UWI notebook - Improved quality of life after brain tumor surgery

• UWI notebook - Improved quality of life after brain tumor surgery

Brain tumors are not uncommon. When a person has a brain tumor, the doctor often has to remove it surgically. The root of the tumor often begins growing from the inner protective covering called the dura mater which is located just under the skull. In order to completely get rid of the tumor, this root must also be removed.

Having completely removed the tumor, the doctor has a space left in the protective covering of the brain. This void has to be repaired. For years doctors have used different materials to fill the void. However, because of the limited supplies of bio-compatible tissue, doctors have struggled to find the ideal dura mater substitute to close the opening left by the removal.

At the UWI, a neurosurgery team led by Dr Carl Bruce, the principal investigator of the clinical trial, has completed the surgeries to test a different type of dura substitute covering to repair defects created by the removal of the brain tumors. The surgeons place the trial dura substitute in the defect where it acts as a protective covering for the brain. The dura substitute used in the trials was evaluated at different points during the patients' recovery.

Emerging field

The dura substitute under evaluation in the clinical trial is basically a piece of purified collagen which has been derived from human cadaveric fascia lata, i.e., a layer of tissue under the skin of the thigh. Human collagen is one of the most basic proteins found naturally in the body. The clinical trial dura substitute was designed and produced by a North American company, Osteotech Inc. This dura mater substitute is referred to by the scientists as a bio-regeneration matrix and is one of the tools in the emerging field of Osteotech's Human Collagen Technology where biological products are used for regenerative healing.

This technology has uses beyond the brain tumor surgery. Doctors have in fact used the dura substitute in patients with head injuries, brain haemorrhage, spinal abnormalities and birth defects in the brain and spine. Doctors are hoping that this technology will become available worldwide within the next year or so.

Dr Bruce is a consultant neurosurgeon, celebrovascular and skull base specialist at the University Hospital of the West Indies. He is an associate lecturer in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and is the winner of the 2009 Latin American and the Caribbean Osteobiology Award for excellence in Human Neurological Regenerative Technology research and teaching.

• NCU Bulletin - Alumnus honoured

An alumnus of Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Dr Mansfield Edwards, received the annual African Canadian Achievement Award of Excellence (ACAA) at a gala sponsored by the organisation on Saturday, May 29, in Toronto, Canada.

Dr Edwards, president of the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Churches and chaplain for the York Regional Police and the Association of Black Law Enforcers (ABLE), received the award in the category of religion for his contribution to the community and country.

NCU stands proud of the accomplishments of its alumnus and we look forward to having you march down our graduation aisle one day, for it is the 'NCU Pride that propels our Stride'

UTech Focus - UTech offers region's first BSc in occupational health and safety

The Government of Jamaica Occupational Health and Safety Act (2002) mandates all industries to establish and comply with occupational health and safety measures as legislated. In support of needed academic training in this area and in keeping with international standards set by the World Health Organisation for occupational health and safety, the College of Health Sciences, University of Technology (UTech) will offer the new Bachelor of Science in Occupational Health and Safety beginning at the start of the academic year in September 2010.

The course is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region and complements the College's degree programme in environmental health.

The BSc in occupational health and safety will train specialists to oversee healthy and safe work environments and enforce environmental regulations consistent with occupational health and safety needs. Graduates of the course of study will be qualified for needed professionals as safety officers, occupational hygienists, occupational health professionals and environmental safety officers or jobs in related areas in the public and private sectors in the region.

The course is four years of full-time study and eligible applicants must have five passes at GCE O' level with grades A, B or C or grades 1, 2, 3 at the CSEC level (as of June 1998) in English language, mathematics, biology/human social, chemistry and one other pass in an approved subject.

Application for this programme is currently open. For further information, contact Audrey Hussey, programme director at 948-9057 or email: ehussey@utech.edu.jm.