The effect of high outflow permeability in asymmetric poly(dl-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) conduits for peripheral nerve regeneration.

This study attempted to accelerate the peripheral nerve regeneration, using the high outflow rate of asymmetric poly(dl-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nerve conduits. Asymmetric PLGA nerve conduits of monomer ratio 85/15 were prepared by immersion-precipitation method to serve as possible materials. In this study, mandrels were immersed into a 20% (wt/wt) of PLGA/1,4-dioxane solution and precipitated in a non-solvent bath followed by freeze-drying.

Low-intensity-ultrasound-accelerated nerve regeneration using cell-seeded poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) conduits: an in vivo and in vitro study.

This study investigated the effects of low intensity ultrasound on seeded Schwann cells within poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) conduits by in vitro and in vivo trials for peripheral nerve regeneration. The possible differences in the ultrasonic effects when using biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials as the conduits were also studied, using silicone rubber tubes as comparisons. In the in vitro study, seeded Schwann cells were cultured in serum deprivation culture medium that simulated the environment of mechanical trauma on injury nerve site.

Calvarial bone response to a tricalcium phosphate-genipin crosslinked gelatin composite.

A biodegradable composite which was composed of genipin cross-linked gelatin mixing with tricalcium phosphate ceramic particles (GGT) was developed as a bone substitute. This study was evaluated by the biological response of rabbit calvarial bone to assess the potential of the GGT composite as a biodegradable and osteoconductive bone substitute. Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were used for cranial implantation.

Fabrication and evaluation of a new composite composed of tricalcium phosphate, gelatin and chi-li-saan as a bone substitute.

The purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate the feasibility and biocompatibility of a new composite as a bone substitute. The new composite (GTGC) was mainly composed of tricalcium phosphate ceramics and gelatin to which chi-li-saan, a Chinese medicinal remedy was added. The GTGC composite was manually packed into cylindrical Teflon molds, dried overnight in an oven and sterilized by gamma-ray prior to use.

The health behaviours of Chinese people with chronic illness.

This study was undertaken to elucidate the type and range of health-promoting behaviours that Chinese people with chronic illness perform to enhance their health. Eight people with a diagnosed chronic illness were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. From the perspectives of these subjects, health behaviour comprises three dimensions: physical, psychosocial and spiritual.

The evolving concept of health in nursing research: 1988-1998.

This article concerns the evolution of the concept of health, as reported in selected nursing journals, over the last 10 years. It builds on an analysis reported by Reynolds [Reynolds CL. The measurement of health in nursing research.