Interpersonal Complementarity in the Mental Health Intake: a Mixed-Methods Study

The study examined which socio-demographic differences between clients and providers influenced interpersonal complementarity during an initial intake session; that is, behaviors that facilitate harmonious interactions between client and provider. Complementarity was assessed using blinded ratings of 114 videotaped intake sessions by trained observers. Hierarchical linear models were used to examine how match between client and provider in race/ethnicity, sex, and age were associated with levels of complementarity. A qualitative analysis investigated potential mechanisms that accounted for overall complementarity beyond match by examining client-provider dyads in the top and bottom quartiles of the complementarity measure. Results indicated significant interactions between client\u27s race/ethnicity (Black) and provider\u27s race/ethnicity (Latino) (p = .036) and client\u27s age and provider\u27s age (p = .044) on the Affiliation axis. The qualitative investigation revealed that client-provider interactions in the upper quartile of complementarity were characterized by consistent descriptions between the client and provider of concerns and expectations as well as depictions of what was important during the meeting. Results suggest that differences in social identities, although important, may be overcome by interpersonal variables early in the therapeutic relationship. Implications for both clinical practice and future research are discussed, as are factors relevant to working across cultures

Human Fallopian Tube Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhance Bone Regeneration in a Xenotransplanted Model

We have recently reported that human fallopian tubes, which are discarded during surgical procedures of women submitted to sterilization or hysterectomies, are a rich source of human fallopian tube mesenchymal stromal cells (htMSCs). It has been previously shown that human mesenchymal stromal cells may be useful in enhancing the speed of bone regeneration. This prompted us to investigate whether htMSCs might be useful for the treatment of osteoporosis or other bone diseases, since they present a pronounced capacity for osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Based on this prior knowledge, our aim was to evaluate, in vivo, the osteogenic capacity of htMSCs to regenerate bone through an already described xenotransplantation model: nonimmunosuppressed (NIS) rats with cranial defects. htMSCs were obtained from five 30–50 years old healthy women and characterized by flow cytometry and for their multipotenciality in vitro capacity (osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiations). Two symmetric full-thickness cranial defects on each parietal region of seven NIS rats were performed. The left side (LS) of six animals was covered with CellCeram (Scaffdex)—a bioabsorbable ceramic composite scaffold that contains 60% hydroxyapatite and 40% β-tricalciumphosphate—only, and the right side (RS) with the CellCeram and htMSCs (106 cells/scaffold). The animals were euthanized at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperatively and cranial tissue samples were taken for histological analysis. After 90 days we observed neobone formation in both sides. However, in animals euthanized 30 and 60 days after the procedure, a mature bone was observed only on the side with htMSCs. PCR and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the presence of human DNA and thus that human cells were not rejected, which further supports the imunomodulatory property of htMSCs. In conclusion, htMSCs can be used successfully to enhance bone regeneration in vivo, opening a new field for future treatments of osteoporosis and bone reconstruction

Modernist Toilette: Degas, Woolf, Lawrence

<p>COPD animals were submitted to therapeutic protocols as described in materials and methods. Further, all animals were euthanized, lungs were obtained and sections were stained by PAS (Periodic Acid Schiff) as described in methods. In A) representative graphs and B) photomicrographs of PAS stained sections. Data representative of two experiments. n = 5–8 animals per group. One-way ANOVA.</p

Human Tubal-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Associated with Low Level Laser Therapy Significantly Reduces Cigarette Smoke-Induced COPD in C57BL/6 mice.

Cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a very debilitating disease, with a very high prevalence worldwide, which results in a expressive economic and social burden. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches to treat these patients are of unquestionable relevance. The use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is an innovative and yet accessible approach for pulmonary acute and chronic diseases, mainly due to its important immunoregulatory, anti-fibrogenic, anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic. Besides, the use of adjuvant therapies, whose aim is to boost or synergize with their function should be tested. Low level laser (LLL) therapy is a relatively new and promising approach, with very low cost, no invasiveness and no side effects. Here, we aimed to study the effectiveness of human tube derived MSCs (htMSCs) cell therapy associated with a 30mW/3J-660 nm LLL irradiation in experimental cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thus, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 75 days (twice a day) and all experiments were performed on day 76. Experimental groups receive htMSCS either intraperitoneally or intranasally and/or LLL irradiation either alone or in association. We show that co-therapy greatly reduces lung inflammation, lowering the cellular infiltrate and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and KC), which were followed by decreased mucus production, collagen accumulation and tissue damage. These findings seemed to be secondary to the reduction of both NF-κB and NF-AT activation in lung tissues with a concomitant increase in IL-10. In summary, our data suggests that the concomitant use of MSCs + LLLT may be a promising therapeutic approach for lung inflammatory diseases as COPD

Reduction of T CD4⁺ and T CD8⁺ T cells infiltration in the lungs of htMSC and/or LLLT treated animals.

<p>COPD animals were submitted to therapeutic protocols as described in materials and methods. Further, all animals were euthanized and BAL obtained for flow cytometric analysis of the frequency of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. In (A and B), dot plots depict the gates used. In (C and D), graphs of the percentage of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, respectively. In (E and F),graphs of the absolute numbers of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, respectively. Data representative of two independent experiments. n = 5–8 animals per group. One-way ANOVA.</p

Reduced cellular infiltration in the lungs of htMSC and LLLT treated COPD animals.

<p>COPD animals were submitted to therapeutic protocols as described in materials and methods. Further, all animals were euthanized and BAL obtained for cytospin and the quantification of total cells (A), macrophages (B), neutrophils (C) and lymphocytes (D). Data representative of three independent experiments. n = 5–8 animals per group. One-way ANOVA.</p

Reduced total NF-B staining in the lungs of htMSC i.n and/or LLLT treated animals.

<p>COPD animals were submitted to therapeutic protocols as described in materials and methods. Further, all animals were euthanized, lungs obtained and sections were stained with anti-NF-B In A) representative graphs and B) photomicrographs of immunohistochemistry stained sections. Data representative of two experiments. n = 5–8 animals per group. One-way ANOVA.</p