Impact of Synthetic Extracellular Matrices in Combination Therapy with Amniotic Allografting in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds: A Case Series.

Synthetic extracellular matrices are artificial polymers that are elongated and deposited as a matrix of nanofibers which mimic the native extracellular matrix. RenovoDerm® Anthem™ Wound Matrix (Columbus, Ohio) is comprised of polyglycolic acid and poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) which degrade by hydrolysis into a-hydroxy and fatty acids, lowering the pH and promoting regenerative cellular activity including angiogenesis. Amniotic allografts contain growth factors, cytokines, amino acids, extracellular matrix proteins, and hyaluronic acid which are recognized as intrinsic to the wound healing process. Synthetic extracellular matrices alone or in combination with amnio allografts do not have large bodies of evidence which demonstrate their effectiveness in the treatment of wounds. Presently, no prior studies have been performed to assess what impact these therapies may have on wound healing when used concurrently. The aim of this investigation was to assess whether a synergistic effect is produced with combination therapy using synthetic extracellular matrix and amniotic allografting. In this article, we present four cases of diabetic foot ulcerations treated with combination therapy. An amniotic fluid allograft, and/or membrane amniotic allograft, was implanted with a synthetic extracellular matrix dressing over top of the graft(s) at weekly intervals. All wounds demonstrated a greater than 80% decrease in wound size within four applications and achieved more than 95% wound closure after six applications.

The Boltysh impact structure: An early Danian impact event during recovery from the K-Pg mass extinction.

Both the Chicxulub and Boltysh impact events are associated with the K-Pg boundary. While Chicxulub is firmly linked to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, the temporal relationship of the ~24-km-diameter Boltysh impact to these events is uncertain, although it is thought to have occurred 2 to 5 ka before the mass extinction. Here, we conduct the first direct geochronological comparison of Boltysh to the K-Pg boundary. Our 40Ar/39Ar age of 65.39 ± 0.14/0.16 Ma shows that the impact occurred ~0.65 Ma after the mass extinction. At that time, the climate was recovering from the effects of the Chicxulub impact and Deccan trap flood volcanism. This age shows that Boltysh has a close temporal association with the Lower C29n hyperthermal recorded by global sediment archives and in the Boltysh crater lake sediments. The temporal coincidence raises the possibility that even a small impact event could disrupt recovery of the Earth system from catastrophic events.

Reduction in Head Computed Tomography Ordering in Pediatric Emergency Patients: Effect of National Publication and Local Availability of Urgent Neurology Appointments.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) blunt head trauma guidelines and implementation of urgent neurology follow-up (UNF) appointments on an observed decline in head computed tomography (CT) use for pediatric emergency department (PED) patients presenting with headache, seizure, and trauma. METHODS: Patients ages 0 to 18 years presenting to and discharged from an urban tertiary care PED with chief complaint of trauma, headache, and seizure between 2007 and 2013 were retrospectively included. The total number of head CTs obtained in the trauma, headache, and seizure groups was compared before and after the publication of the PECARN guidelines in 2009 and the implementation of urgent UNF within a week from PED discharge in 2011, respectively. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2013, 24,434 encounters were identified with 2762 head CTs performed. Analysis demonstrated a decline in pediatric head CTs for trauma (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-2.2) after the publication of the PECARN study on blunt head trauma, for headache (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8) and seizure (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.6) with UNF. However, cross comparison (headache and seizure with PECARN and trauma with UNF) also demonstrated similar significant declines. CONCLUSIONS: The decline in head CTs observed at our institution demonstrated a strong linear relationship, yet cannot be solely attributed to the PECARN blunt head trauma study or the implementation of UNF.

Age, memory loss and perceptions of dementia in South Asian ethnic minorities.

BACKGROUND: South Asian older adults are represented less frequently in mainstream mental health services or those for people with dementia. This study aimed to explore in detail the perceptions of dementia (symptoms, causes, consequences, treatments) held by South Asians and to discern how these understandings vary by age and by the self-recognition of memory problems, as these influence help-seeking behaviour. METHODS: Participants were allocated to three groups: younger adults; older adults; and older adults with subjective memory problems. They completed the semi-structured Barts Explanatory Model Inventory for Dementia schedule, whilst older adults also completed measures of cognition (MMSE), and depression (GDS). Interviews were conducted in English, Gujarati or Urdu. RESULTS: Groups were similar in identifying unusual forgetting and confusion as the most frequent symptoms; stress and age as the most frequent causes; and talking to your GP/nurse, taking medication, and talking to family and friends as the most frequent treatments. Younger adults more often knew about risk factors and reported practical consequences more than older adults. Older adults with subjective memory problems were more likely to describe sleep related problems or symptoms commonly associated with depression. They more often cited as causes of dementia lack of sleep, side effects of medication and medical reasons, and mentioned religion as a means to cope. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight variability in perceptions of dementia across the South Asian Community and identify specific areas where dementia awareness could be raised in South Asian sub-groups to improve timely diagnosis, treatment outcomes and service access.

Reconfiguring in-patient services for adults with mental health problems: changing the balance of care.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that a significant minority of hospital in-patients could be more appropriately supported in the community if enhanced services were available. However, little is known about these individuals or the services they require. AIMS: To identify which individuals require what services, at what cost. METHOD: A 'balance of care' (BoC) study was undertaken in northern England. Drawing on routine electronic data about 315 admissions categorised into patient groups, frontline practitioners identified patients whose needs could be met in alternative settings and specified the services they required, using a modified nominal group approach. Costing employed a public-sector approach. RESULTS: Community care was deemed appropriate for approximately a quarter of admissions including people with mild-moderate depression, an eating disorder or personality disorder, and some people with schizophrenia. Proposed community alternatives drew heavily on carer support services, community mental health teams and consultants, and there was widespread consensus on the need to increase out-of-hours community services. The costs of the proposed community care were relatively modest compared with hospital admission. On average social care costs increased by approximately £60 per week, but total costs fell by £1626 per week. CONCLUSIONS: The findings raise strategic issues for both national policymakers and local service planners. Patients who could be managed at home can be characterised by diagnosis. Although potential financial savings were identified, the reported cost differences do not directly equate to cost savings. It is not clear whether in-patient beds could be reduced. However, existing beds could be more efficiently used. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None.

Systematic review: Effective home support in dementia care, components and impacts - Stage 2, effectiveness of home support interventions.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explicate the outcomes of home support interventions for older people with dementia and/or their carers to inform clinical practice, policy and research. BACKGROUND: Most people with dementia receive support at home. However, components and effectiveness of home support interventions have been little explored. DESIGN: Systematic review with narrative summary. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of published studies in English using PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Applied Social Science Index and CSA Social Services Abstracts. Databases and sources were searched from inception to April 2014 with no date restrictions to locate studies. REVIEW METHODS: The PRISMA statement was followed and established systematic review methods used. Using 14 components of care for people with dementia and their carers, identified previously, data across studies were synthesized. Interventions were grouped and described and effectiveness ratings applied. Qualitative studies were synthesized using key themes. RESULTS: Seventy studies (four qualitative) were included. Most were directed to carers and of high quality. Seven interventions for carers and two for people with dementia were identified, covering 81% of studies. Those relating to daily living, cognitive training and physical activity for people with dementia were absent. Measures of effectiveness were influenced mainly by the intensity (duration and frequency) of interventions. Those containing education, social support and behaviour management appeared most effective. CONCLUSION: These interventions reflect emergent patterns of home support. Research is required to identify effective interventions linked to the stage of dementia, which can be applied as part of routine clinical care.

Potentially inappropriate medication among people with dementia in eight European countries.

Objectives: to evaluate the frequency of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescription among older people with dementia (PwD) from eight countries participating in the European study 'RightTimePlaceCare', and to evaluate factors and adverse outcomes associated with PIM prescription. Methods: survey of 2,004 PwD including a baseline assessment and follow-up after 3 months. Interviewers gathered data on age, sex, prescription of medication, cognitive status, functional status, comorbidity, setting and admission to hospital, fall-related injuries and mortality in the time between baseline and follow-up. The European Union(7)-PIM list was used to evaluate PIM prescription. Multivariate regression analysis was used to investigate factors and adverse outcomes associated with PIM prescription. Results: overall, 60% of the participants had at least one PIM prescription and 26.4% at least two. The PIM therapeutic subgroups most frequently prescribed were psycholeptics (26% of all PIM prescriptions) and 'drugs for acid-related disorders' (21%). PwD who were 80 years and older, lived in institutional long-term care settings, had higher comorbidity and were more functionally impaired were at higher risk of being prescribed two PIM or more. The prescription of two or more PIM was associated with higher chance of suffering from at least one fall-related injury and at least one episode of hospitalisation in the time between baseline and follow-up. Conclusions: PIM use among PwD is frequent and is associated with institutional long-term care, age, advanced morbidity and functional impairment. It also appears to be associated with adverse outcomes. Special attention should be paid to psycholeptics and drugs for acid-related disorders.

Overview of systematic reviews: Effective home support in dementia care, components and impacts-Stage 1, psychosocial interventions for dementia.

AIM: To synthesize evidence to identify the components of effective psychosocial interventions in dementia care to inform clinical practice, policy and research. BACKGROUND: With population ageing, dementia represents a significant care challenge with 60% of people with dementia living at home. DESIGN: Overview of systematic reviews with narrative summary. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of published systematic reviews in English using Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DARE and EPPI-Centre, between September 2013 - April 2014. REVIEW METHODS: Systematic reviews were appraised against Cochrane Collaboration levels of effectiveness. Components of psychosocial interventions were identified with their theoretical rationale. Findings were explored with a Patient, Public and Carer Involvement group. RESULTS: Thirty-six systematic reviews were included. From interventions, 14 components were identified, nine for people with dementia and five for carers, mostly undertaken in nursing/care homes. For people with dementia, there was evidence of effectiveness for cognitive stimulation and cognitive training, but less evidence for sensory stimulation, reminiscence, staff education, behavioural therapy and ADL training. For carers, there was evidence of effectiveness for education and training, psychotherapy and counselling. CONCLUSION: There was a lack of definitive evidence of effectiveness for most psychosocial interventions. Further studies with stronger methodology or replication of existing studies would strengthen the evidence base. Few interventions were undertaken with people with dementia and their carers living at home. Further work will investigate the extent to which components identified here are present in models of home support for people with dementia and carers and their effectiveness.

Evaluating the effectiveness of different approaches to home support for people in later stage dementia: a protocol for an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a major health problem with a growing number of people affected by the condition, both directly and indirectly through caring for someone with dementia. Many live at home but little is known about the range and intensity of the support they receive. Previous studies have mainly reported on discrete services within a single geographical area. This paper presents a protocol for study of different services across several sites in England. The aim is to explore the presence, effects, and cost-effectiveness of approaches to home support for people in later stage dementia and their carers. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study employing mixed methods. At least 300 participants (people with dementia and their carers) from geographical areas with demonstrably different ranges of services available for people with dementia will be selected. Within each area, participants will be recruited from a range of services. Participants will be interviewed on two occasions and data will be collected on their characteristics and circumstances, quality of life, carer health and burden, and informal and formal support for the person with dementia. The structured interviews will also collect qualitative data to explore the perceptions of older people and carers. CONCLUSIONS: This national study will explore the components of appropriate and effective home support for people with late stage dementia and their carers. It aims to inform commissioners and service providers across health and social care.

Group B and F Beta Streptococcus Necrotizing Infection-Surgical Challenges with a Deep Central Plantar Space Abscess A Diabetic Limb Salvage Case Report.

We present the case of a 66-year-old, type II diabetic male with a deep wound to the plantar-lateral aspect of his right hallux. On examination, the central plantar compartment of his right foot was moderately erythematous and tender on palpation. After obtaining a deep wound culture, treatment was complicated by a progression of a group B and F beta streptococcus, necrotizing infection. The patient underwent a right hallux amputation, followed by a plantar medial incision for drainage of an abscess to the medial and central plantar compartments of the foot. Due to the extent and limb threat of the infection, the patient ultimately underwent a transmetatarsal amputation. Advanced healing modalities were also employed to decrease wound healing times, which allowed the patient to achieve early weightbearing and return to activities of daily living. This study depicts how the astute podiatric surgeon needs to make a decision in a timely manner to surgically debride all nonviable and necrotic tissue in order to minimize further amputation and preserve foot function.

Group B and F Beta Streptococcus Necrotizing Infection-Surgical Challenges with a Deep Central Plantar Space Abscess: A Diabetic Limb Salvage Case Report.

We present the case of a 66-year-old, type II diabetic male with a deep wound to the plantar-lateral aspect of his right hallux. On examination, the central plantar compartment of his right foot was moderately erythematous and tender on palpation. After obtaining a deep wound culture, treatment was complicated by a progression of a group B and F beta streptococcus, necrotizing infection. The patient underwent a right hallux amputation, followed by a plantar medial incision for drainage of an abscess to the medial and central plantar compartments of the foot. Due to the extent and limb threat of the infection, the patient ultimately underwent a transmetatarsal amputation. Advanced healing modalities were also employed to decrease wound healing times, which allowed the patient to achieve early weightbearing and return to activities of daily living. This study depicts how the astute podiatric surgeon needs to make a decision in a timely manner to surgically debride all nonviable and necrotic tissue in order to minimize further amputation and preserve foot function.

Inter-professional perspectives of dementia services and care in England: Outcomes of a focus group study.

Many people living with dementia are supported at home using a variety of health and social care services. This paper reports the findings from a focus group study undertaken with staff in community mental health teams to explore areas for improvement in relation to national policies and recommendations for dementia care. Two focus groups were held with staff (n = 23) in 2011 to discuss topics including service delivery, information and communication, and provision of health and community care for people with dementia. Respondents identified problems with information sharing and incompatible electronic systems; inflexibility in home care services; and poor recognition of dementia in hospital settings. General practitioners had developed a greater awareness of the disease and some community services worked well. They felt that budgetary constraints and a focus on quality indicators impeded good dementia care. Key areas suggested by staff for improvements in dementia care included the implementation of more flexible services, dementia training for health and social care staff, and better quality care in acute hospital settings.

Professional care providers in dementia care in eight European countries; their training and involvement in early dementia stage and in home care.

Knowledge concerning professionals involved in dementia care throughout its trajectory is sparse; the focus has mainly been on nursing-home care and less on home care, diagnosis and treatment of the disease and its complications despite the fact that home care is the most prominent type of care. The aim of this study was to explore and describe professional care providers involved in dementia care and their educational level applying the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) and further to investigate practice in the RightTimePlaceCare-countries with regard to screening, diagnostic procedures and treatment of dementia and home care. The findings demonstrate more similarities than differences in terms of type of professionals involved among the countries although untrained staff were more common in some countries. Findings also show that many types of professionals are involved, who to turn to may not be clear, for instance in terms of medical specialities and it may be unclear who bears the ultimate responsibility. The professionals involved in diagnosis, treatment and care are educated to bachelor's level or above whilst everyday care is provided by people trained at a lower ISCED level or with no formal training. Registered nurses as well as occupational therapists have bachelor's degrees in most countries, but not in Germany or Estonia. Professionals specifically trained in dementia care are not so common. Further research is needed to reveal not only who provides the diagnostics and treatment, but also how home care is organised and quality assured. Many different types of professionals serve as providers along the trajectory of the disease which may be difficult for the patient and the informal caregiver to cope with.

Adaptation of the Barts Explanatory Model Inventory to dementia understanding in South Asian ethnic minorities.

OBJECTIVE: Studies indicate a limited understanding of dementia and its associated symptoms, causes and consequences among South Asian older adults. As a consequence, fewer people from this ethnic group receive a diagnosis of dementia. The aim of this study was to adapt the previously designed Barts Explanatory Model Inventory Checklist (BEMI-C), a tool designed to elicit perceptions of mental illness from people with different cultural backgrounds, for use with people with dementia in the South Asian population. METHOD: Both a literature review and 25 qualitative interviews were conducted to find themes and perceptions that are relevant to the South Asian culture in recognising and dealing with symptoms of dementia. The emergent themes and perceptions were then added to the BEMI-C through synthesis of findings. RESULTS: The initial four checklists of symptoms, causes, consequences and treatments from the BEMI-C were retained in the new BEMI-Dementia (BEMI-D) and expanded with six additional themes, including 123 new perceptions relevant to the understanding of dementia. All new themes emerged from the qualitative interviews, some of which were also found in the literature. CONCLUSION: Given the national priority of improving dementia awareness and timely diagnosis, the BEMI-D can serve as a useful tool, in research and perhaps practice, to assess the barriers to dementia service uptake in this population and their understandings of dementia. Based on the detailed methodological description of the adaptation of the BEMI-C, this paper further suggests how this tool can be adapted to suit other ethnic minority groups.

A protocol for a systematic review of effective home support to people with dementia and their carers: components and impacts.

AIM: To review the evidence for home support approaches directed at tertiary prevention; ameliorating difficulties and enhancing well-being. BACKGROUND: With population ageing dementia represents a significant care challenge with 60% of people with dementia living at home. However, little is known about existing forms of home support and their relative effectiveness. DESIGN: A two-stage design: First, an overview of systematic reviews of psychosocial interventions for dementia to identify their components; second, a systematic review of the effectiveness of home support interventions to older people with dementia/their carers. METHODS: We will search electronic databases using specific search terms with additional searches of other known studies. Data will be extracted by two reviewers according to pre-determined categories. An initial synthesis will elicit components of interventions from stage 1 and operationalize them in terms of specific techniques. These will then be used in synthesis of data in stage 2, to determine the extent to which each home support intervention relies on these components and distill evidence concerning outcomes. Studies from stage 2 are expected to be methodologically diverse; if so, a narrative approach to synthesis will be taken. Study findings will be explored with Patient, Public and Carer Involvement groups. DISCUSSION: The review seeks to develop a theory of home support: how and why interventions may work; in what contexts; and for whom. We will identify effective home support approaches, informing policy-makers and establishing how they might be experienced by people with dementia and their carers.

Experience of burden in carers of people with dementia on the margins of long-term care.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the factors determining carer burden in a group of carers supporting people with dementia (PwD) deemed to be at high risk of moving to long-term residential or nursing home care. DESIGN: National data collected as part of the European RightTimePlaceCare project were analysed. This included 81 dyads of community-dwelling people with dementia and their informal carers. METHODS: Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in North West England between June 2011 and April 2012. Interviews collected data relating to the person with dementia (cognitive functioning, activities of daily living, neuropsychiatric symptoms and formal and informal dementia care resource use) and carers' level of burden (22-item Zarit Burden Index), hours spent caring and availability of additional informal support. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis identified five factors associated with high carer burden: neuropsychiatric symptomatology in the PwD, intensive supervision of the PwD by the carer, being a female carer, being an adult-child carer and absence of informal carer support. Use of home care or day care services was unrelated to burden. CONCLUSION: Support programmes focusing on challenging behaviours and risk management may be of benefit to carers. More individually tailored interventions for specific carer groups including female or younger carers may be warranted. The implementation of peer support networks could be beneficial to carers who lack additional family support.

Perceptions of self-defined memory problems vary in south Asian minority older people who consult a GP and those who do not: a mixed-method pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: South Asian older adults access services for mental health problems and dementia less than other older people in the UK, unlike for physical health problems. This pilot study investigated how South Asians with self-defined memory problems, with and without GP consultation, construe the symptoms, causes, consequences and treatment of the condition. METHODS: Participants were recruited through community centres, their networks and memory clinics in Greater Manchester. The newly developed Barts Explanatory Model Inventory for Dementia (BEMI-D) was administered to 33 (18 M, 15 F) older South Asians aged 65 or above with memory problems in English, Gujarati or Urdu. Furthermore, cognition, executive function and depression were assessed. RESULTS: Perceptions of dementia varied by GP consultation for memory problems. A greater proportion of older adults without a consultation considered memory problems to be given by God, saw acceptance of fate as an alternative treatment and did not identify medical support as appropriate. Forgetfulness and loss of social meaning were identified as symptoms of dementia more by those with a consultation. Higher levels of diabetes, heart disease and depression were found in those without a consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in perceptions may influence the decision about consulting a GP. Similarly, consultation for memory problems appears linked to extent physical health problems and mental health consultation (depression). These variations reported on a small scale in this pilot study suggest the need to explore the impact of perceptions on rates of GP consultation, so as to improve timely diagnosis and access to appropriate services.

Heads in the sand may leave old age psychiatry looking foolish and vulnerable: Commentary on . . . A memory clinic v. traditional community mental health team service.

Dementia has been recognised as a major challenge to health, social care and economies. Research by Rubinsztein and colleagues, in this issue, has compared the services provided by memory clinics with those of traditional community mental health team services. They conclude that memory clinics offer a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary service at no extra cost. Here I will question some of their findings and highlight the importance of better continuity of care between primary and secondary services.

The association between physical dependency and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, with the admission of people with dementia to a long-term care institution: a prospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that causes a high degree of dependency. This dependency has been defined as an increased need for assistance due to deterioration in cognition and physical functioning, and changes in behavior. Highly dependent people with dementia are more likely to be institutionalized. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between specific categories of physical dependency and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia admitted to a long-term care institution. DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study. SETTINGS: Home care and long-term care institutions in eight European countries. PARTICIPANTS: People with dementia living at home but at risk of institutionalization and recently institutionalized people with dementia. METHOD: Baseline and 3-month follow-up interviews were performed between November, 2010 and April, 2012. The sample consisted of 116 recently institutionalized dementia sufferers and 949 people with dementia still living at home. Physical dependency was measured using the Katz Activity of Daily Living index, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were assessed through The Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Specific categories of dependency were analyzed by performing a logistic regression analysis. This followed examination of baseline characteristics to define the degree of physical dependency, as factors associated with institutionalization, and evaluation of the same characteristics at 3-month follow-up to detect changes in the degree of physical dependency and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with recent admission to a long-term care institution. RESULTS: Toileting, dressing and continence dependency was higher in institutionalized people than in those receiving home-care. Delusion, hallucination, agitation, anxiety, apathy, motor-disturbances, night-time behavior and eating disorders were also worse in the institutionalized. Logistic regression analysis showed that independent factors significantly associated with being recently institutionalized were toileting (odds ratio=2.3; 95% confidence interval=1.43-3.71) and motor disturbances (odds ratio=1.81; 95% confidence interval=1.15-2.87). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the association between type and degree of physical dependency in people with dementia and long-term institutionalization. Institutionalization is associated with physical dependency and the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms.