Disaster preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities.

Disaster experiences and explorations of preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans (APIDA) in the United States are often overlooked owing to their relatively smaller population share. APIDA are not homogenous, and their disaster experiences warrant further examination. This paper does so by investigating disaster preparedness using disaggregated information about APIDA. The study utilises nationally representative data from the 2017 American Housing Survey, analysing sociodemographic covariates. The disaster preparedness score among APIDA communities was approximately 4.81 on a zero to nine scale. APIDA renters and non-US citizens were less prepared than homeowners and US citizens. Among subgroups, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese respondents who were non-US citizens were less prepared than those who were US citizens. Marital status was significantly and positively associated with preparedness among Indians, Japanese, Vietnamese, and multiracial respondents. The findings underscore the importance of data disaggregation and tailored preparedness information and resources to address specific challenges APIDA communities face instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

A Questionnaire Survey of Current Practice in the Management of Internal Mammary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer.

Nita S. NairBackground Radiotherapy (RT) is an important modality in the management of breast cancers (BC). Large randomized trials have suggested that prophylactic regional nodal irradiation inclusive of internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLN) reduces BC-related mortality. However, the adoption of IMLN-RT has been variable due to relative benefits and toxicity concerns. Methods A survey was emailed to radiation oncologists (ROs) across the country wherein they were asked about their practice regarding IMLN-RT in BC. Results We received 128 responses, which included radiation oncologists across both private institutions (PIs) and government institutions (GIs). Fifty-six (43.8%) routinely offer prophylactic(p) IMLN-RT and an additional 15 (11.71%) suggested they would have offered it in the absence of logistic constraints. Almost all, 121 (94.5%) radiate the IMLN in case of radiologically positive lymph nodes (LNs). Fifty-six ROs (43.8%) offered prophylactic IMLN-RT in node-negative disease. Among those who did not offer IMLN-RT, most (84.72%) felt the clinical evidence was equivocal. Of the 56 who offered pIMLN-RT, 34/56 (60.71%) offered to locally advanced tumors, 20/56 (35.71%) offered to all inner and central tumors (ICQT), 29/56 (51.78%) to > 4 axillary LN-positive and 9/56 (16.07%) to any axillary LN-positive. The majority, i.e., 36/56 (64.28%) radiated upper three intercostal spaces, 9 (16.07%) radiated upper five intercostal spaces, and 6 (10.9%) decided based on tumor location, while 5 (9%) irradiated one space below the involved space. Overall, simulation-based planning was undertaken in 99% of PIs as opposed to 89% of GIs ( p = 0.03). The majority of ROs, i.e., 92 (72.4%) preferred IMRT to IMLN-RT. In addition, the surgical approach to IMLN was practiced by surgeons at 18 (14%) centers, of which 13 (72.22%) operated the IMLN when radiologically evident. The IMLN dissection was preferentially performed for second and third intercostal spaces as suggested in 10 (55.55%) responses, while 8 (44.44%) performed thoracoscopic dissection of the IMLN chain. The distribution of prophylactic, definitive IMLN-RT, and IMLN dissection did not differ significantly between GI and PI ( p = NS). Conclusion pIMLN-RT is still not the standard protocol in most centers citing equivocal evidence in the literature. Logistics, though different in GIs and PIs, did not impact the decision of pIMLN-RT. Further efforts would be required to standardize practice in IMLN across India.

Examining the Utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) among Children in the Nigeria Context.

An estimated 6 million children under the age of five in Nigeria (out of nearly 31 million) risk not reaching their full developmental potential. The dearth of context-relevant measures poses a challenge to the planning and implementation of effective interventions. This study assesses the utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) in Nigeria. We used the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to track progress among 3- to 4-year-old children (n = 11,073); 3-year-old, 51%; female, 49%. Using random calibration samples, the results from psychometric tests indicate that while over half of the children were on track in their development based on the ECDI, the instrument had low to average internal consistency and weak face validity, suggesting an inadequacy in capturing ECD information of value. At the outset of the launch of the new ECDI2030, the results of this study point to the need for continued discourse and advocacy for the use of culturally appropriate measures of child development, and a child-centered community engagement approach. This is essential in ensuring accountability and responsive interventions for the children served and their families.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Young and Adolescents: Alike or Unlike Adult Hyperparathyroidism? - A Series from South India.

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine condition but rare in the pediatric and adolescent populations. The presentations can be unique, accounting for significant morbidity in the case of untimely detection. Aim: To study surgically treated pediatric PHPT retrospectively. Methods: Surgically treated children of PHPT up to 20 years of age between 2010 to 2022 were analyzed. All of them were operated on by an endocrine surgeon and team. Results: There was a total of 712 parathyroidectomies over 12 years, out of which there were 52 children (7.3%) had PHPT at less than 20 years of age. This group included 32 male children. The mean age was 16.1 years, including 7 cases of neonatal severe HPT. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 was confirmed in 12 children. Presentations were more severe like bone pain (35.13%), renal stones (27.02%), incidental asymptomatic detection (18.9%), failure to thrive (10.8%), and pancreatitis (8.1%) as compared to adults. Mean serum calcium was 12.9 mg/dl (highest-14.1, N-8.8-10.8 mg/dl), mean parathormone levels were 386.91 pg/ml (N-10-65) and vitamin D levels ranged from 2.9-22.8 ng/ml. Localization was done with ultrasound and 99mTc- SESTAMIBI scans. Mean serum calcium levels in NSPHPT were 28.6 mg/dl (N-8.8-10.8 mg/dl). There were a total of 45 cases (6.32%) of PHPT less than 20 years of age, excluding the cases of NSPHPT. All children underwent parathyroidectomy, with 14 cases having an additional thymectomy, 2 cases with thyroidectomy, and a single case of hemithyroidectomy. The cure rate was 97.3%, while one baby with NSPHPT had persistent disease (postop PTH-110 pg/ml). The uniglandular disease was seen in 54.05% and the rest had a multiglandular disease. Adults accounted for 559/660 cases with 80% uniglandular disease. All cases had a postoperative histopathological confirmation with an average follow-up of 1 year. Conclusion: Childhood PHPT has a few features same as the adult population. Symptomatic presentations like adults, though pancreatitis and fatigue were more commonly seen as compared to bone pain. Calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone levels were comparable. Uniglandular involvement was seen just like the adult population. There are a few others that make them a distinct subtype like their symptoms of bone pain and being more common among boys. One-fourth of them had MEN1. Fewer cases in this age group make them unique.

Indoor air pollution and cognitive function among older adults in India: a multiple mediation approach through depression and sleep disorders.

BACKGROUND: Studies across multiple countries reveal that depression and sleep disorders can lead to cognitive decline. This study aims to speculate on the effect of different sources of indoor air pollution on cognition and to explore the mediation effect of depression and sleep disorders on cognition when exposed to indoor air pollution. We hypothesize that an older adult experiences higher cognitive decline from indoor pollution when mediated by depression and sleep disorders. METHODS: We use data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017-2018, and employ a multiple mediation model to understand the relationship between indoor air pollution and cognition through sleep disorders and depression while adjusting for possible confounders. Sensitivity analysis was applied to see the effect of different sources of indoor pollution (cooking fuel, indoor smoke products, and secondhand smoke) on cognitive performance. RESULTS: The effect of three sources of indoor pollutants on cognition increased when combined, indicating stronger cognitive decline. Unclean cooking practices, indoor smoke (from incense sticks and mosquito coils), and secondhand smoke were strongly associated with sleep disorders and depression among older adults. Indoor air pollution was negatively associated with cognitive health (ß= -0.38) while positively associated with depression (ß= 0.18) and sleep disorders (ß= 0.038) acting as mediators. Sensitivity analysis explained 45% variability while adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION: The study lays a foundation for future investigations into the nexus of indoor pollution and mental health. It is essential to formulate policies to reduce exposure to varying sources of indoor air pollutants and improve screening for mental health services as a public health priority.

Age-Friendly and Climate Resilient Communities: A Grey-Green Alliance.

The world's population is aging while the Earth's climate is warming. The climate change crisis poses threats to our aging population and requires concerted action. Steps to address these threats present opportunities for improving livability for people of all ages while addressing the underlying drivers of climate change. Yet prominent action frameworks such as the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities do not explicitly include climate resilience and sustainability as essential elements of age-friendly communities. In this essay, we argue for the creation of a cross-cutting and interdependent sustainability and climate resilience domain to complement the existing interconnected WHO age-friendly domains of community and healthcare, communication and information, housing, civic participation and employment, outdoor spaces and buildings, social participation, respect and social inclusion, and transportation. These domains drive the community engagement, planning, action, and evaluation required by the communities who join the Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. The age-friendly network currently includes 1,445 communities, across 51 countries. We discuss how the alignment of age-friendly and climate resilience networks strengthens local action and global advocacy through a shared vision for an age-friendly and climate resilient future.

Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Air Pollution and Neighborhood Disadvantage on Self-Rated Health among Adults in the United States: Evidence from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics.

BACKGROUND: Although overall air quality has improved in the United States, air pollution remains unevenly distributed across neighborhoods, producing disproportionate environmental burdens for minoritized and socioeconomically disadvantaged residents for whom greater exposure to other structurally rooted neighborhood stressors is also more frequent. These interrelated dynamics and layered vulnerabilities each have well-documented associations with physical and psychological health outcomes; however, much remains unknown about the joint effects of environmental hazards and neighborhood socioeconomic factors on self-reported health status. OBJECTIVES: We examined the nexus of air pollution exposure, neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, and self-rated health (SRH) among adults in the United States. METHODS: This observational study used individual-level data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics merged with contextual information, including neighborhood socioeconomic and air pollution data at the census tract and census block levels, spanning the period of 1999-2015. We estimated ordinary least squares regression models predicting SRH by 10-y average exposures to fine particulate matter [particles ≤2.5µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage while controlling for individual-level correlates of health. We also investigated the interaction effects of air pollution and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on SRH. RESULTS: On average, respondents in our sample rated their health as 3.41 on a scale of 1 to 5. Respondents in neighborhoods with higher 10-y average PM2.5 concentrations or socioeconomic disadvantage rated their health more negatively after controlling for covariates [ß=-0.024 (95% CI: -0.034, -0.014); ß=-0.107 (95% CI: -0.163, -0.052), respectively]. We also found that the deleterious associations of PM2.5 exposure with SRH were weaker in the context of greater neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (ß=0.007; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.011). DISCUSSION: Study results indicate that the effects of air pollution on SRH may be less salient in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods compared with more advantaged areas, perhaps owing to the presence of other more proximate structurally rooted health risks and vulnerabilities in disinvested areas (e.g., lack of economic resources, health access, healthy food options). This intersection may further underscore the importance of meaningful involvement and political power building among community stakeholders on issues concerning the nexus of environmental and socioeconomic justice, particularly in structurally marginalized communities. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11268.

Preservation of parathyroid glands during thyroid and neck surgery.

The parathyroid glands are situated in close proximity to the thyroid gland. They have an important endocrine function maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body by the secretion of parathormone (PTH), which is responsible for this function. The parathyroid glands are commonly damaged during thyroid surgeries. This could lead to transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism in 30% of cases. Preservation of the parathyroid glands, is an important and integral part of thyroidectomy and other surgical interventions in the neck. The main principle underlying this is a thorough understanding of parathyroid anatomy in relation to the thyroid gland and other important structures in the area. There can also be significant variation in the anatomical location of the glands. Various techniques and methods have been described for parathyroid preservation. They include intraoperative identification utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence, carbon nanoparticles, loupes, and microscopes. The techniques of surgery (meticulous capsular dissection), expertise, central compartment neck dissection, preoperative vitamin D deficiency, extent and type of thyroidectomy are the risk factors associated with damaged thyroids, inadvertent parathyroidectomy and subsequent hypoparathyroidism. Parathyroid Autotransplantation is a treatment option for inadvertent parathyroidectomy. Ultimately, the best way to assure normal parathyroid function is to preserve them in situ intraoperatively undamaged.

Child Welfare System-Level Factors Associated with All-Cause Mortality Among Children in Foster Care in the United States, 2009-2018.

Little is known about the impact of child welfare system-level factors on child mortality as an outcome within foster care. Using data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, 2009-2018, we examined the associations between county-level sociodemographic, foster care performance, and judicial reform characteristics with all-cause mortality rates. Results of random effects negative binomial regression analyses showed that higher proportions of younger children (<1 year: IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.02, 1.11]; 5-9 years: IRR = 1.05, 95% CI [1.01, 1.09]); children of color (i.e., non-Hispanic Asian: IRR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.01, 1.13]; multiracial: IRR = 1.03, 95% CI [1.01, 1.04]; non-Hispanic Black: IRR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.01, 1.02]; Hispanic: IRR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.01, 1.02]); and male children (IRR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.05, 1.15]) were associated with higher mortality risks at the county level. Current class action lawsuits (IRR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.63, 0.99]) and active consent decrees (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI [0.63, 0.94]) were associated with lower mortality risks. None of the foster care performance characteristics (e.g., foster care entry, placement stability, permanency) were associated with mortality risks. These findings have implications for addressing health disparities and reforming foster care systems through programmatic and policy efforts.

Regional Research-Practice-Policy Partnerships in Response to Climate-Related Disparities: Promoting Health Equity in the Pacific.

Although climate change poses a threat to health and well-being globally, a regional approach to addressing climate-related health equity may be more suitable, appropriate, and appealing to under-resourced communities and countries. In support of this argument, this commentary describes an approach by a network of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to promoting climate-related health equity in Small Island Developing States and low- and middle-income countries in the Pacific. We identify three primary sets of needs related to developing a regional capacity to address physical and mental health disparities through research, training, and assistance in policy and practice implementation: (1) limited healthcare facilities and qualified medical and mental health providers; (2) addressing the social impacts related to the cooccurrence of natural hazards, disease outbreaks, and complex emergencies; and (3) building the response capacity and resilience to climate-related extreme weather events and natural hazards.

Antimicrobial mechanisms of biomaterials: from macro to nano.

Overcoming the global concern of antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest challenges faced by scientists today, and the key to tackling this issue of emerging infectious diseases is the development of next-generation antimicrobials. The rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, superbugs and mutated strains of viruses has fuelled the search for new and alternative antimicrobial agents with broad-spectrum biocidal activity. Biomaterials, ranging from macroscopic polymers, proteins, and peptides to nanoscale materials such as nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanosheets have emerged as effective antimicrobials. An extensive body of research has established the antibacterial and antiviral efficiencies of different types of biomaterials. What make these materials unique are the different modes through which they interact and exert their antimicrobial activity. This review provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the diverse modes of interaction between biomaterials and bacteria and viruses, and sheds light on how different biomaterials influence and modulate antimicrobial mechanisms to achieve a high degree of therapeutic efficacy without resistance generation.

Race and Ethnicity in the Social Work Grand Challenges.

Race, ethnicity, and racism (RER) are interconnected with the critical problems tackled in the Grand Challenges for Social Work (GCSW). Yet, the extent to which the GCSW discuss the central role of RER is less clear. This article investigates how the GCSW integrate RER in their discourse. Using content analysis, authors examined all 21 concept papers that comprise the 12 initial GCSW to determine their attention to RER. Authors assessed whether each paper made any reference to race or ethnicity, whether race or ethnicity was considered as a primary theme, and whether racism was mentioned. Nine GCSW had at least one paper that mentioned race or ethnicity; seven had at least one paper that treated race and ethnicity as a major construct. Five GCSW contained at least one paper that discussed racism's impacts on their topical interests. None of the papers analyzed in the study defined or specified their conceptualization of racism. The GCSW are strategically positioned to widen and deepen social work's focus on RER, and the recent adoption of the 13th GCSW to "Eliminate racism" is an important first step. Authors encourage the social work field to embrace a more explicit, renewed, and continued commitment to eradicating systemic racism.

Potassium losing, aldosterone producing adrenocortical carcinoma: a rare presentation.

Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare malignancies with an incidence of one to two per million per year. Aldosterone-producing ACCs (APACs) are extremely rare with an incidence less than 1%. We describe a rare case of APAC, presenting with episodic lower-limb weakness and hypertension. Our patient was found to have serum aldosterone levels of 20.8 ng/dL (2.5-15.2) with persistent hypokalaemia and a 9.7×8.3×7.7 cm right adrenal mass, which was suspicious of malignancy on evaluation. He underwent a complete surgical resection which confirmed the diagnosis of ACC and normalised his aldosterone and potassium levels. He was then subjected to postoperative chemotherapy. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with mitotane has a role in preventing recurrence.

Neonatal Severe Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Series of Four Cases and their Long-term Management in India.

CONTEXT: Neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism (NSPHPT) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder, requiring a high index of suspicion. Infants affected with this disorder present with severe life-threatening hypercalcemia early in life, requiring adequate preoperative medical management followed by surgery. AIMS: We report four newborns with NSPHPT who were managed over 10 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Demography, clinical presentation, treatment, and follow-up data were retrospectively studied with descriptive analysis to highlight the utility of long-term medical management, surgery, and genetic testing reported in the literature. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive Analysis. RESULTS: We had three males and one female infant with a mean age of diagnosis at 28.7 days, calcium 29.2+/-2.8 mg/dL, and parathormone (PTH) 1963+/-270.4 pg/mL. All four infants presented with failure to thrive, hypotonia, and respiratory distress. All infants were treated medically followed by total parathyroidectomy plus transcervical thymectomy, with an additional hemithyroidectomy in one of them. Imaging was negative in all four cases. Three babies became hypocalcemic while the fourth infant had a drop in PTH and is on the tab. cinacalcet 30 mg/day. CaSR mutation was positive in three infants. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosing NSPHPT needs expert clinical acumen. It requires emergency medical management to control calcium levels. The crisis may present later, necessitating parathyroidectomy in these cases once the child is fit for surgery. Surgery offers a cure for this unusual lethal hypercalcemia while the role of cinacalcet needs a special mention. Sound knowledge in endocrinology with parathyroid embryology and morphology is of paramount importance. Our case series might add a few insights into managing this unusual genetic disorder.

Prevalence and implications of thyroid related embryological remnants: A prospective study of 1118 total thyroidectomies.

CONTEXT: Modern thyroid surgery has undergone a paradigm shift from subtotal thyroidectomy to an extended total thyroidectomy (TT) even for benign disorders. This entails removal of all embryological remnants even in benign disorders. AIMS: To study the prevalence of various embryological remnants of the thyroid and surgical utility and implications in preventing complications. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective study of total thyroidectomies done by a single endocrine surgeon by standardized technique. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A detailed search of all embryological rests including Pyramidal tract (PT), Tubercle of Zuckerkandl (TZ), and Thyro-thymic thyroid rests (TTR) were done in 1118 patients undergoing TT over 6 years. The cases with and without TTR were divided as Group A and B, respectively. Their prevalence and impact on parathyroid preservation and other clinical parameters were analysed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analyses. RESULTS: Out of the 1118 TT cases, TTR was seen in 230 (20.57%) cases, TZ in 598 (53.48%), cases and PT in 641 (57.33%) cases. Among group-A (n = 230), 213 had unilateral and 17 had bilateral TTR with 51 (22.17%) having retrosternal extension. Compressive symptoms, presence of TZ and PT were also significantly higher in group A. On follow up the incidence of temporary hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in group-A, where as permanent hypoparathyroidism, temporary and permanent vocal cord palsy were comparable between the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Embryological remnants related to thyroid are not uncommonly encountered during total thyroidectomy. A thorough search and complete removal is crucial for the successful outcome of the procedure.

A natural disaster and intimate partner violence: Evidence over time.

Natural disasters affect about 200 million people annually. Heightened intimate partner violence (IPV) is a gendered impact of these disruptive events. This study examines prevalence and correlates of IPV in four Indian states-TamilNadu, Kerala, AndhraPradesh, and Karnataka-before and after the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Drawing on three waves of National Family Health Surveys of India-six years before, immediately after, and a decade after disaster, this paper evaluates if TamilNadu and Kerala (severely affected) exhibited higher prevalence of IPV than AndhraPradesh (moderately affected) and Karnataka (not directly affected). Logistic regression analyses determine association between IPV, state of residence (proxy for experience of disaster), and other covariates. To test hypotheses guided by vulnerability theory, IPV was regressed on socio-economic and demographic predictors for states across waves. IPV increased by 48% between 2005 and 2015. Increase in physical (61%) and sexual (232%) violence was highest in TamilNadu; emotional violence increased by 122% in Karnataka. State of residence was associated with IPV in the aftermath of disaster. In 2005, compared to Karnataka, odds of IPV were 98% higher in TamilNadu and 41% higher in Kerala. A decade after, odds were two times higher in TamilNadu than in Karnataka. Belonging to disadvantaged groups predicted higher odds of IPV in the year after disaster. Higher socio-economic status predicted lower odds of IPV, except in Kerala. Data point to ways in which socio-economic and demographic vulnerabilities factor into risk of IPV after disaster. Demographic factors of religion and caste appear to lose significance over time, but socio-economic factors continue to matter. Disaster response strategies seldom work without tackling long-standing inequities. Appropriate support systems for women and minorities in non-disaster situations are critical to ensure their conditions are not exacerbated.

Engineered Three-Dimensional Scaffolds Modulating Fate of Breast Cancer Cells Using Stiffness and Morphology Related Cell Adhesion.

Goal: Artificially engineering the tumor microenvironment in vitro as a vital tool for understanding the mechanism of tumor progression. In this study, we developed three-dimensional cell scaffold systems with different topographical features and mechanical properties but similar surface chemistry. The cell behavior was modulated by the topography and mechanical properties of the scaffold. Methods: Adenocarcinoma (MCF7), triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) and premalignant (MCF10AneoT) breast cancer cells were seeded on the scaffold systems. The cell viability, cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interactions were analyzed. The preferential growth and alignment of specific population of cells were demonstrated. Results: Among the different scaffolds, triple-negative breast cancer cells preferred honeycomb scaffolds while adenocarcinoma cells favored mesh scaffolds and premalignant cells preferred the aligned scaffolds. Conclusions: The 3D model system developed here can be used to support growth of only specific cell populations or for the growth of tumors. This model can be used for understanding the topographical and mechanical features affecting tumorigenesis, cancer cell growth and migration behavior of malignant and metastatic cancer cells.

Electrospun acellular scaffolds for mimicking the natural anisotropy of the extracellular matrix.

In tissue engineering, the use of scaffolds helps establish a synergistic relationship between the scaffolds and the tissues by improving cell-scaffold interaction. This interaction is enhanced when physiologically relevant biophysical cues are replicated in the artificial scaffolds. Here, we present a novel scaffold that mimics the natural anisotropy of the native extracellular matrix of tissues, fabricated by electrospinning a combination of three polymers: polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyaniline (PANI). The scaffolds were characterized for their morphology, surface and mechanical properties. Rat cardiomyoblast (H9c2) cells, cultured on the PCL-PANI-PVDF scaffold, demonstrated cell alignment, penetration and proliferation across the entire surface area of the scaffold without any external chemical or physical stimuli. The PCL-PANI-PVDF scaffold, unlike other scaffolds, does not require post-processing or specific temperature conditions of storage, prior to use. These acellular scaffolds fabricated through polymer blending, open new avenues for research on functional acellular scaffolds for tissue engineering, based on synthetic materials.

Investigative Study on Nitric Oxide Production in Human Dermal Fibroblast Cells under Normal and High Glucose Conditions.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major health problem associated with diabetes mellitus. Impaired nitric oxide (NO) production has been shown to be a major contributor to the dysregulation of healing in DFU. The level of impairment is not known primarily due to challenges with measuring NO. Herein, we report the actual level of NO produced by human dermal fibroblasts cultured under normal and high glucose conditions. Fibroblasts produce the extracellular matrix, which facilitate the migration of keratinocytes to close wounds. The results show that NO production was significantly higher in normal glucose compared to high glucose conditions. The real-time NO detected was compared to the nitrite present in the culture media and there was a direct correlation between real-time NO and nitrite in normal glucose conditions. However, real-time NO detection and nitrite measurement did not correlate under high glucose conditions. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme responsible for NO production was upregulated in normal and high glucose conditions and the proliferation rate of fibroblasts was not statistically different in all the treatment groups. Relying only on nitrite to assess NO production is not an accurate determinant of the NO present in the wound bed in pathological states such as diabetes mellitus.