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This paper proposes the use of check surfaces or ‘patches’ for the assessment of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) elevations and derived variables (e.g. slope and aspect). We work with grid-type DEMs, and the patches are implemented through square windows of different sizes. Since the data included in a patch are autocorrelated, a trial is performed under controlled conditions of simulation, and then the same simulation method is applied to a DEM data set. Using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic, the observed distribution functions of the results for different sample sizes (20, 50, 100) and different patch sizes (3 × 3, 5 × 5, 9 × 9, 11 × 11, 15 × 15, 19 × 19) and for a sample of points are compared against the true population distribution function. The trial based on autocorrelated synthetic data created following a geostatistical model (exponential law) outputs a clear result regarding the influence of intra-patch autocorrelation. The lower this autocorrelation is, the better the patch performs in terms of sampling efficiency. The same simulation process applied to synthetic data has also been applied to the case of a DEM product. The results obtained allow us to establish an equivalence between sample size when using control patches and control points. The main result of this study is that it allows us to understand the behaviour of samples based on patches and offers us a guide for determining the size of patch-based samples. The most relevant contribution of this proposal is that it opens the possibility of analysing variables derived from elevation data, such as slope and aspect.

Fasciolosis is a neglected/re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica that infects both livestock and humans worldwide, causing severe economic losses and public health problems. The study determined the seroprevalence of F. hepatica infection in buffaloes and its associations with age, sex, and climatic/environmental factors (derived from satellite data) to identify potential risk factors from two tropical climate subtypes in two Mexican states. A total of 725 serum samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-F. hepatica immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with excretory-secretory (E/S) products as the antigen. The overall prevalence of the parasite in buffaloes between September 2022 and December 2022 was 10.62% (77 out of 725). The highest rate of F. hepatica infection was detected in Veracruz state (9.18%). In addition, the highest prevalence among the climate regions was found in the tropical rainforest (13.62%). In the two states studied, the highest positivity rate for fasciolosis was observed in young animals aged three years and below (21.52%) and in male buffaloes (20.00%). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, we determined four factors (age, normalized difference vegetation index, land surface temperature day (LST day), and rainfall) to be significantly associated with an increased risk of parasitic infection. Rainfall was the variable most strongly associated with F. hepatica infection (OR 3.434; 95% CI: 2.181-5.406), followed by LST day (OR 2.832; 95% CI: 1.916-4.186). The results indicate that different factors are significantly associated with the prevalence of liver flukes and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring programs for parasite infections to prevent economic losses in buffalo production.

Objective: We aimed to determine the relationship between socioeconomic and psychological factors and overall cardiovascular health (CVH), as defined by the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8), among young adults in Puerto Rico. Methods: Participants were 2156 young adults, between the ages of 18–29 years, enrolled in the PR-OUTLOOK study. The analysis included survey, laboratory, and physical measurement data collected from September 2020 to November 2023. Assessed socioeconomic indicators included food insecurity, housing instability, economic insecurity, and subjective social standing. Evaluated psychological factors comprised symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and overall perceived stress. LE8 scores were calculated and classified as suboptimal (poor/intermediate range) vs. ideal CVH. Logistic regression models estimated associations between each socioeconomic and psychological measure and suboptimal CVH, and dominance analysis assessed the importance of each measure. Results: Participants' mean age was 22.6 (SD = 3.1), 60.9 % were female, about one-third (34.2 %) had high school education or less, and over one-third had public or no health insurance (38.4 %). Participants reporting socioeconomic adversity (i.e., high food insecurity, housing instability and economic insecurity, and low subjective social standing) and elevated psychological symptoms (i.e., symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and overall perceived stress) had lower CVH scores. However, in the adjusted analysis, only lower subjective social standing (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI = 1.13–1.69) and elevated symptoms of anxiety (OR = 1.63, 95 % CI = 1.25–2.13) and depression (OR = 1.30, 95 % CI = 1.03–1.65) emerged as the primary contributors to suboptimal CVH (vs. ideal). Conclusion: Efforts to preserve and enhance CVH among young Puerto Ricans on the island should target these factors.

Resumen La percepción sobre la posición que ocupan los individuos en la estratificación social ha sido uno de los interrogantes clásicos de la sociología. Diversos análisis concuerdan que esta percepción se ve condicionada tanto por la posición social objetiva, así como por características contextuales de las sociedades en las que viven las personas (riqueza, desigualdad, pobreza, etc.). En el presente artículo analizamos el fenómeno en 17 países latinoamericanos a lo largo de los años 2006-2020, empleando un análisis multinivel que nos permite conocer la relación entre factores individuales y agregados. Los resultados señalan que, por un lado, como en otras sociedades, existe una propensión hacia posiciones intermedias de la escala social, manteniéndose una considerable importancia del efecto del estatus social objetivo sobre el estatus subjetivo a nivel individual. Asimismo, a nivel agregado, se aprecia que el grado de bienestar económico y de riqueza que presentan los distintos países actúan como condicionantes contextuales sobre el modo en que las personas se posicionan en la escala social.

Background Cardiovascular health (CVH) in young adulthood is associated with CVD in later life, yet CVH in young adults in the United States falls below ideal levels, with noticeable sex differences. Research on CVH in young adults in Puerto Rico is scarce. This study examined CVH and sex differences in CVH in a large cohort of young adults in Puerto Rico. Methods and Results Data from 2162 Puerto Rican young adults aged 18 to 29 residing in PR were obtained from the PR‐OUTLOOK (Puerto Rico Young Adults' Stress, Contextual, Behavioral, and Cardiometabolic Risk) study (2020–2023). Participants were recruited through various media and community outreach. CVH scores, graded on a 0 (worst) to 100 (best) scale, were derived from survey responses, physical exams, and laboratory assays. Linear regression with the margins postestimation command was used to determine adjusted means (95% CIs) for CVH scores by sex, controlling for age, marital status, education, childhood material deprivation, subjective social status, health insurance, and depressive symptoms. CVH was less than ideal (score

Abstract Introduction Psychometrics plays a vital role in evaluating educational research, including the analysis of multiple-choice exams. This study aims to improve the discriminatory ability of the “Médico Interno Residente” (MIR) medical exam in Spain, used to rank candidates for specialized healthcare training, through psychometric analysis. Methods We analyzed 2,890 MIR exam questions from 2009 to 2021 (totaling 147,214 exams), categorizing them based on methodology and response type. Evaluation employed classical test theory and item response theory (IRT). Classical test theory determined difficulty and discrimination indices, while IRT assessed the relationship between knowledge levels and question performance. Results Question distribution varied across categories and years. Frequently addressed knowledge areas included various medical specialties. Non-image-associated clinical cases were the easiest, while case-based clinical questions exhibited the highest discriminatory capacity, differing significantly from image-based case or negative questions. High-quality questions without images had longer stems but shorter answer choices. Adding images reduced discriminatory power and question difficulty, with image-based questions being easier. Clinical cases with images had shorter stems and longer answer choices. Conclusions For improved exam performance, we recommend using a clinical case format followed by direct short-answer questions. Questions should be of low difficulty, providing clear and specific answers based on scientific evidence and avoiding ambiguity. Typical clinical cases with key characteristic features should be presented, excluding uncertain boundaries of medical knowledge. Questions should have lengthy stems and concise answer choices, minimizing speculation. If images are used, they should be typical, clear, consistent with the exam, and presented within clinical cases using clinical semiotics and propaedeutics.

BackgroundHypereosinophilic syndrome can produce cardiac involvement and endomyocardial fibrosis, which have a poor prognosis. However, there is limited information regarding cardiac involvement among migrants from Latin America with eosinophilia related to helminthiasis.MethodsWe conducted a pilot observational study where an echocardiography was performed on migrants from Latin America with both eosinophilia (>450 cells/μL) and a diagnosis of helminth infection, and on migrants from Latin America without eosinophilia or helminth infection. Microbiological techniques included a stool microscopic examination using the Ritchie's formalin-ether technique, and a specific serology to detect Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies.Results37 participants were included, 20 with eosinophilia and 17 without eosinophilia. Twenty (54.1%) were men with a mean age of 41.3 (SD 14.3) years. Helminthic infections diagnosed in the group with eosinophilia were: 17 cases of S. stercoralis infection, 1 case of hookworm infection, and 2 cases of S. stercoralis and hookworm coinfection. Among participants with eosinophilia, echocardiographic findings revealed a greater right ventricle thickness (p = 0.001) and left atrial area and volume index (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively), while showing a lower left atrial strain (p = 0.006) and E-wave deceleration time (p = 0.008). An increase was shown in both posterior and anterior mitral leaflet thickness (p = 0.0014 and p = 0.004, respectively) when compared with participants without eosinophilia.ConclusionsMigrants from Latin America with eosinophilia related to helminthic infections might present incipient echocardiographic alterations suggestive of early diastolic dysfunction, that could be related to eosinophilia-induced changes in the endomyocardium.

The consumption of fatty acids offers significant health benefits; however, they are prone to degradation by environmental factors. One method to preserve these fatty acids is the addition of synthetic antioxidants. This study focuses on the determination of peroxide and MDA formation rates at temperatures of 25 °C, 45 °C, and 65 °C. The oxidative stability of cold-pressed avocado oil was evaluated using pure astaxanthin, TBHQ, and H. pluvialis extract at concentrations of 100, 500, and 1000 ppm. Kinetic models and thermodynamic analysis were applied to determine the oxidation rate and compare the antioxidant effects of H. pluvialis extract with astaxanthin and TBHQ. The Arrhenius model was used to estimate activation energy (Ea), enthalpy, entropy, and free energy. Avocado oil with 500 ppm of H. pluvialis extract showed antioxidant effects comparable to TBHQ and pure astaxanthin. The activation energy of plain avocado oil was 40.47 kJ mol−1, while with H. pluvialis extract, it was 54.35 kJ mol−1. These findings suggest that H. pluvialis extract offers effective antioxidant properties and could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants in food applications, despite the limitations of unprotected astaxanthin.

Volumetric ceramic receivers can be regarded as a promising technology to heat air above 1000 °C for solar thermal electricity production. In this study, the thermal shock behavior of commercial 10 ppi (A) and 20 ppi (B) oxide-bonded silicon carbide (ob-SiC) reticulated porous ceramic (RPC) foams was evaluated using the SF60 solar furnace at Plataforma Solar de Almería. The foams were subjected to well-controlled temperature cycles ranging from 800 to 1000, 1200, 1300 or 1400 °C, for 25, 100, and 150 cycles. The extent of the damage after thermal shock was determined by crushing tests. The damage was found to be critically dependent on both the bulk density and cell size. Decreasing both the bulk density and cell size resulted in better thermal shock resistance. The B foam exhibited approximately half the stress degradation compared to the A foam when exposed to a temperature difference of 600 K (in the range of 800 to 1400 °C) and subjected to 150 cycles.

Self-reported occupational exposure was previously associated with COPD in the Spanish population. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between occupational exposure to various chemical and biological agents, COPD, emphysema, and the bronchial wall area, which was determined by lung computed tomography (CT) in 226 individuals with COPD and 300 individuals without COPD. Lifetime occupational exposures were assessed using the ALOHA(+) job exposure matrix, and CT and spirometry were also performed. COPD was associated with high exposure to vapours, gases, dust and fumes (VGDF) (OR 2.25 95% CI 1.19–4.22), biological dust (OR 3.01 95% CI 1.22–7.45), gases/fumes (OR 2.49 95% CI 1.20–5.17) and with exposure to various types of solvents. High exposure to gases/fumes, chlorinated solvents and metals (coefficient 8.65 95% CI 1.21–16.09, 11.91 95%CI 0.46- 23.36, 14.45 95% CI 4.42–24.49, respectively) and low exposure to aromatic solvents (coefficient 8.43 95% CI 1.16–15.70) were associated with a low 15th percentile of lung density indicating emphysema. We conclude that occupational exposure to several specific agents is associated with COPD and emphysema in the Spanish population.

Abstract Background Albuterol is the first-line asthma medication used in diverse populations. Although DNA methylation (DNAm) is an epigenetic mechanism involved in asthma and bronchodilator drug response (BDR), no study has assessed whether albuterol could induce changes in the airway epithelial methylome. We aimed to characterize albuterol-induced DNAm changes in airway epithelial cells, and assess potential functional consequences and the influence of genetic variation and asthma-related clinical variables. Results We followed a discovery and validation study design to characterize albuterol-induced DNAm changes in paired airway epithelial cultures stimulated in vitro with albuterol. In the discovery phase, an epigenome-wide association study using paired nasal epithelial cultures from Puerto Rican children (n = 97) identified 22 CpGs genome-wide associated with repeated-use albuterol treatment (p

Marco contextual: Durante el siglo XIX, la transformación económica derivada de la revolución industrial provocó el pauperismo en las personas vulnerables, hecho que les deterioró su salud. Objetivo: Revisar historiográficamente el pensamiento de Concepción Arenal Ponte, desde una perspectiva enfermera. Metodología: Investigación social, histórica y cualitativa, relacionada con los cuidados de enfermería proporcionados de una forma holística a la persona vulnerable, a través del pensamiento social de Concepción Arenal. Recopilación de información: en fuentes primarias y secundarias. Resultados: Su obra La beneficencia, la filantropía y la caridad es una defensa cerrada del cuidado del paciente en su domicilio. Y para evitar la repulsa que, por entonces, causaban los hospitales y el personal de enfermería, Arenal defendió que dicho cuidado fuese realizado por enfermeras profesionales bien formadas y entrenadas. Conclusión: El pensamiento de Arenal, mujer muy destacada dentro del campo del derecho, comienza a ser actualmente muy relevante dentro del campo sanitario y cobra un especial interés tanto en el área social como en el área de la salud comunitaria.

El presente trabajo explora una posible alternativa a las clásicas aproximaciones cuantitativas sobre la movilidad social, con base en el enfoque de curso de vida. Para ello, se utilizará la Encuesta Demográfica Retrospectiva realizada por la Dirección General de Estadística y Censos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires en 2019 y nos valdremos del análisis de secuencias. Como principal resultado, arribamos a una tipología de siete trayectorias de movilidad, que permite identificar caminos típicos de clase diferenciados. Se observan dos tipos de trayectoria, la de “cuentapropistas y comerciantes” y de “intermitencia y salida del mercado laboral”, que muestran un mayor nivel de heterogeneidad interna. En promedio, las personas realizan algo más de dos cambios de estado a lo largo de su vida. La reproducción intergeneracional adquiere mayor peso en las trayectorias de clase de servicio y de trabajadores de baja calificación.

Exploiting an evolution scheme for parton distribution functions (DFs) that is all-orders exact, contemporary lattice-QCD (lQCD) results for low-order Mellin moments of the pion valence quark DF are shown to be mutually consistent. The analysis introduces a means by which key odd moments can be obtained from the even moments in circumstances where only the latter are available. Combining these elements, one arrives at parameter-free lQCD-based predictions for the pointwise behaviour of pion valence, glue, and sea DFs, with sound uncertainty estimates. The behaviour of the pion DFs at large light-front momentum fraction, x≳0.85, is found to be consistent with QCD expectations and continuum analyses of pion structure functions, i.e., damping like (1−x)βparton, with βvalence≈2.4, βglue≈3.6, βsea≈4.6. It may be possible to test these predictions using data from forthcoming experiments.

The amputation of a limb in quadrupeds can overload the remaining limbs, especially the contralateral one. The compensatory effort is especially high if it is a forelimb. It is, therefore, important to objectively know the changes in weight redistribution that occur in the animal while walking and standing still. With this objective, static (postural) and dynamic kinetic examinations were carried out on five French bulldogs with an amputated forelimb and five intact French bulldogs. For this examination, force and pressure platforms were used. The results were statistically compared using the student t-test. The parameters derived from the ground reaction forces were significantly higher in the amputee group. Surprisingly, postural examination showed that amputated dogs reached the same stability as healthy ones. Tripedal support in dogs does not objectively imply a loss of balance in quantitative terms; although the increase in force used by the remaining limb, as well as its altered cranial disposition during the support phase, may potentially predispose the animal to additional injuries in the future due to an overuse of different musculoskeletal units.

In this research, several analyses were carried out on concentrated fractions of Mexican oregano essential oil (Poliomintha longiflora Gray) in order to determine its ability to inhibit the growth and the motility of Escherichia coli (swimming), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (swimming), and Proteus vulgaris (swarming); these Gram-negative bacteria associated with urinary tract infections are motile due to the presence of flagella, which is considered an important virulence factor that favors their motility when trying to reach the target organ and cause an infection. Also, the resistance pattern to antibiotics of each strain was determined. The results showed resistance pattern (8 out of 12 antibiotics tested) for P. aureginosa, while E. coli and P. vulgaris were resistant to 4 antibiotics out of the 12 tested. On the other hand, fractionated oregano caused an inhibition of growth and a reduction in motility, varying between fractions and among bacteria. Fraction 4 showed major growth reduction, with MBC values ranging from 0.002 to 23.7 mg/mL. Treatment with fractionated oregano (F1, F2, F3, F4) reduced the motility by 92–81% for P. vulgaris, 90–83% for E. coli, and 100–8.9% for P. aeruginosa. These results demonstrated a higher performance with a lower application dose due to its high content of Carvacrol and Thymol; unlike other concentrated fractions, this synergy of oxygenated monoterpenes may cause greater antimicrobial activity.

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram-positive pathogen known for its toxin production and spore formation. It is primarily responsible for most cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Bacterial persisters are a small subset of the population that exhibits transient tolerance to bactericidal substances, and they are of significant medical concern due to their association with the emergence of antibiotic resistance and difficult-to-treat chronic or recurrent infections. Vancomycin, the predominant antibiotic utilized in the management of C. difficile infection, is extensively applied in the realm of clinical practice. Previous studies have demonstrated a persister-like phenotype with treatments involving this antibiotic. However, the mechanism in C. difficile remains largely unknown, primarily due to the challenge of isolating this small population at any given time. To better characterize C. difficile persister cells, we present a study that enables the enrichment and characterization of persister cells from bacterial cultures in both the exponential and stationary phases. Moreover, we could differentiate between triggered (induced using antibiotics such as vancomycin) and spontaneous (stochastic) persister cells. Additionally, we observed the involvement of toxin-antitoxin systems and Clp proteases in persister cell formation.

En el presente artículo construimos modelos explicativos sobre el posicionamiento subjetivo de clase social en Argentina, que aporten nueva evidencia y líneas de análisis, considerando el devenir histórico de esas tendencias. Los análisis que presentamos se basan en los datos de la Encuesta Mundial de Valores y en la Encuesta Nacional sobre la Estructura social de Argentina y Políticas públicas durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Entre los principales resultados, encontramos que existe un grado razonable de correspondencia objetiva entre la posición de clase social y su identificación subjetiva, aunque este arreglo se encuentre mediado por los contextos políticos y económicos que marcan coyunturas diferenciales, y que dan lugar a diversos repertorios simbólicos de imágenes de clase.

La perspectiva sobre la que se basan los estudios de gestión del capital humano en el sector de la construcción, generalmente no aborda aspectos relacionados con el recurso humano desde el punto de vista del comportamiento individual, su interacción y desenvolvimiento colectivo. Por ello, el objetivo de esta investigación cuantitativa, no experimental y transeccional se centra en determinar un perfil del capital humano del sector de la construcción de la ciudad de Puebla, México, desde la perspectiva de las competencias emocionales. Los hallazgos muestran que los trabajadores no están satisfechos con su manera de vivir, presentan situaciones de estrés al momento de desempeñar actividades difíciles, no son receptivos ante las críticas por su trabajo, los estereotipos creados en este sector impiden que expresen sus sentimientos; un aspecto favorable es el gran sentido de compañerismo y empatía. Estos resultados representan un factor clave para entender el comportamiento y desempeño del personal para proponer acciones que incrementen la competitividad del sector de la construcción.

Introduction: Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder that affects structures derived from ectoderm such as teeth, hair, nails, and sweat glands. Oligodontia is a common finding that affects the chewing, smiling and self- esteem of these pediatric patients. Case Report: We present a case report of a 7-years-old pediatric patient who consulted with his mother, showing the same condition. The intervention consisted of a removable prosthesis with satisfactory results. Conclusion: The X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia represents a challenge for a pediatric dentist who offers rehabilitation to the patient according to craniofacial development, age, socioeconomic status, and the number of missing teeth.

IntroductionThe process of teaching and learning mathematics in primary school represents an obstacle for both teachers and pupils. According to the historical-cultural conception of development and education, the way how intellectual concepts are initially introduced may radically affect a student’s success in learning. The historical-cultural conception of development, together with activity theory, may serve as the basis for creating a novel methodology for pedagogical work on mathematical concepts with pre-school and school children.MethodsThe goal of the present study was to show the effects of work with an original program for the initial introduction of mathematical concepts to young school children. The program included reflexive symbolic and logical actions on the materialized and perceptual level, which were introduced and performed collectively by six-year-old children under the guidance and assistance of a teacher. The pupils were tested before and after their work with the program.ResultsThe results showed important qualitative and quantitative progress by the children in solving the tasks of the assessment, together with an increment of reflection on their intellectual actions.DiscussionThe study points to the necessity for more intensive and extensive research, involving specialists in psychology and pedagogy trained in cultural-historical methodology.

Abstract Background Mammary gland tumours are the most frequently diagnosed tumours in the female dogs but just a few studies have analysed their epidemiology. Therefore, we set out to describe the epidemiology of canine mammary cancer in the Canary Archipelago, Spain. We analysed a pathology tumour registry (PTR) and identified 7362 samples obtained from 5240 female dogs resident on the Canary Archipelago during an 18-year period (2003–2020). Using a case–control study design, we compared mammary tumour affected dogs with the Canarian canine population registry in order to elucidate the breed associations for these tumours. Results The frequency of a diagnosis of mammary tumours relative to all tumour diagnoses in female dogs decreased during the study period from 62.7% to 48.9%. Contemporaneously, the proportion of dogs diagnosed with mammary tumours who were also neutered increased from 13.6% to 26.9%. There was a negative correlation (R = -0.84) between these changes. Additional findings were that: the proportion of female dogs diagnosed with multiple tumours increased by 23.5% and that the proportion of malignant tumours 89.2% diagnosed has remained stable through the period. Benign mammary tumours were diagnosed at younger ages (9.2 years old) than carcinomas (9.7 years old) and sarcomas (10.4 years old). Epithelial mammary tumours were diagnosed at younger ages in entire female dogs. Samoyed, Schnauzer, Poodle, German Pinscher and Cocker Spaniel were the breeds with the highest odds-ratios (OR) in comparison with the reference (crossbreeds) while Miniature Pinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Pointer as well as some local breeds such as the Canary Warren Hound and the Majorero had the lowest ORs. Conclusions This study provides a description of the changing epidemiology of canine mammary cancer in the Canary Archipelago over the last two decades. We found high rates of CMT with a significant predominance of malignant tumours. Exact risk factors are uncertain, but a combination of environmental, regional socioeconomic affecting human and their pets, and animal management factors are likely to play a part. Specifically, neutering was negatively associated with the proportion of epithelial mammary gland tumours and breeds native to the region were at lower risk of mammary tumours. A deeper analysis of all these factors will facilitate a deeper understanding of the epidemiology of mammary gland tumours in both the canine and the human population.

Abstract The confusion matrix has long been adopted as the ‘de facto’ and ‘de jure’ standard method of reporting on the thematic accuracy assessment of any land surface geospatial dataset. This type of data supports decision‐making in many different fields, so suitable quality is therefore essential in order to take the best decisions. Nevertheless, the creation and exploitation of the confusion matrix remains as an open topic with issues related to sampling design, quantitative indices derived from the matrix, statistical hypotheses that could be applied, etc. In connection with the latter, a confusion matrix dataset would be useful for a researcher in this matter. We have developed such a dataset retrieving confusion matrices from the literature, mainly research articles published in scientific journals included in WoS. We have collected almost 200 matrices in a database. This allows us to access the complete matrices and query different interesting properties of them and of the project where they were developed such as matrix size, sample size, location, year of data capture, labels of the classes, quality indices used, and extension and location of the project (where available).

Understanding regulation of genes associated to disease can reveal insights into disease mechanisms. Here, the authors perform an airway epithelial transcriptome-wide association analysis to elucidate genetic determinants of airway dysfunction in asthma, identifying genetic mechanisms of mucus pathobiology.

IntroductionElevated pulse pressure (ePP) is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk (CVR) in people older than 60, and a functional marker of subclinical target organ damage (sTOD) which can predict cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension (HTN), regardless of sTOD.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of ePP in adult population seen in primary care and its association with other vascular risk factors, sTOD and with cardiovascular disease (CVD).Materials and methodsObservational multicentre study conducted in Spain (8,066 patients, 54.5% women) from the prospective cohort study IBERICAN recruited in Primary Care. Pulse pressure (PP) was defined as the difference between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥60 mmHg. Adjusted (for age and sex) ePP prevalence were determined. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the possible variables associated with ePP were carried out.ResultsThe mean of PP was 52.35 mmHg, and was significantly higher (p

Cardiovascular diseases such as Acute Myocardial Infarction is one of the 3 leading causes of death in the world according to WHO data, in the same way cardiac arrhythmias are very common diseases today, such as atrial fibrillation. The ECG electrocardiogram is the means of cardiac diagnosis that is used in a standardized way throughout the world. Machine learning models are very helpful in classification and prediction problems. Applied to the field of health, ANN, and CNN artificial and neural networks, added to tree-based models such as XGBoost, are of vital help in the prevention and control of heart disease. The present study aims to compare and evaluate learning based on ANN, CNN and XGBoost algorithms by using the Physionet MIT-BIH and PTB ECG databases, which provide ECGs classified with Arrhythmias and Acute Myocardial Infarctions respectively. The learning times and the percentage of Accuracy of the 3 algorithms in the 2 databases are compared separately, and finally the data are crossed to compare the validity and safety of the learning prediction.

Abstract Introduction: Several studies have found that most patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and comorbid (physical) conditions are partially or wholly nonadherent to their medication regimens. Nonadherence to treatment is a serious concern, affecting the successful management of patients with SMIs. Psychiatric disorders tend to worsen and persist in nonadherent patients, worsening their overall health. The study described herein aimed to develop and validate a scale (the Ralat Adherence Scale) to measure nonadherence behaviors in a culturally sensitive way. Materials and Methods: Guided by a previous study that explored the primary reasons for nonadherence in Puerto Rican patients, we developed a pool of 147 items linked to the concept of adherence. Nine experts reviewed the meaning, content, clarity, and relevance of the individual items, and a content validity ratio was calculated for each one. Forty items remained in the scale’s first version. This version was administered to 160 patients (21–60 years old). All the participants had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. The STROBE checklist was used as the reporting guideline. Results: The scale had very good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.812). After a factor analysis, the scale was reduced to 24 items; the new scale had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.900. Conclusions: This adherence scale is a self-administered instrument with very good psychometric properties; it has yielded important information about nonadherence behaviors. The scale can help health professionals and researchers to assess patient adherence or nonadherence to a medication regimen.

Tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament causes hindlimb lameness in dogs. Different surgical procedures have been proposed to treat this condition. In this study, two different TTA-based techniques and implants were compared. A total of 30 dogs were separated into two groups according to the technique and implant used (Porous TTA® or Model Xgen®). The aim of the study was to assess whether one of these techniques has better functional recovery of the joint, better bone consolidation after the osteotomy procedure and fewer osteoarthritic changes. We compared both groups up to 3 months after surgery. No significant differences were found in any of the assessed parameters. Thus, both procedures were found to be equally effective and safe.

The aim of this work is to establish the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) activity of self-standing electrospun carbon fiber catalysts obtained from different metallic salt/lignin solutions. Through a single-step electrospinning technique, freestanding carbon fiber (CF) electrodes embedded with various metal nanoparticles (Co, Fe, Pt, and Pd), with 8–16 wt% loadings, were prepared using organosolv lignin as the initial material. These fibers were formed from a solution of lignin and ethanol, into which the metallic salt precursors were introduced, without additives or the use of toxic reagents. The resulting non-woven cloths were thermostabilized in air and then carbonized at 900 °C. The presence of metals led to varying degrees of porosity development during carbonization, improving the accessibility of the electrolyte to active sites. The obtained Pt and Pd metal-loaded carbon fibers showed high nanoparticle dispersion. The performance of the electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction was assessed in alkaline and acidic electrolytes and compared to establish which metals were the most suitable for producing carbon fibers with the highest electrocatalytic activity. In accordance with their superior dispersion and balanced pore size distribution, the carbon fibers loaded with 8 wt% palladium showed the best ORR activity, with onset potentials of 0.97 and 0.95 V in alkaline and acid media, respectively. In addition, this electrocatalyst exhibits good stability and selectivity for the four-electron energy pathway while using lower metal loadings compared to commercial catalysts.

Measurement(s) tumour Technology Type(s) digital curation • text mining Factor Type(s) animal species • breed • sex • neuter status Sample Characteristic - Organism Canis lupus familiaris • Felis catus Sample Characteristic - Location United Kingdom Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.15074079

Las adaptaciones fílmicas de las obras literarias ofrecen una interpretación de la obra original profundamente condicionada por el medio y la interpretación del autor de la adaptación. Así, Peter Pan se revela como un personaje controvertido cuya evolución en el tiempo ha dado lugar a múltiples interpretaciones. Concretamente, la adaptación que realiza la factoría Disney en 1953 de la obra original y que transciende al imaginario colectivo es uno de los ejemplos más representativos. De esta manera, podría afirmarse que mientras Peter Pan alcanza el éxito a través del cine, a mediados del siglo XX, su figura pierde la esencia que caracteriza una historia profundamente marcada por la personalidad de su autor: J.M. Barrie; y cuyo eje central gira en torno a la figura de su madre. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de una investigación empírica con enfoque cualitativo cuyo principal objetivo es analizar la identidad y evolución de Peter Pan a través de las cinco obras escritas por Barrie que le mencionan explícitamente. Se concluye, que realmente el icónico Peter Pan tiene un trasfondo no popularizado que ha sido modificado y que aleja al personaje de su concepción literaria original como consecuencia de su adaptación fílmica.

Resumen Introducción: La percepción del riesgo biológico ha ido ganando terreno como mecanismo regulador de la seguridad laboral en instalaciones de salud, ya que está asociada a la ocurrencia y prevención de accidentes laborales. Para las diferentes instituciones de salud es fundamental conocer este fenómeno, favoreciendo así la implementación de estrategias de prevención, que permitan que el trabajador realice una correcta valoración del peligro y, entre otros factores, contribuir a la disminución de accidentes laborales. Objetivos: Compilar estudios realizados sobre percepción del riesgo biológico en el personal de la salud en instalaciones pertenecientes al sector y analizar el comportamiento de las variables relacionadas con la percepción del riesgo biológico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio explicativo transversal que aplicó el método de evaluación de la percepción del riesgo en el personal biológicamente expuesto, de siete instituciones hospitalarias y el programa RISKPERCEP. Resultados: Las variables familiaridad, comprensión del riesgo, demanda laboral, voluntariedad de exposición al riesgo, pánico y beneficios no fueron percibidas adecuadamente por parte del personal y resulta un problema a resolver que pudiera relacionarlas con la realización de actos inseguros que guardaran alguna relación con accidentes laborales. Conclusión: Existe una alta subestimación del riesgo por el personal expuesto que labora en las áreas estudiadas. Abstract Introduction: Biological risk perception has been gaining ground as a regulatory mechanism for occupational safety in health facilities, since it is associated with the occurrence and prevention of occupational accidents. For the different health institutions, it is essential to know this phenomenon, thus favoring the implementation of prevention strategies that allow the worker to make a correct assessment of the danger and, among other factors, contribute to the reduction of occupational accidents. Objectives: To gather studies about biological risk perception among the health personnel from facilities belonging to this sector and to analyze the behavior of the variables related to biological risk perception. Methods: A cross-sectional and explanatory study was carried out using the risk perception assessment method in biologically exposed personnel from seven hospital institutions and the RISKPERCEP program. Results: The variables familiarity, understanding of risk, occupational demand, willingness to risk exposure, panic and benefits were not adequately perceived by the personnel, a problem to be solved that could be related to doing unsafe activities somehow related to occupational accidents. Conclusion: There is a high underestimation of risk by the exposed personnel working in the areas studied.

Lung metastases are the second most common malignant neoplasms of the lung. It is estimated that 20–54% of cancer patients have lung metastases at some point during their disease course, and at least 50% of cancer-related deaths occur at this stage. Lung metastases are widely accepted to be oligometastatic when five lesions or less occur separately in up to three organs. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a noninvasive, safe, and effective treatment for metastatic lung disease in carefully selected patients. There is no current consensus on the ideal dose and fractionation for SBRT in lung metastases, and it is the subject of study in ongoing clinical trials, which examines different locations in the lung (central and peripheral). This review discusses current indications, fractionations, challenges, and technical requirements for lung SBRT.

The production of biomolecules by microalgae has a wide range of applications in the development of various materials and products, such as biodiesel, food supplements, and cosmetics. Microalgae biomass can be produced using waste and in a smaller space than other types of crops (e.g., soja, corn), which shows microalgae’s great potential as a source of biomass. Among the produced biomolecules of greatest interest are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and fatty acids. In this study, the production of these biomolecules was determined in two strains of microalgae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella vulgaris) when exposed to different concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Results show a significant microalgal growth (3.69 g L−1) and carbohydrates (163 mg g−1) increase in C. reinhardtii under low nitrogen concentration. Also, higher lipids content was produced under low sulfur concentration (246 mg g−1). It was observed that sulfur variation could affect in a negative way proteins production in C. reinhardtii culture. In the case of C. vulgaris, a higher biomass production was obtained in the standard culture medium (1.37 g L−1), and under a low-phosphorus condition, C. vulgaris produced a higher lipids concentration (248 mg g−1). It was observed that a low concentration of nitrogen had a better effect on the accumulation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) (C16-C18) in both microalgae. These results lead us to visualize the effects that the variation in macronutrients can have on the growth of microalgae and their possible utility for the production of microalgae-based subproducts.

A novel approach for manufacturing porous materials, foreseen as solar receivers for concentrated sun radiation, used in the power tower technology is presented. In such applications, materials are subjected to steep thermal gradients and thousands of cycles. Yet, materials consisting of honeycombs and ceramic foams showed insufficient thermal performance. By using the fused filament fabrication process, one can design printed parts meeting the requirements for solar receivers, namely dark color and high solar absorptance. This exploratory study unveils data on the retained crushing strength of newly developed 3D-printed porous Black Zirconia cubes after thermal cycling under similar conditions to those experienced by volumetric receivers and catalyst substrates for solar fuels (H2 and/or CO) production via the thermochemical cycle. Unlike dense ceramics, the resistance to thermal shock of 3D-printed cubes underwent a gradual decrease with the increase in the thermal gradient. The thermal shock cycles were performed between 800 °C and 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C, corresponding to a ΔT of 300, 400, and 500 K, respectively. Additionally, water quenching tests were performed at ΔT = 300 K up to 400 K. Crushing strength measurements carried out to evaluate the retained mechanical strength after exposure up to 100 cycles showed that the Black Zirconia cubes can withstand thermal gradients up to at least 400 K.

Abstract Residues from the wine industry constitute an abundant feedstock for biodiesel production in wine-producing countries. The use of grapeseed oil, together with bioethanol obtained from distillation of wine surplus or grape skins and stalks and wine lees, as reagents in the transesterification reaction, results in a mixture of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), which is a fully renewable, autochthonous, and waste-derived biofuel. In this work, a blend of FAEE produced from grape seed oil with diesel fuel was selected based on a study of fuel properties, and the optimal blend, with 30% v/v of FAEE, was tested in a Euro 6 engine following the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty Test Cycle (WLTC) and a Real Driving Emissions Cycle (RDE), as required in the new certification procedures. Engine performance and emissions from this blend and a commercial diesel fuel were compared. The FAEE blend showed a significant potential to reduce particle emissions, both in mass and number (from 23% in number to 46.5% in mass for WLTC, and from 56% in number to 61% in mass for RDE), and CO (25.5% for WLTC and 39% for RDE) but penalized NOx (32% higher in WLTC and 26.4% higher in RDE).

Child maltreatment is conceived as a public health problem. Therefore, it is appropriate to analyse the explanatory models that deal with this behaviour, reflecting these postulates within the panorama of health education, which makes health professionals responsible for taking action. In order to do this, the theoretical context and the awareness of nursing students in relation to these theories must be analysed. In turn, the use of information and communication technologies in this field should be valued, due to their capacity to manage and systematise information, becoming a relevant tool when training future nursing professionals. Without forgetting that health informatics is a spectrum of multidisciplinary fields that includes the study of the design, development and application of computational techniques to improve healthcare. A review of the scientific literature was carried out, for which primary and secondary sources were consulted, tracing a search for data thanks to the keywords: ‘nursing’; ‘abuse’; ‘children’; ‘education’ and ‘theory’. During the second half of the 20th century, several health paradigms have been developed, which present different pathways to health education. There have also been three generations of theoretical models that attempt to analyse the public health problem of child maltreatment. This reflects the need for a transdisciplinary approach to child abuse, where there is no one explanatory model that is more appropriate than another, but where the choice of the health education paradigm and, within this, the most recommendable theory will depend on each situation.

Working with proton and pion valence distribution functions (DFs) determined consistently at the same, unique hadron scale and exploiting the possibility that there is an effective charge which defines an evolution scheme for DFs that is all-orders exact, we obtain a unified body of predictions for all proton and pion DFs – valence, glue, and four-flavour-separated sea. Whilst the hadron light-front momentum fractions carried by identifiable parton classes are the same for the proton and pion at any scale, the pointwise behaviour of the DFs is strongly hadron-dependent. All calculated distributions comply with quantum chromodynamics constraints on low- and high-x scaling behaviour and, owing to emergent hadron mass, pion DFs are the most dilated. These results aid in elucidating the sources of similarities and differences between proton and pion structure.

La vacunación continúa siendo una de las vías más sostenibles y utilizadas en el control de enfermedades infectocontagiosas en medicina veterinaria, dado por su mayor factibilidad económica y por el problema que representa el residuo de antibióticos en productos animales de consumo humano. El surgimiento de vacunas de nuevas generaciones ha motivado la instrumentación de medidas de bioseguridad y la necesidad de realizar estudios de evaluaciones de los riesgos que acometemos en la obtención y producción de vacunas, existiendo puntos críticos importantes en el proceso de obtención de las mismas. El área de vacunas inactivadas que se encuentra ubicada en la Empresa Productora de Vacunas Virales y Bacterianas UP-7, perteneciente al grupo empresarial LABIOFAM de La Habana, Cuba, se encarga de la producción y control de la calidad de las vacunas y los medios diagnósticos. Las inspecciones previas realizadas a dicha área mostraron, en el personal involucrado, desconocimiento y baja percepción del riesgo biológico existente en los procesos productivos que allí se llevan a cabo, lo que sugirió la realización de la presente investigación. Se identificaron y caracterizaron los peligros y se realizó una evaluación del riesgo, utilizando una matriz de estimación del riesgo; mediante un método cualitativo de posibilidad de ocurrencia del peligro y se evaluó de bajo, moderado o alto. Se identificaron las vulnerabilidades presentes empleando para ello una lista de chequeo, detectándose, entre otras, aquellas relacionadas con el diseño del área, con el tratamiento de los desechos y la organización de la bioseguridad, lo que confirmó puntos críticos dentro del proceso productivo con riesgo alto y moderado.

Extracranial carotid artery dissection represents up to 22% of acute neurovascular disease in young patients. There are no specific guidelines regarding indication for endovascular management of carotid artery dissection with stenting and its complications. We describe three patients with carotid artery dissection and associated dissecting aneurysm who underwent endovascular stenting with the multilayer flow modulator. At 12-month follow-up, the dissecting aneurysms were resolved, and positive clinical outcome was achieved in all patients. Our results suggest that the multilayer flow modulator may be an alternative option for endovascular interventions in patients with carotid artery dissection and pseudoaneurysms because it favors laminar flow, and it may promote spontaneous healing of the wall by progressively reducing the vascular stress in the aneurysm wall. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

El nuevo panorama gerencial impone un planteamiento coherente y exige una adaptación realista a las nuevas realidades, en tanto la gerencia de organizaciones es un campo diverso de diferentes tecnologías y estructuras administrativas que pueden adecuarse a múltiples ámbitos, incluyendo el universitario, en este sentido, el objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en describir como las nuevas tecnologías de información y comunicación se están presentando en la gestión universitario ante un escenario de pandemia covid-19. La perspectiva metodológica de esta investigación se configura en forma cualitativa de tipo documental, con un enfoque determinantemente histórico-hermenéutico Los resultados precisan que en la presente coyuntura social las sinergias inesperadas, implícitas o explícitas derivadan de las tecnologías de información y comunicación. Las posibilidades que se abren en el campo de la gestión universitaria son numerosas, con nuevos desarrollos tecnológicos y sociales, tales como la tecnología blockchain, o la creciente interconectividad digital, abriendo avenidas no ya de posibilidad, sino de seguridad, en terrenos administrativos y formativos.

Enquadramento: A contenção como técnica terapêutica tem sido controversa ao longo do tempo. A contenção está atualmente limitada a situações de emergência que envolvem riscos para a vida do paciente ou para terceiros. Objetivo: Conhecer as técnicas terapêuticas para prender a pessoa, rever os seus efeitos secundários e promover boas práticas. Metodologia: Revisão bibliográfica, relacionada com a contenção de pessoas. Análise interpretativa da informação recolhida a partir de documentos, artigos, livros e leis, utilizando a hermenêutica de Gadamer. Resultados: Ao longo do tempo, é possível refletir sobre a contenção das pessoas por meio de contenção como medida terapêutica. Os aspetos éticos são investigados e o quadro legislativo é examinado em profundidade. As implicações que esta prática pode ter para o pessoal de saúde são analisadas. Conclusão: É necessário promover medidas de conforto terapêutico que atenuem e limitem o uso de restrições por parte da pessoa com perturbações comportamentais e/ou necessidades especiais. Isto garante os direitos e a dignidade da pessoa.

El alto índice de contaminación plástica en la actualidad ha llevado a la búsqueda de soluciones que sean amigables con el ambiente. Se presenta un estudio de la fabricación de polímero biodegradable a base de almidón de tubérculos panameños seleccionados (yuca, ñame, otoe y ñampí) y su evaluación mediante un análisis de tensión y biodegradación. Se generó un procedimiento para la extracción de almidón de los tubérculos, así como de la fabricación de biopolímero. El ensayo de tensión se hizo de manera artesanal con una probeta ASTM D638-14 tipo IV incrementando progresivamente el peso y registrando fotográficamente hasta su fractura. El ensayo de biodegradación se monitoreaba la presencia de hongos, se hizo un ensayo con una solución con enzimas digestivas que contenía amilasa, registrando su desintegración en 24 horas y por último, se sembraron los segmentos directamente al suelo y se registró su descomposición después de 7 y 15 días. Se pudo extraer el almidón y fabricar biopolímeros de todos los tubérculos mediante la metodología presentada. La acuosidad del almidón decantado variaba según el tubérculo. El biopolímero generado por ambos fue muy similar y dos de los óptimos para fabricar y cortar. En los ensayos de tensión el biopolímero de otoe mostro mayor resistencia al esfuerzo y deformación previa a la fractura comparado con los demás tubérculos y biopolímero de almidón de maíz utilizando la misma metodología de fabricación. Todos los biopolímeros mostraron avances en su proceso de biodegradación.

This work demonstrates that the quasi-homogeneous distribution of concentrated solar flux is achievable by using double paraboloid reflection, with a primary reflector to concentrate the sunlight, and a secondary reflector to homogenise the radiation flux. For that, three slightly different secondary reflectors were designed and manufactured, matching the specifications of the paraboloid concentrator of the SF60 solar furnace located in PSA—Plataforma Solar de Almería, which was used as primary reflector. Starting from preliminary simulations of the optical apparatus, the secondary geometries were selected and then the reflectors were manufactured from 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, using conventional and CNC machining technologies, with further processing to achieve a mirror-like finish. The results obtained from solar irradiation tests corroborate that the “double paraboloid reflection” methodology proposed in previous theoretical works seems to be technically feasible and can be a solution for obtaining homogeneously distributed fluxes of highly concentrated solar radiation.

Concentrated Solar Energy (CSE) processing is considered a promising renewable energy source technique for elaborating thick, wear-resistant claddings onto metallic surfaces of large dimensions that are expected to operate in heavy duty applications, such as excavator shovels, mineral crushers, etc. However, the prediction of surface processing effects on the microstructure and the properties of the main construction base metal are of crucial importance, as they are commonly required in all surface modification techniques. Thus, the present study is focused on the inverse thermal analysis and parametric modeling of heat deposition associated with CSE surface processing of metals. In this preliminary attempt, experimental findings that concern the elaboration of TiC- and chromium carbide-reinforced clads onto common steel base metals were used to quantify the evaluation of the temperature histories within the volume of workpieces undergoing solar heating, where direct temperature measurements contain uncertainties and/or are not even possible. Results of prototype inverse thermal analyses of heat transfer in processed layer-substrate systems are presented, demonstrating the general aspects of a parametric model for thermal analysis and simulation.

A novel Three-Point Bending Beam Test (3-PBT) using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) with linear drive motor is introduced for testing asphalt binder at low temperature conditions. This 3-PBT in DSR can be used as surrogate for Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests. Advantages in comparison to BBR are that (i) 3-PBT works without harmful cooling medium ethanol, (ii) the amount of asphalt binder for testing is significantly lower (using material equivalent of 10% of BBR tests), (iii) a silicone rubber mold is used for specimen preparation instead of standard aluminum mold for BBR tests, which makes handling easier, and (iv) the loading protocol is more practical without applying contact load manually. The novel 3-PBT in DSR is presented with respect to preparation, installation, and conditioning of specimens, as well as to the loading protocol. Tests were conducted at temperatures of −10, −16, and −20°C. For the purpose of comparison to BBR tests, and of identifying most suitable testing conditions from alternative setups, a test series was run including 9 different asphalt binders. As to BBR tests, two different cooling media were used, i.e., ethanol and air. Finally, all test results obtained from DSR and BBR tests were analyzed in view of precision and correlation. DSR results correlated well with BBR results, while precision of 3-PBT in DSR was found to be satisfying.

In México, production of cacti fruits has increased. These fruits have high concentration of betalains (pigments), and market has increased interest in food with natural ingredients. In the near future, a sustainable method for betanin quantification in cacti fruits for rural communities will be necessary. Betanin in pulp of garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizan), chico fruit (Pachycereus weber), jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla) and pitaya de mayo (Stenocereus pruinosus) were quantified using three different analytical methods. The techniques were of Spectrophotometry UV-Vis (SCC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Spectrophotometry technique using Molar Extinction Coefficient (SEC). The accuracy and intermediate precision were evaluated in SEC, SCC, and HPLC with the four cacti´s fruit. The means betanin concentration in the pulps were 0.68±0.05 (mg/g dry weight) garambullo, 1.28±0.06 (mg/g dry weight) chico fruit, 1.84±0.34 jiotilla and 2.0±0.25 pitaya de mayo (mg/g dry weight). The concentration of betanin in garambullo pulp measured by the three methods did not differ significantly (P >0.05). In this case, SEC method represents the best option to reduce costs, time and solvents in this way this method is aligned with green chemistry. In the three methods, coefficient of variation between measurements obtained are below 15%. • Robust method to quantify betanin and evaluate intermediate precision • Validation parameters such as LOD, LOQ, accuracy, intermediate precision, and HorRat were considered • The developed method enriches the valorization of underutilized national agricultural sources of Mexico

Cardamom Essential oils are highly demanded because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Nonetheless, retrieving quality extracts quickly with efficient energy savings has been challenging. Therefore, green technologies are emerging as possible alternatives. Thus, this study evaluates the yield and quality of the instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) process coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of cardamom essential oil (CEO). Likewise, the antioxidant activity, chemical profile of CEO, and microstructure of seeds were analyzed. This study analyzed 13 different treatments with varying saturated steam processing temperatures (SSPT), thermal processing times (TPT), and 1 control. The results showed that CEO yield increased significantly by DIC (140 °C and 30 s) and UAE compared to the control (22.53% vs. 15.6%). DIC 2 (165 °C, 30 s) showed the highest DPPH inhibition (79.48%) and the best Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) by the control with 0.60 uMTE/g. The GC/MS analysis showed 28 volatile constituents, withα-Terpinyl acetate, geranyl oleate, and oleic acid being the most abundant. DIC (140 °C and 30 s) and UAE showed the best yield and chemical profile. The SEM microscopy of untreated seeds revealed collapsed structures before the oil cell layer, which reduced the extraction yield, contrary to DIC-treated seeds, with more porous structures. Therefore, combining innovative extraction methods could solve the drawbacks of traditional extraction methods.