One of the ways to reconstruct a nerve defect is to use a biodegradable nerve guide. The aim of this study was to establish a nerve guide constructed of an amorphous copolymer of lactic acid-caprolactone. A pilot study was set up to elucidate the effect of the tube dimensions on nerve regeneration. Four types of nerve guides, with internal diameters ranging from 1.12-1.23 mm and wall thicknesses ranging from 0.34-0.68, were tested for this purpose. We evaluated the biodegradation, foreign body reaction and nerve regeneration by light microscopy, after three different implantation times (1, 2, and 3 months). After 2 months, we observed that all types of nerve guides had changed from a transparent to an opaque and swollen state, and that they had lost their strength. The foreign body reaction was characterized by the presence of giant cells and fibroblasts surrounding the degrading nerve guide. From this pilot study, we conclude that nerve guide type 1, with an internal diameter of 1.23 mm and a wall thickness of 0.34 mm, can ensure nerve regeneration in the case of a 1-cm gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat. Nerve guides types 3 and 4, with relatively small lumens, show nerve compression due to a more pronounced swelling of the degrading tube.

These findings emphasize the need for more high quality cohort studies focussing on work participation as the main outcome among people with Autism.

The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term peripheral nerve regeneration across a 10-mm. gap, using a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolacton) nerve guide, with an internal diameter of 1.5 mm and a wall thickness of 0.30 mm. To do so, we evaluated regenerating nerves using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and morphometric analysis after implantation of 12-mm nerve guides in the sciatic nerve of the rat. Evaluation times ranged from 3-10 weeks. Three weeks after reconstruction, myelinated nerve fibers could be observed in the distal nerve stump. Ten weeks after reconstruction, the regenerating nerves already resembled normal nerves. In conclusion, we show that poly(DL-lactide-epsilon-caprolacton) nerve guides can be successfully applied in the reconstruction of severed nerves in the rat model. Furthermore, we have observed the fastest nerve regeneration described thus far, after reconstruction using a biodegradable nerve guide.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are three to four times less often employed compared to their non-disabled peers. Evidence for factors associated with work participation of young adults with ID is limited. Furthermore, studies on predictors for sustainable work participation among young adults with ID is lacking altogether. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate which factors predict finding as well as maintaining employment of young adults with mild ID. We obtained data on 735 young adults with mild ID, aged 15-27 years, applying for a disability benefit. The follow-up period ranged from 1.25 to 2.75 years. Motivation, expectations regarding future work level and living situation predicted finding work as well as maintaining employment for at least 6 months. In this study, especially personal factors were influential in predicting work outcome and may be suitable factors to include in interventions.