Phospholipid‐induced silk fibroin hydrogels and their potential as cell carriers for tissue regeneration

Silk fibroin (SF) hydrogels can be obtained via self‐assembly, but this process takes several days or weeks, being unfeasible to produce cell carrier hydrogels. In this work, a phospholipid, namely, 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐(1′‐rac‐glycerol) sodium salt (DMPG), was used to induce and accelerate the gelation process of SF solutions. Due to the amphipathic nature and negative charge of DMPG, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between the phospholipids and SF chains will occur, inducing the structural transition of SF chains to the beta sheet and consequently a rapid gel formation is observed (less than 50 min). Moreover, the gelation time can be controlled by varying the lipid concentration. To assess the potential of the hydrogels as cell carriers, several mammalian cell lines, including L929, NIH/3T3, SaOS‐2, and CaSki, were encapsulated into the hydrogel. The silk‐based hydrogels supported the normal growth of fibroblasts, corroborating their cytocompatibility. Interestingly, an inhibition in the growth of cancer‐derived cell lines was observed. Therefore, DMPG‐induced SF hydrogels can be successfully used as a 3D platform for in situ cell encapsulation, opening promising opportunities in biomedical applications, such as in cell therapies and tissue regeneration.     

The journey into fatherhood: A grounded theory study

The objective of this study was to explore the process of transition into fatherhood for Thai men from childbirth to the postpartum period. Forty‐one first‐time Thai fathers were voluntarily recruited from two hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from December 2012 to June 2013. In‐depth interviews were used to collect the data, which were analyzed based on grounded theory methodology. The basic social process that emerged as the core category was termed: “the journey into fatherhood.” This process was divided into three phases: labor, delivery, and family beginning. Within this process, there were various situations, challenges, and pressures, which caused many changes of mood and feelings for the first‐time fathers. Throughout this process, they applied various strategies to manage their concerns and needs, in order to develop into masterly fathers. Identifying the process of the journey into fatherhood provides nurses and midwives insight into the new fathers' experiences, which will enable them to be more sensitive, respectful, and effective caregivers.     

Traditional beliefs about pregnancy and child birth among women from Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

OBJECTIVE: To examine women's embodied knowledge of pregnancy and birth, women's explanations of precautions during pregnancy and birth and preparations for easy birth and the role of a traditional midwife in a Thai birthing care. DESIGN: In-depth interviews relating to traditional and changed beliefs and practices of pregnancy and childbirth with Thai women in Northern Thailand. SETTING: Chiang Mai city and Mae On sub-district in Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: 30 Thai women living in Chiang Mai in Thailand. FINDINGS: The social meaning of childbirth in Thai culture is part of the larger social system, which involves the woman, her family, the community, society and the supernatural world. Traditional beliefs and practices in Thai culture clearly aim to preserve the life and well-being of a new mother and her baby. It seems that traditional childbirth practices have not totally disappeared in northern Thailand, but have gradually diminished. Women's social backgrounds influence traditional beliefs and practices. The traditions are followed by most rural and some urban poor women in Chiang Mai. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of this study may assist health professionals to better understand women from different cultures. It is important to recognise many factors discussed in this paper within the context of Thai lives and traditions. This will prevent misunderstanding and, consequently, encourage more sensitive pregnancy and birthing care for pregnant women.     

Thai men becoming a first-time father

The purpose of this study was to understand the process of Thai men becoming a first-time father. Twenty expectant fathers were voluntarily recruited from the antenatal clinics of three hospitals in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The data were collected by in-depth interviews and analyzed on the basis of grounded theory methodology. The findings demonstrated that "protecting the unborn baby" was the basic social process that emerged as the core category. This process was divided into three phases: confirming and accepting, perceiving the unborn baby as a human being, and ensuring the health of the mother and baby. Throughout this process, the Thai expectant fathers applied many strategies to manage their concerns, needs, and emotions and to develop themselves into fathers. The process of protecting the unborn baby provides insight into the expectant fathers' experiences, which will enable nurses and midwives to assist and care for men as they become fathers.