Predictable fibroblast tension generation by measuring compaction of anchored collagen matrices using microscopy and optical coherence tomography.

The anchored fibroblast-populated collagen matrix (aFPCM) is an appropriate model to study fibrocontractive disease mechanisms. Our goal was to determine if aFPCM height reduction (compaction) during development is sufficient to predict tension generation. Compaction was quantified daily by both traditional light microscopy and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system.

Use of Polycaprolactone Electrospun Nanofibers as a Coating for Poly(methyl methacrylate) Bone Cement.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement has limited biocompatibility. Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofiber (ENF) has many applications in the biomedical field due to its excellent biocompatibility and degradability. The effect of coating PCL ENF on the surface topography, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength of PMMA bone cement is not currently known.

Plasma nitriding of titanium alloy: Effect of roughness, hardness, biocompatibility, and bonding with bone cement.

Titanium (Ti) alloys have been widely used in orthopedics and orthodontic surgeries as implants because of their beneficial chemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Improvement of these properties of a Ti alloy, Ti-6Al-4V Eli, is possible by the use of plasma nitriding treatment on the Ti alloy. The novelty of this study is the evaluation of a DC glow discharge nitrogen plasma treatment method on the surface, mechanical and biological properties of Ti alloy.

Peen treatment on a titanium implant: effect of roughness, osteoblast cell functions, and bonding with bone cement.

Implant failure due to poor integration of the implant with the surrounding biomaterial is a common problem in various orthopedic and orthodontic surgeries. Implant fixation mostly depends upon the implant surface topography. Micron to nanosize circular-shaped groove architecture with adequate surface roughness can enhance the mechanical interlock and osseointegration of an implant with the host tissue and solve its poor fixation problem.

CLINICAL AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF INSULIN DELIVERY WITH V-GO(®) DISPOSABLE INSULIN DELIVERY DEVICE VERSUS MULTIPLE DAILY INJECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES INADEQUATELY CONTROLLED ON BASAL INSULIN.

Objective: To compare two methods of delivering intensified insulin therapy (IIT) in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin ± concomitant antihyperglycemic agents in a real-world clinical setting.

Methods: Data for this retrospective study were obtained using electronic medical records from a large multicenter diabetes system. Records were queried to identify patients transitioned to V-Go(®) disposable insulin delivery device (V-Go) or multiple daily injections (MDI) using an insulin pen to add prandial insulin when A1C was >7% on basal insulin therapy.

Use of V-Go Insulin Delivery Device in Patients with Sub-optimally Controlled Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Analysis from a Large Specialized Diabetes System.

Introduction: Tight glycemic control and timely treatment can improve outcomes in patients with diabetes yet many remain sub-optimally controlled. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of switching patients with sub-optimally controlled diabetes to the V-Go (Valeritas Inc., Bridgewater, NJ, USA) Disposable Insulin Delivery device.

Effect of additive particles on mechanical, thermal, and cell functioning properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) cement.

The most common bone cement material used clinically today for orthopedic surgery is poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Conventional PMMA bone cement has several mechanical, thermal, and biological disadvantages. To overcome these problems, researchers have investigated combinations of PMMA bone cement and several bioactive particles (micrometers to nanometers in size), such as magnesium oxide, hydroxyapatite, chitosan, barium sulfate, and silica.

A new bioassay identifies proliferation ratios of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts.

Myofibroblasts are resident cells of wound healing, contractures and fibroses; these tissues are often referred to as fibroproliferative. Whether myofibroblasts themselves proliferate is of interest. Since many in vitro cultures are heterogeneous, staining in situ is required to identify the myofibroblast.

Sexual abuse prevention: a training program for developmental disabilities service providers.

Persons with developmental disabilities are at an increased risk for becoming victims of sexual abuse. Research has revealed that the largest group of identified perpetrators of sexual abuse is developmental disability service providers. The purpose of the present study was to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a sexual abuse prevention training program.

The interplay of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in children.

Objective: To review and critically evaluate the association between sleep, anxiety, and depression in children and provide recommendations for future research.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE and PsychINFO computerized databases and bibliographies of relevant articles.

Results: A surprisingly small but growing research base exists on the relation between sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression in pediatric populations.

College dating and social anxiety: using the Internet as a means of connecting to others.

With the advent and widespread use of the Internet, various online media are being used to connect and maintain social relationships in individuals of all ages. Social relationships are vital to healthy development, and individuals with social and/or dating anxiety may have marked difficulty in establishing appropriate, supportive relationships because of fear of negative evaluation by others. For these individuals, the Internet may open avenues of communication and provide an outlet through which relationships can be formed and preserved.