Background: Mucormycosis is a worldwide angio-invasive fungal infection that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A few European studies have focused on the epidemiology. Methodology: A retrospective longitudinal descriptive study was performed with inpatients diagnosed with mucormycosis (ICD-9-CM, code 117.7, cases 1997-2015; and ICD-10, code B46, cases 2016-2018; along with length of hospital stay) in Spanish public hospitals between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2018. Data were obtained from the Minimum Basic Data Set (CMBD in Spanish). Principal findings: A total of 962 patients were recorded; 665 were men. The mean age (±SD) was 55±18.8 years. The annual incidence rate increased from 0.74 to 1.24 cases per million person-years. The lethality rate was 31.3%. Renal failure (41.6%) and hematological malignancy (36.3%) were the main factors involved. Conclusions: Mucormycosis is a rare infectious disease in Spain, but it has had a significantly increased incidence in the last two decades. Being an adult male and having diabetes, neoplasm or renal failure are the main factors associated. High mortality is usually associated mainly with hematological malignancy and renal failure. CMBD studies could be an efficient tool for assessing changes in the epidemiology of mucormycosis.

In this paper we formally define the hierarchical clustering network problem (HCNP) as the problem to find a good hierarchical partition of a network. This new problem focuses on the dynamic process of the clustering rather than on the final picture of the clustering process. To address it, we introduce a new hierarchical clustering algorithm in networks, based on a new shortest path betweenness measure. To calculate it, the communication between each pair of nodes is weighed by the importance of the nodes that establish this communication. The weights or importance associated to each pair of nodes are calculated as the Shapley value of a game, named as the linear modularity game. This new measure, (the node-game shortest path betweenness measure), is used to obtain a hierarchical partition of the network by eliminating the link with the highest value. To evaluate the performance of our algorithm, we introduce several criteria that allow us to compare different dendrograms of a network from two point of view: modularity and homogeneity. Finally, we propose a faster algorithm based on a simplification of the node-game shortest path betweenness measure, whose order is quadratic on sparse networks. This fast version is competitive from a computational point of view with other hierarchical fast algorithms, and, in general, it provides better results.

In this paper we address one of the most important topics in the field of Social Networks Analysis: the community detection problem with additional information. That additional information is modeled by a fuzzy measure that represents the possibility of polarization. Particularly, we are interested in dealing with the problem of taking into account the Polarization of nodes in the community detection problem. Adding this type of information to the community detection problem makes it more realistic, as a community is more probably to be defined if the corresponding elements are willing to maintain a peaceful dialogue. The polarization capacity is modeled by a fuzzy measure based on the JDJpol measure of polarization related to two poles. We also present an efficient algorithm for finding groups whose elements are no polarized. Hereafter, we work in a real case. It is a network obtained from Twitter, concerning the political position against the Spanish government taken by several influential users. We analyze how the partitions obtained change when some additional information related to how polarized that society is, is added to the problem.

HIV infection is well-known to be associated with the development of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) with extranodal involvement being exclusive bone marrow involvement is less common. Co-infection by other viruses such as the esptein Baar virus (EBV) increases the incidence of a frequent complication denominated hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH). We present the case of a 50-year-old patient with the above clinical spectrum who develops several serious complications during treatment.

Brushless Synchronous Machines (BSM) are replacing conventional synchronous machines with static excitation in generation facilities due to the absence of sparking and lower maintenance. However, this excitation system makes challenging measuring electric parameters in the rotor. This fact highly difficult the detection of ground faults, which are the most common type of electrical fault in electric machines. In this paper, a ground fault detection method for BSM is proposed. It is based on an inductive AC/DC rotating current sensor installed in the shaft. In case of a ground fault in the rotating parts of the BSM, a fault current will flow through the rotor’s sensor, inducing voltage in its stator. Analyzing the frequency components of the induced voltage the detection of a ground fault in the rotating elements is possible. The ground faults detection method proposed covers the whole rotor and discern between DC and AC sides. To corroborate the detection method, experimental tests have been performed using a prototype of this sensor connected to laboratory synchronous machines achieving satisfactory results.

This study addresses the peculiarities of the generation of slope movements in the context of road infrastructures and provide a predictive mapping of susceptibility to movements on slopes adjacent to road infrastructures (rockfalls). An inventory of slopes movements was mapped. From the development of the inventory of constant cases of mobilization that is used as a dependent variable, two statistical models can be obtained and compared for the same study area. One of them is based on the concept of frequency, whilst the other one is based on the application of a logistic regression. The results reveal the preponderant importance of lithology as a predictive variable, followed, at a considerable distance, by the slope gradient. Likewise, the importance of an unnatural and characteristic variable area of study, such as the presence of artificial cuts, is indicated as a causative factor. The results show a high degree of coincidence between the tendency of susceptibility predicted by the model, and the effective presence of empirical mobilization signs on the slopes, with Area Under Curve (AUC) values for Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) around 0.8.

Abiotic stress in plants is an increasingly common problem in agriculture, and thus, studies on plant treatments with specific certain compounds that may help to mitigate these effects have increased in recent years Melatonin (MET) application and its role in mitigating the negative effects of abiotic stress in plants have become important in the last few years. MET, a derivative of tryptophan, is an important plant-related response molecule involved in the growth, development, and reproduction of plants, and the induction of different stress factors. In addition, MET plays a protective role against different abiotic stresses such as salinity, high/low temperature, high light, waterlogging, nutrient deficiency and stress combination by regulating both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems. Also, MET interacts with many signaling molecules, among these, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), and participates in a wide variety of physiological reactions. It is well known that NO produces S-nitrosylation and NO2-Tyr of important antioxidant-related proteins, being this an important mechanism for maintaining the antioxidant capacity of the AsA/GSH cycle under nitro-oxidative conditions, being extensively reviewed here under different abiotic stress conditions. Lastly, in this review, we show the coordination between NO and MET as a long-range signaling molecule, regulating many responses in plants, including plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance. Despite all the knowledge acquired over the years, there is still more to know about how MET and NO act on tolerance to abiotic stresses.

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a species is widely distributed in Córdoba, despite this, there are few studies that have been carried out to understand its genetic diversity. For this reason, the objective of this research was to evaluate the genetic diversity and variability of guava (Psidium guajava L) using microsatellite markers in Montería, Córdoba-Colombia. Forty-five accessions were evaluated. For DNA extraction, the CTAB 2x extraction protocol was used with modifications. The extracted DNA was amplified by the PCR technique using seven microsatellite markers. A total of 46 alleles were found with an average of 6.5 alleles per locus. A total of 28 private alleles were identified in the populations, possibly fixed by different evolutionary forces. The evaluated population presented an average expected heterozygosity of 0.572 and the observed heterozygosity was lower (0.058). The fixation index presented a total average of 0.906, indicating that in Montería there is an excess of homozygotes. The PIC values allowed us to determine that the markers mPgCIR9, mPgCIR11, mPgCIR13, mPgCIR16, mPgCIR19 and mPgCIR22 are highly informative, while mPgCIR23 is moderately informative. The guava population in Montería presented a low genetic diversity within the subpopulations, which could be related to inbreeding events such as self-pollination..

Firms are increasingly organized around the client. At the same time, there is customer pressure on green and sustainable organizations. The purpose of this paper is to map the current state of the research in the domain of customer-centric organizations from a sustainable perspective. We conducted a bibliometric analysis from published documents between 1990 and 2020. Key findings indicate that research on customer centricity and sustainability has increased in recent years and that the topic is structured into 3 clusters: (1) Sustainability; (2) Customer-Centric Perspective, and Sustainable Development; and (3) Customer Experience and Sales. Moreover, new concepts and technologies have been introduced during the last three years. The implementation of a bibliometric methodology and the focus given to the definition, the relationships, and the evolution of the three main clusters within the topic are the characteristics that differentiate our study from other publications or reviews in the field of research. This paper is beneficial for practitioners who aim to deploy the customer centricity approach in their firms from a sustainable perspective.

Due to the fact that irrigation networks are water and energy-hungry and that both resources are scarce, many strategies have been developed to reduce this consumption. Otherwise, solar energy sources have become a green alternative with lower energy costs and, as a consequence, lower environmental impacts. In this work, it is proposed a new methodology to select the scheduled program for irrigation which minimizes the number of photovoltaic solar panels to be installed and which better fits energy consumption (calculated for discrete potential combinations; using a programming software to assist) to available energy obtained by panels without any power conditioning unit. So, the irrigation hours available to satisfy the water demands are limited by sunlight, the schedule type of irrigation has to be rigid (rotation predetermined) and the pressure at any node has to be above the minimum pressure required by standards. A real case study has been performed.

Tropical cyclones have long been known to be powered by turbulent enthalpy fluxes from the ocean surface and retarded by turbulent momentum fluxes into the surface. Here were review evidence that the development and structure of these storms are also partially controlled by turbulence in the outflow near the storm top. Finally, we present new research that shows that tropical cyclone-like, low-aspect-ratio vortices are most likely in systems in which the bottom heat flux is controlled by mechanical turbulence and the top boundary is insulating.

Studies on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders show a gender disproportion. In the last years, there has been an increasing interest in the search for an explanation. There are two main lines of research; the first one looks for sex-related biological reasons that justifies the low prevalence of ASD in women (some protective factor related to hormones or immune system among others), and the second line of studies is related to the possible biases introduced in the diagnostic tools or procedures. In this article, a review of the latter line of research is made. Theoretical analysis following two objectives: a) Analysis of possible biases in diagnostic tools and b) Other non-biological explanations for gender differences in the prevalence of ASD. The literature analyzed provides contradictory results although it evidences the possible bias both in the construction of the diagnostic tools and in the assessment and determination of their standards. It is necessary to develop specific or complementary tools and diagnostic procedures differentiated by gender in order to control for this bias.

Agricultural Big Data is a set of technologies that allows responding to the challenges of the new data era. In conjunction with machine learning, farmers can use data to address different problems such as farmers' decision-making, crops, weeds, animal research, land, food availability and security, weather, and climate change. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the evidence regarding the challenges involved in implementing machine learning in Agricultural Big Data. We conducted a Systematic Literature Review applying the PRISMA protocol. This review includes 30 papers, published from 2015 to 2020. We develop a framework that summarizes the main challenges encountered, the use of machine learning techniques, as well as the main technologies used. A major challenge is the design of Agricultural Big Data architectures, due to the need to modify the set of technologies adapting the machine learning techniques, as the volume of data increases.

In this paper a robust version of the Wald test statistic for composite likelihood is considered by using the composite minimum density power divergence estimator instead of the composite maximum likelihood estimator. This new family of test statistics will be called Wald-type test statistics. The problem of testing a simple and a composite null hypothesis is considered and the robustness is studied on the basis of a simulation study. Previously, the composite minimum density power divergence estimator is introduced and its asymptotic properties are studied.

The study presented here, through the use of GIS and physical variables, generate a new meth-odology for the calculation of erosivity (Factor R) for the qualitative evaluation of soil loss po-tential (laminar erosion) in the Northwest margin of the municipality of São Francisco, mostly located in the Pardo-MG river basin. The results obtained were statistically correct when com-pared to the traditional R calculation and the laminar erosion methodology. It is worth noting that the new proposal presented here indicated sites of qualitative loss of soil in the same places where there are closed-loop satellite signals of degraded Cerrado, something not identified in the traditional model. As conclusion it can be said that the obtained results were extremely sat-isfactory, being advised more studies to verify this new method proposed here in more places beyond the study area elaborated here

Epithelial cells can undergo apoptosis by manipulating the balance between pro-survival and apoptotic signals. In this work, we show that TRAIL-induced apoptosis can be differentially regulated by the expression of α(1,6)fucosyltransferase (FucT-8), the only enzyme in mammals that transfers the (1,6)fucose residue to the pentasaccharide core of complex N-glycans. Specifically, in the cellular model of colorectal cancer (CRC) progression formed using the human syngeneic lines SW480 and SW620, knockdown of the FucT-8-encoding FUT8 gene significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in SW480 cells. However, FUT8 repression did not affect SW620 cells, which suggests that core fucosylation differentiates TRAIL-sensitive premetastatic SW480 cells from TRAIL-resistant metastatic SW620 cells. In this regard, we provide evidence that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 kinases can dynamically regulate TRAIL-dependent apoptosis and that core fucosylation can control the ERK/MAPK pro-survival pathway in which SW480 and SW620 cells participate. Moreover, the depletion of core fucosylation sensitises primary tumour SW480 cells to the combination of TRAIL and low doses of 5-FU, oxaliplatin, irinotecan or mitomycin C. In contrast, combination of TRAIL and oxaliplatin, irinotecan or bevacizumab reinforces resistance of FUT8-knockdown metastatic SW620 cells to apoptosis. Consequently, FucT-8 could be a plausible target for increasing apoptosis and drug response in early CRC.

Melatonin (MEL), a ubiquitous indolamine, is a molecule whose regulatory role in plan metabolism has gained interest in the last decades. Likewise, nitric oxide (NO), a gasotransmitter, can also affect plant molecular pathways due to its function as a signalling molecule. Both MEL and NO can interact at multiple levels under abiotic stress, starting by their own biosynthetic pathways and inducing a particular signalling response in plants. This review summarizes the role of these molecules during plant development and fruit ripening, as well as their interactions. Due to the impact of climate change‐related abiotic stresses on agriculture, this review has also focused on their role in mediating abiotic stress tolerance and the mechanisms by which they operate, from upregulation of the whole antioxidant defence system to posttranductional modifications of important molecules. Their interactions and crosstalk with phytohormones and H2S is also discussed. Finally, we introduce NOmela, an emerging and very unknown molecule which seems to have a stronger potential than MEL and NO separately in mediating plant stress response.

The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 has been recognized as a tumor marker and represents a promising new target for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. We designed a novel structural class of KV1.3 inhibitors through structural optimization of benzamide-based hit compounds and structure-activity relationship studies. The potency, and selectivity of the new KV1.3 inhibitors were investigated using whole-cell patch- and voltage-clamp experiments. 2D and 3D cell models were used to determine antiproliferative activity. Structural optimization resulted in the most potent and selective KV1.3 inhibitor 44 in the series with an IC50 value of 470 nM in oocytes and 950 nM in Ltk cells. Kv1.3 inhibitor 4 induced significant apoptosis in Colo-357 spheroids, while 14, 37, 43, and 44 significantly inhibited Panc-1 proliferation.

In this paper we use the Mellin convolution theorem, which is related to Perron's formula. Also we introduce new explicit formulae for arithmetic function which generalize the explicit formulae of Weil for other arithmetic functions different from the Von-Mangoldt function.

In the last decade several projects have been developed for the digitization and semantization of cultural heritage data. They were developed to preserve and maintain this heritage, but bringing it closer to all types of users and allowing access to this information to other sectors such as tourism, education, etc. In these developments, web technologies are combined, along with the use of knowledge graphs and interactive visualisation tools. Although remarkably interesting projects have been developed, in those projects, the data visualization tools are usually focused on the project context. This makes it difficult to reuse these jobs. Additionally, there are peculiarities of cultural heritage data considered with little depth, such as uncertainty, spatial and temporal granularity, as well as other aspects, such as relationships between data. In this article, these problems are described and based on other works such as VUMO or VISO, the design of an ontology that formalizes how to visualise this information is proposed, considering these problems. In addition, the development of a platform that allows the visualisation of this information through a web application and its evaluation of its use in projects such as SILKNOW, or Arxiu Valencià del Disseny is exposed

Metal toxicity in soils, along with water runoff, are increasing environmental problems that affect agriculture directly and, in turn, human health. In light of finding a suitable and urgent solution, research on plant treatments with specific compounds that can help mitigate these effects has increased, and thus the exogenous application of melatonin (MET) and its role in alleviating the negative effects of metal toxicity in plants, have become more important in the last few years. MET is an important plant-related response molecule involved in growth, development, and reproduction, and in the induction of different stress-related key factors in plants. It has been shown that MET plays a protective role against the toxic effects induced by different metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, B, Al, V, Ni, La, As, and Cr) by regulating both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant plant defense systems. In addition, MET interacts with many other signaling molecules, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), and participates in a wide variety of physiological reactions. Furthermore, MET treatment enhances osmoregulation and photosynthetic efficiency and increases the concentration of other important antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, polyamines (PAs), and carotenoid compounds. Some recent studies have shown that MET appeared to be involved in the regulation of metal transport in plants, and lastly, various studies have confirmed that MET significantly upregulated stress tolerance-related genes. Despite all the knowledge acquired over the years, there is still more to know about how MET is involved in the metal toxicity tolerance of plants.

Aging is a major risk factor for the higher incidence and prevalence of chronic conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Closely linked with the onset of all these age-related diseases is immunosenescence, a condition defined as progressive reconfiguration of the immune functions leading to an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, poorer response to vaccination, increased prevalence of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases characterized by a pro-inflammatory state named inflammaging. Given that immunosenescence frames age-related diseases, it is natural to ask how these illnesses are related under the context of innate and adaptative components of the immune system. Knowledge processing by Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) of age-related diseases framed in an immunosenescence multivalued context shows that a hierarchy among these diseases emerges with a subconcept-superconcept nested structure, with two clusters, first made of metabolic diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Second metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. Metabolic diseases seem to be a pivot illness and they must be a primary target given their global incidence and prevalence and their cost-effective treatments like regular physical activity, weight loss, healthy diet, stopping smoking, and reducing or managing stress. Another implication of the ontological analysis of age-related diseases is about the nature of immunosenescence, suggesting that initial symptoms of age-related diseases are mainly related to innate immune mechanisms, and developing of severe symptoms of age-related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases depends on the activation of acquired immunity processes.

The article presents the results and conclusions of a series of tests of wedge-shaped blocks armoring carried out on a new experimental facility (‘Hydraulic Experimentation Facility - Luis Ruano’) in quasi-prototype conditions. The article describes the singular testing facility that was built at the inlet channel of the Acequia de Sora channel, immediately upstream of the Laverné reservoir (Zaragoza, Spain). The inflow of the testing facility has a maximum discharge of 9 m³s^-1. The aim is to perform experimental research on technologies to protect embankment dams and dikes against overflowing erosion under quasi-prototype conditions. The results of the tests showed the ability of the WSBs to withstand high unit discharges under extremely negative conditions. Furthermore, conclusions were drawn about potential threats to the sound behavior of the armor.

While digitization can make the health industry faster and more efficient, there are many financial, social and organizational obstacles and barriers to its implementation. This article offers a systematic review of the main troubles detected from the literature review. Also there is a proposal of new kind of restrictions to pay attention. Finally, its offer an heterodox reading about the problem analyzed.

Construction involves the use of significant quantities of raw materials and entails high-energy consumption. For the sake of choosing the most appropriate solution that considers environmental and sustainable concepts, tools such as the integrated value model for sustainable assessment (Modelo Integrado de Valor para una Evaluación Sostenible, MIVES) used in Spain, plays a key role in obtaining the best solution. MIVES is a multi-criteria decision-making method based on the value function concept and the seminars delivered by experts. Such tools, in order to show how they may work, require application to case studies. In this paper, two concrete slabs manufactured with differing reinforcement during the construction of the La Canda Tunnels are compared by means of MIVES. The two concrete slabs were reinforced with a conventional steel-mesh and with polyolefin fibres. The results showed that from the point of view of sustainability, the use of polyolefin fibres provided a significant advantage mainly due to the lower maintenance required.

Climate change is expected to increase the occurrence of droughts with the hydrology in alpine systems being largely determined by snow dynamics. In this paper we propose a methodology to assess the impact of climate change on both meteorological and hydrological droughts taking into account the dynamics of the snow cover area (SCA). We will also analyse the correlation between these types of droughts. We have generated ensembles of local climate scenarios based on regional climate models (RCMs) representative of potential future conditions. We have considered several sources of uncertainty: different historical climate databases, simulations obtained with several RCMs, and some statistical downscaling techniques. We then used a stochastic weather generator (SWG) to generate multiple climatic series preserving the characteristics of the ensemble scenario. These were simulated within a cellular automata (CA) model to generate multiple SCA future series. They were used to calculate multiple series of meteorological drought indices, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)) and a novel hydrological drought index (Standardized Snow Cover Index (SSCI)). A linear correlation analysis was applied to both types of drought to analyse how they propagate and the time delay between them. We applied the proposed methodology to the Sierra Nevada (southern Spain) where we estimated a general increase in meteorological and hydrological drought magnitude and duration for the horizon 2071-2100 under the RCP 8.5 emission scenario. The SCA droughts also revealed a significant increase in drought intensity. The meteorological drought propagation to SCA droughts is reflected in an immediate or short time (1 month), obtaining significant correlations in lower accumulation periods of drought indices (3 and 6 months). This will allow us to obtain information about meteorological drought from SCA deficits and vice versa.

We consider a discrete-time random walk (xt) which at random times is reset to the starting position and performs a deterministic motion between them. We show that the quantity Prxt+1=n+1|xt=n,n→∞ determines if the system is averse, neutral or inclined towards resetting. It also classifies the stationary distribution. Double barrier probabilities, first passage times and the distribution of the escape time from intervals are determined.

Sustainability is pivotal in the urban transformation strategy in order to reach more resource-efficient, resilient and smarter cities. The goal of being a sustainable city should drive the decisions for city interventions. Nonetheless, impacts need to be quantified, lacking of standard and/or common methodologies that could be replicable across multiple cities. There exist many initiatives aiming at defining indicators and assessment procedures, but without convergence in the definition of terms and application methodologies, making complex its real implementation. Within mySMARTLife project (GA#731297), a KPI-driven evaluation framework is defined with the aim of covering the multiple pillars of a city (i.e. energy, mobility, citizens, economy) in a holistic way. This methodology also defines the concepts and terms to guide urban planners and/or experts at time of implementing the framework in a specific city. The evaluation framework has been deployed in the three cities of Nantes, Hamburg and Helsinki and some lessons learnt have been extracted, such as the necessity of providing a definition of measurement boundary to avoid interpretations. Thanks to a co-creation strategy, the main difficulties and issues from the cities have been taken into consideration for increasing the replicability.

This study proposes a methodology for identifying time intervals in which time-of-use (ToU) energy tariffs can be set. This is achieved by analyzing the variability in electric power demand and esti-mating the potential for demand flexibility. The proposed methodology is as follows: first, data preprocessing is performed, focusing on the organization and cleaning of individual consumption records. Subsequently, the data are processed and classified by using consumption variability analysis and clustering techniques. Then, representative clusters are selected and time intervals are analyzed to identify periods of high electric power consumption variability. This methodology was tested with real data from smart meters in the Colombian electrical system, in which time intervals with potential for settinh ToU tariffs were ultimately identified. This work promotes the implementation of demand response strategies that enhance sustainability and facilitate the transition to a more resilient energy landscape both nationally and internationally. The findings are expected to contribute to the formulation of tariff schemes that encourage con-scious changes in electric energy consumption patterns.

This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization and study of a new perovskite-type materials as cathode in SOFC. The synthesized doped perovskites have been successfully synthesized with high purity. The electrochemical performance of these materials was extensively examined through the characterization of I-V-P and EIS curves at the three temperatures: 750, 800 and 850 °C. Where it is revealing a substantial reduction of total resistances by approximately 50% and 70%, accom-panied by an impressive increase in power densities by around 200% and 300%, respectively. The cell featuring Sm0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3 exhibited the most commendable electrochemical properties at each temperature, following closely were Pr0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3 and La0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3.

The US opioid overdose epidemic has risen to an all-time high. Prescription opioids often serve as a gateway to illicit opioids which have appreciable overdose potential. Recent investigations have highlighted the efficacy and safety of marijuana-based products for pain management. Providing alternative pain treatment options may help mitigate the opioid epidemic. The distribution of codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone per 100K people and by 3-digit zip codes and overdose rates from 2014 to 2018 in California, which legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, were compared to Texas, where marijuana is functionally prohibited. Drug weights were obtained from the Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System and converted to oral morphine milligram equivalents. Overdose data was retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control’s WONDER database. California (-43.7%) and Texas (-27.3%) showed significant reductions in cumulative opioid distribution from 2014 to 2018. Opioid distribution per 100K people decreased -38.9% in California relative to -26.4% in Texas. Opioid and heroin overdoses increased between 1999 and 2019 by +11.6% in California but +272.7% in Texas. This evidence supports marijuana legalization as a mitigating factor to the opioid epidemic and opioid misuse.

Current pharmacological treatments of Fibromyalgia (FM) are merely symptom palliative, as clinical trials have so far failed to provide overall benefits without associated harms. Polypharmacy often leads to patient´s health deterioration and chronic drug use to an eventual lack of patient´s response. Emerging evidence support that physiotherapy treatments based on mechanical triggers improve FM symptoms and therefore could be used for therapeutic purposes by themselves, or in combination with current pharmacological treatments, as part of integrative medicine programs. However, a paucity of studies rigorously and systematically evaluating this possibility exists. This study uses scores from validated standardized questionnaires, algometer pressure point threshold (PPT) readings and responses from a custom self-developed questionnaire to determine the impact of a pressure-controlled manual protocol on FM hyperalgesia/allodynia, fatigue and patient´s quality of life. The results show that patient´s baseline sensitivity to pain inversely correlates with treatment response in FM. Moreover, patients presenting comorbid ME/CFS do not seem to respond to the applied therapy as those presenting FM only. Thus, pre-treatment PPTs and ME/CFS comorbidity may serve as indicators to predict patient´s response to physiotherapy programs based on mechanical triggers, as the one evaluated here. These unexpected findings grant further explorations including the study of gene expression profiles associating to patient´s treatment response in the blood collection of samples generated by this study.

In this paper, we present a method for estimating GPS signals from visual information captured by a monocular camera mounted on a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The main challenge in visual odometry from aerial images is the computation of scale due to irregularities in the elevation of the terrain. That is, it is not possible to accurately convert from pixels in the image to meters in space, and the error accumulates. The contribution of this work is to reduce the accumulated error by comparing the images from the camera with satellite images. The algorithm has been tested in real-time experiments, and the results show that it is possible to eliminate the accumulated error using satellite images.

Background: The treatment plan of prosthetic restorations supported by dental implants require comprehensive scientific knowledge to deliver prostheses with good prognosis, even before the implant insertion. This review aims to analyze the main prosthetic determinants of the prognosis of implant-supported prostheses. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted with a PICO question: "For partially or complete edentulous subjects treated with implant-supported prostheses, which prosthetic factors could affect clinical outcomes?". A literature search was performed electronically in PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Library with the following equation [PROGNOS* OR RISK] FACTOR IMPLANT DENTAL, and by hand search in relevant journals and throughout the selected papers. Results: This revision was carried out based on 50 papers focused on several prosthodontics-related risk factors that were grouped as follows: implant-connection, loading protocol, transmucosal abutments, prosthetic fit, provisionalization, type of retention, impression technique, fabrication technique, and occlusion. More than a half of the studies were systematic reviews (30%), meta-analysis (16%) or prospective evaluations of prosthesis with various kinds of events (18%). But also narrative reviews of literature (14%) and in vitro/animal studies (16%) were found. Conclusions: The current literature provides insufficient evidence for most of the investigated topics. However, based on the accumulated data, it seems reasonable to defend that the best treatment approach is the use of morse taper implants with transmucosal abutments, recorded by means of rigidly splinted copings through the pick-up technique, and screwed by milled prosthesis occlusally adjusted to minimize functional overloading.

We present an ontology log-OLOG- representation of the classical Miller-Urey experiment, usually considered as a paradigm for spontaneous generation of biomolecules on the prebiotic Earth and also, as a key in understanding the chemical evolution phenomena linked to the origins of life. Ologging The Miler-Urey experiment enables us, through the categorical notion of fibre product or pullback, to define the concept of Biogenic Space, as a space containing low complexity biogenic units subjected to appropriate physical and chemical conditions, facilitating the synthesis of highly complex organic molecules. Also, we characterize the Biogenic Space as a concrete universal object that could be associated with the preconditions for life inside various structures in the universe such as exoplanets and exomoons located in habitable zones, but also in interstellar and intergalactic organic clouds.

COVID-19 sepsis immune response remains unclear. Here we propose a new perspective in host response against pathogenic proteins that may lead to a vaccine design by polymerization of antigens of <70 kDa. In COVID-19, initial Th1 response kills infected cells releasing viral proteins. SARS-CoV-2 viral structural proteins are Spike (140 kDa), Nucleocapsid (50 kDa), Membrane (25 kDa) and Envelope (10 kDa). B cell receptor cannot capture antigens >70 kDa. The Spike protein (140 kDa) cannot be captured by B cells and triggers inflammatory Th1 response via the macrophages. Only proteins with a size <70 kDa can activate B cell receptor and trigger Th2 adaptative humoral response. Moreover, M-25 kDa and E-12 kDa glycoproteins can activate IgM-BCR like oligovalent or monovalent antigens. The sustained infected cells lysis overfeeds high levels of viral proteins <70 kDa, increases B cells activation and, in the shift from Th1 to Th2 immune response, triggers the cytokine storm. The continuous BCR activation increases IL-10 releasing and may lead to immune paralysis.

Groundwater degradation is a global problem linked to irrigation agriculture and aggravated by climate change. In drylands, where aquifer recharge is low, irrigation has emerged as an engine of economic growth. This problem falls under the paradigm of desertification, as it fits the definition of this complex problem in that the degradation of drylands is due to climatic variations and inappropriate human activities. Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), the response of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification to the lack of progress in tackling desertification, is integrated into Sustainable Development Goal 15.3 and provides the adequate framework for implementing effective solutions. LDN prioritizes prevention strategies, and early warning systems coupled to integrated simulation models is a sound approach. We analyze the dynamics of a coastal aquifer in southern Spain, a “desertification landscape” according to the Spanish National Action Plan to Combat Desertification. For this purpose, we have (i) adapted a generic desertification model that considers socio-ecological systems as a particular case of predator-prey systems; and (ii) coupled to this model a risk analysis to calculate the probabilities of groundwater salinization under the current scenario of water resources use, driven by the expansion of greenhouse agriculture supported by external water transfer. The risk of desertification is close to 100%: groundwater salinity is 40 dS m-1 (well above tomato tolerance, 3.5 dS m-1), and 2.4 Mm3 yr–1 water transfer is needed to support the 631 ha of greenhouses. This worrying result suggests that complimentary solutions should be promoted to deactivate the ongoing process of desertification. Among them, we propose reclaimed water, diversifying the economy, or promoting crops adapted to aridity. This simulation framework shows how to explore the future of a socio-ecosystem under current scenarios and others that consider climate change, the energy crisis, or the impact of alternative solutions.

Mirror Therapy (MT) and Cognitive Therapeutic Exercise (CTE) are two neurorehabilitation techniques based on neuroplasticity and designed to enhance the functionality of the upper limb. Therefore, the aim is to assess the effectiveness of the combination of CTE and MT with task-oriented training (TOT) on fine and gross motor skills of the affected hand, as well as the functionality of the affected upper limb, autonomy, independence, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute stroke. This longitudinal and multicenter study involved a sample of 120 participants selected randomly and consecutively. Three groups were formed, including a control group (CG) and two treatment groups, one with MT and the other with CTE. The functionality of the upper limb, fine and gross motor skills, the quantity and quality of use of the affected upper limb, autonomy, and QoL were evaluated using various scales validated in the Spanish population at the baseline, after 20 treatment sessions, and at three months of follow-up. ANCOVA analysis was conducted, revealing statistically significant differences between assessments in the CG compared to the experimental groups (GEs), indicating a notable improvement in overall functionality, fine and gross motor skills, autonomy, and QoL in the latter. However, there were no significant differences between the GEs. Therefore, the application of either of these experimental combinations is crucial for the motor recovery, functionality, and improvement of the quality of life of individuals who have suffered a stroke.

Surgical site infections (SSI) occur very frequently during post-operatory procedures and are often treated with oral antibiotics, which may cause some side-effects. This type of infections could be avoided by encapsulating antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory drugs within the surgical suture materials so that these can more efficiently act on the site of action during wound closure, avoiding post-operatory bacterial infection and spreading. This work was aimed at developing novel electrospun biobased anti-infective fiber-based yarns as novel suture materials for preventing surgical site infections. For this, yarns based on flying intertwined nanofibers were fabricated in-situ during the electrospinning process using a specially designed yarn collector. The electrospun yarn sutures were made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) with different contents of 3HV units and contained ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CPX) as the antimicrobial active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The yarns were then analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and in vitro drug release. The yarns were also analyzed in terms of antimicrobial and mechanical properties. The material characterization indicated that the varying polymer molecular architecture affected the attained polymer crystallinity, which was correlated with the different drug-eluting profiles. Moreover, the materials exhibited the inherent stiff behavior of PHBV, which was further enhanced by the API. Lastly, all the yarn sutures presented antimicrobial properties for a time release of 5 days against both gram positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The results presented highlight the potential of the herein developed antimicrobial electrospun fiber yarns as potential innovative suture materials to prevent surgical infections.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) integrate renewable sources, storage, and optionally conventional energies, offering an eco-friendly solution to fossil fuels. Microgrids (MGs) bolster HRES integration, enhancing energy management, resilience, and reliability at various levels. This study, emphasizing the need for refined optimization methods, investigates three themes: renewable energy, microgrid, and multiobjective optimization (MOO), through a bibliometric analysis of 470 Scopus documents from 2010-2023, analyzed with SciMAT software. It segments the research into two periods, 2010-2019 and 2020-2023, revealing a surge in MOO focus, especially in the latter period, with a 35% increase in MOO-related research. This indicates a shift towards com-prehensive energy ecosystem management that balances environmental, technical, and economic elements. The initial focus on MOO, genetic algorithms, and energy management systems has expanded to include smart grids and electric power systems, with MOO remaining a primary theme in the second period. The increased application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optimizing HMGS within the MOO framework signals a move towards more sustainable, intelligent energy solutions. Despite progress, challenges remain, including high battery costs, the need for reliable MOO data, the intermittency of renewable energy sources, and HMGS network scalability issues, highlighting directions for future research.

Hydrophilic coatings have recently emerged as a new approach to avoid the adhesion of (bio)organisms on surfaces immersed in water. In these coatings the hydrophilic character is crucial for the anti-fouling (AF) performance. However, this property can be rapidly lost due to the inevitable damages which occur at the surface, reducing the long-term effectiveness of the AF functionality. We report hydrophilic polycarbonate-mPEG polyurethane coatings with tunable hydrophilic properties as well as an excellent and long-term stability in water. The coatings exhibit low protein adhesion values and are able to self-replenish their hydrophilicity after damage, due to the existence of a reservoir of hydrophilic dangling chains incorporated in the bulk. The combination of low T_g and sufficient mobility of the mPEG dangling chains (enabled by chains with higher molecular weight) proved to be crucial to ensure autonomous surface hydrophilicity recovery when the coatings were immersed in water. This coatings and design approach offer new possibilities towards high performance AF coatings with an extended service life-time which can be used in several major applications areas, such as marine and biomedical coatings, with major economic and environmental benefits.

The extra precession of Mercury - 42.9 seconds of arc per century - explained by General Relativity (GR), is the result of a secular addition of 5.02 × 10⁻⁷ rad. at the end of every orbit around the Sun. We will analyze, the instantaneous precession and its addition along one orbit, determine the magnitude and oscillations around the mean value, comparing key theoretical proposals. This angular precession, should be the result reaction of Mercury to the gravitoelectric action produced by the geometric curve space-time at each single point of the elliptic orbit. The better we should know about this instantaneous precession, the better we will determine the external action and its quantum core nature, if that is the case. The Doppler tracking of the MESSENGER spacecraft, produces only 1 m error, enough precision to deduce the complete geodesic orbit of Mercury as an open free-fall path, isolated from other planets gravitational interference. The aim of this article is also to encourage JPL, IMCCE. and other scientific teams to do so because, as far as I know, it has not been entirely measured yet, by accurately tracking that motion.

3D printing is playing an important role in cardiovascular disease by use of personalised models with replication of normal anatomy and pathology with high accuracy and reliability. While 3D printed heart and vascular models are shown to improve medical education, preoperative planning and simulation of cardiac procedures, and enhance communication with patients, 3D bioprinting however, represents a potential advancement of 3D printing technology by printing cellular or biological components, functional tissues and organs that can be used in a variety of applications in cardiovascular disease. Recent advances in bioprinting technology have shown the ability to support vascularisation of large scale constructs with enhanced biocompatibility and structural stability, thus creating opportunities to replace damaged tissues or organs. In this review, we provide an overview of the use of 3D bioprinting in cardiovascular disease with a focus on technologies and applications in cardiac tissues, vascular constructs and grafts, heart valves and myocardium. Limitations and future research directions are highlighted.

Renewable methanol, obtained from CO₂ and hydrogen provided from renewable energy, has been proposed as a way to close the CO₂ loop. In industry, methanol synthesis using the catalyst CuO/ZnO/Al₂O₃ occurs at a high pressure. We intend to make certain modification on the traditional catalyst in order to work at lower pressure, maintaining high selectivity. Therefore, three heterogeneous catalysts have been synthesized by co-precipitation in order to improve the activity and the selectivity to methanol under mild conditions of temperature and pressure. Certain modifications on the traditional catalyst Cu/Zn/Al₂O₃ were employed such as the modification of the synthesis time and the addition of Pd as a dopant agent. The most efficient catalyst among those tested was a palladium-doped catalyst, 5% Pd/Cu/Zn/Al₂O₃. This had a selectivity of 64% at 210C and 5 bar.

The binding affinity of trastuzumab and pertuzumab to HER2 has been studied using both experimental and in-silico methods. The experiments were conducted using the antibodies in their complete IgG form, as used in clinical therapy, and the extracellular domain of the HER2 protein in solution. This approach provides a precise, reproducible, and reliable view of the interaction between them in physiological conditions. Dynamic light scattering and size exclusion chromatography coupled with tetra detection were utilized to characterize the protein complexes, measure their concentrations, and calculate the equilibrium free binding energy, ΔGbind. In addition, PRODIGY, a QSAR-like model with excellent predictive ability, was employed to obtain in-silico ΔGbind estimations. The results obtained indicate that pertuzumab exhibits a slightly higher binding affinity to HER2 than trastuzumab. The difference in binding affinity was explained based on the contribution of the different interfacial contact (IC) descriptors to the ΔGbind value estimated by the PRODIGY model. Furthermore, experiments revealed that the pertuzumab IgG antibody binds preferentially to two HER2 proteins, one per Fab fragment, while trastuzumab mainly forms a monovalent complex. This finding was interpreted based on a geometrical model that identified steric crowding in the trastuzumab-HER2 complex as compared to the pertuzumab-HER2 complex.

Climate change-induced temperature fluctuations pose a significant threat to crop production, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. This study investigates the transcriptome and physiological responses of rapeseed to post-flowering temperature increases, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed tolerance to heat stress. Two rapeseed genotypes, Lumen and Solar, were assessed under control and heat stress conditions in field experiments conducted in Valdivia, Chile. Results showed that seed yield and seed number were negatively affected by heat stress, with genotype-specific responses. Lumen exhibited a 9.3% average seed yield reduction, while Solar showed a 28.7% reduction. RNA-seq analysis of siliques and seeds revealed tissue-specific responses to heat stress, with siliques being more sensitive to temperature stress. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified distinct gene clusters reflecting different aspects of heat stress adaptation in siliques, with a role for protein folding in maintaining silique development and seed quality under high temperature conditions. In seeds, three distinct patterns of heat-responsive gene expression were observed, with genes involved in protein folding and response to heat showing genotype-specific expression. Gene coexpression network analysis revealed major modules for rapeseed yield and quality, as well as the trade-off between seed number and seed weight. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying rapeseed tolerance to heat stress and can inform crop improvement strategies targeting yield optimization under changing environmental conditions.

Background: In healthy children, the frequency of anomalous persistence of primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) are unknown, as well as their impact on neurodevelopment, behaviour disorders and related consequences. We aim to know the prevalence of anomalous PRs and CBs in apparently healthy children and its relationships with behavior and neurodevelopment anomalies. Methods: Participants (n=120) were evaluated through physical examination to detect PRs and CBs, an ad hoc parent survey to collect perinatal events, and children behavior assessment by teachers using Battelle score. Results: PRs were present in 89.5%. Moro (70.8%), cervical asymmetric (78.3%) and cervical symmetric PRs (67.5%) were the most frequent observed PRs. CBs were found in 83.2%, and the most frequent CBs were dura mater (77.5%) and sphenoid bone (70%) blocks. Moro, cervical asymmetric and cervical symmetric active primitive reflexes are significantly associated to cranial blocks of dura mater, parietal zones, and sphenoid bone sway. Gestational disorders or perinatal complications were associated to a higher frequency of PRs and CBs. The presence of PRs and CBs were associated with abnormal Battelle scores and neurobehavioral problems. Conclusion: Presence of PRs and CBs in children without diagnosed diseases are frequent and related with disturbances in childhood neurodevelopment.

The infodiet of young Spanish adults aged 18 to 25 was analysed to determine their attitude towards fake news. The objectives were: to establish whether they have received any training in fake news; to determine whether they know how to identify fake information; and to investigate whether they spread it. The study employed a descriptive quantitative method consisting of a survey of 500 representative interviews of the Spanish population aged between 18 and 25 through a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that they are aware of the importance of training, although generally they do not know of any course and when they do, they do not tend to enrol on one either due to lack of interest or time. These young adults feel that they know how to identify fake content and, moreover, that they know how to do so very well. However, they do not use the best tools. While they do not always verify information, they mainly suspect the credibility of information when it is meaningless. However, they do not tend to spread fake information. We conclude that media information literacy training (MILT) is necessary in educational centres that focuses on the main issues identified.

Background: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder that has no curative treatment. Diagnosis is based on a set of criteria established by Gilman (1998 and 2008) and recently updated by Wenning (2022). We aim to determine the effectiveness of [123I]Ioflupane SPECT in MSA, especially at the initial clinical suspicion. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients at initial clinical suspicion of MSA, referred for [123I]Ioflupane SPECT. Results: 139 patients (68 men, 71 women) were included, 104 being MSA-probable and 35 MSA-possible. MRI was normal in 89.2% while SPECT was positive in 78.45%. SPECT showed high sensitivity (82.46%) and positive predictive value (86.24), reaching maximum sensitivity in MSA-P (97.26%). Significant differences were found when relating both SPECT assessments in the healthy-sick and inconclusive-sick groups. We also found an association when relating SPECT to the subtype (MSA-C or MSA-P), as well as to the presence of parkinsonian symptoms. Lateralization of striatal involvement was detected (left side). Conclusions: [123I]Ioflupane SPECT is a useful and reliable tool for diagnosing MSA, with good effectiveness and accuracy. Qualitative assessment shows a clear superiority when distinguishing between the healthy-sick categories, as well as between the parkinsonian (MSA-P) and cerebellar (MSA-C) subtypes at initial clinical suspicion.

The varved sediments of the Pyrenean Lake Montcortès (Pallars Sobirà, Lleida) embody a unique continuous high-resolution (annual) paleoarchive of the last 3000 years for the circum-Mediterranean region. A variety of paleoclimatic and paleoecological records have been retrieved from these uncommon sediments that have turned the lake into a regional reference. Present-day geographical, geological, ecological and limnological features of the lake and its surroundings are reasonably well known but the lack of a local weather station has prevented characterization of current climate, which is important to develop modern-analog studies for paleoclimatic reconstruction and to forecast the potential impacts of future global warming. Here, the local climate of the Montcortès area for the period 1955-2020 is characterized using a network of nearby stations situated along an elevational transect in the same river basin of the lake. The finding of statistically significant elevational gradients for annual and monthly average temperature and precipitation has enabled to estimate these parameters and their seasonal regime for the lake site. A representative climograph has been shaped with these data that can serve as a synthetic descriptive and comparative climatic tool. The same analysis has provided climatic data for modern-analog studies useful to improve the interpretation of sedimentary records in climatic and ecological terms. In addition, the seasonal slope shifting of the climatic elevational gradients has been useful to gain insights about possible future climatic trends under a warming scenario.

Alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT; also referred as metyrosine) is an approved medication for the treatment of pheochromocytoma. As a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor AMPT may be a potential candidate for the treatment of diseases involving catecholamine alterations. However, only small-scale clinical trials have tested AMPT repurposing in few other illnesses. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an heterogenous disorder with genetically associated vulnerability of catecholamine metabolism (e.g. catechol O-methyltransferase polymorphisms) holding an important impact of environmental factors. The current case report compiles genetic and longitudinal biochemical data for over a year follow-up of one patient sequentially diagnosed with sustained overstress, neurasthenia, CFS, and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) over a 10-year period, and reports patient’s symptom improvement in response to low-medium doses of AMPT.

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a hematologic disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature B-lymphoblasts arrested at various stages of differentiation. Despite advances in treatment, a significant percentage of pediatric patients with precursor B-ALL still relapse. Therefore, alternative therapies are needed to improve the cure rates for pediatric patients. TPEN (N, N, N’, N’-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine).is a pro-oxidant agent capable of selectively inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells. Consequently, it has been suggested that TPEN could be a potential agent for oxidative therapy. However, it is not yet known whether TPEN can selectively destroy leukemia cells in a more disease-like model, for example, the bloodstream and bone marrow (BM), in vitro. This investigation is an extension of a previous study that dealt with the effect of TPEN on ex vivo isolated/purified refractory B-ALL cells. Here, we evaluated the effect of TPEN on whole BM from nonleukemic patients (control) or pediatric patients diagnosed with de novo B-ALL or refractory B-ALL cells by analyzing the hematopoietic cell lineage marker CD34/CD19. Although TPEN was innocuous to nonleukemic BM (n=3), we found that TPEN significantly induced apoptosis in de novo (n = 5) and refractory B-ALL (n = 6) leukemic cell populations. Moreover, TPEN significantly increased the counts of cells positive for the oxidation of the stress sensor protein DJ-1, a sign of the formation of H2O2, and significantly increased the counts of cells positive for the pro-apoptotic proteins TP53, PUMA, and CASPASE-3 (CASP-3), indicative of apoptosis, in B-ALL cells. We demonstrate that TPEN selectively eliminates B-ALL cells independent of age, diagnosis status (de novo or refractory), sex, karyotype, or immunophenotype. Understanding TPEN-induced cell death in leukemia cells provides insight into more effective therapeutic oxidation-inducing anticancer agents.

The aim of this article has been to evaluate the impact of a physical-sport education programme, based on the pedagogical model of Sport Education within the framework of quality Physical Education and approached from the field of social and emotional learning, on a set of psychological variables: subjective well-being (quality of life related to health, positive affect and negative affect); trait emotional intelligence and social anxiety. A total number of 113 Compulsory Secondary Education students were involved, aged 12 to 15 years old, 44 of whom belonged to the control group (CG) and 69 to the experimental group (EG). A quasiexperimental design of repeated pretest and posttest measures with the CG was used. The results obtained in this investigation revealed that the intervention programme caused significant improvements in the subjective well-being and the trait emotional intelligence for the EG. These findings reinforce the pedagogical efficiency of the programme with regards to the aim that has been set. Likewise, the findings also highlight the suitability and appropriateness in terms of innovative teaching proposals. In the same way, the results showed relevant empirical contributions in this given school context due to its psychological benefits and the encouragement of healthy living.

With confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassing the 8.5 million mark around the globe, there is an imperative need to deepen the efforts from the international scientific community to gain comprehensive understanding of SARS-CoV-2. Although the main clinical manifestations are associated with respiratory or intestinal symptoms, reports of specific and non-specific neurological signs and symptoms, both at presentation or during the course of the acute phase, are increasing. Approximately 25-40% of the patients present neurological symptoms. The etiology of these neurological manifestations remains obscure, and probably involves several direct pathways, not excluding the direct entry of the virus to the Central Nervous System (CNS) through the olfactory epithelium, circumventricular organs, or disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB). Furthermore, neuroinflammation might occur in response to the strong systemic cytokine storm described for COVID-19, or due to dysregulation of the CNS angiotensin system. Descriptions of neurological manifestations in patients in the previous coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks have been numerous for the SARS-CoV and lesser for MERS-CoV. Strong evidence from patients and experimental models suggests that some human variants of CoV have the ability to reach the CNS and that neurons, astrocytes and/or microglia can be target cells for CoV. A growing body of evidence shows that astrocytes and microglia have a major role in neuroinflammation, responding to local CNS inflammation and/or to dysbalanced peripheral inflammation. This is another potential mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 damage to the CNS. In this work we will summarize the known neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, explore the potential role for astrocytes and microglia in the infection and neuroinflammation, and compare them with the previously described human and animal CoV that showed neurotropism. We also propose possible underlying mechanisms by focusing on our knowledge of glia, neurons, and their dynamic intricate communication with the immune system.

The severity of forest fires derived from remote sensing data for research and management has become increasingly widespread in the last decade, where these data typically quantify the pre- and post-fire spectral change between satellite images on multi-spectral sensors. However, there is an active discussion about which of the main indices (dNBR, RdNBR or RBR) is the most adequate to estimate the severity of the fire, as well about the adjustment model used in the classification of severity levels. This study proposes and evaluates a new technique for mapping severity as an alternative to regression models, based on the use of the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) automatic learning algorithm, from GeoCBI field data and spectral indices dNBR, RdNBR and RBR applied to Landsat TM, ETM+ Images, for two fires in central Spain. We compare the severity discrimination capability on dNBR, RdNBR and RBR, through a spectral separability index (M) and then evaluated the concordance of these metrics with field data based on GeoCBI measurements. Specifically, we evaluated the correspondence (R²) between each metric and the continuous measurement of fire severity (GeoCBI) and the general precision of the regression and MLE models, for the four categorized levels of severity (Unburned, Low, Moderate, and High). The results show that the RBR has more spectral separability (average between two fires M = 2.00) that the dNBR (M = 1.82) and the RdNBR (M=1.80), additionally the GeoCBI has a better adjustment with the RBR of (R² = 0.73), than the RdNBR (R² = 0.72), and dNBR (R² = 0.71). Finally, the overall classification accuracy achieved with the MLE (Kappa = 0.65) has a better result than regression models (Kappa = 0.58) and higher accuracy of individual classes.

We compare the well known Rayleigh-Ritz variational method (RRVM) with a recently proposed approach based on supersymmetric quantum mechanics and the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization method (SSQMGS). We apply both procedures to a particular class of double-well harmonic oscillators that had been conveniently chosen for the application of the latter approach. The RRVM eigenvalues converge smoothly from above providing much more accurate results with less computational effort. Present results show that the unproved SSQMGS upper bounds do not hold.

Agricultural soils serve as crucial storage sites for soil organic carbon (SOC). Their appropriate management is pivotal for mitigating climate change. To evaluate spatial and temporal changes in SOC within agricultural fields, continuous monitoring is imperative. In-field data sets of Vis-NIR soil spectra were collected on a long-term experimental site using an on-the-go spectrophotometer. Data processing for continuous SOC prediction involves a two-steps modelling approach. In Step 1, a Partial Least Square (PLSR) regression model is trained to establish a relationship between the SOC content and the spectral information also including spectral preprocesisng. In Step 2, the predicted SOC content obtained from the PLSR models is interpolated using ordinary kriging. Among the tested spectral preprocessing techniques and semivariogram models, SG and gapDer preprocessing along with a Gaussian semivariogram model, yielded the best performance resulting in a root mean square error of of 1.24 and 1.26 g kg-1. A striping effect due to the transect-based data collection was addressed by testing the effectiveness of extending the spatial separation distance, employing data aggregation, and defining the distribution based on treatment plots using block kriging. Overall, the results highlight the immense potential of on-the-go spectral Vis-NIR data for field-scale spatial-temporal monitoring of SOC.

The discovery of a growing number of exoplanets and even extrasolar systems supports the scientific consensus that it is possible to find other signs of life in the universe. The present work proposes for the first time, an explicit mechanism inspired by the dynamics of biological dispersion, widely used in ecology and epidemiology, to study the dispersion of biogenic units, interpreted as complex organic molecules, between rocky or water exoplanets (habitats) located inside star clusters. The results of the dynamic simulation suggest that for clusters with populations lower than 4 M+/ly³ it is not possible to obtain biogenic worlds after 5 Gyr. Above this population size, biogenic dispersion seems to follow a power law, the larger the density of worlds lesser will be the impact rate (β ) value to obtain at least one viable biogenic Carrier habitat after 5 Gyr. Finally, when we investigate scenarios by varying β, a well-defined set of density intervals can be defined in accordance to its characteristic β value, suggesting that biogenic dispersion has a behavior of “minimal infective dose” of “minimal biogenic effective” events by interval i.e. once this dose has been achieved, doesn’t matter if additional biogenic impact events occur on the habitat.

The manufacture of SiC-based composites is quite widespread, and currently different methods are employed for to produce them. The most efficient method, taking into account the cost/performance ratio, is reactive melt infiltration. It consists in infiltrating liquid silicon into a porous preform that must contain carbon, so that SiC is produced during infiltration. This chemical reaction is, in fact, the driving force of the process. In the present work, the synthesis of two SiC-based composite materials with very different applications and microstructures has been studied and optimized. In both cases, materials have been obtained with suitable properties for the selected applications. One of the materials studied is SiCp/Si for protection systems such as armor jackets, and the other one is Cf/SiC for use in braking systems. For the optimization, the dwell time and the atmosphere (Ar or primary vacuum) were used as variables. It has been found that in both preforms the optimum conditions are 1 hour dwell time and a vacuum atmosphere at 1450 °C. The effect of these parameters on microstructure and infiltration kinetics are discussed.

Silicates are among the most abundant and important inorganic materials, not only in the Earth’s crust but also in the interstellar medium in the form of micro-/nano-particles or embedded in the matrices of comets, meteorites and other asteroidal bodies. Although the crystalline phases of silicates are indeed present in Nature, amorphous forms are also highly abundant. Here we report a theoretical investigation of the structural, dielectric and vibrational properties of the amorphous bulk for forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) as a silicate test case by a combined approach of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for structure evolution, and periodic quantum mechanical DFT calculations for electronic structure analysis. Using classical MD based on an empirical partial charge rigid ionic model within a melt-quenching scheme at different temperatures performed with the GULP 4.0 code amorphous bulk structures for Mg₂SiO₄ were generated using as initial guess the crystalline phase. This has been done for bulks with three different unit cell sizes adopting a super-cell approach; i.e., 1×1×2, 2×1×2 and 2×2×2. The radial distribution functions indicated a good degree of amorphisation of the structures. Periodic B3LYP-geometry optimizations performed with the CRYSTAL14 code on the generated amorphous systems were used to analyze their structure, to calculate their high frequency dielectric constants (ε_∞), and to simulate the IR, Raman and reflectance spectra, which were compared with the experimental and theoretical crystalline Mg₂SiO₄. The most significant changes of the physico-chemical properties of the amorphous systems compared to the crystalline ones are presented and discussed (e.g., larger deviations in the bond distances and angles, broadening of the IR bands, etc.), which are consistent with their disordered nature. It is also shown that by increasing the unit cell size the bulk structures present larger degree of amorphisation.

This study assesses the development of professional skills in university students using serious games (SG), from a sustainability perspective. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set by the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Universities are strategic agents in the transformation process towards sustainability. This way, they should be committed to promoting such sustainable values in the students through curricular sustainability, implementing active methodologies and SG for that purpose. Transversal skills are essential for the development of future graduates. The objective of this study was to assess which professional skills should be developed through the SG called The Island, to improve the degree of student satisfaction with the incorporation of a sustainable curriculum. The data were obtained using a questionnaire, and then analysed using linear regression models, with their inference estimated through the goodness of fit and ANOVA. The first results indicated that the implementation of the SG promoted a strengthening of the students' sustainable curriculum through the development of those skills. It was concluded that the key to success in education for sustainable development is improving the development of strategic thinking, collaborative thinking, and self-awareness, in addition to encouraging systemic, critical, and problem-solving thinking.

Silkworm ovary-derived BmN4 cells rely on chromatin-induced spindle assembly to form microtubule-based square mitotic spindles that ensure accurate segregation of holocentric chromosomes during cell division. The chromosome passenger protein Aurora B regulates chromosomal condensation and segregation, spindle assembly checkpoint, and cytokinesis; however, its role in holocentric organisms needs further clarification. This study examined the architecture and dynamics of spindle microtubules during prophase and metaphase in BmN4 cells and those with siRNA-mediated BmAurora B knockdown using immunofluorescence labelling. Anti-α-tubulin and anti-γ-tubulin antibodies revealed faint γ-tubulin signals co-localized with α-tubulin in early prophase during nuclear membrane rupture, which intensified as prophase progressed. At this stage, bright regions of α-tubulin around and on the nuclear membrane surrounding the chromatin suggested the start of microtubule assembling in the microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs). In metaphase, the number and size of γ-tubulin foci increased and were detected on both sides of the chromosomes. This resulted in a distinctive multipolar square spindle with holocentric chromosomes aligned at the metaphase plate. siRNA-mediated BmAurora B knockdown significantly reduced the γ-tubulin foci during prophase, impacting microtubule nucleation and spindle structure in metaphase. Spatiotemporal BmAurora B expression analysis provided new insights into the regulation of this mitotic kinase in silkworm larval gonads during gametogenesis. Our results suggest that BmAurora B is crucial for the formation of multipolar square spindles in holocentric insects, possibly through the activation of γ-tubulin ring complexes in multiple centrosome-like MTOCs.

This is a paper on Political Economic and Economic Policies into the European Green Deal framework and the Spanish recovery plan, with special attention to the tourism sector. First, there is a literature review, combining the scientific production with professional and institutional literature, to understand the topic development, from the former restrictive point to the current view at large. Second, it is offered a case study about the green jobs opportunity, according to wellbeing economics, for the Spanish tourism sector renewal. The paper provides valuable information to improve sectorial recovery plan, to coordinate the policymakers and the business managers and entrepreneurs.

Rangelands are a key resource present all over the world as it covers half of emerged lands. They are even more important in drylands, where they cover 48% of the total area. Intensification and the additional pressure added by climate change push these systems towards desertification. Over the last two decades, we have developed and applied System Dynamics (SD) models for the study of Mediterranean grasslands. In addition, we have developed procedures and analysis tools, such as global sensitivity analysis, stability analysis condition, or risk analysis, in order to detect the main drivers of these socio-ecological systems and provide indicators about their long-term sustainability. This paper reviews these works, their scientific background, and the most relevant conclusions, including purely technical and rangeland-related ones as well as our experience as systemic modelers in a world driven by field specialists.

Animals living in the wild are exposed to numerous challenges, such as fires, that can lead to animal suffering. The impacts of fire have been studied in different branches of ecology, but studies of its effects on the welfare of individual animals remain scarce. The current review aims to synthesize a sample of relevant aspects regarding fire’s negative effects on wild animals. This review provides a better understanding of how fire compromises animal welfare, providing an example of how to use the knowledge gathered in ecology studies to examine the welfare of wild animals. It can help raise concern for the situation of wild animals as individuals, and to develop the field of welfare biology, by identifying promising future lines of research. The fundamentals of carrying out future work to design protocols for rescuing animals or preventing the harms they can suffer in fires is also explored.

In this article we review the advances that have been made on the understanding of the high-pressure structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of wolframite-type oxides since the first works in the early 1990s. Mainly tungstates, which are the best known wolframites, but also tantalates and niobates, with an isomorphic ambient-pressure wolframite structure, have been included in this review. Apart from estimating the bulk moduli of all known wolframites; the cation-oxygen bond distances and their change with pressure have been correlated with their compressibility. The composition variations of all wolframites have been employed to understand their different structural phase transitions to post-wolframite structures as a response to high pressure. The number of Raman modes and band gap energy changes have been also analyzed in the basis of these compositional differences. The reviewed results are relevant for both fundamental science and for the development of wolframites as scintillating detectors. The possible next research venues of wolframites have also been evaluated.

An acrobot is a planar robot with a passive actuator in its first joint. The control problem of the acrobot tries to make it rise from the rest position to the inverted pendulum position. This control problem can be divided in the swing-up problem, when the robot has to rise itself through swinging up as a human acrobat does, and the balancing problem, when the robot has to maintain itself on the inverted pendulum position. We have developed three controllers for the swing-up problem applied to two types of motors: small and big. For small motors, we used the SARSA controller and the PD with a trajectory generator. For big motors, we propose a new controller to control the acrobot, a PWM controller. All controllers except SARSA are tuned using a Genetic Algorithm.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a locally aggressive disease related to asbestos exposure with a median survival for untreated patients of 4-8 months. The combination of chemotherapy based in platinum and antifolate is the standard treatment and the addition of bevacizumab adds two months of gain in median survival. Recently in first-line treatment, immunotherapy combining nivolumab with ipilimumab has been shown to be superior to chemotherapy in the CheckMate-743 study in terms of overall survival (18.1 months), leading to its approval by the FDA and EMA. The positive results of this study represent a new standard of treatment for patients with MPM, however, not all patients will benefit from immunotherapy treatment. In an effort to improve the selection of patient candidates for immunotherapy in different tumors, biomarkers that have been associated with a greater possibility of response to treatment have been described. MPM is a type of tumor with low mutational load and neo-antigens, making it a relatively non-immunogenic tumor for T cells and possibly less susceptible to responding to immunotherapy. Different retrospective studies have shown that PD-L1 expression occurs in 20-40% of patients and is associated with a poor prognosis; however, the predictive value of PD-L1 in response to immunotherapy has not been confirmed. The purpose of this work is to review state of art of MPM treatment in the year 2023 focusing in the efficacy results of first-line or subsequent immunotherapy studies in patients with MPM and possible chemo-immunotherapy combination strategies. Additionally, potential biomarkers of response to immunotherapy will be reviewed, such as histology, PD-L1, lymphocyte populations, and TMB.

HPV vaccine induces a herd immunity effect in genital warts when a large number of the population is vaccinated. That aspect should be taken into account when devising new vaccine strategies, like vaccination at older ages or male vaccination. Therefore it is important to develop mathematical models with good predictive capacities. We devised a sexual contact network that was calibrated to simulate the Spanish epidemiology of different HPV genotypes. Through this model we simulated the scenario that occurred in Australia in 2007, where 12-13 year-old girls where vaccinated with a three-dose schedule of a vaccine containing genotypes 6 and 11, that protect against genital warts, and also a catch-up program in women up to 26 years of age. Vaccine coverage were 73 % in girls with three doses and with coverage rates decreasing with age until 52 % for 20-26 year-olds. A fast 59 % reduction in the genital warts diagnoses occurred in the model in the first years after the start of the program, similar to what was described in the literature.

In the former mining district of La Carolina (southern Spain), waste materials were accumulated without first waterproofing the substrate. Additionally, these mining dams were abandoned without any type of restoration, conditions that present a significant risk of contaminating the surrounding soils and waters. Prior to carry out the necessary works for isolating these residues, morphological characterization of the contact with the base substrate is needed. For that purpose, in recent years, different indirect study techniques have been used, among which electrical to-mography stands out. In this work, a less common geophysical technique, magnetometry, both in its magnetic and gra-diometric modalities, is used as an alternative method to analyse the geometry and structure of a mining dam. The results obtained with this methodology are compared with the results provided by electrical techniques, as well as with direct data from mechanical surveys and aerial photo-graphs prior to waste deposition. The magnetic anomaly curves obtained with geometric models generated with the Mag2dc program were also analysed. This comparative study shows the use-fulness of magnetic prospecting in characterizing the base geometry of these mining structures and therefore the interest in its application to environmental characterization studies.

this article presents the results of implementing existing software tools in the accounting field. The teaching processes regarding the use of Learning and Knowledge Technologies (TAC) in the university environment, and very specifically, in what has to do with the pedagogical integration of the same in the curriculum is deficient and disjointed with the current technological development. Thus, in the different curricula of professional programs of Public Accounting and related, the courses related to computer automation processes are oriented only towards the management of computer science and accounting software and the great diversity of existing applications that would undoubtedly directly benefit the student to know the potential of these in their future accounting practice is not taken into account. Strengthen the various skills of a Public Accountant in training through Learning and Knowledge Technologies (TAC), under the hypothesis of developing skills in the accounting field through TACs. The research was developed using a quantitative approach, an empirical-analytical method, with a type of descriptive research under an experimental design based on G1 x O1 and G2–O2, three phases were defined. In the first phase, the characterization of the existing software tools in the accounting field was carried out. In the second phase, their relevance was determined. In the third phase, performance was evaluated and then classified in a repository. The data obtained were analyzed with parametric analysis techniques through which it was found that the difference in quantitative results in the academic process between the experimental and control groups was statistically significant, which concluded the success of the experimental treatment. The use of CT scans in the classroom by the experimental group resulted in an improvement in their academic performance compared to the control group, strengthening their self-learning processes and facilitating the development of cognitive functions and skills necessary in the exercise of their accounting profession. This research supports and strengthens the work skills developed in the classroom for public accounting students. The tools TAC is developed from the request made by the radiometry laboratory as a first phase and a second phase is necessary for validation with experts.

This review focuses on the role of small extracellular vesicles in the pathophysiological mechanisms of retinal degenerative diseases. Many of these mechanisms are related or modulated by the oxidative burden of the retinal cells. It has been recently demonstrated that cellular communication in the retina involves extracellular vesicles and that their rate of release and cargo features might be affected by the cellular environment and in some instances also mediated by autophagy. The fate of these vesicles is diverse, and could end up in the circulation and be used as markers, or target neighbour cells modulating gene and protein expression and eventually also angiogenesis. Neovascularization in the retina promotes vision loss in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The importance of micro RNAs, either as small extracellular vesicles’ cargo or free circulating, on the regulation of retinal angiogenesis is also discussed.

In the context of multiple repurposing of rural spaces, tourism represents a path for development, with the potential to revitalize these areas. The conservation and restoration of heritage, and its promotion through tourism, can become an opportunity for local development, in which a range of stakeholders fulfil different roles in the carrying out of the processes involved. The aim of the study was to analyse the process and results of channelling heritagisation through tourism in Mértola (Baixo Alentejo, Portugal). A series of interviews with the chief stakeholders in the process was conducted, from which the contexts and conceptualisations of development were determined. On the basis of secondary data (statistics), an analysis of the impacts of the process of heritagisation and the development of tourism was undertaken. The objectives of this study consisted in determining: a) the importance of the process of heritagisation in Mértola; b) the viability of the project, given the cost and lack of comprehensive conservation, in creating a unified whole; d) the performance of, and power relationships between, the various stakeholders; e) the limited participation of locals due to disaffection with the project; f) the correlation between heritage, rural tourism and local development.

Recent advancements in brain stimulation and nanomedicine have ushered in a new era of therapeutic interventions for psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This review explores the cutting-edge innovations in brain stimulation techniques, including their applications in alleviating symptoms of main neurodegenerative disorders and addiction. Emphasis is placed on the underlying main neurotransmitter modifications and their specific brain area location, particularly focusing on the dopaminergic system, which plays a critical role in these conditions. Furthermore, the review delves into the groundbreaking developments in nanomedicine, highlighting how nanotechnology can be utilized to target aberrant signaling in neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific focus on the dopaminergic system. The discussion extends to emerging technologies such as magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs), which represent a novel intersection between nanoformulation and brain stimulation approaches. These innovative technologies offer promising avenues for enhancing the precision and effectiveness of treatments by enabling non-invasive, targeted delivery of therapeutic agents as well as on site, on-demand stimulation. By integrating insights from recent research and technological advances, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how brain stimulation and nanomedicine can be synergistically applied to address complex neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.

The surgical extraction of the impacted third molar is frequently associated with several complications. The purpose of this study is to assess how two different surgical protocols affect post-operative complications during the extraction of the lower third molars. In order to compare and evaluate two different techniques (triangular flap vs envelope flap), and the relative post-extraction complications, two groups of 150 patients each, underwent to surgical third molar extraction and 60 days of follow-up. A complication rate founded in two groups was respectively 14,00% in group A and 17,33% in group B. There was a strong association between smoking (OR:2.8) and the use of oral contraceptives (OR:1.75) with complications. The age and sex-related incidence of complications in hard tissue healing finds great variability in the literature; the analysis performed on our data did not show a statistically significant association between them. Even though related to a higher incidence of transient changes in sensitivity, it was found that the envelope flap saw a lower percentage of complications. There is still no clarity on which is the best protocol for the extraction of the lower third molar, and the choice often depends on the surgeon’s experience.

This paper examines the learning experience of an inter-faculty higher education course conducted in an expanded remote format, using digital space as facilitator. The study focuses on the implementation of personalized education, a pedagogical approach that emphasizes the diversification of resources, strategies, and actions to empower learners in assigning personal value and meaning to their learning journey. By presenting an action research project, this study highlights the pivotal role of personalized education in guiding the course design. To foster an engaging learning environment, the course incorporated open activities and leveraged tools and platforms of the social web. Through these means, the participants, forming a community of practice, were able to collaboratively generate knowledge before, during, and after synchronous sessions. Furthermore, the participants effectively disseminated this knowledge through networks and engaged in discussions with external stakeholders. The study underscores how personalized education facilitates situated and meaningful learning by fostering expanded, flexible, and distributed experiences. These experiences revolve around a transmedia narrative that seamlessly integrates digital culture into learning opportunities and processes, effectively naturalizing its presence. The results highlight the value of personalized education approaches in adapting to the complexities of the digital age and establishing meaningful learning experiences for students.

Chronic pain has increasingly become a significant health challenge, not just as a symptomatic manifestation but also as a pathological condition with profound socioeconomic implications. Despite the expansion of medical interventions, the prevalence of chronic pain remains remarkably persistent, prompting a turn towards non-pharmacological treatments, such as therapeutic education, exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy. With the advent of cognitive neuroscience, pain is often presented as a primary output derived from the brain, aligning with Engel's Biopsychosocial Model which views disease not solely from a biological perspective but also considering psychological and social factors. This paradigm shift, brings forward potential misconceptions and over-simplifications. The current review delves into the intricacies of nociception and pain perception. It questions long-standing beliefs like the cerebral-centric view of pain, the forgotten role of the peripheral nervous system in pain chronification, misconceptions around central sensitization syndromes, the controversy about the existence of a dedicated pain neuromatrix, the consciousness of the pain experience and the possible oversight of factors beyond the nervous system. In re-evaluating these aspects, the review emphasizes the critical need for understanding the complexity of pain, urging the scientific and clinical community to move beyond reductionist perspectives and consider the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon.

Asthma is a heterogeneous and very complex group of diseases, which includes different clinical phenotypes depending on symptoms, progression, exacerbation pattern or response to treatment among other characteristics. The allergic phenotype is the most frequent, especially in pediatric asthma. It is characterized by sensitization (production of specific IgE) to allergens, and frequent comorbidity with rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. An allergen is a substance that triggers the production of specific IgE antibodies in susceptible individuals, who present symptoms that will depend on the type and intensity of the allergenic load and the tissue where the interaction occurs. Airborne allergens cause their effects in the respiratory tract and eyes, and can be indoor or outdoor, perennial or seasonal. Although allergens such as mites, pollens or animal dander are generally considered as a single particle, it is important to note that they contain different molecules which could trigger distinct specific IgE molecules on different patients.The key points that a physician who treats asthma should be aware of are:

This paper addresses the optimal stochastic allocation of Distributed Energy Resources in distribution Networks. Typically, uncertain problems are analyzed in multi-stage formulations including case generation routines, resulting in computationally exhaustive programs. In this article, two probabilistic approaches are proposed resulting in a single-stage, convex, stochastic optimal power flow problem: The Range-Probability Optimization (RPO) and Value-Probability Optimization (VPO). The RPO maximizes probabilities within a range of uncertainty, whilst the VPO optimizes the values of the random variables and maximizes their probabilities. Random variables are modeled with hourly measurements fitted to the logistic distribution. These formulations were tested on two systems and compared against the deterministic case built from expected values. Results indicate that assuming deterministic conditions ends in highly underestimated losses. The RPO showed that by including a ±10 % uncertainty, the losses can be increased up to 40 % with up to −72 % photovoltaic capacity, depending on the system, whereas the VPO resulted in up to 85 % increases in power losses despite PV installations, with 20 % greater probabilities in average. By implementing any of the proposed approaches, it was possible to obtain more probable upper envelopes in the objective, avoiding case generation stages and heuristic methods.

It is known that high N doses, N/K imbalances, and frequent irrigation favor verticillium wilt. The influence of fertilization and its interaction with the frequency of irrigation on the development of Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO) has been evaluated. A split-split-plot design in microplots with two naturally infested soils of different texture was established for studying three fertilization treatments (NO3Ca, N-P-K and without fertilization), plus two irrigation frequencies (daily and deficit). The treatments were applied by means of fertigation, evaluating the susceptible cultivar Picual. Final disease incidence in plants subjected to NO3Ca-daily treatment was 100% regardless soil texture. However, final mortality in these plants was 37% and 85.2% in clay and sandy loam soils, respectively. As well, the area under the disease progress curve values were significantly higher (49.1%) in plants subjected to NO3Ca fertilization compared to those not fertilized or fertilized with N-P-K when plants grown in clay soil. This value in the sandy loam soil was significantly higher in the NO3Ca-daily irrigation treatment (94.3%), followed by the N-P-K-daily treatment (61.1%) which also was significantly higher than the unfertilized-daily, N-deficit and NPK-deficit treatments (37.8, 42.6 and 44.9 %, respectively). The plants submitted to unfertilized-deficit treatment reached the lowest value 9.6%. In this work it can be concluded that the application of fertilizer or the application of fertilizer with daily frequency irrigations in naturally infested soils increases the development of VWO in 'Picual'.

El Olivo Cave (Pruvia de Arriba, Llanera, Asturias, Spain) is a small karst cave located in the Aboño River basin and formed in the Cretaceous limestone of the Mesozoic cover of the Cantabrian Mountains (north of the Iberian Peninsula). It contains an important upper Pleistocene sedimen-tary, archaeological and paleontological record, with abundant technological evidence and faunal remains. The archaeological record shows a first occupation that could correspond to the Middle Paleolithic and a second occupation in the Middle Magdalenian. The stratigraphic sequence inside and outside the cave was studied with geoarchaeological methodology. In this paper, the lithostratigraphic sequence is analyzed and the data from the granulometric, mineralogical, edaphological and radiometric analyses are presented. The results of these analyses enable an accurate interpretation of both the lithostratigraphy of the deposit as well as the processes re-sponsible for its formation and subsequent evolution. The available numerical dates allow us to locate the first sedimentation episode in the cave in OIS 7a, in the Middle Pleistocene, the base of the outer fluvial sedimentation in the cold OIS 3a stage of the Upper Pleistocene and the Magdalenian occupation in the Last Glacial Maximum (OIS 2) at the end of the Late Pleistocene.

Modelling diameter distribution is an integral part of forest management. It requires the use of a suitable probability density function or cumulative distribution function with the appropriate fitting method. In this study, we compared the suitability of eight probability density functions fitted by derivative and optimization methods used for diameter distribution estimation of forest stands. The derivation and optimization were used on A Charlier, beta, generalized beta, gamma, Gumbel, Johnson’s SB, and Weibull (2 and 3-parameter). We used data from 167 permanent sample plots from Atlantic forest (Quercus robur) and 59 temporary sample plots from tropical forests (Tectona grandis). The quality of the fits was evaluated with different indices such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramer-von Mises, mean absolute error, bias and mean squared error. The results showed Johnson’s SB function was more suitable for describing the diameter distribution of the stands. Johnson’s SB, 3-parameter Weibull and generalized beta had consistent performance regardless of the fitting methods. The quality of fits produced by gamma, Gumbel and 2-parameter Weibull was poor.

This document aims to adapt the dimension of the Socially Responsible Brand Personality (SRBP), proposed by Mayorga (2017), in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The interest of this work is to contribute with the management of the CSR, contributing from a communicational perspective with a tool that optimizes the construction of a socially responsible image by the different stakeholders. The results allow us to conclude that there is a structural modification of the brand personality, which can be presumed to be generated by the current environment and can be established as a pillar of CSR management in the new normality.

The influence of diet and nutritional status of milk donors on the nutritional composition of donor human milk (DHM) is unknown. The present study aimed to determine the nutritional profile of DHM and the associations of donors’ dietary intake and nutritional status with micronutrient and lipid composition in DHM. For this purpose, 113 donors completed a food frequency questionnaire, provided a 5-day weighed dietary record, and collected milk for 5 consecutive days. Nutrient determinations in donors’ erythrocytes, plasma, urine, and milk were performed. Multiple linear regressions were conducted for the evaluation of the associations. We highlight the following results: DHM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was positively associated with donors’ plasma DHA content and donors’ DHA intake (R2 0.45, p < 0.001). For every 1 g/day of DHA intake, the percentage of DHA in DHM increased by 0.38% (% of total fat) and the percentage of total omega-3 in DHM increased by 0.78% (R2 0.29, p < 0.001). DHM saturated fatty acids were positively associated with erythrocyte dimethyl acetals, plasma stearic acid, trans fatty acids intake, and breastfeeding duration, and negatively associated with erythrocyte margaroleic acid (R2 0.34, p < 0.01). DHM cholecalciferol was associated with plasma cholecalciferol levels and dairy intake (R2 0.57, p < 0.01). Other weaker associations were found for free thiamine, free riboflavin, pyridoxal, dehydroascorbic acid, and lipid profile in DHM. In conclusion, the diet and nutritional status of donors influences the fatty acid profile and micronutrient content of DHM.

The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize autochthonous Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts from Cabernet Sauvignon grape must and to analyze how they impacted the final characteristics of the wines obtained from the same must type. This work was carried out in a “Pago” winery located in Requena, Spain. Twenty-two isolates were obtained from grape must. After molecular identification and typing, 11 different strains were determined. Growth-related parameters and metabolic characteristics (glucose and fructose consumption, and ethanol, glycerol and acetic acid production) were determined by laboratory-scale fermentations (50 mL) of Cabernet Sauvignon must. From 2 L fermentation batches, residual sugar, density, ethanol concentration, titratable and volatile acidities, pH, and polyphenolic and volatile compounds were determined, as well as the sensory attributes of the produced wines. Differences between strains in the growth and metabolic parameters were observed. Eleven S. cerevisiae strain profiles were characterized to establish which strain or strains of the selected yeasts would produce the highest polyphenolic and aromatic concentration of the red Cabernet wines made in the “Pago winery” to then multiply them for their use to make the red wines of this winery.

The Mediterranean is one of the regions of the world where human-induced climate warming is expected to have large impacts on water and environmental resources. To predict shifts in the current climate system, more regional climate records, including seasonal-to-century scale variability spanning longer than the instrumental periods, are needed. To help fill this gap, we provide a reconstruction of autumn precipitation variations for the Central Pyrenees range since 1500 Common Era (CE) using the varved sediments of Lake Montcortès. To assess the suitability of the calcite sublayer width of the sediments of this lake as a proxy for precipitation anomalies, we performed an analysis and smoothing of the temporal structure of the width series, calibration of the new series with the available instrumental climate records, calculation of a transfer function and testing and comparison of the reconstructed series against available empirical data.The prediction model was statistically robust and showed that the climatic signal was captured in the calcite sublayers. The reconstruction provides the first estimations of regional autumn precipitation shifts in the Central Pyrenees at annual resolution, since 1500 CE. Pronounced interdecadal shifts in precipitation were noticeable; no increasing nor decreasing linear trends or periods of extreme precipitation events were identified. The reconstructed precipitation anomalies suggest a decrease in rainfall during the coldest phase within the coldest period of the Little Ice Age and also during the 20^th century, probably associated to current Global Warming. Correlations between autumn precipitation and the North Atlantic Oscillation, Western Mediterranean Oscillation and Southern Oscillation indices were weak to moderate. A potential relationship with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation pattern is suggested. The reconstructed autumn precipitation trends are coherent with other palaeohydrological reconstructions in similar Mediterranean settings, and consistent at a regional level.

As a form of protection, a nature park is often created to protect and valorise natural and cultural heritage in peripheral rural areas. However, in terms of multi-functionality, new nature parks are incorporated into traditional productive activities, such as recreational and tourist activities, which sometimes compromise sustainability. The research objective is to study the relationship between tourism and sustainability in the Nature Parks of “Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche”, “Sierra Norte de Sevilla” and “Sierra de Hornachuelos” that makes up the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve in Andalusia, Spain. Therefore, selective interviews have been carried out with the stakeholders to establish their perception of sustainable tourism and the presence of dominant discourses. The main conclusions indicate (1) the presence of different dominant discourses on sustainability, namely the conservationist and mercantilist ones, with the prevalence of the economic dimension; (2) poor awareness and adaptation to the context of global change; and (3) the presence of competitive relationships that generate difficulties for the governance of sustainable tourism.

‘Arrayana’ mandarin fruits have a short postharvest life and are sensitive to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage. Brassinosteroids (BR) have been used as a sustainable technology to alleviate CI in fruits and improve postharvest quality. This study evaluated the effect of applying the 24-epibrasinolide analogue (EBR), at doses of 5 mg L-1; DI-31 analogue, at 5 and 10 mg L-1; and control, on the main physical and biochemical characteristics of 'Arrayana' mandarin stored at 4°C for 40 days and, subsequently, 7 days at room temperature (shelf life). The application of EBR and DI-31 analogues reduced the appearance of CI in the exocarp of 'Arrayana' mandarin fruits by reducing electrolyte leakage, maintaining membrane integrity, and increasing antioxidant activity and phenol content at the end of cold storage and shelf life. This was especially pronounced with 5 mg L-1 of EBR. Similarly, the BR maintained the postharvest quality of mandarins by reducing weight loss, respiratory intensity and chlorophyll degradation; increasing β-carotene; and maintaining titratable acidity, and soluble solids. Our research reports for the first time CI tolerance in Arrayana mandarin using natural (EBR) and spirostanic (DI-31), analogues and illustrates the tolerance functionality of the DI-31 analog on CI in fruit postharvest.

Background: Data on the benefits of rapid microbiological testing on antimicrobial consumption (AC) and antimicrobial resistance patterns(ARP) are scarce. We evaluated the impact of a protocol based on rapid techniques on AC and ARP in intensive care (ICU) patients. Methods: Retrospective pre(2018) and post-intervention(2019-21) study in ICU patients. A rapid diagnostic algorithm was applied from 2019 in patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Incidence of nosocomial infection, ARP, and AC as DDD(defined daily dose) were monitored. Results: A total of 3635 patients were included, 987(pre-intervention) and 2648(post-intervention). A median age was 60 years, 64% male, with APACHE II of 19 points and SOFA of 3 points. Overall ICU mortality of 17.2% without differences between the periods. An increase in the number of infections was observed in the post-intervention period(44.5% vs 17.9%, p<0.01), especially due to an increase in ventilator-associated pneumonia(44.6% vs 25%,p<0.001). AC decreased from 128.7 DDD in 2018 to 66.0 DDD in 2021(Rate Ratio=0.51). A recovery of P.aeruginosa susceptibility of 23% for Piperacillin/tazobactam and 31% for Meropenem was observed. Conclusion: The implementation of an algorithm based on rapid microbiological diagnostic techniques allowed a significant reduction in AC and ARP without affecting the prognosis of critically ill patients.

This is an exercise to explore the concentration of Lithium, Lithium-7 isotope and the possible presence of black dirty ice in the lunar surface using spectral data obtained from the Clementine mission. The main interest in tracing the lithium and presence of dark ice in the lunar surface are closely related to future human settlement missions in the Moon. We investigate the distribution of Lithium and 7 Li isotope on the Lunar surface, employing spectral data from the Clementine images. We utilized Visible (VIS-NIR) imagery at wavelengths of 450, 750, 900, 950, and 1000 nm, along with Near-Infrared (NIR-SWIR) at 1100, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2600, and 2780 nm, encompassing 11 bands in total. This dataset offers a comprehensive coverage of about 80% of the lunar surface, with resolutions ranging from 100 to 500 meters, spanning latitudes from 80°S to 80°N. In order to extract quantitative abundance of Lithium, ground truth sites were used to calibrate the Clementine images. Samples (12045, 15058, 15475, 15555, 62255, 70035, 74220 and 75075) returned from Apollo missions 12, 15, 16 and 17 have been correlated to the Clementine VIS-NIR bands and five spectral ratios. The 5 spectral ratios calculated synthesize the main spectral features of sample spectra that were grouped by their Lithium and 7 Li content using Principal Component Analysis. The ratios spectrally characterize substrates of anorthosite, silica-rich basalts, olivine-rich basalts and High-T mare basalts and Orange soils. Our findings reveal a strong linear correlation between the spectral parameters and the lithium content in the 8 Apollo samples. With the values of the 11 Clementine bands and the 5 spectral ratios for each of the 8 lunar soils we performed linear regression models to estimate the concentration of Lithium and 7 Li. Also, we calculated Digital Terrain Models (DTMs; Altitude, Slope, Aspect, DirectInsolation and WindExposition) from LOLA-DTM to discover relations between relief and spatial distribution of the extended models of lithium and 7 Li. The analysis was conducted in a mask polygon extracted from Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) and located around the Apollo 15 landing site. This analysis seeks to uncover potential 7 Li enrichment through spallation processes, influenced by varying exposure to solar wind. To explore the possibility of find ice mixed with regolithe (black ice) we used a spectral library (350-2500nm) form ices dirty with different concentration of volcanic particles.

The monitoring of river discharge is vital for the correct management of water resources. A worldwide facility used for measuring discharge are flat-V gauging weirs. These structures consist of a small weir, with a triangular cross-section and a flat “V”-shaped notch. Their extensive use is a consequence of their utility in the measurement of both low and high flow conditions. However, depending on their size, local morphology and river discharge can act as full or partial hydraulic barriers to fish migration. To give answer to this question, the present work studies fish passage performance over flat-V weirs considering their hydraulic performance. For this, radio-tracking and video monitoring observations were combined with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in two flat-V weirs, using Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) as target species. Results show that fish passage is conditioned by both hydraulic and behavioral processes, providing evidences about the scenarios where flat-V weirs may act as full or partial barriers to upstream movements. For the studied flat-V weirs, a discharge range of 0.27-8 m3/s, with a water drop difference between upstream and downstream water levels lower than 0.7 m and a depth downstream the weir higher than 0.30 m can be considered as an effective passage situation for barbels. These findings are of interest to quantify flat-V weir impacts, for engineering applications and to establish managing or retrofitting actions when required.

Among the possible improvements of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, reducing the intensity of the automatic braking process by studying the kinematics and general behavior of the pedestrian while crossing is crucial to determine the progressiveness of the braking, or replacing part of the braking process by an evasive maneuver when a collision is imminent. This paper proposes the integration of an autonomous avoidance system (Automatic Emergency Steering, AES) that acts directly on the steering system to generate an evasive maneuver and avoid a possible pedestrian collision (OPREVU-AES system), as well as the assessment of its effectiveness compared to a commercial AEB system. OPREVU and VULNEUREA are research projects in which INSIA and CEDINT have cooperated to improve driving assistance systems and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists through Virtual Reality (VR) techniques. The analysis of the kinematic and dynamic response of the OPREVU-AES system is conducted in CarSim© software. The effectiveness evaluation procedure is based on the reconstruction of a sample of road vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes (INSIA-UPM database), using the PCCrash® software, and taking as an indicator the probability of head injury severity (ISP). The results show that the AEB system would have prevented part of the collisions, especially after the incorporation of the OPREVU-AES system. In most of the cases where avoidance is not possible, a significant reduction of the ISP is achieved.

Background: The laryngeal mask airway Vision Mask (LMA VM) is a supraglottic airway device (SAD) with vision guidance system. The ideal head and neck position for direct laryngoscopy is known, but the ideal position for placing a LMA is not. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the optimal position for placement of a video laryngeal mask airway. Methods: This was a prospective observational, transversal and analytical study of 72 consecutive patients. In the same patient, laryngeal vision was first assessed with the head and neck in the sniffing position and then with the head in the neutral position. Procedures were filmed and performed by the same investigator. Assessment of the laryngeal view was performed using two classifications: modified Cormack-Lehane classification and Brimacombe classification. Device placement was considered adequate when the Cormack-Lehane rating was scored from 1 to 2 and the Brimacombe rating was from 2 to 4. Results: 72 patients were included in this study. In the assessment of the glottis using the Cormack Lehane classification for fiberoptic view, laryngeal visibility was adequate in 64 (88.89%) patients in the neutral position and in 65 (90,28%) patients in the sniffing position (p>0,05). In the fiberoptic view of the glottis, assessed using the Brimacombe classification, laryngeal visibility was adequate in 68 (93%) patients in the neutral position and in 69 (95%) patients in the sniffing position, (p>0,05). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of success between the sniffing position (70 patients, 97.22% success rate) and the neutral position (67 patients, 93.06% success rate) during the first insertion attempt. Two patients required a second attempt in the sniffing position, while five patients required a second attempt in the neutral position. Conclusion: An adequate sniffing position did not result in a better glottic view than neutral position, and the number and type of additional maneuvers were equal in both positions.

The length of time it takes to experimentally make one-sided choppers, as found in the fossil record, bears a linear relationship to the knapping process of fabricating them. In addition, this temporal frame appears to be related to human heart rates measured as beats per minute, which act as a physiological metronome. We achieved these observations assuming that any paleolithic one-sided chopper has the information needed to estimate quantitatively the number of strikes on it. The experimental data allow us to establish the total timing needed for the standard fabricating of any one-sided chopper. We discuss issues derived from these experimental results, showing the evolution of human neurological abilities from 2.4 million years ago to the Modern period through the duration of time needed for making one chopper to that needed to play a 19th-century music score on a piano. Given that the neuronal and physiological distance between both actions differs by a factor of 6, we propose the concept of “technome” to measure human evolution by using methodological homogeneous metrics applied to these two human technologic objects, the chopper and the piano.

The semi-nonparametric (SNP) modeling of the return distribution has been proved to be a flexible and accurate methodology for portfolio risk management that allows two-step estimation of the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) matrix. For this SNP-DCC model, we propose a stepwise procedure to compute pairwise conditional correlations under bivariate marginal SNP distributions, overcoming the curse of dimensionality. The procedure is compared to the assumption of Dynamic Equicorrelation (DECO), which is a parsimonious model when correlations among the assets are not significantly different but requires joint estimation of the multivariate SNP model. The risk assessment of both methodologies is tested for a portfolio on cryptocurrencies by implementing backtesting techniques and for different risk measures: Value-at-Risk, Expected Shortfall and Median Shortfall. The results support our proposal showing that the SNP-DCC model has better performance for a smaller confidence level than the SNP-DECO model, although both models perform similarly for higher confidence levels.

LSUs (RESPONSE TO LOW SULFUR) are plant-specific proteins of unknown function that were initially identified during transcriptomic studies of the sulfur deficiency response in Arabidopsis. Recent functional studies have shown that LSUs are important hubs of protein interaction networks with potential roles in plant stress responses. In particular, LSU proteins have been reported to interact with members of the brassinosteroid, jasmonate signaling, and ethylene biosynthetic pathways, suggesting that LSUs may be involved in response to plant stress through modulation of phytohormones. Furthermore, in silico analysis of the promoter regions of LSU genes in Arabidopsis has revealed the presence of cis-regulatory elements that are potentially responsive to phytohormones such as ABA, auxin, and jasmonic acid, suggesting crosstalk between LSU proteins and phytohormones. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the LSU gene family in plants and its potential role in phytohormone responses.

Stem cell therapy in canines has increased considerably in recent years; however, there are few publications on the treatment of perianal fistulas (PF) in this species, and there is no agreed protocol for the number of cells per dose and their repetitions, nor for the in situ delivery methodology and follow-up period after cell therapy. The aim of this open-label clinical trial was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of a new protocol for in situ administration of low-dose, expanded and cryopreserved allogeneic adipose-derived stem cells for the treatment of refractory spontaneous perianal fistula. The methodology consisted of intralesional application of 1 to 3 doses - depending on evidence of clinical signs of recurrence - of 5x106 cryopreserved allogeneic adipose-derived allogeneic stem cells in each fistula. The study was conducted in 14 dogs regardless of sex, breed or age with a clinical diagnosis of refractory PF presented between January 2019 and December 2023. Cells were diluted in 1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline and this volume was applied to five sites at the edge of the FP in an amount of 1x106 per application site. The evolution of the fistula was followed for 12 to 48 months. Efficacy was determined by complete healing as evidenced by complete closure of the fistula, which was observed in 100% of the cases studied one month after therapy, with a subsequent follow-up of 12 to 48 months after therapy. In addition, there were no local or systemic adverse effects assessed by clinical examination, complete blood count and blood biochemistry. In conclusion, the protocol used in this work demonstrates the efficacy without adverse effects of in situ application of allogeneic adipose-derived adipose stem cells in low doses and cell replicates to treat canine refractory PF, providing a simple, non-invasive, long-lasting and low-cost therapeutic option.

In these times, consumers mistakenly believe that the terms “expiration date” and “best before” found on packages only convey information about food safety. Consequently, a misunderstanding of these terms contributes to food waste. In this sense, the understanding and behavior of the con-sumer with respect to the two terms were evaluated; in addition, the consumer's perception of the health risks of consuming expired food was analyzed. The research was carried out with the population of the sector of Lurigancho-Chosica, Lima – Peru; sample size was 555 participants. An online survey was sent to consumers over 18 years of age, from different sociodemographic and socioeconomic conditions. In general terms, it was found that 45% (p <0.01) consider that both terms mean the same thing, this result is a problem for food safety. The 67% (p <0.05) and 45% (p <0.05) correctly defined the first and second terms, respectively; however, the behavior is not coherent with the understanding of the terms. In addition, irrational and dangerous behavior toward expired food was evidenced, i.e., they consume expired food - "expiration date", and discard expired food - "best before". Finally, the health risks they perceived from consuming expired foods of both terms were: upset stomach, vomiting, gas, intoxi-cation, and malnutrition; these perceptions are erroneous and unfounded. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic conditions influence the under-standing, behavior, and perception of health risks. Therefore, in general lines, the level of understanding of the terms was low (p<0.01), the be-havior was inappropriate toward expired food (p<0.01), and the percep-tion of the health risk of consuming expired food was incorrect (p<0.01).

The different vegetable oils used in canned fish as filling medium have a preserving effect and contribute to the palatability of the product. In this study, the colour of European eels and the filling medium (sunflower oil, olive oil or spicy olive oil) was measured at different steps of the canning process. The sensorial characteristics of canned eels packed in the different oils were also evaluated. Colour scores (CieLab values) were higher in canned eels packed in sunflower and spicy olive oil than in canned eels packed in olive oil. The changes in colour parameters depended on the type of oil, the stage of the process and the storage time. Colour changes in canned eels packed in olive oil were highest during the sterilization process. Spicy olive oil was the filling medium in which the colour change was greatest, probably due to the migration of some of the spice components into the oil. Organoleptic properties were directly related to the type of oil used as the filling medium. The canned eels packed in sunflower oil were those awarded the highest scores in consumer tests, although the preferences varied depending on the age and gender of the consumers.

This research elucidates the dynamic expression of expansin genes during the wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) development process using comprehensive meta-analysis and experimental validation. We leveraged RNA-seq data from multiple public databases, applying stringent criteria for selection, and identified 60,852 differentially expressed genes across developmental stages. From this pool, 28,558 DEGs were found to exhibit significant temporal regulation in at least two different datasets, and were enriched for processes integral to grain development such as carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall organization. Notably, 30% of the 241 known expansin genes showed differential expression during grain growth. Hierarchical clustering and expression level analysis revealed temporal regulation and distinct contributions of expansin subfamilies during the early stages of grain development. Further analysis using co-expression networks underscored the significance of expansin genes, revealing their substantial co-expression with genes involved in cell wall modification. Finally, qPCR validation and grain morphological analysis under field conditions indicated a significant negative correlation between expression of select expansin genes and grain size and weight. This study illuminates the potential role of expansin genes in wheat grain development and provides new avenues for targeted genetic improvements in wheat.