Imaging analysis of six human histone H1 variants reveals universal enrichment of H1.2, H1.3, and H1.5 at the nuclear periphery and nucleolar H1X presence.

Histone H1 participates in chromatin condensation and regulates nuclear processes. Human somatic cells may contain up to seven histone H1 variants, although their functional heterogeneity is not fully understood. Here, we have profiled the differential nuclear distribution of the somatic H1 repertoire in human cells through imaging techniques including super-resolution microscopy. H1 variants exhibit characteristic distribution patterns in both interphase and mitosis. H1.2, H1.3, and H1.5 are universally enriched at the nuclear periphery in all cell lines analyzed and co-localize with compacted DNA. H1.0 shows a less pronounced peripheral localization, with apparent variability among different cell lines. On the other hand, H1.4 and H1X are distributed throughout the nucleus, being H1X universally enriched in high-GC regions and abundant in the nucleoli. Interestingly, H1.4 and H1.0 show a more peripheral distribution in cell lines lacking H1.3 and H1.5. The differential distribution patterns of H1 suggest specific functionalities in organizing lamina-associated domains or nucleolar activity, which is further supported by a distinct response of H1X or phosphorylated H1.4 to the inhibition of ribosomal DNA transcription. Moreover, H1 variants depletion affects chromatin structure in a variant-specific manner. Concretely, H1.2 knock-down, either alone or combined, triggers a global chromatin decompaction. Overall, imaging has allowed us to distinguish H1 variants distribution beyond the segregation in two groups denoted by previous ChIP-Seq determinations. Our results support H1 variants heterogeneity and suggest that variant-specific functionality can be shared between different cell types.

A mammalian-specific Alex3/Gαq protein complex regulates mitochondrial trafficking, dendritic complexity, and neuronal survival.

Mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking are essential to provide the energy required for neurotransmission and neural activity. We investigated how G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G proteins control mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking. The activation of Gαq inhibited mitochondrial trafficking in neurons through a mechanism that was independent of the canonical downstream PLCß pathway. Mitoproteome analysis revealed that Gαq interacted with the Eutherian-specific mitochondrial protein armadillo repeat-containing X-linked protein 3 (Alex3) and the Miro1/Trak2 complex, which acts as an adaptor for motor proteins involved in mitochondrial trafficking along dendrites and axons. By generating a CNS-specific Alex3 knockout mouse line, we demonstrated that Alex3 was required for the effects of Gαq on mitochondrial trafficking and dendritic growth in neurons. Alex3-deficient mice had altered amounts of ER stress response proteins, increased neuronal death, motor neuron loss, and severe motor deficits. These data revealed a mammalian-specific Alex3/Gαq mitochondrial complex, which enables control of mitochondrial trafficking and neuronal death by GPCRs.

Teaching Competencies in Nursing Professors: Visions of Students and Academics / Competencias docentes en profesores de Enfermería: visión de alumnos y académicos

Objective. This work sought to know the view of Nursing professors and students about the competencies the faculty staff must have to deploy their educational function with maximum quality and efficiency. Methods. Descriptive qualitative study through focus groups conducted with professors, students and recent Nursing career graduates from universities in Spain. Results. The importance of the proposed teaching competencies was delved into, highlighting the importance of professors knowing the context in which they teach, having the ability to self-evaluate their activity, and having adequate interpersonal communication skills, and deploy the teaching-learning process by performing proper planning, using new technologies, and knowing how to engage in teamwork. Moreover, a small discrepancy was detected in relation to disciplinary competence, which students felt was of importance, but which academics indicated is taken for granted in nursing professors; competencies directly related to the act of teaching must be enhanced. Conclusion.Practical unanimity was found between academics and students in affirming that the competencies investigated are important for adequate development of the teaching activity in nursing professors. In all cases, the urgent need was highlighted for nursing professors to have adequate teaching training to provide their students with formation of the highest quality.

Objetivo. Conocer la visión de profesores y alumnos de Enfermería acerca de las competencias que deben presentar los docentes para desplegar su función educativa con la máxima calidad y eficacia. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo cualitativo a través de grupos focales realizados con profesores, alumnos y recién egresados del Grado en Enfermería de universidades de España. Resultados. Se profundizó en la importancia de las competencias docentes propuestas, destacando la relevancia de que los profesores conozcan el contexto en el que desarrollan la docencia, tengan la habilidad de autoevaluar su actividad, dispongan de unas adecuadas habilidades de comunicación interpersonal, y desplieguen el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje realizando una correcta planificación, empleando las nuevas tecnologías y sabiendo trabajar en equipo. Por otro lado, se detectó una pequeña discrepancia con relación a la competencia disciplinar, a la que los estudiantes brindaron una gran importancia, pero que los académicos indicaron que se da por supuesta en los profesores enfermeros, debiendo ser potenciadas las competencias directamente relacionadas con el acto docente. Conclusión. Se ha hallado una práctica unanimidad entre académicos y estudiantes en afirmar que las competencias investigadas son importantes para un adecuado desarrollo de la actividad docente en los profesores de Enfermería. En todos los casos, se destacó la imperiosa necesidad de que los profesores de Enfermería dispongan de una adecuada capacitación docente para poder brindar a sus estudiantes una formación de la máxima calidad.

Light-dependent inhibition of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in yeast unveils conserved functions of the AP2 complex.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is an essential cellular process, conserved among eukaryotes. Yeast constitutes a powerful genetic model to dissect the complex endocytic machinery, yet there is a lack of specific pharmacological agents to interfere with CME in these organisms. TL2 is a light-regulated peptide inhibitor targeting the AP2-ß-adaptin/ß-arrestin interaction and that can photocontrol CME with high spatiotemporal precision in mammalian cells. Here, we study endocytic protein dynamics by live-cell imaging of the fluorescently tagged coat-associated protein Sla1-GFP, demonstrating that TL2 retains its inhibitory activity in S. cerevisiae spheroplasts. This is despite the ß-adaptin/ß-arrestin interaction not being conserved in yeast. Our data indicate that the AP2 α-adaptin is the functional target of activated TL2. We identified as interacting partners for the α-appendage, the Eps15 and epsin homologues Ede1 and Ent1. This demonstrates that endocytic cargo loading and sensing can be executed by conserved molecular interfaces, regardless of the proteins involved.

Neural crest-related NXPH1/α-NRXN signaling opposes neuroblastoma malignancy by inhibiting organotropic metastasis.

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer that can present as low- or high-risk tumors (LR-NBs and HR-NBs), the latter group showing poor prognosis due to metastasis and strong resistance to current therapy. Whether LR-NBs and HR-NBs differ in the way they exploit the transcriptional program underlying their neural crest, sympatho-adrenal origin remains unclear. Here, we identified the transcriptional signature distinguishing LR-NBs from HR-NBs, which consists mainly of genes that belong to the core sympatho-adrenal developmental program and are associated with favorable patient prognosis and with diminished disease progression. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that the top candidate gene of this signature, Neurexophilin-1 (NXPH1), has a dual impact on NB cell behavior in vivo: whereas NXPH1 and its receptor α-NRXN1 promote NB tumor growth by stimulating cell proliferation, they conversely inhibit organotropic colonization and metastasis. As suggested by RNA-seq analyses, these effects might result from the ability of NXPH1/α-NRXN signalling to restrain the conversion of NB cells from an adrenergic state to a mesenchymal one. Our findings thus uncover a transcriptional module of the sympatho-adrenal program that opposes neuroblastoma malignancy by impeding metastasis, and pinpoint NXPH1/α-NRXN signaling as a promising target to treat HR-NBs.

Kazrin promotes dynein/dynactin-dependent traffic from early to recycling endosomes.

Kazrin is a protein widely expressed in vertebrates whose depletion causes a myriad of developmental defects, in part derived from altered cell adhesion and migration, as well as failure to undergo epidermal to mesenchymal transition. However, the primary molecular role of kazrin, which might contribute to all these functions, has not been elucidated yet. We previously identified one of its isoforms, kazrin C, as a protein that potently inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis when overexpressed. We now generated kazrin knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts to investigate its endocytic function. We found that kazrin depletion delays juxtanuclear enrichment of internalized material, indicating a role in endocytic traffic from early to recycling endosomes. Consistently, we found that the C-terminal domain of kazrin C, predicted to be an intrinsically disordered region, directly interacts with several early endosome (EE) components, and that kazrin depletion impairs retrograde motility of these organelles. Further, we noticed that the N-terminus of kazrin C shares homology with dynein/dynactin adaptors and that it directly interacts with the dynactin complex and the dynein light intermediate chain 1. Altogether, the data indicate that one of the primary kazrin functions is to facilitate endocytic recycling by promoting dynein/dynactin-dependent transport of EEs or EE-derived transport intermediates to the recycling endosomes.

Teaching Competencies in Nursing Professors: Visions of Students and Academics.

Objective: This work sought to know the view of Nursing professors and students about the competencies the faculty staff must have to deploy their educational function with maximum quality and efficiency. Methods: Descriptive qualitative study through focus groups conducted with professors, students and recent Nursing career graduates from universities in Spain. Results: The importance of the proposed teaching competencies was delved into, highlighting the importance of professors knowing the context in which they teach, having the ability to self-evaluate their activity, and having adequate interpersonal communication skills, and deploy the teaching-learning process by performing proper planning, using new technologies, and knowing how to engage in teamwork. Moreover, a small discrepancy was detected in relation to disciplinary competence, which students felt was of importance, but which academics indicated is taken for granted in nursing professors; competencies directly related to the act of teaching must be enhanced. Conclusion: . Practical unanimity was found between academics and students in affirming that the competencies investigated are important for adequate development of the teaching activity in nursing professors. In all cases, the urgent need was highlighted for nursing professors to have adequate teaching training to provide their students with formation of the highest quality.

Felicidad en enfermeras durante su actividad profesional / Happiness in nurses during their professional activity

Objetivo: conocer la visión de enfermeras de la Comunidad de Madrid sobre la vivencia de la profesión y el impacto que esta tiene en su felicidad. Método: estudio cualitativo fenomenológico realizado en enfermeras de la Comunidad de Madrid, las cuales fueron seleccionadas de manera intencional, buscando profesionales en activo de las principales áreas de ejercicio profesional. La recogida de la información se efectuó a través de entrevista semiestructurada. Tras la transcripción literal se procedió al análisis (codificación y generación de categorías y subcategorías). Fueron utilizados los criterios de credibilidad, transferencia, consistencia y confirmabilidad de Lincoln para garantizar la calidad del estudio. Resultados: los y las enfermeras participantes manifestaron que iniciaron sus estudios por vocación, siendo el acto de cuidar a los demás el motor de su felicidad laboral. Por otra parte, uno de los factores que impactan de manera directa en desarrollar sentimientos de frustración, insatisfacción e infelicidad en el trabajo es la falta de tiempo suficiente para brindar unos cuidados de calidad a sus pacientes, ya sea por falta de personal o por exceso de carga de trabajo. Conclusión: si bien en el ámbito individual, los y las profesionales de Enfermería son felices en el cuidado íntimo y cercano a los pacientes y sus familiares, en el ámbito colectivo, la profesión parece estar viviendo un momento de desafección e infelicidad, principalmente motivadas por aspectos externos a la propia prestación de estos cuidados, como son la gestión que se efectúa de su ejercicio diario y la imagen que existe sobre la profesión.(AU)

Objective: to understand the point of view of nurses in the Community of Madrid about their professional experience and its impact on their happiness. Method: a qualitative phenomenological study conducted in nurses from the Community of Madrid, who were purposively selected, looking for professionals currently working in the main areas of professional activity. Data collection was conducted through semistructured interviews. After verbatim transcription, there was subsequent analysis (coding and generation of categories and subcategories). Lincoln’s credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability criteria were used to guarantee the quality of the study. Results: the participating nurses claimed that they started studying by vocation, and the act of caring for others was the driver for their happiness at work. On the other hand, one of the factors with direct impact on the development of feelings of frustration, dissatisfaction and unhappiness at work was the lack of enough time to offer quality care to their patients, either due to lack of staff or excessive workload. Conclusion: although nursing professionals in their individual setting are happy in terms of personal and close care for patients and relatives, the profession seems to be going through a moment of disaffection and unhappiness in the collective setting, and this is mainly caused by aspects external to this provision of care, such as the management of their daily practice and the existing image of the profession.(AU)

JMJD3 intrinsically disordered region links the 3D-genome structure to TGFß-dependent transcription activation.

Enhancers are key regulatory elements that govern gene expression programs in response to developmental signals. However, how multiple enhancers arrange in the 3D-space to control the activation of a specific promoter remains unclear. To address this question, we exploited our previously characterized TGFß-response model, the neural stem cells, focusing on a ~374 kb locus where enhancers abound. Our 4C-seq experiments reveal that the TGFß pathway drives the assembly of an enhancer-cluster and precise gene activation. We discover that the TGFß pathway coactivator JMJD3 is essential to maintain these structures. Using live-cell imaging techniques, we demonstrate that an intrinsically disordered region contained in JMJD3 is involved in the formation of phase-separated biomolecular condensates, which are found in the enhancer-cluster. Overall, in this work we uncover novel functions for the coactivator JMJD3, and we shed light on the relationships between the 3D-conformation of the chromatin and the TGFß-driven response during mammalian neurogenesis.

Las enfermeras de la Juventud Femenina de la Acción Católica en la GuerraCivil Española y la Constitución de Salus Infirmorum / As enfermeiras da Juventude Feminina da Ação Católica na Guerra Civil Espanhola e aConstituição da Salus Infirmorum / The nurses of the Feminine Youth of the Catholic Action in the Spanish Civil War and the Constitution of Salus Infirmorum

The health requirements brought about by the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) led to the urgentorganisation of health services. Nurses played a crucial role and generously took care of the civil andmilitary populations. Objetive: we want to highlight the work carried out by nurses of the women’sbranch of the Catholic Action Youth, led by their president María de Madariaga, who was appointedDeputy Inspector of women’s hospital services; and justify the creation of the Sisterhood of Nurses SalusInfirmorum. Method: It is study historical-desccriptive, based on primary and secundary sources from thearchives of Catholic Action Youth and Salus Infirmorum. Results: Over 4,500 nurses of the Women'sCatholic Action Youth provided care and assistance in hospitals, pharmacies, and garment workshops forcombatants, visited hospitals and trained nurses. This work led to the subsequent creation of the SalusInfirmorum Sisterhood in 1942 founded by María de Madariaga as a group of Catholicnurses.Conclusion: The young women of JFAC actively participated in the national camp. Finished thewar, it is created and and developed the Salus Infirmorum Sisterhood as a result leadership by María deMadariaga in the JFAC. (AU)

Las necesidades sanitarias que trajo consigo la Guerra Civil española (1936-1939), provocó laurgente organización de los servicios sanitarios. Las enfermeras participaron de manera decisiva ygenerosa en los cuidados de la población civil y militar, en cada uno de los bandos enfrentados. Objetivo:destacar la labor de las enfermeras de la rama femenina de las jóvenes de Acción Católica (JFAC),lideradas por su presidenta María de Madariaga; y justificar la creación de la Hermandad de EnfermerasSalus Infirmorum. Metodología: estudio histórico descriptivo mediante fuentes primarias y secundariasdel archivo de la Juventud Femenina de la Acción Católica y de Salus Infirmorum. Resultados: Más de4.500 enfermeras de la JFAC prestaron atención y ayuda en hospitales, farmacias, talleres de confecciónde prendas para combatientes, visitando hospitales o realizando cursillos de formación para enfermeras.Esta labor derivó en la posterior creación de la Hermandad de Enfermeras Salus Infirmorum en 1942,fundada por María de Madariaga como una agrupación de enfermeras católicas. Conclusión: Las jóvenesde la JFAC participaron activamente en el bando nacional. Finalizada la guerra, se crea y desarrolla lahermandad de enfermeras Salus Infirmorum, fruto del liderazgo de María de Madariaga en la JFAC. (AU)

As necessidades de saúde decorrente da Guerra Civil Espanhola (1936-1939), levaram à urgenteorganização dos serviços de saúde. Os enfermeiros participaram de forma decisiva e generosa no cuidadoda população civil e militar, em cada um dos lados que se enfrentavam. Objetivo: destacar o trabalho dasjovens enfermeiras da Ação Católica (J, lideradas por sua presidente María de Madariaga; e justificar acriação da Irmandade de Enfermeiras Salus Infirmorum. Método: Estudio histórico descritivo, com fontesprimárias e secundárias, do arquivo da Juventude Feminina da Ação Católica e Salus Infirmorum.Resultados: Mais de 4.500 enfermeiras da Juventude Feminina da Ação Católica prestaram atendimento eajuda em hospitais, farmácias, ateliê de roupas para combatentes, visitando hospitales ou realizandocursos de formação para enfermeiras. Este trabalho levou à criação posterior da Irmandade deEnfermeiras Salus Infirmorum em 1942, fundada por María de Madariaga como um grupo de enfermeirascatólicas. Conclusões: As jovens do JFAC participaram ativamente do acampamento nacional. Após aguerra, a irmandade de enfermeiras Salus Infirmorum foi criada e desenvolvida, como resultado daliderança de María de Madariaga no JFAC. (AU)

Development of Cell-Derived Matrices for Three-Dimensional In Vitro Cancer Cell Models.

Most morphogenetic and pathological processes are driven by cells responding to the surrounding matrix, such as its composition, architecture, and mechanical properties. Despite increasing evidence for the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue and disease development, many in vitro substitutes still fail to effectively mimic the native microenvironment. We established a novel method to produce macroscale (>1 cm) mesenchymal cell-derived matrices (CDMs) aimed to mimic the fibrotic tumor microenvironment surrounding epithelial cancer cells. CDMs are produced by human adipose mesenchymal stem cells cultured in sacrificial 3D scaffold templates of fibronectin-coated poly-lactic acid microcarriers (MCs) in the presence of macromolecular crowders. We showed that decellularized CDMs closely mimic the fibrillar protein composition, architecture, and mechanical properties of human fibrotic ECM from cancer masses. CDMs had highly reproducible composition made of collagen types I and III and fibronectin ECM with tunable mechanical properties. Moreover, decellularized and MC-free CDMs were successfully repopulated with cancer cells throughout their 3D structure, and following chemotherapeutic treatment, cancer cells showed greater doxorubicin resistance compared to 3D culture in collagen hydrogels. Collectively, these results support the use of CDMs as a reproducible and tunable tool for developing 3D in vitro cancer models.

The elongation factor eEF1A2 controls translation and actin dynamics in dendritic spines.

Synaptic plasticity involves structural modifications in dendritic spines that are modulated by local protein synthesis and actin remodeling. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms that connect synaptic stimulation to these processes. We found that the phosphorylation of isoform-specific sites in eEF1A2-an essential translation elongation factor in neurons-is a key modulator of structural plasticity in dendritic spines. Expression of a nonphosphorylatable eEF1A2 mutant stimulated mRNA translation but reduced actin dynamics and spine density. By contrast, a phosphomimetic eEF1A2 mutant exhibited decreased association with F-actin and was inactive as a translation elongation factor. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling triggered transient dissociation of eEF1A2 from its regulatory guanine exchange factor (GEF) protein in dendritic spines in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. We propose that eEF1A2 establishes a cross-talk mechanism that coordinates translation and actin dynamics during spine remodeling.

Gαq activation modulates autophagy by promoting mTORC1 signaling.

The mTORC1 node plays a major role in autophagy modulation. We report a role of the ubiquitous Gαq subunit, a known transducer of plasma membrane G protein-coupled receptors signaling, as a core modulator of mTORC1 and autophagy. Cells lacking Gαq/11 display higher basal autophagy, enhanced autophagy induction upon different types of nutrient stress along with a decreased mTORC1 activation status. They are also unable to reactivate mTORC1 and thus inactivate ongoing autophagy upon nutrient recovery. Conversely, stimulation of Gαq/11 promotes sustained mTORC1 pathway activation and reversion of autophagy promoted by serum or amino acids removal. Gαq is present in autophagic compartments and lysosomes and is part of the mTORC1 multi-molecular complex, contributing to its assembly and activation via its nutrient status-sensitive interaction with p62, which displays features of a Gαq effector. Gαq emerges as a central regulator of the autophagy machinery required to maintain cellular homeostasis upon nutrient fluctuations.

Coupled sterol synthesis and transport machineries at ER-endocytic contact sites.

Sterols are unevenly distributed within cellular membranes. How their biosynthetic and transport machineries are organized to generate heterogeneity is largely unknown. We previously showed that the yeast sterol transporter Osh2 is recruited to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-endocytic contacts to facilitate actin polymerization. We now find that a subset of sterol biosynthetic enzymes also localizes at these contacts and interacts with Osh2 and the endocytic machinery. Following the sterol dynamics, we show that Osh2 extracts sterols from these subdomains, which we name ERSESs (ER sterol exit sites). Further, we demonstrate that coupling of the sterol synthesis and transport machineries is required for endocytosis in mother cells, but not in daughters, where plasma membrane loading with accessible sterols and endocytosis are linked to secretion.

AutoScanJ: A Suite of ImageJ Scripts for Intelligent Microscopy.

We developed AutoscanJ, a suite of ImageJ scripts enabling to image targets of interest by automatically driving a motorized microscope at the corresponding locations. For live samples, our software can sequentially detect biological events from their onset and further image them at high resolution, an action that would be impractical by user operation. For fixed samples, the software can dramatically reduce the amount of data acquired and the acquisition duration in situations where statistically few targets of interest are observed per field of view. AutoScanJ is compatible with motorized fluorescence microscopes controlled by Leica LAS AF/X or Micro-Manager. The software is straightforward to set up and new custom image analysis workflows to detect targets of interest can be simply implemented and shared with minimal efforts as independent ImageJ macro functions. We illustrate five different application scenarios with the system ranging from samples fixed on micropatterned surfaces to live cells undergoing several rounds of division. The target detection functions for these applications are provided and can be used as a starting point and a source of inspiration for new applications. Overall, AutoScanJ helps to optimize microscope usage by autonomous operation, and it opens up new experimental avenues by enabling the real-time detection and selective imaging of transient events in live microscopy.

FoxO maintains a genuine muscle stem-cell quiescent state until geriatric age.

Tissue regeneration declines with ageing but little is known about whether this arises from changes in stem-cell heterogeneity. Here, in homeostatic skeletal muscle, we identify two quiescent stem-cell states distinguished by relative CD34 expression: CD34High, with stemness properties (genuine state), and CD34Low, committed to myogenic differentiation (primed state). The genuine-quiescent state is unexpectedly preserved into later life, succumbing only in extreme old age due to the acquisition of primed-state traits. Niche-derived IGF1-dependent Akt activation debilitates the genuine stem-cell state by imposing primed-state features via FoxO inhibition. Interventions to neutralize Akt and promote FoxO activity drive a primed-to-genuine state conversion, whereas FoxO inactivation deteriorates the genuine state at a young age, causing regenerative failure of muscle, as occurs in geriatric mice. These findings reveal transcriptional determinants of stem-cell heterogeneity that resist ageing more than previously anticipated and are only lost in extreme old age, with implications for the repair of geriatric muscle.

Automated Macro Approach to Quantify Synapse Density in 2D Confocal Images from Fixed Immunolabeled Neural Tissue Sections.

This chapter describes an ImageJ/Fiji automated macro approach to estimate synapse densities in 2D fluorescence confocal microscopy images. The main step-by-step imaging workflow is explained, including example macro language scripts that perform all steps automatically for multiple images. Such tool provides a straightforward method for exploratory synapse screenings where hundreds to thousands of images need to be analyzed in order to render significant statistical information. The method can be adapted to any particular set of images where fixed brain slices have been immunolabeled against validated presynaptic and postsynaptic markers.

Automated Macro Approach to Remove Vitelline Membrane Autofluorescence in Drosophila Embryo 4D Movies.

This chapter provides an ImageJ/Fiji automated macro approach to remove the vitelline membrane autofluorescence in live Drosophila embryo movies acquired in a 4D (3D plus time) fashion. The procedure consists in a segmentation pipeline that can cope with different relative intensities of the vitelline membrane autofluorescence, followed by a developed algorithm that adjusts the extracted outline selection to the shape deformations that naturally occur during Drosophila embryo development. Finally, the fitted selection is used to clear the external glowing halo that, otherwise, would obscure the visualization of the internal embryo labeling upon projection or 3D rendering.

Student nurses at Spanish universities and their attitude toward xenotransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Recent immunological and transgenic advances are a promising alternative using limited materials of human origin for transplantation. However, it is essential to achieve social acceptance of this therapy. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude of nursing students from Spanish universities toward organ xenotransplantation (XTx) and to determine the factors affecting their attitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Type of study: A sociological, multicentre, and observational study. STUDY POPULATION: Nursing students enrolled in Spain (n = 28,000). SAMPLE SIZE: A sample of 10 566 students estimating a proportion of 76% (99% confidence and precision of ±1%), stratified by geographical area and year of study. Instrument of measurement: A validated questionnaire (PCID-XenoTx-RIOS) was handed out to every student in a compulsory session. This survey was self-administered and self-completed voluntarily and anonymously by each student in a period of 5-10 min. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: descriptive analysis, Student's t test, the chi-square test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A completion rate: 84% (n = 8913) was obtained. If the results of XTx were as good as in human donation, 74% (n = 6564) would be in favor and 22% (n = 1946) would have doubts. The following variables affected this attitude: age (P < 0.001); sex (P < 0.001); geographical location (P < 0.001); academic year of study (P < 0.001); attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (P < 0.001); discussion of transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) and friends (P < 0.001); and the opinion of one's partner (P < 0.001). The following variables persisted in the multivariate analysis: being a male (OR = 1.436; P < 0.001); geographical location (OR = 1.937; P < 0.001); an attitude in favor of donation (OR = 1.519; P < 0.001); belief in the possibility of needing a transplant (OR = 1.497; P = 0.036); and having spoken about the issue with family (OR = 1.351; P < 0.001) or friends (OR = 1.240; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of nursing students toward organ XTx is favorable and is associated with factors of general knowledge about organ donation and transplantation and social interaction.

Visión de la felicidad de profesionales de Enfermería en el desarrollo de su práctica profesional / View of happiness among nurses in the development of their professional practice

Objetivo: explorar la vivencia de la profesión enfermera y el impacto que esta tiene en la felicidad. Método: estudio cualitativo desarrollado a través de un grupo de discusión. Se realizó un muestreo intencional buscando perfiles representativos de la realidad enfermera en función del ámbito profesional, género, edad y años de experiencia, estableciendo como criterios de inclusión que los participantes fueran trabajadores en activo y desempeñaran su actividad profesional en la Comunidad de Madrid. Resultados: se encontraron cuatro categorías: definición de felicidad, felicidad con la profesión, factores relacionados con la felicidad en la profesión enfermera y perspectivas de futuro. Los participantes describen que lo que hace felices a las enfermeras es el cuidado del otro, el trato cercano y directo con los pacientes, sin influir el ámbito de trabajo o servicio donde desarrollan su labor, siempre que haya sido elegido por ellas. Finalmente, destacan que en el ámbito colectivo hay una situación de desafección profesional, principalmente motivada por la estructura donde trabajan y la gestión que se realiza de su trabajo. Conclusión: en el ámbito individual, el acto de cuidar a otro se ve como el factor fundamental que genera felicidad en las enfermeras, no presentando influencia el ámbito donde se desarrolla, siempre y cuando sean estas las que tengan el control de su vida profesional y el ambiente sea el adecuado. Sin embargo, desde un punto de vista colectivo, la profesión enfermera parece estar viviendo un momento de infelicidad, principalmente motivado por aspectos estructurales y de gestión de su actividad laboral

Objective: to explore the experience of the Nursing profession and its impact on happiness. Method: a qualitative study conducted through a discussion group. Intentional sampling was conducted, looking for profiles representative of the Nursing reality, based on their professional setting, gender, age, and years of experience. The inclusion criteria established were: participants should be currently working, and conducting their professional activity in the Community of Madrid. Results: four categories were found: definition of happiness, happiness with the profession, factors associated with happiness in the Nursing profession, and future prospects. The participants described that what makes nurses happy is caring for others, the close and direct contact with patients, without any influence by the setting of work or unit where they conducted their work, as long as it had been chosen by them. Finally, they pointed out that in the collective setting there is a situation of professional disaffection, mainly motivated by the structure where they work and the management of their work. Conclusion: in the individual setting, the act of caring for others is seen as the essential factor that generates happiness in nurses, without any influence by the setting where this is conducted, as long as nurses have control over their professional life and the environment is adequate. However, from a collective point of view, the nursing profession seems to be going through a moment of unhappiness, mainly motivated by structural and management aspects regarding their work activity