No abstract

Human EnSC (endometrial-derived stem cell) is an abundant and easily available source for cell replacement therapy. Many investigations have shown the potency of the cells to differentiate into several mesoderm-derived cell lineages, including osteocytes and adipocytes. Here, the potency of EnSC in neural differentiation has been investigated. Flow cytometric analysis showed that they were positive for CD90, CD105, OCT4, CD44 and negative for CD31, CD34, CD133. The characterized cells were induced into neural differentiation by bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and EGF (epidermal growth factor) signalling molecules, respectively in a sequential protocol, and differentiated cells were analysed for expression of neuronal markers by RT–PCR (reverse transcription–PCR) and immunocytochemistry, including Nestin, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), MAP2 (microtubule-associated protein 2), β3-tub (class III β-tubulin) and NF-L (neurofilament-light) at the level of their mRNAs. The expression of MAP2, β3-tub and NF-L proteins in EnSC was confirmed 28 days PT (post-treatment) by immunocytochemistry. In conclusion, EnSC can respond to signalling molecules that are usually used as standards in neural differentiation and can programme neuronal cells, making these cells worth considering as a unique source for cell therapy in neurodegenerative disease.

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes financial, social, and psycho-emotional problems for both the person afflicted with SCI and the family. Family as an important source of care plays an important role in patients' rehabilitation and complication reduction. Objectives: The present study aimed at designing a client and family empowerment model for SCI patients. Methods: This was a qualitative study with the grounded theory approach conducted in 2017. Unstructured interviews were used as the main method of data collection. Saturation was achieved with 43 participants, including people with SCI, family caregivers, and people involved in providing health care and rehabilitation services for people with SCI. Data analysis was performed on the basis of continuous comparative analysis of Strauss and Corbin (1998). In the second stage, the findings of the grounded theory study were used for designing the prescriptive model based on Walker and Avant (2005) three-step method. Results: The main concern of people with SCI and their families was the loss of physical ability, financial and physical independence, and lack of constructive life. Ultimately, a "client and family empowerment model to promote constructive life recovery for individuals with SCI" was developed based on the findings of the grounded theory study. This model includes four main concepts: correction of environment, educational empowerment of the clients and families, modification of the method of providing rehabilitation services, and recovery of a constructive life. Conclusions: There were several barriers to the client and family empowerment of people with SCI. In this study, a client and family empowerment model was developed to promote constructive life recovery and strategies were identified to remove the barriers. Hence, this model can help people with SCI to return their effective lives.