Development of VEGF-loaded PLGA matrices in association with mesenchymal stem cells for tissue engineering.

The association of bioactive molecules, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), with nanofibers facilitates their controlled release, which could contribute to cellular migration and differentiation in tissue regeneration. In this research, the influence of their incorporation on a polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffold produced by electrospinning on cell adhesion and viability and cytotoxicity was carried out in three groups: 1) PLGA/BSA/VEGF; 2) PLGA/BSA, and 3) PLGA. Morphology, fiber diameter, contact angle, loading efficiency and controlled release of VEGF of the biomaterials, among others, were measured. The nanofibers showed smooth surfaces without beads and with interconnected pores. PLGA/BSA/VEGF showed the smallest water contact angle and VEGF released for up to 160 h. An improvement in cell adhesion was observed for the PLGA/BSA/VEGF scaffolds compared to the other groups and the scaffolds were non-toxic for the cells. Therefore, the scaffolds were shown to be a good strategy for sustained delivery of VEGF and may be a useful tool for tissue engineering.

Bio-electrospraying of human mesenchymal stem cells: An alternative for tissue engineering.

Bio-electrospraying (BES) is a technique used for the processing of cells and can be applied to tissue engineering. The association of BES with scaffold production techniques has been shown to be an interesting strategy for the production of biomaterials with cells homogeneously distributed in the entire structure. Various studies have evaluated the effects of BES on different cell types. However, until the present moment, no studies have evaluated the impact of BES time on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Therefore, the aim of this work was to standardise the different parameters of BES (voltage, flow rate, and distance of the needle from the collecting plate) in relation to cell viability and then to evaluate the impact of BES time in relation to viability, proliferation, DNA damage, maintenance of plasticity and the immunophenotypic profile of MSC. Using 15 kV voltage, 0.46 ml/h flow rate and 4 cm distance, it was possible to form a stable and continuous jet of BES without causing a significant reduction in cell viability. Time periods between 15 and 60 min of BES did not cause alterations of viability, proliferation, plasticity, and immunophenotypic profile of the MSC. Time periods above 30 min of BES resulted in DNA damage; however, the DNA was able to repair itself within five hours. These results indicate that bio-electrospraying is an adequate technique for processing MSC which can be safely applied to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Detección de pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 no diagnosticada con factores de riesgo en farmacias comunitarias de Portugal / Detection of undiagnosed cases of diabetes type 2 in patients with risk factors at community pharmacies of Portugal

Se evaluó la aplicabilidad de un protocolo para identifi car posibles pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 no diagnosticadacon factores de riesgo en farmacias comunitarias. Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado en ocho farmacias comunitariasen Portugal. Los participantes fueron usuarios con edad > 45 años y otro factor de riesgo para diabetestipo 2. Se recogieron las características y se midió la glucemia capilar. Los pacientes que presentaban la glucemiaelevada fueron derivados al médico para obtener el diagnóstico. Participaron 229 personas de las cuales se identificaron 32 (14%) casos sospechosos que fueron derivados al médico. En 22 casos (68,7%) se obtuvo la valoracióncon 12 pacientes diagnosticados – valor predictivo positivo 54,5%. La tasa de detección del cribado fue de 5,2%. Seidentifi caron casos sospechosos y diagnosticados, por lo que se recomienda este protocolo de detección de usuarioscon factores de riesgo para diabetes tipo 2 en farmacia comunitaria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a protocol to identify possible undiagnosed cases of diabetestype 2 in patients with risk factors at community pharmacies. Descriptive transversal study was done in eight communitypharmacies of Portugal. Participants were costumers over age 45 and presenting another risk factor for diabetestype 2. Characteristics were collected and capillary blood glucose was measured. Patients with high glycemia werereferred to the physician to get a diagnosis. 229 individuals presenting risk factors participated in the study, 32 (14%)suspected cases were identifi ed and referred to the physician. In 22 cases (68,7%) the diagnosis feedback was obtainedwith 12 diagnosed patients – positive predictive value 54,5%. The rate of detection was 5,4%. Suspected and diagnosedcases were identifi ed, thus the protocol to identify undiagnosed cases in patients with risk factors for diabetes type 2 is recommended to be used in community pharmacies (AU)

[Non-medicinal treatment in psychogeriatrics (author's transl)]. / Nicht-medikamentöse Behandlung in der Gerontopsychiatrie.

Of the triad of possible concepts of psychogeriatric therapy which includes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and social therapy, the non-medicinal treatment of the elderly is dealt with here, starting from the experience of our own team in the outpatient and part inpatient sphere and in the interdisciplinary team. For psychotherapy in its strict sense, approaches are described which arise from the elaboration of deep psychology, learning theory or client-centered therapy. Forms of treatment are described and possibilities for concrete aids in the patients' environment outlined.

[Concepts of medicinal treatment in psychogeriatrics (author's transl)]. / Medikamentöse Behandlung in der Gerontopsychiatrie.

Of the triad of possible concepts of psychogeriatric therapy which includes pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and social therapy, the use of drugs in older people is dealt with primarily here, starting from the experience of our own work in the outpatient and part inpatient sphere and in the interdisciplinary team. In addition the literature relevant to the theme is also referred to. Characteristic peculiarities which are to be taken into consideration in drug treatment of old people are outlined. The groups of preparations important for therapy of psychological states are discussed with reference to indication and side-effects.