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Ghiasi F, Eskandari MH, Golmakani MT, Rubio RG, Ortega F. Build-Up of a 3D Organogel Network within the Bilayer Shell of Nanoliposomes. A Novel Delivery System for Vitamin D 3: Preparation, Characterization, and Physicochemical Stability. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:2585-2594. [PMID: 33617257 PMCID: PMC8478283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The inherent thermodynamic instability of liposomes during production and storage has limited their widespread applications. Therefore, a novel structure of food-grade nanoliposomes stabilized by a 3D organogel network within the bilayer shell was developed through the extrusion process and successfully applied to encapsulate vitamin D3. A huge flocculation and a significant reduction of zeta potential (-17 mV) were observed in control nanoliposomes (without the organogel shell) after 2 months of storage at 4 °C, while the sample with a gelled bilayer showed excellent stability with a particle diameter of 105 nm and a high negative zeta potential (-63.4 mV), even after 3 months. The development of spherical vesicles was confirmed by TEM. Interestingly, the gelled bilayer shell led to improved stability against osmotically active divalent salt ions. Electron paramagnetic resonance confirmed the higher rigidity of the shell bilayer upon gelation. The novel liposome offered a dramatic increase in encapsulation efficiency and loading of vitamin D3 compared to those of control.
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Galdiz JB, Gómez A, Rodriguez D, Guell R, Cebollero P, Hueto J, Cejudo P, Ortega F, Sayago I, Chic S, Iscar M, Amado C, Rodríguez Trigo G, Cosio BG, Bustamante V, Pijoan JI. Telerehabilitation Programme as a Maintenance Strategy for COPD Patients: A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arbr.2020.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Fernández-Peña L, Guzmán E, Ortega F, Bureau L, Leonforte F, Velasco D, Rubio RG, Luengo GS. Physico-chemical study of polymer mixtures formed by a polycation and a zwitterionic copolymer in aqueous solution and upon adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.123442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Casper ST, Bachynski KE, Buckland ME, Comrie D, Gandy S, Gates J, Goldberg DS, Henne K, Hind K, Morrison D, Ortega F, Pearce AJ, Philpott-Jones S, Sandel E, Tatos T, Tucker S, Finkel AM. Toward Complete, Candid, and Unbiased International Consensus Statements on Concussion in Sport. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2021; 49:372-377. [PMID: 34665101 PMCID: PMC8941977 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2021.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Five international consensus statements on concussion in sports have been published. This commentary argues that there is a strong need for a new approach to them that foregrounds public health expertise and patient-centered guidance. Doing so will help players, parents and practitioners keep perspective about these potentially life-altering injuries especially when they recur.
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Montenegro CR, Ortega F. Thinking beyond implementation: context and culture in global mental health. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e004539. [PMID: 33380416 PMCID: PMC7780541 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Williams AS, Garcia J, Ortega F. Understanding Multimodal User Gesture and Speech Behavior for Object Manipulation in Augmented Reality Using Elicitation. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2020; 26:3479-3489. [PMID: 32941142 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2020.3023566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of this research is to understand how users manipulate virtual objects in augmented reality using multimodal interaction (gesture and speech) and unimodal interaction (gesture). Through this understanding, natural-feeling interactions can be designed for this technology. These findings are derived from an elicitation study employing Wizard of Oz design aimed at developing user-defined multimodal interaction sets for building tasks in 3D environments using optical see-through augmented reality headsets. The modalities tested are gesture and speech combined, gesture only, and speech only. The study was conducted with 24 participants. The canonical referents for translation, rotation, and scale were used along with some abstract referents (create, destroy, and select). A consensus set of gestures for interactions is provided. Findings include the types of gestures performed, the timing between co-occurring gestures and speech (130 milliseconds), perceived workload by modality (using NASA TLX), and design guidelines arising from this study. Multimodal interaction, in particular gesture and speech interactions for augmented reality headsets, are essential as this technology becomes the future of interactive computing. It is possible that in the near future, augmented reality glasses will become pervasive.
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Lucia A, Guzmán E, Rubio RG, Ortega F. Enhanced solubilization of an insect juvenile hormone (JH) mimetic (piryproxyfen) using eugenol in water nanoemulsions stabilized by a triblock copolymer of poly(ethylenglycol) and poly(propilenglycol). Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Bobadilla J, González-Prieto Á, Ortega F, Lara-Cabrera R. Deep learning feature selection to unhide demographic recommender systems factors. Neural Comput Appl 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00521-020-05494-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Santamaria-Martos F, Benítez I, Pinilla L, Ortega F, Zapater A, Girón C, Mínguez O, Gómez S, Vaca R, Fernandez-Real JM, Barbé F, Sánchez-de-la-Torre M. MicroRNA Profile of Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Respiration 2020; 99:1122-1128. [PMID: 33207343 DOI: 10.1159/000511093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease caused by repeated episodes of collapse of the upper airway during sleep and is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is high heterogeneity in the impact of OSA on patients. Until now, the profile of OSA patients at risk of developing CVD has not been defined, including the measurable variables that could be used to predict the CVD risk of a patient with OSA. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify the microRNA (mi-RNA) profile associated with CVD in patients with OSA. METHOD This is an observational, cross-sectional study that included 132 male patients. Three groups were defined as OSA patients, OSA patients with hypertension, and OSA patients who developed a major cardiovascular event. Polysomnography and ambulatory blood pressure measurements were performed. The expression profiling of 188 miRNAs in plasma was performed in 21 subjects (matched by BMI and age) by the TaqMan low density array (TLDA). miRNAs differentially expressed in the different subgroups of patients and miRNAs that correlated with the cardiovascular risk SCORE were selected for validation by RT-qPCR in the 111 remaining patients. RESULTS From the TLDA analysis, 7 miRNAs were selected for validation. Differential expression was not confirmed in any of the miRNAs. miR-143 was associated with nocturnal systolic blood pressure. miR-107 correlated with 24-h blood pressure parameters and with nocturnal hypertension. miR-486 was associated with the cardiovascular risk SCORE. CONCLUSIONS The circulating profile of miRNAs does not seem to be different in any of the subgroups of patients with OSA and different cardiovascular risk factors. Nevertheless, miR-107 and miR-143 are associated with specific blood pressure parameters in patients with OSA and miR-486 is associated with the cardiovascular risk SCORE.
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Akanno A, Guzmán E, Ortega F, Rubio RG. Behavior of the water/vapor interface of chitosan solutions with an anionic surfactant: effect of polymer-surfactant interactions. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:23360-23373. [PMID: 33047113 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp02470h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The adsorption of mixtures formed by chitosan and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) at the water/vapor interface has been studied on the basis of their impact on the equilibrium surface tension of the interface, and the response of such an interface to mechanical deformations. The analysis of the surfactant binding to the chitosan chains evidenced that the chitosan-SLES solutions were mixtures of polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes and a non-negligible amount of free surfactant molecules. The interfacial properties showed two well-differentiated regions for interfacial adsorption as a function of the SLES concentration: (i) at a low surfactant concentration, co-adsorption of chitosan and SLES occurs, and (ii) at high concentrations, the surface is mostly occupied by SLES molecules. This behavior may be interpreted in terms of a complex equilibration mechanism of the interfacial layers, where different coupled dynamic processes may be involved. Furthermore, the use of the time-concentration superposition principle has confirmed the different dynamic behaviors of the chitosan-SLES adsorption as a function of the SLES concentration. This work sheds light on some of the most fundamental bases governing the physico-chemical behavior of mixtures formed by a biopolymer and a surfactant, where their complex behavior is governed by an intricate balance of bulk and interfacial interactions.
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Puente-Maestú L, Ortega F, Pedro JGD, Rodríguez-Nieto MJ, Gómez-Seco J, Gáldiz B, Ojanguren I, Muñoz X, Blanco I, Burgos F, Rodríguez-Chiaradía DA, Gea J, García-Rio F. Prediction Equations for Maximal Aerobic Capacity on Cycle Ergometer for the Spanish Adult Population. Arch Bronconeumol 2020:S0300-2896(20)30375-6. [PMID: 33172709 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequently used reference values for clinical exercise testing have been derived from non-random samples and some with poorly defined maximal criteria. Our objective was to obtain population based reference values for peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2) and work rate (WR) for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a representative sample of Caucasian Spanish men and women. METHODS 182 men and women, 20-85 years old, were included and exercised on cycle-ergometer to exhaustion. (V˙O2) and WR were measured. The equations obtained from this sample were validated in an independent cohort of 69 individuals, randomly sampled form the same population. Then a final equation merging the two cohorts (=251) was produced. RESULTS Height, sex and age resulted predictive of both V˙O2 peak and WR. Weight and physical activity added very little to the accuracy to the equations. The formulas V˙O2peak=0.017⋅height(cm)-0.023⋅age(years)+0.864⋅sex(female=0/male=1)±179lmin-1, and peak WR=1.345 · height (cm) - 2.074 · age (years)+76.54 · sex (female=0/male=1)±21.2W were the best compromise between accuracy and parsimony. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new and accurate V˙O2 peak and WR rate reference values for individuals of European Spanish descent.
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Vieira ER, Civitella F, Carreno J, Junior MG, Amorim CF, D'Souza N, Ozer E, Ortega F, Estrázulas JA. Using Augmented Reality with Older Adults in the Community to Select Design Features for an Age-Friendly Park: A Pilot Study. J Aging Res 2020; 2020:8341034. [PMID: 32953175 PMCID: PMC7482015 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8341034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sedentary behavior is prevalent in older adults. Older adults often underutilize public parks for exercising because the parks do not support their needs and preferences. Engaging older adults on the redesign of parks may help promote active lifestyles. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate (1) the effects of wearing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) glasses on balance; (2) the effects of different virtual walls separating the walking trail from the roadway on older adults' gait, and (3) the preferences of the participants regarding wall design and other features. The participants were ten older adults (68 ± 5 years) who lived within two miles from the park. Balance and gait were assessed using a force plate and an instrumented mat. It was feasible to use AR with older adults in the park to evaluate features for redesign. Motion sickness was not an issue when using AR glasses, but balance was affected when wearing VR goggles. The area of postural sway increased approximately 25% when wearing AR glasses, and it increased by close to 70% when wearing VR goggles compared to no glasses. This difference is clinically relevant; however, we did not have enough power to identify the differences as statistically significant because of the small sample size and large variability. Different walls did not significantly affect the participants' gait either because they did not alter the way they walked or because the holograms were insufficiently realistic to cause changes. The participants preferred a transparent wall rather than tall or short solid walls to separate the park from the roadway.
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Comas F, Latorre J, Ortega F, Oliveras-Cañellas N, Lluch A, Ricart W, Fernández-Real JM, Moreno-Navarrete JM. Permanent cystathionine-β-Synthase gene knockdown promotes inflammation and oxidative stress in immortalized human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells, enhancing their adipogenic capacity. Redox Biol 2020; 42:101668. [PMID: 32800520 PMCID: PMC8113015 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of permanent cystathionine-β-Synthase (CBS) gene knockdown in human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) immortalized human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC52telo) and in their capacity to differentiate into adipocytes. CBS gene KD in ASC52telo cells led to increased cellular inflammation (IL6, CXCL8, TNF) and oxidative stress markers (increased intracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased reduced glutathione levels) in parallel to decreased H2S production and rejuvenation (LC3 and SIRT1)-related gene expression. In addition, CBS gene KD in ASC52telo cells resulted in altered mitochondrial respiratory function, characterised by decreased basal respiration (specifically proton leak) and spare respiratory capacity, without significant effects on cell viability and proliferation. In this context, shCBS-ASC52telo cells displayed enhanced adipogenic (FABP4, ADIPOQ, SLC2A4, CEBPA, PPARG)-, lipogenic (FASN, DGAT1)- and adipocyte (LEP, LBP)-related gene expression markers, decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased intracellular lipid accumulation during adipocyte differentiation compared to control ASC52telo cells. Otherwise, the increased adipogenic potential of shCBS-ASC52telo cells was detrimental to the ability to differentiate into osteogenic linage. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that permanent CBS gene KD in ASC52telo cells promotes a cellular senescence phenotype with a very increased adipogenic potential, promoting a non-physiological enhanced adipocyte differentiation with excessive lipid storage.
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Guzmán E, Rubio RG, Ortega F. A closer physico-chemical look to the Layer-by-Layer electrostatic self-assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 282:102197. [PMID: 32579951 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayer films (PEMs) using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) method is one of the most versatile approaches for manufacturing functional surfaces. This is the result of the possibility to control the assembly process of the LbL films almost at will, by changing the nature of the assembled materials (building blocks), the assembly conditions (pH, ionic strength, temperature, etc.) or even by changing some other operational parameters which may impact in the structure and physico-chemical properties of the obtained multi-layered films. Therefore, the understanding of the impact of the above mentioned parameters on the assembly process of LbL materials plays a critical role in the potential use of the LbL method for the fabrication of new functional materials with technological interest. This review tries to provide a broad physico-chemical perspective to the study of the fabrication process of PEMs by the LbL method, which allows one to take advantage of the many possibilities offered for this approach on the fabrication of new functional nanomaterials.
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Guzmán E, Fernández-Peña L, Ortega F, Rubio RG. Equilibrium and kinetically trapped aggregates in polyelectrolyte–oppositely charged surfactant mixtures. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Fernández-Peña L, Abelenda-Nuñez I, Hernández-Rivas M, Ortega F, Rubio RG, Guzmán E. Impact of the bulk aggregation on the adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte-surfactant mixtures onto solid surfaces. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 282:102203. [PMID: 32629241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2020.102203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of the deposition of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes-surfactant mixtures onto solid surfaces presents a high interest in current days due to the recognized impact of the obtained layers on different industrial sectors and the performance of several consumer products (e.g. formulations of shampoos and hair conditioners). This results from the broad range of structures and properties that can present the mixed layers, which in most of the cases mirror the association process occurring between the polyelectrolyte chains and the oppositely charged surfactants in the bulk. Therefore, the understanding of the adsorption processes and characteristics of the adsorbed layers can be only attained from a careful examination of the self-assembly processes occurring in the solution. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of the interaction of polyelectrolyte-surfactant mixtures with solid surfaces, which is probably one of the most underexplored aspects of these type of systems. For this purpose, a comprehensive discussion on the correlations between the aggregates formed in the solutions and the deposition of the obtained complexes upon such association onto solid surfaces will be presented. This makes it necessary to take a closer look to the most important forces driving such processes.
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Ortega F, Orsini M. Governing COVID-19 without government in Brazil: Ignorance, neoliberal authoritarianism, and the collapse of public health leadership. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1257-1277. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1795223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Galdiz JB, Gómez A, Rodriguez D, Guell R, Cebollero P, Hueto J, Cejudo P, Ortega F, Sayago I, Chic S, Iscar M, Amado C, Rodríguez Trigo G, Cosio BG, Bustamante V, Pijoan JI. Telerehabilitation Programme as a Maintenance Strategy for COPD Patients: A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial. Arch Bronconeumol 2020; 57:195-204. [PMID: 32439253 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2020.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is uncertainty regarding efficacy of telehealth-based approaches in COPD patients for sustaining benefits achieved with intensive pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). RESEARCH QUESTION To determine whether a maintenance pulmonary telerehabilitation (TelePR) programme, after intensive initial PR, is superior to usual care in sustaining over time benefits achieved by intensive PR. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A multicentre open-label pragmatic parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted. Two groups were created at completion of an 8-week intensive outpatient hospital PR programme. Intervention group (IG) patients were given appropriate training equipment and instructed to perform three weekly training sessions and send performance data through an app to a web-based platform. Patients in the control group (CG) were advised to exercise regularly (usual care). RESULTS Ninety-four patients (46 IG, 48 CG) were randomized. The analysis of covariance showed non-significant improvements in 6-min walk distance [19.9m (95% CI -4.1/+43.8)] and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire - Emotion score [0.4 points (0-0.8)] in the IG. Secondary linear mixed models showed improvements in the IG in Short Form-36 mental component summary [9.7, (4.0-15.4)] and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire - Emotion [0.5, (0.2-0.9)] scores, but there was no association between compliance and outcomes. Acute exacerbations were associated with a marginally significant decrease in 6-minute walk distance of 15.8m (-32.3/0.8) in linear models. CONCLUSIONS The TelePR maintenance strategy was both feasible and safe but failed to show superiority over usual care, despite improvements in some HRQoL domains. Acute exacerbations may have an important negative influence on long-term physical function. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT03247933.
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Cáceres M, Guzmán E, Alvarez-Costa A, Ortega F, G. Rubio R, Coviella C, Santo Orihuela PL, Vassena CV, Lucia A. Surfactantless Emulsions Containing Eugenol for Imidacloprid Solubilization: Physicochemical Characterization and Toxicity against Insecticide-Resistant Cimex lectularius. Molecules 2020; 25:E2290. [PMID: 32414128 PMCID: PMC7287993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic insecticides have been used for a long time as one of the most effective tools for insect pest control. However, the re-emergence of insect pests and their fast development of resistance, as has occurred for pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs Cimex lectularius L., make it necessary to develop new and safe strategies for effective pest control. This has fostered the research on new eco-sustainable formulations based on essential oils, which allows reducing the impact associated with the intensive use of synthetic insecticides on the environment and their effects on human health. This research explores the stability of water/eugenol/ethanol surfactantless emulsions loaded with imidacloprid (0.003 wt%), and their toxicity against a resistant bed bug strain. The results have shown that these emulsions enable the solubilization of a poorly water-soluble drug, such as the imidacloprid, without any significant modification of their stability. Furthermore, the application of the obtained formulations against the pyrethroid-resistant bed bug results in mortality in the 50-85% range upon topical and spray applications, with the increase of the eugenol content enhancing the effectiveness of the formulations. It may be expected that the ternary water/eugenol/ethanol mixtures could be further developed in the preparation of ready to use formulations, enabling the dispersion of insecticides for pest control.
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Vidal D, Mocho P, Aberasturi A, Sanz JL, Ortega F. High browsing skeletal adaptations in Spinophorosaurus reveal an evolutionary innovation in sauropod dinosaurs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6638. [PMID: 32313018 PMCID: PMC7171156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sauropods were among the most diverse lineages of dinosaurs, with an ample geographic distribution throughout the Mesozoic. This evolutionary success is largely attributed to neck elongation and its impact on feeding efficiency. However, how neck elongation influenced exactly on feeding strategies is subject of debate. The process of mounting a nearly complete virtual skeleton of Spinophorosaurus nigerensis, from the Middle (?) Jurassic of Niger, has revealed several previously unknown osteological adaptations in this taxon. Wedged sacral and posterior dorsal vertebrae cause the presacral column to deflect antero-dorsally. This, together with elongated scapulae and humeri make the anterior region of the skeleton vertically lengthened. Also, elongated prezygapophyseal facets on the cervical vertebrae and a specialized first dorsal vertebra greatly increase the vertical range of motion of the neck. These characters support this early eusauropod as a more capable high browser than more basally branching sauropods. While limb proportions and zygapophyseal facets vary among Eusauropoda, the sacrum retained more than 10° of wedging in all Eusauropoda. This implied a functional constraint for sauropod species which evolved lower browsing feeding strategies: the antero-dorsal sloping caused by the sacrum had to be counteracted with further skeletal modifications, e.g. a ventrally curved mid to anterior presacral spine to hinder the dorsal slope of the whole presacral series caused by the wedged sacrum. This suggests that at least the last common ancestor of Eusauropoda developed high browsing capabilities, partially due to the modified wedged sacrum, likely a potential synapomorphy of the clade and key in the evolutionary history of the group.
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Ortega F, Wenceslau LD. Challenges for implementing a global mental health agenda in Brazil: The "silencing" of culture. Transcult Psychiatry 2020; 57:57-70. [PMID: 32106796 DOI: 10.1177/1363461518824433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Since its emergence in 2007, Global Mental Health has been a growing and polemic area of study, research and practice in mental health worldwide. Despite having a significant endogenous academic production and innovative policy experiences, the Brazilian mental health field and its actors make few references to, and scarcely dialogue with, the Global Mental Health agenda. This article explores an aspect of this divergence between Global Mental Health initiatives and public mental health care in Brazil regarding the role of culture within mental health policies and practices. Our hypothesis is that part of this difficulty can be attributed to the low relevance of the cultural dimension for the Brazilian mental health field, here referred to as the "silencing of culture." We examine the possible historical roots of this process with reference to theories of "anthropophagy" and "cultural uniformity" in the context of Brazilian cultural matrices. We then describe two recent experiences in public mental health care that incorporate cultural competence through the work of community health workers and the example of community therapy. We argue that the development of cultural competence can be decisive in enabling an improved dialogue between research and practice in Brazilian mental health and global mental health initiatives.
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Martínez-Pedrero F, Ortega F, Codina J, Calero C, Rubio RG. Controlled disassembly of colloidal aggregates confined at fluid interfaces using magnetic dipolar interactions. J Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 560:388-397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Vidal D, Mocho P, Páramo A, Sanz JL, Ortega F. Ontogenetic similarities between giraffe and sauropod neck osteological mobility. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227537. [PMID: 31929581 PMCID: PMC6957182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional morphology of sauropod dinosaur long necks has been studied extensively, with virtual approaches yielding results that are difficult to obtain with actual fossils, due to their extreme fragility and size. However, analyses on virtual fossils have been questioned on several of their premises, such as the ability to accurately reconstruct intervertebral tissue with only skeletal data; or whether zygapophyseal overlap can be used to determine the limits of range of motion, since some extreme neck poses in extant giraffes have been claimed not to retain any zygapophyseal overlap. We compared articulation and range of motion in extant giraffes with the exceptionally well-preserved and complete basally branching eusauropod Spinophorosaurus nigerensis from the Middle (?) Jurassic of Niger, under the same virtual paleontology protocols. We examined the articulation and range of motion on grown and young specimens of both Spinophorosaurus and giraffes in order to record any potential changes during ontogeny. Also, the postures of virtual giraffes were compared with previously published data from living animals in the wild. Our analyses show that: (i) articulation of virtual bones in osteologically neutral pose (ONP) does enable accurate prediction of the amount of inter-vertebral space in giraffes and, roughly, in Spinophorosaurus; (ii) even the most extreme neck postures attained by living giraffes in the wild do not require to disarticulate cervical vertebrae; (iii) both living giraffes and Spinophorosaurus have large intervertebral spaces between their cervical centra in early ontogenetical stages, which decrease as ontogeny advances; and (iv) that grown specimens have a greater osteological range of motion in living giraffes and Spinophorosaurus.
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Guzmán E, Llamas S, Fernández-Peña L, Léonforte F, Baghdadli N, Cazeneuve C, Ortega F, Rubio RG, Luengo GS. Effect of a natural amphoteric surfactant in the bulk and adsorption behavior of polyelectrolyte-surfactant mixtures. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.124178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Ortega F, Müller MR. Global Mental Health and Pharmacology: The Case of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders in Brazil. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2020; 5:535125. [PMID: 33869481 PMCID: PMC8022440 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2020.535125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Global Mental Health (GMH) is the field of study, research, and intervention, which aims at improving access to mental health worldwide. It is based on the global burden of disease research program and on the existence of a large "treatment gap" between the need and availability of mental health services, displaying individual and social costs of undiagnosed and untreated mental disorders, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Few academic publications in Brazil dialogue directly with the field of GMH, although several issues drawn from its agenda have been the subject of mental health policies in the country. Brazil can be classified as a middle-income country with a well-structured national health system. This system is oriented toward primary health care, which integrates both community mental health services and the broader health care network. The debate between GMH advocates and critics has unearthed old controversies in psychiatry such as universality or cultural specificity of mental disorders, their expressions, and their relationship with social and economic factors. We intend to examine how these controversies reverberate in the Brazilian mental health scenario, taking as an illustration the debates around Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the country. ADHD discussions oppose those who argue that the condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated, and those who claim that there is overdiagnosis and overtreatment and thus, medicalization of childhood. This article presents the current status of the Brazilian mental health literature on ADHD, with emphasis on tensions around diagnosis, prevalence and interventions. Our aim is to highlight how the differential in discourse shapes the debate on ADHD in Brazil and how this may contribute to the GMH agenda. This goal will be undertaken in three steps. First, we will briefly examine studies around GMH and ADHD. Secondly, we address Brazilian studies on this theme, considering the specificities regarding the constitution of the mental health field. Finally, we will examine the debate of treatment gap vs. medicalization in the country in order to underscore the potentials and limitations of each perspective.
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