various features of three-dimensional printing (3D printing) technology, and its applications in food science and disease treatment, no study has yet been conducted to investigate applying 3D printing in diabetes. Therefore, the present study centers on the utilization and impact of 3D printing technology in relation to the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and medicinal facets of diabetes management. It highlights the latest advancements, and challenges in this field. METHODS: In this review, the articles focusing on the application and effect of 3D printing technology on medical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional aspects of diabetes management were collected from different databases. RESULT: High precision of 3D printing in the placement of cells led to accurate anatomic control, and the possibility of bio-printing pancreas and ß-cells. Transdermal drug delivery via 3D-printed microneedle (MN) patches was beneficial for the management of diabetes disease. 3D printing supported personalized medicine for Diabetes Mellitus (DM). For instance, it made it possible for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture unique doses of medications for every diabetic patient. Moreover, 3D printing allowed the food industry to produce high-fiber and sugar-free products for the individuals with DM. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, applying 3D printing technology for diabetes management is in its early stages, and needs to be matured and developed to be safely used for humans. However, its rapid progress in recent years showed a bright future for the treatment of diabetes.

Evaluation of effect of continuous positive airway pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass on cardiac de-airing after open heart surgery in randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac and pulmonary veins de-airing are of the most important steps during open heart surgery. This study evaluates the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on air trapping in pulmonary veins and on quality of de-airing procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized prospective double blind clinical trial conducted on 40 patients. In the control group: During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the ventilator was turned off and adjustable pressure limit (APL) valve was placed in SPONT position. In CPAP group: During CPB, after turning the ventilator off, the flow of oxygen flow was maintained at the rate of 0.5 L/min and the APL valve was placed in MAN position on 20 mbar. During cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) weaning, the patients were observed for air bubbles in left atrium by using transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean de-airing time after the start of mechanical ventilation in CPAP group (n = 20) was significantly lower than the control group (n = 20) (P = 0.0001). The mean time of the left atrium air bubbles occupation as mild (P = 0.004), moderate (P = 0.0001) and severe (P = 0.015) grading was significantly lower in CPAP group. CONCLUSIONS: By CPAP at 20 mbar during CPB in open heart surgery, de-airing process can be down in better quality and in significantly shorter time.