Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as a potential biomarker for recurrent pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure: Increased levels of MDSCs in recurrent reproductive failure.

PROBLEM: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and recurrent implantation failure (RIF) represent distinct clinical conditions with established definitions, both of which have been linked to an underlying pro-inflammatory state. This study aimed to explore the levels of monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (TReg ) in a cohort of RPL and RIF women and their potential contribution to RPL and RIF. METHOD OF STUDY: One hundred and eight non-pregnant women were evaluated: 40 RPL, 41 RIF, and 27 fertile healthy controls (HC). A multiparametric flow cytometry approach was utilized to measure and quantify the frequency of M-MDSCs and TReg cells. Cytokine levels in plasma samples were evaluated through a multiplex assay. M-MDSCs levels were significantly higher in RPL and RIF patients compared to HC. RESULTS: M-MDSCs levels were significantly higher in RPL (9.4% [7-11.6]) and RIF (8.1% [5.9-11.6]) patients compared to HC (6% [4.2-7.6]). An optimal cut-off of 6.1% for M-MDSCs disclosed a sensitivity of 75.6% and 89.7% and a specificity of 57.7% and 57.7% in RIF and RPL groups, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between M-MDSCs and TReg (p = .002, r = -.51). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data allowed us to build a predictive model that may aid as a potential diagnostic tool in the clinic. These findings could provide a better understanding of these pathologies and a better definition of patients that could benefit from personalized treatments to promote pregnancy. Additional exploration and confirmation in distinct study groups are needed to fully assess the diagnostic capabilities of this biomarker.

Creativity During COVID-19: Evaluating an Online TimeSlips Storytelling Program for People Living With Dementia During Quarantine in Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Since its first implementation in 1998, evidence has been presented of the positive impact of the TimeSlips storytelling method for people with dementia in long-term care (LTC) settings. This article extends this evidence in important new directions: it is the longest TimeSlips study to date and the first to evaluate the feasibility of online delivery of the method (in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] quarantine) and the impact of this on the personhood, quality of life, and psychological well-being of Spanish-speaking participants in non-LTC settings in the Global South. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Trained facilitators provided weekly, 1-hr TimeSlips sessions via Zoom over 32 consecutive weeks to 8 participants with dementia. Semistructured interviews of participants and care partners were conducted within 1 week of the final intervention. Thematic analysis evaluated the resultant qualitative data. RESULTS: This online implementation of the TimeSlips creative expression (CE) method reinforced key facets of participants' personhood (self-expression and self-perception, which led in turn to increased care partner appreciation), had a positive impact on key domains of quality of life (mood, energy levels, and cognitive function), and stimulated a key aspect of psychological well-being (the formation and maintenance of social ties). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The online delivery of the TimeSlips method to participants who remain in their own homes is feasible and effective. Future research should compare the benefits of online versus face-to-face delivery of this CE method.

Pruebas de biocompatibilidad de los materiales de uso odontológico: revisión de la literatura / Tests of biocompatibility for dental materials: review of the literature

El propósito de este artículo es realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca de las diferentes técnicas de investigación para evaluar la biocompatibilidad de los materiales dentales. Para ello, se realizo una búsqueda entre los principales investigadores de esta área para definir los métodos de investigación aplicados a los materiales dentales. Los pasos descritos para cada prueba se han encontrado aplicados en la literatura para evaluar la biocompatiblidad de diversos materiales que están siendo utilizados en la práctica odontológica. Al finalizar esta revisión se pudo concluir que el cumplimiento de los protocolos de investigación y los resultados sobre biocompatibilidad obtenidos de estos estudios brindan la confianza para la utilización de los diversos materiales en odontología.

The purpose of this article is to present a review of different investigation approaches to evaluate the biocompatibility of dental materials. A search was conducted among the investigators in this field in order to define the test methods applied to evaluate dental materials. The described stages for each test are found in the literature used to evaluate the biocompatibility of different materials used in dental practice. At the end of this review it can be concluded that compliance with research protocols and results obtained on biocompatibility of these studies provide confidence for the use of various dental materials.