Influence of the Surface Topography of Titanium Dental Implants on the Behavior of Human Amniotic Stem Cells.

The dental implant surface plays a crucial role in osseointegration. The topography and physicochemical properties will affect the cellular functions. In this research, four distinct titanium surfaces have been studied: machined acting (MACH), acid etched (AE), grit blasting (GBLAST), and a combination of grit blasting and subsequent acid etching (GBLAST + AE). Human amniotic mesenchymal (hAMSCs) and epithelial stem cells (hAECs) isolated from the amniotic membrane have attractive stem-cell properties. They were cultured on titanium surfaces to analyze their impact on biological behavior. The surface roughness, microhardness, wettability, and surface energy were analyzed using interferometric microscopy, Vickers indentation, and drop-sessile techniques. The GBLAST and GBLAST + AE surfaces showed higher roughness, reduced hydrophilicity, and lower surface energy with significant differences. Increased microhardness values for GBLAST and GBLAST + AE implants were attributed to surface compression. Cell viability was higher for hAMSCs, particularly on GBLAST and GBLAST + AE surfaces. Alkaline phosphatase activity enhanced in hAMSCs cultured on GBLAST and GBLAST + AE surfaces, while hAECs showed no mineralization signals. Osteogenic gene expression was upregulated in hAMSCs on GBLAST surfaces. Moreover, α2 and ß1 integrin expression enhanced in hAMSCs, suggesting a surface-integrin interaction. Consequently, hAMSCs would tend toward osteoblastic differentiation on grit-blasted surfaces conducive to osseointegration, a phenomenon not observed in hAECs.

Research on timed AI in beef cattle: Past, present and future, a 27-year perspective.

This review aimed to (1) summarize the results from fixed-timed artificial insemination (TAI) fertility studies performed during the last 27 years; (2) compile and evaluate, as examples from the literature base, the direct comparisons made of specific manipulations to synchronization protocols; (3) evaluate the impact of the TAI programs on the reproductive performance during the breeding season, and (4) provide perspective on the future of TAI programs in beef cattle. A search of the literature published from 1995 to 2021 was conducted to identify experiments in which synchronization of ovulation and TAI in beef cattle was performed. The primary outcome of interest was fertility expressed as pregnancies per TAI. The literature included two search engines, the SIS Web of Science and the US National Library of Medicine Institutes of Health through PubMed. After the initial search and screening, a total of 228 manuscripts were selected containing a total of 272,668 TAI. A dramatic increase in the number of publications and TAIs occurred throughout the years. Most of them were from Brazil and United States, followed by Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, and Australia. Two main types of TAI programs were identified: GnRH-based and E2/P4-based protocols. In terms of GnRH-based programs, two variations were evaluated in the present manuscript. First, we evaluated the effect of the progesterone implant during the protocol. The progesterone implant increased pregnancy/TAI (P/TAI) from 44.3 to 54.3%. Second, the use of a second prostaglandin F2α treatment in 5-d CO-synch program increased the P/TAI from 53.2 to 60.9%. In E2/P4-based programs, use of GnRH at TAI increased P/TAI from 54.7 to 59.2% in cows. However, no increase was detected in heifers. Other research showed that use of TAI can increase the overall proportion of the cows pregnant at end of the breeding season and produce earlier calvings compared with bulls. In conclusion, there have been a large number of excellent research studies that have been performed during the last 27 years on TAI in beef cattle. This technology is being utilized successfully in the beef cattle industry. This success is largely because of the valid research that underlies the application of the technology and the economic value of the technology.

Cetylpyridinium Chloride as a Tool Against COVID-19 / Cloruro de Cetilpiridinio como Herramienta para Combatir el COVID-19

As a part of bringing knowledge to healthcare professional, our team searched in the literature the effectiveness of Cetylpyridinium Chloride over SARS-CoV-2. Objectives: Explore the efficacy of Cetylpyridinium Chloride as a mouthwash in the dental attention. Methods: A literature search was realized in PubMed (MEDLINE), with the focusing on the following words: "Cetylpyridinium Chloride", "COVID-19", "Mouthwash", up to June 30, 2020. Results: There is a few information of this biocide over lower and upper airway affection, and other microorganisms. The effect of Cetylpyridinium Chloride over SARS-CoV-2 has not been proved. Although different guidelines recommend oxidative agents as a mouthwash before dental attention. Conclusion: Cetylpyridinium chloride is a cationic biocide widely used as a disinfectant in dentistry and as a mouthwash. Nevertheless, more research is needed, to know the effectiveness of CPC over SARS-CoV-2.

Como parte de entregar el conocimiento al personal medico, nuestro equipo ha realizado una búsqueda sobre la eficacia del Cloruro Cetilpiridinio (CPC) sobre el virus SARS-CoV-2. Objetivos: Explorar la eficacia del CPC como uso de colutorio en la atención dental. Material y Metodos: Busqueda en la literatura mediante Pubmed (MEDLINE), con enfoque en las palabras Cloruro Cetilpiridinio, COVID-19, Colutorio, hasta Junio 30,2020. Resultados: Existe escasa información sobre este biocida y su efecto en las vias respiratorias altas y bajas, como frente a otros microrganismos. El efecto de CPC sobre SARS-CoV- 2 no se ha visto del todo comprobado. Sin embargo diferentes protocolos de actuación dental recomiendan el uso de agentes oxidantes como colutorio previo a la atención dental. Conclusión: CPC es un biocida cationico ampliamente utilizado como desinfectante en la odontología. Sin embargo se necesita mayor evidencia cientifica para demostrar la eficiencia del CPC por sobre SARS-CoV-2.

Decellularization and In Vivo Recellularization of Abdominal Porcine Fascial Tissue.

BACKGROUND: Tissue decellularization has evolved as a promising approach for tissue engineering applications. METHODS: In this study, we harvested fascial tissue from porcine anterior abdominal wall and the samples were decellularized with a combination of agents such as Triton X-100, trypsin and DNAase. Afterwards, we evaluated cell removal by histological analysis and DNA quantification. Mechanical functionality was evaluated by applying a range of hydrostatic pressures. A sample of decellularized fascia was transplanted into a rabbit and after 15 days a biopsy of this tissue was examined; the animal was observed during 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The extracellular matrix was retained with a complete decellularization as evidenced by histologic examination. The DNA content was significantly reduced. The scaffold preserved its tensile mechanical properties. The graft was incorporated into a full thickness defect made in the rabbit abdominal wall. This tissue was infiltrated by granulation and inflammatory cells and the histologic structure was preserved 15 days after surgery. The animal did not develop hernias, infections or other complications, after a 6-months of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol of decellularization of fascial tissue employed in this study proved to be efficient. The mechanical test demonstrated that the samples were not damaged and maintained its physical characteristics; clinical evolution of the rabbit, recipient of the decellularized fascia, demonstrated that the graft was effective as a replacement of native tissue.In conclusion, a biological scaffold derived from porcine fascial tissue may be a suitable candidate for tissue engineering applications.

Niveles de glucemia intraoperatoria y su relación con la morbimortalidad a corto y largo plazo en pacientes con trasplante de hígado en un hospital de alta complejidad / Levels of intraoperative glycemia and their relations to short and long term morbidity and mortality in liver transplant patients at a highly complex hospital

Resumen Objetivo: se realizó un estudio en pacientes sometidos a trasplante de hígado (TH) con el objetivo de determinar los valores de glucemia en cada una de las fases de la cirugía del TH y su relación con la morbimortalidad postoperatoria. Materiales y métodos: se identificaron los trasplantes hepáticos entre 2013 y 2015 en los registros institucionales. La información se tomó de la nota operatoria, registros de laboratorio y evoluciones de historia clínica. Se buscaron diferencias en la glucemia en las 3 fases del trasplante entre diabéticos y no diabéticos, la presencia de infección y rechazo. Resultados: en total, se estudiaron 73 pacientes trasplantados, 54,8% (n = 40) de sexo masculino, con una mediana en la edad de 59 años (rango intercuartílico [RIQ] = 52-53). El 32,9% (n = 24) tenía antecedente de diabetes mellitus (DM). Se encontraron diferencias en la glucemia inicial y final (127 mg/dL frente a 212 mg/dL) en diabéticos (p = 0,001), así como en los no diabéticos (glucemia inicial: 105 mg/dL frente a la final: 190 mg/dL) (p <0,000). La proporción de rechazo fue mayor en diabéticos (14,3%, n = 7). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la presencia de infecciones entre diabéticos y no diabéticos. Se confirmó el diagnóstico de diabetes postrasplante en el 15,1%. Conclusiones: un adecuado control glucémico en los diferentes períodos del transoperatorio en el TH logra igualar la tasa de complicaciones a nivel infeccioso en pacientes diabéticos y no diabéticos; el rechazo continúa siendo más frecuente en pacientes diabéticos. Es necesaria una búsqueda activa de la diabetes postrasplante en cada uno de nuestros pacientes.

Abstract Objective: This study was of patients who underwent liver transplantation has the objective of determining glycemia values ​​in each phase of liver transplant surgery and their relationships with post-operative morbidity and mortality. Materials and Methods: Liver transplant patients were identified in institutional records from 2013 to 2015. The information was taken from operative notes, laboratory records and clinical histories. We searched for differences in blood glucose levels during the three phases of transplantation and compared the incidences of infections and rejections for diabetics and non-diabetics. Results: A total of 73 transplant patients were studied: 54.8% (n = 40) were male, the median age was 59 years (RIQ = 52-53), and 32.9% (n = 24) had histories of Diabetes Mellitus. Differences were found between initial and final serum glucose levels of diabetics (127 mg/dl vs. 212 mg/dl, p = 0.001) as well as in non-diabetics (105 mg/dl vs. 190 mg/dl, p < 0.000). The proportion of rejection was highest among diabetics (14.3%, n = 7). No significant differences were found in the proportions of diabetic and non-diabetic patients who developed infections. Diagnosis of post-transplant diabetes was confirmed in 15.1% of the sample. Conclusions: Adequate monitoring of blood glucose levels during all trans-operative periods of liver transplantation can equalize the rate of infectious complications in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Rejection continues to be more frequent among diabetic patients. An active search for post-transplant diabetes is necessary for every patient.

Physiological mechanisms involved in maintaining the corpus luteum during the first two months of pregnancy.

Maintenance of the corpus luteum (CL) during pregnancy is essential for continuing the elevated circulating progesterone (P4) that is required to maintain pregnancy. The mechanisms that protect the CL during early pregnancy when the non-pregnant animal would typically undergo CL regression have been extensively investigated. It is clear uterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF) causes regression of the CL in non-pregnant ruminants and that maintenance of the CL during early pregnancy is dependent upon secretion of interferon-tau (IFNT) from the elongating embryo. A number of specific mechanisms appear to be activated by IFNT. Most studies indicate that there is an inhibition of oxytocin-induced secretion of uterine PGF. There is also evidence for increased resistance to PGF action, perhaps due to secretion of PGE2 and PGE1 or direct endocrine actions of circulating IFNT. These mechanisms occur concurrently and each may help to maintain the CL during the first month of pregnancy. However, during the second month of pregnancy, IFNT is no longer secreted by the embryo. Attachment of the embryo to the uterus and subsequent placentome development have been linked to silencing of expression from the IFNT gene. In addition, there is some evidence that oxytocin responsiveness of the uterus returns during the second month of pregnancy leading to substantial basal secretion of PGF and perhaps PGF pulses. There is also no evidence that the CL during the second month of pregnancy is resistant to the actions of PGF as observed during the first month. Thus, this manuscript attempts to compare the mechanisms that maintain the CL during the first and second months of pregnancy in ruminants and provides a new, speculative, physiological model for maintenance of the CL during month two of pregnancy that is distinct from the previously-described mechanisms that maintain the CL during the first month of pregnancy.

Mechanisms regulating follicle selection in ruminants: lessons learned from multiple ovulation models.

Selection of a single dominant follicle from a cohort of growing follicles is a unique biological process, a key step in female reproductive function in monovular species, and lies at the core of reproductive technologies in cattle. Follicle growth and the number of follicles that ovulate are regulated by precise endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms. Most of our current understanding about follicle selection focuses on the role of FSH, LH, and the IGF family in follicle growth and selection of the dominant follicle. However, more recently the role of members of the TGF-ß family has been highlighted, particularly in high fecundity genotypes in sheep. Intercellular signaling between the oocyte and granulosa cells (GC) regulates proliferation and differentiation due to actions of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) within the follicle. Mutations that either knockout or reduce the activity of BMP15 or GDF9 have been found to increase ovulation rate in heterozygotes and generally cause severe follicle abnormalities in homozygotes. A mutation in the intracellular kinase domain of the BMPR1B receptor (Booroola fecundity gene) increases ovulation rate in heterozygotes with further increases in ovulation in homozygotes. The physiological mechanisms linking these mutations to increased ovulation rates are still not well defined. A recently identified high fecundity bovine genotype, Trio, causes increased expression of SMAD6, an intracellular inhibitor of the BMP15/GDF9 signalling pathways. This bovine model has provided insights into the mechanisms associated with selection of multiple dominant follicles and multiple ovulations in carriers of fecundity alleles. The present review focuses on the mechanisms involved in follicle selection in ruminants with a special emphasis on the contribution made by multiple ovulation models in both cattle and sheep. The evaluation of multiple ovulation models in ruminants has allowed us to construct a new physiological model that relates changes in the BMP15/GDF9 signalling pathways to the physiological changes that result in selection of multiple dominant follicles. This model is characterized by acquisition of dominance at a smaller follicle size but at a similar time in the follicular wave with multiple follicles acquiring dominance in a hierarchal sequence, delaying FSH suppression and, thus allowing additional follicles to continue to grow and acquire dominance.

Physiological mechanisms involved in maintaining the corpus luteum during the first two months of pregnancy

Maintenance of the corpus luteum (CL) during pregnancy is essential for continuing the elevated circulating progesterone (P4) that is required to maintain pregnancy. The mechanisms that protect the CL during early pregnancy when the non-pregnant animal would typically undergo CL regression have been extensively investigated. It is clear uterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF) causes regression of the CL in non-pregnant ruminants and that maintenance of the CL during early pregnancy is dependent upon secretion of interferon-tau (IFNT) from the elongating embryo. A number of specific mechanisms appear to be activated by IFNT. Most studies indicate that there is an inhibition of oxytocin-induced secretion of uterine PGF. There is also evidence for increased resistance to PGF action, perhaps due to secretion of PGE2 and PGE1 or direct endocrine actions of circulating IFNT. These mechanisms occur concurrently and each may help to maintain the CL during the first month of pregnancy. However, during the second month of pregnancy, IFNT is no longer secreted by the embryo. Attachment of the embryo to the uterus and subsequent placentome development have been linked to silencing of expression from the IFNT gene. In addition, there is some evidence that oxytocin responsiveness of the uterus returns during the second month of pregnancy leading to substantial basal secretion of PGF and perhaps PGF pulses. There is also no evidence that the CL during the second month of pregnancy is resistant to the actions of PGF as observed during the first month. Thus, this manuscript attempts to compare the mechanisms that maintain the CL during the first and second months of pregnancy in ruminants and provides a new, speculative, physiological model for maintenance of the CL during month two of pregnancy that is distinct from the previously-described mechanisms that maintain the CL during the first month of pregnancy.(AU)

Mechanisms regulating follicle selection in ruminants: lessons learned from multiple ovulation models

Selection of a single dominant follicle from a cohort of growing follicles is a unique biological process, a key step in female reproductive function in monovular species, and lies at the core of reproductive technologies in cattle. Follicle growth and the number of follicles that ovulate are regulated by precise endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms. Most of our current understanding about follicle selection focuses on the role of FSH, LH, and the IGF family in follicle growth and selection of the dominant follicle. However, more recently the role of members of the TGF-ß family has been highlighted, particularly in high fecundity genotypes in sheep. Intercellular signaling between the oocyte and granulosa cells (GC) regulates proliferation and differentiation due to actions of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) within the follicle. Mutations that either knockout or reduce the activity of BMP15 or GDF9 have been found to increase ovulation rate in heterozygotes and generally cause severe follicle abnormalities in homozygotes. A mutation in the intracellular kinase domain of the BMPR1B receptor (Booroola fecundity gene) increases ovulation rate in heterozygotes with further increases in ovulation in homozygotes. The physiological mechanisms linking these mutations to increased ovulation rates are still not well defined. A recently identified high fecundity bovine genotype, Trio, causes increased expression of SMAD6, an intracellular inhibitor of the BMP15/GDF9 signalling pathways. This bovine model has provided insights into the mechanisms associated with selection of multiple dominant follicles and multiple ovulations in carriers of fecundity alleles. The present review focuses on the mechanisms involved in follicle selection in ruminants with a special emphasis on the contribution made by multiple ovulation models in both cattle and sheep. The evaluation of multiple ovulation models in ruminants has allowed us to construct a new physiological model that relates changes in the BMP15/GDF9 signalling pathways to the physiological changes that result in selection of multiple dominant follicles. This model is characterized by acquisition of dominance at a smaller follicle size but at a similar time in the follicular wave with multiple follicles acquiring dominance in a hierarchal sequence, delaying FSH suppression and, thus allowing additional follicles to continue to grow and acquire dominance.(AU)

Mechanisms regulating follicle selection in ruminants: lessons learned from multiple ovulation models

Selection of a single dominant follicle from a cohort of growing follicles is a unique biological process, a key step in female reproductive function in monovular species, and lies at the core of reproductive technologies in cattle. Follicle growth and the number of follicles that ovulate are regulated by precise endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms. Most of our current understanding about follicle selection focuses on the role of FSH, LH, and the IGF family in follicle growth and selection of the dominant follicle. However, more recently the role of members of the TGF-ß family has been highlighted, particularly in high fecundity genotypes in sheep. Intercellular signaling between the oocyte and granulosa cells (GC) regulates proliferation and differentiation due to actions of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) within the follicle. Mutations that either knockout or reduce the activity of BMP15 or GDF9 have been found to increase ovulation rate in heterozygotes and generally cause severe follicle abnormalities in homozygotes. A mutation in the intracellular kinase domain of the BMPR1B receptor (Booroola fecundity gene) increases ovulation rate in heterozygotes with further increases in ovulation in homozygotes. The physiological mechanisms linking these mutations to increased ovulation rates are still not well defined. A recently identified high fecundity bovine genotype, Trio, causes increased expression of SMAD6, an intracellular inhibitor of the BMP15/GDF9 signalling pathways. This bovine model has provided insights into the mechanisms associated with selection of multiple dominant follicles and multiple ovulations in carriers of fecundity alleles. The present review focuses on the mechanisms involved in follicle selection in ruminants with a special emphasis on the contribution made by multiple ovulation models in both cattle and sheep. The evaluation of multiple ovulation models in ruminants has allowed us to construct a new physiological model that relates changes in the BMP15/GDF9 signalling pathways to the physiological changes that result in selection of multiple dominant follicles. This model is characterized by acquisition of dominance at a smaller follicle size but at a similar time in the follicular wave with multiple follicles acquiring dominance in a hierarchal sequence, delaying FSH suppression and, thus allowing additional follicles to continue to grow and acquire dominance.

Physiological mechanisms involved in maintaining the corpus luteum during the first two months of pregnancy

Maintenance of the corpus luteum (CL) during pregnancy is essential for continuing the elevated circulating progesterone (P4) that is required to maintain pregnancy. The mechanisms that protect the CL during early pregnancy when the non-pregnant animal would typically undergo CL regression have been extensively investigated. It is clear uterine prostaglandin F2α (PGF) causes regression of the CL in non-pregnant ruminants and that maintenance of the CL during early pregnancy is dependent upon secretion of interferon-tau (IFNT) from the elongating embryo. A number of specific mechanisms appear to be activated by IFNT. Most studies indicate that there is an inhibition of oxytocin-induced secretion of uterine PGF. There is also evidence for increased resistance to PGF action, perhaps due to secretion of PGE2 and PGE1 or direct endocrine actions of circulating IFNT. These mechanisms occur concurrently and each may help to maintain the CL during the first month of pregnancy. However, during the second month of pregnancy, IFNT is no longer secreted by the embryo. Attachment of the embryo to the uterus and subsequent placentome development have been linked to silencing of expression from the IFNT gene. In addition, there is some evidence that oxytocin responsiveness of the uterus returns during the second month of pregnancy leading to substantial basal secretion of PGF and perhaps PGF pulses. There is also no evidence that the CL during the second month of pregnancy is resistant to the actions of PGF as observed during the first month. Thus, this manuscript attempts to compare the mechanisms that maintain the CL during the first and second months of pregnancy in ruminants and provides a new, speculative, physiological model for maintenance of the CL during month two of pregnancy that is distinct from the previously-described mechanisms that maintain the CL during the first month of pregnancy.

Caracterización del estado nutricional, hábitos alimentarios y estilos de vida de estudiantes universitarios chilenos: estudio multicéntrico / Lifestyles, body mass index and sleep patterns among university students

Background Health surveys in Chile show a worrisome high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among adults. Aim To characterize the nutritional status, food intake and sleep patterns in university students of both genders. Material and Methods Cross sectional study in seven Chilean universities. Students from six universities answered a feeding habits survey, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All were weighed and their height was measured. Results A total of 1,418 students aged 21 ± 3 years (22% males) were evaluated. Three percent were classified as underweight, 68% as normal weight, 24% as overweight and 4% as obese. Thirty three percent of males and 28% of females smoked. Twenty six percent consumed at least one glass of alcoholic beverages on the weekend, and only 18% of males and 5% of females were physically active. Men consumed unhealthy foods with a significantly higher frequency than females. Twenty seven percent had mild daytime somnolence, 24% had moderate daytime somnolence, 50% had subclinical insomnia, 19% moderate insomnia, and 1.4% had severe insomnia. Conclusions In this group of students a high frequency of unhealthy lifestyles and malnutrition caused by excess was observed. Also a high prevalence of insomnia, daytime somnolence, and inadequate sleep amounts were recorded.

Evaluation of an educational, theater-based intervention on attitudes toward organ donation in Risaralda, Colombia / Evaluación del impacto de una intervención basada en teatro sobre las actitudes hacia la donación de órganos en Risaralda, Colombia

Introduction:The shortage of organs for transplantation is aworldwide problem and the main cause is the refusal of familymembers to donate. Consent to donate is influenced by manyfactors and educational interventions are strongly recommen-ded.Objective:To evaluate the impact of an educational, theater-based strategy on the attitudes toward organ donation.Methodology:This study employed an intervention usingtheater as the central tool. The impact of this interventionon the intention to donate was assessed through a controlled,prospective, nonrandomized designed study. The sample con-sisted of 1,038 people. All the participants answered a surveythat asked about sex, age and intent to donate. Afterward, oneportion of the sample was exposed to the play, The Gift of Life,and a subsequent discussion forum that was guided by experts.The same survey was administered again after the interven-tion.Results:Before the intervention, donation attitudes were posi-tive in 68.3 percent of the responses, negative in 6.8 percent and uncertainin 24.9 percent. Females showed a greater intent to donate while agehad no apparent influence on the donation decision. Those ex-posed to the intervention were found to be more likely to do-nate and show a favorable change in attitude toward donationthan those who were not exposed to the intervention.Conclusion:An educational intervention using theater is aneffective tool to generate a short-term change in the intent todonate. Educational strategies should be employed to increasethe rates of organ donation.

Evaluation of an educational, theater-based intervention on attitudes toward organ donation in Risaralda, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: The shortage of organs for transplantation is a worldwide problem and the main cause is the refusal of family members to donate. Consent to donate is influenced by many factors and educational interventions are strongly recommended. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational, theaterbased strategy on the attitudes toward organ donation. METHODS: This study employed an intervention using theater as the central tool. The impact of this intervention on the intention to donate was assessed through a controlled, prospective, nonrandomized designed study. The sample consisted of 1,038 people. All the participants answered a survey that asked about sex, age and intent to donate. Afterward, one portion of the sample was exposed to the play, The Gift of Life, and a subsequent discussion forum that was guided by experts. The same survey was administered again after the intervention. RESULTS: Before the intervention, donation attitudes were positive in 68.3% of the responses, negative in 6.8% and uncertain in 24.9%. Females showed a greater intent to donate while age had no apparent influence on the donation decision. Those exposed to the intervention were found to be more likely to donate and show a favorable change in attitude toward donation than those who were not exposed to the intervention. CONCLUSION: An educational intervention using theater is an effective tool to generate a short-term change in the intent to donate. Educational strategies should be employed to increase the rates of organ donation.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La escasa disponibilidad de órganos para transplantes es un problema de escala mundial y la principal causa es la negativa de los familiares del donante. El consentimiento para donar está influenciado por una multitud de factores y las intervenciones educativas han sido intensamente recomendadas. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de una estrategia pedagógica basada en el teatro sobre las actitudes hacia la donación de órganos. METODOLOGÍA: Este estudio utilizó una intervención teatral como herramienta central de trabajo y evaluó su impacto sobre la intención de donación usando un diseño controlado, prospectivo y no aleatorizado. La muestra consistió de 1,038 personas. Todos los participantes respondieron una encuesta que preguntaba acerca del género, edad e intención de donación. Después de ésta, una parte de la muestra fue expuesta a la obra teatral El Regalo de la Vida, seguida de un foro de discusión con expertos. La misma encuesta inicial fue aplicada de nuevo después de la intervención. RESULTADOS: Antes de la intervención, las actitudes hacia la donación fueron positivas en 68.3% de los casos, negativa en 6.8% e incierta en 24.9%. Las mujeres mostraron una mayor intención de donación mientras que la edad no tuvo ninguna influencia. Aquellas personas expuestas a la intervención estuvieron más inclinadas hacia la donación y mostraron un cambio favorable en su actitud que aquellas que no fueron expuestas a ésta. CONCLUSIÓN: Una intervención educativa usando el teatro es una herramienta efectiva para generar un cambio en al intención de donación de órganos. Estrategias educativas similares a ésta deben implementarse para incrementar la tasa de donación de órganos entre la población general.