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Enhancing Commercial Antibiotics with Trans-Cinnamaldehyde in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria: An In Vitro Approach
Get PDFOne strategy to mitigate the emergence of bacterial resistance involves reducing antibiotic
doses by combining them with natural products, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN). The objective
of this research was to identify in vitro combinations (CIN + commercial antibiotic (ABX)) that
decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seven antibiotics against 14 different Grampositive
and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, most of them classified as ESKAPE. MIC values were
measured for all compounds using the broth microdilution method. The effect of the combinations on
these microorganisms was analyzed through the checkboard assay to determine the type of activity
(synergy, antagonism, or addition). This analysis was complemented with a kinetic study of the
synergistic combinations. Fifteen synergistic combinations were characterized for nine of the tested
bacteria. CIN demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the MIC of chloramphenicol, streptomycin,
amoxicillin, and erythromycin (94–98%) when tested on Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus,
Pasteurella aerogenes, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that when the
substances were tested alone at the MIC concentration observed in the synergistic combination,
bacterial growth was not inhibited. However, when CIN and the ABX, for which synergy was
observed, were tested simultaneously in combination at these same concentrations, the bacterial
growth inhibition was complete. This demonstrates the highly potent in vitro synergistic activity
of CIN when combined with commercial ABXs. This finding could be particularly beneficial in
livestock farming, as this sector witnesses the highest quantities of antimicrobial usage, contributing
significantly to antimicrobial resistance issues. Further research focused on this natural compound is
thus warranted for this reason.The authors thank the financial support of the Gobierno de Aragón: Departamento de Ciencia, Universidad y Sociedad del Conocimiento (Group ECOBIOMED T67_23R), Cátedra NOVALTIA, and Universidad San Jorge. Natalia Ferrando thanks the Group IQE (Industrias Químicas del Ebro) for her predoctoral contract
Streamlining RPG Ability Creation through a Custom Visual Scripting Solution: A Tools Programming Case Study
Get PDFThis project explores the development of two custom tools within the Unity Engine environment. The first tool is a versatile data management window designed to handle various data types efficiently. The latter builds upon the functionality of the first tool by enabling the creation of complex RPG abilities using visual scripting. The main objective is to conduct a comparative analysis between visual scripting and traditional programming approaches, evaluating their respective advantages in terms of performance, flexibility, and user experience in the context of RPG video game development. Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) plays a pivotal role in this project, utilizing Object-Oriented Design (OOD) to enhance architectural understanding and modularity. This study exemplifies the paradigm’s strengths while also highlighting its limitations in practical application.Este proyecto investiga el desarrollo de dos herramientas personalizadas dentro del entorno del motor Unity. La primera herramienta es una ventana de gestión de datos diseñada para manejar varios tipos de datos de manera eficiente dentro de un proyecto. La segunda amplía la funcionalidad de la anterior herramienta, permitiendo la creación de habilidades complejas para juegos de género RPG mediante visual scripting. El objetivo principal es realizar un análisis comparativo entre el visual scripting y la programación tradicional, evaluando resultados en términos de rendimiento, flexibilidad y experiencia de usuario en el contexto del desarrollo de videojuegos RPG. La Programación Orientada a Objetos (OOP) juega un papel fundamental en este proyecto, utilizando el Diseño Orientado a Objetos (OOD) para ofrecer una mejor arquitectura y mayor modularidad. Este estudio ejemplifica las fortalezas del paradigma mientras que también resalta sus limitaciones
Eficacia de la realidad virtual inmersiva para mejorar la capacidad motora del miembro superior en niños con parálisis cerebral
Get PDFIntroducción: La parálisis cerebral infantil es un trastorno permanente que altera el movimiento y la postura afectando la vida de manera más o menos importante. La hemiplejia es una de las formas más frecuente de parálisis cerebrales que pueden ocurrir. La llegada de la realidad virtual en el ámbito de la salud abre nuevas perspectivas en materia de tratamiento y rehabilitación. a pesar de que esto puede tener un gran impacto, se han realizado pocos estudios. Objetivo: Conocer la eficacia de la realidad virtual inmersiva combinado con terapia convencional sobre en niños con parálisis cerebrales. Metodología: Este estudio es un ensayo clínico aleatorizado estratificado por tipos de parálisis cerebrales. Se trata de dos grupos, un grupo control que va a recibir terapia convencional 3 horas a la semana durante 3 meses y un grupo experimental que además de recibir la misma intervención que el grupo control, reciben 30 minutos de terapia virtual después de cada sesión de terapia convencional durante 3 meses. Para la valoración se utiliza como variable principal la escala JTHFT (Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test) y secundarias MAS, AHA, CHQ y HADS. Resultados esperados: Tras la combinación de la realidad virtual combinado con la terapia convencional, podemos observar que la capacidad motora del miembro superior, la espasticidad, la participación del lado afectado y la cualidad de vida de los niños son de manera significativa mejor en el grupo experimental que en el grupo control. Conclusión: El tratamiento con terapia virtual combinado con terapia convencional permite de mejorar la rehabilitación con mejoras más significativa en la capacidad motora del miembro superior. Se observa también mejoras en la espasticidad, participación del lado afectado, cualidad de vida, pero no en la ansiedad percibida por los padres.Introduction: Cerebral palsy is a permanent disorder that affects movement and posture, impacting life to varying degrees. Hemiplegia is one of the most common forms of cerebral palsy that can occur. The advent of virtual reality in healthcare opens new perspectives in treatment and rehabilitation. Despite its potential impact, few studies have been conducted. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality combined with conventional therapy in children with cerebral palsy. Methodology: This study is a stratified randomized clinical trial based on types of cerebral palsy. It consists of two groups: a control group receiving conventional therapy for 3 hours a week for 3 months, and an experimental group receiving the same intervention as the control group plus 30 minutes of virtual therapy after each conventional therapy session for 3 months. Assessment is done using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) as the primary variable, and secondary variables include MAS, AHA, CHQ, and HADS. Expected Results: Following the combination of virtual reality with conventional therapy, it is expected that there will be significant improvements in upper limb motor function, spasticity, participation of the affected side, and quality of life in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Combining virtual therapy with conventional therapy improves rehabilitation with more significant improvements in upper limb motor function. There are also improvements in spasticity, participation of the affected side, and quality of life, but not in the anxiety perceived by parents
Load-Velocity Relationship in the Bulgarian Split-Squat Exercise
Get PDFRabal-Pelay, J, Gutiérrez, H, Bascuas, P-J, Pareja-Blanco, F, and Marco-Contreras, LA. Load-velocity relationship in the Bulgarian split-squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1849–1853, 2024—The objective of the current research was to analyze the load-velocity relationship in the Bulgarian split-squat (BSS) exercise and to compare these relationships between the dominant and nondominant legs. Twenty-one strength-trained men (age: 27.3 ± 7.3 years) performed a progressive loading test in the BSS exercise using a Smith machine for each leg. The protocol began with a load of 30 kg, incrementally adding 10 kg until the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) fell below 0.4 m·s−1. At that point, 5 kg increments were employed, with a final addition of 2.5 kg for the last estimated attempt one-repetition maximum (1RM). A total of 324 lifts were analyzed. Subjects exhibited a relative strength ratio of 1.23 ± 0.10, a 1RM of 91.3 ± 14.2 kg, and a mean range of motion of 44.7 ± 3.7 cm. Polynomial regression analysis showed a robust relationship with an R2 value of 0.945 (ρ ≤ 0.001) between the relative load (%1RM) and MPV. Despite the differences in 1RM between the dominant and nondominant legs, there were no significant differences in MPV at the %1RM between both legs. These findings suggest that training intensity can be prescribed via the MPV during the BSS exercise. Moreover, the load-velocity relationship is stable between limbs despite the potential differences in absolute strength levels.Departamento de Ciencia, Universidad Sociedad del Conocimiento, from the Gobierno de Aragón (Spain). S08_23
Efectividad del entrenamiento de fuerza para la mejora del dolor, discapacidad y calidad de vida en pacientes con fibromialgia: Revisión sistemática
Get PDFIntroducción: La fibromialgia es una enfermedad crónica caracterizada por dolor generalizado y que puede ir asociada a otros síntomas y patologías. Afecta al 5% de la población, con mayor prevalencia en mujeres y, aunque todavía se desconoce su etiología, la principal hipótesis se basa en una alteración del procesamiento del dolor a nivel central. Entre las diferentes posibilidades de intervención se encuentra la farmacoterapia, el ejercicio, los estiramientos y la terapia cognitivo-conductual.
Objetivos: Los objetivos de esta revisión fueron analizar la efectividad del entrenamiento de fuerza en el dolor, discapacidad y calidad de vida, así como evaluar la calidad metodológica de los estudios seleccionados.
Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados entre las bases de datos de PubMed, WoS y PEDro. Se limitó la búsqueda a los últimos 5 años de antigüedad en estudios que evaluasen el entrenamiento de fuerza en pacientes diagnosticados de fibromialgia. La escala PEDro fue utilizada para evaluar el riesgo de sesgo de los artículos seleccionados.
Resultados: De los 21 artículos encontrados, 3 ensayos clínicos fueron finalmente seleccionados para la revisión, todos ellos publicados entre 2019 y 2021. Todos los artículos reportaron beneficios en las variables analizadas. La calidad de los 3 artículos fue alta.
Conclusión: El entrenamiento de fuerza aporta mejorías tanto en la reducción del dolor como en la mejora de la discapacidad y calidad de vida de los pacientes. Sin embargo, debe incluirse dentro de un enfoque combinado junto con el ejercicio aeróbico y de flexibilidad para conseguir los máximos beneficios posibles.Introduction:
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by widespread pain and often linked with other symptoms and conditions. It affects 5% of the population, more commonly in
women. While its exact cause is still unknown, the primary hypothesis revolves around a disruption in pain processing at the central level. Among the various intervention options are
pharmacotherapy, exercise, stretching and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Objectives:
The objectives of this review were to analyze th e effectiveness of strength training on pain, disability and quality of life, as well as to evaluate the methodological quality of the
selected studies.
Materials and methods:
A search for randimized clinical trials was conducted across PubMed, WoS and PED ro databases. The search was limited to the past 5 years, focusing on studies assessing strength training in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The PEDro scale was employed to assess the risk of bias in the selected articles.
Results:
Out of the 21 arti cles found, 3 clinical trials were ultimately selected for the review, all published between 2019 and 2021. All articles reported benefits in the analyzed variables. The
quality of all 3 articles was high.
Conclusion:
Strength training contributes to impro vements in both pain reduction and enhancement of disability and quiality of life for patients. However, it should be included as part of a combined approach alongside aerobic and flexibility exercise to achieve the máximum posible benefits
Forma, construcción y restauración de bóvedas tabicadas en el Monasterio de Santa María de Piedra, Nuévalos (zaragoza)
Get PDFThis paper aims to document the constructive solution applied to cover the staircase space executed
during the 16th-century expansion of the Monastery of Santa María de Piedra, through the execution
of timbervaults. We present a study on the constructive development of the solution employed, as well
as a formal analysis of the geometric model that had to be intervened upon to recover and rehabilitate
the staircase space. Compared to stone vaults, the efficiency of timbervaults is evident in aspects such
as economy of means, speed of execution, and lightness. All of this has led to this system being valued
and implemented in various periods of construction history.Este artículo pretende documentar la solución constructiva aplicada para cubrir el espacio de la escalera
ejecutada durante la ampliación del siglo XVI del monasterio de Santa María de Piedra, empleando
bóvedas tabicadas. Presentamos un estudio sobre el desarrollo constructivo de la solución empleada,
así como un análisis formal del modelo geométrico sobre el que hubo que intervenir para recuperar y
rehabilitar el espacio de la escalera. En comparación con las bóvedas realizadas en cantería, la eficacia
de las tabicadas es patente en cuestiones como la economía de medios, la rapidez de ejecución o
la ligereza y todo ello ha supuesto que este sistema sea valorado y puesto en práctica en diversos
periodos de la historia de la construcción
The Visual Representation of Ukrainian and Afghan Refugees in the Spanish Press
No full textThe public’s understanding of the situation of refugees largely depends on how they are represented by the media. This paper analyses this representation by studying photographs that appear in four mainstream Spanish newspapers of varied political orientation, comparing two paradigmatic examples: that of Afghan refugees versus Ukrainian refugees. The objective of this analysis is to determine the differences and similarities between how each case is covered, using a mixed quantitative and qualitative content analysis method to determine the images’ denotative and connotative aspects, based on ‘framing theory’. Findings show that, although all the refugees are presented primarily from a human-interest angle, there is a significant degree of depersonalisation in their photographic presentation due to the framing and stylistic elements employed. Also, Afghans are viewed with greater suspicion than Ukrainians, with a quarter of their images being associated with the idea of conflict
Comparing MDD and CcD in the Bug Localization Context: An Empirical Evaluation in Video Games
No full textThe development of video games usually involves two main methods: Code-centric Development (CcD) and Model-Driven Development (MDD). CcD uses code languages that provide more control but it requires more effort in order to deal with implementation details. MDD raises the abstraction level (avoiding implementation details) by means of software models that are transformed into code or interpreted at run-time. Raising the abstraction level favors the participation of non-technical roles such as level designers or artists that are essential for video game development. However, bug localization, which is crucial for identifying faults, is less explored in MDD despite its advantages. This work examines how MDD and CcD impact bug localization by using a commercial video game that has been released on PlayStation 4 and Steam. We compare bug localization in terms of performance, productivity, and user satisfaction. The results showed that bug localization in MDD led to higher satisfaction among subjects. However, the differences in performance or productivity depended on experience and favored CcD for professionals. Our findings suggest that bug localization practices performed suboptimally in models, indicating a knowledge gap in addressing bugs within MDD environments. With the rising popularity of MDD in video games, there is a need to explore alternative forms of bug localization for MDD.Partially supported by MINECO under the Project VARIATIVA (PID2021-28695OBI00) and by the Gobierno de Aragón (Spain) (Research Group S05_20D)
Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Satisfaction With Daily Occupations and Occupational Balance in Spanish Stroke Survivors
No full textImportance: Stroke survivors experience changes in participation level, satisfaction with participation, and participation balance, making it necessary to have a validated tool for their assessment.
Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Satisfaction With Daily Occupations and Occupational Balance (SDO–OB) in stroke survivors.
Design: Psychometric study.
Setting: National multicenter study (rehabilitation centers, and hospitals).
Participants: One hundred forty stroke survivors with and without a primary caregiver.
Outcomes and Measures: Participants completed the SDO–OB, the five-level version of the EQ–5D (EQ–5D–5L), and the Activity Card Sort (ACS). Internal consistency, convergent validity, known-groups validity, and floor and ceiling effects were assessed. Intraobserver reliability was assessed 1 wk apart.
Results: The internal consistency was acceptable; Cronbach’s α = .80, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.75, 0.85]. A moderate correlation was found between the SDO–OB summed participation level and summed participation satisfaction (ρ = .53). Both SDO–OB summed scores correlated with ACS scores (0.25 < ρ < .61). However, only summed participation satisfaction scores correlated with the emotional component of the EQ–5D–5L (ρ = .32). The SDO–OB discriminated between groups with and without a caregiver (p = .001) and had no floor or ceiling effects (<7%). Good intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were obtained for summed participation level (ICC = .91; 95% CI [.85, .94]) and summed participation satisfaction (ICC = .86; 95% CI [.78, .92]). Standard error of measurement and minimum detectable change were 0.7 and 1.9 points, respectively, for summed participation level and 4.5 and 12.4, respectively, for summed participation satisfaction.
Conclusions: The Spanish version of the SDO–OB presented good psychometric properties, making it a suitable instrument to address participation level, participation satisfaction, and participation balance in stroke survivors.
Plain-Language Summary: After a stroke, survivors experience changes in their participation in daily activities and how satisfied they are with them. This study examined whether a tool called Satisfaction With Daily Occupations and Occupational Balance (SDO–OB) could provide reliable information about this. We looked at 140 stroke survivors from different places in Spain to see whether they had someone caring for them, how healthy they were, and how their participation in daily activities changed after stroke. We found that the SDO–OB is helpful for understanding a stroke survivor’s situation and can identify areas needing intervention and track changes caused by intervention plans
Effectiveness of a Complementary Telehealth Education Program as a Preventive Treatment for Chronic Migraine: A Randomized Pilot Study
No full textBackground/Objectives: Chronic migraine (CM) is a neurological disorder that causes significant disability, loss of productivity, and economic burden. Preventive treatments, including pharmacological and educational interventions, are crucial for managing CM effectively. The aim of this study was to analyze whether adding a therapeutic telehealth education program (TTEP) to pharmacological treatment achieved a greater reduction in the number of headache days experienced by patients with CM. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study with two parallel groups was performed. Patients with a diagnosis of CM and who were being treated with Botulinum Toxin were randomly assigned to either the EG (therapeutic education program about the neuroscience of pain, migraine, pain strategies, sleep habits, exercise, nutrition, postural habits, and relaxation strategies) or CG (general health recommendations with no specific content about migraine). The intervention lasted a total of eight weeks and was delivered via a telehealth application (APP). Headache frequency, migraine frequency, pain intensity, headache impact, allodynia, fear of movement, pain catastrophizing, chronic pain self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, sleep quality, and sedentary lifestyle were measured at baseline (M0), one month after the intervention started (M1), at the end of the intervention (M2), and one month after the intervention was completed for follow-up (M3). Results: In total, 48 patients participated. There were differences between the groups in the following outcomes in favor of EG for headache frequency at the one-month follow-up (p = 0.03; d = 0.681); chronic pain self-efficacy at post-treatment (p = 0.007; d = 0.885) and at the one-month follow-up (p < 0.001; d = 0.998); and sleep quality at post-treatment (p = 0.013; d = 0.786) and at the one-month follow-up (p < 0.001; d = 1.086). No differences existed between the groups for the other outcomes examined (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of TTEP reduced the number of headache days, improved sleep quality, and increased self- fficacy in managing pain. This pilot study suggests that the addition of a specialized TTPE to pharmacological treatments may be more effective than a general health recommendation program for migraine