Producing poly(e-caprolactone) fibers containing BSA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles by dry-spinning method

Poly (ε-caprolactone), (PCL) is a synthetic biodegradable aliphatic polyester which has attracted considerable research attention in recent years, notably in the specialist biomedical areas. It can be spun to fibers for subsequent fabrication of desirable textile structures. Due to excellent characteristics, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and three-dimensional structures, PCL fibers, whose diameter range from nanometer to millimeter, are broadly studied for biomedical applications such as bioresorbable construct, drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds. Extrusion of the PCL into monofilament and multifilament may be achieved by fiber formation mechanisms such as melt spinning, solution spinning, and electrospinning[1-3]. There are distinct features of each of these processes that are subsequently reflected in fiber properties. The aim of the present work was applying a simple and safe method to produc PCL microfibres containing BSA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles potentially usable in tissue engineering. These fibers should be able to work as a scaffold and at the same time they should act as a system for releasing drugs. Dry –spinning method was used to produce two groups (Blanked and nanoparticles-loaed) of PCL fibers. In this method, fiber formation is based on the solvent evaporation mechanism. The mild production conditions (applying room temperature without the use of non-solvent) are benefits of this method to produce fibers containing bioactive molecules. BSA- loaded gelatin nanoparticles were produced by two-step desolvation method. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particles with a mean diameter of 200-300 nm were produced. Morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of two groups of fibers were measured and compared with each other. Results show that PCL fibers containing BSA-loaded gelatin nanoparticles, produced by dry -spinning, could be advantageously employed for the production of bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering

Geographically mobile healthcare workers and the conditions of their travel: The perspectives of managers

Many healthcare workers are “on the road” traveling to and from fixed sites (eg, patients’/clients’ homes). Qualitative interviews with nine Nova Scotian managers of mobile healthcare workers explored the conditions of workers’ travel. Findings highlight challenges such as changing schedules, as well as positive features including flexibility over the travel schedule. Some managers noted worker mobility-related responsibilities including having to decide if travel is too dangerous due to poor weather. A few managers suggested that workers may not receive adequate economic reimbursement for travel costs (eg, wear and tear on vehicle), and in some instances, workers need to use a benefit (eg, vacation day) or are not paid if they cannot drive due to poor weather. Reported organizational supports for workers’ travel were variable. This research indicates a need for supportive mobility-related policies and practices across all organizations, including policies that cover economic costs related to travel for all workers