Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Based Products: Challenges and Clinical Therapeutic Options.

Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are being tried in a vast range of clinical applications. These cells can be isolated from different donor tissues by using several methods, or they can even be derived from induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells. However, ATMP heterogeneity may impact product identity and potency, and, consequently, clinical trial outcomes. In this review, we discuss these topics and the need to establish minimal criteria regarding the manufacturing of MSCs so that these innovative therapeutics may be better positioned to contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine.

Advanced cell and gene therapies in cardiology.

We review the evidence for the presence of stem/progenitor cells in the heart and the preclinical and clinical data using diverse cell types for the therapy of cardiac diseases. We highlight the failure of adult stem/progenitor cells to ameliorate heart function in most cardiac diseases, with the possible exception of refractory angina. The use of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes is analysed as a viable alternative therapeutic option but still needs further research at preclinical and clinical stages. We also discuss the use of direct reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes and the use of extracellular vesicles as therapeutic agents in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiac diseases. Finally, gene therapies and genome editing for the treatment of hereditary cardiac diseases, ablation of genes responsible for atherosclerotic disease, or modulation of gene expression in the heart are discussed.

Annexin A1 improves immune responses and control of tissue parasitism during Leishmania amazonensis infection in BALB/c mice.

Leishmaniases, a group of diseases caused by the species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Host immune responses play a crucial role in the outcome of Leishmania infections, and several mediators that regulate inflammatory responses are potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), an endogenous protein endowed with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, has emerged as a potential player. We have shown that during L. braziliensis infection, deficiency of AnxA1 exacerbates inflammatory responses but does not affect parasite burden. Here, we have investigated the role of AnxA1 in L. amazonensis infection, given the non-healing and progressive lesions characteristic of this infectious model. Infection of AnxA1 KO BALB/c mice resulted in increased lesion size and tissue damage associated with higher parasite burdens and enhanced inflammatory response. Notably, therapeutic application of the AnxA1 peptidomimetic Ac2-26 improves control of parasite replication and increases IL-10 production in vivo and in vitro, in both WT and AnxA1 KO mice. Conversely, administration of WRW4, an inhibitor of FPR2/3, resulted in larger lesions and decreased production of IL-10, suggesting that the effects of AnxA1 during L. amazonensis infection are associated with the engagement of these receptors. Our study illuminates the role of AnxA1 in L. amazonensis infection, demonstrating its impact on the susceptibility phenotype of BALB/c mice. Furthermore, our results indicate that targeting the AnxA1 pathway by using the Ac2-26 peptide could represent a promising alternative for new treatments for leishmaniasis.

Nursing interventions to empower the family caregiver of person with lower limb amputation: scoping review / Intervenções de Enfermagem para capacitar o cuidador familiar de uma pessoa com amputação de membro inferior: revisão de escopo / Intervenciones de enfermería para capacitar al cuidador familiar de una persona con amputación de miembro inferior: revisión de alcance

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map nursing interventions that empower the Family caregiver of the person with lower limb amputation for is role. Methods: scoping review guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology conducted in different databases (including gray literature). Results: six studies published between 2009 and 2021 were included. Interventions of counselling and support for patients and family; peer support interventions performed by a certified pair; involvement of caregivers or family members in support groups; and key interventions for patient and family caregiver psychological balance. Two studies discussed the importance of caregiver and amputee training and development of coping skills. Another study recommended Interventions of informative support for caregivers regarding care for the amputee and adaptation to home. Conclusions: results of this review allow the identification of recommendations (guidelines) for practice and recommendations/suggestions for interventions according with identified needs of family caregivers of patients with lower limb amputation.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear intervenções de enfermagem que capacitem o cuidador familiar da pessoa com amputação de membro inferior para seu papel. Métodos: revisão de escopo orientada pela metodologia do Joanna Briggs Institute realizada em diferentes bases de dados (incluindo literatura cinzenta). Resultados: foram incluídos seis estudos publicados entre 2009 e 2021. Intervenções de aconselhamento e apoio para pacientes e familiares; intervenções de apoio de pares realizadas por uma dupla certificada; envolvimento de cuidadores ou membros da família em grupos de apoio; e intervenções-chave para o equilíbrio psicológico do paciente e do cuidador familiar. Dois estudos discutiram a importância do treinamento do cuidador e do amputado e do desenvolvimento de habilidades de enfrentamento. Outro estudo recomendou intervenções de suporte informativo para os cuidadores com relação aos cuidados com o amputado e à adaptação ao lar. Conclusões: os resultados dessa revisão permitem a identificação de recomendações (diretrizes) para a prática e recomendações/sugestões para intervenções de acordo com as necessidades identificadas dos cuidadores familiares de pacientes com amputação de membros inferiores.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear intervenciones de enfermería que capaciten al cuidador familiar de la persona con amputación de miembro inferior para su rol. Métodos: es una revisión de alcance guiada por la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs, llevada a cabo en diferentes bases de datos (incluyendo literatura gris). Resultados: se tuvieron en cuenta seis estudios publicados entre 2009 y 2021, a saber: intervenciones de asesoramiento y apoyo para pacientes y familiares; intervenciones de apoyo entre iguales realizadas por un par de profesionales certificados; participación de cuidadores o familiares en grupos de apoyo e intervenciones clave para el equilibrio psicológico del paciente y del cuidador familiar. Dos estudios analizaron la importancia de la formación del cuidador y del amputado y del desarrollo de habilidades de afrontamiento. Otro estudio recomendó intervenciones de apoyo informativo para los cuidadores en relación con el cuidado del amputado y su adaptación a la vida hogareña. Conclusiones: los resultados de esta revisión permiten identificar recomendaciones/directrices para la práctica y recomendaciones/sugerencias de intervenciones según las necesidades identificadas de los cuidadores familiares de pacientes con amputación de miembros inferiores.

Epidemiological and molecular evidence of intrafamilial transmission through sexual and vertical routes in Bahia, the state with the highest prevalence of HTLV-1 in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Familial clustering of HTLV-1 and related diseases has been reported in Brazil. However, intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 based on molecular analysis has been studied only in a few communities of Japanese immigrants and African-Brazilians. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the familial clustering of HTLV-1 infection and to determine the likely routes of transmission through epidemiological and genetic analyzes. METHODS: Medical records of 1,759 HTLV-1+ patients from de the Center for HTLV in Salvador, Brazil, were evaluated to identify first-degree relatives previously tested for HTLV-1. Familial clustering was assumed if more than one member of the same family was HTLV-1+. LTR regions of HTLV-1 sequences were analyzed for the presence of intrafamilial polymorphisms. Family pedigrees were constructed and analyzed to infer the likely transmission routes of HTLV-1. RESULTS: In 154 patients at least one other family member had tested positive for HTLV-1 (a total of 182 first-degree relatives). Of the 91 couples (182 individuals), 51.6% were breastfed, and 67.4% reported never using a condom. Of the 42 mother-child pairs, 23.8% had a child aged 13 years or younger; all mothers reported breastfeeding their babies. Pedigrees of families with 4 or more members suggests that vertical transmission is a likely mode of transmission in three families. Three families may have had both vertical and sexual transmission routes for HTLV-1. The genetic signatures of the LTR region of 8 families revealed 3 families with evidence of vertical transmission, another 3 families (spouses) with sexual transmission, and one family with both transmission routes. HTLV-1 sequences belonged to Cosmopolitan subtype HTLV-1a Transcontinental subgroup A. CONCLUSION: Sexual and vertical transmission routes contribute to the intrafamilial spread of HTLV-1 in the state of Bahia.

A clindamycin acetylated derivative with reduced antibacterial activity inhibits articular hyperalgesia and edema by attenuating neutrophil recruitment, NF-κB activation and tumor necrosis factor-α production.

We recently demonstrated that clindamycin exhibits activities in acute and chronic models of pain and inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of clindamycin and a clindamycin acetylated derivative (CAD) in models of acute joint inflammation and in a microbiological assay. Joint inflammation was induced in mice by intraarticular (i.a.) injection of zymosan or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Clindamycin or CAD were administered via the intraperitoneal route 1 h before zymosan or LPS. Paw withdrawal threshold, joint diameter, histological changes, neutrophil recruitment, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production and phosphorylation of the IκBα and NF-κB/p65 were evaluated. In vitro assays were used to measure the antibacterial activity of clindamycin and CAD and also their effects on zymosan-induced TNF-α production by RAW264.7 macrophages. Clindamycin exhibited activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC® strains at much lower concentrations than CAD. Intraarticular injection of zymosan or LPS induced articular hyperalgesia, edema and neutrophil infiltration in the joints. Zymosan also induced histological changes, NF-κB activation and TNF-α production. Responses induced by zymosan and LPS were inhibited by clindamycin (200 and 400 mg/kg) or CAD (436 mg/kg). Both clindamycin and CAD inhibited in vitro TNF-α production by macrophages. In summary, we provided additional insights of the clindamycin immunomodulatory effects, whose mechanism was associated with NF-κB inhibition and reduced TNF-α production. Such effects were extended to a clindamycin derivative with reduced antibacterial activity, indicating that clindamycin derivatives should be investigated as candidates to drugs that could be useful in the management of inflammatory and painful conditions.

GILZ Modulates the Recruitment of Monocytes/Macrophages Endowed with a Resolving Phenotype and Favors Resolution of Escherichia coli Infection.

Macrophages are important effectors of inflammation resolution that contribute to the elimination of pathogens and apoptotic cells and restoration of homeostasis. Pre-clinical studies have evidenced the anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions of GILZ (glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper). Here, we evaluated the role of GILZ on the migration of mononuclear cells under nonphlogistic conditions and Escherichia coli-evoked peritonitis. TAT-GILZ (a cell-permeable GILZ-fusion protein) injection into the pleural cavity of mice induced monocyte/macrophage influx alongside increased CCL2, IL-10 and TGF-ß levels. TAT-GILZ-recruited macrophages showed a regulatory phenotype, exhibiting increased expression of CD206 and YM1. During the resolving phase of E. coli-induced peritonitis, marked by an increased recruitment of mononuclear cells, lower numbers of these cells and CCL2 levels were found in the peritoneal cavity of GILZ-deficient mice (GILZ-/-) when compared to WT. In addition, GILZ-/- showed higher bacterial loads, lower apoptosis/efferocytosis counts and a lower number of macrophages with pro-resolving phenotypes. TAT-GILZ accelerated resolution of E. coli-evoked neutrophilic inflammation, which was associated with increased peritoneal numbers of monocytes/macrophages, enhanced apoptosis/efferocytosis counts and bacterial clearance through phagocytosis. Taken together, we provided evidence that GILZ modulates macrophage migration with a regulatory phenotype, inducing bacterial clearance and accelerating the resolution of peritonitis induced by E. coli.

Aging Triggers Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice.

Direct analysis of isolated mitochondria from old mice enables a better understanding of heart senescence dysfunction. Despite a well-defined senescent phenotype in cardiomyocytes, the mitochondrial state in aged cardiomyocytes is still unclear. Here, we report data about mitochondrial function in old mice. Isolated cardiomyocytes' mitochondria were obtained by differential centrifugation from old and young mice hearts to perform functional analyses of mitochondrial O2 consumption, transmembrane potential, ROS formation, ATP production, and swelling. Our results show that mitochondria from old mouse hearts have reduced oxygen consumption during the phosphorylative states of complexes I and II. Additionally, these mitochondria produced more ROS and less ATP than those of young hearts. Mitochondria from old hearts also showed a depolarized membrane potential than mitochondria from young hearts and, as expected, a greater electron leak. Our results indicate that mitochondria from senescent cardiomyocytes are less efficient in O2 consumption, generating more ROS and producing less ATP. Furthermore, the phosphorylative state of complexes I and II presents a functional defect, contributing to greater leakage of protons and ROS production that can be harmful to the cell.

Effects of calcium chloride substitution on the physicochemical properties of Minas Frescal cheese.

The aim in this research paper was to investigate the effect of using calcium monophosphate (MCP) and MCP mixed with commercial phosphates salts, in total or partial replacement of calcium chloride (CaCl2) in the manufacture of Minas Frescal cheese. Initially, model cheeses were made to perform the rheological analysis during the coagulation process. Of these, the five best treatments were chosen to carry out the production of Minas Frescal cheese, used only CaCl2 and MCP, and partial replacements of MCP + polyphosphate, MCP + potassium monophosphate (MKP) and MCP. The cheeses showed no significant difference in physicochemical composition, yield and syneresis, however, the cheese with partial replacement of CaCl2 by MCP + polyphosphate and MCP + MKP showed the highest hardness values, like the control. This demonstrates that it is possible to replace calcium chloride without significant changes in the physicochemical characteristics and yield of Minas Frescal cheese, and it is still possible to modulate the hardness of the cheese produced according to the type of calcium/phosphate source used. This allows the industry to replace the source of calcium in the manufacture of Minas Frescal cheese according to the desired hardness.

First Evaluation of the Brazilian Advanced Life Support Training (TECA A)

Abstract Background Cardiac arrest (CA) is a common condition associated with high mortality. The Brazilian advanced life support training TECA A (Treinamento em Emergências Cardiovasculares Avançado — Advanced Cardiovascular Emergency Training) was created to train healthcare professionals in the management of CA. However, there are no studies evaluating the effectiveness of TECA A. Objective To assess the impact of TECA A on the management of CA using a simulated CA situation. Methods Fifty-six students underwent a simulated case of CA in a manikin. The students' performance in the management of CA was assessed for the time to first chest compression and defibrillation and for a global assessment score using a structured tool. These items were assessed and compared before and after the TECA A. Exclusion criteria were previous participation in CA trainings and absence from class. Categorical variables were compared using the McNemar test and quantitative variables using the Wilcoxon test. All tests were two-tailed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Compared with before TECA A, median global assessment scores were higher after TECA A (pre-training: 4.0 points [2.0-5.0] vs. 10 points [9.0-10.0]; p<0.001), the time to start chest compressions was shorter (pre-training: 25 seconds [15-34] vs. 19 seconds [16.2-23.0]; p=0.002) and so was the time to defibrillation (pre-training: 82.5 seconds [65.0-108.0] vs. 48 seconds [39.0-53.0]; p<0.001). Conclusions The TECA A promoted a higher adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines and a reduction in the time elapsed from CA to first chest compression and defibrillation.

Remdesivir and corticosteroids in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infection caused by the newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Remdesivir (RDV) and corticosteroids are used mainly in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of remdesivir with and without corticosteroids in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. We conducted a prospective observational study, including adult patients consecutively hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure. Patients were divided according to treatment strategy: RDV alone versus RDV with corticosteroids. The primary outcome was the time to recovery in both treatment groups. We included 374 COVID-19 adult patients, 184 were treated with RDV, and 190 were treated with RDV and corticosteroid. Patients in the RDV group had a shorter time to recovery in comparison with patients in the RDV plus corticosteroids group at 28 days after admission [11 vs. 16 days (95% confidence Interval 9.7-12.8; 14.9-17.1; p = .016)]. Patients treated with RDV alone had a shorter length of hospital stay. The use of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy of RDV was not associated with improvement in mortality of COVID-19 patients.

Supervisão clínica: um contributo na melhoria dos indicadores de qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem / Clinical supervision: a contribution to improving quality indicators in nursing care / La supervisión clínica: una contribución a la mejora de los indicadores de calidad de la atención de enfermería

RESUMO: Objetivo: comparar índices e indicadores de qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem nos serviços de internação, médico e cirúrgico quando implementada a supervisão clínica. Método: estudo observacional, retrospectivo com abordagem quantitativa, e amostragem do tipo aleatória simples dos registros das auditorias relacionados à qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem (n=719). A pesquisa decorreu entre agosto de 2020 e agosto de 2022, em dois hospitais privados da região de Lisboa, Portugal, onde se realizam auditorias relacionadas à qualidade dos cuidados de enfermagem, sendo implementada a supervisão clínica num dos hospitais. Empregou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: decorrente da análise dos registos quando comparados os hospitais e serviços foi evidenciada subida de scores de qualidade desejada e adequada (≤5 e ≤4) nos serviços do hospital onde foi implementada a supervisão clínica. Conclusão: a supervisão clínica permite acompanhar estrategicamente as equipes na prática dos cuidados, elevando os índices e indicadores de qualidade com impacto direto para o paciente.

ABSTRACT Objective: to compare indices and indicators of the quality of nursing care in inpatient, medical and surgical services when clinical supervision is implemented. Method: an observational, retrospective study with a quantitative approach and simple random sampling of audit records related to the quality of nursing care (n=719). The research took place between August 2020 and August 2022, in two private hospitals in the Lisbon region, Portugal, where audits related to the quality of nursing care were carried out, and clinical supervision was implemented in one of the hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: analysis of the records when comparing the hospitals and services showed an increase in the desired and adequate quality scores (≤5 and ≤4) in the services of the hospital where clinical supervision was implemented. Conclusion: Clinical supervision allows teams to be strategically monitored in the practice of care, increasing quality indices and indicators with a direct impact on the patient.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar los índices e indicadores de calidad de la atención de enfermería en los servicios de hospitalización, médicos y quirúrgicos cuando se aplica la supervisión clínica. Método: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, con abordaje cuantitativo y muestreo aleatorio simple de registros de auditoría relacionados con la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería (n=719). La investigación tuvo lugar entre agosto de 2020 y agosto de 2022 en dos hospitales privados de la región de Lisboa, Portugal, donde se realizan auditorías relacionadas con la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería, y en uno de los hospitales se implementó la supervisión clínica. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: el análisis de los registros al comparar los hospitales y servicios mostró un aumento de las puntuaciones de calidad deseada y adecuada (≤5 y ≤4) en los servicios del hospital donde se implantó la supervisión clínica. Conclusión: La supervisión clínica permite el seguimiento estratégico de los equipos en la práctica asistencial, aumentando los índices e indicadores de calidad con impacto directo en el paciente.

Additional improvement in regional myocardial ischemia after intracardiac injection of bone marrow cells during CABG surgery.

Background: Post-procedure residual ischemia is associated with worse prognosis in patients with coronary artery diasease (CAD). Objective: We evaluated whether autologous bone marrow-derived cells (BMC) contribute to additional reduction in regional stress-induced myocardial ischemia (SIMI) in patients undergoing incomplete coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled 143 patients (82% men, 58 ± 11 years) with stable CAD and not candidates for complete CABG. They received 100 million BMC (n = 77) or placebo (n = 66) injected into ischemic non-revascularized segments during CABG. The primary outcome was improvement on SIMI quantified as the area at risk in injected segments assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) 1, 6, and 12 months after CABG. Results: The reduction in global SIMI after CABG was comparable (p = 0.491) in both groups indicating sustained beneficial effects of the surgical procedure over 12 month period. In contrast, we observed additional improvement in regional SIMI in BMC treated group (p = 0.047). Baseline regional SIMI values were comparable [18.5 (16.2-21.0) vs. 18.5 (16.5-20.7)] and reached the lowest values at 1 month [9.74 (8.25; 11.49) vs. 12.69 (10.84; 14.85)] for BMC and placebo groups, respectively. The ischemia's improvement from baseline represented a 50% difference in regional SIMI in favor of the BMC transplanted group at 30 days. We found no differences in clinical and LVEF% between groups during the 12 month follow-up period. The 1 month rate of major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (MACCE) (p = 0.34) and all-cause mortality (p = 0.08) did not differ between groups 1 month post intervention. Conclusion: We provided evidence that BMC leads to additional reduction in regional SIMI in chronic ischemic patients when injected in segments not subjected to direct surgical revascularization. This adjuvant therapy deserves further assessment in patients with advanced CAD especially in those with microcirculation dysfunction. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT01727063.

Clinical supervision strategies, learning, and critical thinking of nursing students / Estrategias de supervisión clínica, aprendizaje y pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes de Enfermería / Estratégias de supervisão clínica, aprendizagem e pensamento crítico dos estudantes de Enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the supervisory strategies that Nursing students consider facilitators of the development of critical thinking skills in clinical teaching. Methods: This is a qualitative study, within the interpretative paradigm, using the focus group methodology. Eight undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. Results: Participants recognized the indispensability of critical thinking for professional responsibility and quality of care and highlighted the importance of using supervisory strategies adapted to their needs, learning objectives, and the context of clinical practice. Final considerations: This study highlights the urgent need to establish, within the Nursing curricula, clinical supervision strategies that promote critical thinking and favor the development of skills for good clinical judgment, problem solving, and safe, effective, and ethical decision-making.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las estrategias de supervisión que los estudiantes de Enfermería consideran facilitadoras del desarrollo de las capacidades de pensamiento crítico en el contexto de enseñanza clínica. Métodos: Estudio de naturaleza cualitativa, inserido en el paradigma interpretativo, con recurso a la metodología focus group. Participaron del estudio ocho estudiantes del curso de licenciatura en Enfermería. Resultados: Los participantes reconocieron la imprescindibilidad del pensamiento crítico para la responsabilidad profesional y calidad en la asistencia; y destacaron la importancia de la utilización de estrategias de supervisión adecuadas a sus necesidades, a los objetivos de aprendizaje y al contexto de la práctica clínica. Consideraciones finales: Este estudio sobrepasa la urgencia en establecerse, dentro de los currículos del curso de Enfermería, estrategias de supervisión clínica promotoras del pensamiento crítico, que favorezcan el desarrollo de capacidades para el bueno juicio clínico, resolución de problemas y toma de decisión segura, eficaz y ética.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as estratégias supervisivas que os estudantes de Enfermagem consideram facilitadoras do desenvolvimento das capacidades de pensamento crítico no contexto de ensino clínico. Métodos: Estudo de natureza qualitativa, inserido no paradigma interpretativo, com recurso à metodologia focus group. Participaram do estudo oito estudantes do curso de licenciatura em Enfermagem. Resultados: Os participantes reconheceram a imprescindibilidade do pensamento crítico para a responsabilidade profissional e qualidade na assistência; e destacaram a importância da utilização de estratégias supervisivas adequadas às suas necessidades, aos objetivos de aprendizagem e ao contexto da prática clínica. Considerações finais: Este estudo sobreleva a premência em se estabelecer, dentro dos currículos do curso de Enfermagem, estratégias de supervisão clínica promotoras do pensamento crítico, que favoreçam o desenvolvimento de capacidades para o bom julgamento clínico, resolução de problemas e tomada de decisão segura, eficaz e ética.

Starch-based orodispersible film for diclofenac release

Abstract The form of drug administration affects the success of treatment, since it can influence adherence of the patient to the therapy. The use of orodispersible films has emerged as a way to overcome some drawbacks of conventional methods of drug delivery, especially for patients experiencing difficulty in swallowing. These films are prepared using a matrix that incorporates the drug and contains other substances that confer the properties of the system. The present work describes the use of thermoplastic starch as a carrier for the model drug diclofenac, including film preparation and testing of its orodispersible potential. Preparation of the film employed a microwave oven to gelatinize and plasticize corn starch, with incorporation of the model drug, followed by solvent-casting. The samples were characterized using mechanical tests, analyses of water uptake and water content, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that the film presented promising properties as an alternative system for oral drug administration, with good incorporation and distribution of the drug in the matrix. The material displayed satisfactory mechanical properties, which are crucial for this type of material, due to the need for oral administration and handling before use.

Perception of Portuguese nurses: clinical supervision and quality indicators in nursing care / Percepción de los enfermeros portugueses: supervisión clínica e indicadores de calidad en atención de enfermería / Percepção dos enfermeiros portugueses: supervisão clínica e indicadores de qualidade na assistência de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe nurses' perception of the influence of clinical supervision on improving quality indicators in nursing care. Methods: exploratory research with a qualitative approach, carried out with 16 nurses using the focus group. Data processing emerged from lexicographical textual analysis, resorting to Descending Hierarchical Classification and similarity analysis. Results: 80.0% retention of 185 text segments with six-class construction. The words were represented by four graphs (supervisor, audit, care, and process); and three subgraphs (implementation, sharing and knowledge). Final Considerations: in the perception of nurses, supervision influences quality indicators in nursing care.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir la percepción de los enfermeros acerca de la influencia de la supervisión clínica en la mejoría de los indicadores de calidad en la atención de enfermería. Métodos: investigación exploratoria de enfoque calitativo, realizada con 16 enfermeros utilizando el focus group. El procesamiento de datos emergió del análisis textual lexicográfico, recurriendo a la Clasificación Jerárquica Descendiente y análisis de similitud. Resultados: retención de 80,0% de 185 segmentos de texto con construcción de seis clases. Las palabras fueron representadas por cuatro grafos (supervisor, auditoría, cuidado y proceso); y tres subgrafos (implementación, partición y conocimiento). Consideraciones Finales: en la percepción de los enfermeros, la supervisión influencia los indicadores de calidad en la atención de enfermería.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever a percepção dos enfermeiros acerca da influência da supervisão clínica na melhoria dos indicadores de qualidade na assistência de enfermagem. Métodos: pesquisa exploratória de abordagem qualitativa, realizada com 16 enfermeiros utilizando o focus group. O processamento de dados emergiu da análise textual lexicográfica, recorrendo à Classificação Hierárquica Descendente e análise de similitude. Resultados: retenção de 80,0% de 185 segmentos de texto com construção de seis classes. As palavras foram representadas por quatro grafos (supervisor, auditoria, cuidado e processo); e três subgrafos (implementação, partilha e conhecimento). Considerações Finais: na percepção dos enfermeiros, a supervisão influencia os indicadores de qualidade na assistência de enfermagem.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and cell senescence: new therapeutic option?

Anthracyclines are chemotherapeutic drugs widely used in the frontline of cancer treatment. The therapeutic mechanisms involve the stabilization of topoisomerase IIα, DNA, and the anthracycline molecule in a ternary complex that is recognized as DNA damage. Redox imbalance is another vital source of oxidative DNA damage. Together, these mechanisms lead to cytotoxic effects in neoplastic cells. However, anthracycline treatment can elicit cardiotoxicity and heart failure despite the therapeutic benefits. Topoisomerase IIß and oxidative damage in cardiac cells have been the most reported pathophysiological mechanisms. Alternatively, cardiac cells can undergo stress-induced senescence when exposed to anthracyclines, a state primarily characterized by cell cycle arrest, organelle dysfunction, and a shift to senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP can propagate senescence to neighboring cells in an ongoing process that leads to the accumulation of senescent cells, promoting cellular dysfunction and extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, the accumulation of senescent cardiac cells is an emerging pathophysiological mechanism associated with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This paradigm also raises the potential for therapeutic approaches to clear senescent cells in treating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (i,e, senolytic therapies).

Influence of Emulsifying Salts on the Growth of Bacillus thuringiensis CFBP 3476 and Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124 in Processed Cheese.

Processed cheese is a dairy product with multiple end-use applications, where emulsifying salts play a fundamental role in physicochemical changes during production. Moreover, some of these salts may be a strategy to control spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, contributing to safety and shelf life extension. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity of two emulsifying salts (ESSP = short polyP and BSLP = long polyP) against Bacillus thuringiensis CFBP 3476 and Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124, and to compare the in situ effects of two emulsifying salts treatments (T1 = 1.5% ESSP and T2 = 1.0% ESSP + 0.5% BSLP) in processed cheeses obtained by two different methods (laboratory- and pilot-scales), during 45-day storage at 6 °C. C. perfringens ATCC 13124 growth was not affected in vitro or in situ (p > 0.05), but both of the treatments reduced B. thuringiensis CFBP 4376 counts in the tested condition. Counts of the treatments with B. thuringiensis CFBP 3476 presented a higher and faster reduction in cheeses produced by the laboratory-scale method (1.6 log cfu/g) when compared to the pilot-scale method (1.8 log cfu/g) (p < 0.05). For the first time, the inhibitory effect of emulsifying salts in processed cheeses obtained by two different methods was confirmed, and changes promoted by laboratory-scale equipment influenced important interactions between the processed cheese matrix and emulsifying salts, resulting in B. thuringiensis CFBP 4376 growth reduction.

Physical and Oxidative Stability of Low-Fat Fish Oil-in-Water Emulsions Stabilized with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Protein Concentrate.

The physical and oxidative stability of fish oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were investigated using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) protein concentrate as an emulsifier. To improve the protein extraction and the techno-functionality, defatted BSFL powder was treated with ohmic heating (BSFL-OH) and a combination of ohmic heating and ultrasound (BSFL-UOH). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed in order to characterize the secondary structure and thermal stability of all protein concentrate samples. The interfacial properties were evaluated by the pendant drop technique. The lowest interfacial tension (12.95 mN/m) after 30 min was observed for BSFL-OH. Dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential and turbiscan stability index (TSI) were used to evaluate the physical stability of emulsions. BSFL-OH showed the smallest droplet size (0.68 µm) and the best emulsion stability (TSI = 8.89). The formation of primary and secondary volatile oxidation products and consumption of tocopherols were evaluated for all emulsions, revealing that OH and ultrasound treatment did not improve oxidative stability compared to the emulsion with untreated BSFL. The results revealed the promising application of BSFL proteins as emulsifiers and the ability of ohmic heating to improve the emulsifying properties of BSFL proteins.

Análise do perfil nutricional de idosos cadastrados na Estratégia Saúde da Família de um município piauiense / Analysis of the nutritional profile of elderly people registred in the Family Health Strategy of a city in the state of Piauí

O processo de envelhecimento, considerado uma condição natural, submete o corpo a muitas alterações que repercutem na saúde e na qualidade de vida dos idosos. A relação entre alimentação/nutrição e a saúde do idoso podem interferir no processo de envelhecimento em seus múltiplos aspectos. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade alimentar e o estado nutricional dos idosos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, com amostra de 274 idosos, realizado de fevereiro a junho de 2017 em duas Estratégias de Saúde da Família de um município piauiense. Foram utilizados dois instrumentos que verificaram as características sociodemográficas, variáveis clínicas, hábitos de vida, antropometria, avaliação nutricional além de um questionário sobre frequência de consumo alimentar. Os dados foram analisados através de um programa estatístico, e os resultados, apresentados em tabelas. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Universidade Federal do Piauí sob o parecer de número 1.980.577. Conclusão: Ao detectar o estado nutricional e seus hábitos alimentares, pode-se obter um melhor diagnóstico dos distúrbios nutricionais e patologias clínicas e com isso favorecer uma assistência de qualidade.

The aging process, considered a natural condition, subjects the body to many changes that affect the health and quality of life of the elderly. The relationship between food / nutrition and the health of the elderly can interfere in the aging process in its multiple aspects. Objective: To investigate the food quality and nutritional status of the elderly. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a sample of 274 elderly people, carried out from February to June 2017, in two Family Health Strategies of a city of Piauí. Two instruments were used to verify the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical variables, life habits, anthropometry, nutritional assessment, and a questionnaire on frequency of food consumption. The data were analyzed through a statistical program and the results were presented in tables. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Piauí under the number 1,980,577. Conclusion: By detecting the nutritional state and its eating habits, a better diagnosis of the nutritional disorders and clinical pathologies can be obtained, thus providing higher quality care.