Carol, Claire Morgan versus Patricia Highsmith

La novel·la El preu de la sal de Claire Morgan vengué prop d’un milió d’exemplars als 50 i es convertia en un clàssic de la literatura lèsbica a l’Amèrica del Nord. Durant els anys 80 es reeditava amb el títol de Carol, i el 1990 l’autora de suspens Patricia Highsmith deixà d’amagar-se sota aquest pseudònim; l’escriptora havia temut que la classifiquessin “d’autora lesbiana”, fet que hauria malmès la seva vida. A finals dels anys 40 es publicaven algunes novel·les sentimentals de temàtica homosexual, però coincidien totes elles en el final tràgic. El preu de la sal tenia quelcom que la diferenciava de la resta. Per primera vegada no moria cap de les protagonistes i totes dues acceptaven l’atracció mútua que sentien en un món que no ho permetia. Highsmith, que inclou matisos homosexuals en molts personatges d’obres seves, ens proposa, a través del personatge de Carol, pendent del divorci i de la custòdia de la seva filla quan coneix Therese, conèixer el preu que haurà de pagar per obtenir la seva llibertat

Greta Garbo en la piel de la heroína de Dumas. Una nueva representación cinematográfica de La dama de las camelias

La pel·lícula Margarita Gautier, dirigida per George Cukor, s’estrena el 1936, tot i que no seria la primera vegada que es duia a la gran pantalla. Fins aleshores el personatge de l’heroïna vuitcentista d’Alexandre Dumas fill havia estat interpretat per grans actrius de teatre com ara Sarah Bernhardt o Eleonore Duse. No obstant, l’actriu sueca Greta Garbo recrea una cortesana molt més fresca, creativa i impregnada d’una tristesa punyent, degut en part a la seva identificació amb el personatge.Le film Marguerite Gautier, dirigé par George Cukor, sortit en 1936, mais ce n’était pas la première fois qu’on la voyait sur le grand écran. Jusqu’à ce moment le personnage de l’héroïne du XIXe siècle d’Alexandre Dumas fils avait été interprété par de grandes actrices de théâtre comme Sarah Bernhardt ou Eleonore Duse. Cependant, l’actrice suédoise Greta Garbo recrée une courtisane beaucoup plus fraîche, créative et imprégnée d’une tristesse déchirante, dû en partie à son identification avec le personnage.La película Margarita Gautier, dirigida por George Cukor, se estrena en 1936, aunque no sería la primera vez que era llevada a la gran pantalla. Hasta la fecha el personaje de la heroína decimonónica de Alexandre Dumas había sido interpretado por grandes actrices de teatro como Sarah Bernhardt o Eleonore Duse. No obstante, la actriz sueca Greta Garbo recrea una cortesana mucho más fresca, creativa e impregnada de una tristeza desgarradora, debido en parte a su identificación con el personaje.The film Camille was directed by George Cukor and released in 1936, although it was not the first time that it took to the big screen. To date, the heroine’s character of the nineteenth-century written by Dumas was played by great theater actresses like Sarah Bernhardt or Eleonore Duse. However, the Swedish actress Greta Garbo recreates a courtesan much more fresh, creative and pervaded with a heartrending sadness, due in part to an identification with her role

Valorisation of drinking water treatment sludge as substrate in subsurface flow constructed wetlands for upgrading treated wastewater

[EN] Drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) is the main waste produced in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Its valorisation as substrate for constructed wetlands (CWs) aimed at upgrading treated urban wastewater is presented. Keeping a holistic approach in mind, this study looks for nutrient and organic matter removal but also contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and pathogens. Three pilot subsurface flow CWs (1 m2) were installed under outdoor conditions in real WWTPs. Different operation modes (sequential: S-CW and continuous saturated flow: C-CW, CC-CW), different nutrient influent concentrations (SCW and C-CW: 0.6 mg TP/l, 12.7 mg TN/l; CC-CW: 6.5 mg TP/l, 48 mg TN/l) and high hydraulic loading rates (HLRs, 0.9-5.1 m3/m2/d) were tested. C-CW presented higher removal efficiencies than S-CW for TP (C-CW: 56-86%; S-CW: 32-66%), total nitrogen (C-CW: 23-38%; S-CW: -3 to 6%) and E. coli (C-CW: 94%; S-CW: 84%), while S-CW performed better for ammonium (C-CW: 29-45%; S-CW: 72-86%) and CECs removal. Among fifteen CECs monitored, most pharmaceuticals, four were significantly reduced in C-CW and nine in S-CW, which had more aerobic conditions. CC-CW reduced nutrients and organic matter by 62% (TP), 8% (TN), 23% and 40% (chemical and biochemical oxygen demands, respectively). The potential release of aluminium was negligible. Novel values for the first-order reaction coefficient of P-k-C* model are provided for the TP removal process using DWTS (0.6-1.0 h-1). The main conclusion is that DWTS is a suitable substrate to significantly upgrade WWTP effluents, even at high HLRs. A hybrid system combining sequential and continuous flow modes could optimize the upgrading treatment. A proposal for the full valorisation of the sludge produced in one DWTP is presented. (c) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.The authors thank the partial funding by the Generalitat Valenciana-IVACE (Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness) and the European Regional Development Fund (through the ERDF Operational Program for the Valencian Community 2014-2020). The authors also thank the Public Entity for Wastewater Sanitation of the Valencian Community (EPSAR), attached to the Conselleria de Agricultura, Desarrollo Rural, Emergencia Climatica y Transicion Ecologica. As well as the Cathedra "Aguas de Valencia-Universitat Politecnica de Valencia", Department of Hydraulic Engineering and the Environment.Hernández Crespo, C.; Oliver, N.; Peña, M.; Añó-Soto, M.; Martín Monerris, M. (2022). Valorisation of drinking water treatment sludge as substrate in subsurface flow constructed wetlands for upgrading treated wastewater. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. 158:486-494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2021.12.03548649415

Physical Condition Factors that Predict a Better Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia

What physical qualities can predict the quality of life (QoL) in women with fibromyalgia (FM)? QoL is a very complex outcome affected by multiple comorbidities in people with fibromyalgia. This study aims to determine which physical qualities can predict the quality of life in women with FM. Also, a comparison between the physical qualities of women with FM and healthy counterparts was conducted. In total, 223 women participated in this cross-sectional study, 123 with FM, with ages ranging between 45 and 70 years. The study was conducted at several fibromyalgia associations and specialized medical units. QoL was measured as the main outcome. In addition, functional capacity, muscular strength, maintenance of thoracic posture, postural control, flexibility, pain threshold, and anxiety were measured. Prediction of the QoL was conducted with multiple linear regression analysis and comparison between groups, using the Mann–Whitney U test. There were significant differences between groups in all the variables measured (p < 0.01). The multiple linear regression model showed that factors influencing QoL in women with FM for all the variables measured were functional capacity, handgrip strength and bicep strength, maintenance of thoracic posture, pain threshold, and anxiety (R2 = 0.53, p < 0.05). To conclude, women with FM show a significantly lower QoL than their healthy counterparts, and the factors that predict their perceived QoL are functional capacity, muscular strength, postural maintenance, pain threshold, and anxiety

Effect of virtual running with exercise on functionality in pre-frail and frail elderly people: randomized clinical trial

[EN] Background Virtual mirror therapies could increase the results of exercise, since the mirror neuron system produces an activation of motor execution cortical areas by observing actions performed by others. In this way, pre-frail and frail people could use this system to reach an exercise capacity threshold and obtain health benefits. Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a virtual running (VR) treatment combined with specific physical gait exercise (PE) compared to placebo VR treatment combined with PE on functionality, pain, and muscular tone in pre-frail and frail older persons. Methods A single blinded, two-arm, randomised controlled trial design was employed. Thirty-eight participants were divided into two intervention arms: Experimental Intervention (EI) group, in which VR and gait-specific physical exercises were administered and Control Intervention (CI) group, in which a placebo virtual gait and the same exercise programme was administered. Functionality, pain, and tone were assessed. Results EI group improved in aerobic capacity, functional lower-limb strength, reaction time, and pain, while CI group remained the same. Regarding static balance and muscle tone, no differences were found for either group. Further analysis is needed to asses VR effectiveness for improving gait, stand-up and sit-down performance and velocity. Conclusions Virtual running therapy appears to enhance capacities related with voluntary movements (i.e., aerobic capacity, functional lower-limb strength, and reaction time) and reduce pain.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. This work was supported by La Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria d'Innovació, Universitats, Ciència i Societat (CIAICO/2021/215); and by La Universitat de València (INV19-01-13-07).Mollà-Casanova, S.; Muñoz-Gómez, E.; Sempere-Rubio, N.; Inglés, M.; Aguilar-Rodríguez, M.; Page Del Pozo, AF.; Lopez Pascual, J.... (2023). Effect of virtual running with exercise on functionality in pre-frail and frail elderly people: randomized clinical trial. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 35(7):1459-1467. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-023-02414-x1459146735

Effect of a Craniosacral Therapy Protocol in People with Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Migraine is a common neurological disorder, and it is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Manual techniques based on physical therapy have been proposed to improve migraine aspects; however, further research is needed on their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a craniosacral therapy protocol on different features in migraine patients. Methods: Fifty individuals with migraine were randomly divided into two groups (n = 25 per group): (i) craniosacral therapy group (CTG), following a craniosacral therapy protocol, and (ii) sham control group (SCG), with a sham treatment. The analyzed variables were pain, migraine severity and frequency of episodes, functional, emotional, and overall disability, medication intake, and self-reported perceived changes, at baseline, after a 4 week intervention, and at 8 week follow-up. Results: After the intervention, the CTG significantly reduced pain (p = 0.01), frequency of episodes (p = 0.001), functional (p = 0.001) and overall disability (p = 0.02), and medication intake (p = 0.01), as well as led to a significantly higher self-reported perception of change (p = 0.01), when compared to SCG. In addition, the results were maintained at follow-up evaluation in all variables. Conclusions: A protocol based on craniosacral therapy is effective in improving pain, frequency of episodes, functional and overall disability, and medication intake in migraineurs. This protocol may be considered as a therapeutic approach in migraine patients

Potential Add-On Effects of Manual Therapy Techniques in Migraine Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Objective: To ascertain whether the combination of soft tissue and articulatory manual techniques is more effective than either one of these techniques alone for reducing migraine impact; Methods: Seventy-five participants with migraine were randomly divided into three groups (n = 25 per group): (i) soft tissue (STG), (ii) articulatory (AG), and (iii) combined treatment (STAG). Pain, frequency of occurrence, duration, disability and impact, depression and anxiety levels, and perception of change were analysed at baseline, post intervention (T2) and at four-week follow-up (T3); Results: STAG showed a significantly greater reduction in pain versus STG and AG at T2 (p p = 0.014) and at T3 (p p = 0.01). Furthermore, STAG achieved a significantly greater reduction in pain duration versus STG at T2 (p = 0.020) and T3 (p = 0.026) and a greater impression of change versus STG (p = 0.004) and AG (p = 0.037) at T3. Similar effects were observed in all groups for frequency of occurrence, migraine disability, impact, and depression and anxiety levels; Conclusions: A combined manual therapy protocol including soft tissue and articulatory techniques yields larger improvements on pain and perception of change than either technique alone, yet the three therapeutic approaches show similar benefits for reducing pain, disability and impact caused by the migraine, depression or anxiety levels

Potential Benefits of a Single Session of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning and Walking in Sedentary Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has shown positive effects in endurance-type sports among healthy young individuals; however, its effects in endurance-type exercises in older adults have not been explored. We aimed to examine the acute effects of a single session of IPC prior to an endurance-type exercise on cardiovascular- and physical-function-related parameters in sedentary older adults. A pilot study with a time-series design was carried out. Nine participants were enrolled consecutively in the following intervention groups: (i) SHAM (sham IPC + walking) and (ii) IPC (IPC + walking) groups. The main outcomes were resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), endurance performance, and perceived fatigue. After the intervention, the IPC group showed a significant reduction in SBP, whereas SpO2 decreased in the SHAM group. The IPC group maintained quadriceps MIVC levels, whereas these levels dropped in the SHAM group. No changes in DBP, resting HR, endurance, or fatigue in any group were observed. These findings are of interest for the promotion of cardiovascular and physical health in older people

Characterization of postural control impairment in women with fibromyalgia

<div><p>The main goal of this cross-sectional study was to detect whether women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have altered postural control and to study the sensory contribution to postural control. We also explored the possibility that self-induced anxiety and lower limb strength may be related to postural control. For this purpose, 129 women within an age range of 40 to 70 years were enrolled. Eighty of the enrolled women had FMS. Postural control variables, such as <i>Ellipse</i>, Root mean square (<i>RMS)</i> and Sample entropy (<i>SampEn</i>), in both directions (i.e. mediolateral and anteroposterior), were calculated under five different conditions. A force plate was used to register the center of pressure shifts. Furthermore, isometric lower limb strength was recorded with a portable dynamometer and normalized by lean body mass. The results showed that women with FMS have impaired postural control compared with healthy people, as they presented a significant increase in <i>Ellipse</i> and <i>RMS</i> values (p<0.05) and a significant decrease in <i>SampEn</i> in both directions (p<0.05). Postural control also worsens with the gradual alteration of sensory inputs in this population (p<0.05). Performing a stressor dual task only impacts <i>Ellipse</i> in women with FMS (p>0.05). There were no significant correlations between postural control and lower limb strength (p>0.05). Therefore, women with FMS have impaired postural control that is worse when sensory inputs are altered but is not correlated with their lower limb strength.</p></div

Differences between groups in postural control variables.

<p>The bars represent the mean and the error bars, the standard deviation. Dark grey bar = fibromyalgia group; Light grey bar = control group; EO = eyes open test; DT = dual task test; EC = eyes closed test; FEO = foam eyes open test; FEC = foam eyes closed test; AP = anteroposterior; ML = mediolateral; RMS = root mean square of the center of pressure distance; SampEn = sample entropy. At the top right of the panel, the Ellipse of a representative case of the fibromyalgia group (right side) and one of control group (left side) is shown. * indicates significant differences between groups (p < 0.01).</p