Fiber Bragg grating application to study an unmanned aerial system composite wing

Structural health monitoring consists of structural integrity assessment by means of data acquisition and analysis from on-board sensors. Fiber Bragg grating–based monitoring is increasingly attracting the scientific community working on structural health monitoring due to its multiple advantages such as electromagnetic immunity, negligible weight and size, and multiplexing availability. However, the integration of fiber optics within a structure still requires new procedures and signal treatment techniques for increasing technology reliability and exploiting its full potential. In this article, five embedded Fiber Bragg grating sensors are installed in an unmanned aerial system wing for correlating operational conditions with structural strain in real time. Sensor locations are determined by a finite element model accounting for manufacturing limitations of the fiber line. The developed Fiber Bragg grating system and processing techniques are used in static and dynamic tests showing the capacities of this powerful technology. The assessment includes deflection shape estimation, strain cycles counting, audible and visual strain alarms, aileron control based on strain levels, and structural resonance response detection.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad BIA2016-75042-C2-1-RMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad BIA2013-43085 -

The Struggle for human attention : between the abuse of social media and digital wellbeing

Human attention has become an object of study that defines both the design of interfaces and the production of emotions in a digital economy ecosystem. Guided by the control of users' attention, the consumption figures for digital environments, mainly social media, show that addictive use is associated with multiple psychological, social, and physical development problems. The study presented develops a theoretical proposal regarding attention. In the first part, the research analyzes how attention has been studied and how it behaves using three disciplines: neurophysiology, neuropsychology, and economics. In the second part, considering this general framework, the study uses categories of the three disciplines to explain the functioning of social media, with special emphasis on their interactive, attractive, and addictive design. Finally, the article presents, as a practical example of the exposed theory, the main results of two case studies that describe social media consumption among young people. The research shows the relevance of the theoretical study of attention as a key element by which to understand the logics that dominate the interactive design of social media. It also uses a multidisciplinary perspective. The addictive behaviors identified in the two examples support the theoretical proposals and open research lines oriented to the measurement and understanding of the attention given to social media

Neuroprotective Effects of Tauroursodeoxicholic Acid Involves Vascular and Glial Changes in Retinitis Pigmentosa Model

Purpose: Retinitis pigmentosa is primarily characterized by a massive photoreceptor loss. But a global retinal remodeling occurs in later stages of the disease. At that phase, glial cells and retinal vasculature are also strongly affected. The main aim of the present work is to assess if the bile acid Tauroursodeoxicholic acid (TUDCA), which has a demonstrated neuroprotective effect in numerous neurodegenerative diseases, is able to prevent glial and vascular degeneration in the P23H rat retina. Methods: Homozygous P23H (line 3) animals were injected weekly with a TUDCA (500 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle solution, from the postnatal day (P) 21 to P120. Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) were used as control. Retinal cross-sections and wholemounts were immunostained using different glial and vascular markers and visualized with confocal microscopy. Retinal blood vessels were stained with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase histochemistry and retinal vascular networks were drawn by hand using a camera lucida. Results: At P120, the photoreceptor degeneration observed in P23H rats was accompanied by a reduction in the vascular network density and complexity at the deep capillary plexus. In addition, astrocytes showed gliotic features and the outer processes of Müller cells displayed an aberrant distribution in ring-shaped structures. When treated with TUDCA, P23H rats displayed better-preserved vessels and capillary loops in the deep capillary plexus which are associated with the partial preservation of photoreceptors. TUDCA treatment also increased the number of astrocytes and reduced the presence of Müller cell process clusters in the outer retina. Conclusion: This work suggests that, besides its neuroprotective effect on photoreceptor cells, TUDCA treatment also protects from vascular and glial degeneration, a fact that encourages the use of TUDCA as a powerful therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.The authors also acknowledge support from grants funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (FEDER-PID2019-106230RB-I00), Spanish Ministry of Universities (FPU18/02964), National Institute of Health Carlos III (RETICS-FEDER RD16/0008/0016), and Generalitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/2017/064, PROMETEO/2021/024, GV/2020/028, and APOSTD/2020/245)

Natural Compounds from Saffron and Bear Bile Prevent Vision Loss and Retinal Degeneration

All retinal disorders, regardless of their aetiology, involve the activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways. The administration of neuroprotective factors is crucial in all phases of the pathology, even when vision has been completely lost. The retina is one of the most susceptible tissues to reactive oxygen species damage. On the other hand, proper development and functioning of the retina requires a precise balance between the processes of proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. The life-or-death decision seems to be the result of a complex balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic signals. It has been recently shown the efficacy of natural products to slow retinal degenerative process through different pathways. In this review, we assess the neuroprotective effect of two compounds used in the ancient pharmacopoeia. On one hand, it has been demonstrated that administration of the saffron constituent safranal to P23H rats, an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, preserves photoreceptor morphology and number, the capillary network and the visual response. On the other hand, it has been shown that systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), the major component of bear bile, to P23H rats preserves cone and rod structure and function, together with their contact with postsynaptic neurons. The neuroprotective effects of safranal and TUDCA make these compounds potentially useful for therapeutic applications in retinal degenerative diseases.This research was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness-FEDER (BFU2012-36845), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (RETICS RD12/0034/0010), Asociación Retina Asturias, Fundación Jesús Gangoiti, Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE) and FUNDALUCE

Loss of Melanopsin-Expressing Ganglion Cell Subtypes and Dendritic Degeneration in the Aging Human Retina

In mammals, melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs) are, among other things, involved in several non-image-forming visual functions, including light entrainment of circadian rhythms. Considering the profound impact of aging on visual function and ophthalmic diseases, here we evaluate changes in mRGCs throughout the life span in humans. In 24 post-mortem retinas from anonymous human donors aged 10–81 years, we assessed the distribution, number and morphology of mRGCs by immunostaining vertical retinal sections and whole-mount retinas with antibodies against melanopsin. Human retinas showed melanopsin immunoreactivity in the cell body, axon and dendrites of a subset of ganglion cells at all ages tested. Nearly half of the mRGCs (51%) were located within the ganglion cell layer (GCL), and stratified in the outer (M1, 12%) or inner (M2, 16%) margin of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) or in both plexuses (M3, 23%). M1 and M2 cells conformed fairly irregular mosaics, while M3 cell distribution was slightly more regular. The rest of the mRGCs were more regularly arranged in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and stratified in the outer margin of the IPL (M1d, 49%). The quantity of each cell type decrease after age 70, when the total number of mRGCs was 31% lower than in donors aged 30–50 years. Moreover, in retinas with an age greater than 50 years, mRGCs evidenced a decrease in the dendritic area that was both progressive and age-dependent, as well as fewer branch points and terminal neurite tips per cell and a smaller Sholl area. After 70 years of age, the distribution profile of the mRGCs was closer to a random pattern than was observed in younger retinas. We conclude that advanced age is associated with a loss in density and dendritic arborization of the mRGCs in human retinas, possibly accounting for the more frequent occurrence of circadian rhythm disorders in elderly persons.This research was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO-FEDER BFU2015-67139-R), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (RETICS-FEDER RD16/0008/0016) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/158)

Amoxicilina: la existencia de diferentes presentaciones comerciales como factor determinante del uso irracional del medicamento

INTRODUCCION: La Amoxicilina, un antibiótico de amplio espectro, según consensos internacionales, debe ser usada en esquemas de 500 mg cada 8 hs, 750 mg cada 12 hs, 875 mg cada 12 hs, ó 1000 mg cada 12 hs por 7 a 10 días. En la actualidad, los esquemas impuestos por las diferentes presentaciones comerciales, existentes en la República Argentina, generalmente no se ajustan a estos supuestos. Esto podría tener consecuencias negativas en el uso racional del medicamento. OBJETIVOS: Conocer las presentaciones comerciales de Amoxicilina en comprimidos existentes actualmente en el mercado argentino, contrastar la posibilidad de completar el esquema terapéutico con el uso propuesto por las diferentes presentaciones y relacionar esto con el uso irracional del medicamento. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Se realizó el estudio en base al análisis de diferentes presentaciones comerciales de Amoxicilina en comprimidos del mercado argentino obtenidos de motores de búsqueda informáticos y material bibliográfico. Se procesaron los datos en planilla de cálculos y se realizaron análisis estadísticos. RESULTADOS: Existen 20 laboratorios, 74 productos y 13 tipos de presentaciones comerciales según dosis y cantidad de comprimidos. Se determinó que 5 tipos de presentaciones comerciales (26%) se ajustan al esquema de tratamiento aceptado y 8 tipos (74%) no concuerdan con el esquema terapéutico consensuado. DISCUSION: Del total de los tipos de presentaciones de Amoxicilina, la mayoría (74%) no cumple el esquema de tratamiento, un porcentaje menor (26%) se ajusta a las normas internacionales de uso racional de Amoxicilina. CONCLUSION: El uso irracional del medicamento por esquemas incompletos podría derivar en mayor resistencia bacteriana, reacciones adversas al medicamento, incumplimiento de los días de tratamiento necesarios y la necesidad de comprar más de un envase, encareciendo el tratamiento. El motivo por el que existe un uso indebido podría no ser solo por la gran cantidad de presentaciones comerciales sino también por el desconocimiento de médicos sobre los tipos de presentaciones existentes en el mercado y la falta de información impartida al profesional para evitar esto. Son pertinentes más estudios sobre el uso racional de Amoxicilina para evitar estas posibles consecuencias.INTRODUCTION: Amoxicillin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, according to international consensus, should be used in schemes of 500 mg every 8 hours, 750 mg every 12 hours, 875 mg every 12 hours, or 1000 mg every 12 hours during 7 to 10 days. Currently, the schemes of different commercial presentations, existing in Argentina, don´t correspond to these assumptions. This may have a negative impact on rational drug use. OBJECTIVES: To determine the commercial tablets presentations currently on the Argentine market, test the possibility to finish the therapeutic regimen with the use proposed by the different presentations and relate this to the use irrational use of medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the analysis of different commercial presentations of Amoxicillin in the Argentine market tablets obtained from computer search engine and bibliography. The data was processed in spreadsheet and were performed statistical analyzes. RESULTS: There are 20 companies, 74 products and 13 types of commercial presentations as dosage and number of pills. It was determined that five types of business presentations (26%) are in accordance with accepted treatment regimen and 8 types (74%) do not agree with the consensus treatment regimen. DISCUSSION: Of all the types of presentations of Amoxicillin, the majority (74%) does not meet the treatment schedule, a smaller percentage (26%) are conform to international standards of rational use of Amoxicillin. CONCLUSION: The irrational use of medicine could result in incomplete schemes increased bacterial resistance, adverse drug reactions, breach of treatment day required, and to buy more than one container, that casuesmore expensive treatment. The reason that there is abuse may be is not because the many business presentations but also by the lack of doctors on the types of presentations on the market and the lack of information given to professional to avoid this. Further studies are relevant on the rational use of Amoxicillin to avoid these potential consequences.Fil: Domínguez, Eiana Belén. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Pedro Nicolás. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Giménez, José Florentino. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Gerometta, Rosana María del Rosario. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Medicina; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Neuroprotective Effect of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid on N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration underlies the pathophysiology of diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve. Several studies have previously evidenced the anti-apoptotic properties of the bile constituent, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, in diverse models of photoreceptor degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced damage in the rat retina using a functional and morphological approach. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid was administered intraperitoneally before and after intravitreal injection of NMDA. Three days after insult, full-field electroretinograms showed reductions in the amplitudes of the positive and negative-scotopic threshold responses, scotopic a- and b-waves and oscillatory potentials. Quantitative morphological evaluation of whole-mount retinas demonstrated a reduction in the density of retinal ganglion cells. Systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid attenuated the functional impairment induced by NMDA, which correlated with a higher retinal ganglion cell density. Our findings sustain the efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid administration in vivo, suggesting it would be a good candidate for the pharmacological treatment of degenerative diseases coursing with retinal ganglion cell loss.This work was supported by project grants from Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad-FEDER (http://www.mineco.gob.es) #BFU2012‐36845, Instituto de Salud Carlos III RETICS (http://www.oftared.com) #RD12/0034/0010 and Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (http://www.once.es) to NC; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación #JCI‐2009‐05224 to VGV; Universidad de Alicante (http://www.ua.es) #2010-48536273 to GE; Instituto de Salud Carlos III (http://www.isciii.es) #PI13/02098 and RETICS #RD12/0034/0006 to PdV; and FUNDALUCE

Retinal Vascular Degeneration in the Transgenic P23H Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerative diseases involving a progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells. Following the loss of photoreceptors, retinal vascularization tends to decrease, which seems to play a role in the degenerative process of retinal cells. This study reports changes in retinal vascular network architecture in the P23H rat model of RP at different stages of retinal degeneration. Homozygous P23H line-3 rats of ages ranging from 18 days to 16 months were used in this study. Age-matched Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as control animals. Vertical sections and wholemount retinas were immunolabeled for type IV collagen or stained using NADPH diaphorase histochemistry, and retinal vascular networks were drawn using a camera lucida. The superficial and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were fully developed at P18 in P23H rat retinas and showed no differences from the control animals. In 4-month-old P23H rat retinas, the superficial and intermediate capillary plexus were similar to those observed in age-matched SD rats, but a reduction in the DCP could be observed in these animals, with a significant decrease in both capillary density and capillary loops. At 16 months, the DCP was completely lost, and only vessels exhibiting an abnormal, tortuous dead-end could be observed. The middle capillary plexus had virtually disappeared at this age. Only perpendicular vessels connecting the superficial and DCP were found. The superficial plexus showed no changes in the vascular surface with age. In RP, photoreceptor loss is accompanied by degenerative changes in the retinal vascular network. The disruption of the capillary plexus, with loss of capillary density and capillary loops, can hamper the normal supply of oxygen and nutrients to retinal cells, thus accelerating retinal degeneration. Therefore, changes in retinal vascularization must be taken into account in the design of therapies targeting retinal degenerative diseases

Retinal Vascular Degeneration in the Transgenic P23H Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerative diseases involving a progressive degeneration of photoreceptor cells. Following the loss of photoreceptors, retinal vascularization tends to decrease, which seems to play a role in the degenerative process of retinal cells. This study reports changes in retinal vascular network architecture in the P23H rat model of RP at different stages of retinal degeneration. Homozygous P23H line-3 rats of ages ranging from 18 days to 16 months were used in this study. Age-matched Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used as control animals. Vertical sections and wholemount retinas were immunolabeled for type IV collagen or stained using NADPH diaphorase histochemistry, and retinal vascular networks were drawn using a camera lucida. The superficial and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were fully developed at P18 in P23H rat retinas and showed no differences from the control animals. In 4-month-old P23H rat retinas, the superficial and intermediate capillary plexus were similar to those observed in age-matched SD rats, but a reduction in the DCP could be observed in these animals, with a significant decrease in both capillary density and capillary loops. At 16 months, the DCP was completely lost, and only vessels exhibiting an abnormal, tortuous dead-end could be observed. The middle capillary plexus had virtually disappeared at this age. Only perpendicular vessels connecting the superficial and DCP were found. The superficial plexus showed no changes in the vascular surface with age. In RP, photoreceptor loss is accompanied by degenerative changes in the retinal vascular network. The disruption of the capillary plexus, with loss of capillary density and capillary loops, can hamper the normal supply of oxygen and nutrients to retinal cells, thus accelerating retinal degeneration. Therefore, changes in retinal vascularization must be taken into account in the design of therapies targeting retinal degenerative diseases.This work was supported by The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO-FEDER BFU2015-67139-R), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (RETICS-FEDER RD16/0008/0016) and Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/158)

Ensayo de evaluación a distancia frente a evaluación presencial

El sistema de evaluación debe valorar las competencias adquiridas por el estudiante según los conocimientos, habilidades y aptitudes que ha desarrollado a lo largo del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Este proceso debe ser válido, además de confiable y práctico. Es necesario estudiar los diversos métodos de evaluación disponibles y su idoneidad para las distintas actividades de los grados. El hecho de disponer de herramientas que permiten realizar una evaluación a distancia nos hizo plantearnos la idoneidad de este sistema. Así pues, con el objeto de evaluar la fiabilidad de la evaluación a distancia, se realizó una experiencia en la que se compararon las calificaciones obtenidas en actividades prácticas y seminarios, empleando ambas modalidades de evaluación: presencial y a distancia, mediante las herramientas del campus virtual. Como pudimos comprobar, no hubo diferencias significativas según la modalidad de evaluación, por lo que, con los datos de los que disponemos, podemos aceptar ambos sistemas como igualmente efectivos. Estudiamos también el efecto de la realización de una prueba previa de autoevaluación. En este caso sí encontramos como consecuencia un ligero incremento en la nota, por lo que recomendamos esta actividad para la mejora del rendimiento académico