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Cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine have been characterized by the low retention and integration of injected cells into host structures. Cell immobilization in hydrogels for target cell delivery has been developed to circumvent this issue. In this work mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wistar rats bone marrow (rMSCs) were immobilized in alginate beads fabricated using an innovative approach involving the gellification of the liquid precursor droplets onto biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces without the need of any precipitation bath. The process occurred in mild conditions preventing the loss of cell viability. Furthermore, fibronectin (FN) was also immobilized inside alginate beads with high efficiency in order to mimic the composition of the extracellular matrix. This process occurred in a very fast way (around 5 min), at room temperature, without aggressive mechanical strengths or particle aggregation. The methodology employed allowed the production of alginate beads exhibiting a homogenous rMSCs and FN distribution. Encapsulated rMSCs remained viable and were released from the alginate for more than 20 days. In vivo assays were also performed, by implanting these particles in a calvarial bone defect to evaluate their potential for bone tissue regeneration. Microcomputed tomography and histological analysis results showed that this hybrid system accelerated bone regeneration process. The methodology employed had a dual role by preventing cell and FN loss and avoiding any contamination of the beads or exchange of molecules with the surrounding environment. In principle, the method used for cell encapsulation could be extended to other systems aimed to be used in tissue regeneration strategies.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive deterioration of brain function, with a significantly consequent decrease in the quality of life of patients and their families. Due to increasing life expectancy, the incidence of these diseases has increased over the years, and has been under research.Objective: The aim of this paper is to systematically review the scientific literature about the evaluation of life' quality in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Methods:Reflective systematic literature review on Pubmed, MedLine and Scopus database with the keywords "quality of life of Patients" and "neurodegenerative diseases" was analyzed. It was analyzed in the period between 2000 and 2015. PRISMA criteria reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were applied. The inclusion criteria were: usage of instrument to measure life' quality, presenting quantitative or qualitative results, and psychometric studies. It was excluded articles reviews outside the scope of the subject, theoretical articles and new therapies, diagnostic and palliative care. Results:After applying the methodology, five scientific articles were included in the study. The measuring instruments were used the dimensions (physical, mental, social and environmental) were analyzed. It was analyzed the results obtained in the studies. Conclusions:This literature review indicated that more research is needed to assess the impact of quality of life in patients with degenerative pathologies. The implications of these findings and potential directions for future research are discussed.

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Nowadays, bioactive peptides are used for therapeutic applications and the selection of a carrier to deliver them is very important to increase the efficiency, absorption, release, bioavailability and consumer acceptance. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize chitosan-based films loaded with chitosan microparticles containing a bioactive peptide (sequence: KGYGGVSLPEW) with antihypertensive properties. Films were prepared by the solvent casting method, while the microparticles were prepared by ionic gelation. The final optimized chitosan microparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 2.5 µm, a polydispersity index of 0.46, a zeta potential of +61 mV and a peptide association efficiency of 76%. Chitosan films were optimized achieving the final formulation of 0.79% (w/v) of chitosan, 6.74% (w/v) of sorbitol and 0.82% (w/v) of citric acid. These thin (±0.100 mm) and transparent films demonstrated good performance in terms of mechanical and biological properties. The oral films developed were flexible, elastic, easy to handle and exhibited rapid disintegration (30 s) and an erosion behavior of 20% when they came into contact with saliva solution. The cell viability (75–99%) was proved by methylthiazolydiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with TR146 cells. The chitosan mucoadhesive films loaded with peptide–chitosan microparticles resulted in an innovative approach to perform administration across the buccal mucosa, because these films present a larger surface area, leading to the rapid disintegration and release of the antihypertensive peptide under controlled conditions in the buccal cavity, thus promoting bioavailability.

The increasing number of mental health disorders on university students represents a growing problem with negative impact on this population. Stress and anxiety issues are two of most predominant problems in this population and most campus health services have limited resources to face them. Research has provided evidence about biofeedback effectiveness. This study aims to verify the impact of a short duration biofeedback programme on freshmen university students with high levels of anxiety. A sample of 50 first-year students, with scores above percentile of 75 on STAI Y-2 were randomly selected and divided into two groups. Biofeedback Group took a 15 min session per week, over 8 weeks. No intervention was made on Control Group. Both groups were assessed before and after the biofeedback programme, and the results of the Trait Anxiety Scale and the Inventory of Stress for College Students were compared. The Biofeedback Group presented significant decreases in anxiety and stress values. Control Group presented slight and non-significant changes in scores. These results are consistent with previous studies and reinforce the evidence of biofeedback's programmes as a valid solution to help students to manage their anxiety and stress.

Introduction: The COVID-19 epidemic has been causing serious physical, but also psychological effects in society. This systematic review sought to identify studies that describe COVID-19 related anxiety, and to understand the impact of anxiety assessment in defining strategies to be implemented in future studies. Methodology: This systematic review included cross-sectional studies with no publication year limit. It was performed a systematic search through three databases, namely, PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science using the descriptors “COVID-19” and “anxiety”. PRISMA criteria reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were applied. Eligible articles were selected in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were: research articles related with anxiety measurement during the COVID-19 outbreak; interventions to reduce anxiety; and published in English. Results: From 44 references, just four scientific articles were accepted for inclusion within this review. These studies were analyzed regarding their sample, methodology, instruments used, and its results. Conclusions: This systematic review was based on published data at the onset of the pandemic, and it could serve as a basis for the development of implementations plans to improve anxiety disorders. The importance of this theme, the implications and potential directions for future investigations will be discussed.

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