Optical and Electrochemical Properties of a Nanostructured ZnO Thin Layer Deposited on a Nanoporous Alumina Structure via Atomic Layer Deposition.

This study explores the optical and electrochemical properties of a ZnO coating layer deposited on a nanoporous alumina structure (NPAS) for potential multifunctional applications. The NPAS, synthesized through an electrochemical anodization process, displays well-defined nanochannels with a high aspect ratio (~3000). The ZnO coating, achieved via atomic layer deposition, enables the tuning of the pore diameter and porosity of the NPAS, thereby influencing both the optical and electrochemical interfacial properties. A comprehensive characterization using photoluminescence, spectroscopy ellipsometry and impedance spectroscopy (with the sample in contact with NaCl solutions) provides insights into optical and electrochemical parameters, including the refractive index, absorption coefficient, and electrolyte-ZnO/NPAS interface processes. This research demonstrates potential for tailoring the optical and interfacial properties of nanoporous structures by selecting appropriate coating materials, thus opening avenues for their utilization in various technological applications.

High-Performance 3D Nanostructured Silver Electrode for Micro-Supercapacitor Application.

In the current energy crisis scenario, the development of renewable energy forms such as energy storage systems among the supercapacitors is an urgent need as a tool for environmental protection against increasing pollution. In this work, we have designed a novel 3D nanostructured silver electrode through an antireplica/replica template-assisted procedure. The chemical surface and electrochemical properties of this novel 3D electrode have been studied in a 5 M KOH electrolyte. Microstructural characterization and compositional analysis were studied by SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, XRD technique, and Kripton adsorption at -198 °C, together with cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling measurements, Coulombic efficiency, cycle stability, and their leakage current drops, in addition to the self-discharge and electrochromoactive behavior, were performed to fully characterize the 3D nanostructured electrode. Large areal capacitance value of 0.5 F/cm2 and Coulombic efficiency of 97.5% are obtained at a current density of 6.4 mA/cm2 for a voltage window of 1.2 V (between -0.5 and 0.8 V). The 3D nanostructured silver electrode exhibits excellent capacitance retention (95%) during more than 2600 cycles, indicating a good cyclic stability. Additionally, the electrode delivers a high energy density of around 385.87 µWh/cm2 and a power density value of 3.82 µW/cm2 and also displays an electrochromoactive behavior. These experimental results strongly support that this versatile combined fabrication procedure is a suitable strategy for improving the electrochemical performances of 3D nanostructured silver electrodes for applications as micro-supercapacitors or in electrochemical devices.

Optical Characterization of ALD-Coated Nanoporous Alumina Structures: Effect of Sample Geometry or Coated Layer Material.

Optical characterization of nanoporous alumina-based structures (NPA-bSs), obtained by ALD deposition of a thin conformal SiO2 layer on two alumina nanosupports with different geometrical parameters (pore size and interpore distance), was performed by two noninvasive and nondestructive techniques such as spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and photoluminescence (Ph) spectra. SE measurements allow us to estimate the refraction index and extinction coefficient for the studied samples and their dependence with wavelength for the 250-1700 nm interval, showing the effect of sample geometry and cover-layer material (SiO2, TiO2, or Fe2O3), which significantly affect the oscillatory character of both parameters, as well as changes associated with the light incidence angle, which are attributed to surface impurities and inhomogeneity. Photoluminescence curves exhibit a similar shape independently of sample pore-size/porosity, but they seem to affect intensity values. This analysis shows the potential application of these NPA-bSs platforms to nanophotonics, optical sensing, or biosensing.

Specific Neurodynamic Exercises on Pain and Disability in Old Women with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Neurodynamic exercise is a specific type of exercise used as a neural treatment that focuses on restoring altered homeostasis in the neuroimmune system by mobilising the nervous system and other structures. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effect of neurodynamic exercises on disability and neck pain in elderly women over four weeks. Participants were randomized into two groups: a neurodynamic (NM) group (n = 28) and a non-specific exercise (NSE) group (n = 28). Inclusion criteria were women over 65 years of age who subjectively admitted to having mechanical neck pain for more than six months. Results showed that specific neurodynamic exercises can improve pain and disability in older women with chronic mechanical neck pain. Improvements were observed in all variables (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences in favour of the NM group were only found for neck pressure pain thresholds and both tibialis anterior muscles. Larger effect sizes were obtained in favour of the NM group, especially for pain, disability, neck extension and inclination and pressure pain thresholds. Neurodynamic exercises have been shown to be more clinically relevant in disability and neck pain in older women.

Validation of the inverse method for the determination of the access flow with thermodilution.

INTRODUCTION: Thermodiluction is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of TD, the reverse method (MI) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique. METHOD: Transversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with MI. MI is bases in the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen's Kappa index were used. RESULTS: Very good concordance between MR and MI was evidenced for QA below 700 ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (-17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and MI (inter-method variability), which was 2% (-14, 12) (P = 0.287). The degree of agreement between the two to identify AVFs susceptible to intervention was very good (K = 0.834). The time spent using the MI was significantly shorter (P = 0.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P = 0.201). CONCLUSIONS: The thermodiluction MI is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in Qa lower than 700 ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and MI is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological AVFs is very good.

Validación del método inverso para la determinación del flujo de acceso con termodilución / Validation of the inverse method for the determination of the access flow with thermodilution

Introducción: La termodilución es un método ampliamente usado para la medición del flujo de acceso vascular (QA). Entre las posibilidades de la termodilución, el método inverso (MI) puede ser beneficioso en el tiempo de ejecución, sin repercusión en la eficacia dialítica (Kt). Sin embargo, no es una técnica lo suficientemente estudiada.MétodoEstudio transversal sobre 117 fístulas arteriovenosas. Se realizaron 2 mediciones de QA con el método descrito por el fabricante (MR) y otra con MI. El MI se basa en la obtención del registro de recirculación invertida al iniciar la sesión y una única medición posterior de recirculación con las líneas en posición normal. En el análisis de concordancia se utilizó el método Bland-Altman y el índice kappa de Cohen.ResultadosSe evidenció muy buena concordancia entre MR y MI para QA inferiores a 700ml/min, pero empeora a medida que aumenta el flujo. La variabilidad mediana entre las mediciones con MR (variabilidad intramétodo) fue del 3,4% (−17,13). Este valor no difirió de la variabilidad mediana generada entre MR y MI (variabilidad intermétodo), que fue del 2% (−14,12) (p=0,287). El grado de acuerdo entre ambos para identificar fístulas arteriovenosas susceptibles de intervención fue muy bueno (kappa=0,834). El tiempo empleado utilizando el MI fue significativamente menor (p=0,000), sin evidenciarse variaciones en el Kt de las sesiones de medida (p=0,201).ConclusionesEl MI de termodilución es válido para determinar el flujo del acceso vascular, especialmente en QA inferiores a 700ml/min, con gran ahorro de tiempo, simplificación del procedimiento y sin modificar la eficacia de diálisis. La variabilidad entre la medición por MR y MI es similar a la propia del MR. La concordancia entre métodos a la hora de identificar fístulas arteriovenosas potencialmente patológicas es muy buena. (AU)

Introduction: Thermodilution is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of thermodilution, the reverse method (RM) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique.MethodTransversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas. Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with RM. RM is based on the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen's Kappa index were used.ResultsVery good concordance between MR and RM was evidenced for QA below 700ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (−17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and RM (inter-method variability), which was 2% (−14,12) (P=.287). The degree of agreement between the 2 to identify arteriovenous fistulas susceptible to intervention was very good (Kappa=0.834). The time spent using the RM was significantly shorter (P=.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P=.201).ConclusionsThe thermodilution RM is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in QA lower than 700ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and RM is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological arteriovenous fistulas is very good. (AU)

Effects of Global Postural Reeducation versus Specific Therapeutic Neck Exercises on Pain, Disability, Postural Control, and Neuromuscular Efficiency in Women with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Parallel, Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic nonspecific neck pain is the most frequent form of neck pain. It is more prevalent in women, and a costly public health issue. It is commonly associated with biomechanical, functional, proprioceptive, and postural impairments. The aim of this trial is to compare the effects of global postural exercises versus specific therapeutic exercises on neck pain, disability, mobility, pressure pain threshold, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, postural control, and neuromuscular efficiency in women with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Methods and analysis: This study is a randomized, parallel-group and single blinded clinical trial. Sixty-two women with nonspecific chronic neck pain were recruited from the community of Guarda, Portugal, and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: (1) global postural reeducation (GPR group), (2) specific therapeutic exercises (STE group). The intervention was carried out over 4 weeks, with two sessions per week (eight sessions), and applied by a physiotherapist and paired with a daily individual at-home-exercise program. Primary outcomes are neck pain intensity and disability (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index). Secondary outcomes are cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold (CROM, algometry), attitude to pain (kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing), standing postural control (Center of Pressure (COP) displacements), and neuromuscular efficiency (electromyography). There are four points of evaluation where the outcomes were assessed twice before the intervention, 1 week apart, and the two post-intervention assessments will be carried out after four and eight sessions. The objective was to increase scientific knowledge of different exercise modalities, such as global postural reeducation, in musculoskeletal disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClínicalTrials.gov (NCT04402463), prospectively registered (data 22 May 2020).

Multimodal physical exercise and functional rehabilitation program in oncological patients with asthenia. study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the survival of oncology patients include multiple side effects as cancer-related asthenia and dyspnea, which represents a serious health problem. An implementation of the conventional clinical practice, developed through multimodal physical exercise and functional rehabilitation program intervention, may be useful in controlling dyspnoea. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a multimodal exercise and functional rehabilitation program on fatigue, pain, functional capacity, and quality of life in cancer patients with cancer-related asthenia. METHODS: This is a protocol for an experimental, prospective, randomised study using a parallel, fixed assignment scheme, with an experimental group and a control group in patients from the oncology hospitalisation unit at the Salamanca University Hospital Complex in Spain, using consecutive sampling to select 50 participants with oncological asthenia who are hospitalised at the time of inclusion. After the baseline evaluation, the participants will be randomised into two groups. Both groups will receive standard clinical practice care and the normal health education program at discharge, but in addition, the participants assigned to the experimental group will also complete a multimodal exercise and functional rehabilitation program lasting one month. The primary outcomes will be basic activities of daily living (Barthel Index) and degree of asthenia (FACT-An scale). Additionally, physical performance will be evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), as will the attention and executive functions (Trail-Making Test), fear/avoidance of movement (TAMPA scale), pain (VAS scale), and body composition (waist, hip, brachial, thigh, wrist, and ankle circumferences). DISCUSSION: The results of this study may be translated to clinical practice, incorporating a specific autonomy recovery programme into comprehensive rehabilitation programmes of care for cancer patients with asthenia. The current study addresses to improve the conventional clinical practice by proposing a multimodal physical exercise and functional rehabilitation program intervention, which will be implemented by an interdisciplinary team, to try to improve the autonomy of cancer patients with cancer-related asthenia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT04761289. (February 18, 2021).  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT04761289.

Surface Modification of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina during Self-Catalytic Atomic Layer Deposition of Silicon Dioxide from (3-Aminopropyl)Triethoxysilane.

Changes associated to atomic layer deposition (ALD) of SiO2 from 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) and O3, on a nanoporous alumina structure, obtained by two-step electrochemical anodization in oxalic acid electrolyte (Ox sample) are analysed. A reduction of 16% in pore size for the Ox sample, used as support, was determined by SEM analysis after its coverage by a SiO2 layer (Ox+SiO2 sample), independently of APTES or O3 modification (Ox+SiO2/APTES and Ox+SiO2/APTES/O3 samples). Chemical surface modification was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique during the different stages of the ALD process, and differences induced at the surface level on the Ox nanoporous alumina substrate seem to affect interfacial effects of both samples when they are in contact with an electrolyte solution according to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, or their refraction index as determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) technique. However, no substantial differences in properties related to the nanoporous structure of anodic alumina (photoluminescent (PL) character or geometrical parameters) were observed between Ox+SiO2/APTES and Ox+SiO2/APTES/O3 samples.

Specific autonomy recovery programme in a comprehensive rehabilitation on functionality and respiratory parameters in oncological patients with dyspnoea. Study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Survival in cancer patients has increased exponentially in recent years, with multiple side effects caused by treatments. Cancer-related asthenia and dyspnea are among them, which represent a serious health problem, with considerable limitations and reduced quality of life. An implementation of the conventional clinical practice, developed through physical exercise, may be useful in controlling dyspnoea. This study aims to compare the effects of a comprehensive rehabilitation implementing a programme of multimodal physical exercise with a specific autonomy recovery programme, versus an isolated intervention using the physical exercise programme alone, on the functionality, physical performance and respiratory parameters in oncologycal patients with dyspnea. METHODS: This is a protocol por an experimental, prospective, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial, with two arms design of fixed assignment with an experimental and control groups. It will conduct in the Oncology Hospitalisation Unit at the University Hospital Complex of Salamanca, using consecutive sampling to select 50 participants with oncological dyspnoea who are hospitalised at the time of inclusion. After baseline assessment, participants will be randomised into the groups. Experimental group will complete Comprehensive Rehabilitation with the autonomy recovery and the multimodal exercise programmes, and in the control group, only the multimodal exercise programme will be carried out. The primary outcomes will be basic activities of daily living (Barthel Index) and degree of dyspnoea (MRC scale). Additionally, physical performance will be evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), as will the oxygen saturation in the blood using pulse oximetry, fear/avoidance of movement with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and the quality of life of the oncology patient (ECOG performance scale). DISCUSSION: The results of this study may be translated to clinical practice, incorporating a specific autonomy recovery programme into comprehensive rehabilitation programmes of care for cancer patients with dyspnoea. Increase in the survival of patients with cancer includes multiple side effects as cancer-related asthenia and dyspnea, which represents a serious health problem. The current study addresses to improve the conventional clinical practice by proposing an integral, rehabilitative approach, to implement education and training for oncology patients with dyspnea to increase their quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT04766593 . (February 23, 2021).

Validation of the inverse method for the determination of the access flow with thermodilution. / Validación del método inverso para la determinación del flujo de acceso con termodilución.

INTRODUCTION: Thermodilution is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of thermodilution, the reverse method (RM) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique. METHOD: Transversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas. Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with RM. RM is based on the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen's Kappa index were used. RESULTS: Very good concordance between MR and RM was evidenced for QA below 700ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (-17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and RM (inter-method variability), which was 2% (-14,12) (P=.287). The degree of agreement between the 2 to identify arteriovenous fistulas susceptible to intervention was very good (Kappa=0.834). The time spent using the RM was significantly shorter (P=.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P=.201). CONCLUSIONS: The thermodilution RM is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in QA lower than 700ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and RM is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological arteriovenous fistulas is very good.

Transición hacia la vida adulta en mujeres de sectores populares (Córdoba, Argentina) / Transition to adulthood among working-class women (Córdoba, Argentina) / Transição para a vida adulta entre mulheres de setores populares (Córdoba, Argentina)

Resumen (analítico) La transición hacia la adultez de los y las jóvenes de sectores populares en Argentina se tornó más prolongada y compleja. Introducir la perspectiva de género al problema obliga a interrogarse si, además, el ser mujer no constituye una dificultad adicional. Este trabajo analiza los modos en los que se produce la transición hacia la vida adulta en mujeres de sectores populares de Córdoba. Es un estudio cualitativo que utiliza como instrumento de recolección de datos el relato biográfico. Se trabajó con 12 mujeres entre 19 y 26 años que concurren a dos centros socioeducativos y laborales. Se concluye que la inserción al mundo adulto no se presenta del mismo modo. Se expresa en recorridos individuales -laborales y educativos- con problemáticas y tensiones que darían lugar a transiciones más o menos favorables.

Abstract (analytical) The transition to adulthood among working-class young people has become more prolonged and complex. Introducing the gender perspective to this problem leads to questioning whether being a woman represents an additional difficulty. This paper analyzes the ways in which the transition to adulthood among working-class young people of Córdoba (Argentina) occurs. This is a qualitative study that constructs biographies of the women and uses them as a data collection instrument. The research focused on 12 women between the ages of 19 and 26 who attend two different social labor educational centers. The transition to adulthood among young woman is not presented in the same manner. It is expressed in individual experiences - dealing with employment and education - that involve problems and tensions that affect the success of their transitions.

Resumo (analítico) A transição para a adultez entre os jovens e as jovens de setores populares na Argentina se tornou mais longa e complexa. Introduzir a perspectiva de gênero ao problema obriga a questionar se, além disso, o ser mulher não representa uma dificuldade adicional. Este trabalho analisa os diferentes caminhos de transição para a vida adulta entre mulheres de setores populares de Córdoba (Argentina). Tratase de um estudo qualitativo que utiliza o relato biográfico como instrumento de coleta de dados. Foi realizado um trabalho com 12 mulheres de 19 a 26 anos de idade que frequentam dois centros socioeducativos e de preparação para o trabalho. A inserção no mundo adulto não se apresenta sempre do mesmo modo; ela percorre caminhos individuais - seja no âmbito do trabalho ou da educação - com problemáticas e tensões que levariam a transições mais ou menos favoráveis.

Variabilidad intramétodo en medidas del flujo del acceso vascular con termodilución: ¿Un enemigo en los programas de seguimiento? / Intra-method variability in the measurements of vascular access using the thermodilution technique: an enemy in follow-up programs?

OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto de la variabilidad intramétodo de la Termodilución (TD) en las medidas prospectivas de flujo de acceso (QA) y su relación con los parámetros de seguimiento de primera generación. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo. Se realizaron 2 mediciones consecutivas de QA (M1 y M2) y un seguimiento (M3) en 6 meses. Se recogieron datos demográficos y parámetros de seguimiento de primera generación. RESULTADO: Se analizaron 112 fistulas arteriovenosas (-FAV). La mediana de la variabilidad generada entre M1 y M2 no difiere del porcentaje de variación de QA a los 6 meses (p = 0,123). En el 16,8% (14) de los pacientes el QA ha disminuido más del 25% y en un 28,9% (24) aumentó más del 25%. Se evidenció una ligera tendencia a aumentar el porcentaje de descenso de QAa medida que el flujo de las fístulas es mayor (r=-0,229; p = 0,006). Por otra parte, un descenso de QA superior al 25% no se asoció a menor dosis de diálisis (p = 0,183), ni ha aumento significativo de la presión venosa dinámica (p = 0,823) ni al aumento de incidencias durante la punción (p = 0,823). CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de pacientes con aumento de flujo superior a la variabilidad intramétodo y la no asociación entre un descenso superior al 25% y cambios en otros parámetros de seguimiento, hace sospechar la presencia de errores de medición de QA. Frente a ello es conveniente el uso combinado con métodos de primera generación, tanto para establecer el QA basal como para interpretar los descensos en el seguimiento

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the intra-method variability of thermodilution (TD) in the prospective measurements of the access flow (QA) and the relationship with the first-generation monitoring parameters. METHOD: Prospective study. Two consecutive QAmeasurements (M1 and M2) and a 6-month follow-up (M3) were performed. Demographic data and first-generation follow-up parameters were collected. RESULT: 112 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were analyzed. The median variability generated between M1 and M2 does not differ from the percentage of QAvariation at 6 months (p = 0.123). In 16.8% (14) of the patients the QA has decreased by more than 25% and in 28.9% (24) it increased by more than 25%. A slight tendency to increase the percentage of decrease in QA when the fistula flow was higher was evidenced (r=-0.229; p = 0.006). On the other hand, a decrease in QA greater than 25% was not associated with a lower dose of dialysis (p = 0.183), nor did it have a significant increase in dynamic venous pressure (p = 0.823) or an increase in incidences during puncture (p = 0.823). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of patients with an increase in flow greater than the intra-method variability, and the non-association between a decrease greater than 25% and changes in other follow-up parameters, raises suspicions about the presence of QA measurement errors. In relation to this, the combined use with first-generation methods is convenient, both to establish the baseline QA and to interpret the decreases in follow-up

Short and medium-term effects of a multicomponent physical exercise program with a Mediterranean diet on bone mineral density, gait, balance, and fall risk for patients with Alzheimer disease: Randomized controlled clinical trial study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Reduced bone mineral density and increased risk of falls are related with Alzheimer disease, and these increase likelihood of bone osteoporotic fractures causing serious complications such as disability, fear of falling, loss autonomy, decreased quality of life, and anticipated mortality in elderly patients. Gait and balance disturb are 2 factors to favor falls in elderly, and in patients with cognitive impairment, the risk of falls increases to double. Exercise and Mediterranean diet produce beneficial effects for aging, cognitive decline, and are widely recommended to reduce the effects of osteoporosis, fall risk, and related fragility fractures. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the short and medium-term effects during 6 months, of a multicomponent physical exercise program with a Mediterranean diet on bone mineral density, fall risk, balance, and gait by a controlled clinical trial in patients with Alzheimer disease. METHODS: The study is a 6-month, randomized controlled parallel-group, single-blinded clinical trial. Institutionalized patients with Alzheimer disease will be included. The intervention group will perform a multicomponent physical exercise program in reduced groups, with a frequency of 3 sessions per week, associated with a Mediterranean diet. This program includes strength, balance, and aerobic resistance exercises, and in the main part of the session, also ludic exercises to improve agility, coordination, and balance. The control group will receive usual care. The outcomes to assess are the change of physical functions, such as gait and balance, and the change of bone mineral density by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound, during the study follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months. This clinical trial will generate more and new evidence on the effects of a multicomponent physical exercise program and Mediterranean diet in patients with Alzheimer disease on risk of falls and osteoporotic fractures, the relation of these with bone mineral density, gait and balance, and the correlations between them. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Salamanca. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated in national and international conferences, to the participants and their families, and the general public through the associations of people with AD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID: ClínicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04439097.

Immediate and Short-Term Effects of Upper Cervical High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Manipulation on Standing Postural Control and Cervical Mobility in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to determine the immediate and short-term effects of a single upper cervical high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation on standing postural control and cervical mobility in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP). A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed. Forty-four patients with CNSNP were allocated to the experimental group (n = 22) or control group (n = 22). All participants were assessed before and immediately after the intervention, with a follow-up on the 7th and 15th days. In each evaluation, we assessed global and specific stabilometric parameters to analyze standing postural balance and performed the cervical flexion-rotation test (CFRT) to analyze upper cervical mobility. We obtained statistically significant differences, with a large effect size, in the limited cervical rotation and global stabilometric parameters. Upper cervical HVLA manipulation produced an improvement in the global stabilometric parameters, significantly decreasing the mean values of velocity, surface, path length, and pressure in all assessments (p < 0.001; ƞ 2 p = 0.323-0.856), as well as significantly decreasing the surface length ratio (L/S) on the 7th (-0.219 1/mm; p = 0.008; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.042-0.395) and 15th days (-0.447 1/mm; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.265-0.629). Limited cervical rotation values increased significantly immediately after manipulation (7.409°; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 6.131-8.687) and were maintained during follow-up (p < 0.001). These results show that a single upper cervical HVLA manipulation produces an improvement in standing postural control and increases the rotational range of motion (ROM) in the upper cervical spine in patients with CNSNP.

Efectos inmediatos de la manipulación de la primera costilla sobre el tono muscular y la sensibilización del nervio trigémino en pacientes con latigazo cervical / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: Tras un accidente de tráfico, se producen múltiples manifestaciones clínicas, entre las que se encuentran cefalea, dolor mandibular, dolor de cuello, fatiga, etc. Ello supone altos costes en el proceso de recuperación de los pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Determinar la eficacia de la manipulación de alta velocidad y corta amplitud de la primera costilla en pacientes con latigazo cervical, en el tono del músculo masetero y esternocleidomastoideo y en la algometría de las tres ramas del nervio trigémino y del masetero. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un ensayo clínico experimental prospectivo, simple ciego con asignación aleatoria de los sujetos en dos grupos (intervención y control). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 53 individuos (N = 53), 26 para el grupo de control (n = 26) y 27 para intervención (n = 27), diagnosticados con whiplash grado I o II. A los individuos del grupo intervención se les realizó la manipulación de la primera costilla en sedestación, mientras que los individuos del grupo control fueron colocados en la posición de manipulación y se les aplicaron los mismos parámetros aunque sin llegar a realizar el impulso. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron cambios estadísticos significativos en la olgometría del nervio mentoniano (V3) (p = 0,041), no alcanzándose significación en el resto de variables estudiadas (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: De las variables medidas, la manipulación de la primera costilla sólo mejora el umbral del dolor a la presión de la rama mandibular del nervio trigémino en los pacientes con latigazo cervical

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All-in-one bacmids: an efficient reverse genetics strategy for influenza A virus vaccines.

UNLABELLED: Vaccination is the first line of defense against influenza virus infection, yet influenza vaccine production methods are slow, antiquated, and expensive as a means to effectively reduce the virus burden during epidemic or pandemic periods. There is a great need for alternative influenza vaccines and vaccination methods with a global scale of impact. We demonstrate here a strategy to generate influenza A virus in vivo by using bacmid DNAs. Compared to the classical reverse genetics system, the "eight-in-one" bacmids (bcmd-RGFlu) showed higher efficiency of virus rescue in various cell types. Using a transfection-based inoculation (TBI) system, intranasal delivery to DBA/2J and BALB/c mice of bcmd-RGFlu plus 293T cells led to the generation of lethal PR8 virus in vivo. A prime-boost intranasal vaccination strategy using TBI in the context of a bcmd-RGFlu carrying a temperature-sensitive H1N1 virus resulted in protection of mice against lethal challenge with the PR8 strain. Taken together, these studies provide proof of principle to highlight the potential of vaccination against influenza virus by using in vivo reverse genetics. IMPORTANCE: Vaccination is the first line of defense against influenza virus infections. A major drawback in the preparation of influenza vaccines is that production relies on a heavily time-consuming process of growing the viruses in eggs. We propose a radical change in the way influenza vaccination is approached, in which a recombinant bacmid, a shuttle vector that can be propagated in both Escherichia coli and insect cells, carries an influenza virus infectious clone (bcmd-RGFlu). Using a surrogate cell system, we found that intranasal delivery of bcmd-RGFlu resulted in generation of influenza virus in mice. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with this system were protected against lethal influenza virus challenge. The study serves as a proof of principle of a potentially universal vaccine platform against influenza virus and other pathogens.

Immediate effects of bilateral sacroiliac joint manipulation on plantar pressure distribution in asymptomatic participants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate effects of manipulation of bilateral sacroiliac joints (SIJs) on the plantar pressure distribution in asymptomatic participants in the standing position. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-two asymptomatic men and women (mean age, 20.66±2.56 years) randomly assigned to 2 groups. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group underwent mobilization without tension of the hips in the supine position and high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation in the SIJs bilaterally. The control group underwent only mobilization, without tension of the hips in supine position. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postintervention outcomes measured by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the participants included a baropodometric analysis performed by using a force platform. Baseline between-group differences were examined with a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. A chi-square test was used for categorical data. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess differences between groups, with the preintervention value as covariant (95% confidence level). RESULTS: At baseline, no variables significantly differed between groups. Baropodometric analysis showed statistically significant differences in the location of the maximum pressure point in the experimental group (p=0.028). Pre- and postintervention analysis with ANCOVA showed statistically significant differences between both groups in the left hindfoot load percentage (interaction p=0.0259; ANCOVA p=0.0277), right foot load percentage (ANCOVA p=0.0380), and surface of the right forefoot (interaction p=0.0038). There was also a significant effect in the variables that analyze the entire foot (left foot: surface [interaction p=0.0452], percentage of load [ANCOVA p=0.0295]) and between both groups (right foot: weight [interaction p=0.0070; ANCOVA p=0.0296]). CONCLUSIONS: Sacroiliac joint manipulation applied bilaterally in asymptomatic persons resulted in immediate changes in load distribution on plantar support in the standing position. Study limitations and suggestions for future studies are discussed.