The Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy or Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Improving Upper Extremity Motor Function in Adults with Hemiplegia After a Traumatic Brain Injury

The final portfolio contains 11 research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include two randomized control trials, one systematic review, four quasi-experimental studies, one case study, two case series, and one pilot case study. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to draft new practice guidelines for using constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) or modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in occupational therapy practice. Seven articles specifically describe the effectiveness of CIMT or mCIMT for adults with hemiplegia following a traumatic brain injury. The other four articles describe the effectiveness of CIMT or mCIMT for adults with hemiplegia following a cerebrovascular accident or an acquired brain injury. These themes will be discussed in detail

Descriptors and Correlates of Sex Trading Amongst Active Methamphetamine Users in Cape Town, South Africa

<p>Introduction: South Africa has witnessed a tremendous rise in methamphetamine consumption since the year 2000. Sex trading is a phenomenon that has been observed in active drug users, globally and within South Africa, and has been associated with risks for HIV infection and violence. This paper is a secondary analysis examining sex trading among active methamphetamine users in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit 360 active methamphetamine users in a peri-urban township in Cape Town. A structured clinical interview and computerized survey were used to assess history of sex trading, demographics, drug use, sexual risk behaviors, history of violence, and mental health. Logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of sex trading, separately for men and women. Results: In a total sample of 201 men and 159 women, 40% of men and 33% of women endorsed trading sex for tik or money in the past 3 months. Those who traded sex were more likely to meet the criteria for ICD-10 amphetamine dependence among both men (OR=4.59, 95% CI=1.31-16.13) and women (OR=8.00, 95% CI: 1.02-62.59). Men who were concurrent heroin users were also more likely to exchange sex (OR=2.58, 95% CI: 1.06-6.28). Sexual risk behaviors were significantly associated with sex trading. Notably, unprotected sex with a casual partner was correlated with sex trading in men (OR=3.57, 95% CI:1.66-7.69) and women (OR=3.68, 95% CI:1.63-8.29). Among women, those who experienced childhood sexual trauma (OR=3.79, 95% CI: 1.89-7.59) and had the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (OR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.45-5.99) were also more likely to trade sex. Discussion: This study offers insight into the interventions needed for this high-risk population in a LMIC (low and/or middle income countries) context. The results stress a need for linkage to drug treatment, as addiction may be fueling sex trading. The risky sexual practices illustrate how targeted interventions geared toward safe sex practices may help this population. More research is needed to explore the experiences of men who have sex with men given their particularly high rates of sex trading behavior. In a context of high rates of trauma and violence, women need interventions that are attuned to their particular vulnerabilities and offer empowerment through counseling.</p>Thesi

Sequential Delivery of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor for Angiogenesis

An externally regulated delivery model that permits temporal separation of multiple angiogenic factors was used for the delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). While bFGF plays a significant role in the sprouting of new capillaries, PDGF plays a role in the recruitment of mural cells, which stabilize neovessels. However, these two factors have been shown to inhibit each other, when presented together. Using the externally regulated model, sequential delivery of bFGF and PDGF led to not only increased endothelial cell migration, but also endothelial cell and vascular pericyte colocalization. More importantly, this delivery strategy was able to induce red blood cell-filled neovessels, suggesting integration of angiogenesis with the existing vasculature