Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for Twelve Antimicrobials (Biocides and Antibiotics) in Eight Strains of Listeria monocytogenes

[EN]When selecting effective doses of antimicrobials, be they biocides or antibiotics, it is essential to know the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of these substances. The present research determined the MICs and MBCs for three biocides, sodium hypochlorite (SH), benzalkonium chloride (BC), and peracetic acid (PAA), and nine antibiotics in eight strains of Listeria monocytogenes of varying serotypes. Marked intra-species differences were observed in the resistance of L. monocytogenes to the biocides and antibiotics. The MICs (ppm) for the biocides ranged between 1750 and 4500 for SH, 0.25 and 20.00 for BC, and 1050 and 1700 for PAA. Their MBCs (ppm) ranged from 2250 to 4500 for SH, 0.50 to 20.00 for BC, and 1150 to 1800 for PAA. The MICs (ppm) for antibiotics lay between 1 and 15 for ampicillin, 8 and 150 for cephalothin, 20 and 170 for cefoxitin, 0.05 and 0.20 for erythromycin, 4 and 50 for chloramphenicol, 3 and 100 for gentamicin, 2 and 15 for tetracycline, 2 and 80 for vancomycin, and 160 and 430 for fosfomycin. The corresponding MBCs (ppm) were from 5 to 20 for ampicillin, 9 to 160 for cephalothin, 70 to 200 for cefoxitin, 4 to 5 for erythromycin, 9 to 70 for chloramphenicol, 5 to 100 for gentamicin, 3 to 30 for tetracycline, 3 to 90 for vancomycin, and 160 to 450 for fosfomycin. Notably, erythromycin showed considerable efficacy, demonstrated by the low values for both MIC and MBC. Based on EUCAST and the CLSI criteria, all strains were susceptible to erythromycin. All strains were resistant to cephalothin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, and fosfomycin. Further values for resistance were 87.50% for ampicillin and vancomycin, 75.00% for tetracycline, and 62.50% for chloramphenicol. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a matter for concern. A positive correlation was found between MIC and MBC values for most of the biocides and antibiotics. The higher the hydrophobicity of the cell surface, the higher the susceptibility to biocides, suggesting that surface characteristics of bacterial cells influence resistance to these compounds.SIThis research was founded by the Junta de Castilla y León (Consejería de Educación, Spain, grant number LE018P20), and the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Spain, grant number RTI2018-098267-R-C33)

Lateness minimization with Tabu search for job shop scheduling problem with sequence dependent setup times

We tackle the job shop scheduling problem with sequence dependent setup times and maximum lateness minimization by means of a tabu search algorithm. We start by defining a disjunctive model for this problem, which allows us to study some properties of the problem. Using these properties we define a new local search neighborhood structure, which is then incorporated into the proposed tabu search algorithm. To assess the performance of this algorithm, we present the results of an extensive experimental study, including an analysis of the tabu search algorithm under different running conditions and a comparison with the state-of-the-art algorithms. The experiments are performed across two sets of conventional benchmarks with 960 and 17 instances respectively. The results demonstrate that the proposed tabu search algorithm is superior to the state-of-the-art methods both in quality and stability. In particular, our algorithm establishes new best solutions for 817 of the 960 instances of the first set and reaches the best known solutions in 16 of the 17 instances of the second se

Synthesis and Characterization of -Titanium Phosphate/Propylamine Intercalation Compounds Containing Transition-Metal Ions

Polycrystalline intercalated TiMxH2-nx(PO4)2·yC3H7NH2·wH2O compounds with transition metal (TM) ions (Mn+ = Co2+, Ni2+, Fe3+ or Cr3+) have been prepared by means of an indirect route and characterised using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, chemical and thermal analysis, X-ray absorption and magnetic measurements. These novel pillared layered materials, which were obtained from the monoclinic (P21/c space group) alpha-Ti(HPO4)2·H2O phase, lose its crystallinity after intercalation. However, all the TM ions are octahedrally surrounded by 6 oxygen atoms, although the X-ray absorption spectra evidence a clear dependence on the temperature. Surprisingly, all the materials behave as paramagnetic down to 1.5 K, but they exhibit different colors, which means that they are optically active (Co2+: violet; Ni2+: pale green; Fe3+: yellow; Cr3+: dark green)

EFECTO DE LA SUPLEMENTACIÓN DIETÉTICA CON EXTRACTOS DE HIERBALUISA EN LOS MARCADORES DE INFLAMACIÓN EN SUERO DE PERSONAS CON ESCLEROSIS MÚLTIPLE

[EN] Introduction: Inflammation is one of the main contributory factors to the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Dietary interventions with Lipia citriadora (lemon verbena) extracts have been proved to be effective in the prevention of inflammatory diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of lemon verbena supplementation in pro- and anti-inflammatory serum biomarkers of patients with different clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis. Methods: The effect of lemon verbena supplementation (10% w/w verbascoside) was evaluated in a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study with 30 participants classified in relapsing-remitting (n=10), primary progressive (n=5) and secondary progressive (n=15) MS presentations. Serum cytokine and C reactive protein levels were assessed in intervention and control groups for each MS clinical subtype after 28 days of dietary supplementation. Results: Serum levels of C reactive protein and 8 cytokines/inflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10) markers were studied. Secondary progressive MS- supplemented patients showed C reactive protein concentrations significantly lower compared to the placebo group (p<0.005). IFN-γ levels decreased for all MS-treated groups whereas IL-12 diminished levels were observed for relapsing-remitting type (p<0.05). Anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations of IL-4 (difference 2.98 ± 2.99 pg/mL) and IL-10 (difference 1.78 ± 5.54 pg/mL) increased in secondary progressive MS patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: The variation of several pro- and anti-inflammatory markers after supplementation suggests that lemon verbena extracts may affect cytokine profiles in multiple sclerosis. Further investigation on dietary components with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to understand MS pathogenesis and ameliorate MS symptoms. [ES] Introducción: La inflamación es uno de los principales factores que contribuyen en la etiopatogénesis de la esclerosis múltiple (EM). Se ha demostrado que las intervenciones en la dieta con extractos de Lipia citriadora (hierbaluisa) son efectivas en la prevención de las enfermedades inflamatorias. Objectivos: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto de la suplementación con extractos de hierbaluisa en los biomarcadores de inflamación en suero de pacientes con diferentes subtipos clínicos de esclerosis múltiple. Métodos: El efecto de la suplementación con hierbaluisa (10 % p/p verbascósido) se evaluó mediante un estudio aleatorizado de doble ciego controlado con grupo placebo, constituido por 30 participantes clasificados según la forma de presentación de EM en: remitentes-recaídas (n=10), primaria progresiva (n=5) y secundaria progresiva (n=15). Los niveles de citoquinas y proteína C reactiva en suero se valoraron en los grupos intervención y control de cada uno de los subtipos clínicos de EM después de 28 días de suplementación en la dieta. Resultados: Se estudiaron los niveles en suero de proteína C reactiva y de 8 citoquinas como biomarcadores de inflamación (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-4 e IL-10). Los pacientes del grupo de intervención con EM secundaria progresiva presentaron concentraciones de proteína C reactiva significativamente más bajos comparados con el grupo placebo (p<0.005). Los niveles de IFN-γ disminuyeron en todos los grupos tratados a la vez que se detectaron niveles inferiores de IL-12 en las formas secundaria progresiva y remitente-recaídas (p<0.05). Las concentraciones de las citoquinas anti-inflamatorias: IL-4 (diferencia 2,98 ± 2,99 pg/mL) y IL-10 (diferencia 1,78 ± 5,54 pg/mL) aumentaron en los pacientes con EM secundaria progresiva (p<0.05). Conclusión: La variación en la concentración de varias citoquinas pro- y anti-inflamatorias después de la suplementación con los extractos de hierbaluisa puede afectar al perfil de las citoquinas en la esclerosis múltiple. La investigación futura de los componentes de la dieta con propiedades anti-inflamatorias y antioxidantes puede contribuir a entender la patógenesis de la esclerosis múltiple así como a disminuir sus síntomas.S

EFECTO DE UNA DIETA BAJA EN GRASAS CON SUPLEMENTACIÓN DE ANTIOXIDANTES EN LOS MARCADORES BIOQUÍMICOS DE RESIDENTES DE LARGA ESTANCIA CON ESCLEROSIS MÚLTIPLE

[EN] Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment options are primarily limited to immunomodulatory therapies in MS non-progressive forms. Nutrition intervention studies suggest that diet may be considered as a complementary treatment to control disease progression. Therefore, dietary intervention may help to improve wellness and ameliorate symptoms of MS patients. Objectives: To assess the effect of a low-fat diet with antioxidant supplementation on biochemical markers of institutionalized patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Methods: A randomized prospective placebo-controlled study involving 9 participants, 5 of them assigned to the intervention group (low-fat diet and antioxidant supplementation) and the other 4 to the placebo group (low-fat diet). The effect of the dietary intervention, involving diet modification and antioxidant supplementation, was examined for 42 days by measuring anthropometric, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers in blood at baseline (day 0), intermediate (day 15) and end (day 42) stages of the treatment. Results: The intervention group obtained C reactive protein levels significantly lower than those observed in the corresponding placebo group at the end of the study. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers isoprostane 8-iso-PGF2α and interleukine IL-6 values also diminished after dietary intervention in the intervention group. Catalase activity increased significantly in the intervention group prior antioxidant supplementation. No significant differences were observed in other oxidative stress markers. Conclusions: The results suggest that diet and dietary supplements are involved in cell metabolism modulation and MS-related inflammatory processes. Consequently, low fat diets and antioxidant supplements may be used as complementary therapies for treatment of multiple sclerosis.[ES] Introducción: Las posibilidades de tratamiento de la esclerosis múltiple (EM) se encuentran limitadas principalmente a terapias con inmumoduladores en las formas no progresivas de EM. Los estudios de intervención nutricional sugieren que la dieta puede considerarse como un tratamiento alternativo para controlar la progresión de la enfermedad. Por esta razón, las intervenciones en la dieta pueden ayudar a mejorar el bienestar y mejorar los síntomas de los pacientes con EM. Objetivos: Valorar el efecto de una dieta pobre en grasas con suplementación de antioxidantes en los marcadores bioquímicos de pacientes institucionalizados que presentan formas progresivas de EM. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado controlado por placebo con 9 participantes, 5 de los cuales se asignan al grupo de intervención (dieta baja en grasas y suplementación antioxidante) y los 4 restantes al grupo placebo (dieta baja en grasas). Se evaluó el efecto de la intervención dietética que supone modificación de la dieta e introducción de antioxidantes durante 42 días mediante valoraciones de parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos y marcadores del estrés oxidativo en sangre y orina en las etapas inicial (día 0), intermedia (día 15) y final (día 42) del tratamiento. Resultados: Se obtuvieron niveles de proteína C reactiva significativamente inferiores en el grupo de intervención con respecto al grupo placebo al final del estudio. Los marcadores de estrés oxidativo e inflamación: isoprostanos 8-iso-PGF2α e interleucina IL-6 también disminuyeron en el grupo de intervención después de la intervención dietética. La actividad de la enzima catalasa aumentó de forma significativa en el grupo de intervención antes de la suplementación con antioxidantes. No se observaron diferencias significativas en otros marcadores de estrés oxidativo. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la dieta y los suplementos dietéticos están involucrados en la modulación del metabolismo celular y los procesos de inflamación de la EM. En consecuencia, las dietas bajas en grasas y los suplementos antioxidantes podrían ser utilizados como terapias alternativas en el tratamiento de la EM.S

Effect of low doses of biocides on the antimicrobial resistance and the biofilms of Cronobacter sakazakii and Yersinia enterocolitica

The susceptibility of Cronobacter sakazakii ATCC 29544 (CS) and Yersinia enterocolitica ATCC 9610 (YE) to sodium hypochlorite (10% of active chlorine; SHY), peracetic acid (39% solution of peracetic acid in acetic acid; PAA) and benzalkonium chloride (BZK) was tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (planktonic cells; microdilution broth method) of 3,800 ppm (SHY), 1,200 ppm (PAA) and 15 ppm (BZK) for CS, and 2,500 ppm (SHY), 1,275 ppm (PAA) and 20 ppm (BZK) for YE, were found. In some instances, an increase in growth rate was observed in presence of sub-MICs (0.25MIC, 0.50MIC or 0.75MIC) of biocides relative to the samples without biocides. The cultures exhibited an acquired tolerance to biocides and an increase in antibiotic resistance after exposure to sub-MICs of such disinfectants. Strains were able to form strong biofilms on polystyrene after 48 hours (confocal laser scanning microscopy), with average biovolumes in the observation field (14,161 µm2) of 242,201.0 ± 86,570.9 µm3 (CS) and 190,184.5 ± 40,860.3 µm3 (YE). Treatment of biofilms for 10 minutes with disinfectants at 1MIC or 2MIC reduced the biovolume of live cells. PAA (YE) and BZK (CS and YE) at 1MIC did not alter the percentage of dead cells relative to non-exposed biofilms, and their effect of countering biofilm was due principally to the detachment of cells. These results suggest that doses of PAA and BZK close to MICs might lead to the dissemination of live bacteria from biofilms with consequent hazards for public healthMinisterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades | Ref. RTI2018-098267-R-C33Junta de Castilla y León | Ref. LE164G1

Tracking People in a Mobile Robot From 2D LIDAR Scans Using Full Convolutional Neural Networks for Security in Cluttered Environments

[EN] Tracking people has many applications, such as security or safe use of robots. Many onboard systems are based on Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors. Tracking peoples' legs using only information from a 2D LIDAR scanner in a mobile robot is a challenging problem because many legs can be present in an indoor environment, there are frequent occlusions and self-occlusions, many items in the environment such as table legs or columns could resemble legs as a result of the limited information provided by two-dimensional LIDAR usually mounted at knee height in mobile robots, etc. On the other hand, LIDAR sensors are affordable in terms of the acquisition price and processing requirements. In this article, we describe a tool named PeTra based on an off-line trained full Convolutional Neural Network capable of tracking pairs of legs in a cluttered environment. We describe the characteristics of the system proposed and evaluate its accuracy using a dataset from a public repository. Results show that PeTra provides better accuracy than Leg Detector (LD), the standard solution for Robot Operating System (ROS)-based robots.SIJunta de Castilla y León (LE028P17)Instituto Nacional de Cibersegurida

El impulso del emprendimiento como competencia transversal en los estudiantes del Grado de Trabajo Social

Este proyecto está realizado por un grupo de profesores consolidado en docencia e investigación que apuesta por la innovación desde 2004, formado por profesores de la Facultad de Trabajo Social (UCM) y de distintas universidades nacionales que se preocupan por desarrollar planes de innovación que implementen la formación de los estudiantes con el fin de proporcionarles en su inserción laboral. El emprendimiento es parte de la competencia transversal “iniciativa y espíritu emprendedor” desarrollada especialmente en las asignaturas de Practicum (donde debe realizarse un Proyecto Social) y especialmente en el Trabajo Fin de Grado (TFG), ayudando a configurar el perfil profesional del alumnado. En la historia de la disciplina del Trabajo Social existen referentes que vinculan a la universidad como centro de la innovación y progreso de la humanidad. En este sentido sea motivado a la innovación y la creatividad en los estudiantes. La universidad se encuentra en una posición muy aventajada para promover las competencias relacionadas con la innovación y el espíritu empresarial. Estas competencias deben favorecer el emprendimiento social relacionado con el desarrollo social y humano, para la realización de una sociedad más equitativa y participativa desde distintas iniciativas que motiven la participación y la cooperación en esta sociedad desde sus instituciones. La responsabilidad social de la universidad, puede encontrase en esta función ya que se ha potenciado la adquisición de competencias profesionales. Entre algunos resultados próximos se resalta la presentación a los estudiantes de buenas prácticas realizadas desde la universidad para intervenir en la realidad social con el fin de incentivar la generación de nuevas experiencias. Además se destaca el hecho de que 5 estudiantes han terminado con un contrato de trabajo en su centro de practicas externas

Use of seasonal forecasts for water resources management in Spain

Presentación realizada en: 15th Annual Meeting of the European Meteorological Society (EMS) /12th European Conference on Applications of Meteorology (ECAM) celebrado en Sofía, Bulgaria del 7 al 11 de septiembre de 2015