Rotation angle and contact surface loss were measured.

Results. The average neck rotation angle was 79 (range: 74 to 81). The superposition of the images taken in every rotational direction showed a wide contact loss between the correspondent C1-C2 articular surfaces (42.4%-85.7%; average: 70%). The report of these images, carried out by 3 independent radiologists, concluded that there was a rotatory subluxation in all these cases.

Conclusion. Our results coincide with our previous published ones conducted in children, and lead us to conclude that a CT scan showing wide-but incomplete rotational facet displacement is not sufficient Z-DEVD-FMK mw to define subluxation. We perceive that there is a risk of overdiagnosis

and overtreatment (C1-C2 arthrodesis) when

evaluating upper cervical spine rotational problems. The concept of both rotatory fixation and subluxation should be revised, and quantifying the rotational angle and contact surface loss between C1-C2 can be very useful.”
“Background and aim: Data regarding the incidence and risk factors for postoperative delirium (PD) after gastrointestinal surgery are heterogeneous because they include both benign and malignant disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for PD in 100 consecutive patients over 65 years who underwent colorectal surgery for carcinoma.

Methods: Pre-operative cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination. The onset of PD was diagnosed by the Confusion AZD6738 price Assessment Methods administered to the patients every 12 h starting from the first postoperative day to discharge. The severity of PD was also evaluated with the Delirium Rating Scale. Different www.selleckchem.com/autophagy.html parameters: pre-, intra- and postoperative, were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: PD developed in 18% of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that advanced age, a history of PD, alcohol abuse, lower blood albumin concentration, intra-operative hypotension, elevated

infusion volume and excessive blood loss were significantly related to the development of PD. On multivariate analysis, only lower levels of albumin, alcohol abuse, and hypotension were independent risk factors for PD.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that PD is a frequent complication after colorectal surgery for carcinoma. A model based on pre, intra and postoperative risk factors allows prediction of the patient’s risk for developing PD in order to implement preventive measures for this complication. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Hydrolysis modification of nitrile groups on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plate surfaces into carboxylic acid groups was investigated to find a new recipe for electroless copper plating of ABS plate surfaces without etching reactions using chromic acid and also without a palladium catalyst.