Synthesis of copolyesters based on substituted and non-substituted lactones towards the control of their crystallinity and their potential effect on hydrolytic degradation in the design of soft medical devices.

A series of copolymers based on ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) in combination with lactone monomers substituted with alkyl groups (4 and 6 carbon atoms), specifically δ-decalactone (δ-DL), ε-decalactone (ε-DL) and δ-dodecalactone (δ-DD), as well as a copolymer using two substituted lactone monomers with alkyl groups (ε-DL and δ-DD) were synthesized in different molar ratios. The objective of the synthesis of these copolymers was to evaluate the effects of branching in the polymer backbone on the crystallinity and the thermal properties of the synthesized materials. All copolymers were obtained via ring-opening polymerization with high conversion values for both comonomers using neodymium isopropoxide (Nd(i-Pr)3) as the initiator, and their compositions were determined by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The molar masses (M n and M w) and distributions were obtained by GPC measurements. Such measurements showed that a majority of the copolymers exhibited dispersities (Ɖ) in the range of 1.2-1.6 and M n in the range of 15-40 kDa. First- and second-order transitions such as melting, crystallization and glass transition, as well as the crystallization degree (melting enthalpy), were determined by DSC analysis. Copolymers based on ε-CL developed interesting behaviors, wherein the copolymers with higher percentages of this monomer exhibited semicrystalline behavior, while the copolymers with a higher percentage of the comonomers ε-DL, δ-DL or δ-DD showed amorphous behavior. In contrast, the copolymers synthesized using both monomers from the alkyl group-substituted lactone developed fully amorphous features, regardless of their composition. These changes in the crystalline features of the synthesized copolymers suggest that the content of short branchings on the copolymer backbone will significantly modify their rates of hydrolytic degradation and their potential use in the development of different soft medical devices.

Realizing Relational Preferences Through Transforming Interpersonal Patterns.

Family therapy has often been conceptualized as a conversational process whereby therapists and clients generate new meanings. Based on a 3-year study of conversational practices observable in successful family therapy processes of Chilean families with a child/adolescent who is engaged in disruptive behaviors, we looked for clinical examples of Transforming Interpersonal Patterns (TIPs). TIPs are a key aspect of the IPscope, a framework we used to explore the meaning-making processes in family therapy. TIPs constitute a novel approach to explore therapeutic processes by identifying empirically traceable conversational practices involved in generating "new meanings." TIPs are involved in bringing forth and discursively articulating ("talking-into-being") clients' preferred ways of relating and living (i.e., relational preferences or RPs). We analyze conversational data from successful family therapy sessions/treatments, and present an emergent model of five categories of conversational practices making up TIPs, namely: Preparatory TIPs, Identifier TIPs, Tracker TIPs, Transformer TIPs, and Consolidator TIPs. We have called them "realizers" because these conversational practices help families talk-into-being (or "make real") particular relational preferences. We also offer user-friendly descriptors of realizers' subcategories (e.g., Measuring TIPs) which may help practitioners to recognize, learn, and perform these conversational invitations. Theoretical consequences and future lines of research are discussed.

La terapia familiar generalmente se ha conceptualizado como un proceso conversacional por medio del cual los terapeutas y los pacientes generan nuevos significados. Basándose en un estudio de tres años de prácticas conversacionales observables en procesos satisfactorios de terapia familiar de familias chilenas con un niño/adolescente que tiene comportamientos disruptivos, buscamos ejemplos clínicos de patrones interpersonales transformadores (PIT). Estos patrones son un aspecto clave del "IPscope" o instrumento de evaluación de los patrones interpersonales (Tomm, St. George, Wulff, & Strong, 2014), un marco que usamos para analizar los procesos de creación de significado en la terapia familiar. Los patrones interpersonales transformadores constituyen un enfoque innovador para analizar los procesos terapéuticos mediante el reconocimiento de prácticas conversacionales fáciles de seguir empíricamente que participan en la generación de "significados nuevos". Los patrones interpersonales transformadores intervienen en la presentación y la articulación discursiva ("convencer de crear") de las manersa preferidas de los pacientes de relacionarse y vivir (p. ej.: preferencias relacionales o PR). Analizamos datos conversacionales de sesiones/tratamientos satisfactorios de terapia familiar y presentamos un modelo emergente de cinco categorías de prácticas conversacionales que constituyen patrones interpersonales transformadores, por ejemplo: PIT preparatorios, PIT identificadores, PIT localizadores, PIT transformadores y PIT consolidadores. Los hemos llamado "realizadores" porque estas prácticas conversacionales ayudan a las familias a convencerlas de crear (o a "hacer realidad") preferencias relacionales particulares. También ofrecemos descriptores fáciles de usar de las subcategorías de los realizadores (p. ej.: PIT de medición) que pueden ayudar a los profesionales a reconocer, aprender y llevar a cabo estas invitaciones conversacionales. Se debaten las consecuencias teóricas y las futuras líneas de investigación.

Nanostructured platelet-rich plasma: state of art in dental treatments / Plasma-rico em plaquetas nanoestruturado: estado da arte nos tratamentos dentais

Objectives: Reviewing information available about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied to dental treatments, introducing the general concept of PRP, as well as analyzing actual data about, and challenges faced by, the dental field. Data & sources: The current study analyzed the most informative publications about PRP application available in this field and gathered the maximum information about it as possible. Conclusions: PRP use, either alone or in association with other biomaterials, can significantly favor different fields such as tissue engineering, since it is an innovative technique that attracts the interest of clinicians and basic scientists. However, it is necessary conducting better designed and controlled experiments to enable successful tissue healing based on PRP use. Clinical significance: The current review can be used by clinicians as source of information about the actual rules and protocols adopted in the herein addressed field, besides providing specific examples of such applications. (AU)

Objetivos: Revisar as informações disponíveis sobre o plasma-rico em plaquetas (PRP) aplicado a tratamentos odontológicos, introduzir o conceito geral de PRP e analisar dados reais sobre os desafios enfrentados pelo campo odontológico. Dados e fontes: O presente estudo analisou as publicações mais informativas sobre a aplicação do PRP disponíveis neste campo e reuniu o máximo de informações possível. Conclusões: O uso do PRP, isoladamente ou em associação com outros biomateriais, pode favorecer significativamente diferentes campos, como a engenharia de tecidos, uma vez que é uma técnica inovadora que atrai o interesse de clínicos e cientistas básicos. No entanto, é necessário realizar experimentos mais bem projetados e controlados para permitir a cura bem-sucedida dos tecidos com base no uso do PRP. Significado clínico: A revisão atual pode ser usada pelos médicos como fonte de informações sobre as regras e protocolos atuais adotados no campo aqui tratado, além de fornecer exemplos específicos de tais aplicações.(AU)

Feasibility of Implementing Group Well Baby/Well Woman Dyad Care at Federally Qualified Health Centers.

OBJECTIVE: Group care has been shown to be effective for delivery of infant well child care. Centering Parenting (CP) is a model of group dyad care for mothers and infants. CP might improve quality and efficiency of preventive care, particularly for low-income families. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) might be optimal sites for implementation, however, facilitators and barriers might be unique. The aim of this qualitative study was to assess stakeholder perspectives on the feasibility of implementing CP in FQHCs in Baltimore. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with mothers, clinicians, staff, and administrators recruited from 2 FQHCs using purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and uploaded to Atlas.ti version 7.0 (Atlas.ti Scientific Software Development, GmbH Berlin, Germany) for analysis. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, 2 investigators coded the transcripts. Matrices of key codes were developed to identify themes and patterns across stakeholder groups. RESULTS: Interviews were completed with 26 mothers and 16 clinicians, staff, and administrators. Most participants considered CP desirable. Facilitators included: peer support and education, emphasis on maternal wellness, and increased patient and clinician satisfaction. Barriers included: exposure to "others," scheduling and coordination of care, productivity, training requirements, and cost. Parenting experience did not appear to affect perspectives on CP. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions regarding facilitators and barriers to CP implementation in FQHCs are similar to existing group well-child care literature. The benefit of emphasis on maternal wellness is a unique finding. Maternal wellness integration might make CP a particularly desirable model for implementation at FQHCs, but potential systems barriers must be addressed.

Silver nanoparticles in dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively studied for their antimicrobial properties, which provide an extensive applicability in dentistry. Because of this increasing interest in AgNPs, the objective of this paper was to review their use in nanocomposites; implant coatings; pre-formulation with antimicrobial activity against cariogenic pathogens, periodontal biofilm, fungal pathogens and endodontic bacteria; and other applications such as treatment of oral cancer and local anesthesia. Recent achievements in the study of the mechanism of action and the most important toxicological aspects are also presented. METHODS: Systematic searches were carried out in Web of Science (ISI), Google, PubMed, SciFinder and EspaceNet databases with the keywords "silver nano* or AgNP*" and "dentist* or dental* or odontol*". RESULTS: A total of 155 peer-reviewed articles were reviewed. Most of them were published in the period of 2012-2017, demonstrating that this topic currently represents an important trend in dentistry research. In vitro studies reveal the excellent antimicrobial activity of AgNPs when associated with dental materials such as nanocomposites, acrylic resins, resin co-monomers, adhesives, intracanal medication, and implant coatings. Moreover, AgNPs were demonstrated to be interesting tools in the treatment of oral cancers due to their antitumor properties. SIGNIFICANCE: The literature indicates that AgNPs are a promising system with important features such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, and a potential carrier in sustained drug delivery. However, there are some aspects of the mechanisms of action of AgNPs, and some important toxicological aspects arising from the use of this system that must be completely elucidated.

Molecular identification of Anisakis and Hysterothylacium larvae in commercial cephalopods from the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of nematode larvae in commercial cephalopods in the Western Mediterranean Sea. A total of 202 animals comprising 123 broadtail shortfin squid (Illex coindetii), 34 European squid (Loligo vulgaris) and 45 common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) were examined using enzymatic digestion. A total of 31 larvae were isolated (prevalence: 14.6%) and identified using molecular analyses which included PCR and sequencing of the ITS (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2) region. Phylogenetic tree inferred from ITS sequences yielded supported relationships for Anisakis (P: 12.2%) and Hysterothylacium species (P: 4.1%). All parasites were found parasitizing I. coindetii and, as expected, A. pegreffii presented the highest prevalence (11.4%). A. physeteris was also found with a lower prevalence (1.6%) but confirming the role of the broadtail shortfin squid as paratenic host and, its potential host for anisakidosis transmission. A hybrid larva between Anisakis simplex and A. pegreffi was also identified. All Anisakis larvae were found within the visceral cavity; in contrast most of the Hysterothylacium larvae were isolated from the mantle. A significant correlation was found between total nematode prevalence and depth, explained by the presence of larger broadtail shortfin squids inhabiting deeper depths. Therefore, the results obtained in the present study improve the knowledge of the occurrence of Anisakis and Hysterothylacium species in the I. coindetii from the Spanish Mediterranean Sea highlighting the importance of considering I. coindetii as a potential hazard for humans if it is consumed raw or not well cooked and the need of further research in other cephalopods.

Advances in Dental Materials through Nanotechnology: Facts, Perspectives and Toxicological Aspects.

Nanotechnology is currently driving the dental materials industry to substantial growth, thus reflecting on improvements in materials available for oral prevention and treatment. The present review discusses new developments in nanotechnology applied to dentistry, focusing on the use of nanomaterials for improving the quality of oral care, the perspectives of research in this arena, and discussions on safety concerns regarding the use of dental nanomaterials. Details are provided on the cutting-edge properties (morphological, antibacterial, mechanical, fluorescence, antitumoral, and remineralization and regeneration potential) of polymeric, metallic and inorganic nano-based materials, as well as their use as nanocluster fillers, in nanocomposites, mouthwashes, medicines, and biomimetic dental materials. Nanotoxicological aspects, clinical applications, and perspectives for these nanomaterials are also discussed.

Quantum chemical characterization of zwitterionic structures: Supramolecular complexes for modifying the wettability of oil-water-limestone system.

In this work, we present a quantum chemical study pertaining to some supramolecular complexes acting as wettability modifiers of oil-water-limestone system. The complexes studied are derived from zwitterionic liquids of the types N'-alkyl-bis, N-alquenil, N-cycloalkyl, N-amyl-bis-beta amino acid or salts acting as sparkling agents. We studied two molecules of zwitterionic liquids (ZL10 and ZL13), HOMO and LUMO levels, and the energy gap between them, were calculated, as well as the electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP), chemical potential, chemical hardness, chemical electrophilicity index and selectivity descriptors such Fukui indices. In this work, electrochemical comparison was realized with cocamidopropyl betaine (CPB), which is a structure zwitterionic liquid type, nowadays widely applied in enhanced recovery processes.

Decomposition of repetition priming processes in word translation.

Translation in fluent bilinguals requires comprehension of a stimulus word and subsequent production, or retrieval and articulation, of the response word. Four repetition-priming experiments with Spanish­English bilinguals (N = 274) decomposed these processes using selective facilitation to evaluate their unique priming contributions and factorial combination to evaluate the degree of process overlap or dependence. In Experiment 1, symmetric priming between semantic classification and translation tasks indicated that bilinguals do not covertly translate words during semantic classification. In Experiments 2 and 3, semantic classification of words and word-cued picture drawing facilitated word-comprehension processes of translation, and picture naming facilitated word-production processes. These effects were independent, consistent with a sequential model and with the conclusion that neither semantic classification nor word-cued picture drawing elicits covert translation. Experiment 4 showed that 2 tasks involving word-retrieval processes--written word translation and picture naming--had subadditive effects on later translation. Incomplete transfer from written translation to spoken translation indicated that preparation for articulation also benefited from repetition in the less-fluent language.