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Parent training (PT) interventions constitute an empirically demonstrated alternative to promote effective parenting practices and prevent child behavioral and mental health problems. However, the dissemination of evidence‐based PT interventions across Latin America remains scarce. This qualitative study had the primary objective of evaluating the level of acceptability of a culturally adapted version of the PT intervention known as GenerationPMTO©, adapted for the Chilean context. According to qualitative reports provided by 24 Chilean caregivers exposed to the culturally adapted parenting intervention, the intervention was perceived by caregivers as useful for their parenting practices, as well as contextually and culturally relevant. Current qualitative findings indicate that the culturally adapted PT intervention holds promise for larger dissemination in the Chilean context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscotoxins are cationic proteins, isolated from different mistletoe species, that belong to the group of thionins, a group of basic cysteine-rich peptides of ≈ 5 kDa. They have been shown to be cytotoxic to different types of cell, including animal, bacterial and fungal. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the cell targets and the mechanism of action of viscotoxin isoform A3 (VtA3). We describe a detailed study of viscotoxin interaction with fungal-derived model membranes, its location inside spores of Fusarium solani, as well as their induced spore death. We show that VtA3 induces the appearance of ion-channel-like activity, the generation of H2O2, and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+. Moreover, we show that Ca2+ is involved in VtA3-induced spore death and increased H2O2 concentration. The data presented here strongly support the notion that the antifungal activity of VtA3 is due to membrane binding and channel formation, leading to destabilization and disruption of the plasma membrane, thereby supporting a direct role for viscotoxins in the plant defence mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research seeks to know the experience of participants -15 caregivers of children between 4 and 12 years old from two schools with a high vulnerability index in Santiago de Chile and 4 facilitators - in the GenerationPMTO program adapted to a remote modality, in the context of the COVID-19 health crisis. A descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study was carried out. Semi-structured interviews with 15 caregivers from both schools participating in the program; one focus group with 4 facilitators who implemented the online program; and a documentary review of the journals registered by the facilitators after each session were conducted. The information collected was analyzed qualitatively through the open coding procedures of Grounded Theory. After that, the perspectives of both groups were gathered through an integrated analysis. From the experience of participants, the online adaptation of the program was successful since the facilitators were able to develop the contents and strategies of the intervention in virtual mode, and the families were able to participate and learn them from their homes. This was compatible with physical distancing (given the COVID-19 pandemic) and allowed caregivers' participation in the program to be compatible with other life activities. Among challenges, strengthening group participation and cohesion were highlighted, as well as overcoming barriers related to unstable internet connection and/or inappropriate home conditions to participate. These results show a successful adaptation of the program from the perspective of its participants, providing insights that contribute to improve the adaptation of this and other programs to virtual modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscotoxins are cationic proteins, isolated from different mistletoe species, that belong to the group of thionins, a group of basic cysteine-rich peptides of ≈ 5 kDa. They have been shown to be cytotoxic to different types of cell, including animal, bacterial and fungal. The aim of this study was to obtain information on the cell targets and the mechanism of action of viscotoxin isoform A3 (VtA3). We describe a detailed study of viscotoxin interaction with fungal-derived model membranes, its location inside spores of Fusarium solani, as well as their induced spore death. We show that VtA3 induces the appearance of ion-channel-like activity, the generation of H2O2, and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+. Moreover, we show that Ca2+ is involved in VtA3-induced spore death and increased H2O2 concentration. The data presented here strongly support the notion that the antifungal activity of VtA3 is due to membrane binding and channel formation, leading to destabilization and disruption of the plasma membrane, thereby supporting a direct role for viscotoxins in the plant defence mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KcsA, a prokaryote tetrameric potassium channel, was the first ion channel ever to be structurally solved at high resolution. This, along with the ease of its expression and purification, made KcsA an experimental system of choice to study structure-function relationships in ion channels. In fact, much of our current understanding on how the different channel families operate arises from earlier KcsA information. Being an integral membrane protein, KcsA is also an excellent model to study how lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions within membranes, modulate its activity and structure. In regard to the later, a variety of equilibrium and non-equilibrium methods have been used in a truly multidisciplinary effort to study the effects of lipids on the KcsA channel. Remarkably, both experimental and "in silico" data point to the relevance of specific lipid binding to two key arginine residues. These residues are at non-annular lipid binding sites on the protein and act as a common element to trigger many of the lipid effects on this channel. Thus, processes as different as the inactivation of channel currents or the assembly of clusters from individual KcsA channels, depend upon such lipid binding.