Biomimicry - medical design concepts inspired by nature

Biomimicry is the application of existing features in nature to human technologies, such as the invention of aircraft inspired by bird flight. In the development of medical solutions, biomimicry is a growing field of research, where a holistic understanding of nature can inspire cutting-edge design. The purpose of this study was to create an educational, visual resource exemplifying up-and-coming medical applications of biomimicry. A website was created to present 2D motion graphics (animations) and illustrations. Animation is an established and useful method of communicating health information to the public. This presents an accessible interface for the public to interact with and learn about this area of research, bridging the gap between the two. Increasing public knowledge, engagement, and interest can expand the reach and thereby influence future research. A survey was conducted to assess public engagement and opinions on both the resource and the topic of biomimicry and medical design. The results suggested that participants positively engaged with the resource; 95.7% strongly agreed/agreed that the animations were beneficial for learning. All responding participants agreed that biomimicry could provide useful solutions in medical design. This study suggests that graphic motions are effective at communicating complex ideas for public outreach.</p

Therapists\u27 use of the graded repetitive arm supplementary program (GRASP) intervention: A practice implementation survey study

The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the extent of practice implementation of GRASP in the United Kingdom; (2) using an implementation framework, to explore UK therapists\u27 opinions of implementing GRASP; and (3) if GRASP is found to be used in the United Kingdom, to investigate differences in opinions between therapists who are using GRASP in practice and those who are not

Challenging the Current Curricula: A Look into Individualizing Teaching

In many school districts in the United States, teachers are expected to follow a strict classroom curriculum, created by the administration, state, or other groups rather than the teachers. Many teachers have reported facing struggles associated with following this type of mandated curriculum. Some teachers need guidance and don’t have the time or resources to be able to create a curriculum on their own, while others know their students best and feel having a mandated curriculum may prevent some students from being able to learn. My paper will explore the benefits and drawbacks of the mandated curricula currently in use. My findings suggest it is beneficial to have a set curriculum to ensure all students receive equal chances to excel and gain the proper knowledge for their grade level, but will also allow the teachers to have flexibility adjusting their curriculums to scaffold to the individual needs of their students

Prescribing upper limb exercises after stroke: A survey of current UK therapy practice.

Objective: To investigate the current practice of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in prescribing upper limb exercises to people after stroke and to explore differences between professions and work settings. Design: A cross-sectional survey design. Participants: Occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in UK stroke rehabilitation. Results: The survey's response rate was 21.0% (n = 322); with 295 valid responses. Almost two thirds of therapists (64.7%, n = 191) agreed that they always prescribe upper limb exercises to a person with stroke if they can actively elevate their scapula and have grade 1 finger/wrist extension. Most therapists (98.6%, n = 278) prescribed exercises to be completed outside of therapy time, with exercises verbally communicated to family. Standardised upper limb specific outcome measures were used to evaluate the prescribed exercises by 21.9% (n = 62) of therapists. Differences were found between professions and across work settings. Conclusion: The majority of prescribed upper limb exercises were of low intensity (range of motion or stretching exercises) rather than repetitive practice or strengthening exercises. The use of standardised outcome measures was low. Progression of exercises and the provision of written instructions on discharge occur less frequently in inpatient settings than outpatient and community settings

Pain in malignant pleural mesothelioma: a prospective characterisation study.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with severe pain. The underlying neurobiology of this is complex. The primary aim of this study was to characterize pain in MPM. METHODS: This study was undertaken as part of a trial examining radiotherapy for the treatment of pain in MPM (ISRCTN 10644347). Patients had MPM with associated pain for which radiotherapy was planned and a worst pain score ≥ 4/10. The following assessments were undertaken: clinical neuropathic pain assessment, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), Short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). The relationship of these characteristics and response to radiotherapy was assessed. Unless stated, medians and interquartile range (IQR) are used. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were recruited. Average pain and worst pain was 4 (4-6) and 8 (6-8), respectively. Higher average pain and higher worst pain scores were associated with higher interference scores on the BPI, P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.0005. Twenty patients (54%) had a clinical diagnosis of neuropathic pain, and of these, only six patients (40%) screened positively for neuropathic pain using the LANSS. Patients with a high LANSS also had higher BPI and SF-MPQs. The presence of neuropathic pain (clinically or by LANSS) did not predict response to radiotherapy, P &lt; 0.05. The SF-MPQ scores were higher in those with abnormal cool sensation on QST (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Pain in mesothelioma varies among patients and may have neuropathic components. An adequate pain assessment is necessary to guide the clinician in the appropriate choice of analgesics

‘Getting Back Into the Swing of Things’: A Qualitative Study Into Barriers and Facilitators to Golf Participation for Stroke Survivors

This paper draws on interviews with four stroke survivors (age range = 52–68 years), who participated in a six week ‘Get-into-Golf’ program and four coaches with experiences of delivering disability golf sessions, to examine the barriers and facilitators to golf participation. Findings indicate a positive response from participants, who referred to the social and physical benefits of the program that was perceived to promote independence. The results also highlight that considerations in regards to format, equipment, cost, access and overall awareness should be borne in mind for golf programs among people with disabilities. Golf clubs could employ this framework to help facilitate the participation of people with physical limitations. It is argued that opportunities to promote golf as a lifelong physical activity among people with disabilities may be missed in clubs where personnel are unsure of the barriers and facilitators to participation outlined here

Dental damage:Creating 3d anatomical models to illustrate destructive effects on human teeth

Forensic odontologists often must identify human remains with damaged teeth. This damage is due to high-impact accidents, violence, or disasters. This 2-part study aimed to create two 3D digital models. They should show the destructive effects of physical and chemical agents on human teeth and popular dental materials. Researchers created an e-survey to investigate how digital models are perceived as an educational tool for Forensic Odontology. Also, a systematic review assessed experimental studies on the effects of high temperature on various prosthodontic materials. According to the results of the survey, most participants (n = 69; 79%) agreed that they would find a 3D model useful for training. Participants misidentify images of burned and broken teeth under Ellis and Davey system (1970). The systematic review identified dental implant and dental crown as the most studied prosthodontic materials exposed to heat. The researchers designed dental damage model 1 to represent restored and unrestored burnt teeth, postmortem pink teeth, and traumatic injuries. The dental damage model 2 was created to demonstrate the effects of various types of damage to different prosthetic and restorative dental materials, as well as the impact of acid, water, and burial on restorative materials as additional information. Both models were edited, sculpted and painted using 3D modelling software ZBrush (2020. 1.4) and Blender (version 3.6.2). The dental damage models were uploaded and labelled on Sketchfab (Cédric Pinson, Paris, France). The study's materials could transform the teaching of complex tooth changes