Artículos de revistas

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Del objeto a la experiencia: Interactividad e inmersión en el diseño del espacio museístico
(Univesidad Complutense de Madrid, 2026-09-20) Buil, Tamar; Carcavilla Puey, Fernando; Delgado de Miguel, Juan Francisco
Within a context where the experience economy compels museums to transition from service provision to the staging of memorable events, this study seeks to bridge the dichotomy between the 'physical' and 'virtual' museum. The primary objective is to demonstrate that the integration of mixed reality technologies is not homogeneous; rather, it facilitates differentiated immersive exhibitions based on the virtuality continuum and the visitor's level of interaction with the environment. Consequently, this research establishes a taxonomy of immersive experiences encompassing contemplative immersion, active atmospheric immersion, and hyper-immersion, thereby providing cultural institutions with the strategic framework necessary to ensure sustainability within the contemporary museum ecosystem.
Audio description and pronominal verb production in students of Spanish: An analysis of unexpected linguistic outputs
(Universidad de Ginebra, 2024-04-15) Bausells-Espín, Adriana
In audio description (AD), images are turned into words to facilitate access to audiovisual products for blind and partially sighted people. Over the last two decades, AD has been incorporated into foreign language education to promote active learning. This article presents an experiment on the potential of AD to promote pronominal verb (PNV) production in English-speaking students of Spanish (B2 level), focusing on participants’ PNV uses beyond the expected ones. Experimental groups completed two translation tasks: an AD (images into words), and an interlingual translation (English into Spanish), in reverse order. Production differences were explored quantitatively and qualitatively by task type, task order, and PNV type. Results suggest that interlingual translation is more effective for PNV production. However, certain trends reveal that completing the AD first may enhance PNV frequency and correctness in a later task. More importantly, the presence of ‘unexpected’ PNVs—many of types considered difficult—challenges previous findings regarding students’ tendency towards pronominal omission or overgeneralisation, raising questions about what generates students’ awareness of pronominality requirements, and about whether establishing a visual-linguistic connection promotes such awareness.
La batalla cultural en YouTube. Análisis de las narrativas de los cinco influencers políticos españoles con más suscriptores
(VisualCOM Scientific Publications, 2024-05-09) Carcavilla Puey, Fernando; García-Ortega, Carmela; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Jorge Miguel
Esta investigación se centra en los vídeos más populares de los cinco influencers políticos españoles con más suscriptores en la categoría "News and Politics" de YouTube. Por medio de la técnica de análisis de contenido cualitativo se identifican los temas principales de los vídeos y se describe la manera en la que se abordan, así como los enfoques y el tono utilizados. Los resultados revelan ciertos asuntos recurrentes (feminismo, liberalismo económico e independencia de los medios de comunicación) entre los más demandados por la audiencia, si bien existen algunas diferencias temáticas y de estilo entre los youtubers objeto de estudio.
Play, culture and heritage virtual experiences in cultural diffusion
(ROTHERHAM ACADEMIC PRESS, 2026-11-03) Irala Hortal, Pilar
The growing convergence between video games and Cultural Heritage is creating new possibilities for interpretation, education and public engagement, while also raising critical questions concerning historical representation, accessibility and cultural responsibility. This article analyses the potential and limitations of video games and digital gaming experiences within the heritage field through a literature review and qualitative examination of representative cases. The study considers a range of formats, including serious games, commercial historical recreations, strategy games, collaborative virtual environments and augmented-reality experiences. The findings indicate that these formats can support immersive learning, motivation, cultural participation and broader access to heritage. However, their use also entails risks related to historical simplification, cultural and gender bias, the trivialisation of traumatic events, digital inequalities and technological obsolescence. The article therefore argues for approaches based on expert and community involvement, accessibility, transparency regarding fictionalisation and educational mediation. Rather than replacing direct engagement with heritage, video games should be understood as complementary interpretative environments whose cultural and educational value depends on their rigorous, sensitive and sustainable integration.
Aproximación al análisis discursivo de la publicidad en las “revistas de guerra” durante la guerra civil española: Companya, Hospitales, Fotos e Y
(Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 2026-07-19) Catalá Pérez, Manuela; Pociello, Ana Teresa
Las denominadas “revistas de guerra” —editadas durante la guerra civil española (1936–1939)— suponen un escenario de análisis muy valioso como soporte comunicativo y fuente ideológica. El objetivo es identificar la carga ideológica en el imaginario del consumo a través del análisis discursivo de 905 anuncios presentes en 68 ejemplares de Companya, Y, Hospitales y Fotos, revistas publicadas en ambas zonas en conflicto. Se aplica una metodología basada en el análisis del discurso y estrategias de comunicación persuasiva. La investigación se inserta en el creciente interés por las publicaciones periódicas como documentos multimodales. Los resultados muestran cómo la publicidad funcionó como herramienta persuasiva, al servicio de la ideología y del esfuerzo bélico, dentro de un contexto de intensa actividad comercial.
European innovation alliance for musculoskeletal health literacy in the digital era (Digi4MSK project): protocol for a prospective multi-country two parallel evaluation of digital educational interventions for musculoskeletal health literacy
(2026-10-29) Bellosta-López, Pablo; Doménech-García, Víctor; Blasco-Abadía, Julia; Albero-Posac, Sofía; Coyne, Lara; O'Keeffe, Mary; Skidmore, Nathaniel; Nagy, Zsófia; Palsson, Thorvaldur Skuli; Christensen, Steffan Wittrup McPhee; Høgh, Morten; Berjano, Pedro; Compagnone, Domenico; Langella, Francesco; Baroncini, Alice; Zauber, Lisa; Giner Nicolás, Rafael; Gargallo Aguaron, Pablo; San Miguel Pagola, Marta; Medina Rincón, Almudena; Roldán Pérez, Patricia; Buesa-Estéllez, Almudena; de Diego-Alonso, Cristina; López-Royo, María Pilar; Fernández Sola, Luis; O'Sullivan, Kieran
Introduction: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the most prevalent and costly conditions in Europe, significantly reducing quality of life and work capacity. Limited implementation of scientific knowledge into practice hinders the implementation of evidence-based treatments. The Digi4MSK project seeks to address this gap by promoting continuous education and health literacy through evidence-based online interventions. The study seeks to evaluate participation rates, learning outcomes and key factors potentially influencing the impact of these interventions, with the goal of supporting better self-management and reducing long-term disability. Methods and analysis: This prospective multi-country two parallel evaluation will be conducted in Ireland, Denmark, Italy, Austria and Spain. Healthcare professionals and individuals with musculoskeletal pain will complete assessments before and after the online course, with an additional follow-up at 3 months. Educational digital interventions will be delivered online in two tailored formats: a 6-hour online course for professionals focused on assessment and implementation of self-management strategies and a 2-hour online course for people with musculoskeletal pain aimed at improving health literacy and promoting active self-management. The design of both online courses follows Mayer's multimedia learning principles. Recruitment will be coordinated through professional and patient associations and universities. The impact will be assessed using the Kirkpatrick model as a reference, covering participant reaction, learning, behaviour change and results. Descriptive statistics, paired comparisons and regression models will be used to evaluate the impact on health literacy, identify predictors of completion and improvement and assess the influence of demographic factors. Analyses will be conducted separately for healthcare professionals and individuals with musculoskeletal pain.
Modelling Progress in Educational Interventions for Dyscalculia Using Controlled Markov Chains
(MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute), 2026-10-23) Tarragona Romero, Sonia; Garcia-Planas, Maria Isabel
This work introduces a controlled Markov chain approach to describe and optimize educational interventions for students with dyscalculia. The model represents the progression of a student through a finite collection of educational states, beginning with diagnosis and ending in one of two possible outcomes: successful recovery or discontinuation of the intervention. By treating these final outcomes as absorbing states, the framework makes it possible to derive relevant quantitative measures, including the fundamental matrix, the expected time spent in the intervention process, and the probabilities associated with recovery and dropout. To incorporate the influence of educational decisions, transition probabilities are allowed to vary according to a control variable representing alternative intervention strategies. This leads naturally to a controlled Markov chain formulation in which the evolution of the student depends not only on the current educational state but also on the intervention selected at each stage. Within this setting, several theoretical properties are established, including the well-posedness of the controlled stochastic process, the existence of the corresponding fundamental matrix, and the existence of an optimal intervention policy. The resulting mathematical framework provides a basis for comparing educational strategies and identifying policies that balance three main objectives: increasing the likelihood of recovery, reducing the expected duration of the intervention, and limiting the probability of educational intervention discontinuation. By bringing together absorbing Markov chains, stochastic modelling, and optimal control, the proposed approach offers conditional quantitative tools for studying educational intervention trajectories; the single-student case study does not establish comparative effectiveness. The same methodology may also be adapted to other intervention settings characterized by discrete stochastic evolution and decision-dependent transitions.
Long-term efficacy of a home-based airway clearance techniques programme in people with bronchiectasis: a randomized controlled trial
(Elsevier, 2026-09-28) Herrero Cortina, Beatriz; Sáez Pérez, José Antonio; Sanz-Fraile, Héctor; San Miguel Pagola, Marta; Francín-Gallego, Marina; Alcaraz-Serrano, Victoria; Perea, Lidia; Faner,Rosa; Sibila,Oriol; Lee, Annemarie L
Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-month home-based airway clearance techniques (ACTs) programme in bronchiectasis. Design A single-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting Home-based intervention. Participants Individuals with bronchiectasis, with two or more exacerbations in the previous year and daily expectoration. Interventions The experimental group (EG) received 3-week home-based ACT training, followed by daily self-administered ACTs throughout the subsequent 12 months, largely unsupervised apart from monthly physiotherapist-led home-based sessions. The programme included progressive instruction on independently performing oscillating positive expiratory pressure followed by autogenic drainage, plus education for long-term self-management. The control group (CG) received the educational component at home for 3 weeks, with monthly follow-up calls. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was change in cough impact at 12 months ( Leicester Cough Questionnaire). Secondary and post-hoc outcomes included respiratory symptoms (Quality of Life–Bronchiectasis questionnaire), exercise capacity, exacerbations, time to first exacerbation and hospital admissions. Airway inflammatory biomarkers and solids concentration were explored. Results Twenty-nine participants were randomised (EG: n=14; CG: n=15). After 12 months, the EG showed significant improvements in cough impact (6.1 (3.3) vs. 0.2 (5.2); between-group mean difference 5.4, 95%CI: 2.8 to 8.0) and respiratory symptoms (12.5 (15.9) vs. -0.7 (17.6); between-group mean difference 16.9, 95%CI 6.1 to 27.7). The EG showed a delayed time to first exacerbation, after adjusting for disease severity (median days: 123 vs. 71; hazard ratio 0.89, 95%CI:0.82 to 0.97). No differences were found in the remaining outcomes. Conclusion A long-term, home-based ACT programme incorporating self-management education led to a significant reduction in cough-related impact on daily living and improved respiratory symptom burden in bronchiectasis.
Que la guerra no me sea indiferente. Apuntes en torno a una victimología de la guerra
(Huygens editorial, 2026-08-01) Gracia Ibáñez, Jorge
La guerra y el conflicto armado generan una victimización que se caracteriza por la gravedad y la perdurabilidad de los impactos negativos que ocasiona. Paradójicamente, el interés de la victimología en la guerra ha sido errático y menos constante que el mostrado por la victimización derivada del crimen común. Y ello a pesar de que los mismos orígenes de la disciplina se encuentran muy marcados por el contexto sociocultural de la posguerra tras la II Guerra mundial. En este texto se analizan algunas cuestiones relacionadas con la denominada victimología de la guerra, poniendo el foco en el objeto de la subdisciplina, así como en la clasificación de las víctimas generadas en contextos bélicos. Se analizan la violencia sexual y sexualizada como arma de guerra desde la perspectiva victimal, así como la ambigua consideración de los combatientes como víctimas. Finalmente, se aborda la representación de las víctimas de guerra desde la victimología cultural y visual con especial atención en el fotoperiodismo. Con estos apuntes sobre la victimología de guerra, más que un abordaje sistemático, se pretende resaltar sus posibilidades para la comprensión de un fenómeno que genera un gran número de víctimas globalmente.
Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems as Media for the Selective Extraction of Anti-Inflammatory Bioactive Agents
(MDPI, 2025-08-12) Giner Parache, Beatriz; Sangüesa, Estela; Zuriaga Marco, Estefanía; Culleré-Varea, Laura; Lomba Eraso, Laura
Bioactive compounds (BCs) are naturally occurring molecules found in plants, fungi, and microorganisms that can provide health benefits beyond nutrition. However, in order to administer them, they must be extracted from these organisms. This study reviews the extraction of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds using deep eutectic systems (DESs). It was found that DES extraction media can be categorized as either choline chloride-based or natural product-based (e.g., proline, betaine, and lactic acid). Results indicate that extraction yields depended on many factors such as extraction method and DES composition, with values ranging from 0.02 to 200 mg/g. For example, curcumin extraction using ChCl–propylene glycol (1:2), for example, reached 23.1 mg/g, whereas rutin extraction using ChCl–levulinic acid (1:2) achieved 200 mg/g. Regarding this, most of the eutectic mixtures used are choline chloride (ChCl)-based combined with sugars, polyalcohols, organic acids, or even water. Nonpolar DESs combining betaine, L-proline, amino acids, sugars, and organic acids have also been used for the extraction of BCs with anti-inflammatory potential. Although the use of DES offers significant advantages for extraction processes, certain limitations still need to be overcome. This review highlights the comparative advantages of DESs in terms of extraction efficiency and environmental sustainability, offering practical insights for selecting optimal systems to extract anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.
A systematic review: Migration of chemical compounds from plastic material containers in food and pharmaceutical fields
(MDPI, 2025-11-11) Culleré-Varea, Laura; Sangüesa, Estela; Lomba Eraso, Laura; Ribate, Mª Pilar; Zuriaga Marco, Estefanía; García García, Cristina Belén
A systematic review was conducted on the migration of compounds from plastic containers in the food and pharmaceutical industries, using Web of Science databases and following PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The protocol has been registered with the OSF registry, with the DOI 10.17605/OSF.10/UQ3T2. This review included only review articles in English published within the last fifteen years. Four reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, discussing inclusion criteria. In this comprehensive evaluation of the information present in an Excel spreadsheet, a substantial number of records were discarded because they were not representative of the topic under study. Following the review process, a total of twenty-eight key records were selected, primarily focusing on migration in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Of these, twenty-four addressed only food, just two addressed only pharmaceutical sector, and two covered both fields, highlighting limited information on migration in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and related products. The analysis emphasized the types of compounds studied, the analytical methods employed, the migration tests conducted, and the toxicity assessments undertaken. The most frequently assessed compounds included phthalates, endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). Analytical methods used typically involved pre-treatment steps, such as liquid–liquid or solid-phase extraction, followed by gas or liquid chromatography, depending on compound volatility.
Geographical Origin and Stereotypes of Immigrants in the Leading Spanish Media Outlets (2008–2019)
(Routledge. Taylor & Francis Group, 2026) Fernández-Romero, Cayetano; Prieto-Andrés, Antonio; Corral García, Alfonso
This study analyzes the role of geographic origin in how Spain’s main newspapers (ABC, El Mundo, El País, La Vanguardia) cover and frame immigration, using a quantitative, longitudinal content analysis of 886 articles. The research triangulates themes, frames, and sources with geographic origin. Findings reveal that these newspapers often reinforce stereotypes based on immigrants’ origins. To address this, the study proposes explicit measures, such as enhancing journalists’ intercultural competence and setting measurable editorial objectives, aiming to foster more plural and inclusive societies through improved media practices and greater awareness of diversity in news coverage.
La actividad Internacional de las Sociedades Fotográficas: El Salón Internacional de la Real Sociedad Fotográfica de Zaragoza
(Ediciones complutense, 2023) Irala Hortal, Pilar
Las sociedades fotográficas han sido lugares de reunión y aprendizaje de fotógrafos tanto aficionados como profesionales. Encontramos estas reuniones organizadas en todo el mundo ya desde mediados del siglo XIX. En España la primera asociación nace en Madrid, en 1899, y poco a poco van apareciendo en el resto del país. Una de ellas, la de Zaragoza, nace en 1922 y es una de las más destacadas en el panorama nacional. No solo es importante en la historia de la fotografía por su temprano nacimiento, sino por la importancia que tendrán sus salones internacionales que fueron los únicos que se mantuvieron en activo durante la Guerra Civil y las guerras mundiales. En el año de las celebraciones de su centenario (2022 y 2023) realizamos una investigación sobre la importancia de sus salones internacionales para la formación del ojo fotográfico de sus socios y de la ciudadanía, y en los que podía verse la obra de grandes fotógrafos internacionales y aprender asimismo de las tendencias extranjeras.
Integrating a Physical Therapy Program into Usual Care for Hospital Inpatients with Major Depressive Disorder: Findings from a Case Series
(MDPI, 2025-06-25) Poveda López, Lesmes; Roy Delgado, Juan Francisco; Marco Gómez, Bárbara; Villagrasa Cantín, Ana; Pérez Mansilla, Sara; Lafuente-Ureta, Raquel; Jiménez Sánchez, Carolina
Background/Objectives: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability, yet physical therapy (PT) is underrepresented in hospital-based psychiatric care. While exercise is a known adjunctive treatment, specific evidence on functional, task-oriented interventions in acute settings remains scarce. This study explored changes in quality of life, depressive symptoms, pain, and self-efficacy in patients with MDD following a specialized hospital-based PT program focused on functional movement and autonomy. Methods: We conducted a prospective pre–post case series in the Short-Stay Psychiatric Unit of the Royo Villanova University Hospital (Zaragoza, Spain). We recruited seven adult patients with MDD via convenience sampling. The intervention consisted of a group-based PT program (two 45 min sessions/week during the hospital stay) utilizing task-oriented functional exercises targeting progressive strength, balance, and motor control designed to enhance self-efficacy through activities of daily living (ADLs), combined with health education. Outcomes included the EQ-5D-3L (quality of life),MADRS (depression), NRS (pain), GSE (self-efficacy), and GCPC-UN-ESU (satisfaction). Results: All seven participants (100%) exhibited a positive upward trend in self-perceived health status via the EQ-VAS (mean increase of 35 points). Six cases (85.7%) showed preliminary positive trends in the anxiety/depression dimension of the EQ-5D-3L, with the mean Single Index Value increasing from 0.310 to 0.683. Reductions in depressive symptom severity were observed in six participants, with several transitioning toward moderate or mild levels. Additionally, four patients reported descriptive reductions in pain intensity and showed favorable shifts in self-efficacy scores. Six participants expressed high satisfaction with the intervention. Conclusions: Integrating a hospital-based functional PT programwith standard caremay offer preliminary benefits for quality of life and reduce depressive symptoms in MDD patients. These findings suggest that task-oriented PT presents a feasible complementary approach for acute psychiatric admissions, although larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these exploratory results.
The hidden cost of controlling teaching in Physical Education: A systematic review and meta-analysis of students’ Physical activity intention and levels
(Universidad del País Vasco, 2026-06-05) Tapia-Serrano, Miguel Ángel; García-González, Luis; Perez Lasierra, José Luis; Sevil-Serrano, Javier
Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA), most young people fail to meet the World Health Organiza-tion’s recommendations. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Physical Education (PE) teachersplay a pivotal role in promoting PA through their motivational teaching style. While need-supportivebehaviors show clear benefits, the effects of controlling teaching behaviors on PA-related outcomesremain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the associations between students’perceptions of controlling teaching in PE and their PA intention and PA levels, and explored whether theseassociations differ by age or sex. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022362459) and con-ducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science,and APA PsycNet up to 2025. Eligible studies included participants aged 5–18 years, assessed control-ling teaching behaviors in PE based on SDT, and reported PA intention and/or PA levels. Random-effectsmeta-analyses were conducted, along with subgroup analyses by sex and a meta-regression on age. Studyquality was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-SectionalStudies. Of 3,819 records, 16 studies (n = 9,925; ages 11–19 years) were included. Controlling teachingstyle was negatively associated with PA intention (r = –0.14; 95%CI: –0.22, –0.06) and PA levels (r = –0.18;95%CI: –0.31, –0.06), with high between-study heterogeneity (PA intention: I2= 90.05%; PA levels: I2=95.79%), based exclusively on cross-sectional studies. Subgroup analyses showed similar trends for boysand girls. Neither sex nor age moderated these associations. Controlling behaviors in PE were associatedwith students’ PA intention and PA levels, highlighting the importance of minimizing such practices inPE contexts.
Hydroquinone Ecotoxicity: Unveiling Risks in Soil and River Ecosystems with Insights into Microbial Resilience
(MDPI, 2024-01-29) Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Langa Morales, Elisa; Pino Otín, Rosa
Despite widespread industrial use, the environmental safety of hydroquinone (HQ), a benzene compound from plants used in processes like cosmetics, remains uncertain. This study evaluated the ecotoxicological impact of HQ on soil and river environments, utilizing non-target indicator organisms from diverse trophic levels: Daphnia magna, Aliivibrio fischeri, Allium cepa, and Eisenia fetida. For a more environmentally realistic assessment, microbial communities from a river and untreated soil underwent 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with growth and changes in community-level physiological profiling assessed using Biolog EcoPlate™ assays. The water indicator D. magna exhibited the highest sensitivity to HQ (EC50 = 0.142 µg/mL), followed by A. fischeri (EC50 = 1.446 µg/mL), and A. cepa (LC50 = 7.631 µg/mL), while E. fetida showed the highest resistance (EC50 = 234 mg/Kg). Remarkably, microbial communities mitigated HQ impact in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. River microorganisms displayed minimal inhibition, except for a significant reduction in polymer metabolism at the highest concentration (100 µg/mL). Soil communities demonstrated resilience up to 100 µg/mL, beyond which there was a significant decrease in population growth and the capacity to metabolize carbohydrates and polymers. Despite microbial mitigation, HQ remains highly toxic to various trophic levels, emphasizing the necessity for environmental regulations.
Enhancing Antibiotic Efficacy with Natural Compounds: Synergistic Activity of Tannic Acid and Nerol with Commercial Antibiotics against Pathogenic Bacteria
(MDPI, 2024-09-28) Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Langa Morales, Elisa; Pino Otín, Rosa
The search for synergies between natural products and commercial antibiotics is a promising strategy against bacterial resistance. This study determined the antimicrobial capacity of Nerol (NE) and Tannic Acid (TA) against 14 pathogenic bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. TA exhibited the lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) at 162.5 µg/mL against Pasteurella aerogenes and 187.5 µg/mL against Acinetobacter baumannii (WHO priority 1). NE showed its lowest MIC of 500 µg/mL against both Pasteurella aerogenes and Salmonella enterica. A total of 35 combinations of NE and 13 of TA with eight commercial antibiotics were analyzed. For NE, combinations with Streptomycin and Gentamicin were effective against Salmonella enterica, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus agalactiae, with antibiotic MIC reductions between 75.0 and 87.5%. TA showed six synergies with Chloramphenicol, Ampicillin, Erythromycin, and Streptomycin against Acinetobacter baumannii, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Pasteurella aerogenes, with MIC reductions between 75.0 and 93.7%. Additionally, 31 additive effects with antibiotics for NE and 8 for TA were found. Kinetic studies on these synergies showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth, suggesting that natural products enhance antibiotics by facilitating their access to targets or preventing resistance. Given their safety profiles recognized by the EPA and FDA, these natural products could be promising candidates as antibiotic enhancers.
Enhancing Commercial Antibiotics with Trans-Cinnamaldehyde in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria: An In Vitro Approach
(MDPI, 2024-01-10) Ferrando, Natalia; Pino Otín, Rosa; Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Lorca, Guillermo; Terrado, Eva María; Langa Morales, Elisa
One strategy to mitigate the emergence of bacterial resistance involves reducing antibiotic doses by combining them with natural products, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN). The objective of this research was to identify in vitro combinations (CIN + commercial antibiotic (ABX)) that decrease the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of seven antibiotics against 14 different Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, most of them classified as ESKAPE. MIC values were measured for all compounds using the broth microdilution method. The effect of the combinations on these microorganisms was analyzed through the checkboard assay to determine the type of activity (synergy, antagonism, or addition). This analysis was complemented with a kinetic study of the synergistic combinations. Fifteen synergistic combinations were characterized for nine of the tested bacteria. CIN demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the MIC of chloramphenicol, streptomycin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin (94–98%) when tested on Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Pasteurella aerogenes, and Salmonella enterica, respectively. The kinetic study revealed that when the substances were tested alone at the MIC concentration observed in the synergistic combination, bacterial growth was not inhibited. However, when CIN and the ABX, for which synergy was observed, were tested simultaneously in combination at these same concentrations, the bacterial growth inhibition was complete. This demonstrates the highly potent in vitro synergistic activity of CIN when combined with commercial ABXs. This finding could be particularly beneficial in livestock farming, as this sector witnesses the highest quantities of antimicrobial usage, contributing significantly to antimicrobial resistance issues. Further research focused on this natural compound is thus warranted for this reason.
Mechanisms of action and resistance prevention of synergistic thymol and carvacrol combinations with antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii
(SpringerOpen, 2025-06-06) Gan, Cristina; Langa Morales, Elisa; Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Pino Otín, Rosa
The use of natural products as antibiotic adjuvants to enhance efficacy and mitigate resistance is increasingly recognized as a promising strategy. This study explored five novel synergistic antimicrobial combinations (SACs) of carvacrol (CARV) and three already identified SACs of thymol (THY) with chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and streptomycin against Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii, critical WHO-listed pathogens, and investigated their mechanisms of action and resistance-prevention capabilities. Despite being isomers, CARV and THY exhibited distinct synergistic effects and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values depending on the antibiotic and bacterial species. The SACs significantly reduced the required antibiotic dose by 4- to 16-fold, with FICI values ranging from 0.25 to 0.5. Growth kinetics revealed that SACs completely inhibited planktonic bacterial growth, outperforming antibiotics alone. Additionally, the SACs demonstrated efficacy in both inhibiting and eradicating biofilms of S. aureus and A. baumannii. Resistance development studies highlighted that neither THY nor CARV induced resistance in these pathogens. Moreover, SACs combining aminoglycosides with THY reduced the emergence of resistance in A. baumannii by up to 32-fold. In S. aureus, THY mitigated gentamicin resistance by 16-fold. CARV exhibited similar, albeit slightly less potent, effects. Mechanistic investigations revealed that THY and CARV exert antimicrobial action by multiple mechanisms, including bacterial membrane depolarization and disruption, efflux pump inhibition, disrupting ATP metabolism and mitigating oxidative stress induced by antibiotics. These findings highlight the potential of SACs to enhance antibiotic efficacy while preventing resistance, positioning them as strong candidates for innovative antimicrobial therapies against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Trans-Cinnamaldehyde as an Environmentally Low-Impact Phytosanitary: Evaluation of Its Toxicity Toward Aquatic and Terrestrial Non-Target Species
(MPDI, 2026-05-16) Ferrando, Natalia; Langa Morales, Elisa; Botello-Morte, Laura; Rodríguez López, Pedro; Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Pino Otín, Rosa
Trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN), the main component of cinnamon essential oil, is a promisingsustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. Despite its use, ecotoxicological data on non-target species remain fragmented. This study systematically evaluates CIN’s acute toxicityacross multiple trophic levels to characterize the biological sensitivity and environmentalresponse of key organisms. Aquatic assays measured bioluminescence inhibition inAliivib-rio fischeriand immobilization inDaphnia magna. Terrestrial evaluations included lethalitytests onEisenia fetidaand root elongation inAllium cepa. Additionally, the impact on soiland river microbial communities was analyzed via Biolog EcoPlates™. Significant dose–response relationships were observed across all bioindicators (p< 0.0001).A. fischeriwas themost sensitive species (EC50= 1.428 mg·L−1), followed byD. magna(EC50= 4.533 mg·L−1).In terrestrial models,A. cepa(EC50= 11.644 mg·L−1) exhibited higher sensitivity thanE.fetida(LC50= 412.519 mg·kg−1). Microbial metabolic activity showed dose-dependentinhibition, particularly affecting carbohydrate and polymer degradation at high concen-trations. These findings define the first ecotoxicological benchmarks for CIN, establishingEC10and EC50values under standardized conditions. These data provide the necessarytoxicological constraints to ensure environmental safety in future field-scale applications ofthis natural compound

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