Single cell transcriptomic analysis reveals cellular diversity of murine esophageal epithelium.

Although morphologic progression coupled with expression of specific molecular markers has been characterized along the esophageal squamous differentiation gradient, the molecular heterogeneity within cell types along this trajectory has yet to be classified at the single cell level. To address this knowledge gap, we perform single cell RNA-sequencing of 44,679 murine esophageal epithelial, to identify 11 distinct cell populations as well as pathways alterations along the basal-superficial axis and in each individual population. We evaluate the impact of aging upon esophageal epithelial cell populations and demonstrate age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction. We compare single cell transcriptomic profiles in 3D murine organoids and human esophageal biopsies with that of murine esophageal epithelium. Finally, we employ pseudotemporal trajectory analysis to develop a working model of cell fate determination in murine esophageal epithelium. These studies provide comprehensive molecular perspective on the cellular heterogeneity of murine esophageal epithelium in the context of homeostasis and aging.

Grupo de apoio psicológico aos trabalhadores em situação de desemprego / Support group for unemployed workers / Grupo de apoyo psicológico a trabajadores desempleados

Resumo A legislação do trabalho em vigência no Brasil intensificou formas mais flexíveis de contratação de força de trabalho e métodos de produção mais ajustáveis ao mercado, o que contribui para o aumento do desemprego no país. As mudanças afetaram diretamente a saúde mental dos trabalhadores, que passaram a se submeter a pressões e formas mais rígidas de contratação. Diante do cenário atual, este artigo objetiva analisar uma experiência de um grupo de apoio psicológico com trabalhadores em situação de desemprego, desenvolvido em uma clínica-escola de Psicologia da região Norte do Brasil. Foram realizados sete encontros, com média de duração de 90 minutos cada, o aceite foi estabelecido por meio do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Os participantes tinham idades entre 37 e 51 anos, sendo dois homens e três mulheres; o tempo mínimo de desemprego foi de oito meses e o máximo de dois anos. Verificou-se que estes valorizavam o trabalho formal em detrimento do informal, pois o primeiro representava maior reconhecimento social, segurança e estabilidade profissional. A situação de desemprego gerou sentimentos de perda, humilhação e exclusão social que repercutiram no estado de humor, no aumento da ansiedade e do estresse. Conclui-se que a Psicologia pode oferecer suporte baseado em uma escuta acolhedora e compreensiva dos fenômenos ligados ao mundo do trabalho e/ou nas repercussões ligadas à subjetividade dos trabalhadores em situação de desemprego.(AU)

Abstract The labor legislation in force in Brazil has improved flexible forms of employment recruitment and labor-intensive production techniques, which contributes to the increase in the country unemployment rates. With the pressure and more rigid forms of hiring, these changes directly affected the mental health of workers. Considering that, this article aims to analyze the experience of a support group for unemployed workers developed in a school psychology clinic in Northern Brazil. The intervention consisted of seven meetings with an average duration of 90 minutes each, and the group was formed by two men and three women aged from 37 to 51 years, with minimum unemployment time of eight months and maximum of two years; all individuals agreed to participate by signing the Informed Consent Term. The participants reported preferring formal work over the informal one, for it represents greater social recognition, security, and professional stability. Unemployment evoked feelings of loss, humiliation, and social exclusion, besides impacting humor and heightening anxiety and stress. The results indicate that psychology can offer support based on a welcoming and comprehensive listening of phenomena related to the world of work and/or consequences of unemployment on workers' subjectivity.(AU)

Resumen La nueva legislación laboral en Brasil intensificó formas más flexibles de contratación de fuerza laboral y métodos de producción más ajustables al mercado de trabajo, lo que contribuye al aumento del desempleo en el país. Los cambios afectaron directamente la salud mental de los trabajadores que pasaron a someterse a presiones y formas más rígidas de contratación. Ante el escenario actual, este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la experiencia de un grupo de apoyo psicológico a trabajadores en situación de desempleo, desarrollado en una clínica-escuela de psicología de la región Norte de Brasil. Se realizaron siete reuniones, con media de duración de 90 minutos cada una, y se obtuvo el consentimiento por medio de la firma del documento de consentimiento informado. Los participantes tenían edades entre 37 y 51 años, siendo dos hombres y tres mujeres; el tiempo mínimo de desempleo fue de ocho meses y el máximo de dos años. Se observó que los participantes valoraban el trabajo formal en relación a lo informal, pues aquel les garantía un mayor reconocimiento social, seguridad y estabilidad profesional. La situación de desempleo les generó sentimientos de pérdida, humillación y exclusión social, que repercutieron en el estado de humor, en el aumento de la ansiedad y el estrés. Se concluye que la psicología puede brindar soporte por medio de una escucha acogedora y comprensiva de los fenómenos relacionados al mundo laboral y/o a las repercusiones asociadas a la subjetividad de los trabajadores en situación de desempleo.(AU)

Peak expiratory flow in the standing and sitting positions is equivalent in adults: a cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether peak flow measurement is best done in the standing or sitting position. METHODS: In this cross-over study, study participants were randomized to perform the initial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurement in either standing or sitting position. The highest of three readings in each position were compared using paired t-test. A mean difference of <±25 l/min was set as the equivalence limits. Test of equivalence of standing and sitting PEF measurements was done using MedCalc Software. Test of agreement of standing and sitting PEF was assessed by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman limits of agreement. RESULTS: Of the 100 study participants, 50% of them had asthma. There was a statistically significant difference between the standing and sitting PEF in adults suffering from asthma [mean difference 11 l/min, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4 to 19], but not in the healthy individuals (mean difference 3 l/min, 95% CI = -6 to 12). The observed differences in PEF were small and may not be clinically important. In adults with and without asthma, the standing and sitting PEF were highly correlated and satisfied the test of equivalence. CONCLUSIONS: The PEF in the standing and sitting positions was equivalent in adults. Therefore, performing PEF in either position is acceptable. However, health care practitioners should be aware of the small reduction in PEF when it is done in the sitting position. It is desirable that the position used is documented and the same position is used wherever possible.