Efficacy of Hot Tea Infusion vs. Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera for the Simultaneous Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver, Hyperlipidemia, and Hyperglycemia in a Murine Model Fed with a High-Fat Diet.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a native tree of Asia and is cultivated in some areas of Mexico as part of traditional horticulture. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of MO infusion vs. MO ethanolic extract for the simultaneous treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in a murine model fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). BALB/c mice were fed a balanced diet (healthy control) or an HFD for 6 months. With this, the NAFLD model was established before starting a therapeutic intervention with MO for two months. The phytochemical analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance in 1H and 13C experiments showed signals for pyrrole alkaloids and triterpenes as the main constituents of the extract and infusion preparation. A significant reduction of SGPT, SGOT, lipids, urea, and glucose in blood among NAFLD groups treated with MO (infusion or extract) was found, when compared to the NAFLD-placebo group. Steatosis and liver inflammation were found to be decreased in the MO groups, as infusion or ethanolic extract. Infusion produced a better therapeutic effect than the extract in all parameters, except glycemic control, where the extract was better. As an additional finding, it is noteworthy that treatment with MO, particularly through infusion, resulted in improved motor activity. Moreover, a reduction in anxiety-like behavior was observed exclusively with the administration of infusion. These observations provide valuable insights into the potential broader effects of Moringa oleifera beyond the primary aim of the study.

Differences in the Evolution of Clinical, Biochemical, and Hematological Indicators in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 According to Their Vaccination Scheme: A Cohort Study in One of the World's Highest Hospital Mortality Populations.

COVID-19 vaccines primarily prevent severe illnesses or hospitalization, but there is limited data on their impact during hospitalization for seriously ill patients. In a Mexican cohort with high COVID-19 mortality, a study assessed vaccination's effects. From 2021 to 2022, 462 patients with 4455 hospital days were analyzed. The generalized multivariate linear mixed model (GENLINMIXED) with binary logistic regression link, survival analysis and ROC curves were used to identify risk factors for death. The results showed that the vaccinated individuals were almost half as likely to die (adRR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30-0.97, p = 0.041). When stratifying by vaccine, the Pfizer group (BNT162b2) had a 2.4-times lower risk of death (adRR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.2-0.8, p = 0.008), while the AstraZeneca group (ChAdOx1-S) group did not significantly differ from the non-vaccinated (adRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.5-2.3, p = 0.915). The Pfizer group exhibited a higher survival, the unvaccinated showed increasing mortality, and the AstraZeneca group remained intermediate (p = 0.003, multigroup log-rank test). Additionally, BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals had lower values for markers, such as ferritin and D-dimer. Biochemical and hematological indicators suggested a protective effect of both types of vaccines, possibly linked to higher lymphocyte counts and lower platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). It is imperative to highlight that these results reinforce the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. However, further studies are warranted for a comprehensive understanding of these findings.

Interactions between the principal risk factors for reduction of the eGFR in unvaccinated COVID­19 survivors: Normal pre-COVID­19 eGFR, not having diabetes and being hospitalized.

There are contradictory results regarding changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. An analysis of eGFR changes and clinical characteristics associated with those changes was conducted among COVID-19 survivors. eGFR values were compared at different time points (before and 4-, 8- and 12-months after COVID-19 infection). A multivariate generalized linear mixed model (GENLINMIXED procedure) with a binary logistic regression link was used to determine factors associated with eGFR reduction of ≥10 ml/min/1.73 m2. Being hospitalized (RR=2.90, 95% CI=1.10-7.68, P=0.032), treated with Ivermectin (RR=14.02, 95% CI=4.11-47.80, P<0.001) or anticoagulants (RR=6.51, 95% CI=2.69-15.73, P<0.001) are risk factors for a reduced eGFR. Having a low eGFR (<90 ml/min/1.73 m2) before COVID-19 infection, having B-positive blood type, diabetes, taking vitamin C during the acute phase of COVID-19 or suffering from chronic COVID-19 symptoms, were identified as protective factors. Analysis involving a two-way interaction (A x B, where A and B are factors) demonstrated that the combination of patients with a normal eGFR value before COVID-19 infection without diabetes (RR=58.60, 95% CI=11.62-295.38, P<0.001), or a normal eGFR value with being hospitalized for COVID-19 (RR=38.07, 95% CI=8.68-167.00, P<0.001), increased the probability of a reduced eGFR. The changes in eGFR in COVID-19 survivors varied depending on patient characteristics. Furthermore, the principal risk factors for post-COVID-19 eGFR reduction were analyzed in separate models.

Kinetic Study of Liquid-Phase Glycerol Hydrodeoxygenation into 1,2-Propanediol over CuPd/TiO2-Na.

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) kinetics of glycerol into 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) in the liquid phase is studied on Cu-Pd/TiO2 catalysts. At a stirring speed higher than 480 rpm and an average diameter of the catalyst particles smaller than 89.5 µm, no mass transfer resistance artifacts are observed. The increasing temperature and H2 concentration promote the glycerol conversion and the selectivity to 1,2-PDO and disfavor the selectivity to acetol. Based on the experimental data, empirical kinetic pseudo-homogeneous expressions are proposed for glycerol disappearance, 1,2-PDO formation, and acetol formation in the catalytic system. Dependence of the disappearance rate of glycerol is closer to 1 with respect to glycerol and nonmeaningful with respect to H2. The formation rate of 1,2-PDO is not highly dependent on the initial concentration of glycerol or H2, and the formation rate of acetol is directly dependent on glycerol and inversely dependent on H2, since it accelerates acetol conversion to 1,2-PDO. The activation energies for glycerol disappearance (77.8 kJ/mol), 1,2-PDO formation (51.2 kJ/mol), and acetol formation (84.6 kJ/mol) evidenced the selective formation of 1,2-PDO in this catalytic system.

Immersive Virtual Reality Reaction Time Test and Relationship with the Risk of Falling in Parkinson's Disease.

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) uses customized and advanced software and hardware to create a digital 3D reality in which all of the user's senses are stimulated with computer-generated sensations and feedback. This technology is a promising tool that has already proven useful in Parkinson's disease (PD). The risk of falls is very high in people with PD, and reaction times and processing speed may be markers of postural instability and functionality, cognitive impairment and disease progression. An exploratory study was conducted to explore the feasibility of reaction time tests performed in IVR as predictors of falls. A total of 26 volunteers (79.2% male; 69.73 ± 6.32 years) diagnosed with PD (1.54 ± 0.90 H&Y stage; 26.92 ± 2.64 MMSE) took part in the study. IVR intervention was feasible, with no adverse effects (no Simulator Sickness Questionnaire symptoms). IVR reaction times were related (Spearman's rho) to functionality (timed up and go test (TUG) (rho = 0.537, p = 0.005); TUG-Cognitive (rho = 0.576, p = 0.020); cognitive impairment mini mental state exam (MMSE) (rho = -0.576, p = 0.002)) and the years of the patients (rho = 0.399, p = 0.043) but not with the first PD symptom or disease stage. IVR test is a complementary assessment tool that may contribute to preventing falls in the proposed sample. Additionally, based on the relationship between TUG and reaction times, a cut-off time is suggested that would be effective at predicting the risk of suffering a fall in PD patients using a simple and quick IVR test.

Doxycycline Prevents Preclinical Atherosclerosis, Pancreatic Islet Loss and Improves Insulin Secretion after Glycemic Stimulation: Preclinical Study in Individuals with a High-Fat Diet.

Doxycycline (Doxy) is an antibiotic, which has exhibited anti-inflammatory activity and glucose metabolism improvement. The present study was proposed to evaluate its effects on glucose metabolism and other associated processes, such as lipemia and adipogenesis, as well as, to evaluate its effects on the liver, pancreas, and aorta in subjects fed with an occidental high-fat diet (HFD). The trial followed three groups of BALB/c mice for 6 months: (1) Standard diet (SD); (2) HFD-placebo (saline solution); and (3) HFD-Doxy (10 mg/kg/day). Intrahepatic fat accumulation (steatohepatosis) and the epididymal fat pad, as well as the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate and ALT serum levels were higher in both groups with the HFD (with/without doxycycline) in comparison with the SD group. The thickness of the aorta (preclinic atherosclerosis) was significantly elevated in the HFD group with respect to the HFD + Doxy and SD group, these two being similar groups to each other. The HFD-Doxy group had pancreatic morphological parameters very similar to those of the SD group; on the contrary, the HFD group reduced the number of pancreatic islets and the number of ß cells per mm2, in addition to losing large islets. The index of ß cell function (∆Insulin0-30/∆Glucose0-30 ratio) was significantly higher in the HFD + Doxy group, compared to the rest of the groups.

Feasibility and Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Exergame Program on Physical Functions in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

One of the pillars which underpins active aging is found in the performance of physical activity. While adherence to physical activity programs has traditionally been low in older people, immersive virtual reality (IVR) could provide an alternative and complementary training mode. A randomized clinical trial was conducted to explore the feasibility and effects of a 10-week IVR exergame program on physical functions of 24 institutionalized older adults who were allocated to an experimental group (EG n = 13; 85.08 ± 8.48 years) and control group (CG n = 11; 84.82 ± 8.10 years). The IVR intervention was feasible, with no adverse effects being reported (no Simulator Sickness Questionnaire symptoms; low negative experience scores on the Game Experience Questionnaire < 0.34/4), no dropouts, high adherence, and good post-gaming usability (System Usability Scale > 73.96%). The EG showed significant improvements: Tinetti scores for balance (1.84 ± 1.06; p < 0.001), gait (1.00 ± 1.08; p < 0.001), total score (2.84 ± 1.67; p < 0.001), and handgrip (4.96 ± 4.22; p < 0.001) (pre−post assessment). The CG showed significantly worsened compared to the EG: Five times sit-to-stand test, Tinetti scores for balance, gait, and total score, and the Timed Up and Go test total score (post-assessment). The findings show that the IVR intervention is a feasible method to approach a personalized exercise program and an effective way by which to improve physical function in the target population.

Immersive Virtual Reality as a Novel Physical Therapy Approach for Nonagenarians: Usability and Effects on Balance Outcomes of a Game-Based Exercise Program.

Physical exercise has been recognized as an important strategy in the promotion of healthy aging. Positive effects on older adults' motor ability are brought about by engaging their motor skills and promoting sensorimotor learning and cortical plasticity. These processes could be increased with the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) technology, since the multisensory stimulation is greater. The aim of this study was to explore the usability and balance effects of an IVR exercise program in community-dwelling nonagenarian people. A sample of 12 women were allocated to an experimental group (EG n = 6; 91.67 ± 1.63 years) and a control group (CG n = 6; 90.83 ± 2.64 years). For 10 weeks, the EG used a commercial IVR exergame three times a week. All the sample completed the program without adverse effects (without Simulator Sickness Questionnaire symptoms). Post-gaming usability was good (System Usability Scale 78.33). The EG improved some balance parameters significantly (Tinetti test: balance (10.97 %; Sig = 0.017), gait (9.23%; Sig = 0.047) and total score (10.20%; Sig = 0.014) and maintained total TUG test times (-0.45%)). There were significant differences between groups (Tinetti test: balance (Sig = 0.004) and total score (Sig = 0.0032)). We successfully demonstrated that IVR training is feasible and is an effective and personalized method to enhance balance and to reduce the risk of falls in community-dwelling nonagenarian women.

Wearable Immersive Virtual Reality Device for Promoting Physical Activity in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that usually appears in the 6th decade of life and affects up to 2% of older people (65 years and older). Its therapeutic management is complex and includes not only pharmacological therapies but also physiotherapy. Exercise therapies have shown good results in disease management in terms of rehabilitation and/or maintenance of physical and functional capacities, which is important in PD. Virtual reality (VR) could promote physical activity in this population. We explore whether a commercial wearable head-mounted display (HMD) and the selected VR exergame could be suitable for people with mild-moderate PD. In all, 32 patients (78.1% men; 71.50 ± 11.80 years) were a part of the study. Outcomes were evaluated using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Game Experience Questionnaire (GEQ post-game module), an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire, and perceived effort. A total of 60 sessions were completed safely (without adverse effects (no SSQ symptoms) and with low scores in the negative experiences of the GEQ (0.01-0.09/4)), satisfaction opinions were positive (88% considered the training "good" or "very good"), and the average usability of the wearable HMD was good (75.16/100). Our outcomes support the feasibility of a boxing exergame combined with a wearable commercial HMD as a suitable physical activity for PD and its applicability in different environments due to its safety, usability, low cost, and small size. Future research is needed focusing on postural instability, because it seems to be a symptom that could have an impact on the success of exergaming programs aimed at PD.

Therapeutic Effects of the Pilates Method in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

The Pilates Method is a rehabilitation tool with verified benefits in pain management, physical function, and quality of life in many different physiotherapy areas. It could be beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim of the study was to summarize current evidence for the effectiveness of Pilates in pwMS. A comprehensive search of Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and PubMed (including PubMed Central and Medline) was conducted to examine randomized controlled trials (RCT) that included Pilates intervention in multiple sclerosis. The PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, RoB-2, were used to evaluate risk of bias for RCT. Twenty RCT (999 patients) were included. Ten were of good quality (PEDro), and seven had low risk of bias (RoB-2). Pilates improves balance, gait, physical-functional conditions (muscular strength, core stability, aerobic capacity, and body composition), and cognitive functions. Fatigue, quality of life, and psychological function did not show clear improvement. There was good adherence to Pilates intervention (average adherence ≥ 80%). Cumulative data suggest that Pilates can be a rehabilitation tool for pwMS. High adherence and few adverse effects were reported. Future research is needed to develop clinical protocols that could maximize therapeutic effects of Pilates for pwMS.

Fisioterapia en cicatrices. Revisión del estado actual / Physiotherapy in scars. Review of current state

Introducción y objetivo: La fisioterapia puede ser importante en el tratamiento de las cicatrices porque estas pueden conllevar problemas físicos, como limitaciones articulares, dolor, prurito o ansiedad, o afectar a la apariencia física de la persona. Sin embargo, la evidencia sobre su eficacia parece todavía débil. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar el papel actual que las distintas modalidades de fisioterapia presentan en el tratamiento de las cicatrices. Material y método: Realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Pubmed, Pubmed Central y SciELO utilizando los términos "modalidades de fisioterapia" y "cicatriz". Resultados: Obtuvimos 16 artículos válidos para dar respuesta al objetivo planteado. De ellos, 11 se centran en el tratamiento de cicatrices en quemados y sitios donantes de piel en quemados, y los 5 restantes a otro grupo de otras cicatrices. Conclusiones: Las diferentes modalidades de fisioterapia en el tratamiento de los distintos tipos de cicatriz parecen eficaces mejorando características adversas de las mismas (dolor, elasticidad, prurito, funcionalidad, calidad de vida y estética). Al mismo tiempo, todavía se hace necesario estandarizar protocolos de aplicación y realizar más investigaciones en este campo para alcanzar una evidencia más sólida acerca del tema. (AU)

Background and objective: Physiotherapy can be important in the treatment of scars because they can lead to physical problems, such as joint limitations, pain, itching or anxiety, or affect to the person's physical appearance. However, there is limited evidence for its effectiveness. The aim of this paper is to analyze the current role of different physiotherapy modalities in the treatment of scars. Methods: A literature search on the Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Pubmed and Pubmed Central and SciELO databases using the terms "physiotherapy modalities" and "scar" was carried out. Results: Sixteen valid articles were obtained to respond to the objective proposed. Of these, 11 focus on the treatment of burn scars and skin donor sites on burn patients, and the remaining five to another group of other scars. Conclusions: The different physiotherapy modalities in the treatment of different types of scars seem to be effective, improving adverse characteristics of the scars (pain, elasticity, itching, functionality, quality of life and aesthetics). At the same time, it is still necessary to standardize application protocols and to carry out further research in this field in order to achieve more solid evidence on the subject. (AU)

Can Immersive Virtual Reality Videogames Help Parkinson's Disease Patients? A Case Study.

Video games have proven useful in physical rehabilitation therapy. Accessibility, however, is limited for some groups such as the elderly or patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We explore the potential of fully immersive video games as a rehabilitation tool in PD patients. Four patients with mild-moderate PD (3 males:1 female, 53-71 years) participated in the study. Training consisted in two immersive virtual reality video gaming sessions. Outcomes were evaluated using System Usability Scale (SUS), Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ), Game Experience Questionnaire-post game (GEQ), an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire and perceived effort. All participants completed the sessions without adverse effects (100%), without SSQ symptoms reported. Post-gaming SUS was >75% in both sessions (range 75-80%). Post-gaming GEQ scores were 3.3-4.0/4 in both sessions. Immersive virtual reality video gaming is feasible in patients with mild-moderate PD, with positive usability and patient satisfaction, and no adverse effects.

Is Myofascial Release Therapy Cost-Effective When Compared With Manual Therapy to Treat Workers' Mechanical Neck Pains?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to do a cost-benefit analysis of myofascial release therapy (MRT) compared to manual therapy (MT) for treating occupational mechanical neck pain. METHODS: Variables regarding the outcomes of the intervention were intensity of neck pain, cervical disability, quality of life, craniovertebral angle, and ranges of cervical motion. Costs were assessed based on a social perspective using diary costs. Between-groups differences in average cost, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility ratios were assessed using bootstrap parametric techniques. The economic cost-benefit evaluation was with regard to an experimental parallel group study design. There were 59 participants. RESULTS: Myofascial released therapy showed significant improvement over MT for cervical mobility (side bending, rotation, and craniovertebral angle). The total cost of MRT was approximately 20% less (-$519.81; 95% confidence interval, -$1193.67 to $100.31) than that of MT, although this was not statistically significant. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios showed that MRT could be associated with lower economic costs. CONCLUSION: With probabilities of 93.9% and 95.8%, MRT seems to be cost-effective for treating mechanical neck pain without the need to add any additional cost to obtain a better clinical benefit. Consequently, we believe it could be included in the clinical practice guidelines of different Spanish health care institutions.

Nature and Distribution of Cu and Pd Species in CuPd/TiO2-Na Bimetallic Catalysts for Glycerol Hydrodeoxygenation.

We demonstrated recently that CuPd/TiO2-Na bimetallic catalysts synthesized by sequential wet impregnation are active, selective, and stable for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of glycerol into propylene glycol at low H2 pressure. The present study reports on the nature and distribution of Cu and Pd surface species in CuPd/TiO2-Na bimetallic catalysts using different scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques that supply cluster-specific alloying details. In particular, we used atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging, X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy. We also include X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. Our analysis shows that the metallic nanoparticles adopt mainly five different structures according to how the Cu and Pd atoms coordinate among themselves: a homogeneous CuPd alloy structure (45-61%), a Cu shell/CuPd core (15-23%), a smaller number of particles formed by Cu on the surface and Pd in the nucleus (10-17%), and there are also nanoparticles formed only by Pd (4-7%) or by Cu (8-13%). We determined that there is a inhomogeneous distribution of Cu and Pd in the bimetallic nanoparticles, with Cu being predominant on the surface (between 76 and 90% of the total area analyzed for each particle). Most bimetallic nanoparticles have sizes below 6 nm, the Pd monometallic nanoparticles are in the 2-4 nm range, whereas the monometallic Cu nanoparticles are larger than 8 nm. Bimetallic nanoparticles with sizes smaller than 6-7 nm are fundamentally made up of Cu0-Pd0 and Cu1+-Pd0. The nanoparticles with sizes greater than 7 nm consist of Cu2+ and Cu2+-Pd2+. Our obtained results also help describe reports about the activation of HDO by Pd-Cu in the absence of H2, an effect apparently not observed with other bimetallic systems.

HPLC-DAD method for the detection of five annopurpuricins in root samples of Annona purpurea.

INTRODUCTION: Annona purpurea is a species known in Mexico as "cabeza de negro". In folk medicine A. purpurea root is used to treat patients with kidney diseases and cancer. Our recent studies demonstrated that this species contains five acetogenins named annopurpuricins A-E, which are active against tumoural cell lines in a subnanomolar range. OBJECTIVE: To develop an analytical method using a high-performance liquid chromatography diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) to quantify annopurpuricins A-E in different A. purpurea root samples. METHODOLOGY: To quantify the five annopurpuricins A-E a sample treatment was carried out, which consisted of fractionation by means of cold and hot maceration; using solvents of ascending polarity: hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water. The resulting extracts were subject to HPLC-DAD analysis. The optimised chromatographic separation on a XBRIDGE C18 column achieved separation of all compounds in around 30 min. RESULTS: The developed method was validated according to ICH (International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) validation guide. The developed analytical method was found fast, economic, robust, sensitive, linear and precise. The dichloromethane extract of A. purpurea contains annopurpuricin A in quantities 2- to 25-fold higher than annopurpuricins B-E. This optimised method identified and quantified five annopurpuricins, highly bioactive molecules, in A. purpurea root. CONCLUSIONS: The fingerprint of the dichloromethane extracts of A. purpurea was obtained at 210 nm. The results analysis allowed to quantify annopurpuricins A-E that are present in different collection batches of medium polarity extracts. After data analysis, annopurpuricin A could be establish as the metabolite marker of the root of the species.

Cytotoxic Acetogenins from the Roots of Annona purpurea.

Annona purpurea, known in Mexico as "cabeza de negro" or "ilama", belongs to the Annonaceae family. Its roots are employed in folk medicine in several regions of Mexico. Taking that information into account, a chemical and biological analysis of the components present in the roots of this species was proposed. Our results demonstrated that the dichloromethane (DCM) extract was exclusively constituted by a mixture of five new acetogenins named annopurpuricins A-E (1-5). These compounds have an aliphatic chain of 37 carbons with a terminal α,ß unsaturated γ-lactone. Compounds 1 and 2 belong to the adjacent bis-THF (tetrahydrofuran) α-monohydroxylated type, while compounds 3 and 4 belong to the adjacent bis-THF α,α'-dihydroxylated type; only compound 5 possesses a bis-epoxide system. Complete structure analysis was carried out by spectroscopy and chemical methods. All compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on three human tumor cell lines (MSTO-211H, HeLa and HepG2). Compounds 1-4 inhibited significantly the growth of HeLa and HepG2 cells, showing GI50 values in the low/subnanomolar range, while 5 was completely ineffective under the tested conditions. The investigation of the mechanism of action responsible for cytotoxicity revealed for the most interesting compound 1 the ability to block the complex I activity on isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM).

Solution to travelling salesman problem by clusters and a modified multi-restart iterated local search metaheuristic.

This article finds feasible solutions to the travelling salesman problem, obtaining the route with the shortest distance to visit n cities just once, returning to the starting city. The problem addressed is clustering the cities, then using the NEH heuristic, which provides an initial solution that is refined using a modification of the metaheuristic Multi-Restart Iterated Local Search MRSILS; finally, clusters are joined to end the route with the minimum distance to the travelling salesman problem. The contribution of this research is the use of the metaheuristic MRSILS, that in our knowledge had not been used to solve the travelling salesman problem using clusters. The main objective of this article is to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is more efficient than Genetic Algorithms when clusters are used. To demonstrate the above, both algorithms are compared with some cases taken from the literature, also a comparison with the best-known results is done. In addition, statistical studies are made in the same conditions to demonstrate this fact. Our method obtains better results in all the 10 cases compared.

The Akt-like kinase of Leishmania panamensis: As a new molecular target for drug discovery.

The Akt-like kinase of Leishmania spp. is a cytoplasmic orthologous protein of the serine/threonine kinase B-PKB/human-Akt group, which is involved in the cellular survival of these parasites. By the application of a computational strategy we obtained two specific inhibitors of the Akt-like protein of L. panamensis (UBMC1 and UBMC4), which are predicted to bind specifically to the pleckstrin domain (PH) of the enzyme. We show that the Akt-like of Leishmania panamensis is phospho-activated in parasites under nutritional and thermic stress, this phosphorylation is blocked by the UBMC1 and UMBC2 and such inhibition leads to cell death. Amongst the effects caused by the inhibitors on the parasites we found high percentage of hypodiploidy and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Ultrastructural studies showed highly vacuolated cytoplasm, as well as shortening of the flagellum, loss of nuclear membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation. Altogether the presented results suggest that the cell death caused by UMBC1 and UMBC4 may be associated to an apoptosis-like process. The compounds present an inhibitory concentration (IC50) over intracellular amastigotes of L. panamensis of 9.2±0.8µM for UBMC1 and 4.6±1.9µM for UBMC4. The cytotoxic activity for UBMC1 and UBMC4 in human macrophages derived from monocytes (huMDM) was 29±1.2µM and >40µM respectively. Our findings strongly support that the presented compounds can be plausible candidates as a new therapeutic alternative for the inhibition of specific kinases of the parasite.

Análisis del comportamiento del consumidor: medición cuantitativa del servicio en estudiantes de Administración de una universidad acreditada en Barranquilla / Consumer Behavior Analysis: Quantitative Measurement of Student Administration Service from an Accredited University in Barranquilla

Resumen El presente artículo es resultado de una investigación que se realizó en una universidad acreditada de la ciudad de Barranquilla, con una muestra de aproximadamente 90 estudiantes, sobre una población total de 1143 estudiantes del programa de Administración de Empresas. El objetivo principal consistió en revelar las variables latentes que permitan conocer el comportamiento del consumidor (estudiantes) y el desarrollo de un modelo para la medición del servicio. Se presentan resultados empíricos, a partir del método cuantitativo y técnicas de estadística inferencial como el análisis factorial y clusterización. Los resultados permitieron conocer a través de las dimensiones de la escala SERVQUAL, lo que demandan los estudiantes, así como reconocer dos grupos. Se propone, además, el rediseño de la encuesta SERVQUAL, adaptándola a una tipo Likert, así como correr los datos en procesadores estadísticos como Statgraphics y SSPS para realizar el análisis de la información.

Abstract This research was conducted at an accredited university in the city of Barranquilla, from a sample of about 90 students, out of a total population of 1143 students of their Business Administration program. The main objective is to reveal the latent variables that show consumer behavior on students and the development of a model for service measurement.This article is the result of an investigation, presenting empirical results through the use of a quantitative technique method and inferential statistics such as factor analysis and clustering. The results allowed to know through the dimensions of the SERVQUAL scale, what students require, thus recognizing two groups. It is proposed for application on the consumer psychology when being served, the redesign of the SERVQUAL survey, through a survey Likert, running statistical data processors like Statgraphics and SSPS for the analysis of information.

Myofascial Release Therapy in the Treatment of Occupational Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Parallel Group Study.

OBJECTIVE: As myofascial release therapy is currently under development, the objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy with manual therapy for treating occupational mechanical neck pain. DESIGN: A randomized, single-blind parallel group study was developed. The sample (n = 59) was divided into GI, treated with manual therapy, and GII, treated with myofascial release therapy. Variables studied were intensity of neck pain, cervical disability, quality of life, craniovertebral angle, and ranges of cervical motion. RESULTS: At five sessions, clinical significance was observed in both groups for all the variables studied, except for flexion in GI. At this time point, an intergroup statistical difference was observed, which showed that GII had better craniovertebral angle (P = 0.014), flexion (P = 0.021), extension (P = 0.003), right side bending (P = 0.001), and right rotation (P = 0.031). A comparative analysis between therapies after intervention showed statistical differences indicating that GII had better craniovertebral angle (P = 0.000), right (P = 0.000) and left (P = 0.009) side bending, right (P = 0.024) and left (P = 0.046) rotations, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of occupational mechanical neck pain by myofascial release therapy seems to be more effective than manual therapy for correcting the advanced position of the head, recovering range of motion in side bending and rotation, and improving quality of life.