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The effects of the ketonuric-diabetic (KD) condition on uterine endometrial morphology were studied in the genetically diabetic Chinese hamster. All KD hamsters were matched for age, body weight and cyclic state with nondiabetic control animals. All KD hamsters were reproductively acyclic as compared to controls. The uterine epithelium of KD hamsters was devoid of surface microvilli, secretory activity, and exhibited a height reduction as compared to controls. The basal lamina underlying the luminal epithelium was 2–5 times as thick in the KD condition than control. The endometrial stroma was disrupted in the KD hamsters, with the endometrium composed of rounded cells surrounded by a thickened intercellular matrix. This was in marked contrast to the stroma of controls which consisted of an orderly array of fibroblasts and collagen fibers. Stromal vessels had a thickened basement membrane in diabetic animals. The results of this study indicate that epithelial and stromal disruption are associated with the KD state in the Chinese hamster and are probably causally associated with reproductive failure.

Ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide with impairments ranging from mild to severe. Many therapies are aimed at improving functional and cognitive recovery by targeting neural repair but have encountered issues involving efficacy and drug delivery. As a result, therapeutic options for patients are sparse. Neurotrophic factors are one of the key mediators of neural plasticity and functional recovery. Neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) serve as potential therapeutic options to increase neural repair and recovery as they promote neuroprotection and regeneration. BDNF and NGF have demonstrated the ability to improve functional recovery in preclinical and to a lesser extent clinical studies. Direct and indirect methods to increase levels of neurotrophic factors in animal models have been successful in improving postinjury outcome measures. However, the translation of these studies into clinical trials has been limited. Preclinical experiments have largely failed to result in significant impacts in clinical research. This review will focus on the administration of these neurotrophic factors in preclinical and clinical stroke and TBI and the challenges in translating these therapies from the bench to the clinic.

Introduction Occupation-based practice is a core tenet of occupational therapy. This study explores perspectives and experiences with occupation-based practice among Thai occupational therapists. Method Using mixed methods, a focus group was conducted with eight occupational therapists, and the results were interpreted using thematic analysis. A questionnaire survey was also completed concerning practitioner perspectives ( n = 216). Findings Three major themes were identified: (a) perspectives on occupation-based practice were related to practice areas and felt to strengthen the identity of occupational therapy (52% strongly agree), leading to improved services and better outcomes for clients (44% strongly agree); (b) approaches focused on activities of daily living were appropriate for cross-practice areas; and (c) occupation-based practice is consistent with integrated medical sciences and occupations for clients (52% strongly agree). Conclusion Implementing occupation-based practice will be of value to clients, provide benefits as a compass to direct processes, and enhance clinical reasoning and outcomes.

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