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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
Bioactivity of Eugenol: A Potential Antibiotic Adjuvant with Minimal Ecotoxicological Impact
(MDPI, 2024-06) Ferrando, Natalia; Pino Otín, Rosa; Terrado, Eva; Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Langa Morales, Elisa
Combining commercial antibiotics with adjuvants to lower their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is vital in combating antimicrobial resistance. Evaluating the ecotoxicity of such compounds is crucial due to environmental and health risks. Here, eugenol was assessed as an adjuvant for 7 commercial antibiotics against 14 pathogenic bacteria in vitro, also examining its acute ecotoxicity on various soil and water organisms (microbiota, Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna, Eisenia foetida, and Allium cepa). Using microdilution methods, checkerboard assays, and kinetic studies, the MICs for eugenol were determined together with the nature of its combinations with antibiotics against bacteria, some unexposed to eugenol previously. The lethal dose for the non-target organisms was also determined, as well as the Average Well Color Development and the Community-Level Physiological Profiling for soil and water microbiota. Our findings indicate that eugenol significantly reduces MICs by 75 to 98%, which means that it could be a potent adjuvant. Ecotoxicological assessments showed eugenol to be less harmful to water and soil microbiota compared to studied antibiotics. While Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna were susceptible, Allium cepa and Eisenia foetida were minimally affected. Given that only 0.1% of eugenol is excreted by humans without metabolism, its environmental risk when used with antibiotics appears minimal.
Terpineol enhances antibiotic effectiveness and reduces resistance in clinically relevant bacteria
(Cell Press, 2025-10) Valenzuela, Antonio; Gan, Cristina; Ferrando, Natalia; Langa Morales, Elisa; Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Pino Otín, Rosa
Background and aim The synergistic interaction between natural compounds and existing antibiotics (ABXs) offers a promising strategy to enhance ABX efficacy while mitigating resistance. This study evaluated the potential of terpineol (TER), a monocyclic monoterpene of plant origin with antimicrobial properties, as an enhancer of antibiotic activity against 14 clinically and veterinary relevant bacterial strains, including ESKAPE pathogens identified by WHO as urgent targets. Experimental procedure The antimicrobial activity of TER and its synergistic effects with 13 commonly used antibiotics were assessed using the checkerboard microdilution method and isobologram representation, with growth kinetics and time-kill curves generated over 24 h. Key results TER showed antimicrobial activity against 14 tested bacteria. The lowest MIC was 0.25 mg/mL for Acinetobacter baumannii (WHO priority 1). TER was effective (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) against various Gram-negative and positive bacteria, exhibiting bactericidal activity in all cases. TER formed additive and synergistic relationships with 11 antibiotics. Six combinations demonstrated synergy (FICi≤0.5), 24 showed additivity (0.5
Ecotoxicity and risk assessment of eight common antibiotics using soil and aquatic bioindicators
(Springer Nature, 2026-01-18) Gan, Cristina; Ranera, Beatriz; Pino Otín, Rosa; Langa Morales, Elisa; Ballestero Fernández, Diego
BackgroundThe extensive use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine has resulted in their release into terrestrial and aquatic environments, raising concerns about ecological impacts and antimicrobial resistance. This study assesses the ecotoxicity and environmental risk of eight widely used antibiotics: amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicil‑lin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, streptomycin, and tetracycline. Acute toxicity tests were conducted using five bioindicators spanning different trophic levels and environmental compartments: Aliivibrio fischeri, Daph-nia magna, Desmodesmus subspicatus, Eisenia fetida, and Allium cepa. EC₅₀ values were experimentally determined or sourced from literature to calculate predicted no‑effect concentrations (PNECs) and hazard quotients (HQs) for water and soil.ResultsToxicity varied considerably among species. A. fischeri was most sensitive to penicillin, while D. magnashowed highest sensitivity to chloramphenicol. In A. cepa, amoxicillin and gentamicin elicited the strongest phyto‑toxic responses. E. fetida exhibited no mortality at concentrations below 1000 mg/kg. HQ‑based risk assessment iden‑tified erythromycin, tetracycline, and amoxicillin as posing the greatest environmental risks, with HQ > 1 in both acute and chronic scenarios. Ampicillin consistently showed the lowest risk.Redundancy analysis indicated that the number of rotatable bonds was the most significant physicochemical predic‑tor of EC₅₀ values across species. This suggests that molecular flexibility, associated with structural promiscuity, may increase the potential for off‑target interactions.ConclusionsOverall, the study underscores the environmental risks posed by common antibiotics and highlights the relevance of molecular structure in predicting ecotoxicity. These insights support the development of targeted environmental management and regulatory frameworks.The apparent dissociation between the relatively low toxicity observed in individual non‑target organisms and the high environmental risk estimated for these compounds reveals that the true threat of antibiotics lies in their silent yet persistent erosion of ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and ecological functions. These findings emphasize the need to consider sublethal and community‑level effects in environmental risk assessments.
Ecotoxicity of five veterinary antibiotics on indicator organisms and water and soil communities
(Elsevier, 2024-04) Pino Otín, Rosa; Valenzuela, Antonio; Gan, Cristina; Lorca, Guillermo; Ferrando, Natalia; Langa Morales, Elisa; Ballestero Fernández, Diego
This study explores the environmental effects of five common veterinary antibiotics widely detected in the environment, (chlortetracycline,CTC; oxytetracycline,OTC; florfenicol,FF; neomycin, NMC; and sulfadiazine, SDZ) on four bioindicators: Daphnia magna, Vibrio fischeri, Eisenia fetida, and Allium cepa, representing aquatic and soil environments. Additionally, microbial communities characterized through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing from a river and natural soil were exposed to the antibiotics to assess changes in population growth and metabolic profiles using Biolog EcoPlates™. Tetracyclines are harmful to Vibrio fisheri (LC 50 ranges of 15–25 µg/ mL), and the other three antibiotics seem to only affect D. magna, especially, SDZ. None of the antibiotics produced mortality in E. fetida at concentrations below 1000 mg/kg. NMC and CTC had the highest phytotoxicities in A. cepa (LC 50 = 97–174 µg/mL, respectively). Antibiotics significantly reduced bacterial metabolism at 0.1–10 µg/mL. From the highest to the lowest toxicity on aquatic communities: OTC > FF > SDZ ≈ CTC > NMC and on edaphic communities: CTC ≈ OTC > FF > SDZ > NMC. In river communities, OTC and FF caused substantial decreases in bacterial metabolism at low concentrations (0.1 µg/mL), impacting carbohydrates, amino acids (OTC), and polymers (FF). At 10 µg/mL and above, OTC, CTC, and FF significantly decreased metabolizing all tested metabolites. In soil communities, a more pronounced decrease in metabolizing ability, detectable at 0.1 µg/mL, particularly affected amines/amides and carboxylic and ketonic acids (p < 0.05). These new ecotoxicity findings underscore that the concentrations of these antibiotics in the environment can significantly impact both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Towards Antimicrobial Formulations of Repurposed Drugs and Cationic Surfactants: Efficacy, Cytotoxicity on Human Cell Lines, and Ecotoxicity in Aquatic Models
(MDPI, 2026-07-24) Monreal, Alida; Ballestero Fernández, Diego; Yus, Cristina; Mattar, Iman; Mendoza, Gracia; Langa Morales, Elisa; Pino Otín, Rosa; Arruebo, Miguel
Background: Antimicrobial combination therapies outperform traditional monotherapies by offering additive or synergetic effects, a broader spectrum of activity, enhanced efficacy against polymicrobial infections, and a reduced risk of resistance development and infection relapse. Methods: Herein, we have combined the chemotherapeutic antibiotic alkylating agent mitomycin C (MMC) with the wide-spectrum antiseptic octenidine hydrochloride (OCT). The non-specific mode of action via membrane disruption of the latter, together with the DNA-alkylating ability of the former, is here combined to produce bactericidal antibiotic-like mixtures against clinical isolates of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The concentrations required for both antimicrobials to inhibit or eradicate bacterial biofilms as well as intracellular persisters are also determined here. The cytotoxicity of the selected combinations on eukaryotic cells was also evaluated in traditional 2D cultures and in 3D-fibroblast spheroids to mimic a physiologically relevant microenvironment present in topical infections. Finally, the ecotoxicity of the studied compounds was also evaluated through standardized bioassays using representative microorganisms commonly employed in environmental toxicity assessments such as Daphnia magna (D. magna) and Aliivibrio fischeri (A. fischeri). Results: Compared to monotherapy, these environmentally friendly antibiotic-like combinations at specific concentrations may achieve additive antimicrobial effects against planktonic, sessile, and intracellular pathogenic strains. However, the ecotoxicological response was bioindicator-dependent: the OCT–MMC combination reduced toxicity in A. fischeri, but not in D. magna, where toxicity was comparable to OCT alone, indicating OCT as the main driver. Thus, any reduction in ecotoxicity appears species-specific. Nonetheless, the use of lower doses may help minimize selective pressure for resistance. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings demonstrate that selected MMC–OCT combinations achieve antibacterial efficacy against planktonic, sessile, and intracellular pathogenic bacteria while preserving the viability of eukaryotic cells and exhibiting minimal toxicity toward standard ecotoxicological model organisms. Further studies are needed to guarantee the safe use of this combination at selected doses and to guarantee its non-systemic absorption after topical administration.
Effects of a Futsal-Specific Preventive Program on Interlimb Asymmetry and Injury Risk in Youth Male Futsal Players
(MDPI, 2026-08-26) Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Travassos, Bruno; Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Interlimb asymmetry is relevant for monitoring neuromuscular function in athletes, but evidence on futsal-specific preventive strategies in youth players remains limited. This study examined the effects of a 20-week Futsal Preventive Program (FPP) on functional interlimb asymmetry and explored injury risk during a 9-month surveillance period. Sixtyseven youth male outfield players completed pre- and post-intervention assessments (control group, n = 36; experimental group, n = 31), while 79 players were included in the injury-risk analysis (control group, n = 41; experimental group, n = 38). The experimental group performed a 15 min neuromuscular warm-up weekly, while the control group continued its usual warm-up. Asymmetry was assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), and 505 change-of-direction (COD 505) tests. The program produced a task-specific reduction in COD 505 asymmetry compared with the control group (cluster-adjusted difference = −1.27 percentage points; 95% CI: −2.00 to −0.53; Bonferroniadjusted p = 0.03), whereas no significant intervention effects were observed for CMJ or HJ asymmetry. Across the full 9-month surveillance period, the crude cumulative injury-risk estimate was RR = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.59–1.45), with the confidence interval including the null value. These findings support a task-specific effect of the FPP on COD 505 asymmetry, without evidence of corresponding effects on CMJ or HJ asymmetry. Injury findings were descriptive and hypothesis-generating and do not establish preventive efficacy. Further studies with a larger number of randomized teams, greater weekly intervention exposure, and individual training and match exposure monitoring are warranted to clarify potential effects on injury incidence.
Influence of Match Location and Match Outcome on External Load Demands in Female Futsal Players
(MDPI, 2026-08-19) Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael; Villanueva-Guerrero, Oscar; Gutiérrez-Logroño, Alejandra; Roso-Moliner, Alberto; Mainer Pardos, Elena
Contextual factors may influence external load demands during futsal competition, yet evidence in women’s futsal remains limited. This study aimed to analyse the influence of match location and match outcome, as well as their interaction, on external load variables in female futsal players. Fourteen national-level female outfield players from a Spanish Second Division team were monitored across 27 official matches during the 2024–2025 season. External load variables were recorded using wearable inertial measurement units and normalised per minute of effective playing time. A total of 191 valid player-match observations were analysed using linear mixed models, with player identity and match identity included as crossed random intercepts. Neither match location nor match outcome significantly influenced any of the external load variables analysed, and no significant match location × match outcome interactions were observed (all p > 0.05). Nevertheless, descriptive differences and effect sizes ranging from trivial to large were observed across the analysed variables. These findings indicate that external load demands in female futsal remain relatively stable across match locations and final match outcomes. Future research including larger samples and more detailed situational variables is required to further investigate the potential influence of contextual factors on external load demands in women’s futsal.

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