Redefining vascular repair: revealing cellular responses on PEUU-gelatin electrospun vascular grafts for endothelialization and immune responses on in vitro models.

Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) poised for regenerative applications are central to effective vascular repair, with their efficacy being significantly influenced by scaffold architecture and the strategic distribution of bioactive molecules either embedded within the scaffold or elicited from responsive tissues. Despite substantial advancements over recent decades, a thorough understanding of the critical cellular dynamics for clinical success remains to be fully elucidated. Graft failure, often ascribed to thrombogenesis, intimal hyperplasia, or calcification, is predominantly linked to improperly modulated inflammatory reactions. The orchestrated behavior of repopulating cells is crucial for both initial endothelialization and the subsequent differentiation of vascular wall stem cells into functional phenotypes. This necessitates the TEVG to provide an optimal milieu wherein immune cells can promote early angiogenesis and cell recruitment, all while averting persistent inflammation. In this study, we present an innovative TEVG designed to enhance cellular responses by integrating a physicochemical gradient through a multilayered structure utilizing synthetic (poly (ester urethane urea), PEUU) and natural polymers (Gelatin B), thereby modulating inflammatory reactions. The luminal surface is functionalized with a four-arm polyethylene glycol (P4A) to mitigate thrombogenesis, while the incorporation of adhesive peptides (RGD/SV) fosters the adhesion and maturation of functional endothelial cells. The resultant multilayered TEVG, with a diameter of 3.0 cm and a length of 11 cm, exhibits differential porosity along its layers and mechanical properties commensurate with those of native porcine carotid arteries. Analyses indicate high biocompatibility and low thrombogenicity while enabling luminal endothelialization and functional phenotypic behavior, thus limiting inflammation in in-vitro models. The vascular wall demonstrated low immunogenicity with an initial acute inflammatory phase, transitioning towards a pro-regenerative M2 macrophage-predominant phase. These findings underscore the potential of the designed TEVG in inducing favorable immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative environments, thus holding promise for future clinical applications in vascular tissue engineering.

Transcriptome data from silica-preserved leaf tissue reveal gene flow patterns in a Caribbean bromeliad.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transcriptome sequencing is a cost-effective approach that allows researchers to study a broad range of questions. However, to preserve RNA for transcriptome sequencing, tissue is often kept in special conditions, such as immediate ultracold freezing. Here, we demonstrate that RNA can be obtained from 6-month-old, field-collected samples stored in silica gel at room temperature. Using these transcriptomes, we explore the evolutionary relationships of the genus Pitcairnia (Bromeliaceae) in the Dominican Republic and infer barriers to gene flow. METHODS: We extracted RNA from silica-dried leaf tissue from 19 Pitcairnia individuals collected across the Dominican Republic. We used a series of macro- and micro-evolutionary approaches to examine the relationships and patterns of gene flow among individuals. KEY RESULTS: We produced high-quality transcriptomes from silica-dried material and demonstrated that evolutionary relationships on the island match geography more closely than species delimitation methods. A population genetic examination indicates that a combination of ecological and geographical features presents barriers to gene flow in Pitcairnia. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptomes can be obtained from silica-preserved tissue. The genetic diversity among Pitcairnia populations does not warrant classification as separate species, but the Dominican Republic contains several barriers to gene flow, notably the Cordillera Central mountain range.

Polyester urethane urea (PEUU) functionalization for enhanced anti-thrombotic performance: advancing regenerative cardiovascular devices through innovative surface modifications.

Introduction: Thrombogenesis, a major cause of implantable cardiovascular device failure, can be addressed through the use of biodegradable polymers modified with anticoagulating moieties. This study introduces a novel polyester urethane urea (PEUU) functionalized with various anti-platelet deposition molecules for enhanced antiplatelet performance in regenerative cardiovascular devices. Methods: PEUU, synthesized from poly-caprolactone, 1,4-diisocyanatobutane, and putrescine, was chemically oxidized to introduce carboxyl groups, creating PEUU-COOH. This polymer was functionalized in situ with polyethyleneimine, 4-arm polyethylene glycol, seleno-L-cystine, heparin sodium, and fondaparinux. Functionalization was confirmed using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Bio-compatibility and hemocompatibility were validated through metabolic activity and hemolysis assays. The anti-thrombotic activity was assessed using platelet aggregation, lactate dehydrogenase activation assays, and scanning electron microscopy surface imaging. The whole-blood clotting time quantification assay was employed to evaluate anticoagulation properties. Results: Results demonstrated high biocompatibility and hemocompatibility, with the most potent anti-thrombotic activity observed on pegylated surfaces. However, seleno-L-cystine and fondaparinux exhibited no anti-platelet activity. Discussion: The findings highlight the importance of balancing various factors and addressing challenges associated with different approaches when developing innovative surface modifications for cardiovascular devices.

Alignment efficiency of heat activated and superelastic nickel-titanium archwires in orthodontic patients over three months: A Single-center, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this 2-arm parallel study was to evaluate the alignment efficiency of heat-activated nickel-titanium (NiTi-TE) and superelastic nickel titanium (NiTi-PSE) archwires over the first 3 months of orthodontic treatment and compare these groups. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Randomized, double-blind, controlled, single-center trial in 52 patients with fixed orthodontic appliances from an orthodontic graduate program in the permanent dentition and moderate crowding in the lower arch. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were randomly allocated to one of two interventions: NiTi-TE and NiTi-PSE archwires, 0.014-inch (3M Unitek™, CA, USA) with a follow-up period of 3 months. The primary outcome was the alignment efficiency determined by the reduction in Little's irregularity index (mm), measured in three points, T0: before the start of orthodontic treatment, T1: 1 month later, T2: 2 months later, T3: 3 months later. Data were analyzed using independent sample t tests and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: 52 patients (NiTi-TE n = 26; NiTi-PSE n = 26) were randomized and analyzed (average age: 21.73; standard deviation (SD): 6.07; average lower anterior irregularity: 5.20; SD: 0.76) for intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found (mean of the differences: T1: 0.20; 95% CI: -0.558; 0.958; T2: 0.49: 95% CI: -0.339; 1.319; T3: 0.33; 95% CI: -0.308; 0.968). The resolution of crowding with each of the wires was significant (P < 0.0001) at all times. Twelve participants (2 treated with NiTi-TE and 10 treated with NiTi-PSE) lost follow-up due to face-to-face dental-procedures restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the missing data was imputed. CONCLUSIONS: NiTi-TE and NiTi-PSE wires of 0.014-inch were similar in their clinical efficiency for the resolution of crowding during the first 3 months of orthodontic treatment. REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT03256279.

Failure Analysis of TEVG's II: Late Failure and Entering the Regeneration Pathway.

Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are a promising alternative to treat vascular disease under complex hemodynamic conditions. However, despite efforts from the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields, the interactions between the material and the biological and hemodynamic environment are still to be understood, and optimization of the rational design of vascular grafts is an open challenge. This is of special importance as TEVGs not only have to overcome the surgical requirements upon implantation, they also need to withhold the inflammatory response and sustain remodeling of the tissue. This work aims to analyze and evaluate the bio-molecular interactions and hemodynamic phenomena between blood components, cells and materials that have been reported to be related to the failure of the TEVGs during the regeneration process once the initial stages of preimplantation have been resolved, in order to tailor and refine the needed criteria for the optimal design of TEVGs.

Failure Analysis of TEVG's I: Overcoming the Initial Stages of Blood Material Interaction and Stabilization of the Immune Response.

Vascular grafts (VG) are medical devices intended to replace the function of a diseased vessel. Current approaches use non-biodegradable materials that struggle to maintain patency under complex hemodynamic conditions. Even with the current advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with the tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs), the cellular response is not yet close to mimicking the biological function of native vessels, and the understanding of the interactions between cells from the blood and the vascular wall with the material in operative conditions is much needed. These interactions change over time after the implantation of the graft. Here we aim to analyze the current knowledge in bio-molecular interactions between blood components, cells and materials that lead either to an early failure or to the stabilization of the vascular graft before the wall regeneration begins.

Drug repurposing screens identify chemical entities for the development of COVID-19 interventions.

The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), necessitates strategies to identify prophylactic and therapeutic drug candidates for rapid clinical deployment. Here, we describe a screening pipeline for the discovery of efficacious SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. We screen a best-in-class drug repurposing library, ReFRAME, against two high-throughput, high-content imaging infection assays: one using HeLa cells expressing SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 and the other using lung epithelial Calu-3 cells. From nearly 12,000 compounds, we identify 49 (in HeLa-ACE2) and 41 (in Calu-3) compounds capable of selectively inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication. Notably, most screen hits are cell-line specific, likely due to different virus entry mechanisms or host cell-specific sensitivities to modulators. Among these promising hits, the antivirals nelfinavir and the parent of prodrug MK-4482 possess desirable in vitro activity, pharmacokinetic and human safety profiles, and both reduce SARS-CoV-2 replication in an orthogonal human differentiated primary cell model. Furthermore, MK-4482 effectively blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in a hamster model. Overall, we identify direct-acting antivirals as the most promising compounds for drug repurposing, additional compounds that may have value in combination therapies, and tool compounds for identification of viral host cell targets.

From tissue engineering to engineering tissues: the role and application of in vitro models.

Engineered models have emerged as relevant in vitro tools to foresee the translational potential of new therapies from the bench to the bedside in a fast and cost-effective fashion. The principles applied to the development of tissue-engineered constructs bring the foundation concepts to engineer relevant in vitro models. Engineered models often face scepticism, because regularly these do not include the extreme complexity of nature, but rather a simplification of a phenomenon. While engineering in vitro models, a hypothesis is imposed towards which defined parameters are included to assess the degree of similarity between the in vitro model and the native phenomenon, keeping in mind their intrinsic limitations. The development of in vitro models has been highly supported and disseminated by different regulatory agencies. This review aims at defining and exploring the multifaceted potential of tangible, not theoretical, models within the biomedical field to represent physiological tissues and organ-related phenomena.

Hiperglicinemia no cetósica neonatal, fenotipo atenuado / Neonatal nonketotic hyperglycinemia, attenuated phenotype / Hiperglicinemia não-cetótica neonatal, fenótipo atenuado

Introducción. La Hiperglicinemia no Cetósica (HNC) es un error innato del metabolismo de herencia autosómica recesiva, cuya principal característica es la acumulación de glicina en los fluidos corporales, producido por una falla en el complejo de clivaje enzimático de este aminoácido. Presentación del caso. Presentamos el caso de un recién nacido de 36 semanas, con adaptación neonatal espontánea, sin historia de noxa perinatal ni hipoglicemia documentada, quien tras un corto período de 24 horas presentó deterioro neurológico progresivo, rápida alteración del estado de conciencia hasta el coma y falla ventilatoria. Llamó la atención al ingreso la hipotonía severa generalizada, hiporreflexia, ausencia de reflejos primitivos, con episodios de hipo aislado y movimientos oculares anormales. Ante la sospecha de un error innato del metabolismo se realizó el perfil de aminoácidos donde se evidenció elevación significativa de la glicina, 1417 mmol/L (referencia 94-553 umol/L). Se solicitaron aminoácidos en líquido cefalorraquídeo, glicina muy elevada 1263 mmol/L (referencia 3-7 umol/L), con lo que se confirma la sospecha de hiperglicinemia no cetósica. Se decidió iniciar manejo con benzoato de sodio y dextrometorfano. La resonancia magnética inicial fue normal, en estudio control se encontraron al igual que en el electroencefalograma hallazgos reportados previamente en la literatura para esta patología. Discusión. La mayoría de los niños con HNC se presentan en el período neonatal o en la primera infancia, y solo los casos más leves se presentan al final de la infancia o la niñez. En las presentaciones de inicio neonatal, el 85% tiene HNC grave y el 15% tiene forma atenuada, como este caso. El diagnóstico de la HNC se hace con base en la sospecha clínica, confirmada por los hallazgos de laboratorio, con la alteración característica de la glicina tanto en plasma como en el LCR y soportada por los hallazgos de las neuroimágenes y electroencefalograma (EEG). Conclusiones. La HNC no es una condición tan inusual, aunque sí posiblemente subdiagnosticada por la forma de presentación tan catastrófica, además porque no produce grandes desarreglos metabólicos de rápido diagnóstico. Por este motivo, ante un paciente con cuadro clínico sugestivo, con coma, alteración respiratoria y convulsiones de difícil manejo, y muy característicamente hipo, debe solicitarse el estudio de aminoácidos en plasma, neuroimágenes y EEG, con el fin de instaurar un manejo temprano.

Introduction. Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is an autosomal recessive innate error of metabolism, whose main characteristic is the accumulation of glycine in body fluids, produced by a failure in the enzymatic cleavage complex of this amino acid. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 36-week-old newborn, with spontaneous neonatal adaptation, no history of perinatal noxa or documented hypoglycemia, who after a short period of 24 hours presented progressive neurological deterioration, rapid alteration of consciousness to coma and ventilatory failure. At admission the patient was noted for severe generalized hypotonia, hyporeflexia, absence of primitive reflexes, with episodes of isolated hiccups and abnormal eye movements. In view of the suspicion of an innate error of metabolism, an amino acid profile was performed, showing a significant elevation of glycine, 1417 umol/L (reference 94-553 umol/L). Amino acids were requested in cerebrospinal fluid, glycine very elevated 1263 umol/L (reference 3-7 umol/L), confirming the suspicion of nonketotic hyperglycinemia. It was decided to start treatment with sodium benzoate and dextromethorphan. The initial MRI was normal; in the control study, findings previously reported in the literature for this pathology were found, as well as in the electroencephalogram. Discussion. Most children with NKH will display it in the neonatal period or early infancy, with only the mildest cases presenting in late infancy or childhood. In neonatal-onset cases, 85% have severe NKH and 15% have attenuated form, as in this case. The diagnosis of NKH is made based on clinical suspicion, confirmed by laboratory findings, with the characteristic alteration of glycine in both plasma and CSF and supported by neuroimaging and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings. Conclusions. NKH is not such an unusual condition, although it is possibly underdiagnosed because of its catastrophic presentation and because it does not produce major metabolic disorders that are quickly diagnosed. For this reason, in a patient with a suggestive clinical condition, with coma, respiratory alteration and unmanageable seizures, and very characteristically hiccups, the study of amino acids in plasma, neuroimaging and EEG should be requested, in order to establish early treatment.

Introdução. A hiperglicinemia não-cetótica (HNC) é um erro inato do metabolismo de herança autossômica recessiva, cuja principal característica é o acúmulo de glicina nos fluidos corporais, produzido por uma falha no complexo de clivagem enzimática deste aminoácido. Apresentação do caso. Apresentamos o caso de um recém-nascido de 36 semanas, com adaptação neonatal espontânea, sem história de noxa perinatal nem hipoglicemia documentada, que após um curto período de 24 horas apresentou deterioração neurológica progressiva, alteração rápida de consciência até coma e falha ventilatória. Na admissão, eram notáveis a hipotonia grave generalizada, hiporreflexia, ausência de reflexos primitivos, com episódios de soluços isolados e movimentos oculares anormais. Diante da suspeita de erro inato no metabolismo, foi realizado o perfil de aminoácidos, onde foi constatada elevação significativa da glicina, 1417umol/L (referência 94-553 umol/L). Foram solicitados aminoácidos no líquido cefalorraquidiano, glicina muito alta 1263umol/L (referência 3-7 umol/L), confirmando a suspeita de hiperglicinemia não-cetótica. Foi decidido iniciar o tratamento com benzoato de sódio e dextrometorfano. A ressonância magnética inicial foi normal, tanto em estudo controle quanto no eletroencefalograma, foram encontrados achados previamente relatados na literatura para esta patologia. Discussão. A maioria das crianças com HNC estão no período neonatal ou na primeira infância, e apenas os casos mais leves ocorrem na infância ou na infância tardia. Nas apresentações de início neonatal, 85% têm HNC grave e 15% têm forma atenuada, como neste caso. O diagnóstico de HNC é feito com base na suspeita clínica, confirmada por achados laboratoriais, com alteração característica da glicina tanto no plasma quanto no LCR e apoiado por achados de neuroimagem e eletroencefalograma (EEG). Conclusões. A HNC não é uma condição tão incomum, embora possivelmente seja subdiagnosticada por sua apresentação catastrófica, também por não produzir grandes distúrbios metabólicos que possam ser diagnosticados rapidamente. Por esse motivo, em um paciente com quadro clínico sugestivo, com coma, distúrbios respiratórios e convulsões de difícil manejo, e soluços muito característicos, deve ser solicitado um estudo de aminoácidos no plasma, neuroimagem e EEG a fim de estabelecer um tratamento rápido.

Diversidad de Perifiton como indicador de calidad de agua en Caño Barandas: Reserva Natural El Diamante de las Aguas, Guaviare-Colombia / Diversity of Periphyton as an indicator of water quality in Caño Barandas: El Diamante de las Aguas Nature Reserve, Guaviare-Colombia

Introducción. El perifiton se entiende como una comunidad compleja de microorganismos entre los cuales se encuentran principalmente organismos fotosintéticos y zooplancton adheridos a sustratos, su estudio permite conocer el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas acuáticos, así como el estado y ecología de las comunidades presentes. Objetivo. Evaluar la calidad de agua a partir de la diversidad de perifiton del caño Barandas en la Reserva Natural El Diamante de Las Aguas, en el departamento de Guaviare. Metodología. se midieron las variables fisicoquímicas pH, oxígeno disuelto y temperatura en 5 estaciones a lo largo de 200 metros del cuerpo de agua, se tomaron muestras de perifiton sobrepuesto en superficies de roca, tronco y hojarasca, por medio de un raspado en el interior de un marco de 2x2 cm con 3 repeticiones; para la identificación de los organismos se observaron 25 alícuotas durante 5 minutos por alicuota; para evaluar la calidad de agua, se realizaron índices de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Menhinick, análisis de correspondencia canónica y el índice biológico de contaminación (IBC). Resultados. Se obtuvieron 465 registros, distribuidos en 82 géneros, los más representativos fueron Campylodiscus (5.81%), Tribonema (8.60%), Ophyoctium (10.75%) y Microspora (11.40%). El BCI arrojó como resultado 11,7 lo cual indica que es una zona de agua limpia. Conclusión. Las variables evaluadas presentaron una relación directa con las comunidades de perifiton encontradas en las estaciones. Los índices de diversidad mostraron que en este caño hay una alta diversidad en las comunidades de perifiton, lo cual indica una buena calidad de agua.

Introduction. The periphyton is understood as a complex community of microorganisms among which are mainly photosynthetic organisms and zooplankton adhered to substrates, its study allows to know the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, as well as the state and ecology of the communities present. Objetive. To evaluate the water quality from the diversity of periphyton of Caño Barandas in the El Diamante de Las Aguas, Natural Reserve in the department of Guaviare. Methodology. The physicochemical variables pH, dissolved oxygen and temperature were measured in 5 stations along 200 meters in the water-body, followed by samples of the periphyton superimposed on rock surfaces, trunk and litter, by means of a scraping inside a 2x2 cm frame, with 3 repetitions, subsequently, for the identification of the organisms, 25 aliquots were observed for 5 minutes per aliquot. to evaluate the water quality. Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, Menhinick diversity indices, canonical correspondence analysis and the biological contamination index, Results. A total of 465 records were obtained, distributed in 82 genera, the most representative were Campylodiscus (5.81%), Tribonema (8.60%), Ophyoctium (10.75%) and Microspora (11.40%). The latter gave 11.7 as a result, which indicates that it is a clean water area. Conclusion. The evaluated variables presented a direct relationship with the periphyton communities found in the stations. The diversity indices showed that in this area there is a high diversity in the periphyton communities, which indicates a good water quality.

Entrelaces entre a saúde, sustentabilidade e meio ambiente / Interlaces among health, sustainability and environment / Entrelaces entre la salud, sustentabilidad y medio ambiente

Objetivo: Conhecer o que vem sendo descrito sobre a saúde, sustentabilidade e meio ambiente. Métodos: Revisão integrativa realizada de março a abril de 2019. Os termos: saúde, sustentabilidade e meio ambiente. Os filtros: ser editado nos últimos 5 anos; estar relacionado com a conservação de recursos naturais; estar disponibilizado na íntegra e ser artigo científico. Análise utilizada foi de conteúdo, orientada por Bardim. Resultados: Foram selecionados 13 artigos, com seu conteúdo organizado nas categorias: Abrangência da saúde, que retrata a multiplicidade de fatores que interferem na saúde. Olhando para a sustentabilidade, que traz a perspectiva do desenvolvimento social a partir da reutilização dos recursos. E, Questões que influenciam o meio ambiente, apresentando o indivíduo como parte da natureza. Conclusão: Foi demostrando a importância de cada tema, a ligação natural dos mesmos, e como se cuidando de um, automaticamente se tem o reflexo nos outros

Objective:This research aims at knowing what has been described about health, sustainability and environment. Method:This integrative review was conducted from March to April 2019. The terms selected according the DeCS: health, sustainability and environment. The filters used are the following: have been edited in the last 5 years; have been related with the conservation of natural resources; have been available entirely and have been scientific article. Results: It has been found 13 articles, been its content organized in the following categories: Range of health, which describes the multiplicity of factors that interfere in health. Looking at the sustainability, which brings the perspective of social development from the reutilization of the resources. In addition, Issues which influence the environment, presenting the individual as part of nature. Conclusion: The results have allowed the constitution of a framework of knowledge about health, sustainability and environment

Objetivo: conocer lo que viene siendo descripto sobre la salud, sustentabilidad y medio ambiente. Métodos: Esta revisión integrativa fue realizada de marzo a abril de 2019. Los términos seleccionados conforme el DeCS: salud, sustentabilidad y medio ambiente. Los filtros utilizados: ser editado en los últimos 5 años; estar relacionado con la conservación de recursos naturales; estar disponible en la íntegra y ser artículo científico. Resultados: Fueron encontrados 13 artículos, siendo su contenido organizado en las categorías: Inclusión de la salud, que retrata la multiplicidad de factores que interfieren en la salud. Mirando hacia la sustentabilidad, que trae la perspectiva del desarrollo social a partir de la reutilización de los recursos. Y, cuestiones que influencian el medio ambiente, presentando el individuo como parte de la naturaleza.

Práticas integrativas e complementares em uma Organização Não Governamental: em busca de um cuidado integral / Housing-related sanitary conditions of a rural community in the Jiquiriçá Valley, Brazil / Condiciones sanitarias relacionadas a la vivienda en una comunidad rural del Valle del JIQUIRIÇÁ, Bahía, Brasil

As práticas que complementam os tratamentos convencionais estão sendo cada vez mais procuradas, em busca de uma promoção da saúde que atenda tanto as necessidades físicas quanto emocionais e espirituais. Entre as práticas de cuidado buscadas e utilizadas milenarmente destacam-se as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PICS). O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir as motivações dos usuários para procura das PICS em uma organização não governamental (ONG). O referencial teórico utilizado foi de Arthur Kleinman e Madeleine Leininger. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, que abordou 12 usuários de práticas integrativas e complementares disponibilizadas na referida organização. Realizaram-se entrevista semiestruturada no domicílio dos participantes no período de maio a agosto de 2014 e observação participante no local de estudo. A análise dos dados foi realizada de acordo com a proposta operativa de Minayo. A maioria dos participantes recorreu à ONG após algum problema de saúde. Além das PICS, outros fatores foram mencionados como importantes no cuidado realizado nesse ambiente, tais como acolhimento, criação de vínculos e espiritualidade, evidenciando o relevante significado sociocultural desse local. Destaca-se que a busca por práticas integrativas e complementares e por esse espaço de cuidados surge a partir da necessidade de um cuidado biopsicossocial, cultural e espiritual.

Practices that complement conventional treatments are being increasingly sought out, in pursuit of a health care that addresses both physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Among the care practices sought and used millennially, the complementary comprehensive health care practices (PICS) stand out. Hence, this qualitative and exploratory study discusses the motivations of users when seeking complementary comprehensive practices in a non-governmental organization (NGO). The works of Arthur Kleinman and Madeleine Leininger make up the theoretical framework. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 users of the complementary comprehensive practices available in the organization, at the participants' home, from May to August 2014, and participant observation at the study site. Data analysis was performed according to Minayo's operational proposal. Most participants turned to the NGO after some health issue. Besides the complementary comprehensive practices, the respondents mentioned user embracement, bonding, and spirituality as other important factors in the care given, thus highlighting the great socio-cultural meaning of this space. Importantly, the search for complementary comprehensive practices and for this health care space stems from the need for biopsychosocial, cultural, and spiritual care.

Las prácticas que complementan los tratamientos convencionales se están buscando cada vez más para tener una promoción de la salud que atienda tanto las necesidades físicas como emocionales y espirituales. Entre las prácticas de cuidado buscadas y utilizadas milenariamente se destacan las prácticas integradoras y complementarias (Pic). Este artículo pretende discutir las motivaciones de los usuarios en cuanto a la búsqueda de las Pic en una organización no gubernamental (ONG). El referencial teórico utilizado fue de Arthur Kleinman y Madeleine Leininger. Este estudio resulta de una investigación cualitativa, exploratoria que abordó a 12 usuarios que utilizaban las prácticas integradoras y complementarias disponibles en esta organización. Se realizaron una entrevista semiestructurada en el domicilio de los participantes en el período de mayo a agosto de 2014 y una observación participante en el local de estudio. El análisis de los datos fue realizado de acuerdo con la propuesta operativa de Minayo. La mayoría de los participantes recurrieron a la ONG después de algún problema de salud. Y se evidenció que, además de las Pic, otros factores fueron mencionados como importantes en el cuidado realizado en este ambiente, tales como la acogida y la creación de vínculos y espiritualidad, lo que muestra el relevante significado sociocultural de este espacio. Se destaca que la búsqueda por las prácticas integradoras y complementarias y por este espacio de cuidados surge a partir de la necesidad de un cuidado biopsicosocial, cultural y espiritual.

Medicinal plants used in self-care by people with cancer in palliative care / Plantas medicinales utilizadas en el autocuidado por personas con cáncer en cuidados paliativos / Plantas medicinais utilizadas na autoatenção por pessoas com câncer em cuidado paliativo

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the medicinal plants used in self-care by people with cancer in palliative care. Method: this is a qualitative study, of the exploratory and descriptive type. The research was conducted in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, in the participants' homes. Data collection was conducted between June and September 2018. The study participants were people with cancer in palliative care followed-up by the Program of Interdisciplinary Home Hospitalization, in use of medicinal plants. They totaled 20 participants, with 14 having the presence of the caregiver during the interview; she occasionally encouraged them to answer the questions. Results: it was identified that people with cancer in palliative care already used medicinal plants before the illness and continued using them in a search for therapeutic action, both for reducing symptoms caused by late-stage of the disease and for curing cancer. The knowledge of medicinal plants, most of the times, was passed from generation to generation or by friends and, generally, the use of plants is not informed to the health care professionals. Conclusion: the research produced a recovery of the popular knowledge of the species used in palliative care by people with cancer, promoting the comprehension of their habits regarding the use of the plants. Accordingly, the expansion of pharmacological studies related to the plants used for the treatment of signs and symptoms of cancer is essential.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer las plantas medicinales utilizadas en el autocuidado por personas con cáncer en cuidados paliativos. Método: se trata de un estudio cualitativo del tipo exploratorio y descriptivo. La investigación se realizó en Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, en los domicilios de los participantes. La recolección de datos tuvo lugar entre junio y septiembre de 2018. Los participantes del estudio fueron personas con cáncer en cuidados paliativos monitoreadas por el Programa de Internación Domiciliaria Interdisciplinar, y que utilizan plantas medicinales. Totalizaron 20 participantes, 14 de los cuales tuvieron a su cuidadora a su lado durante la entrevista, quien, en algunos momentos, los alentaba a responder las preguntas. Resultados: se determinó que las personas con cáncer en cuidados paliativos ya utilizaban plantas medicinales antes de la enfermedad, y que siguieron haciendo uso de ellas en busca de una acción terapéutica, tanto para aliviar los síntomas causados por el estadio final de la enfermedad como para tratar de encontrar una cura del cáncer. En la mayoría de los casos, los conocimientos sobre las plantas medicinales fue traspasado de generación en generación, o por amigos, y, generalmente, el uso de las plantas no es informado a los profesionales de salud. Conclusión: la investigación rescató el conocimiento popular de las especies utilizadas en el cuidado paliativo por las personas con cáncer, lo que permitió comprender sus hábitos en relación a su uso. De esta forma, resulta esencial ampliar la realización de estudios farmacológicos relacionados a las plantas utilizadas para el tratamiento de los signos y síntomas del cáncer.

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer as plantas medicinais utilizadas na autoatenção por pessoas com câncer em cuidado paliativo. Método: trata-se de um estudo qualitativo do tipo exploratório e descritivo. A pesquisa foi realizada em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, no domicílio dos participantes. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre junho e setembro de 2018. Os participantes do estudo foram pessoas com câncer em cuidado paliativo acompanhadas pelo Programa de Internação Domiciliar Interdisciplinar, que utilizam plantas medicinais. Totalizaram 20 participantes, sendo que 14 deles tiveram a presença da cuidadora durante a entrevista, a qual, em alguns momentos, os estimulava a responder as perguntas. Resultados: identificou-se que as pessoas com câncer em cuidado paliativo já utilizavam antes do adoecimento e continuaram fazendo o uso das plantas medicinais em busca de uma ação terapêutica, tanto para amenizar os sintomas causados pelo estágio final da doença, quanto para a cura do câncer. O conhecimento das plantas medicinais, na maioria das vezes, foi passado de geração em geração, ou por amigos, e, geralmente, o uso das plantas não são informadas aos profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: a pesquisa gerou um resgate do conhecimento popular das espécies utilizadas no cuidado paliativo pelas pessoas com câncer, proporcionando compreender seus hábitos em relação ao uso. Dessa forma, é essencial a ampliação de estudos farmacológicos relacionados às plantas utilizadas para o tratamento dos sinais e sintomas do câncer.

Defective formation of IgA memory B cells, Th1 and Th17 cells in symptomatic patients with selective IgA deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in Western countries. Patients can suffer from recurrent infections and autoimmune diseases because of a largely unknown aetiology. To increase insights into the pathophysiology of the disease, we studied memory B and T cells and cytokine concentrations in peripheral blood. METHODS: We analysed 30 sIgAD patients (12 children, 18 adults) through detailed phenotyping of peripheral B-cell, CD8+ T-cell and CD4+ T-cell subsets, sequence analysis of IGA and IGG transcripts, in vitro B-cell activation and blood cytokine measurements. RESULTS: All patients had significantly decreased numbers of T-cell-dependent (TD; CD27+) and T-cell-independent (TI; CD27-) IgA memory B cells and increased CD21low B-cell numbers. IgM+IgD- memory B cells were decreased in children and normal in adult patients. IGA and IGG transcripts contained normal SHM levels. In sIgAD children, IGA transcripts more frequently used IGA2 than controls (58.5% vs. 25.1%), but not in adult patients. B-cell activation after in vitro stimulation was normal. However, adult sIgAD patients exhibited increased blood levels of TGF-ß1, BAFF and APRIL, whereas they had decreased Th1 and Th17 cell numbers. CONCLUSION: Impaired IgA memory formation in sIgAD patients is not due to a B-cell activation defect. Instead, decreased Th1 and Th17 cell numbers and high blood levels of BAFF, APRIL and TGF-ß1 might reflect disturbed regulation of IgA responses in vivo.These insights into B-cell extrinsic immune defects suggest the need for a broader immunological focus on genomics and functional analyses to unravel the pathogenesis of sIgAD.

In Colombia the Eurasian fungus Amanita muscaria is expanding its range into native, tropical Quercus humboldtii forests.

To meet a global demand for timber, tree plantations were established in South America during the first half of the 20th century. Extensive plantings of non-native species now are found in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. In Colombia, miscellaneous plantations were established in the 1950s, during a period of intensive local logging, when policies to limit deforestation in native Quercus humboldtii forests were established. One unforeseen consequence of planting non-native trees was the simultaneous introduction and subsequent persistence of ectomycorrhizal fungi. We sought to document the origins and spread of the introduced Amanita muscaria found in Colombian plantations of the Mexican species Pinus patula, North American species P. taeda, and Australian species Acacia melanoxylon and Eucalyptus globulus. In Colombia, Amanita muscaria is establishing a novel association with native Q. humboldtii and has spread to local Q. humboldtii forests. According to a Bayesian phylogeny and haplotype analysis based on the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8-ITS2 (ITS barcode), A. muscaria individuals found in four exotic plant species, and those colonizing Q. humboldtii roots, have a Eurasian origin and belong to two Eurasian haplotypes. This is the first time the spread of an introduced mutualist fungus into native Colombian Q. humboldtii forests is reported. To arrest its spread, we suggest the use of local inocula made up of native fungi, instead of inocula of introduced fungi.

Loss of genomic integrity induced by lysosphingolipid imbalance drives ageing in the heart.

Cardiac dysfunctions dramatically increase with age. Revealing a currently unknown contributor to cardiac ageing, we report the age-dependent, cardiac-specific accumulation of the lysosphingolipid sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine, DHS) as an evolutionarily conserved hallmark of the aged vertebrate heart. Mechanistically, the DHS-derivative sphinganine-1-phosphate (DHS1P) directly inhibits HDAC1, causing an aberrant elevation in histone acetylation and transcription levels, leading to DNA damage. Accordingly, the pharmacological interventions, preventing (i) the accumulation of DHS1P using SPHK2 inhibitors, (ii) the aberrant increase in histone acetylation using histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors, (iii) the DHS1P-dependent increase in transcription using an RNA polymerase II inhibitor, block DHS-induced DNA damage in human cardiomyocytes. Importantly, an increase in DHS levels in the hearts of healthy young adult mice leads to an impairment in cardiac functionality indicated by a significant reduction in left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction, mimicking the functional deterioration of aged hearts. These molecular and functional defects can be partially prevented in vivo using HAT inhibitors. Together, we report an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which increased DHS levels drive the decline in cardiac health.

yylncT Defines a Class of Divergently Transcribed lncRNAs and Safeguards the T-mediated Mesodermal Commitment of Human PSCs.

Human protein-coding genes are often accompanied by divergently transcribed non-coding RNAs whose functions, especially in cell fate decisions, are poorly understood. Using an hESC-based cardiac differentiation model, we define a class of divergent lncRNAs, termed yin yang lncRNAs (yylncRNAs), that mirror the cell-type-specific expression pattern of their protein-coding counterparts. yylncRNAs are preferentially encoded from the genomic loci of key developmental cell fate regulators. Most yylncRNAs are spliced polyadenylated transcripts showing comparable expression patterns in vivo in mouse and in human embryos. Signifying their developmental function, the key mesoderm specifier BRACHYURY (T) is accompanied by yylncT, which localizes to the active T locus during mesoderm commitment. yylncT binds the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B, and its transcript is required for activation of the T locus, with yylncT depletion specifically abolishing mesodermal commitment. Collectively, we report a lncRNA-mediated regulatory layer safeguarding embryonic cell fate transitions.

Ações de autocuidado na saúde escolar: revisão integrativa / Acciones de autocuidado en salud escolar: una revisión integradora / Self-care actions in school health: an integrative review

Objetivo analisar publicações científicas para conhecer as ações de autocuidado em saúde realizadas no âmbito escolar. Método trata-se de estudo tipo revisão integrativa. A busca foi realizada na Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), no Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e no Public Medline (PubMed). Resultados totalizaram a amostra da revisão integrativa 25 estudos, todos da base de dados PubMed, que possibilitaram compreender as ações de autocuidado em saúde no âmbito escolar, por meio de três temas principais: ações e programas escolares com foco em doenças, metodologia das ações nas escolas e papel da enfermagem no autocuidado escolar. Conclusão a análise das publicações demonstrou que a maioria das ações de autocuidado em saúde nas escolas foca em patologias, poucos estudos utilizaram metodologias ativas e levaram em consideração o contexto sociocultural do escolar, o que, por consequência, pode tornar as ações menos efetivas em longo prazo.

Objetivo analizar publicaciones científicas para conocer las acciones de autocuidado en salud realizadas en el ámbito escolar. Método es un estudio del tipo revisión integradora. La búsqueda se efectuó en la Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), en Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) y en Public Medline (PubMed). Resultados 25 estudios totalizaron la muestra de la revisión integradora, todos de la base de datos PubMed, estudios que permitieron comprender las acciones de autocuidado en salud en el ámbito escolar, por medio de tres temas principales: acciones y programas escolares enfocados en enfermedades, metodología de las acciones en las escuelas y el rol de la enfermería en el autocuidado escolar. Conclusión el análisis de las publicaciones demostró que la mayoría de las acciones de autocuidado en salud en las escuelas se enfoca en patologías, pocos estudios utilizaron metodologías activas y tuvieron en consideración el contexto sociocultural del ámbito escolar, lo que, por consecuencia, puede hacer que las acciones sean menos efectivas a largo plazo.

Objective to analyze scientific publications to know the self-care actions in health carried out at school. Method this is an integrative review study. The search was performed in the Latin American Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and in Public Medline (PubMed). Results the integrative review sample comprised 25 studies, all from the PubMed database, which made it possible to understand health self-care actions in the school environment, through three main themes: disease-focused school actions and programs, methodology of actions in schools and the role of nursing in school self-care. Conclusion the analysis of the publications showed that most health self-care actions in schools focus on pathologies, few studies used active methodologies and took into account the sociocultural context of the student, which, consequently, can make the actions less effective in in the long term.

Implementación de la sala de psicomotricidad para ofrecer atención de manera integral y oportuna a personas con dificultades del desarroll en el servicio integral de rehabilitación del Hospital de segundo nivel de Viacha / Implementation of the psychomotor room to offer comprehensive and timely care to people with developmental difficulties in the comprehensive rehabilitation service of the Second Level Hospital of Viacha

En la ciudad de Viacha se evidencia que hay personas con discapacidad con dificultades en el desarrollo psicomotor las cuales acuden a consulta al SIREVI (Servicio de Rehabilitación Integral de Viacha), centro que no contaba con la especialidad de psicomotricidad. Por ello surge la necesidad de implementar una sala de psicomotricidad en este centro. Este trabajo fue monitoreado en cuatro periodos, evaluando asi la ejecución física parcial y totalmente del presente trabajo dirigido.

Qualitative Perspective on the Learning Health System: How the Community Health Applied Research Network Paved the Way for Research in Safety-Net Settings.

BACKGROUND: Safety-net populations are underrepresented in health research networks. To address this deficit, the Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN) was created to promote integration of research in health centers (HCs). CHARN embodies a learning health system (LHS) model to advance the evidence base for improved care in safety-net settings. OBJECTIVES: We sought to identify lessons learned from the development of research infrastructure to promote the inclusion of safety-net populations in research. METHODS: We conducted nine qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of CHARN members, as well as content analysis of work plans and project reports, and identified barriers and facilitators to building research capacity in HCs. RESULTS: Lessons learned include the importance of linking research to the HC mission, encouraging mentoring, and investing in data infrastructure at HCs to tailor health services to communities. CONCLUSIONS: Findings can inform safety-net providers on the process of building research infrastructure and capacity.