Characterization Methods to Determine Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) in Hydrogels.

Significant developments have been achieved with the invention of hydrogels. They are effective in many fields such as wastewater treatment, food, agriculture, pharmaceutical applications, and drug delivery. Although hydrogels have been used successfully in these areas, there is a need to make them better for future applications. Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) can be created to make hydrogels more adjustable and suitable for a specific purpose. IPN formation is an innovative approach for polymeric systems. It brings two or more polymer networks together with entanglements. The properties of IPNs are controlled by its chemistry, crosslinking density, and morphology. Therefore, it is necessary to understand characterization methods in order to detect the formation of IPN structure and to develop the properties of hydrogels. In recent studies, IPN structure in hydrogels has been determined via chemical, physical, and mechanical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and rheology methods. In this paper, these characterization methods will be explained, recent studies will be scrutinized, and the effectiveness of these methods to confirm IPN formation will be evaluated.

Pelvic Ring Fracture Management and Subsequent Pregnancy: A Summary of Current Literature.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of pelvic ring injuries is 34.3% per 100,000 capita. No studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. However, many obstetricians are generally unwilling to have their patients attempt a vaginal delivery in the setting of symphyseal or sacroiliac fixation. METHODS: An exhaustive search of the National Library of Medicine database was performed, and it is hypothesized that cesarean section rates would be higher for women who have a child after one of these pelvic ring injuries. RESULTS: There is a 15% increase in cesarean rates using data from the National Center for Health Statistics. In addition, there is an observable increase in new cesarean rates. DISCUSSION: Currently, there is no clear evidence to support an elective cesarean section as the sole indication after a prior pelvic fracture. To date, no studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. CONCLUSION: Thus, until the increased cesarean section rate has been explained, it could be problematic to counsel the patient to avoid a vaginal delivery after sustaining a pelvic ring fracture. Hence, conducting additional studies on this topic would deem to be necessary.

Financial Analysis of Preoperative Nasal Decolonization With Povidone-Iodine in Closed Pilon Fracture Definitive Fixation.

The purpose of this study is to determine the financial practicality for the use of nasal povidone-iodine (NP-I) in the preoperative holding area in attempt to decrease the rate of infection that is associated with operative fixation of closed pilon fractures. Institutional costs for treating postoperative infection following a closed pilon fracture, along with costs associated with preoperative NP-I use, were obtained. A break-even equation was used to analyze these costs to determine if the use of NP-I would decrease the current infection rate (17%) enough to be financially beneficial for routine use preoperatively. The total cost of treating a postoperative infection was found to be $18,912, with the cost of NP-I being $30 per patient dose. Considering a 17% infection rate and utilizing the break-even equation, NP-I was found to be economically viable if it decreased the current infection rate by 0.0016% (Number Needed to Treat = 63,051.7). This break-even model suggests that the use of NP-I in the preoperative holding area is financially beneficial for decreasing the rate of infection associated with the treatment of closed pilon fractures.

Arthroscopic Removal of Extra-Articular Foreign Bodies From the Shoulder: Inside-Out Technique.

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can be performed for retrieval of bullets and retained metallic fragments in the glenohumeral and subacromial spaces. Previous case reports and case series have demonstrated the effectiveness of an arthroscopic approach over an open procedure, as it is less invasive, allows for improved inspection and documentation of the joint surfaces and periarticular structures, and potentially leads to a faster recovery. An arthroscopic approach for extracting foreign bodies from both the quadrilateral space and the posterior extra-articular space by first accessing the glenohumeral space has yet to be described. This inside-out technique may afford surgeons the potential for improved visualization and less morbidity compared with a traditional open posterior approach. We report a technique for an arthroscopic inside-out approach for removal of extra-articular foreign bodies retained in either the quadrilateral space or the posterior extra-articular space.

The Radius of Curvature of the Inferior Distal Clavicle Is Similar to That of the Glenoid in Both the Axial and Coronal Planes and Similar to the Inferior Coracoid.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to use computed tomography (CT) scans to compare the radius of curvature (ROC) of the inferior concave surface of the distal clavicle to the glenoid, determine graft dimensions, and compare the ROC of the congruent-arc distal clavicle autograft (DCA) to the congruent-arc Latarjet graft. Methods: Patients who underwent bony glenoid reconstruction via a Laterjet procedure between January 2018 and January 2023 at a single institution were retrospectively identified. CT scans were used to measure the ROC of the glenoid on the axial and coronal sequences, measure the ROC of the distal clavicle on the sagittal oblique sequences, and determine the dimensions of the distal clavicle and coracoid graft. Results: A total of 42 patients were included (Latarjet, n = 22; control, n = 20). The mean ROC of the inferior surface of the distal clavicle was not significantly different from the ROC of the glenoid in the coronal (P = .15) or axial planes (P = .65). The ROC of the coracoid when measured in the sagittal plane was not significantly different from the ROC of the distal clavicle (P = .25). The length, depth, and surface area of the coracoid in the congruent arc orientation were significantly larger than the distal clavicle (P < .005). Patients in the control group tended to have both a larger inferior clavicle ROC and a larger coracoid ROC compared to the Latarjet group (32.8 mm vs 29.6 mm, P < .0001; 31.8 mm vs 30.9 mm, P = .02). Conclusions: The ROC of the inferior distal clavicle is similar to that of the glenoid in both the axial and coronal planes and similar to the inferior coracoid. Clinical Relevance: CT analysis reveals that the congruent-arc DCA technique provides a robust graft with dimensions that are suitable for reconstruction of the anterior glenoid.

Genome-wide analysis of the GDSL esterase/lipase family genes in Physcomitrium patens and the involvement of GELP31 in spore germination.

In plants, the ability to produce hydrophobic substances that would provide protection from dehydration was required for the transition to land. This genome-wide investigation outlines the evolution of GDSL-type esterase/lipase (GELP) proteins in the moss Physcomitrium patens and suggests possible functions of some genes. GELP proteins play roles in the formation of hydrophobic polymers such as cutin and suberin that protect against dehydration and pathogen attack. GELP proteins are also implicated in processes such as pollen development and seed metabolism and germination. The P. patens GELP gene family comprises 48 genes and 14 pseudogenes. Phylogenetic analysis of all P. patens GELP sequences along with vascular plant GELP proteins with reported functions revealed that the P. patens genes clustered within previously identified A, B and C clades. A duplication model predicting the expansion of the GELP gene family within the P. patens lineage was constructed. Expression analysis combined with phylogenetic analysis suggested candidate genes for functions such as defence against pathogens, cutin metabolism, spore development and spore germination. The presence of relatively fewer GELP genes in P. patens may reduce the occurrence of functional redundancy that complicates the characterization of vascular plant GELP genes. Knockout lines of GELP31, which is highly expressed in sporophytes, were constructed. Gelp31 spores contained amorphous oil bodies and germinated late, suggesting (a) role(s) of GELP31 in lipid metabolism in spore development or germination. Future knockout studies of other candidate GELP genes will further elucidate the relationship between expansion of the family and the ability to withstand the harsh land environment.

Longitudinal Models of Reading and Mathematics Achievement in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students.

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students often experience systemic barriers to academic success, especially low expectations of what they know and can do. Longitudinal data analysis is critical to understanding how academic achievement for DHH students progresses over time and where they may need additional support on their academic journey to achieve at the level of their hearing peers. This study provides an analysis of NWEA MAP® Growth™ data from grades 2 to 8 across seven reading and mathematics domains over a period of 5 years. Results indicate that both DHH and hearing students continue to build skills through this period, and that DHH students, contrary to many previously held assumptions, do not necessarily plateau in the elementary grades.

Drug penetration in pediatric brain tumors: Challenges and opportunities.

Larger clinical trial enrollments and a greater understanding of biological heterogeneity have led to improved survival rates for children diagnosed with brain tumors in the last 50 years. However, reducing long-term morbidities and improving survival rates of high-risk tumors remain major challenges. Chemotherapy can reduce tumor burden, but effective drug penetration at the tumor site is limited by barriers in the route of drug administration and within the tumor microenvironment. Bioavailability of drugs is impeded by the blood-brain barrier, plasma protein binding, and structural components by the tumor including the matrix and vasculature contributing to increased interstitial fluid pressure, hypoxia, and acidity. Designing drug delivery systems to circumvent these barriers could lead to improved drug penetration at the tumor site and reduce adverse systemic side effects. In this review, we expand on how systemic and local barriers limit drug penetration and present potential methods to enhance drug penetration in pediatric brain tumors.

Sensitization to Implant Components Is Associated with Joint Replacement Failure: Identification and Revision to Nonallergenic Hardware Improves Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Over 90% of one million annual US joint replacements are highly successful. Nonetheless, 10% do poorly owing to infection or mechanical issues. Many implant components are sensitizers, and sensitization could also contribute to implant failure. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of implant sensitization in joint failure patients, their clinical characteristics, and implant revision outcomes. We hypothesized that sensitized patients would improve when revised with nonallergenic materials. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 105 joint failure patients referred by orthopedic surgeons who had already excluded infection or mechanical causes. Patients provided informed consent, completed a history and physical examination, patch testing to metals and bone cement, and a nickel lymphocyte proliferation test. A study coordinator was able to contact 64% of patients (n = 67) 9 to 12 months later to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 59% were sensitized to an implant component: 32% to metal and 37% to bone cement. The nickel lymphocyte proliferation test was 60% sensitive and 96% specific in diagnosing nickel sensitization. Most sensitized subjects reported no or uncertain histories of reactions to a specific material. Implant sensitized patients were younger and reported previous eczema, joint itching, and implant loosening. By 9 to 12 months later, most patients with a revised implant (revised) described significant improvement (16 of 22 revised for sensitization [P = .0003] vs 9 of 13 revised without sensitization [P = .047]) compared with patients without implant revision). All revised patients with sensitization used components to which they were not sensitized. Pain (P = .001), swelling (P = .035), and instability (P = .006) were significantly reduced in the revised sensitized group. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to implant components is an important cause of unexplained joint replacement failure. Joint revisions based on sensitization information resulted in significant improvements.

Academic dishonesty: What impact does it have and what can faculty do?

Academic dishonesty occurs among nursing students at multiple levels of professional education programs. Studies have shown that students who commit dishonest acts in the educational setting may also commit dishonest acts as students in the clinical setting and as professionals in their practice setting. This lack of professional integrity may result in poor outcomes for patients as well as loss of trust from patients and from colleagues. Although multiple studies done among prelicensure nursing students explored academic dishonesty, there are few studies of academic integrity among nurse practitioner (NP) students. As advanced practice nurses, we need to understand the issues of academic dishonesty among NP students through further research. As faculty, we must act to prevent academic dishonesty and unethical behavior and to provide appropriate consequences when it occurs. It is also important that we consider ways to socialize students into ethical behavior to maintain trust in the profession. It is important that we respond to both students and colleagues who demonstrate a lack of integrity. All NPs must work to create a culture of professional integrity among students and members of the profession at every level.

Creating a legacy for future generations.

Creating a legacy is an important aspect of professional development. The Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners legacy award was established to honor nurse practitioners who have led the way throughout their lifetime. Their stories provide a road map for nurse practitioners to continue to lead the way into the future.

Mentoring: A vital link in nurse practitioner development.

Mentoring has been recognized in the discipline since the inception of nursing as a profession. The core elements of mentoring are a formal dyadic relationship, reciprocity, mutual respect, professional growth, personal development, trustworthiness, objectives, and a pathway to meet the objectives, clear expectations, shared values, personal connection, provision of a safe place for asking hard questions, navigation of roadblocks, and using lessons learned. Mentoring is important at all stages of professional development. Given that nursing is a profession dedicated to lifelong learning, mentoring can and should be employed at many stages of a career.

What Do We Know About Clodronate Now? A Medical and Veterinary Perspective.

There has recently been some controversy over the use of bisphosphonates in horses and some confusion regarding the different classes of bisphosphonates and the differences between the mechanism of actions and effects of each class. This review article explores the different bisphosphonate classes and their different effects and mechanisms of action based on research from both the human and equine veterinary fields. This collaborative review between veterinary surgeons and medical doctors describes the latest use of bisphosphonates in humans and horses, including safety aspects, and allows comparisons to be drawn between the two fields. Potential future uses of bisphosphonates are also discussed.

Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair with a Non-Woven Hernia Mesh.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is a commonly performed procedure with a variety of mesh options. A relatively new mesh option is a non-woven polypropylene mesh with a silicone barrier designed for intraabdominal placement. This non-woven randomly oriented polypropylene microfiber hernia mesh may have benefits with potentially better biocompatibility compared with other ventral hernia repair mesh options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical quality improvement (CQI) program was initiated for ventral hernia patients to better measure and improve outcomes. From March 2013 to September 2015, 62 laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs were performed with this non-woven polypropylene mesh on 61 patients (one patient had two separate hernia repairs). Attempts were made to obtain long-term (> 2 years) follow up. RESULTS: There were 36 females and 25 males. The average age was 58.7 years (range 21-85). The average body mass index (BMI) was 36.2 (range 21.4-62.4). There were 51 (82%) incisional hernias and 11 (18%) primary hernias. There were 29 (47%) recurrent hernias. Mean hernia size was 83.4cm2 (range 1-400) and mean mesh size was 508.5cm2 (range 144-936). The mean operating room (OR) time was 108.2 minutes (range 38-418). The mean length of hospital stay was 2.7 days (range 0-13). There was one intraoperative complication-an injury to an inferior epigastric vessel that had a minor postoperative bleed that was self-limiting and required no treatment. There was one postoperative death due to aspiration on postoperative day #4. There has been one recurrence (1.6%) with long-term follow up. There were two patients (3.2%) with suture site pain postoperatively that resolved with suture site injections of local anesthetic in the clinic. There were no patients that required rehospitalization within 30 days after surgery. There were no mesh-related complications and no incidence of mesh removal was required. CONCLUSION: The results for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, using a relatively new non-woven randomly oriented polypropylene microfiber mesh, are good with long-term follow up completed in the majority of patients. More experience with this type of mesh could generate evidence for the benefits of this mesh material in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

The Value Proposition for Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: How to Make It Work.

BACKGROUND: The challenge for health care in the 21st century is to understand how to measure and improve value in the context of each patient care process for the entire cycle of care. For patients who undergo an abdominal wall reconstruction, there is a great opportunity to improve value because of the high cost and variability in outcomes for this complex operation. METHODS: For almost a decade, our hernia team has been applying the principles of systems and data science to actual patient care. Tools from systems and data science applied to patient care include clinical quality improvement and nonlinear analytical methods such as factor analysis. The most important outcome to measure and improve is the value of care provided for the entire cycle of care. RESULTS: Many measurement and improvement ideas have been applied to the abdominal wall reconstruction process in our hernia program, including the use of a less costly long-term resorbable mesh, multimodal pain management and enhanced recovery process improvement ideas, and surgical technique improvements that have led to decreased wound complications and the elimination of abdominal wall drains. More recently, the data analysis has shown an opportunity to improve outcomes through a robust prehabilitation program, including cognitive therapy to induce neural rewiring before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Improving value for patients who undergo abdominal wall reconstruction and for all patients in our global health care system should be a unifying goal. Understanding and applying systems and data science tools appropriately are necessary to achieve this goal.

Small Rho GTPases and the Effector VipA Mediate the Invasion of Epithelial Cells by Filamentous Legionella pneumophila.

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) exhibits different morphologies with varying degrees of virulence. Despite their detection in environmental sources of outbreaks and in respiratory tract secretions and lung autopsies from patients, the filamentous morphotype of Lp remains poorly studied. We previously demonstrated that filamentous Lp invades lung epithelial cells (LECs) and replicates intracellularly in a Legionella containing vacuole. Filamentous Lp activates ß1integrin and E-cadherin receptors at the surface of LECs leading to the formation of actin-rich cell membrane structures we termed hooks and membrane wraps. These structures entrap segments of an Lp filament on host cell surface and mediate bacterial internalization. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for the actin rearrangements needed for the formation and elongation of these membrane wraps and bacterial internalization. We combined genetic and pharmacological approaches to assess the contribution of signaling downstream of ß1integrin and E-cadherin receptors, and Lp Dot/Icm secretion system- translocated effectors toward the invasion process. Our studies demonstrate a multi-stage mechanism of LEC invasion by filamentous Lp. Bacterial attachment to host cells depends on signaling downstream of ß1integrin and E-cadherin activation, leading to Rho GTPases-dependent activation of cellular actin nucleating proteins, Arp2/3 and mDia. This mediates the formation of primordial membrane wraps that entrap the filamentous bacteria on the cell surface. Following this, in a second phase of the invasion process the Dot/Icm translocated effector VipA mediates rapid membrane wrap elongation, leading to the engulfment of the filamentous bacteria by the LECs. Our findings provide the first description of Rho GTPases and a Dot/Icm effector VipA regulating the actin dynamics needed for the invasion of epithelial cells by Lp.

Clinical and laboratory factors contributing to uninterpretable beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPT).

BACKGROUND: The beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), has become the principal clinical test for detecting beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease. Uninterpretable BeLPT results can occur in a small but significant proportion of tests from poor lymphocyte growth (PG) or over proliferation of lymphocytes (OP). The clinical and laboratory causes of uninterpretable results are not known. METHODS: BeLPT data from the US Department of Energy-supported Former Worker Screening Program were analyzed for a 10-year period. Drivers of uninterpretable BeLPTs were investigated using multivariable models and classification techniques. RESULTS: Three participant attributes were significantly associated with PG, while OP showed no significant associations. Serum lot for the lymphocyte growth medium accounted for 21% of the variation in PG and 16% in OP. CONCLUSION: Serum lots influence the likelihood of having uninterpretable BeLPT. To better understand uninterpretable results and possibly reduce their occurrence, additional laboratory-related factors should be addressed.

Improving prescribing practices: A pharmacist-led educational intervention for nurse practitioner students.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess impact of a pharmacist-led educational intervention on family nurse practitioner (FNP) students' prescribing skills, perception of preparedness to prescribe, and perception of pharmacist as collaborator. METHOD: Prospective pre-post assessment of a 14-week educational intervention in an FNP program in the spring semester of 2014. Students participated in an online module of weekly patient cases and prescriptions emphasizing legal requirements, prescription accuracy, and appropriate therapy. A pharmacist facilitator provided formative feedback on students' submissions. Participants completed a matched assessment on prescription writing before and after the module, and a retrospective postsurvey then presurvey to collect perceptions. CONCLUSION: There was significant improvement in performance on error identification and demonstration of prescription elements from preassessment to postassessment (+17%, p < .001). The mean performance on both assessments was less than the 70% passing score. Students reported significant positive changes in perceptions, including all statements regarding their preparedness to prescribe and those addressing willingness to collaborate with pharmacists. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Formative education on prescribing enhanced students' understanding of safe and effective medication use with improved recognition and avoidance of prescribing errors, although it did not result in competency. Exposure to pharmacist expertise in this area may encourage collaboration in practice.