Investigación

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https://hdl.handle.net/10201/51

Investigación contiene los documentos generados por los docentes e investigadores de la Universidad en su labor de investigación. Este depósito tiene como objetivos el almacenamiento, la gestión, la preservación y la difusión de estos documentos, y pretende contribuir al aumento de la visibilidad del trabajo desarrollado por los miembros de la comunidad universitaria.

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Open Access
1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of pig seminal plasma reveals intra-ejaculate variation in metabolites
(MDPI, 2020-06-15) Mateo Otero, Yentel; Fernández-López, Pol; Gil-Caballero, Sergi; Fernandez-Fuertes, Beatriz; Bonet, Sergi; Barranco Cascales, Isabel; Yeste, Marc; Medicina y Cirugía Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
In pigs, ejaculate is expelled in fractions, mainly the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) and the post-SRF (PSRF), which differ in both sperm content and origin. In addition, intra-ejaculate variability between fractions in terms of sperm reproductive characteristics has been previously reported, the highest sperm quality being observed in the first 10 mL of the SRF (SRF-P1). As seminal plasma (SP) composition has been purported to influence sperm physiology, the aim of this study was to profile pig SP metabolite composition and to find putative differences between the ejaculate portions (SRF-P1, the rest of SRF [SRF-P2], PSRF) and entire ejaculate (EE). To this end, ejaculates (n = 8, one per boar) were collected in fractions and SP was analyzed using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We identified 19 metabolites present in all ejaculate portions and the EE, and reported correlations between the metabolites. Additionally, and for the first time in mammals, we found intra-ejaculate variability in the SP metabolites, observing different relative abundances in choline, glycerophosphocholine and glycine. Regarding their influence in sperm physiology, we hypothesize that these metabolites may explain the specific reproductive characteristics of each ejaculate portion. Finally, the reported SP metabolites could serve as a first steppingstone in the study of quality, functionality, and fertility biomarkers.
Open Access
2-Isocyanoanilines and their mono-Boc-protected derivatives
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-07-15) Saura Sanmartín, Adrián; López Leonardo, Carmen; Alajarín Cerón, Mateo; Química Orgánica; Facultad de Química
Among the variety of synthetically useful isocyanides, 2-isocyanoanilines have been scarcely reported in the chemical literature, despite the rich chemistry that expectedly could derive from the reactivities of their two functional groups. This is the case not only for the parent compound but also for most of their N-monosubstituted derivatives. The reason behind such behavior relies upon their chemical instability, apparently attributable to the presence of the N–H bond. Among these latter species, two tert-butyl carbamates are notorious exceptions, as they have been widely utilized in multicomponent reactions but poorly described. This review covers the chemistry of these compounds from a critical perspective, analyzing the causes of the instability of these privileged molecular scaffolds, as well as highlighting the reactivity of their mono-Boc-protected derivatives.
Open Access
30-day postoperative mortality and the effects of hospital preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pooled analysis of prospective international cohort studies
(Elsevier, 2026-01-29) García Pérez, Daniel; Nepogodiev, Dmitri; Kamarajah, Sivesh K.; Bhangu, Aneel; Aacharya, Radhika; Ahmed, Waheed-Ul-Rahman ; ElAmeer, Ehab; Blanco-Colino, Ruth; Elhadi, Muhammed; Ghosh, Dhruva; Glasbey, James C.; Isik, Arda; Jolly, Kate; Kaafarani, Haytham; Kadir, Bryar; Lederhuber, Hans; Leventoğlu, Sezai; Omar, Omar M.; Pata, Francesco; Picciochi, Maria; Pockney, Peter; NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery; COVIDSurg Collaborative; Farmacología; Facultad de Farmacia
Background: Surgical services were poorly prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to widescale disruption to elective activity. This study aimed to identify actionable priorities to strengthen pandemic preparedness of surgical and hospital systems. Methods: This study pooled data from three international, prospective cohort studies including patients who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result in the seven days before or within 30 days after surgery. Patients were included across four pandemic time periods: Period 1 (January–May 2020), Period 2 (June–July 2020), Period 3 (October 2020), and Period 4 (December–March 2022). The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Hierarchical logistic regression models were developed to explore association between pandemic periods (primary analysis) and hospital-level preparedness (secondary analysis) on 30-day postoperative mortality. Hospital preparedness was classified in to poorly-, moderately-, and highly-prepared tertiles based on Surgical Preparedness Index (SPI) score. Findings: A total of 31,751 patients were included from 1589 hospitals and 102 countries. From Period 1 through to Period 4 there was a decrease in the proportion of patients aged ≥70 years and with ASA grades 3–5.30-day postoperative mortality fell from Period 1 (18.4% [1378/7502]), Period 2 (9.9% [219/2234], adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.78), Period 3 (10.5% [246/2427], aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.50–0.71), through to Period 4 (5.8% [1132/19,588], aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.30–0.37). During Period 4, SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated patients had lower mortality compared to unvaccinated patients (4.9% [603/12,361] versus 7.4% [529/7178], aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.42–0.57). Compared to poorly-prepared hospitals (11.2% [1019/9071]), moderately-prepared (9.4% [857/9071], aOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94) and highly-prepared hospitals (5.8% [530/9071], aOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62–0.80) had lower mortality. Interpretation: Postoperative mortality decreased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and was lower in better prepared hospitals. Hospitals are critical national infrastructure and strengthening their preparedness by developing formal pandemic plans, establishing patient and procedure prioritisation protocols, and ring-fencing surgical beds would ensure safer surgical care during future pandemics.
Open Access
7,8-Dihydroxiflavone protects adult rat axotomized retinal ganglion cells through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT activation
(MDPI, 2021-10-08) Galindo Romero, Caridad; Vidal-Villegas, Beatriz; Asís-Martínez, Javier; Lucas Ruiz, Fernando; Gallego Ortega, Alejandro; Vidal Sanz, Manuel; Oftalmología, Optometría, Otorrinolaringología y Anatomía Patológica; Facultad de Óptica y Optometría
We analyze the 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF)/TrkB signaling activation of two main intracellular pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT, in the neuroprotection of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Methods: Adult albino Sprague-Dawley rats received left intraorbital optic nerve transection (IONT) and were divided in two groups. One group received daily intraperitoneal DHF (5 mg/kg) and another vehicle (1%DMSO in 0.9%NaCl) from one day before IONT until processing. Additional intact rats were employed as control (n = 4). At 1, 3 or 7 days (d) after IONT, phosphorylated (p)AKT, p-MAPK, and non-phosphorylated AKT and MAPK expression levels were analyzed in the retina by Western blotting (n = 4/group). Radial sections were also immunodetected for the above-mentioned proteins, and for Brn3a and vimentin to identify RGCs and Müller cells (MCs), respectively (n = 3/group). Results: IONT induced increased levels of p-MAPK and MAPK at 3d in DHF- or vehicle-treated retinas and at 7d in DHF-treated retinas. IONT induced a fast decrease in AKT in retinas treated with DHF or vehicle, with higher levels of phosphorylation in DHF-treated retinas at 7d. In intact retinas and vehicle-treated groups, no p-MAPK or MAPK expression in RGCs was observed. In DHF- treated retinas p-MAPK and MAPK were expressed in the ganglion cell layer and in the RGC nuclei 3 and 7d after IONT. AKT was observed in intact and axotomized RGCs, but the signal intensity of p-AKT was stronger in DHF-treated retinas. Finally, MCs expressed higher quantities of both MAPK and AKT at 3d in both DHF- and vehicle-treated retinas, and at 7d the phosphorylation of p-MAPK was higher in DHF-treated groups. Conclusions: Phosphorylation and increased levels of AKT and MAPK through MCs and RGCs in retinas after DHF-treatment may be responsible for the increased and long-lasting RGC protection afforded by DHF after IONT.
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A care system in crisis: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality
(Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2023) Cutillas Fernández, Isabel; Moraes Mena, Natalia; Sociología; Latorre, Marta ; Castro, Carlos de ; Andrés Pedreño
Open Access
A classroom-based study on the effects of WCF on accuracy in pen-and-paper versus computer-mediated collaborative writing
(Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, 2022-12-27) González Cruz, Belén; Cerezo García, María Lourdes; Nicolás Conesa, Florentina; Didáctica de la Lengua y la Literatura
This study compared the effects of computer-mediated (CM) versus pen-and-paper (P&P) writing on written accuracy and feedback processing in tasks written and rewritten collaboratively following a pedagogical treatment in two intact authentic classrooms. The study involved 32 secondary education low-proficiency English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners writing two descriptive texts collaboratively and receiving in-class training in the identification and correction of grammatical, lexical, and mechanical errors. Participants were provided with unfocused direct error correction (EC). Error logs were used to facilitate noticing of teacher corrections (i.e., feedback processing). Dyads were required to rewrite their texts for evidence of feedback uptake. Results indicate that writing collaboratively on the computer with the availability of the Internet contributes to increased grammatical and lexical accuracy. No differences were found between writing environments regarding feedback processing or accuracy of rewritten texts.
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A comparative evaluation of the sensitivity of one automated and one manual nucleic acid extraction methods for the performance of the Speed-oligo™ Direct Mycobacterium Tuberculosis assayEvaluación comparativa de la sensibilidad de un método automatizado y uno manual para la extracción de ácidos nucleicos con el ensayo Speed-oligo™ Direct Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Cejudo García, María Aurora; Martínez-Lirola, Miguel José; Muñoz-Dávila, María José; Genética y Microbiología
Open Access
A complementary technique that improves flexibility without compromising strength: the role of ultrasound-guided nerve stimulation
(Elsevier, 2026-08-07) Sola Martínez, Sergio; Cánovas Ambit, Germán; Baño Alcaraz, Aitor; López Nicolás, Manuel; García Vidal, José Antonio; Fisioterapia; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Medicina
Background Hamstring flexibility is a key determinant of musculoskeletal function and physical performance; however, conventional interventions such as static stretching may negatively affect muscle strength. Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation has emerged as a potential neuromodulatory technique, although its effects on flexibility and strength remain insufficiently explored. Objective To evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve on hamstring flexibility and muscle strength. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 40participants. Participants were allocated to either an experimental group receiving ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation or a control group undergoing a sham intervention. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the popliteal angle, toe-touch, and fingertip-to-floor tests, and muscle strength was measured with a digital dynamometer. Assessments were performed before and immediately after the intervention. Results Significant improvements in all flexibility measures were observed in the experimental group (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were detected in the control group (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons demonstrated significantly greater improvements in flexibility in the experimental group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in muscle strength between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulation improved immediate hamstring flexibility without evidence of an acute reduction in the measured strength outcomes in this exploratory sample.. This technique may represent a promising alternative for both clinical rehabilitation and performance optimization, although further studies are required to confirm the durability of its effects.
Open Access
A comprehensive analysis of the velocity-based method in the shoulder press exercise: stability of the load-velocity relationship and sticking region parameters
(Termedia Publishing, 2020-08-31) Hernández Belmonte, Alejandro; García Pallarés, Jesús; Martínez Cava, Alejandro; Morán Navarro, Ricardo José; Courel Ibáñez, Javier; Actividad Física y Deporte
The purpose of this study was threefold: i) to analyse the load-velocity relationship of the shoulder press (SP) exercise, ii) to investigate the stability (intra-individual variability) of this load-velocity relationship for athletes with different relative strength levels, and after a 10-week velocity-based resistance training (VBT), and iii) to describe the velocity-time pattern of the SP: first peak velocity [Vmax1], minimum velocity [Vmin], and second peak velocity [Vmax2]. This study involves a cross-sectional (T1, n = 48 subjects with low, medium and high strength levels) and longitudinal (T2, n = 24 subjects randomly selected from T1 sample) design. In T1, subjects completed a progressive loading test up to the 1RM in the SP exercise. The barbell mean, peak and mean propulsive velocities (MV, PV and MPV) were monitored. In T2, subjects repeated the loading test after 10 weeks of VBT. There were very close relationships between the %1RM and velocity attained in the three velocity outcomes (T1, R2: MV = 0.970; MPV = 0.969; PV = 0.954), being even stronger at the individual level (T1, R2 = 0.973–0.997). The MPV attained at the 1RM (~0.19 m·s-1) was consistent among different strength levels. Despite the fact that 1RM increased ~17.5% after the VBT programme, average MPV along the load-velocity relationship remained unaltered between T1 and T2 (0.69 ± 0.06 vs. 0.70 ± 0.06 m·s-1). Lastly, the three key parameters of the velocity-time curve were detected from loads > 74.9% 1RM at 14.3% (Vmax1), 46.1% (Vmin), and 88.7% (Vmax2) of the concentric phase. These results may serve as a practical guideline to effectively implement the velocity-based method in the SP exercise.
Open Access
A crisis of social democracy in Europe? An answer for the citizens' perspective.
(Sage Journals, 2022-08-22) Palacios Brihuega, Irene; Ciencia Política, Antropología Social y Hacienda Pública; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Derecho
This article analyses the public support for the social model of democracy by focusing on the gap between what citizens expect democracy to deliver in the social realm and how they do evaluate its achievement in the practice. Using data from the European Social Survey Round 6 (2012), the results reveal that individuals with a lower socio-economic background, those positioned on the left and those who are more distrustful of political institutions tend to be more supportive of social democracy, while they evaluate its performance more negatively. The data also demonstrate that individuals’ social expectations and evaluations are moderated by their country’s institutional configuration of the welfare state, and more particularly, its degree of universalism. Overall, the results support the intuition that the alleged crisis of social democracy does not exist generally across Europe, but only in those countries where the welfare state has been unable to close the gap between expectations and evaluations.
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A diffusion-reaction kinetic model for the removal of aqueous 4-chlorophenol with immobilized peroxidase
(Elsevier, 2010-11-13) Gómez Carrasco, J.L.; Gómez Gómez, E.; Máximo, María Fuensanta; Gómez Gómez, María; Murcia Almagro, María Dolores; Ortega Requena, Salvadora; Ingeniería Química; Facultad de Química
A diffusion-reaction kinetic model is presented for the kinetic analysis of the removal process of phenolic compounds using hydrogen peroxide and immobilized peroxidase. The good results obtained in the fitting of the experimental data to the model confirm its validity, in the experimental range considered, as well as the one of the extended version of the Dunford mechanism proposed in a previous paper. The phenomenon of enzyme deactivation and/or sequestration by the precipitated olygomers/polymers, which has been widely described in the literature, is here modeled as the growth of a polymeric film over the external surface and inside the pores of the catalytic particles that contain the enzyme, thus determining the appearance of diffusional limitations and an increasing loss of activity. The deactivation phenomena, interpreted and modeled in terms of the effectiveness factor, are included in the kinetic model. To confirm the validity of the model, several series of experiments were carried out in a discontinuous tank reactor. Some of these experimental series were used to obtain the values of the kinetic parameters by numerical calculation and using an error minimization algorithm. Since the model reproduces the behavior of the system for the series of experiments not used for the determination of the parameters, it can be affirmed that the model is suitable for the kinetic analysis of the system under study.
Open Access
A discrete approach to Zhang’s projection inequality
(Cambridge University Press. Canadian Mathematical Society, 2025-09-24) Alonso Gutiérrez, David; Lucas Marín, Eduardo; Martín Goñí, Javier; Matemáticas
In this paper we will provide a new proof of the fact that for any convex body K ⊆ Rn 2n n n nn∞rn−1voln(K ∩ (ren + K))dr ≤0(voln(K))n+1,(voln−1(P ⊥ (K)))nn where (ei)n denotes the canonical orthonormal basis in Rn, P ⊥ (K) denotes n the orthogonal projection of K onto the linear hyperplane orthogonal to en, and volk denotes the k-dimensional Lebesgue measure. This inequality was proved by Gardner and Zhang and it implies Zhang’s inequality. We will use our new approach to this inequality in order to prove discrete analogues of this inequality and of an equivalent version of it, where we will consider the lattice point enumerator measure instead of the Lebesgue measure, and show that from such discrete analogues we can recover the aforementioned inequality and, therefore, Zhang’s inequality.
Open Access
A few-shot learning methodology for improving safety in industrial scenarios through universal self-supervised visual features and dense optical flow
(Elsevier, 2024-12) López de Teruel Alcolea, Pedro Enrique; Ruiz García, Alberto; Losada del Olmo, Juan Jesús; Perales Gómez, Ángel Luis; Ingeniería y Tecnología de Computadores
Industrial safety aims to prevent and mitigate workplace accidents and property damage. One common approach to identifying and analyzing potentially risky situations involves the use of static cameras to capture images or videos of facilities and production processes. However, current state-of-the-art deep learning-based solutions require extensive labeled datasets and substantial computational power to detect these dangerous situations. To address these limitations, this paper presents DINOFSAFE, a methodology that combines dense optical flow and the DINOv2 model, a vision transformer that learns universal visual features without supervision. Our methodology demonstrates dual efficacy by both minimizing the manual labeling efforts necessary for model training and ensuring computational efficiency. Optical flow estimates the apparent motion of objects in the input video streams, while the DINOv2 model generates high-dimensional universal representations capturing their visual properties. Using these representations, we train simple linear classifiers to identify moving objects and categorize them. This information aids in identifying and preventing hazardous conditions in industrial settings, such as pedestrians crossing paths with forklifts, forklifts approaching dangerous areas, loads falling from forklifts, and similar situations. We tested our solution on real videos sourced from industrial environments, resulting in promising outcomes. Furthermore, we compiled a comprehensive dataset consisting of approximately 6 500 images, which we have made publicly available for research and development purposes.
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A freely available semi-automated method for quantifying retinal ganglion cells in entire retinal flatmounts
(Elsevier, 2016-04-20) Geeraerts, E. ; Dekeyster, E. ; Gaublomme, D. ; De Groef, L.; Moons, L.; Salinas Navarro, Manuel Ángel; Anatomía Humana y Psicobiología
Glaucomatous optic neuropathies are characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the neurons that connect the eye to the brain. Quantification of these RGCs is a cornerstone in experimental optic neuropathy research and commonly performed via manually quantifying parts of the retina. However, this is a time-consuming process subject to inter- and intra-observer variability. Here we present a freely available ImageJ script to semi-automatically quantify RGCs in entire retinal flatmounts after immunostaining for the RGC-specific transcription factor Brn3a. The blob-like signal of Brn3a-immunopositive RGCs is enhanced via eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix and the resulting local maxima are counted as RGCs. After the user has outlined the retinal flatmount area, the total RGC number and retinal area are reported and an isodensity map, showing the RGC density distribution across the retina, is created. The semi-automated quantification shows a very strong correlation (Pearson's r ≥ 0.99) with manual counts for both widefield and confocal images, thereby validating the data generated via the developed script. Moreover, application of this method in established glaucomatous optic neuropathy models such as N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity, optic nerve crush and laser-induced ocular hypertension revealed RGC loss conform with literature. Compared to manual counting, the described automated quantification method is faster and shows user-independent consistency. Furthermore, as the script detects the RGC number in entire retinal flatmounts, the method allows detection of regional differences in RGC density. As such, it can help advance research investigating the degenerative mechanisms of glaucomatous optic neuropathies and the effectiveness of new neuroprotective treatments. Because the script is flexible and easy to optimize due to a low number of critical parameters, it can potentially be applied in combination with other tissues or alternative labeling protocols.
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A frontal route to middle and posterior cranial fossa: quantitative study for the lateral transorbital endoscopic approach and comparison with the subtemporal approach
(Elsevier, 2022-08-06) García Pérez, Daniel; Abarca, Javier; González López, Pablo; Nieto, Juan; Lagares, Alfonso; Paredes, Igor; Farmacología
Background Skull base lesions within the middle cranial fossa (MCF) remain challenging. Recent reports suggest that transorbital endoscopic approaches (TOEAs) might be particularly suitable to access the MCF and expose the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and the Meckel's cave. Methods The present study was developed to compare the nuances of the subtemporal approach (STA) with those of the lateral TOEA (LTOEA) to the MCF and posterior cranial fossa (PCF) in cadaveric specimens. After orbital craniectomy, interdural opening of the cavernous sinus lateral wall (CSlw), exposure of the Gasserian ganglion, and extradural elevation of the temporal lobe was performed. Next, anterior endoscopic petrosectomy was performed and the PCF was accessed. We quantitatively analyzed and compared the angles of attack and distances between LTOEA and STA to different structures at the CSlw, petrous apex (PA), and PCF. Results Cadaveric dissection through the LTOEA completely exposed the CSlw and PA. LTOA exhibited larger distances than the STA to all targets. Importantly, these differences were greater at the PA and its surrounding key anatomic landmarks. The horizontal and vertical angles of attack allowed by the LTOA were smaller both for the CSlw and PA. However, these differences were not significant for the vertical angle of attack at the CSlw. Conclusions LTOEA provides a direct ventral route to the medial aspect of MCF, PA, and PCF. Although TOEAs are versatile approaches, the unfamiliar surgical anatomy and limited instrument maneuverability demand extensive cadaveric dissection before moving to the clinical setting.
Open Access
A generalization of the notion of helix
(Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, 2023) Lucas Saorín, Pascual; Ortega Yagües, José Antonio; Matemáticas
In this paper we generalize the notion of helix in the three-dimensional Euclidean space, which we define as that curve $\alpha$ for which there is an $F$-constant vector field $W$ along $\alpha$ that forms a constant angle with a fixed direction $V$ (called an axis of the helix). We find the natural equation and the geometric integration of helices $\alpha$ where the $F$-constant vector field $W$ is orthogonal to its axis.
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A hybrid neuro-fuzzy inference system-based algorithm for time series forecasting applied to energy consumption prediction
(Elsevier, 2020-04-21) Jallal, Mohammed Ali; González Vidal, Aurora; Skarmeta Gómez, Antonio; Chabaa, Samira; Zeroual, Abdelouhab; Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Informática
The accuracy of the prediction of buildings’ energy consumption is being tackled using existing artificial intelligence techniques. However, there is a lack of effort on the development of new techniques for solving that problem and, therefore, achieving higher performance, which is important for the efficient management of energy in many levels. This study addresses this gap by proposing a new hybrid machine learning algorithm that incorporates the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system model with a new version of the firefly algorithm denominated as the gender-difference firefly algorithm. We expanded the search space diversification to increase the accuracy on the prediction and adopted the autoregressive process in order to approximate the chaotic behavior of the consumption time series. A new layer, denominated as non-working time adaptation was also integrated so as to decrease the fast variability of the predictions during non-working periods of time. We have applied our algorithm for the consumption prediction on 1 h, 2 h and 3 h ahead horizons. We have obtained improvements on the MAPE and R coefficient when compared with state-of-the-art publications in both a private dataset from the Faculty of Chemistry, located in the city of Murcia, Spain and a public dataset of the consumption of a Retail building located in California, United States. We also show our method’s performance in five more buildings. Our results demonstrate the robustness and the accuracy of our proposal when compared to the traditional adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system models and also to the different predictive techniques implemented in several pieces of literature.
Open Access
A Hydroxypyrone-Based Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-12 Displays Neuroprotective Properties in Both Status Epilepticus and Optic Nerve Crush Animal Models
(MDPI, 2018-07-25) Vinet, Jonathan; Costa, Anna Maria; Leo, Giuseppina; Moons, Lieve; Arckens, Lutgarde; Biagini, Giuseppe; Salinas Navarro, Manuel Ángel; Anatomía Humana y Psicobiología
Recently, we showed that matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) is highly expressed in microglia and myeloid infiltrates, which are presumably involved in blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage and subsequent neuronal cell death that follows status epilepticus (SE). Here, we assessed the effects of a hydroxypyrone-based inhibitor selective for MMP-12 in the pilocarpine-induced SE rat model to determine hippocampal cell survival. In the hippocampus of rats treated with pilocarpine, intra-hippocampal injections of the MMP-12 inhibitor protected Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) and hilus of dentate gyrus neurons against cell death and limited the development of the ischemic-like lesion that typically develops in the CA3 stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus. Furthermore, we showed that MMP-12 inhibition limited immunoglobulin G and albumin extravasation after SE, suggesting a reduction in BBB leakage. Finally, to rule out any possible involvement of seizure modulation in the neuroprotective effects of MMP-12 inhibition, neuroprotection was also observed in the retina of treated animals after optic nerve crush. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that MMP-12 inhibition can directly counteract neuronal cell death and that the specific hydroxypyrone-based inhibitor used in this study could be a potential therapeutic agent against neurological diseases/disorders characterized by an important inflammatory response and/or neuronal cell loss.
Open Access
A la sombra de la pandemia: la crisis climática como telón de fondo de las transformaciones actuales del derecho ambiental
(Universidad de Sevilla, Grupo de Investigación de Medio Ambiente y Derecho, 2020-12) Álvarez Carreño, Santiago M.; Derecho Administrativo; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Derecho
Las consecuencias sociales y económicas de la pandemia de Covid-19 han impactado también sobre el Derecho ambiental.Algunas tendencias evolutivas que eran ya visibles desde la Gran Recesión han venido a confluir con los nuevos retos de lalucha contra el cambio climático global. El presente estudio da cuenta de algunas de las transformaciones que se hacenvisibles en el ordenamiento jurídico y consigna retrocesos y avances en los ámbitos legislativo y jurisprudencial. -------
Open Access
A multimodal approach to polysemy: the senses of taste and smell
(De Gruyter Brill, 2025-11-19) Bolumar Martínez, Irene; Alcaraz Carrión, Daniel; Valenzuela Manzanares, Javier; Filología Inglesa; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Letras
This study explored whether co-speech gestures and linguistic markers help distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of taste and smell, building on prior findings related to the verb touch. To determine whether patterns found for touch generalize to additional verbs, we aimed to (1) compare gestures associated with taste and smell, (2) examine the motivation behind frequent gestures associated with taste and smell, and (3) describe the relation between spoken words and the meanings of taste and smell. Gesture analysis showed that while gestures help differentiate the meanings of touch, they do not exhibit distinct patterns between literal and figurative meanings of taste and smell. Linguistic analysis showed that only object quantifiers were frequent when conveying literal meanings of taste and smell. Although negation and verb modifiers were key in distinguishing the meanings of touch, they were not commonly used with either taste or smell.