J Formos Med Assoc
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Patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) present characteristic regression in communication and hand skills, which eventually leads to intellectual and physical disability. Moreover, caregivers of patients with RTT face stressors related to patients' medical and developmental concerns. Given the indications from case reports, this pilot study investigated the effectiveness of music therapy on RTT patients, as well as on parental stress for families of children with RTT. ⋯ The 24-week music therapy program was effective in improving social interaction, communication skills, eye contact, hand function, and reducing seizure frequency among RTT patients. Additionally, music therapy was effective in relieving parenting stress, which may help healthcare providers initiate early intervention strategies that can prevent parenting stress and reduce the risk of depression.
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We have developed and investigated the partially-stabilized cements (PSC) with Zn for vital pulp therapy due to their short setting time and high cell biocompatibility. However, the effect of PSC with different concentrations of Zn on setting time and biocompatibility remained unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of Zn to be synthesized with PSC for vital pulp therapy. ⋯ 5%Zn-PSC has a shorter setting time, better mechanical properties, and good biocompatibility and thus it has great potential for vital pulp therapy.
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End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a growing global health concern with increased disease burden and high medical costs. Utilization of the emergency department (ED) among dialyzed patients and the associated risk factors remain unknown. ⋯ Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis had higher ED utilization and a significantly higher risk of resuscitation during ED visits than those without hemodialysis.
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Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), primary mechanical injury to the brain may cause blood-brain-barrier damage followed by secondary injury, ultimately culminating in cell death. We aimed to test whether one injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from the human umbilical cord can modulate brain cytokine and chemokine gene profiles and attenuate neurological injury in rats with TBI. ⋯ Our data suggest that modulation of parietal cytokines and chemokines gene profiles by MSC as a basis for neurotrauma recovery.