To popularize cell sheet transplantation therapy, it is necessary to develop an easy‑to‑use cell sheet preservation method. Because cell viability determines therapeutic efficacy, cryopreservation, with a high viability rate, has been considered for preservation. We developed dry, preserved, multilayered fibroblast cell sheets(dry sheets) as a novel cell sheet preservation method. Dry sheets consist of dead cells with damaged cell membranes. However, dry sheets using allogeneic cells promote angiogenesis and wound healing in a full‑thickness skin defect model of diabetic mice through a novel mechanism of releasing intracellular growth factors by rehydration. The growth factors released from dry sheets had physiological activity, mainly through the action of fibroblast growth factor‑2(FGF‑2),as demonstrated by inhibition experiments using FGF‑2 neutralizing antibodies. Growth factors in dry sheets were stable for at least one month when stored in a refrigerator. In our investigation of the optimal cell source for human dry sheets, fibroblasts were considered the ideal cell source for because of their high FGF‑2 content, rapid cell proliferation, easy handling and availability, and low culture cost. Compared to conventional cell sheets, dry sheets are easier to handle and preserve, which is promising for treating cutaneous ulcers and performing tissue reinforcement during surgery.
This is a three-year follow-up study of our 2020 survey on diet, nutritional status, physical function, and cognitive function of older adults aged 65 to 74 years living in Sanyo-Onoda, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between changes in social ADL over a three-year period and the dietary habits and health status of elderly residents of Sanyo-Onoda City three years later.
The subjects were 49 older adults who underwent specific health checkups at group health checkups conducted by Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, in 2020 and 2023. We examined changes in demographics, subjective health, health awareness surveys, nutrition surveys, and specific health checkups results (blood pressure, blood tests, etc.) by whether or not they engaged in social activities.
As a result,(1)compared with 2020, the number of people who scored full marks in social ADL increased by 10.2% from 51.0% to 61.2% in 2023.(2)There was a correlation between social ADL and subjective health.(3)The high social ADL group had a higher health consciousness and increased nutrient and food intake, but both groups showed worsening of blood date.
People who engaged in social activities had higher subjective health consciousness and awareness and increased nutrient and food intake. Social activities are suggested to prevent malnutrition and maintain and improve the health of elderly.
To evaluate the validity of a nursing intervention program designed for the families of patients dying in emergency medical facilities, we surveyed nurses in emergency care. The intervention program focused on three key areas: crisis intervention, grief care, and bereavement care. A total of 31 care items were evaluated based on four criteria: feasibility, current implementation, importance, and Lynn's determination and quantification of content validity.
Out of 359 respondents, 345 provided valid responses for analysis. The feasibility showed that 23 items had an average score of 4 or higher. In the current implementation, 8 items scored 4 or more. In terms of importance, 30 items received a score of 3 or more. Additionally, 27 items had an item content validity index greater than 0.78. A comprehensive evaluation of the nursing intervention program indicated that the 21 items of crisis intervention and 5 items of grief care were generally valid, but one item of crisis intervention was not valid. Of the four items of care after bereavement, only one item was valid, and three items were not valid. Therefore, the nursing intervention program in this study, refined from 31 items to 27 items as a result of the validity examination.
We investigated the association between electroneurography(ENoG) values and time to cure in 22 patients undergoing ENoG who could be followed up to determine the prognosis of peripheral facial palsy in our department between January 2021 and March 2024. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the presence or absence of ear pain, stapedial reflex, concomitant hypertension, and concomitant diabetes mellitus at the initial examination on ENoG values and time to cure. No statistically significant differences were observed in the association between mean ENoG values(%)and mean time to cure(days) regardless of the presence or absence of ear pain, stapedial reflex, concomitant hypertension, and concomitant diabetes mellitus. The correlation coefficient for the association between ENoG values and time to cure was -0.47197, showing a relatively strong negative correlation. This study shows that patients with an ENoG value of ≥20% recover approximately 2 months after onset of peripheral facial palsy.