Advancing convergence research: Renewable energy solutions for off-grid communities.

Millions of people across the world live off-grid not by choice but because they live in rural areas, have low income, and have no political clout. Delivering sustainable energy solutions to such a substantial amount of the world's population requires more than a technological fix; it requires leveraging the knowledge of underserved populations working together with a transdisciplinary team to find holistically derived solutions. Our original research has resulted in an innovative Convergence Framework integrating the fields of engineering, social sciences, and communication, and is based on working together with communities and other stakeholders to address the challenges posed by delivering clean energy solutions. In this paper, we discuss the evolution of this Framework and illustrate how this Framework is being operationalized in our on-going research project, cocreating hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid communities in the Brazilian Amazon. The research shows how this Framework can address clean energy transitions, strengthen emerging industries at local level, and foster Global North-South scholarly collaborations. We do so by the integration of social science and engineering and by focusing on community engagement, energy justice, and governance for underserved communities. Further, this solution-driven Framework leads to the emergence of unique approaches that advance scientific knowledge, while at the same time addressing community needs.

Potential Nutrition and Health Claims in Deastringed Persimmon Fruits (Diospyros kaki L.), Variety 'Rojo Brillante', PDO 'Ribera del Xúquer'.

In Europe, nutrition and health claims made on food must be based on scientific evidence, which means a comprehensive evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) prior to authorisation. Processed foods are subject to numerous claims derived from the presence of bioactive compounds; however, natural food products, often the original sources of those compounds, are not habitually the subject of these claims. Although the consumption of persimmon fruit has important health benefits, up to date no specific health claims are authorised for this fruit. In this work, 'Rojo Brillante' persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) 'Ribera del Xúquer' were characterized regarding the presence of fiber (soluble and insoluble), vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), carotenoids (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, ß-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, ß- carotene) and mineral elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg, Na, K). Different fruit batches harvested in different seasons were analyzed by standardized analytical methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC), high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Based on the results, Persimon® is potentially able to show two nutrition claims "Source of fiber" and "Sodium-free/salt-free". This work could set the ground for future studies and to start considering natural food products as candidates for the use of approved claims.

The frontier between nutrition and pharma: The international regulatory framework of functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals.

The link between diet and human health status has been repeatedly proved by strong scientific evidence, and developed societies demand food products with an added value beyond the satisfaction of hunger and the provision of nutrients. Functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals are at the interface between nutrition and pharma and opens the doors for seeking new therapeutic alternatives for the prevention of nutrition-related diseases. The present review is aimed at clarifying the differences between functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals as well as describing its regulatory framework in Europe, United States and Japan. Specific harmonized regulation for these products is needed. Functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals exert health-promoting properties and could be considered as potential candidates in the management of chronic diseases in combination with prescribed medication. Further research is essential for establishing which nutrition-pharma combinations are most favorable and suitable for each chronic disease.

Depression self-management in people with epilepsy: Adapting project UPLIFT for underserved populations.

Data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey found that the prevalence of active epilepsy has increased to three million adults. Although findings have been mixed, some research indicates that Blacks and Hispanics share a higher burden of epilepsy prevalence compared with non-Hispanic whites. Moreover, depression is a common comorbid condition among people with epilepsy (PWE), affecting up to 55% of the epilepsy population. Widespread use and increased public health impact of evidence-based self-management interventions is critical to reducing disease burden and may require adapting original interventions into more culturally relevant versions for racial and ethnic minority groups. Project UPLIFT provides access to mental health self-management skills training that is distance-delivered, does not interfere with medication management, and has been shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms. This paper presents the process of exploring the adaptation of Project UPLIFT for Black and Hispanic PWE and herein suggests that evidence-based interventions can be successfully adapted for new populations or cultural settings through a careful and systematic process. Additional key lessons learned include the importance of community engagement and that language matters. Ultimately, if the adapted Project UPLIFT intervention produces positive outcomes for diverse populations of PWE, it will extend the strategies available to reduce the burden of depression. Implementing evidence-based interventions such as Project UPLIFT is critical to reducing disease burden; however, their delivery may need to be tailored to the needs and culture of the populations of interest.

Manejo no farmacológico del dolor en la atención del parto: experiencia desde las prácticas formativas / Non-pharmacological pain management in childbirth care: an experience from educational internship / Manejo não farmacológico da dor no atendimento do parto: experiência baseada nas práticas formativas

Resumen Introducción Describir las percepciones del estudiante de enfermería de una universidad privada, sobre la experiencia en la aplicación de las medidas no farmacológicas para el manejo del dolor en la atención del parto en el componente teórico y práctico. Materiales y Métodos Investigación cualitativa, con técnica de grupo focal, se utilizó entrevista semiestructurada y se organizaron dos grupos focales en el que participación 16 estudiantes de los cursos de V a VIII semestre matriculados durante el primer periodo del 2018. Resultados De los participantes, el 62.5% fueron mujeres y el 37.5% fueron hombres, la edad promedio fue 24.4 años (6.6%). Del análisis de las narrativas del grupo focal emergieron 2 categorías y 10 subcategorías definitivas: dentro de las categorías se destaca que los participantes identifican medidas no farmacológicas que se presentan en el componente teórico, pero no todas se logran realizar en los escenarios de práctica formativa, también surge inquietudes respecto a los mínimos insumos requeridos para conformar un kit para la realización de las medidas no farmacológicas para el manejo del dolor. Discusión A partir de los artículos investigados y el análisis realizado varios autores definen diferentes medidas no farmacológicas que son aplicables a la materna siendo estas efectivas y las cuales los estudiantes de enfermería aplican en su mayoría teniendo como resultado aspectos positivos y a mejorar. Conclusiones En general todos los participantes reconocen la importancia del uso de las medidas no farmacológicas para el manejo del dolor en la gestante durante la atención del parto, e identifican que estas medidas disminuyen la intensidad del dolor, ayudan disminuir el tiempo del trabajo de parto, y facilita la comunicación entre el personal de enfermería y la gestante.

Abstract Introduction To describe the perceptions of private-university nursing students on the experience from the implementation of non-pharmacological methods to manage pain in childbirth care in the theoretical and practical components. Materials and Methods Qualitative research with focus group technique; a semi-structured interview was used, and two focus groups were created with 16 students from 5-to-7-semester courses enrolled during the first term of 2018. Results 62.5% of the participants were women and 37.5% were men; the average age was 24.4 (6.6%). 2 categories and 10 subcategories emerged upon analyzing the narratives of the focus group. It is worth mentioning about the categories that the participants identify non-pharmacological methods present in the theoretical component, but not all methods can be implemented in educational internship scenarios; concerns also arose about the minimum inputs required to develop a kit for the implementation of non-pharmacological methods to manage pain. Discussion Based on the researched articles and the analysis performed, several authors established different non-pharmacological methods that are effective and applicable to mothers; nursing students apply such methods and generally obtain positive outcomes and lessons for improvement. Conclusions In general, all participants recognize the importance of using non-pharmacological methods to manage pain in pregnant women during childbirth care, and they also identify that these methods reduce pain intensity, help reducing the length of labor, and facilitate communication between nursing staff and pregnant women.

Resumo Introdução Descrever as percepções do estudante de enfermagem de uma universidade privada, sobre a experiência na aplicação das medidas não farmacológicas para o manejo da dor no atendimento do parto no componente teórico e prático. Materiais e Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa, com técnica de grupo focal, foi utilizado o método de entrevista semiestructurada e organizaram-se dois grupos focais onde participaram 16 estudantes dos cursos de V a VIII semestre matriculados durante o primeiro período de 2018. Resultados Dos participantes, 62,5% foram mulheres e 37,5% foram homens, a idade média foi de 24,4 anos (6,6%). A partir da análise das narrativas do grupo focal surgiram duas categorias e 10 subcategorias definitivas: dentro das categorias destaca-se que os participantes identificam medidas não farmacológicas que se apresentam no componente teórico, mas não todas são realizáveis no âmbito da prática formativa, também surgem inquietudes a respeito dos insumos mínimos requeridos para conformar um kit para a aplicação das medidas não farmacológicas para o manejo da dor. Discussão Com base nos artigos pesquisados e conforme a análise realizada, vários autores definem diferentes medidas não farmacológicas que são aplicáveis à materna sendo elas medidas efetivas que os estudantes de enfermagem aplicam predominantemente produzindo como resultado aspectos positivos e de melhora. Conclusões Em geral, todos os participantes reconhecem a importância do uso das medidas não farmacológicas para o manejo da dor na gestante durante o atendimento do parto e identificam que estas medidas diminuem a intensidade da dor, ajudam a diminuir o tempo do trabalho de parto, e facilita a comunicação entre o pessoal de enfermagem e a gestante.

A novel therapeutic with two SNAP-25 inactivating proteases shows long-lasting anti-hyperalgesic activity in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

A pressing need exists for long-acting, non-addictive medicines to treat chronic pain, a major societal burden. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) complex - a potent, specific and prolonged inhibitor of neuro-exocytosis - gives some relief in several pain disorders, but not for all patients. Our study objective was to modify BoNT/A to overcome its inability to block transmitter release elicited by high [Ca2+]i and increase its limited analgesic effects. This was achieved by fusing a BoNT/A gene to that for the light chain (LC) of type/E. The resultant purified protein, LC/E-BoNT/A, entered cultured sensory neurons and, unlike BoNT/A, inhibited release of calcitonin gene-related peptide evoked by capsaicin. Western blotting revealed that this improvement could be due to a more extensive truncation by LC/E of synaptosomal-associated protein of Mr = 25 k, essential for neuro-exocytosis. When tested in a rat spared nerve injury (SNI) model, a single intra-plantar (IPL) injection of LC/E-BoNT/A alleviated for ∼2 weeks mechanical and cold hyper-sensitivities, in a dose-dependent manner. The highest non-paralytic dose (75 U/Kg, IPL) proved significantly more efficacious than BoNT/A (15 U/Kg, IPL) or repeated systemic pregabalin (10 mg/Kg, intraperitoneal), a clinically-used pain modulator. Effects of repeated or delayed injections of this fusion protein highlighted its analgesic potential. Attenuation of mechanical hyperalgesia was extended by a second administration when the effect of the first had diminished. When injected 5 weeks after injury, LC/E-BoNT/A also reversed fully-established mechanical and cold hyper-sensitivity. Thus, combining advantageous features of BoNT/E and/A yields an efficacious, locally-applied and long-acting anti-hyperalgesic.

Differential effects of activity dependent treatments on axonal regeneration and neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury.

Activity treatments are useful strategies to increase axonal regeneration and functional recovery after nerve lesions. They are thought to benefit neuropathy by enhancing neurotrophic factor expression. Nevertheless the effects on sensory function are still unclear. Since neurotrophic factors also play a fundamental role in peripheral and central sensitization, we studied the effects of acute electrical stimulation and early treadmill exercise on nerve regeneration and on neuropathic pain, and the relation with the expression of neurotrophins. After sciatic nerve section and suture repair, rats were subjected to electrical stimulation (ES) for 4h after injury, forced treadmill running (TR) for 5 days, or both treatments combined. Sciatic nerve section induced hyperalgesia in the medial area of the plantar skin in the injured paw. TR and ES differently but positively reduced adjacent neuropathic pain before and after sciatic reinnervation. ES enhanced motor and sensory reinnervation, and combination with TR induced strong agonistic effects in relieving pain. The differential effects of these activity treatments were related to changes in neurotrophic factor mRNA levels in sensory and motor neurons. ES speeded up expression of BDNF and GDNF in DRG, and of BDNF and NT3 in the ventral horn. TR reduced the levels of pro-nociceptive factors such as BDNF, NGF and GDNF in DRG. Combination of ES and TR induced intermediate levels suggesting an optimal balancing of treatment effects.

The effect of intensification with raltegravir on the HIV-1 reservoir of latently infected memory CD4 T cells in suppressed patients.

OBJECTIVES: The stability of the reservoir of latently infected memory CD4 T-cells may be associated with continuous replenishment from residual HIV-1, not completely eliminated by otherwise successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). Treatment intensification could help to control residual virus and to modify the latent reservoir. The objective of this work is to assess the effect of intensifying therapy with raltegravir on the HIV-1 cell reservoir. DESIGN: A pilot open-label phase-II clinical trial was performed to analyze ART intensification with raltegravir after 48 weeks in chronically HIV-1-infected patients on stable ART. METHODS: We measured the number of latently infected memory CD4 T cells, residual viremia, 2-long terminal repeat circles, CD4/CD8 T-cell activation, lymphocyte subpopulations, gut homing receptor, and bacterial translocation. RESULTS: A significant decay of HIV-1 latent reservoir was observed after intensification in the nine patients included (P = 0.021). No variation was found in either residual viremia or 2-long terminal repeat circles, whereas CD8 T-cell activation decreased at week 36 (P = 0.028). No differences were found in naive T-cell or effector memory cell counts, and the frequencies of gut homing receptor on activated or effector memory CD8 T cells. Bacterial translocation was stable, with the exception of a late decrease in lipopolysaccharide levels. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot noncomparative trial, treatment intensification with raltegravir significantly decreased the latent cellular HIV-1 reservoir and CD8 T-cell activation. Despite the limitations inherent to trial design, our results suggest that ART intensification should be considered as an adjuvant strategy to eradicate HIV-1 infection.

New promising Euphorbiaceae extracts with activity in human lymphocytes from primary cell cultures.

CONTEXT: Euphorbiaceae plants exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. METHODS: We evaluated the activity of 14 extracts from seven Euphorbiaceae plants on primary immune cell cultures from healthy individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were exposed to the extracts w/o phytohaemagglutinin A or cycloheximide as agents that induce proliferation or apoptosis in PBMC, respectively. RESULTS: We found that five up to 14 Euphorbiaceae's extracts had the ability to modulate at least one of the immune parameters evaluated in this study. However, only the latex extracts of Euphorbia cotinifolia and Euphorbia tirucalli strongly induced both proliferation and apoptosis in PBMC. These extracts were further subfractioned by silica gel column chromatography. Two subfractions with enhanced activity in comparison to the crude extracts were obtained. Although these subfractions induced proliferation on both CD3(+) and CD3(-) cells, the most prominent effects were observed in the former subpopulation. Interestingly, the subfraction from E. tirucalli induced lymphocyte proliferation without the need of accessory cells; this ability was not inhibited by the carbohydrates d-galactose and α-Methyl-D-Mannopyranoside. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results reveal the presence of novel candidates within the Euphorbia plants to induce proliferation and apoptosis in human lymphocytes, mainly in CD3(+) T cells.

Differential effects of phorbol-13-monoesters on human immunodeficiency virus reactivation.

The persistence of latent reservoirs of HIV-1 represents a major barrier to virus eradication in patients treated with antiretrovirals. Prostratin is a non-tumor promoting 12-deoxyphorbol monoester capable of up-regulating viral expression from latent provirus and therefore is potentially useful for HIV adjuvant therapy and similar properties might be elicited by related non-tumor promoting phorboids. We have therefore investigated a series of phorbol 13-monoesters for their capacity to reactivate HIV latency. Using a Jurkat T cell line containing latent HIV proviruses, we found that prostratin and phorbol-13-stearate effectively activate HIV-1 gene expression in these latently infected cells, with phorbol-13-stearate being at least 10-fold more potent than prostratin, and its activity rapidly decreasing with a shortening of the acyl side chain. We further demonstrated that phorbol-13-stearate and prostratin stimulate IKK-dependent phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha, leading to activation of NF-kappaB. Moreover, prostratin, phorbol-13-hexanoate and phorbol-13-stearate also activate the JNK and ERK pathways. Studies with isoform-specific PKC inhibitors suggest that the classical PKCs play a prominent role in the responses elicited by phorbol-13-stearate. Nevertheless, this compound induces a translocation pattern of the PKC isotypes alpha and delta to cellular compartments distinctly different from that elicited by prostratin and PMA.

Psiconeuroinmunoendocrinología II: nuevos dilemas para viejos paradigmas: viejos dilemas para neoparadigmas

Incluye: Introducción epistemológica al estudio de los paradigmas; Psiconeuroinmunoendocrinologia. El sentido de las sensaciones, sentimientos y sensatez; Aspectos evolutivos. De la ontogenia a la filogenia; Evolución e involución; Conciencia y evolución. Cuantos quantos contiene la conciencia; Neurotransmisión; Inmunidad: su interrelación PNIE; Psicoinmunología. Alteraciones de la inmunidad en patología psiquiatría; Exámenes complementarios; Desordenes afectivos. Causas, correlaciones, consecuencias y correcciones; Ordenando los desordenes afectivos; Suicidio; Trastorno Bipolar Infanto-Juvenil; Stress. Parte I: Vulnerabilidad (una cara de la moneda); Stress. Parte II: Risilencia (la otra cara de la moneda); Neurobiología del Burn out. La insoportable responsabilidad del ser médico; La ansiedad y sus trastornos. Mas allá de la psicología; Continuum ansiedad-depresión. El último recurso homeostático; Esquizofrenia; Trastorno de la alimentación; Céfalea; Medicina Psicosomática; Aspectos neurobiológicos y antropológicos de la diferenciación sexual; Psicopatología de la mujer; Psicopatología del hombre; Motivación; Personalidad y emoción; La psiquiatría posgenómica; Disquisiciones filosóficas a modo de epilogo de PNIE II ¿Las santas amígdalas de Pascal?

Psiconeuroinmunoendocrinología II: nuevos dilemas para viejos paradigmas: viejos dilemas para neoparadigmas

Incluye: Introducción epistemológica al estudio de los paradigmas; Psiconeuroinmunoendocrinologia. El sentido de las sensaciones, sentimientos y sensatez; Aspectos evolutivos. De la ontogenia a la filogenia; Evolución e involución; Conciencia y evolución. Cuantos quantos contiene la conciencia; Neurotransmisión; Inmunidad: su interrelación PNIE; Psicoinmunología. Alteraciones de la inmunidad en patología psiquiatría; Exámenes complementarios; Desordenes afectivos. Causas, correlaciones, consecuencias y correcciones; Ordenando los desordenes afectivos; Suicidio; Trastorno Bipolar Infanto-Juvenil; Stress. Parte I: Vulnerabilidad (una cara de la moneda); Stress. Parte II: Risilencia (la otra cara de la moneda); Neurobiología del Burn out. La insoportable responsabilidad del ser médico; La ansiedad y sus trastornos. Mas allá de la psicología; Continuum ansiedad-depresión. El último recurso homeostático; Esquizofrenia; Trastorno de la alimentación; Céfalea; Medicina Psicosomática; Aspectos neurobiológicos y antropológicos de la diferenciación sexual; Psicopatología de la mujer; Psicopatología del hombre; Motivación; Personalidad y emoción; La psiquiatría posgenómica; Disquisiciones filosóficas a modo de epilogo de PNIE II ¿Las santas amígdalas de Pascal?