Factors to Consider During Identification and Invitation of Individuals in a Multi-stakeholder Research Partnership.

BACKGROUND: Health research teams increasingly partner with stakeholders to produce research that is relevant, accessible, and widely used. Previous work has covered stakeholder group identification. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop factors for health research teams to consider during identification and invitation of individual representatives in a multi-stakeholder research partnership, with the aim of forming equitable and informed teams. DESIGN: Consensus development. PARTICIPANTS: We involved 16 stakeholders from the international Multi-Stakeholder Engagement (MuSE) Consortium, including patients and the public, providers, payers of health services/purchasers, policy makers, programme managers, peer review editors, and principal investigators. APPROACH: We engaged stakeholders in factor development and as co-authors of this manuscript. Using a modified Delphi approach, we gathered stakeholder views concerning a preliminary list of 18 factors. Over two feedback rounds, using qualitative and quantitative analysis, we concentrated these into ten factors. KEY RESULTS: We present seven highly desirable factors: 'expertise or experience', 'ability and willingness to represent the stakeholder group', 'inclusivity (equity, diversity and intersectionality)', 'communication skills', 'commitment and time capacity', 'financial and non-financial relationships and activities, and conflict of interest', 'training support and funding needs'. Additionally, three factors are desirable: 'influence', 'research relevant values', 'previous stakeholder engagement'. CONCLUSIONS: We present factors for research teams to consider during identification and invitation of individual representatives in a multi-stakeholder research partnership. Policy makers and guideline developers may benefit from considering the factors in stakeholder identification and invitation. Research funders may consider stipulating consideration of the factors in funding applications. We outline how these factors can be implemented and exemplify how their use has the potential to improve the quality and relevancy of health research.

Moving on trial: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial of models of housing and support to reduce risks of COVID-19 infection and homelessness.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that around 160,000 households in Britain experience homelessness each year, although no definitive statistics exist. Between March and September 2020, as part of the initial 'Everyone In' government response to COVID-19 in England, 10,566 people were living in emergency accommodation and nearly 18,911 people had been moved into settled accommodation. However, some forms of temporary accommodation may not be suitable as shared facilities make it impossible for people to adhere to government guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. METHODS: This is parallel group, pilot randomised controlled trial. The target is to recruit three local authorities, each of which will recruit 50 participants (thus a total of approximately 150 participants). Individuals are eligible if they are aged 18 and over, in a single-person homeless household, temporarily accommodated by the LA with recourse to public funds. Participants will be randomised to receive settled accommodation (intervention group) or temporary accommodation (control group). The intervention group includes settled housing such as Private Rented Sector (low and medium support), Social Housing (low and medium support), and Housing First (High support). The control group will maintain treatment as usual. The follow-up period will last 6 months. The primary outcome is to assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and acceptability of trial processes against progression criteria laid out in a traffic light system (green: all criteria are met, the trial should progress as designed in this pilot; amber: the majority of criteria are met and with adaptations to methods all criteria could be met; red: the minority of criteria are met and the pilot RCT should not proceed). Secondary outcomes include assessment of completeness of data collection at 3 and 6 months and percentage of participants consenting to data linkage, as well as a process evaluation and economic evaluation. DISCUSSION: This trial will address feasibility questions associated with progression to a fully powered effectiveness trial of models of housing to reduce risk of COVID-19 infection and homelessness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN69564614 . Registered on December 16, 2020.

PROTOCOL: The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for reducing problematic substance use, improving mental health, and improving housing stability for adults experiencing homelessness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review is part of a broader evidence synthesis which aims to produce two systematic reviews to address a significant gap in the evidence base identified by Luchenski et al. (2018) and by (White, 2018). The first review (which is the subject of this protocol) will use meta-analysis to examine the effectiveness of different psychosocial interventions in (1) reducing problematic substance use; (2) improving mental health; and (3) improving housing stability for adults experiencing homelessness. The second review (which is covered by a separate title registration and protocol) will be of the experiences of adults experiencing homelessness when accessing or using psychosocial interventions, and will be a qualitative evidence synthesis using thematic synthesis (Thomas & Harden, 2008).

PROTOCOL: The experiences of adults experiencing homelessness when accessing and using psychosocial interventions: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis.

The systematic review set out in this protocol is part of a broader evidence synthesis which intends to produce two systematic reviews to address a significant gap in the evidence base identified by Luchenski et al. (2018) and by White and Narayanan (2021). This review (the focus of this protocol) will be of the experiences of adults experiencing homelessness when accessing and using psychosocial interventions. This review of qualitative data will use thematic synthesis to analyse these experiences as faced by this population when accessing and using psychosocial interventions.

PROTOCOL: Studies of the effectiveness of interventions to improve the welfare of those affected by, and at risk of, homelessness in high-income countries: An evidence and gap map.

Homelessness - people living on the street, in temporary accommodation, or at risk of losing their homes - is a persistent problem across the developed world. Policies and programmes to tackle homelessness should be informed by evidence of effectiveness. This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map for studies of the effectiveness of interventions to improve the welfare of those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. We proposed a comprehensive search for studies, with systematic screening, coding and reporting. The available studies will be presented in an online interactive map together with a supporting report.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Root Canal Sealers Using an In Vitro Experimental Model with Roots.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of root canal sealers under conditions closely resembling a clinical reality. A primary human fibroblast cell line was seeded in 24-well acrylic plates with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% serum fetal bovine (SFB) and incubated for 24 h. Root canals from premolars were filled and individually attached to nylon devices to be stabilized in the wells with the already seeded cells. Specimens were divided into groups as follows: Control: gutta-percha cones (GPC); AH Plus+GPC; Sealapex+GPC; MTA Fillapex+GPC and Endofill+GPC. After 24 and 48 h, cell viability and morphology were evaluated by MTT assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney test, complemented by Kruskal Wallis test (p<0.05). Only Endofill presented cytotoxicity after 24 h. MTA Fillapex and Endofill reduced the production of succinic desidrogenase after 48 h. AH Plus was non-toxic at any time point. SEM showed that the AH Plus and MTA Fillapex groups presented fibroblasts with morphology close to the control group, while the Endofill group presented few cells with thin extensions cells. The present study showed that good results were present in AH Plus and Sealapex, but not the Endofill group after 48 h. The method used enabled evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the studied sealers that diffused through the root apex.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Root Canal Sealers Using an In Vitro Experimental Model with Roots

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of root canal sealers under conditions closely resembling a clinical reality. A primary human fibroblast cell line was seeded in 24-well acrylic plates with Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% serum fetal bovine (SFB) and incubated for 24 h. Root canals from premolars were filled and individually attached to nylon devices to be stabilized in the wells with the already seeded cells. Specimens were divided into groups as follows: Control: gutta-percha cones (GPC); AH Plus+GPC; Sealapex+GPC; MTA Fillapex+GPC and Endofill+GPC. After 24 and 48 h, cell viability and morphology were evaluated by MTT assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann-Whitney test, complemented by Kruskal Wallis test (p<0.05). Only Endofill presented cytotoxicity after 24 h. MTA Fillapex and Endofill reduced the production of succinic desidrogenase after 48 h. AH Plus was non-toxic at any time point. SEM showed that the AH Plus and MTA Fillapex groups presented fibroblasts with morphology close to the control group, while the Endofill group presented few cells with thin extensions cells. The present study showed that good results were present in AH Plus and Sealapex, but not the Endofill group after 48 h. The method used enabled evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the studied sealers that diffused through the root apex.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a citotoxicidade dos cimentos dos canais radiculares em condições próximas à realidade clinica. Uma linhagem primária de fibrolastos humanos foi semeada em placas acrílicas de 24-poços com meio de cultura Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium suplementado com 10% de soro fetal bovino e incubados por 24 h. Os canais radiculares de pré-molares foram obturados e individualmente adaptados aos dispositivos de nylon para serem estabilizados nos poços com as células já semeadas. Amostras foram dividas de acordo com os grupos: Controle: cones de gutta-percha (CGP); AH Plus+CGP; Sealapex+CGP; MTA Fillapex+CGP e Endofill+CGP. Após 24 e 48 h, a viabilidade e a morfologia celular foram avaliadas pelo ensaio de MTT e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), respectivamente. Análises estatísticas foram realizadas pelo teste de Mann-Whitney, complementadas por Kruskal Wallis (p<0,05). Apenas o Endofill apresentou citotoxicidade após 24 h. MTA Fillapex e Endofill reduziram a produção da enzima desidrogenase succinica após 48 h. AH Plus não apresentou toxicidade em nenhum momento. MEV mostrou que os grupos AH Plus e o MTA Fillapex apresentaram fibroblastos com morfologia próxima ao grupo controle, enquanto que o grupo do Endofill apresentou poucas células com finos prolongamentos. O presente estudo demonstrou que resultados satisfatórios foram apresentados nos grupos AH Plus e Sealapex, mas não para o Endofill após 48 h. O método utilizado permitiu avaliar a citotoxicidade dos cimentos que se difundem pelo ápice radicular.

Evaluation of the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of Ca3SiO5-based cement.

Ca3SiO5 is new cement based on the composition of Portland that has been developed to have superior physicochemical and biological properties. In a clinical evaluation, the cement did not appear to have cytotoxic properties and allowed for the proliferation of pulp cells and gingival fibroblasts. However, no previous studies have evaluated the genotoxicity or the mutagenicity of Ca3SiO5in vivo. Therefore, the goal of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of Ca3SiO5-based cement in vivo. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 8). Group A rats received subcutaneous implantation of Ca3SiO5 in the dorsum. Group B rats received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (positive control). Group C rats received subcutaneous implantation of empty tubes in the dorsum (negative control). After 24 hours, all animals were euthanized and the bone marrow of the femurs was collected for use in the comet assay and the micronucleus test. The comet assay revealed that the Ca3SiO5 group had a tail intensity of 23.57 ± 7.70%, the cyclophosphamide group had a tail intensity of 27.43 ± 7.40%, and the negative control group had a tail intensity of 24.75 ± 5.55%. The average number of micronuclei was 6.25 (standard deviation, SD = 3.53) in the Ca3SiO5 group, 9.75 (SD = 2.49) in the cyclophosphamide group, and 0.75 (SD = 1.03) in the negative control group. There was an increase in the micronuclei frequency in the Ca3SiO5 group compared to that of the negative control group (p < 0.05). Our data showed that exposure to the Ca3SiO5-based cement resulted in an increase in the frequency of micronuclei, but no genotoxicity was detected according to the comet assay.

Evaluation of the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of Ca3SiO5-based cement

Abstract Ca3SiO5 is new cement based on the composition of Portland that has been developed to have superior physicochemical and biological properties. In a clinical evaluation, the cement did not appear to have cytotoxic properties and allowed for the proliferation of pulp cells and gingival fibroblasts. However, no previous studies have evaluated the genotoxicity or the mutagenicity of Ca3SiO5in vivo. Therefore, the goal of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of Ca3SiO5-based cement in vivo. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 8). Group A rats received subcutaneous implantation of Ca3SiO5 in the dorsum. Group B rats received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (positive control). Group C rats received subcutaneous implantation of empty tubes in the dorsum (negative control). After 24 hours, all animals were euthanized and the bone marrow of the femurs was collected for use in the comet assay and the micronucleus test. The comet assay revealed that the Ca3SiO5 group had a tail intensity of 23.57 ± 7.70%, the cyclophosphamide group had a tail intensity of 27.43 ± 7.40%, and the negative control group had a tail intensity of 24.75 ± 5.55%. The average number of micronuclei was 6.25 (standard deviation, SD = 3.53) in the Ca3SiO5 group, 9.75 (SD = 2.49) in the cyclophosphamide group, and 0.75 (SD = 1.03) in the negative control group. There was an increase in the micronuclei frequency in the Ca3SiO5 group compared to that of the negative control group (p < 0.05). Our data showed that exposure to the Ca3SiO5-based cement resulted in an increase in the frequency of micronuclei, but no genotoxicity was detected according to the comet assay.

Biocompatibility evaluation of biodentine in subcutaneous tissue of rats.

INTRODUCTION: Biodentine (Septodont, St-Maur-des-Fossés, France) is a new material suitable for various clinical situations in endodontics, such as perforation repair, retrograde filling, pulp capping, and others. Because it is a new material, its properties should be analyzed before routine clinical use. Thus, this study evaluated the biocompatibility of Biodentine in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. METHODS: This study was conducted on 15 male rats. Two incisions were made on the dorsal region of each animal for the introduction of 4 tubes. One tube was empty, 1 was filled with zinc oxide-eugenol cement, 1 was filled with mineral trioxide aggregate, and the last tube was filled with Biodentine. After 7, 14, and 30 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the specimens were submitted to histotechnical preparation. The histologic sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and analyzed using light microscopy. Scores were established according to the inflammatory process and were statistically compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < .05). RESULTS: The analysis of the histologic sections evidenced a nonsignificant or mild presence of inflammatory reaction in the connective tissue in contact with the empty tube and the tube containing MTA, which was different from the tube containing zinc oxide eugenol. The connective tissue was moderately inflamed at 7 days when in contact with Biodentine; however, at 14 and 30 days, the inflammatory process was mild or nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Biodentine was biocompatible with tissue after the 14th day.

O consumo de substâncias psicoativas entre estudantes universitários: uma revisão de literatura

Os adolescentes e adultos jovens são mais vulneráveis ao uso de álcool e outras drogas e dentre essa população encontram-se os estudantes universitários. O estudo tem como objetivo analisar o que a literatura aborda em relação ao uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo que utiliza como método a pesquisa bibliográfica. A seleção do material se deu a partir da busca nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Bases de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF). Inicialmente foram identificadas 116 publicações e, de acordo, com critérios pré estabelecidos, foram selecionados22 artigos para análise. Com o propósito de investigar qualitativamente o conteúdo dos estudos, foram elaboradas questões que nortearam a análise dos dados. Os resultados mostram que, deacordo com os autores, as drogas mais utilizadas pelos estudantes são: álcool, tabaco, maconha, cocaína, benzodiazepínico, anfetamina, solventes ou inalantes e sedativos. As drogas maisconsumidas na vida são o álcool, o tabaco e a maconha. O consumo de substâncias psicoativas aumenta ao longo dos cursos universitários, justificando-se pelo contexto em que os estudantes estão inseridos. O grupo de pares e a família influenciam tanto nas atitudes em relação ao consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e outras drogas, quanto no favorecimento de situações para o consumo. Os autores recomendam ações preventivas e de apoio aos estudantes durante o período de graduação. Conclui-se que há um diagnóstico claro da situação do uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários, considerando os achados semelhantes das pesquisas e as idéias convergentes dos autores. Frente a isso, sugere-se a realização de estudos qualitativos, em que os estudantes possam expressar-se, e de intervenção para avaliar as ações implementadas sobre o tema .

Interactions of sulindac and its metabolites with phospholipid membranes: an explanation for the peroxidation protective effect of the bioactive metabolite.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) treat inflammatory processes by inhibition of cycloxygenase (COX). However, their action against lipid peroxidation can be an alternative pathway to COX inhibition. Since inflammation and lipid peroxidation are cell-surface phenomena, the effects of NSAIDs on membrane models were investigated. Peroxidation was induced by peroxyl radical (ROO*) derived from AAPH and assessed in aqueous or lipid media using fluorescence probes with distinct lipophilic properties: fluorescein; HDAF and DPH-PA. The antioxidant effect of sulindac and its metabolites was tested and related with their membrane interactions. Drug-membrane interactions included the study of: drug location by fluorescence quenching; drug interaction with membrane surface by zeta-potential measurements; and membrane fluidity changes by steady-state anisotropy. Results revealed that the active NSAID (sulindac sulphide) penetrates into the lipid bilayer and protects the membrane against oxy-radicals. The inactive forms (sulindac and sulindac sulphone) present weaker interactions with the membrane and are better radical scavengers in aqueous media.