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This study evaluates four Machine Learning Algorithms—Random Forest (RF), K-Means Clustering, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Classification and Regression Trees (CART)—for precise land use and land cover (LULC) classification in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. During the period 2016-2019, and with alternating wet and dry season classifications, the research addresses challenges in identifying narrow rivers, using geospatial tools and it does notably the Pesqueria River, which is specially the most narrow and shallow river in the area. Five classes—Water, Vegetation, Urban, and Soil—were classified, achieving precision rates above 85%. Remarkably, SVM exhibited an excellent accuracy, particularly for narrow rivers, showcasing its utility in complex urban landscapes. The study utilizes high resolution satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 4.7m, contributing to the reliability of the results. Emphasizing temporal dynamics, the research links LULC changes to urbanization, infrastructure, and seasonal variations, offering vital insights for sustainable urban development.

The blood vessel lumen is an extremely rare location for a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor like schwannoma. Less than 10 cases have been previously reported. In this report, we present a case of a 68-year-old woman who had a soft tissue nodule at the posterior calf of her left leg during a physical examination. Pathological examination was performed after complete surgical excision. The patient underwent follow-up for 12 months after surgery without evidence of recurrence or any other complication. This is the first case of intravascular schwannoma reported as a cause of vein obstruction. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of Schwann spindle cells that were immunoreactive for S100 protein and SOX10. This tumor was surrounded by a well-defined vascular smooth muscle wall. Prospective series are required to improve the knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of intravascular schwannoma development.

El aprendizaje basado en problemas (ABP) es un método de enseñanza que se utiliza cada vez más en la enseñanza técnica. Tanto en la enseñanza de la ingeniería como en la de la arquitectura, el ABP se ha evaluado y ha demostrado su eficacia para mejorar el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. La necesidad de trabajar en grupo y la limitación del número de alumnos por sesión de ABP requieren el uso de técnicas estadísticas robustas en la evaluación estadística correspondiente. En el presente trabajo se aplicaron dos pruebas estadísticas robustas: la prueba de la mediana y la prueba de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW). Utilizando una muestra de 35 estudiantes del Máster en Ingeniería Industrial de la Universidad de Huelva, distribuidos en tres cursos académicos (2021-22, 2022-23 y 2023-24), se aplicaron dichas pruebas en relación con el rendimiento académico. Hubo un grupo experimental (19 alumnos) y un grupo control (16 alumnos). Se han aclarado los detalles de la aplicación de cada prueba, incluyendo las hipótesis nula y alternativa, los estadísticos respectivos de cada prueba, y se ha resuelto el caso utilizando R. Se demuestra que existe una diferencia significativa en el aprendizaje entre el grupo experimental y el grupo de control, basándose en las pruebas de la mediana y de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW). Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method that is increasingly being used in technical education. In both engineering and architecture education, PBL has been evaluated and shown to be effective in improving students' academic performance. The need to work in groups and the limitation of the number of students per PBL session require the use of robust statistical techniques in the corresponding statistical evaluation. In the present work, two robust statistical tests were applied: the median test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW) test. Using a sample of 35 students of the Master in Industrial Engineering at the University of Huelva, distributed over three academic years (2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24), the said tests were applied in relation to academic performance. There was an experimental group (19 students) and a control group (16 students). The details of the application of each test have been clarified, including the null and alternative hypotheses, the respective statistics of each test, and the case has been solved using R. It is shown that there is a significant difference in learning between the experimental group and the control group, based on median and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW) tests.

Introducción: Los sensores de monitoreo ambiental permiten medir la calidad del aire, la temperatura y humedad relativa. Todos los sistemas y estrategias de monitoreo de sensores tienen un fundamento y una justificación en el centro de datos que ayudan a determinar el estado actual del medio ambiente o identificar tendencias en los parámetros ambientales. Objetivo: Ensamblar una estación meteorológica portátil con sensores donde los usuarios pueden obtener información meteorológica real programado con Arduino en la Institución Educativa General Santander del municipio de Soacha, Cundinamarca. Metodología: explicar el desarrollo de un sistema de monitorización remota de variables ambientales mediante una red inalámbrica que conecta una red de sensores y permite la monitorización y control en tiempo real de parámetros ambientales. Resultados: se evidenció con los datos obtenidos de la estación meteorológica relacionado con la temperatura exterior e interior en las aulas de clase datos que van desde los 24 o C hasta los 29 o C. Esto corrobora que de acuerdo con la Norma Técnica 4595; los estudiantes y los docentes se encuentran por fuera de la zona confortable que va desde los 18 o C hasta los 24 o C. Conclusiones: la investigación resumió las condiciones ambientales actuales y los problemas existentes en las aulas de clase, con la integración de los sensores con el sistema, se pudo lograr el monitoreo y computo del nivel de temperatura, humedad en la atmósfera, calidad del aire y el monóxido de carbono en las aulas de clase, además, brindar alternativas viables que contribuyan al desarrollo sostenible y al mejoramiento de la educación y al mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de las personas que integran la comunidad educativa.

The human antibiotics cefuroxime (CXM) and azithromycin (AZI) are among the most commonly prescribed. A significant portion of both are excreted and has been detected in sewage treatment plant effluents. The increasing use of such effluents in crops for irrigation and as fertilisers poses a threat to soil microbiota because of the presence of antibiotics. The lack of studies on CXM and AZI in soils hinders our understanding of their potential toxic effects on soil bacterial communities and ecosystem services. This study significantly contributes to the literature by quantifying the toxicity of CXM and AZI at varying concentrations in 12 different crop soils and tracking their evolution over time. The study also examined whether antibiotic pressure led to the development of more tolerant bacterial communities. The results of this study are the values of the logarithm of the antibiotic concentration at which 50 % of bacterial growth is inhibited (Log IC50) and indicate that both antibiotics are toxic to soil bacteria. The direct toxicity of CXM (1 day after contamination) was higher (Log IC50: 0.9 = 7.9 mg kg−1) than that of AZI (Log IC50: 3.4 = 2362 mg kg−1). However, bacterial growth was less affected by CXM over time, whereas AZI remained toxic in some soils until day 42 (Log IC50: 3.2 = 1533 mg kg−1 and 3.4 = 2291 mg kg−1, respectively). The overall results indicate that selective pressure exerted by antibiotics generates antibiotic tolerance in soils, even at the lowest antibiotic concentration studied (7.8 mg kg−1). The general trend was to increase tolerance to higher antibiotic concentrations up to the highest concentration studied (2000 mg kg−1). However, the degree of tolerance developed was highly dependent on soil type. More studies should be conducted to quantitatively assess the toxic and tolerance-developing effects of antibiotics in soils. Such information will be valuable for identifying which antibiotics pose a threat to the soil microbiota and consequently to human health.

IntroductionThis multicenter prospective study sponsored by the Grupo Español de Transplante Hematopoyético y Terapia Celular (GETH-TC) explores the use of frailty assessments in allo-HCT candidates.MethodsFrailty was measured using the HCT Frailty Scale at first consultation and HCT admission in 404 adults from 15 HCT programs in Spain. Based on the results, patients were classified into fit, pre-frail and frail categories. Allo-HCT outcomes were analyzed according to the results obtained from the HCT Frailty Scale. Data was collected prospectively and all patients signed informed consent.ResultsAt first consultation, 102 (26.2%) patients were classified as fit, 248 (61.4%) as pre-frail, and 50 (12.4%) as frail. During the study, 62 (15.2%) patients participated in a pre-habilitation program. Among non-pre-habilitated patients (n=342), the proportion of fit patients decreased from 26.6% to 16.7%, while frail patients increased from 12.7% to 19.9%. In contrast, pre-habilitated patients (n=62) showed improvements, with fit patients increasing from 24.2% to 46.8%, and frail patients decreasing from 9.7% to 3.2%. Multivariate analysis confirmed lower OS (HR 2.52, P=0.002) and higher NRM (HR 2.69, P=0.013) in frail patients at HCT admission compared to fit ones, with a trend towards lower OS in pre-frail patients (HR 1.54, P=0.097).ConclusionThis study highlights the feasibility of incorporating the HCT Frailty Scale into clinical practice, confirms its negative impact of frailty on transplant outcomes, and suggests that frailty is dynamic and potentially reversible through pre-transplant interventions.

This dataset comprises information about 1242 lung cancer patients collected by the Medical Oncology Department of the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital of Majadahonda in Madrid, Spain. It includes information about cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as personal and medical data recorded during anamneses. The dataset could assist in data analysis with the aim of discovering relationships between the applied treatment(s), the evolution of the disease and the associated adverse effects. A greater understanding of treatment effects based on the particular conditions of the patient and the diagnosis could directly impact the healthcare system, helping to improve expectations about lung cancer as well as reducing treatment toxicities and adverse effects.

Trace metal enrichments in soil and native maize ( Zea mays L.) in Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve was analyzed due to its direct relation with food security. pH and organic matter (OM) content were obtained in soil, concentrations trace metals were determined in agricultural soil and plant collected from 10 maize plots using ICP-OES. Soil contamination was evaluated using contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), plant contamination was evaluated using bioconcentration factor (BCF). Soils characteristics indicates higher pH values (8–8.9), which favors metal’s translocation from soil > plant. Mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cr (soil: 0.02–0.04; plant: 0–0.01), Fe (soil: 0.77–1.17; plant: 0–0.40), and Zn (soil: 0–0.01; plant: 0–0.01) were within the FAO/WHO and Mexican government soil standards. CF values were classified as “low contamination,” however, Cd, Mn, and Fe indicates “medium contamination” in maize crops. EF values of metals in farmlands were recorded as “lower enrichment values.” BCF showed accumulation of trace metals (especially Fe and Mn) in roots, which acts as a binding element for other trace metals, where OM is low. Overall results in this study suggest that the selected trace metals in the agricultural soils and plant have no appreciable threat to food safety.

Alders are widely distributed riparian trees in Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. Recently, a strong reduction of alder stands has been detected in Europe due to infection by Phytophthora species (Stramenopila kingdom). This infection causes a disease known as alder dieback, characterized by leaf yellowing, dieback of branches, increased fruit production, and bark necrosis in the collar and basal part of the stem. In the Iberian Peninsula, the drastic alder decline has been confirmed in the Spanish Ulla and Ebro basins, the Portuguese Mondego and Sado basins and the Northern and Western transboundary hydrographic basins of Miño and Sil, Limia, Douro and Tagus. The damaging effects of alder decline require management solutions that promote forest resilience while keeping genetic diversity. Breeding programs involve phenotypic selection of asymptomatic individuals in populations where severe damage is observed, confirmation of tree resistance via inoculation trials under controlled conditions, vegetative propagation of selected trees, further planting and assessment in areas with high disease pressure and different environmental conditions and conservation of germplasm of tolerant genotypes for reforestation. In this way, forest biotechnology provides essential tools for the conservation and sustainable management of forest genetic resources, including material characterization for tolerance, propagation for conservation purposes, and genetic resource traceability, as well as identification and characterization of Phytophthora species. The advancement of biotechnological techniques enables improved monitoring and management of natural resources by studying genetic variability and function through molecular biology methods. In addition, in vitro culture techniques make possible large-scale plant propagation and long-term conservation within breeding programs to preserve selected outstanding genotypes.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a highly prevalent disease. We aimed to assess the symptoms that physicians who see patients with AR perceive as the most bothersome in their patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire sent to all members of the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative. The survey included questions on the physicians' perceptions of patients’ AR symptoms as well as of their own AR symptoms. Results: Among 401 respondents, 155 (38.7%) reported having AR. ARIA members reported nasal symptoms to be the most frequent (89.7%) and bothersome (80.0%) symptoms experienced by themselves. Likewise, nasal symptoms were reported by ARIA members as the most frequent (94.8% in members with AR vs 96.0% in members without AR) and bothersome (57.0% in members with AR vs 67.9% in members without AR) in their patients. We found a significant association (p = 0.001) between physicians’ own symptoms and those perceived as the most bothersome in their patients. Conclusion: Physicians perceive nasal symptoms to be the most frequent and the most bothersome symptoms in AR patients. The physicians' personal experiences with AR may influence their perception of patients’ symptoms.

Plastic mulching is a prevalent agricultural practice offering various benefits, including increased soil temperature, reduced weed pressure, enhanced moisture conservation, and improved crop yields. However, the widespread use of non-biodegradable plastic mulches poses environmental challenges. In response, soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) have emerged as eco-sustainable alternatives, particularly crucial for high-quality products like roasted pepper. Roasted pepper is a processed vegetable crop awarded the European recognition of 'Protected Geographical Indication' as 'Pimiento Asado del Bierzo'. This study compares the impact of non-degradable mulches (NDMs), BDMs, and bare ground cultivation (BGC) on the quality of roasted peppers. Results reveal that peppers grown under plastic mulches exhibit superior colouration, uniformity, and reduced charred remains compared to BGC. Additionally, ease of skin peeling is enhanced with plastic mulches, promising increased productivity in industrial processing. Particularly, BDM films, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, offer premium quality while mitigating environmental risks. These findings underscore the potential of plastic mulches, especially BDMs, in enhancing crop quality and sustainability in vegetable production, particularly in the context of high-quality food products.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have a wide range of applications due to their optoelectronic properties. Particularly, biological synthesis of AuNPs highlights due to the advantages related to the environmental care and the stabilization provided by capping biomolecules during biosynthesis. The antimicrobial activity of AuNPs was reported, however, their activity against resistant structures such as bacterial endospores have not been evaluated. This work shows the extracellular biosynthesis of AuNPs using Epicoccum nigrum (Au1-8) throughout an ecofriendly, simple, and efficient method. Physicochemical characterization revealed that stable quasi-spherical AuNPs in a range size of 2 to 30 nm, with crystal structure and metallic Au0 composition were obtained. The AuNPs sporicidal activity against Bacillus subtilis endospores was evaluated by its exposure to 300 mg/L AuNPs during 48 h, which produced a decrease of 90.6% of the endospore germination. The analysis of the endospore-AuNP interaction by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy revealed injury of the endospore coat and lysis. These results are promising for the advance in the development of low-aggressive agents used for environmental decontamination regimens against pathogenic bacterial spores, or even as an alternative for the treatment of illnesses produced by endospore-former causative agents of food spoilage/poisoning and human diseases.