Collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) dermal skin substitutes (membranes) were studied as substrates for cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. Structure of dermal substitutes was optimized for pore size to promote ingrowth of fibrovascular tissue from the wound bed and for culture of human keratinocytes of the membrane's surface. Pore size of the freeze-dried material was regulated by control ...

A 56-year-old Japanese man hospitalized for schizophrenia and depression developed pressure ulcer on his greater trochanter due to a long-term bed rest. In spite of applying 0.003% alprostadil alfadex ointment for two months, the ulcer was not improved. Because there was some purulent discharge, we examined semi-quantitative swab bacterial culture from the ulcer and subsequently detected quadra...

Although the complications of immobility are well-described in the literature, critically ill patients are often subjected to prolonged periods of bed rest. Nurses, by virtue of their expertise in preventing iatrogenic complications, are in an ideal position to prevent the adverse outcomes associated with immobility. This article describes how nurses can use a mobility protocol to increase the ...

Type II methanotrophs produce polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), while Type I methanotrophs do not. A laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor was initially inoculated with a Type II Methylocystis-like dominated culture. At elevated levels of dissolved oxygen (DO, 9 mg/L), pH of 6.2-6.5 with nitrate as the N-source, a Methylobacter-like Type I methanotroph became dominant within the biofilms which did no...

It has been shown in experimental animals that the living cells in a bone autograft can make an important contribution to osteogenesis. However, some common clinical techniques, such as the topical use of antibiotic powders on grafts or on the graft bed, are likely to damage or kill the cells. In this experimental study in rats, bone isografts dusted with chloramphenicol or methicillin powder o...

A new HIGEE device-rotating zigzag bed (RZB) was developed in the context of process intensification. The RZB is structurally featured by a combinatorial rotor of one series of baffles attached to a rotating disk with another series to a stationary disk. The novel structure of the RZB determines its many advantages over the other HIGEE devices. The RZB is free of dynamic seal, capable of interm...