Human papillomavirus as a driver of head and neck cancers.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) family includes more than 170 different types of virus that infect stratified epithelium. High-risk HPV is well established as the primary cause of cervical cancer, but in recent years, a clear role for this virus in other malignancies is also emerging. Indeed, HPV plays a pathogenic role in a subset of head and neck cancers-mostly cancers of the oropharynx-with distinct epidemiological, clinical and molecular characteristics compared with head and neck cancers not caused by HPV. This review summarises our current understanding of HPV in these cancers, specifically detailing HPV infection in head and neck cancers within different racial/ethnic subpopulations, and the differences in various aspects of these diseases between women and men. Finally, we provide an outlook for this disease, in terms of clinical management, and consider the issues of 'diagnostic biomarkers' and targeted therapies.

Sodium butyrate induces genotoxic stress in function of photoperiod variations and differentially modulates the expression of genes involved in chromatin modification and DNA repair in Petunia hybrida seedlings.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Sodium butyrate applied to Petunia hybrida seeds under a long-day photoperiod has a negative impact (reduced seedling length, decreased production of photosynthetic pigments, and accumulation of DNA damage) on early seedling development, whereas its administration under dark/light conditions (complete dark conditions for 5 days followed by exposure to long-day photoperiod for 5 days) bypasses some of the adverse effects. Genotoxic stress impairs plant development. To circumvent DNA damage, plants activate DNA repair pathways in concert with chromatin dynamics. These are essential during seed germination and seedling establishment, and may be influenced by photoperiod variations. To assess this interplay, an experimental design was developed in Petunia hybrida, a relevant horticultural crop and model species. Seeds were treated with different doses of sodium butyrate (NaB, 1 mM and 5 mM) as a stress agent applied under different light/dark conditions throughout a time period of 10 days. Phenotypic (germination percentage and speed, seedling length, and photosynthetic pigments) and molecular (DNA damage and gene expression profiles) analyses were performed to monitor the response to the imposed conditions. Seed germination was not affected by the treatments. Seedling development was hampered by increasing NaB concentrations applied under a long-day photoperiod (L) as reflected by the decreased seedling length accompanied by increased DNA damage. When seedlings were grown under dark conditions for 5 days and then exposed to long-day photoperiod for the remaining 5 days (D/L), the damaging effects of NaB were circumvented. NaB exposure under L conditions resulted in enhanced expression of HAT/HDAC (HISTONE ACETYLTRANSFERASES/HISTONE DEACTEYLASES) genes along with repression of genes involved in DNA repair. Differently, under D/L conditions, the expression of DNA repair genes was increased by NaB treatment and this was associated with lower levels of DNA damage. The observed DNA damage and gene expression profiles suggest the involvement of chromatin modification- and DNA repair-associated pathways in response to NaB and dark/light exposure during seedling development.

Electrocardiogram for the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Right Ventricular Paced Rhythm: Old but Gold.

Ventricular pacing may interfere with the interpretation of ECG among patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with possible delay of reperfusion therapy. Since left bundle branch block has a similar ECG morphology to right ventricular paced rhythm, Sgarbossa and modified Sgarbossa criteria could be useful in this setting. We present four clinical cases in which a recently proposed clinical-instrumental algorithm has been adopted to manage patients with right ventricular paced rhythm and suspected AMI.

Depletion of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1α (MtTdp1α) affects transposon expression in Medicago truncatula.

The role of plant tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1α in genome stability is studied using a Medicago truncatula MtTdp1α-depleted line. Lack of MtTdp1α results in a 39% reduction of methylated cytosines as compared to control. RNA-Seq analyses revealed that 11 DNA transposons and 22 retrotransposons were differentially expressed in the Tdp1α-2a line. Among them all, DNA transposons (MuDR, hAT, DNA3-11_Mad) and seven retrotransposons (LTR (Long Terminal Repeat)/Gipsy, LTR/Copia, LTR and NonLTR/L1) were down-regulated, while the 15 retrotransposons were up-regulated. Results suggest that the occurrence of stress-responsive cis-elements as well as changes in the methylation pattern at the LTR promoters might be responsible for the enhanced retrotransposon transcription.

RNA-Seq analysis discloses early senescence and nucleolar dysfunction triggered by Tdp1α depletion in Medicago truncatula.

An intron-spliced hairpin RNA approach was used for the targeted silencing of the MtTdp1α gene encoding the αisoform of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 in Medicago truncatula Gaertn. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1, involved in the repair of DNA topoisomerase I-mediated DNA damage, has been poorly investigated in plants. RNA-Seq analysis, carried out in the MtTdp1α-depleted plants, revealed different levels of transcriptional modulation (up- and down-regulation, alternative splicing, activation of alternative promoter) in genes involved in DNA damage sensing, DNA repair, and chromatin remodelling. It is suggested that the MtTdp1α gene has new, previously undetected roles in maintaining genome integrity. Up-regulation of senescence-associated genes and telomere shortening were observed. Moreover, impaired ribosome biogenesis indicated that the MtTdp1α gene is required for the nucleolar function. In agreement with the RNA-Seq data, transmission electron microscopy detected an altered nucleolar architecture in the MtTdp1α-depleted cells. Based on the reported data, a working hypothesis related to the occurrence of a nucleolar checkpoint in plant cells is proposed.

The UBC9/SUMO pathway affects E-cadherin cleavage in HPV-positive head and neck cancer.

Functional loss of E-cadherin is frequent during tumor progression and occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including proteolytic cleavage. E-cadherin downregulation leads to the conversion of a more malignant phenotype promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The UBC9/SUMO pathway has been also shown to be involved in the regulation of EMT in different cancers. Here we found an increased expression of UBC9 in the progression of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and uncovered a role for UBC9/SUMO in hampering the HPV-mediated E-cadherin cleavage in HNC.

Human Papilloma Virus Increases ΔNp63α Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

P63, and in particular the most expressed ΔNp63α isoform, seems to have a critical role in the outcome of head and neck cancer. Many studies have been conducted to assess the possible use of p63 as a prognostic marker in squamous cell carcinoma cancers, but the results are still not well-defined. Moreover, a clear relationship between the expression of ΔNp63α and the presence of high-risk HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins has been delineated. Here we describe how ΔNp63α is mostly expressed in HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative head and neck cancer cell lines, with a very good correlation between ΔNp63α mRNA and protein levels.

Bisorbicillinoids produced by the fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride affect feeding preference of the aphid Schizaphis graminum.

We report the effects of some bisorbicillinoids isolated from biomass of the fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride on settling and feeding preference of the aphid Schizaphis graminum. Purification of the fungal metabolites was carried out by a combination of column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography using direct and reverse phases. Chemical identification was performed by spectroscopic methods including nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. The identified bisorbicillinoids appeared to be bislongiquinolide, its 16,17-dihydro derivative, trichodimerol, and dihydrotrichodimerol. A feeding preference test with alate morphs of S. graminum was used to identify the active fractions. Among the four bisorbicillinoids, dihydrotrichodimerol and bislongiquinolide influenced aphid feeding preference, restraining specimens from settling on leaves treated with metabolites. Taste neurons sensitive to these compounds, particularly to bislongiquinolide, were located on tarsi of the S. graminum alate morphs.

Citrantifidiene and citrantifidiol: bioactive metabolites produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride with potential antifeedant activity toward aphids.

Two novel metabolites with potential antifeedant activity were isolated from cultures of the fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride strain ITEM 4484 grown in solid-state fermentation on sterile rice kernels. The producing strain was identified at species level by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer regions ITS-1 and ITS-2 of the nuclear rDNA and a fragment of the translation elongation factor gene TEF-1alpha. Fractionation by column chromatography and TLC of the culture organic extract, followed by feeding preference tests on the aphid pest Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), allowed the purification of 5.8 and 8.9 mg/kg of culture of two bioactive metabolites, which were named citrantifidiene and citrantifidiol ( 1 and 2). Citrantifidiene and citrantifidiol, whose structures were determined by spectroscopic methods (NMR and MS) are a symmetrical disubstituted hexa-1,3-dienyl ester of acetic acid and a tetrasubstituted cyclohexane-1,3-diol, respectively. The pure metabolites influenced the feeding preference of S. graminum restraining individuals from feeding on wheat leaves dipped in 5% aqueous methanol solution containing 0.57 mg/mL of citrantifidiene or 0.91 mg/mL of citrantifidiol.

Impact of a health care quality improvement intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. / Impacto de una intervención de mejora de calidad de atención para prevenir las úlceras por presión en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Among children hospitalized in the intensive care unit who have pressure ulcers (PUs), more than 50% are related to the sustained pressure from a device or equipment. PUs are an indirect indicator of the quality of health care. Objective. To assess the impact of a health care quality improvement intervention on the development of PUs at the pediatric intensive care unit. Materials and methods. Uncontrolled, before and after study. Pre-intervention: measurement of PUs; post-intervention: implementation of a bundle of measures (staff training, identification of patients at risk, and pressure relief by using antibedsore mattresses and polymer gel positioners) and the same measurements. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included: 74 before the intervention and 78 after the intervention. A significant reduction was observed in the incidence of PUs (preintervention: 50.60%; post-intervention: 23.08%; p= 0.001). A higher risk score was seen in the post-intervention group (pre-intervention: 12.4 ± 1.9; post-intervention: 13.7 ± 2.1; p= 0.001). No differences were observed in the risk score on the day of PU onset and the number of PUs. The risk-stratified analysis maintained the significant difference in the incidence of PUs (PIM2 < 5: 47.37%; 19.23%; p= 0.004; and PIM2 ≥ 5: 55.56%; 30.77%; p= 0.053). CONCLUSION: A lower incidence of PUs was observed after the implementation of the health care quality improvement intervention. No changes were detected in the number of PUs or the severity staging.

Introducción. En los niños internados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, más del 50% de las úlceras por presión (UPP) se relacionan con la presión sostenida de los equipos y dispositivos. las UPP son un indicador indirecto de la calidad de atención. Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto de la implementación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad de atención sobre el desarrollo de UPP en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Material y métodos. Estudio antes-después, no controlado. Preintervención: medición de UPP; posintervención: se aplicó un paquete de medidas (educación del personal, identificación de los pacientes de riesgo y disminución de la presión mediante el uso de colchones antiescaras y posicionadores de gel de polímero), con iguales mediciones. Resultados. Se incluyeron 152 pacientes, 74 preintervención y 78 posintervención. Se observó una disminución significativa de la incidencia de UPP (pre-: 50,60%; pos-: 23,08%; p = 0,001). Mayor puntaje de riesgo en el grupo posintervención (pre-: 12,4 ± 1,9; pos-: 13,7 ± 2,1; p= 0,001). Sin diferencias en el puntaje de riesgo al día de aparición de la UPP y la cantidad de UPP. El análisis estratificado por riesgo mantuvo la diferencia significativa en la incidencia de UPP (PIM2 < 5: 47,37%; 19,23%; p= 0,004; y PIM2 ≥ 5:55,56%; 30,77%; p= 0,053). Conclusión. Hubo un menor desarrollo de UPP luego de la implementación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad. No se observaron cambios en la cantidad ni en su estadio de mayor gravedad.

The Human Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1 (hTdp1) Inhibitor NSC120686 as an Exploratory Tool to Investigate Plant Tdp1 Genes.

The hTdp1 (human tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1) inhibitor NSC120686 has been used, along with topoisomerase inhibitors, as a pharmacophoric model to restrain the Tdp1 activity as part of a synergistic treatment for cancer. While this compound has an end-point application in medical research, in plants, its application has not been considered so far. The originality of our study consists in the use of hTdp1 inhibitor in Medicago truncatula cells, which, unlike human cells, contain two Tdp1 genes. Hence, the purpose of this study was to test the hTdp1 inhibitor NSC120686 as an exploratory tool to investigate the plant Tdp1 genes, since their characterization is still in incipient phases. To do so, M. truncatula calli were exposed to increasing (75, 150, 300 µM) concentrations of NSC120686. The levels of cell mortality and DNA damage, measured via diffusion assay and comet assay, respectively, were significantly increased when the highest doses were used, indicative of a cytotoxic and genotoxic threshold. In addition, the NSC120686-treated calli and untreated MtTdp1α-depleted calli shared a similar response in terms of programmed cell death (PCD)/necrosis and DNA damage. Interestingly, the expression profiles of MtTdp1α and MtTdp1ß genes were differently affected by the NSC120686 treatment, as MtTdp1α was upregulated while MtTdp1ß was downregulated. The NSC120686 treatment affected not only the MtTdp1 genes but also other genes with roles in alternative DNA repair pathways. Since the expression patterns of these genes were different than what was observed in the MtTdp1α-depleted plants, it could be hypothesized that the NSC120686 treatment exerts a different influence compared to that resulting from the lack of the MtTdp1α gene function.

The Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 1ß (Tdp1ß) Gene Discloses an Early Response to Abiotic Stresses.

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) is involved in DNA repair pathways as it mends the topoisomerase I-DNA covalent complexes. In plants, a small Tdp1 gene family, composed by Tdp1α and Tdp1ß genes, was identified, but the roles of these genes in abiotic stress responses are not fully understood. To investigate their specific stress response patterns, the present study made use of bioinformatic and molecular tools to look into the Tdp1ß gene function, so far described only in the plant kingdom, and compare it with Tdp1α gene coding for the canonical, highly conserved α isoform. The expression profiles of Tdp1α and Tdp1ß genes were examined under abiotic stress conditions (cold, heat, high osmolarity, salt, and UV-B) in two model species, Arabidopsis thaliana and Medicagotruncatula. The two isoforms of topoisomerase I (TOP1α and TOP1ß) were also taken into consideration in view of their known roles in DNA metabolism and cell proliferation. Data relative to gene expression in Arabidopsis were retrieved from the AtGenExpress microarray dataset, while quantitative Real-Time PCR was carried out to evaluate the stress response in M.truncatula cell cultures. These analyses revealed that Tdp1ß gene expression was enhanced during the first hour of treatment, whereas Tdp1α enhanced expression succeeded at subsequent timepoints. In agreement with the gene-specific responses to abiotic stress conditions, the promoter regions of Tdp1α and Tdp1ß genes are well equipped with stress-related cis-elements. An in-depth bioinformatic characterization of the HIRAN motif, a distinctive feature of the Tdp1ß protein, showed its wide distribution in chromatin remodeling and DNA repair proteins. The reported data suggests that Tdp1ß functions in the early response to abiotic stresses.

Long Chain Alcohols Produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride Have Phagodeterrent Activity against the Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid Rhopalosiphum padi.

In this study we report the effects of fungal metabolites isolated from cultures of the fungus Trichoderma citrinoviride ITEM 4484 on the feeding preference of the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi, a major pest of cereal crops. Different phagodeterrent metabolites were purified by a combination of direct and reverse phase column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Chemical investigations, by spectroscopic and chemical methods, led to the identification of different long chain primary alcohols (LCOHs) of the general formula R-OH, wherein R is a long, unbranched, unsubstituted, linear aliphatic group. LCOHs have been reported as components of lepidopteran pheromone blends, but their phagodeterrent effect to aphids is herein reported for the first time. The effects of LCOHs on R. padi were studied by behavioral and electrophysiological bioassays. Feeding preference tests that were carried out with winged and wingless morphs of R. padi showed that LCOHs had high phagodeterrent activity and restrained aphids from settling on treated leaves at a concentration as low as 0.15 mM (0.036 g/l). The results of different electrophysiological analyses indicated that taste receptor neurons located on the aphid tarsomeres were involved in the LCOHs perception. Behavioral assays carried out with some commercial agrochemicals, including azadirachtin A, pyrethrum and a mineral oil-based product, in combination with 1-hexadecanol, the LCOH most abundantly produced by T. citrinoviride ITEM 4484, showed that these different active principles could be applied together, resulting in a useful increase of the phagodeterrent effect. The data shown indicate that these compounds can be profitably utilized for novel applications in biotechnical control of aphid pests. Furthermore, the tested LCOHs have no chiral centers and therefore can be obtained with good yield and at low cost through chemical synthesis, as well as from natural sources.

Autoimmune pancreatitis: unveiling a hidden entity.

HYPOTHESIS: After alcohol-induced and hereditary disease, idiopathic chronic pancreatitis is the most common cause of calcifying pancreatitis. This designation is used when no associated cause of chronic pancreatitis is found. We present 6 cases of idiopathic pancreatitis in which the postoperative pathological examination results demonstrated lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis or autoimmune pancreatitis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. The medical records of 6 patients referred and treated for autoimmune pancreatitis were reviewed. The duration of follow-up varies, the longest being 5 years. The disease and a literature review are reported. SETTING: A 200-bed community hospital located in a large city. The patients were referred after being treated elsewhere for recurrent pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients with chronic recurrent pancreatitis were evaluated. They were selected because pathological review indicated that they all had autoimmune pancreatitis. RESULTS: Six cases of lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis are presented and suggest that lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis should be thought of more often in chronic autoimmune pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: Lymphoplasmacytic sclerosing pancreatitis is an increasingly recognized cause of chronic pancreatitis and should be considered in the evaluation of patients with chronic pancreatitis and no discernible cause.

Exploring the molecular and chemical-physical aspects of low-dose irradiation using radio-tolerant plant cells.

Animals and plants show different levels of radio-sensitivity, with safe dose values in the 0.001-1 and 1-100 Gy range, respectively. The increased radio-tolerance observed in plant cells might represent a valuable tool to investigate the events underlying the low dose (LD) response in the highly radio-sensitive animal cells. The use of radio-resistant plant systems would allow investigation of the LD effects using irradiation conditions that can be easily managed, without the technical constrains currently encountered with animal systems. The basal knowledge on the molecular mechanisms involved in the DNA damage response in plants is rapidly expanding, revealing common features with animal cells at the level of DNA damage sensing/repair, transduction pathways and antioxidant response. The present work provides a short update of the current literature dealing with the DNA damage response in animal and plant cells exposed to LD treatments (ionising radiation, particularly gamma ray) combined with the more recent advances in free radical research.

Impacto de una intervención de mejora de calidad de atención para prevenir las úlceras por presión en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos / Impact of a health care quality improvement intervention to prevent pressure ulcers in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Introducción. En los niños internados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, más del 50% de las úlceras por presión (UPP) se relacionan con la presión sostenida de los equipos y dispositivos. las UPP son un indicador indirecto de la calidad de atención. Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto de la implementación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad de atención sobre el desarrollo de UPP en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Material y métodos. Estudio antes-después, no controlado. Preintervención: medición de UPP; posintervención: se aplicó un paquete de medidas (educación del personal, identificación de los pacientes de riesgo y disminución de la presión mediante el uso de colchones antiescaras y posicionadores de gel de polímero), con iguales mediciones. Resultados. Se incluyeron 152 pacientes, 74 preintervención y 78 posintervención. Se observó una disminución significativa de la incidencia de UPP (pre-: 50,60%; pos-: 23,08%; p = 0,001). Mayor puntaje de riesgo en el grupo posintervención (pre-: 12,4 ± 1,9; pos-: 13,7 ± 2,1; p= 0,001). Sin diferencias en el puntaje de riesgo al día de aparición de la UPP y la cantidad de UPP. El análisis estratificado por riesgo mantuvo la diferencia significativa en la incidencia de UPP (PIM2 < 5: 47,37%; 19,23%; p= 0,004; y PIM2 > 5:55,56%; 30,77%; p= 0,053). Conclusión. Hubo un menor desarrollo de UPP luego de la implementación de una intervención de mejora de la calidad. No se observaron cambios en la cantidad ni en su estadio de mayor gravedad.

Introduction. Among children hospitalized in the intensive care unit who have pressure ulcers (PUs), more than 50% are related to the sustained pressure from a device or equipment. PUs are an indirect indicator of the quality of health care. Objective. To assess the impact of a health care quality improvement intervention on the development of PUs at the pediatric intensive care unit. Materials and methods. Uncontrolled, before and after study. Pre-intervention: measurement of PUs; post-intervention: implementation of a bundle of measures (staff training, identification of patients at risk, and pressure relief by using antibedsore mattresses and polymer gel positioners) and the same measurements. Results. A total of 152 patients were included: 74 before the intervention and 78 after the intervention. A significant reduction was observed in the incidence of PUs (preintervention: 50.60%; post-intervention: 23.08%; p= 0.001). A higher risk score was seen in the post-intervention group (pre-intervention: 12.4 ± 1.9; post-intervention: 13.7 ± 2.1; p= 0.001). No differences were observed in the risk score on the day of PU onset and the number of PUs. The risk-stratified analysis maintained the significant difference in the incidence of PUs (PIM2 < 5: 47.37%; 19.23%; p= 0.004; and PIM2 > 5: 55.56%; 30.77%; p= 0.053). Conclusion. A lower incidence of PUs was observed after the implementation of the health care quality improvement intervention. No changes were detected in the number of PUs or the severity staging.

Fluidez / Flow / Fluxo

Dentro del estudio de los aspectos positivos se encuentra el concepto de fluidez. Este término fue acuñado por Csikszentmihalyi (1975), para nombrar el estado psicológico que experimentan las personas cuando realizan actividades motivadas intrínsecamente y en las cuales los desafíos de la situación igualan a las habilidades que la persona dispone o cree disponer para desempeñarse en ella. Con respecto a estas experiencias se han hallado numerosos estudios que permiten describirla, conocer sus características y su relación con otras variables en diferentes contextos. Estas investigaciones han incluido mayormente en sus muestras a grupos de adultos jóvenes, siendo escasos los estudios realizados que tuvieron en cuenta a adultos mayores. Por lo tanto, es el objetivo de este artículo exponer los resultados de diferentes investigaciones que han tenido como propósito estudiar la fluidez en la vejez, para luego reflexionar acerca de las posibilidades que brinda esta etapa de la vida para el logro de experiencias óptimas.

Within the study of the positive aspects is the flow concept. This term was coined by Csikszentmihalyi (1975), to name the psychological state that people experience when they perform intrinsic motivating activities and in which the challenges of the situation equals the skills that the person has -or believes to have - to perform such activities. With respect to these flow experiences, there have been numerous studies to describe, understand their characteristics and their relationship with other variables in different contexts. Most of these investigations have included samples of young adult groups, and only a few of the elderly. Therefore, it is the aim of this paper to present the results of different works, which studied the flow in the senior citizen group, and then reflect on the possibilities offered by this stage of life to achieve optimal flow experiences.

Dentro do estudo dos aspectos positivos está o conceito de fluxo. Este termo foi cunhado por Csikszentmihalyi (1975), para citar o estado psicológico que as pessoas experimentam quando realizam atividades de motivação intrínseca e em que os desafios da situação é igual às habilidades que a pessoa tem - ou acredita ter - para executar tais atividades. Com relação a essas experiências de fluxo, tem havido numerosos estudos para descrever, entender suas características e sua relação com outras variáveis nos diferentes contextos. A maioria dessas investigações incluíram amostras de grupos de adultos jovens, e apenas alguns dos idosos. Portanto, é objetivo deste artigo apresentar os resultados de diferentes obras, que estudaram o fluxo no grupo idoso, e depois refletir sobre as possibilidades oferecidas por esta fase da vida para alcançar experiências de fluxo ideais.

Intervenciones positivas en residencias de larga estadía / Intervenções positivas em residências de longa permanência / Positive interventions in long-stay residences

En el campo de la gerontología, existe un acuerdo que puede ser expresado sintéticamente bajo la premisa "evitar o retrasar la institucionalización". Esta premisa es la base de muchos esfuerzos e intervenciones que surgen, y deberán seguir surgiendo, para tal fin. Sin embargo, cuando esto no es posible, y la persona mayor no puede seguir viviendo en su casa se pretende que la atención tenga lugar en centros que, además de proporcionar los cuidados necesarios permitan el desarrollo personal. Para ello, la tendencia actual, a nivel nacional e internacional, es la de modificar la noción que se tiene acerca de estas instituciones, sus metas y objetivos, evolucionando hacia un modelo de alojamiento que constituya una clara alternativa a la residencia de tipo institucional. Dentro de ese marco, el objetivo de éste capítulo es sistematizar una serie de prácticas que por su orientación pueden ser caracterizadas como positivas. Con este término se hace alusión a aquellas intervenciones tendientes a promover el desarrollo de las capacidades, habilidades y recursos de los que disponen las personas alojadas en dichas residencias. Las mismas fueron clasificadas según los diferentes momentos que puede transitar una persona en su paso por la residencia, siendo el mayor objetivo que pueda encontrarse con aquello que le otorgue identidad y mayor autonomía posible, más allá de la condición de institucionalización.

In the gerontology field, there is a motto, "to prevent or delay institutionalization," which summarizes gerontologists' tacit consent. This premise is the basis of many efforts and interventions that arise, and should continue emerging, for that purpose. However, when this is not possible, and most people cannot continue living at home, the intention is to provide care centers, which can not only give the necessary care but also allow for the personal development of the elderly. In order to do this, the national and international current trend, is to change the notion that one has about these institutions, their goals and objectives, evolving towards a model of accommodation that constitutes a clear alternative to the typical institutions. Within this framework, the aim of this chapter is to systematize a series of practices with a positive orientation. This term refers to those interventions aimed at promoting the development of skills, abilities and available resources for people staying in these long-term care homes. They were sorted out according to the different moments/stages a person may go through in nursing homes, with the main objective being to find greater autonomy for the elderly and a possible identity beyond the condition of institutionalization.

No campo da gerontologia, existe um consenso que pode ser expresso sinteticamente sob a premissa "evitar ou atrasar a institucionalização." Esta premissa é a base de muitos esforços e intervenções que possam surgir, e devem continuar a surgir, com tal finalidade. No entanto, quando isso não é possível, e a pessoa idosa é incapaz de continuar a viver em casa, pretende-se que a atenção a ela se dê em centros de atendimento que, além de lhe proporcionar o cuidado necessário, permita-lhe o desenvolvimento pessoal. Para isso, a tendência atual, nacional e internacionalmente, é modificar a noção que se tem sobre tais instituições, suas metas e objetivos, evoluindo-se para um modelo de acolhimento que constitua uma clara alternativa para a residência institucional. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste artigo é sistematizar uma série de práticas que, tributariamente a sua orientação, podem ser caracterizadas como positivas. Com este termo se faz alusão a intervenções que tendem a promover capacitação, habilidades e recursos disponíveis às pessoas acolhidas nessas residências. Elas foram classificadas de acordo com os diferentes momentos com que se move uma pessoa idosa no interior da residência, sendo o principal objetivo que se possa atingir é aquele que lhe dá identidade e a maior autonomia possível, para além da condição de institucionalização.

Selección de situaciones / Situation selection

En el presente artículo se muestran los resultados de un estudio cualitativo en relación a la Selección de situaciones como estrategia de regulación emocional en diferentes grupos etario. La regulación emocional consiste en procesos mediante los cuales las personas buscan redireccionar la tendencia de sus emociones. La selección o evitación de situaciones es una de sus estrategias. Frente a una situación emocionalmente intensa, ya sea negativa o positiva, y a partir de una evaluación subjetiva de la misma, se anticipan sus probables consecuencias emocionales. Esto puede desencadenar selección o evitación. Su eficacia se basa en un buen equilibrio entre la búsqueda del bienestar y la evitación del malestar; de manera que, el resultado predominante sea emocionalmente positivo. En cuanto a las diferencias por edad, en el uso de la selección diversos estudios plantean que las personas mayores tienden, en mayor medida que otros grupos etarios, a la búsqueda del mantenimiento y predominio de una emocionalidad positiva. Los resultados obtenidos muestran aspectos communes en cuanto a la selección. Sin embargo surgen algunas diferencias. En la juventud la actitud de los otros es fuente de emociones negativas, como enojo o desinterés. En la adultez, los problemas familiares, o las opiniones políticas son fuente de la ira. En la vejez, se evita aquello que remite a los aspectos más rechazables de la vejez misma, como la enfermedad o la pasividad. La evitación en los viejos no implica una huida, sino más bien una neutralización o balance entre su compromiso social y su equilibrio emocional.

In this article, results of a qualitative study in relation to Situation Selection as an emotional regulation strategy in different age groups are shown. The emotional regulation is a process whereby people seek to redirect the course of their emotions. The selection or avoidance of situations is one of these strategies. Faced with an emotionally intense situation, either negative or positive, and from a subjective assessment, subjects anticipate the likely emotional consequences. This can trigger selection or avoidance strategies. The efficacy of this process is based on a balance between search for wellbeing and avoidance of discomfort, in a way that predominantly the result is emotionally positive. Different studies suggest that older people tend, more than younger people, to de seek of maintenance and a predominance of a positive emotionality. The results obtained in this study show common aspects as regard to selection strategy. However, some differences appear. In youth, others attitudes is a source of negative emotions. In middle-age, family problems and political opinions are source of rage. In older people, everything that refers to the negative aspects of ageing, such as sickness and passivity, is avoided. The avoidance in older people doesn’t imply a scape, but rather neutralization or balance between their social compromise and their emotional equilibrium.

Exploración de las emociones percibidas en cuatro grupos de edad / Exploration of perceived emotions in four age groups

En el presente artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio empírico de comparación de grupos de edad sobre Emociones Percibidas. Los antecedentes sobre este tema son escasos –tanto a nivel internacional como local- y poco claros, por lo que se considera necesario explorar el constructo. Se utilizó la versión validada para población local de las escalas de Lawton (Intensidad del afecto; Moderación del afecto positivo; Búsqueda de sensaciones; Control cognitivo; Madurez emocional; Disimulación afectiva; Responsividad psicofisiológica; Variabilidad afectiva; Duración del afecto y Rapidez de la respuesta afectiva). Se seleccionó una muestra intencional de 480 sujetos de ambos sexos, 240 de la ciudad de Mar del Plata y 240 de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se encontraron puntajes significativamente más altos en los grupos de adultos mayores en las dimensiones Moderación del afecto positivo, el Control cognitivo, Disimulación afectiva y la Madurez emocional. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los distintos grupos de edad en las dimensiones Intensidad del afecto y Responsividad psicofisiológica. Los resultados son consistentes con los antecedentes de investigación que señalan que los adultos mayores presentan elevados niveles de habilidades de regulación emocional, lo que fortalece la mirada de la psicología positiva y del curso vital sobre el envejecimiento.

Results from an empirical study comparing age groups on Perceived Emotions are presented on this article. As backgrounds on this subject are scare -both nationally and internationally- and unclear, it is necessary to explore this construct. A validated version of Lawton Scales was used (Intensity of Affection, Moderation of Positive Affect, Sensation Seeking, Cognitive Control, Emotional Maturity, Affective Dissimulation, Psychophysiological Responsivity, Affective Variability, Length of Affection and Speed of Affective Response). An intentional sample of 480 subjects of both sexes, 240 from Mar del Plata and 240 from Buenos Aires, was selected. Scores were found significantly higher in older groups in dimensions: Moderation of Positive Affect, Cognitive Control, Affective Dissimulation and Emotional Maturity. By contrast, in Sensation Seeking scores varied inversely with age. No significant differences were found between the different age groups in Intensity of Affection and Psychophysiological Responsivity. The results are consistent with the background research that indicate that older adults show high levels of emotional regulation skills, which enhances the look of positive psychology and the life course on aging.