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Preliminary feasibility and clinical utility of the Unified Protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in people with long COVID-19 condition: A single case pilot study
No full textPurpose: The implementation of psychological interventions in long COVID-19 patients is still very limited. This study aims to analyze the feasibility and preliminary utility of the Unified Protocol (UP), for the psychological treatment of emotional disorders in long COVID-19 patients.
Methods: 12 long COVID-19 patients (mean age = 47.92; SD = 13.18) presenting emotional disorders/symptoms received the UP through 8 online sessions.
Results: All participants completed the UP psychological program, attending all eight sessions and the 6-month follow-up appointment. However, adherence to the assessment protocol was lower, with a 33% dropout rate at the 6-month follow-up. High satisfaction was reported with both the UP program (mean = 9.75) and the online format. Satisfaction with individual UP modules ranged from 7.17 to 9 points (from 0 = any satisfaction to 10 = highest satisfaction). Qualitative feedback emphasized the usefulness of the UP program, with some participants suggesting additional contents (i.e., training in assertive communication skills), more personalized modules (i.e., providing just some UP modules) or increasing the number of sessions. In terms of the UP clinical utility, 25 mental clinical diagnoses were established at pre-assessment; 50% of participants no longer met criteria for a mental clinical diagnosis at post-assessment, increasing to 67% at follow-up. Most therapeutic objectives were achieved or initiated over the course of the intervention (78% at post-assessment; 86% at follow-up). At post-assessment significant improvements were observed in anxiety (8 participants), depression (9 participants), emotion dysregulation (4 participants) and quality of life scores (7 participants), although 2 participants did not maintain these gains in emotion regulation and quality of life at follow-up.
Conclusion: The promising results of the UP in terms of high participant satisfaction and clinical improvements in anxiety and depression scores suggest that the UP could be a valuable psychological intervention for individuals with long COVID-19 and comorbid emotional disorders. The modest improvements found in other outcomes highlighted the need to better adapt the psychological interventions for long COVID-19 patients
Usability and Acceptance by Therapists and Users of an Internet‐Based Intervention Based on the Unified Protocol in Argentina
No full textABSTRACTLatin American countries face a significant mental health gap, characterized by an increasing prevalence of mental disorders and limited access to evidence‐based treatments. Internet‐based interventions hold promise for bridging this gap. In Argentina, there are currently no locally developed internet‐based interventions. To address this gap, our research team recently developed an Internet‐Based Unified Protocol Intervention (IUPI), a transdiagnostic intervention adapted from the Unified Protocol. This study aimed to evaluate its usability and acceptability in the local population, a necessary step for its subsequent implementation. Methodology: A mixed‐methods study was conducted with 20 professionals and 10 users who tested IUPI for 2 weeks. The System Usability Scale, an ad‐hoc questionnaire, and focus groups were conducted. Results: Usability scores indicated good usability for both professionals (M = 71.37 SD = 19.61) and users (M = 73.75 SD = 2.60). Both groups expressed willingness to use and recommend the platform. Thematic analysis revealed the perception that these interventions can enhance access to treatment. On the other hand, barriers such as connectivity issues, limited resources, and perceived lack of warmth and support were described. Discussion: This is the first usability study of an internet‐based intervention in Argentina. Findings are promising for cultural adaptation and broader implementation, potentially increasing access to psychotherapeutic treatments
Preparación y Propiedades Fotofísicas de Complejos de Platino(II) con ligandos dadores -N,C,N y -N,N
No full textEste estudio describe la preparación, caracterización y propiedades fotofísicas de complejos de platino(II) con ligandos dadores-N,C,N y -N,N. La sustitución del ligando cloruro, por un grupo hidróxido, en los complejos PtCl{k3-N,C,N-[pincer]} genera los derivados Pt(OH){k3-N,C,N-[pincer]}, que permiten utilizar pro-ligandos N-NH y pro-metaloligandos [Pt{k3-N,C,N-[pincer]}{k1-N-[N-NH]}]n+ (n = 1, 0) para construir derivados mononucleares Pt{k3-N,C,N-[pincer]}{k1-N-[N-N]} y compuestos dinucleares [{Pt[k3-N,C,N-(pincer)]}2(u-N-N)]n+ (n = 1, 0). Las propiedades fotofísicas de dichos emisores son función del ligando pincer. Los complejos mononucleares, estabilizados por un ligando pincer del tipo 2,6-bis(2-piridil)fenilo, con un grupo 3-(2-piridil)pirazolato coordinado k1-N1 son emisores fosforescentes verdes, que experimentan autoquencheo debido a la elevada tendencia de sus moléculas a asociarse. Las propiedades fotofísicas de los emisores dinucleares dependen de la separación entre los metales; aunque no existe una correlación clara entre ambas. La comparación de las estructuras analizadas mediante difracción de rayos X indica que la separación entre los metales está subordinada al ligando pincer y al grupo puente. La sal bimetálica que coordina el ligando pincer 2,6-bis(2-piridil)-3,5-dimetilfenilo y el grupo puente 7-azaindolato presenta una distancia platino-platino de 3.0515(4) Å y es un emisor rojo. El pincer 2,6-bis(2-piridiloxi)fenilo aumenta la separación hasta 3.2689(9) Å, pero el complejo no emite. Por su parte, el compuesto bimetálico molecular con el ligando pincer 2,6-bis(2-piridil)-3,5-dimetilfenilo y el grupo puente indolo[2,3-b]indolato tiene una separación entre los metales de 3.2949(2) Å, y es un emisor dual, en estado sólido, con emisiones en el rojo y el NIR.<br /
The dynamical Cuntz semigroup and ideal-free quotients of Cuntz semigroups
No full textWe develop a theory of general quotients for W- and Cu-semigroups beyond the case of quotients by ideals. To this end, we introduce the notion of a normal pair, which allows us to take quotients of W-semigroups in a similar way as normal subgroups arise as kernels of group homomorphisms.
We use this to define the dynamical Cuntz semigroup as the universal object induced from an action of a group G on a W-semigroup. In the C*-algebraic framework, under mild assumptions, the universality of this dynamical invariant helps us tap into the structure of the Cuntz semigroup of crossed product C*-algebras
Unlocking the Electrochemical Activation of Diatomaceous Earth <scp>SiO<sub>2</sub></scp> Anodes for Next‐Generation Li‐Ion Batteries
No full textSilica (SiO2) anodes are promising candidates for enhancing the energy density of next‐generation Li‐ion batteries, offering a compelling combination of high storage capacity, stable cycling performance, low cost, and sustainability. This performance stems from SiO2 unique lithiation mechanism, which involves its conversion to electroactive silicon (Si) and electrochemically inactive species. However, widespread adoption of SiO2 anodes is hindered by their slow initial lithiation. To address this, research has focused on developing electrochemical “activation protocols” that involve prolonged low‐potential holding steps to promote SiO2 conversion. Despite these efforts, the complex and multi‐pathway nature of SiO2 lithiation process remains poorly understood, impeding the rational design of effective activation strategies. By introducing a multi‐probe characterization approach, this study reveals that, contrary to the previously proposed reaction mechanism of SiO2 anodes, the lithiation process initiates at low potentials with the direct formation of Li4SiO4 and LixSi. Electrochemical activation potential was found to significantly influence the degree of conversion, with 10 mV identified as the optimal cut‐off potential for maximizing SiO2 utilization. These findings provide key enablers to unlock the full potential of SiO2 anodes for battery technology
Cannabidiol prevents social avoidance, potentiation of cocaine reward and gene expression alterations induced by exposure to intermittent social defeat in mice
No full textExposure to intermittent social defeat (ISD), a model of social stress, increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and enhanced sensitivity of mice to the rewarding effects of cocaine. In this study, we evaluated the role of cannabidiol on these behavioral effects of ISD and ISD-induced alterations in targets of the serotonin, endocannabinoid and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) systems. Male mice were treated with cannabidiol (30 or 60 mg/kg) and exposed to four episodes of social defeat on PND 47, 50, 53 and 56. Control mice were not exposed to stress. In experiment 1, on PND 57–58, mice were tested in several behavioral tests and, three weeks later, underwent a cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. In experiment 2, the gene expression of the serotonin transporter in the dorsal raphe, corticotrophin-releasing factor in the paraventricular nucleus, proopiomelanocortin in the arcuate nucleus and the glucocorticoid and cannabinoid receptors in the hippocampus were evaluated after the last episode of defeat. CBD reversed the social interaction deficit and the potentiation of cocaine preference, but not anxiety-like effects induced by ISD. In addition, except for the glucocorticoid receptor, ISD reduced gene expression, and this effect was reversed by cannabidiol. Our results indicated the involvement of serotonin, HPA and endocannabinoid systems in the effects of social stress. They showed that CBD is a promising therapeutic agent to prevent social avoidance, enhanced vulnerability to cocaine and gene expression alterations in stress-exposed individuals
A Novel Method for Analysing the Curvature of the Anterior Lens: Multi-Radial Scheimpflug Imaging and Custom Conic Fitting Algorithm
No full textThis study describes and validates a novel method for assessing anterior crystalline lens curvature along vertical and horizontal meridians using radial measurements derived from Scheimpflug imaging. The aim was to evaluate whether pupil diameter (PD), anterior lens curvature, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) change during accommodation and whether these changes are age-dependent. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 right eyes from healthy participants aged 21–62 years. Sixteen radial images per eye were acquired using the Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Placido Disk Topographer under four accommodative demands (0, 1, 3, and 5 dioptres (D)). Custom software analysed lens curvature by calculating eccentricity in both meridians. Participants were analysed as a total group and by age subgroups. Accommodative amplitude and monocular accommodative facility were inversely correlated with age. Both PD and ACD significantly decreased with higher accommodative demands and age. Relative eccentricity decreased under accommodation, indicating increased lens curvature, especially in younger participants. Significant curvature changes were detected in the horizontal meridian only, although no statistically significant differences between meridians were found overall. The vertical meridian showed slightly higher eccentricity values, suggesting that it remained less curved. By enabling detailed, meridionally stratified in vivo assessment of anterior lens curvature, this novel method provides a valuable non-invasive approach for characterizing age-related biomechanical changes during accommodation. The resulting insights enhance our understanding of presbyopia progression, particularly regarding the spatial remodelling of the anterior lens surface
Gamification as a Teaching Strategy to Develop Action-Research Competencies in Social Work Students
No full textA study was conducted to explore the impact of gamification as a pedagogical strategy for developing professional skills in undergraduate Social Work students at the University of Zaragoza, particularly those related to Participatory Action Research (PAR). The research addressed the need to innovate teaching methodologies that promote active, collaborative, and situated learning aligned with current professional demands. A gamified teaching experiment was carried out over one semester, structured around missions, rewards, challenges, and collaborative storytelling. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, including pre- and post-test questionnaires, classroom participation records, and focus groups. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ self-perceived acquisition of skills in participatory planning, conflict resolution, and effective communication. An increase in student engagement and critical ownership of the learning process was also observed. It was concluded that gamification, when designed with clear pedagogical criteria, can be an effective tool for teaching complex methodologies such as Participatory Action Research. The study also offered recommendations for training educators in gamified design and integrating active methodologies into higher education curricula. This experience represents an innovative and replicable contribution for academic contexts seeking to enhance professional competencies through a transformative and participatory approach
Inheritance in shortening transfer and kinematics in fold-and-thrust belts: Revisiting the structure of the Jaca Basin, Southern Pyrenees
No full textThis study revisits the structural evolution of the Jaca Basin in the Southern Pyrenees through a revision of the works done in the study area combined with a detailed analysis of geological and subsurface data, culminating in a new balanced cross-section. Our findings demonstrate that the propagation of the deformation into the foreland, from the basement to the cover, is heavily influenced by the uneven distribution of the Upper Triassic salt layer, at the base of the deformed Mesozoic-Paleogene succession, and the reactivation of Permian and Triassic extensional faults. This has led to a distinctive non-cylindrical fold-and-thrust belt with frictional and viscous domains displaying different structural styles. In the frictional domains, where Triassic salt is absent, high-angle thrust systems with a short wavelength involve both the basement and overlying strata, resulting in tight folds and related cleavage. In contrast, in the viscous domains where salt is preserved, deformation structures involving the cover succession are decoupled from the basement and propagate further into the foreland. Nevertheless, structures of both domains, independently of their location and geometry, tended to connect and link, resulting into an intricate thrust system with the development of numerous oblique structures. These oblique structures are further accentuated by the reactivation of inherited Permian and Triassic extensional faults, primarily involving basement thrusts. Differences in the topography between the frictional and viscous domains have also influenced the deposition and routing of syntectonic sediments, which in their turn have also determined the thrusting sequence. The evolutionary sequence of thrusting initiated in the late Ypresian and continued into the early Neogene. Contrary to previous models that suggested simply piggy-back propagation, our findings indicate a complex pattern of synchronous and break-back thrusting sequences with continuous forward propagation of the deformation. Detailed field work supports thrusting ages older than previously thought and indicates a greater amount of shortening (approximately 58 km) than earlier estimates. This comprehensive integration of surface and subsurface data challenges traditional interpretations and provides new insights into the structural evolution of the Southern Pyrenees. Our study highlights the importance of considering three-dimensional structural interactions in understanding tectono-sedimentary relationships. These insights into the complex structural geometry of the Jaca Basin enhance our understanding of similar salt-bearing fold-and-thrust belts globally, such as Zagros, Western Alps, Calcareous Alps, among many others, emphasizing the critical role of inherited geological features and uneven salt distribution in shaping orogenic systems
Itinerario narrativo: profesoras magas en la narrativa infantil y juvenil actual
No full textEl presente proyecto de intervención educativa se desarrolla en el marco del Proyecto I+D+i financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, la Agencia Estatal de Investigación y los Fondos FEDER de la Unión Europea (LECTURAS NO FICCIONALES PARA LA INTEGRACIÓN DE CIUDADANAS Y CIUDADANOS CRÍTICOS EN EL NUEVO ECOSISTEMA CULTURAL PID2021-126392OB-100)