The barriers in custodial grandparenting

The quantitative study attempted to examine the barriers and challenges of grandparents raising grandchildren. The primary focus is to explore the problems and concerns to determine what are the specific needs of these redefined families. The researcher employed a questionnaire with some closed and open-ended questions, pertaining to the problems and concerns of custodial grandparents. Twenty-five grandparents in San Bernardino County were interviewed to obtain data regarding this issue. The findings of the study revealed that grandparents and grandchildren both are in need of internal and external resources to enhance, empower and support their inner ability to adjust and cope with their new and often traumatic family transitions

Economic development in Maine: the Piscataquis county model

Not long ago, few people would have regarded Piscataquis County as an economic development model, but today it is charting a new course for rural Maine.Economic development - Maine ; Rural development - Maine

Materials characterization of an explanted polypropylene-PTFE hernia mesh [abstract]

Abstract only availableLong-term polymeric implants continuously activate the inflammatory response, bathing the implants with powerful oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid in an attempt to breakdown the material. Biomaterials such as polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are susceptible to oxidation and/or hydrolysis which can lead to overall degradation of the material, both physically and chemically. Material degradation is evidenced by changes in surface morphology, a build-up of hydroxyl and/or carbonyl groups on the surface of the material, changes in thermal properties, and weight loss. This undergraduate research project performed materials characterization on an explanted polypropylene-PTFE composite mesh. The mesh was obtained with an approved IRB protocol from the MU Hospitals. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with ATR was utilized to evaluate changes in the chemical structure/functional groups on the surface of the material. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized to examine %weight loss of the explant as compared to pristine samples. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was utilized to examine material's melt temperature and heat of enthalpy as compared to the pristine samples. The results demonstrated that the polypropylene-PTFE composite material did undergo degradation. The FT-IR scans indicated the presence of carbonyl groups which is indicative of oxidation while the TGA graphs indicated that the explant materials lost mass while in vivo. The DSC scans demonstrated a change in thermal properties of the explanted materials as compared with the pristine. In conclusion, the hernia mesh materials will be degraded and damaged while in vivo.Industrial Grant from Covidie

Investigation of the mechanical strength of explanted polypropylene hernia meshes [abstract]

Abstract only availableOver twenty million hernia repair surgeries are performed worldwide each year. Many of these repairs are accomplished through the use of a prosthetic mesh material rather than sutures because meshes have been shown to reduce post-operative complications and recurrence rates. Long-term implants, such as hernia meshes, continuously activate the inflammatory response, bathing the material with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid. Polypropylene, the most commonly-used hernia repair material worldwide, is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, which is susceptible to oxidation. Constant exposure of the mesh to these oxidants may lead to degradation of the material over time. There is evidence that many patients experience chronic pain and/or embrittlement of the mesh material over time, particularly for polypropylene hernia mesh materials. For this reason, mechanical testing was utilized to characterize polypropylene meshes explanted from human subjects to determine if oxidative degradation could play a role in these changes. We expected to find a decrease in the overall strength and percent elongation of the materials and increase in Young's Modulus after exposure to the harsh biological environment.College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Optio

Assessing biocompatibility of porcine tissue for hernia repair using flow cytometry [abstract]

Abstract only availableThe current standard for abdominal hernia repair uses synthetic meshes, which often break down, leading to complications and a high rate of recurrence. A biologic prosthetic, derived from animal tissue, would provide a more natural substrate for tissue remodeling and an improved host response. The success of a biologic material for tissue repair first depends on preventing an immune reaction post implantation. Engineering an appropriate construct requires removal of cells from the donor tissue, stabilization of the resulting collagen matrix with cross-linkers, and sterilization prior to implantation. The central tendon of the porcine diaphragm is a novel material for use as a biologic implant. This study is a preliminary investigation of the biocompatibility of porcine diaphragm as a hernia mesh material. Diaphragm tissue was de-cellularized by one of two methods and cross-linked with one of two chemical agents. Combinations of these two treatments were cultured with mouse fibroblast cells. Viability was assessed with flow cytometry, using propridium iodine to stain non-vital cells. Cell viability on treated tissue was compared to untreated tissue and control cell sets. Results indicate superior biocompatibility of one preparation, with viability high enough to warrant further studies. The next step will be implantation of the material into an animal model. With successful preparation, biological constructs can improve the host tissue response and reduce the need for revision surgery, thereby replacing conventional synthetic meshes for hernia repair.College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Optio

Novel collagen based scaffold to promote tissue regeneration for commercial applications

Dermelle, LLC is actively pursuing commercialization of a novel collagen matrix having the following bio-histochemical characteristics: reduced native collagen enzymatic degradation, high fibroblast cellular interaction and high tissue in-growth. Their properties are believed to promote tissue regeneration. A limitation of current injectable collagen soft tissue fillers is their short duration time and lack of cellular integration. By exploiting nanomaterial characteristics, Dermelle will improve upon current interventions for tissue reconstruction. A recent study measuring degradation of our novel collagen scaffold in comparison to a pure collagen control sample demonstrated a significant decrease in total collagen degradation of the novel collagen construct. In addition, a 13 day cell culture of the scaffold indicated a significant increase of DNA over the period of time in the novel collagen matrix, whereas the collagen alone demonstrated a decrease in DNA. Therefore, the treatment of the collagen with the nanomaterials may increase cellularity over time, thus initiate tissue regeneration. This device has the primary application in the cosmetic market as an injectable dermal filler to reduce signs of aging. The base technology is also believed to be applied to urological, wound, orthopedic and cardiovascular applications. The innovation was developed by researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia. A provisional patent has been filed; and an option has been executed by Dermelle, LLC. The main advantages of this innovation are a longer lasting product with better efficacy by decreasing degradation, promoting cell-collagen matrix adhesion and antioxidant/ antimicrobial properties