Remaining microtia tissue as a source for 3D bioprinted elastic cartilage tissue constructs, potential use for surgical microtia reconstruction.

The absence of ears in children is a global problem. An implant made of costal cartilage is the standard procedure for ear reconstruction; however, side effects such as pneumothorax, loss of thoracic cage shape, and respiratory complications have been documented. Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows the generation of biocompatible scaffolds that mimic the shape, mechanical strength, and architecture of the native extracellular matrix necessary to promote new elastic cartilage formation. We report the potential use of a 3D-bioprinted poly-ε-caprolactone (3D-PCL) auricle-shaped framework seeded with remaining human microtia chondrocytes for the development of elastic cartilage for autologous microtia ear reconstruction. An in vivo assay of the neo-tissue formed revealed the generation of a 3D pinna-shaped neo-tissue, and confirmed the formation of elastic cartilage by the presence of type II collagen and elastin with histological features and a protein composition consistent with normal elastic cartilage. According to our results, a combination of 3D-PCL auricle frameworks and autologous microtia remnant tissue generates a suitable pinna structure for autologous ear reconstruction.

Epidemiology Update of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Uruguay: Subtyping, Environmental Surveillance and Zoonotic Transmission.

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection is an emergent zoonotic disease of increasing concern in developed regions. HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) is mainly transmitted through consumption of contaminated food in high-income countries and is classified into at least 13 subtypes (3a-3n), based on p-distance values from complete genomes. In Latin America, HEV epidemiology studies are very scant. Our group has previously detected HEV3 in clinical cases, swine, wild boars, captive white-collared peccaries, and spotted deer from Uruguay. Herein, we aimed to provide novel insights and an updated overview of the molecular epidemiology of zoonotic HEV in Uruguay, including data from wastewater-based surveillance studies. A thorough analysis of HEV whole genomes and partial ORF2 sequences from Uruguayan human and domestic pig strains showed that they formed a separate monophyletic cluster with high nucleotide identity and exhibited p-distance values over the established cut-off (0.093) compared with reference subtypes' sequences. Furthermore, we found an overall prevalence of 10.87% (10/92) in wastewater, where two samples revealed a close relationship with humans, and animal reservoirs/hosts isolates from Uruguay. In conclusion, a single, new HEV-3 subtype currently circulates in different epidemiological settings in Uruguay, and we propose its designation as 3o along with its reference sequence.

Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 genomic populations on a country-wide scale through targeted sequencing.

SARS-CoV-2 surveillance of viral populations in wastewater samples is recognized as a useful tool for monitoring epidemic waves and boosting health preparedness. Next generation sequencing of viral RNA isolated from wastewater is a convenient and cost-effective strategy to understand the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and provide insights on the population dynamics of viral variants at the community level. However, in low- and middle-income countries, isolated groups have performed wastewater monitoring and data has not been extensively shared in the scientific community. Here we report the results of monitoring the co-circulation and abundance of variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 in Uruguay, a small country in Latin America, between November 2020-July 2021 using wastewater surveillance. RNA isolated from wastewater was characterized by targeted sequencing of the Receptor Binding Domain region within the spike gene. Two computational approaches were used to track the viral variants. The results of the wastewater analysis showed the transition in the overall predominance of viral variants in wastewater from No-VOCs to successive VOCs, in agreement with clinical surveillance from sequencing of nasal swabs. The mutations K417T, E484K and N501Y, that characterize the Gamma VOC, were detected as early as December 2020, several weeks before the first clinical case was reported. Interestingly, a non-synonymous mutation described in the Delta VOC, L452R, was detected at a very low frequency since April 2021 when using a recently described sequence analysis tool (SAM Refiner). Wastewater NGS-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 is a reliable and complementary tool for monitoring the introduction and prevalence of VOCs at a community level allowing early public health decisions. This approach allows the tracking of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, who are generally under-reported in countries with limited clinical testing capacity. Our results suggests that wastewater-based epidemiology can contribute to improving public health responses in low- and middle-income countries.

Evaluation of the Biocompatibility and Osteogenic Properties of Metal Oxide Coatings Applied by Magnetron Sputtering as Potential Biofunctional Surface Modifications for Orthopedic Implants.

Biomaterials with adequate properties to direct a biological response are essential for orthopedic and dental implants. The surface properties are responsible for the biological response; thus, coatings with biologically relevant properties such as osteoinduction are exciting options to tailor the surface of different bulk materials. Metal oxide coatings such as TiO2, ZrO2, Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 have been suggested as promising for orthopedic and dental implants. However, a comparative study among them is still missing to select the most promising for bone-growth-related applications. In this work, using magnetron sputtering, TiO2, ZrO2, Ta2O5, and Nb2O5 thin films were deposited on Si (100) substrates. The coatings were characterized by Optical Profilometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Water Contact Angle measurements, and Surface Free Energy calculations. The cell adhesion, viability, proliferation, and differentiation toward the osteoblastic phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells plated on the coatings were measured to define the biological response. Results confirmed that all coatings were biocompatible. However, a more significant number of cells and proliferative cells were observed on Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 compared to TiO2 and ZrO2. Nevertheless, Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 seemed to induce cell differentiation toward the osteoblastic phenotype in a longer cell culture time than TiO2 and ZrO2.

Degradation Behavior and Mechanical Integrity of a Mg-0.7Zn-0.6Ca (wt.%) Alloy: Effect of Grain Sizes and Crystallographic Texture.

The microstructural characteristics of biodegradable Mg alloys determine their performance and appropriateness for orthopedic fixation applications. In this work, the effect of the annealing treatment of a Mg-0.7Zn-0.6Ca (ZX11) alloy on the mechanical integrity, corrosive behavior, and biocompatibility-osteoinduction was studied considering two annealing temperatures, 350 and 450 °C. The microstructure showed a recrystallized structure, with a lower number of precipitates, grain size, and stronger basal texture for the ZX11-350 condition than the ZX11-450. The characteristics mentioned above induce a higher long-term degradation rate for the ZX11-450 than the ZX11-350 on days 7th and 15th of immersion. In consequence, the mechanical integrity changes within this period. The increased degradation rate of the ZX11-450 condition reduces 40% the elongation at failure, in contrast with the 16% reduction for the ZX11-350 condition. After that period, the mechanical integrity remained unchanged. No cytotoxic effects were observed for both treatments and significant differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into the osteoblast phenotype was observed.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de adherencia terapéutica basada en comportamientos explícitos / Psychometric properties of the therapeutic adherence scale based on explicit behaviors

RESUMEN Fundamento: El estudio de la Adherencia Terapéutica es de vital importancia si se quiere que un paciente con condiciones crónicas se ciña a un esquema de tratamiento y es una de las áreas de investigación en la psicología, que permite la exploración e investigación para la implementación de pautas en esta área, por lo que contar con instrumentos que tengan adecuadas propiedades psicométricas facilita la labor de conocimiento sobre el tema. Objetivo: En esta investigación, se estudiaron las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Adherencia Terapéutica, en personas con diferentes enfermedades. Método: Se realizaron análisis factoriales, uno inicial de tipo exploratorio y luego uno de tipo confirmatorio. Se obtuvieron los estadísticos de bondad, así como la confiabilidad y la validez de la escala en su versión final. Resultados: En una primera fase se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio con 193 participantes; los reactivos tuvieron un buen ajuste, agrupándose en una estructura de dos factores. En una segunda fase se confirmó la estructura de la EAT con 231 participantes. Los resultados demuestran que los estadísticos de bondad de ajuste fueron buenos; la confiabilidad de la EAT (Factor 1 α = 0,93, Factor 2 α = 0,76 y fiabilidad global α = 0,83), es adecuada con dos factores. En la tercera fase, se efectuaron análisis descriptivos, se compararon algunas variables sociodemográficas y se realizaron correlaciones entre variables, demostrándose que hay diferencias significativas por la presencia o no de hijos y que el puntaje total de la EAT se relaciona con la edad, la escolaridad y el número de hijos. Conclusiones: La EAT, tiene adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para su utilización en investigación sobre la adherencia al tratamiento en algunas condiciones médicas y probó que su modelo en dos factores, tiene adecuada bondad de ajuste.

ABSTRACT Foundation: the study of therapeutic adherence is of vital importance to ensure that a patient with chronic conditions adheres to a treatment scheme. This is a research area of psychology, which allows exploration for the implementation of guidelines in this regard. Having instruments that have adequate psychometric properties facilitates the work of knowledge on the subject. Objective: to describe psychometric properties of the therapeutic adherence scale, in people with different diseases. Methods: analyzes of factors were performed, an initial exploratory and then a confirmatory one. Goodness statistics were obtained, as well as the reliability and validity of the scale in its final version. Results: an exploratory factor analysis (first phase) was carried out with 193 participants; the reactive had a good fit, grouping into a two-factor structure. In a second phase, the scale structure was confirmed with 231 participants. Goodness-of-fit statistics were good; the scale reliability (factor 1 α = 0.93; factor 2 α = 0.76 and overall reliability α = 0.83), is adequate with two factors. In the third phase, descriptive analyzes, correlations between variables were carried out and some sociodemographic variables were compared. There were significant differences due to the presence or not of children; the total scale score is related to age, schooling and the number of children. Conclusions: the therapeutic adherence scale has adequate psychometric properties to be used in research on treatment adherence in some medical conditions; its two-factor model has adequate goodness of fit.

Understanding the factors influencing the implementation of participatory interventions to improve care coordination. An analytical framework based on an evaluation in Latin America.

Healthcare coordination is considered key to improving care quality. Although participatory action research (PAR) has been used effectively to bridge the gap between evidence and practice in other areas, little is known about the key success factors of its use in healthcare organizations. This article analyses the factors influencing the implementation of PAR interventions to improve clinical coordination from the perspective of actors in public healthcare networks of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study was conducted in each country's healthcare network. Focus groups and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to a criterion sample of: local steering committee (LSC) (29), professional platform (PP) (28), health professionals (49) and managers (28). Thematic content analysis was conducted, segmented by country and themes. The PAR process led by the LSC covered the return of baseline results, selection of problems and interventions and design, implementation and adjustment of the intervention, with PP. Interventions were implemented to improve communication and clinical agreement between primary and secondary care. Results reveal that contextual factors, the PAR process and the intervention's content influenced their implementation, interacting across time. First, institutional support providing necessary resources, and professionals' and managers' willingness to participate, emerge as contextual pivotal factors, influenced by other factors related to: the system (alignment with policy and political cycle), networks (lack of time due to work overload and inadequate working conditions) and individuals (not knowing each other and mutual mistrust). Second, different characteristics of the PAR process have a bearing, in turn, on institutional support and professionals' motivation: participation, flexibility, consensual decision-making, the LSC's leadership and the facilitating role of researchers. Evidence is provided that implementation through an adequate PAR process can become a factor of motivation and cohesion that is crucial to the adoption of care coordination interventions, leading to better results when certain contextual factors converge.

Conocimiento y uso de mecanismos de coordinación clínica de servicios de salud de Latinoamérica / Knowledge and use of clinical coordination mechanisms in healthcare networks in Latin America

OBJETIVO: Analizar el nivel de conocimiento y uso, y las características del uso, de los mecanismos de coordinación clínica entre niveles de atención en redes de servicios de salud de seis países de Latinoamérica. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta, usando el cuestionario COORDENA®, a médicos de atención primaria y especializada (tamaño estimado: 348 médicos/país) de redes sanitarias públicas de Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, México y Uruguay (mayo-octubre 2015). Variables analizadas: conocimiento y uso de mecanismos de coordinación de la información (hoja de referencia/contrarreferencia-interconsulta [HRCR], informe de alta hospitalaria, teléfono, correo electrónico) y de la gestión clínica (guías de práctica clínica y reuniones conjuntas). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. RESULTADOS: El conocimiento de los mecanismos de coordinación de la información es alto en ambos niveles de atención en las redes analizadas, así como también el uso de la HRCR. Existe mayor variabilidad en el envío del informe de alta hospitalaria (del 40,0% en Brasil al 79,4% en México) y, excepto en Argentina, destaca su baja recepción por los médicos de atención primaria (12,3% en Colombia y 55,1% en Uruguay). En cambio, el conocimiento de los mecanismos de coordinación de la gestión clínica es limitado, en especial entre los médicos de atención especializada. Llama la atención la alta adherencia a las guías de práctica clínica (del 83,1% en México al 96,8% en Brasil), mientras que la participación en reuniones conjuntas varía ampliamente (del 23,7% en Chile al 76,2% en Brasil). Las dificultades para la utilización de los mecanismos se refieren a factores estructurales y organizativos. CONCLUSIONES: El conocimiento y el uso limitados de los mecanismos de coordinación parecen reflejar su escasa difusión e implementación. Son necesarias estrategias que promuevan su uso, interviniendo sobre los factores determinantes

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge and use, and the characteristics of use, of care coordination mechanisms in public healthcare networks of six Latin America countries. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey using the COORDENA® questionnaire with primary and secondary care doctors (348 doctors/country) of public healthcare networks in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay (May-October 2015). Analyzed variables: degree of knowledge and use of information coordination (referral/reply letter, discharge report, phone, e-mail) and of clinical management coordination (shared clinical guidelines, joint meetings) mechanisms. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Knowledge of clinical information coordination mechanisms was high in both care levels and analyzed networks as was the use of referral/reply letter. There was greater variability in the use of discharge reports (from 40.0% in Brazil to 79.4% in Mexico) and, except for Argentina, a low reception reported by primary care doctors stands out (12.3% in Colombia and 55.1% in Uruguay). In contrast, knowledge of clinical management coordination mechanisms was limited, especially among secondary care doctors. It is noteworthy, however, that adherence to clinical guidelines was high (from 83.1% in Mexico to 96.8% in Brazil), while participation in joint meetings varied widely (from 23.7% in Chile to 76.2% in Brazil). The difficulties reported in the use of the mechanisms are related to structural and organizational factors. CONCLUSIONS: The limited knowledge and use of coordination mechanisms shows insufficient diffusion and implementation. Strategies to increase its use are needed, including the related factors

Early Expression of Neuronal Dopaminergic Markers in a Parkinson's Disease Model in Rats Implanted with Enteric Stem Cells (ENSCs).

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder affecting the dopaminergic (DAergic) system. Replacement therapy is a promising alternative aimed at reconstructing the cytoarchitecture of affected brain regions in PD. Experimental approaches, such as the replacement of DAergic neurons with cells obtained from the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVE: To establish and characterize a cell replacement strategy with ENS Cells (ENSCs) in a PD model in rats. METHODS: Since ENSCs can develop mature DAergic phenotypes, here we cultured undifferentiated cells from the myenteric plexus of newborn rats, establishing that they exhibit multipotential characteristics. These cells were characterized and further implanted in the Substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of adult rats previously lesioned by a retrograde degenerative model produced by intrastriatal injection of 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). DAergic markers were assessed in implants to validate their viability and possible differentiation once implanted. RESULTS: Cell cultures were viable, exhibited stem cell features and remained partially undifferentiated until the time of implant. The retrograde lesion induced by 6-OHDA produced DAergic denervation, reducing the number of fibers and cells in the SNpc. Implantation of ENSCs in the SNpc of 6-OHDAlesioned rats was tracked after 5 and 10 days post-implant. During that time, the implant increased selective neuronal and DAergic markers, Including Microtubule-Associated Protein 2 (MAP-2), Dopamine Transporter (DAT), and Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH). CONCLUSION: Our novel results suggest that ENSCs possess a differentiating, proliferative and restorative potential that may offer therapeutic modalities to attenuate neurodegenerative events with the inherent demise of DAergic neurons.

[Knowledge and use of clinical coordination mechanisms in healthcare networks in Latin America]. / Conocimiento y uso de mecanismos de coordinación clínica de servicios de salud de Latinoamérica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of knowledge and use, and the characteristics of use, of care coordination mechanisms in public healthcare networks of six Latin America countries. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey using the COORDENA® questionnaire with primary and secondary care doctors (348 doctors/country) of public healthcare networks in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay (May-October 2015). Analyzed variables: degree of knowledge and use of information coordination (referral/reply letter, discharge report, phone, e-mail) and of clinical management coordination (shared clinical guidelines, joint meetings) mechanisms. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Knowledge of clinical information coordination mechanisms was high in both care levels and analyzed networks as was the use of referral/reply letter. There was greater variability in the use of discharge reports (from 40.0% in Brazil to 79.4% in Mexico) and, except for Argentina, a low reception reported by primary care doctors stands out (12.3% in Colombia and 55.1% in Uruguay). In contrast, knowledge of clinical management coordination mechanisms was limited, especially among secondary care doctors. It is noteworthy, however, that adherence to clinical guidelines was high (from 83.1% in Mexico to 96.8% in Brazil), while participation in joint meetings varied widely (from 23.7% in Chile to 76.2% in Brazil). The difficulties reported in the use of the mechanisms are related to structural and organizational factors. CONCLUSIONS: The limited knowledge and use of coordination mechanisms shows insufficient diffusion and implementation. Strategies to increase its use are needed, including the related factors.

Occurrence of tumors among gastropods Plicopurpura pansa (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) in the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico.

In order to evaluate the health of Plicopurpura pansa, a species considered vulnerable, a population of this gastropod living in proximity to the port of greatest cargo movement in Mexico was monitored seasonally during 1 year. Morphometric characteristics and sexual proportion were recorded. A macroscopic analysis was carried out to detect malformations and imposex; a histological analysis was performed to evaluate disseminated and gonadal neoplasias; the presence/absence in soft tissues of butyltin species (BTs) as possible contamination agents was also estimated. A total of 508 P. pansa specimens were collected. The largest specimens were obtained in winter. The coefficients of determination inside the port were low (R2 = 0.453). In general, there was a greater proportion of females than males throughout the year. Distinctive foot malformations (tumors) were recorded, but without signs of imposex. The histological examination confirmed the presence of disseminated neoplasias in the foot and gonads of P. pansa in the Port of Manzanillo. The comparative analysis of the morphological and histological features of the studied gastropod population allowed us to recognize impact patterns in relation to proximity to the port. There were high concentrations of monobutyltin (MBT) and greater abundance of tumors in heavier specimens; this was associated with port proximity zones. P. pansa could therefore serve as a sensitive bioindicator of environmental health in marine systems.

Polyelectrolyte complex of Aloe vera, chitosan, and alginate produced fibroblast and lymphocyte viabilities and migration.

Chitosan, sodium alginate and gel of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) were employed for the preparation of polyelectrolyte complexes at pH 4 and 6. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis showed evidence on complexes formation and incorporation of the Aloe vera gel. The ζ potential determination of the polyelectrolyte complexes revealed the presence of surface charges in the range of -20 to -24 mV, which results in stable systems. The dynamic moduli exhibited a high dependence on angular frequency, which is commonly found in solutions of macromolecules. The materials showed human fibroblast and lymphocyte viabilities up to 90% in agreement with null cytotoxicity. The polyelectrolyte complexes at pH 6 with Ca2+ were stable, showed high water absorption, satisfactory morphology, pore size and rigidity, characteristics that allowed significant human fibroblast migration in wound closure in vitro assays.

In vitro and in vivo assessment of lactic acid-modified chitosan scaffolds for potential treatment of full-thickness burns.

Autologous skin transplantation is today's "gold standard" treatment for full-thickness burns. However, when > 30% of total body surface area is damaged, there is an important shortage of autologous donor sites for skin grafting; then, treatment alternatives become crucial. Such alternatives can be based on polymeric scaffolds capable of functioning as protective covers and cells/factors carriers. Chitosan (CTS) is a natural-derived polymer with relevant biological-related properties but poor mechanical performance. Improved mechanical properties can be achieved through lactic acid grafting (LA-g); nevertheless, LA-g affects the biological response towards the CTS-based materials. In this work, CTS-LA scaffolds with different LA-g percentages were synthesized and evaluated to determine appropriate LA-g degrees for full-thickness burns treatment. In vitro results indicated that the higher the LA-g percentage, the lower the capability of the scaffolds to sustain fibroblasts culture. Scaffolds with LA-g around 28% (CTS-LA28) sustained cell culture and allowed normal cell functionality. Further evaluation of CTS-LA28 as acellular and cellular grafts in a full-thickness burn mouse model showed that at 28 days post-burn, macroscopic characteristic of the reparation tissue were closer to healthy skin when cellular grafts were used for treatment; histological evaluation also showed that dermis cellularity and collagenous fibers structure were similar to those in healthy skin when cellular grafts were used for burns treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2875-2891, 2017.

Novel 2-arylazoimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi proliferation: Synthesis and evaluation of their biological activity.

In this work, the synthesis of a series of 2-arylazoimidazole derivatives 6-20 has been achieved through the reaction of imidazole with aryldiazonium salts, followed by ultrasound-assisted alkylation. This approach has important advantages including higher yield, shorter reaction times and milder reaction conditions. The structures of the compounds obtained were determined by MS, IR; and 1H and 13C NMR. The anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of the 15 compounds obtained was evaluated. Two compounds with piperidino substituents in the carboxamide moiety proved to be effective inhibitors of epimastigote proliferation, obtaining inhibition values comparable to those achieved with the reference drug Benznidazole. Besides, these compounds displayed low cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. In vivo, both compounds protected mice against a challenge with a lethal Trypanosoma cruzi strain. These results allow us to propose 2-arylazoimidazoles as lead compounds for the design of novel drugs to treat Chagas' disease.

ANÁLISIS DE LAS PROPIEDADES PSICOMÉTRICAS DE LA DIABETES EMPOWERMENT SCALE (DES-LF-S) EN ESPAÑOL / ANALYSIS OF THE PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE SPANISH VERSION OF THE DIABETES EMPOWERMENT SCALE (DES-LF-S)

El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Autoeficacia para la Diabetes, Versión Larga en español (DES-LF-S), con 528 adultos con diabetes. El análisis factorial confirmatorio revela que el modelo que mejor se ajusta a los datos en la muestra tiene una estructura de 3 factores y replica la estructura de la escala en su versión original. Los reactivos que componen la escala explicaron el 63.79% de la varianza. La escala demostró niveles satisfactorios de consistencia interna, obteniéndose un alfa de Cronbach de .96; adicionalmente se obtuvieron los percentiles para la interpretación de resultados individuales. Los hallazgos apoyan el uso de la DES-LF-S para evaluar la autoeficacia relacionada con la diabetes en adultos con la enfermedad.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of Anderson, Funnell, Fitzgerald y Marrero´s Diabetes Empowerment Scale, Long Form-Spanish (DES-LF-S), in 528 diabetic adults. The confirmatory factor analysis stated that the model that best adjust to the data has a tridimensional structure and replicates the structure of the scale in its original version. Items of the scale explained 63.79% of variance. The scale showed satisfactory levels of internal consistency, obtaining a Cronbach´s Alpha of .96; additionally percentiles for the interpretation of individual results were obtained. These findings support the use of DES-LF-S to evaluate self-efficacy related to diabetes in adults.

Biocompatibility of human auricular chondrocytes cultured onto a chitosan/polyvynil alcohol/epichlorohydrin-based hydrogel for tissue engineering application / Biocompatibilidad de condrocitos humanos cultivados sobre un hidrogel a base de quitosano/alcohol polivnílico/epiclorhidrina para aplicación en ingeniería de tejidos

Tissue engineering (TE) has become an alternative for auricular reconstruction based on the combination of cells, molecular signals and biomaterials. Scaffolds are biomaterials that provide structural support for cell attachment and subsequent tissue development. Ideally, a scaffold should have characteristics such as biocompatibility and bioactivity to adequate support cell functions. Our purpose was to evaluate biocompatibility of microtic auricular chondrocytes seeded onto a chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-epichlorohydrin (CS-PVA-ECH) hydrogel to propose this material as a scaffold for tissue engineering application. After being cultured onto CS-PVA-ECH hydrogels, auricular chondrocytes viability was up to 81%. SEM analysis showed cell attachment and extracellular matrix formation that was confirmed by IF detection of type II collagen and elastin, the main constituents of elastic cartilage. Expression of elastic cartilage molecular markers during in vitro expansion and during culture onto hydrogels allowed confirming auricular chondrocyte phenotype. In vivo assay of tissue formation revealed generation of neotissues with similar physical characteristics and protein composition to those found in elastic cartilage. According to our results, biocompatibility of the CS-PVA-ECH hydrogel makes it a suitable scaffold for tissue engineering application aimed to elastic cartilage regeneration.

La ingeniería de tejidos (TE) es una alternativa para la reconstrucción auricular basada en la combinación de células, señales moleculares y biomateriales. Los andamios fabricados con biomateriales brindan un soporte estructural que favorece la adhesión cellular y el desarrollo del tejido. Un andamio debe poseer características como biocompatibilidad y bioactividad para soportar adecuadamente funciones celulares. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la biocompatibilidad de condrocitos auriculares de microtia cultivados sobre un hidrogel a base de quitosano-alcohol polivinílico-epiclorhidrina (CS-PVA-ECH) y proponerlo como andamio con aplicaciones en ingeniería de tejidos. La viabilidad de los condrocitos auriculares es superior al 81% después de ser cultivados sobre el hidrogel. El análisis por SEM reveló la unión celular y formación de matriz extracellular sobre el hidrogel; confirmada mediante detección por IF de colágena tipo II y elastina. La expresión de marcadores moleculares durante la expansión in vitro y el cultivo sobre los hidrogeles confirmaron el fenotipo condral. El ensayo de formación de tejido in vivo demostró la generación de neotejidos con características físicas y composición similar al cartílago elástico. Nuestros resultados indican que la biocompatibilidad del hidrogel de CS-PVA-ECH lo hace un andamio adecuado para aplicaciones en ingeniería de tejidos enfocadas a regeneración de cartílago elástico.

An enteric nervous system progenitor cell implant promotes a behavioral and neurochemical improvement in rats with a 6-OHDA-induced lesion.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) of mammals is derived from neural crest (NC) cells during embryogenesis and at the beginning of postnatal life. However, neural progenitor cells from the ENS (or ENSPC) are also found in the adult intestine and can be used for neuronal regeneration in diseases that lead to a loss of cell population, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), in which there is a decrease of dopaminergic neurons. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of ENSPC to restore damaged nervous tissue and to show that they are functional for a behavioral and neurochemical recovery. We found that animals with ENSPC implants exhibited a motor recovery of 35% vs. the lesion group. In addition, DA levels were partially restored in 34%, while Homovanillic acid (HVA) levels remained at 21% vs. the group with a 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesion, suggesting that ENSPC represent a possible alternative in the study of cell transplants and the preservation of functional dopaminergic neurons in PD.

Dualidad entre dósis óptima y calidad del agua bruta, en el proceso de floculación de aguas

El principal objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la relación existente entre la dosis óptima de coagulante, determinada mediante ensayos de jarras, la calidad del agua bruta caracterizada a través de la turbiedad y alcalinidad y la turbiedad del agua sedimentada al aplicarle distintos gradientes y tiempos de floculación. Ademas se planteo encontrar una aplicación práctica sencilla

Dualidad entre dósis óptima y calidad del agua bruta, en el proceso de floculación de aguas

El principal objetivo del trabajo fue analizar la relación existente entre la dosis óptima de coagulante, determinada mediante ensayos de jarras, la calidad del agua bruta caracterizada a través de la turbiedad y alcalinidad y la turbiedad del agua sedimentada al aplicarle distintos gradientes y tiempos de floculación. Ademas se planteo encontrar una aplicación práctica sencilla

Antigeno de cancer 125 (CA125): Su papel como marcador de la integridad mesotelial y su contribucion en el seguimiento de pacientes en programas de dialisis peritoneal / Cancer antigen 125

Objetivos: determinar la concentración y las tasas de aparición del CA 125 en el dializado de pacientes estables en diálisis peritoneal (DP) y su asociación con la duración en tratamiento, episodios previos de peritonitis al inicio del estudio, cesación temporal del tratamiento y parámetros de transporte peritoneal. Diseño: cohorte concurrente de pacientes en CAPD, ocho meses. Lugar: Unidad Renal, Clínica San Rafael, Bogotá D.C. Población: pacientes en tratamiento crónico de DP y libres de peritonitis al momento de la evaluación y durante el mes previo a los estudios. Iniciamos con 66 pacientes y se lograron practicar al menos tres determinaciones a 56 pacientes. Intervenciones: se determinaron las concentraciones del marcador CA 125 en efluentes peritoneales de cuatro horas. Se calcularon las tasas de aparición para evitar cualquier influencia en el tiempo de permanencia y el volumen de filtración. Mediciones principales: el CA 125 fue determinado mediante una micropartícula inmunoenzimática comercial usando un anticuerpo monoclonal contra el CA 125. Resultados: encontramos una correlación negativa pero no significativa entre concentración de CA 125 y duración en tratamiento (r= -0.228; p = 0.066) y entre tasa de aparición de CA 125 y duración en tratamiento (r= - 0.197; p= 0.057). No hubo correlación entre episodios previos de peritonitis y tasa de aparición del CA 125 (r= 0.029; p = 0.410), ni entre cesación temporal del tratamiento y tasa de aparición (r= -0.207; p = 0.096). La relación D/P de creatinina mostró correlación estadísticamente significativa con la concentración de CA 125 (r= 0.326; P = 0.008) y con la tasa de aparición (r = 0.366; p = 0.003). Conclusión: las determinaciones seriadas de niveles de CA 125 pueden ayudar en la identificación temprana de pacientes que muestran respuestas anormales a la DP o sus complicaciones. Una disminución con respecto a valores previos debe alertar al clínico sobre la reducción en la estabilidad mesotelial. Existen diferencias interindividuales en la velocidad de este proceso