Food Parenting Practices Promoted by Childcare and Primary Healthcare Centers in Chile: What Influences Do These Practices Have on Parents? A Qualitative Study.

Chile, like many other countries in the world, is experiencing a high prevalence of childhood overweight. Among the factors influencing children's eating behaviors are the food parenting practices promoted by community organizations. More information is needed on the influences of these recommendations on the parenting practices of parents of preschoolers. This study examined what types of food parenting practices are promoted in childcare and primary healthcare centers and how these recommendations influence subsequent parental behavior. Interviews using photo-elicitation were conducted with 25 parents of Chilean preschoolers. The interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified to describe food parenting practices promoted by community organizations and the influences that these practices had on parents of preschoolers. Healthcare centers were found to educate parents and provided a structured feeding. However, parents found their advice regarding dietary restriction challenging to follow. Childcare centers also provided information about healthy diet, food monitoring, and diversifying the child's diet in a way that was perceived as adequate. While childcare centers encouraged structured and autonomous food parenting practices in a positive and supportive manner, healthcare centers tended to provide more restrictive guidance that posed challenges for parents struggling with preschool nutritional care.

Family influences on food choices and nutrition: What does the literature say?

ABSTRACT The prevention of diseases related to nutrition requires an approach that considers aspects that transcend the individual level in understanding food decisions. In this context, the family as an interpersonal determinant of eating behavior is gaining importance in developing behavioral change interventions that seek better nutritional health. This manuscript aims to describe the current evidence of how family variables influence its members' food choices and nutritional status. Specifically, we present evidence on family functioning, parental feeding styles, and family meals, as they are recent topics of interest in the area. The evidence shows that a better or balanced family functioning or some of its components (communication, conflicts, cohesion, among others); a parental feeding style that demands but listens to the requirements from children; and a higher frequency of family meals are associated with a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and healthier eating habits, especially in children and adolescents. A deep understanding of family variables could guide weight management interventions and provide information that could explain why some interventions work and others do not.

RESUMEN La prevención de enfermedades relacionadas con la nutrición requiere de un enfoque que considere aspectos que transciendan el nivel individual en el entendimiento de las decisiones alimentarias. En este contexto, la familia como un determinante interpersonal de las conductas alimentarias, está ganando importancia en el desarrollo de intervenciones de cambio conductual que buscan una mejor salud nutricional. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir la evidencia actual de cómo variables familiares influyen en las elecciones alimentarias y el estado nutricional de sus miembros. Específicamente, presentamos evidencia sobre el funcionamiento familiar, los estilos parentales de alimentación y las comidas familiares, ya que son temas recientes de interés en el área. La evidencia muestra que un mejor o equilibrado funcionamiento familiar o de algunos de sus componentes (comunicación, conflictos, cohesión, entre otros); un estilo parental que exige, pero escucha los requerimientos de los niños; y una mayor frecuencia de comidas familiares se asocian con un menor Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) y hábitos alimentarios más saludables, especialmente en niños y adolescentes. Una comprensión profunda de las variables familiares podría orientar las intervenciones de control de peso y brindar información que explicaría por qué algunas intervenciones funcionan y otras no.

Derecho a la alimentación y COVID-19: Estudio cualitativo de percepciones de actores clave en Chile

RESUMEN La pandemia por COVID-19 y las medidas sanitarias para su control han afectado la alimentación de las personas, lo que probablemente lleve a cifras elevadas de malnutrición en todas sus formas. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las percepciones de un grupo de actores clave sobre el aseguramiento del derecho a la alimentación en contexto de pandemia en Chile. El presente es un estudio cualitativo realizado en Chile. Los/as entrevistados fueron seleccionados/as por conveniencia y con una visión transdisciplinaria. Se realizaron 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas online, durante septiembre y octubre de 2020. El análisis de los datos se realizó utilizando un enfoque inductivo y un análisis temático, organizando la información en el software Atlas.ti 9.0. Los discursos de las y los participantes permitieron obtener 4 temas: 1. Seguridad alimentaria en tiempos de pandemia, 2. Apreciación de las estrategias alimentarias gubernamentales, 3. Respuesta comunitaria a la pandemia y 4. Otras miradas para el enfrentamiento de la pandemia. Se concluye que el acceso a los alimentos es la dimensión del derecho a la alimentación más afectada en el país en pandemia. Se reconocen estrategias estatales para mantener la alimentación de la población, sin embargo, estas se perciben como insuficientes. Por otro lado, se destaca la relevancia de la organización comunitaria. Se hace necesario realizar un seguimiento sobre las acciones tomadas para garantizar el derecho a la alimentación en el país y conocer la experiencia de otros países de América Latina y el Caribe para prepararse para futuras crisis.

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic and the sanitary measures to control it have affected people's diets, which is likely to lead to high rates of malnutrition in all its forms. The objective of this study was to describe the perceptions of a group of key actors on the assurance of the right to food in the context of a pandemic. This was a qualitative study conducted in Chile. The interviewees were selected by convenience with a transdisciplinary approach. We conducted 26 semi-structured interviews online, during September and October 2020. Data analysis was carried out using an inductive approach and a thematic analysis. We organized information using Atlas.ti 9.0 software. From the participants' narratives, we obtained 4 themes: 1. Food security in times of pandemic, 2. Appreciation of government food strategies, 3. Community response to the pandemic and 4. Other perspectives for facing the pandemic. We concluded that access to food is the dimension of the right to food most affected during the pandemic. State strategies are recognized as maintaining the population's nutrition; however, these are perceived as insufficient. On the other hand, the relevance of community organization stands out. It is necessary to monitor the actions taken to guarantee the right to food in the country and learn about the experience of other Latin American and Caribbean countries to prepare for future crises.

Una aproximación a la alfabetización nutricional, evaluación del estado nutricional y calidad de la alimentación en una muestra a conveniencia de mujeres de comunas con pobreza multidimensional

RESUMEN La obesidad es factor de riesgo para las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Esta condición afecta principalmente a mujeres de bajo nivel socioeconómico. La alfabetización nutricional, referida al conocimiento en alimentación y nutrición, podría estar determinando la calidad de la dieta, la que a su vez podría favorecer el desarrollo de la obesidad. Los objetivos del estudio fueron 1) Describir la alfabetización nutricional, el estado nutricional y la calidad de la alimentación, y 2) Explorar la relación entre estas tres variables, en un grupo de mujeres de comunas con pobreza multidimensional de la Región Metropolitana. Se diseñó un estudio transversal, no probabilístico, en donde participaron 122 mujeres. Se evalúo el estado nutricional mediante el cálculo del Índice de Masa Corporal, midiendo peso y talla. La calidad de la alimentación se evaluó utilizando una encuesta de tendencia de consumo alimentaria y el Índice de Alimentación Saludable, y la alfabetización nutricional, con el cuestionario Nutritional Literacy en español (NLit-S), adaptado a la población chilena. La prevalencia de obesidad fue 47,5% y el 88,5% de las mujeres presentó necesidad de cambios en su alimentación. Un 66,4% presentó una alfabetización nutricional deficiente, con más mujeres con exceso de peso en esta categoría. Dominio de etiquetado nutricional fue el que obtuvo peores resultados. Se concluye que la condición alimentaria nutricional de las mujeres de nuestro estudio sugiere un desafío para el trabajo por parte de profesionales de la salud, así como para quienes toman decisiones en alimentación y nutrición.

ABSTRACT Obesity is a risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases. This condition mainly affects women of low socioeconomic status. Nutritional literacy, understood as knowledge of food and nutrition, could determine the quality of the diet, which in turn could cause the development of obesity. The aims were 1) To describe the nutritional literacy, nutritional status, and food quality, and 2) To explore the relationship between these three variables, in a group of women from communes with multidimensional poverty in the Metropolitan Region. We conducted a cross-sectional, non-probabilistic study in which 122 women participated. The nutritional status was evaluated by calculating the Body Mass Index using weight and height measurements. The diet quality was evaluated using a survey of food consumption trends and the Healthy Eating Index. Nutritional literacy was evaluated with the Nutritional Literacy questionnaire in Spanish adapted for the Chilean population. The prevalence of obesity was 47.5%, and 88.5% of the women presented the need for changes in their diet. 66.4% of women had low nutritional literacy, with more overweight women in this category. The nutrition labeling domain was the one with the worst results. We concluded that women's food and nutritional condition suggests a challenge for health professionals and those who make decisions about food and nutrition.

[Family influences on maternal feeding practices of preschool children from vulnerable families in the Metropolitan Region of Chile]. / Influencias familiares en las prácticas de alimentación materna a niños preescolares de familias vulnerables de la Región Metropolitana de Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To explore family members' influences on mothers' feeding practices of preschoolers in Chilean families residing in vulnerable neighborhoods from the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. DESIGN: Qualitative study. LOCATION: Nine child care centers in Región Metropolitana, Santiago, Chile. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four mothers and one father of preschool children. METHOD: Photo-elicitation techniques were applied to 25 semi-structured interviews and their subsequent inductive thematic analysis of family influences. RESULTS: The participants described that the family influences on their feeding practices depended on the family structure and the interpersonal closeness between relatives. Some influences directly affected child eating behavior, especially in relatives who live together, while others were mediated by the relationships generated between parents and other members of the family. Fathers, in two-parent families, and grandparents are the most influential relatives on the participants' feeding practices. Generally, fathers participated and were in line with the mother's feeding practices of their children. Grandparents enriched their grandchildren's eating experiences by offering homemade preparations, expressing affection with food, including unhealthy options, and supporting parents to diversifying and structuring feeding practices. CONCLUSIONS: According to their interpersonal closeness or cohabitation, parental feeding practices and child eating behaviors were impacted by family members and their dynamics. The development of strategies to prevent and treat childhood obesity should consider a family approach in vulnerable families.

Barreras en la consulta nutricional en atención primaria a personas migradas internacionales. Perspectiva de nutricionistas

RESUMEN La migración internacional ha aumentado exponencialmente en Chile, lo que ha representado un desafío para el sistema de salud. El presente estudio transversal exploratorio, de metodología cualitativa y abordaje multidisciplinario, busca describir barreras y dificultades en la consulta nutricional a personas migradas, desde la perspectiva de profesionales nutricionistas de los centros de salud familiar de una comuna de la Región Metropolitana; dada la relevancia de la Atención Primaria en el sistema de salud nacional, y la particularidad de la alimentación, que conjuga valores nutricionales relacionadas con la salud, así como aspectos simbólicos significativos para las personas, posicionando a las nutricionistas en un escenario donde buscan mantener un estado nutricional óptimo en una población culturalmente diferente. Se realizaron once entrevistas a nutricionistas, las cuales fueron codificadas y analizadas temáticamente, identificando cuatro ejes narrativos de barreras y dificultades: escasez de recursos en la atención de una demanda poblacional creciente, problemas lingüísticos de comunicación (idiomáticos y dialectales), desconocimiento del funcionamiento del sistema sanitario chileno por parte de los/las usuarios/as migrados/as, y divergencia de prácticas y concepciones sanitarias entre migrados/as y nutricionistas. Del estudio se concluye que la atención nutricional con el usuario/a migrante internacional es compleja y se debe considerar abordar los temas antes mencionados al momento de generar respuestas institucionales de atención, programas y políticas enfocadas en la atención al usuario/a migrante internacional, de manera de lograr una promoción auténtica y pertinente de hábitos alimentarios saludables y el mantenimiento del Efecto Migrante Sano.

ABSTRACT International migration has increased exponentially in Chile, which has represented a challenge for the health system. Using qualitative methods and a multidisciplinary approach, this cross-sectional exploratory study seeks to describe barriers and difficulties for nutritional care for migrants from the perspective of nutritionists who work in health centers in a neighborhood of the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Given the relevance of primary care in the national health system and the particularity of food, which combines nutritional values related to health, as well as significant symbolic aspects for people, nutritionists are positioned to encourage optimal nutritional status in a culturally different population. Eleven interviews were conducted with nutritionists. The transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed thematically, identifying four narrative axes of barriers and difficulties: lack of resources for a growing population demand, linguistic communication problems (idiomatic and dialect), lack of knowledge about the functioning of the Chilean health system by migrants, and divergence of health practices and conceptions between migrants and nutritionists. The study concludes that nutritional care with international migrants is complex. The concerns mentioned above should be addressed when generating institutional responses of care, or creating programs and policies focused on the care of international migrants to achieve an authentic and pertinent promotion of healthy eating habits and the maintenance of the Healthy Migrant Effect.

McArdle Disease: New Insights into Its Underlying Molecular Mechanisms.

McArdle disease, also known as glycogen storage disease type V (GSDV), is characterized by exercise intolerance, the second wind phenomenon, and high serum creatine kinase activity. Here, we recapitulate PYGM mutations in the population responsible for this disease. Traditionally, McArdle disease has been considered a metabolic myopathy caused by the lack of expression of the muscle isoform of the glycogen phosphorylase (PYGM). However, recent findings challenge this view, since it has been shown that PYGM is present in other tissues than the skeletal muscle. We review the latest studies about the molecular mechanism involved in glycogen phosphorylase activity regulation. Further, we summarize the expression and functional significance of PYGM in other tissues than skeletal muscle both in health and McArdle disease. Furthermore, we examine the different animal models that have served as the knowledge base for better understanding of McArdle disease. Finally, we give an overview of the latest state-of-the-art clinical trials currently being carried out and present an updated view of the current therapies.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSC) for the treatment of secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis: A triple blinded, placebo controlled, randomized phase I/II safety and feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Currently available treatments for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis(SPMS) have limited efficacy and/or safety concerns. Adipose-mesenchymal derived stem cells(AdMSCs) represent a promising option and can be readily obtained using minimally invasive procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this triple-blind, placebo-controlled study, cell samples were obtained from consenting patients by lipectomy and subsequently expanded. Patients were randomized to a single infusion of placebo, low-dose(1x106cells/kg) or high-dose(4x106cells/kg) autologous AdMSC product and followed for 12 months. Safety was monitored recording adverse events, laboratory parameters, vital signs and spirometry. Expanded disability status score (EDSS), magnetic-resonance-imaging, and other measures of possible treatment effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients underwent lipectomy for AdMSCs collection, were randomized and thirty were infused (11 placebo, 10 low-dose and 9 high-dose); 4 randomized patients were not infused because of karyotype abnormalities in the cell product. Only one serious adverse event was observed in the treatment arms (urinary infection, considered not related to study treatment). No other safety parameters showed changes. Measures of treatment effect showed an inconclusive trend of efficacy. CONCLUSION: Infusion of autologous AdMSCs is safe and feasible in patients with SPMS. Larger studies and probably treatment at earlier phases would be needed to investigate the potential therapeutic benefit of this technique.

Activity behavior, nutritional status and perceived health in older Brazilian adults: Does the number of chronic diseases matter?

AIM: The present study examined activity behavior, nutritional status and perceived health in relation to the number of chronic diseases (ChrD) in a representative sample of Brazilians aged ≥60 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out in a midsize Brazilian city to evaluate different health risk factors. Using a stratified random sampling procedure to select a representative sample of adults, this study interviewed 1572 individuals face-to-face. Our analytical sample focused on those aged ≥60 years (n = 355). Statistical procedures were carried out using spss software, with the significance level set as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Older adults diagnosed with ≥2 ChrD were significantly less active during leisure time physical activity (P = 0.03), presented with significant higher body mass index values (P < 0.001) and were approximately fivefold (1.69-17.93) more likely to perceive their health as poor compared with those with zero ChrD. The group with ≥2 ChrD reported a similar amount of sitting time compared with older adults with zero or one ChrD (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Having multiple ChrD has a negative impact on older adults' leisure time physical activity, body mass index and the perception of health. The findings of the present study underscore the need for more infusive approaches tackling ChrD in Brazil focusing on healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as physical activity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2376-2382.

Using a Mixed-Methods RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate Community Health Programs for Older Latinas.

OBJECTIVE: This study used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to evaluate a promotora-led community health program designed for Latinas ages 50 and older that sought to improve physical activity, nutrition, and stress management. METHOD: A mixed-methods evaluation approach was administered at participant and organizational levels with a focus on the efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance components of the RE-AIM theoretical model. RESULTS: The program was shown to be effective at improving participants' eating behaviors, increasing their physical activity levels, and lowering their depressive symptoms. Promotoras felt motivated and sufficiently prepared to deliver the program. Some implementation challenges were reported. More child care opportunities and an increased focus on mental well-being were suggested. DISCUSSION: The promotora delivery model has promise for program sustainability with both promotoras and participants alike expressing interest in leading future programs.

Promotoras and the Semantic Gap Between Latino Community Health Researchers and Latino Communities.

Promotoras are identified as a unique group of community health workers adept at reducing health disparities. This qualitative study was conducted to better understand perceptions of the term promotora, broadly used in research but not well documented in everyday Latina vocabulary. Six focus groups to better understand perceptions of the term promotora were conducted with 36 Latina women living in three nonmetropolitan areas in Illinois. Results suggest that Latina participants in the study do not understand the meaning of "promotora" in the same way as it is used in the literature. Latina participants understood "promotoras" as referring to people who sell or deliver information, or organize events in the community that are not necessarily related to health events or community health work. Furthermore, they usually understood the term to refer to paid work rather than volunteering. Results underscore the importance of being sensitive to Latinas' perceptions of community health terminology by assessing their context, needs, and expectations. These findings call researchers' attention to the need to educate certain Latino communities about the concept of promotoras, with implications for the implementation and dissemination of promotora-led community health programs, as the semantic discrepancy could affect the recruitment of promotoras as well as community participation in the programs they deliver.

Divine Interventions: Faith-Based Approaches to Health Promotion Programs for Latinos.

Few interventions have used faith-based approaches in health promotion programs among US Latinos, a notably religious population. This article explores the perceptions of church leaders, promotoras, and program participants on the Catholic religious context and content of a community-based intervention addressing physical activity, nutrition, and stress management for Chicago Latinas aged 50+. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted. Viewed as trustworthy, natural, and authentic, the church setting nurtured community bonds. Moreover, the program's religious content encouraged Latinas to feel motivated, connected, and engaged with the program in meaningful ways. Overall, faith-based health promotion programs offer a promising approach for Latino-centered interventions.

Rac1/p21-activated kinase pathway controls retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation and E2F transcription factor activation in B lymphocytes.

Small GTPases of the Ras superfamily are capable of activating E2F-dependent transcription leading to cell proliferation, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, using immortalized chicken DT40 B cell lines to investigate the role of the Vav/Rac signalling cascade on B cell proliferation, it is shown that the proliferative response triggered by B cell receptor activation is dramatically reduced in the absence of Vav3 expression. Analysis of this proliferative defect shows that in the absence of Vav3 expression, retinoblastoma protein (RB) phosphorylation and the subsequent E2F activation do not take place. By combining pharmacological and genetic approaches, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) were identified as the key regulatory signalling molecules upstream of the Vav3/Rac pathway leading to RB phosphorylation and E2F transcription factor activation. Additionally, vav3(-/-) and plcγ2(-/-) DT40 B cells were not able to activate the RB-E2F complex wild-type phenotype when these genetically modified cells were transfected with constitutively active forms of RhoA or Cdc42. However, when these knockout cells were transfected with different constitutively active versions of PLCγ, Vav or Rac1, not only activation of the RB-E2F complex wild-type phenotype was recovered but also the cellular proliferation. Furthermore, by evaluating the effect of two known effector mutants of Rac1 (Rac1(Q61L/F37A) and Rac1(Q61L/Y40C) ), the RB-E2F complex activation dependency on p21-activated kinase (PAK) and protein kinase Cε (PKCε) activities was established, being independent of both actin cytoskeleton reorganization and Ras activity. These results suggest that PAK1 and PKCε may be potential therapeutic targets to stop uncontrolled B cell proliferation mediated by the Vav/Rac pathway.

Communicating about eating behaviors. A qualitative study of Chilean women and their health-care providers.

Good communication between health care providers (HCPs) and patients is critical in achieving positive health outcomes. The purpose of this article was to compare the perceptions of Chilean woman and their HCPs with respect to determinants of eating behaviors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women (n=15) visiting a public health care center in Chile and with their HCPs (n=8) who were in charge of promoting healthy eating behaviors among women. Data from the interviews indicated similarities and inconsistencies in determinants of eating behaviors between the groups. Both mentioned many important factors that influence women's eating behaviors, including food preferences, dietary knowledge, self-control and self-efficacy, family, food cost, and food availability. HCPs appeared to be less aware of the role that personality traits and past experiences play as potential determinants which women mentioned. In contrast, women were less aware of the influence of anxiety and low self-esteem on eating choices, which HCPs noted as key factors. Although it was encouraging to see agreement between women and their HCPs in some areas, it is important to work on increasing understanding among the groups with respect to the important role psychological factors play in influencing eating behavior. We suggest that HCPs should focus on the importance of women's personality traits and past eating behaviors, as well as work on improving women's self-esteem and helping to decrease their anxiety levels. HCPs should be encouraged to develop good communication with each person in order to help them understand the roles that external and internal factors play in eating behaviors.

Guanine nucleotide exchange factor αPIX leads to activation of the Rac 1 GTPase/glycogen phosphorylase pathway in interleukin (IL)-2-stimulated T cells.

Recently, we have reported that the active form of Rac 1 GTPase binds to the glycogen phosphorylase muscle isoform (PYGM) and modulates its enzymatic activity leading to T cell proliferation. In the lymphoid system, Rac 1 and in general other small GTPases of the Rho family participate in the signaling cascades that are activated after engagement of the T cell antigen receptor. However, little is known about the IL-2-dependent Rac 1 activator molecules. For the first time, a signaling pathway leading to the activation of Rac 1/PYGM in response to IL-2-stimulated T cell proliferation is described. More specifically, αPIX, a known guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPases of the Rho family, preferentially Rac 1, mediates PYGM activation in Kit 225 T cells stimulated with IL-2. Using directed mutagenesis, phosphorylation of αPIX Rho-GEF serines 225 and 488 is required for activation of the Rac 1/PYGM pathway. IL-2-stimulated serine phosphorylation was corroborated in Kit 225 T cells cultures. A parallel pharmacological and genetic approach identified PKCθ as the serine/threonine kinase responsible for αPIX serine phosphorylation. The phosphorylated state of αPIX was required to activate first Rac 1 and subsequently PYGM. These results demonstrate that the IL-2 receptor activation, among other early events, leads to activation of PKCθ. To activate Rac 1 and consequently PYGM, PKCθ phosphorylates αPIX in T cells. The biological significance of this PKCθ/αPIX/Rac 1 GTPase/PYGM signaling pathway seems to be the control of different cellular responses such as migration and proliferation.

Developing a Culturally Sensitive Lifestyle Behavior Change Program for Older Latinas.

Despite the burgeoning U.S. Latino population and their increased risk of chronic disease, little emphasis had been placed on developing culturally sensitive lifestyle interventions in this area. This article examines older Latinas' sociocultural context relative to health with the goal of developing a culturally sensitive health behavior intervention. Photo-elicitation indicated two emerging themes that influenced lifestyle choices: family caregiving and religion. Researchers partnered with a faith-based organization to develop and implement a 6-month lifestyle intervention for Latinas ages 50 and older: Abuelas en Acción (AEA). At completion, interviews were conducted to understand women's experiences and the influence AEA had on their lifestyles and health. Findings suggest that religious content empowered and deeply affected women; however, the intergenerational content presented significant challenges for instruction, retention, and implementation. We discuss findings in relation to the health intervention literature and provide suggestions for future interventions drawing on religion, family, and health behavior change.

Development of alginate microspheres as nystatin carriers for oral mucosa drug delivery.

To develop more effective antifungal mucoadhesive systems for the treatment of oral candidiasis, three types of microspheres, alginate (AM1), chitosan coated (CCM) and hydrogel (AM2) containing nystatin (Nys) were successfully elaborated by emulsification/internal gelation method. Physicochemical properties of microspheres resulted in 85-135 µm mean sizes, spherical shaped with narrow distribution. Optimal encapsulation efficiency and negative zeta potentials were observed. AM2 showed a consistent decrease in viscosity with increasing shear rate (Herschel-Bulkley). Optimal mucoadhesive properties and swelling behaviour where evidenced. Nys release from AM1 and CCM followed a concentration gradient pattern, contrary AM2 followed a complex release mechanism. All systems exhibited a marked fungicidal activity against Candida albicans strains. In vivo studies demonstrated that Nys was not found in systemic circulation assuring the safety of the treatment. Nys amounts retained in the mucosa were more than enough to ensure an effective fungicidal action without tissue damage. Based on the obtained results, AM2 could be proposed as the vehicle with the best properties for the buccal vehiculization of Nys.

Enhancing effect of glucose microspheres in the viability of human mesenchymal stem cell suspensions for clinical administration.

PURPOSE: A critical limiting factor of cell therapy is the short life of the stem cells. In this study, glucose containing alginate microspheres were developed and characterized to provide a sustained release system prolonging the viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in a suspension for clinical application. METHODS: The glucose microspheres were satisfactorily elaborated with alginate by emulsification/internal gelation method. Particle size was evaluated by light diffraction and optical microscopy. Shape and surface texture by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Zeta potential, infrared spectra and release studies were also conducted. Also, rheological properties and stability of hMSCs suspensions with microspheres were tested. The viability of hMSCs was determined by trypan blue dye exclusion staining. RESULTS: Microspheres of 86.62 µm, spherical shaped and -32.54 mV zeta potential with excellent stability, good encapsulation efficiency and providing an exponential release of glucose were obtained. hMSCs had better survival rate when they were packed with glucose microspheres. Microspheres maintained the aseptic conditions of the cell suspension without rheological, morphological or immunophenotypic disturbances on hMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Developed microspheres were able to enhance the functionality of hMSC suspension. This strategy could be broadly applied to various therapeutic approaches in which prolonged viability of cells is necessary.