Universidad de las Americas Puebla

Entanglement entropy has emerged as a novel tool for probing nonperturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phenomena, such as color confinement in protons. While recent studies have demonstrated its significant capability in describing hadron production in deep inelastic scatterings, the QCD evolution of entanglement entropy remains unexplored. In this work, we investigate the differential rapidity-dependent entanglement entropy within the proton and its connection to final-state hadrons, aiming to elucidate its QCD evolution. Our analysis reveals a strong agreement between the rapidity dependence of von Neumann entropy, obtained from QCD evolution equations, and the corresponding experimental data on hadron entropy. These findings provide compelling evidence for the emergence of a maximally entangled state, offering new insights into the nonperturbative structure of protons.

With the exponential growth of digital imagery, some novel techniques for visual information reconstruction are needed since the development of high-speed and precision methods is still an open problem for several applications such as medical diagnosis, satellite imaging, and general image processing. This paper proposes a new hybrid approach for reconstructing images using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Wavelet Fusion (WF) techniques. While PSO seeks a solution modeled on the flocking and schooling patterns in birds and fish, GA helps to explore the solution space, by reducing the risk of local minima as well as improving the process of searching by modeling specific natural mechanisms at play in evolution, and WF enhances image quality by lessening noise. This is considered as the major contribution of the work, which lies in the bio-inspired algorithm integration of swarm intelligence and wavelet fusion techniques applied to multiple initial reconstruction steps for an image to approximate the intended reconstructed one. Experimental results show that this hybrid approach converges fast and gives better reconstruction with a low Mean Squared Error (MSE). The proposed methodology provides a strong foundation for developing image reconstruction techniques by demonstrating that swarm intelligence can be integrated with wavelet-based techniques.

Pulsed light (PL) treatment is considered an emerging method for processing liquid foods. Efficient liquid food treatment design requires determining fluence to estimate microorganisms’ inactivation kinetics and develop effective treatment protocols. Despite available tools to determine PL equipment fluence, these are often costly and overlook the inherent photothermal mechanism. This research aims to analyze doses irradiated by PL equipment at 5.74 cm and 10.82 cm from the luminesce source, estimating the dose distribution across a simplified petri-dish-based sample holder, and validating results through Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 inactivation in guava nectar and pineapple juice. Results showed that correcting emitted doses for distance and absorbance yielded suitable adjustments, but including the temperature and color change factors strongest aligned the theoretical estimations with actual doses. This underscores a more pronounced correlation between the calculated dose and the inactivation of E. coli in guava nectar and pineapple juice.

Leaf and wood functional traits of trees are related to growth, reproduction, and survival, but the degree of phylogenetic conservatism in these relationships is largely unknown. In this study, we describe the variability of strategies involving leaf, wood and demographic characteristics for tree genera distributed across the Amazon Region, and quantify phylogenetic signal for the characteristics and their relationships. Leaf and wood traits are aligned with demographic variables along two main axes of variation. The first axis represents the coordination of leaf traits describing resource uptake and use, wood density, seed mass, and survival. The second axis represents the coordination between size and growth. Both axes show strong phylogenetic signal, suggesting a constrained evolution influenced by ancestral values, yet the second axis also has an additional, substantial portion of its variation that is driven by functional correlations unrelated to phylogeny, suggesting simultaneously higher evolutionary lability and coordination. Synthesis. Our results suggest that life history strategies of tropical trees are generally phylogenetically conserved, but that tree lineages may have some capability of responding to environmental changes by modulating their growth and size. Overall, we provide the largest‐scale synopsis of functional characteristics of Amazonian trees, showing substantial nuance in the evolutionary patterns of individual characteristics and their relationships. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Objective To analyze the survival time of patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasms who were recommended surgical spine treatment. Methods For survival analysis, in March 2024, all cases that underwent spinal surgery in 2020 were collected from the Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), a reference hospital in the city of São Paulo, to analyze the survival of this population. Results 62 cases were identified; 35 (56.5%) died in the follow-up period of up to 54 months after surgery, with 29 (44.5%) deaths occurring in the first 12 months of post-operative follow-up, with a median of 17.5 months. Conclusions The first 12 months after surgery are critical in relation to death and non-smoking, and the absence of systemic treatment had a statistically significant impact on postoperative survival. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Study. Keywords: Survival; Spinal Cord Compression; Spine

Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, after 2 years, on mammographic screening in Brazil evaluating BIRADS® results, breast cancer diagnosis rates, and breast cancer stage. Study Design This was an ecological observational study based on retrospective data from Brazil’s mammographic screening program from 2015 to 2023. Methods Data were obtained from the national screening database DATASUS – SISCAN (Cancer System Information) and retrieved in March 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised completeness of mammogram data (incomplete records were excluded), female participants aged 50 to 69 years, and mammograms exclusively performed for screening purposes. The study analyzed the number of mammograms conducted during the specified period, focusing on BIRADS® test results. Results Out of 23,851,371 mammograms performed between 2015 and 2023, 15,000,628 were included for analysis. A significant reduction of 39.6% in mammograms was observed in 2020 compared to 2019, followed by a 12.6% decrease in 2021. Notably, a substantial rise in BIRADS categories 4 and 5 examinations was seen post-pandemic. Breast cancer staging analysis revealed a shift towards more advanced stages (III and IV) diagnosed post-pandemic, suggesting potential delays in detection and diagnosis. Conclusions In conclusion, the study highlighted significant discrepancies in mammographic screenings and breast cancer diagnosis rates over 9 years. The pandemic reflected significant influence on the timing and stage at diagnosis, suggesting potential delays in detection and diagnosis that resulted in later identification of more advanced disease stages.

Background This study had two main objectives: firstly, to assess the suitability of the Spanish translation of the Young Person’s Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation (YP-CORE) for use in Latin America, and secondly, to investigate its psychometric properties specifically with Ecuadorian adolescents. Methods The research consisted of two phases. In Phase 1, insights were gathered from 19 adolescents and 12 experts regarding their comprehension of the YP-CORE. Based on the feedback received during this phase, a revised version of the YP-CORE was developed. In Phase 2, a psychometric assessment of this modified version was conducted with 298 adolescents in Ecuador, aged 11 to 17 years. Results The psychometric analysis revealed that this adapted version of the YP-CORE demonstrated satisfactory levels of acceptability, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The factor analysis favored a two-factor model over a single factor, yet the minimal substantive distinctions between these two factors do not justify the use of subscale scoring. Furthermore, the scores indicated age-related differences, with older adolescents (aged 14 to 17 years) obtaining higher scores, and gender-related variations, with females scoring higher. Conclusions This study addresses the need for, and provides, a Spanish-adapted YP-CORE tailored for use in Latin America. This freely available version has the potential to offer valuable insights into interventions for adolescents in the region and to enhance our understanding of their psychological distress.

Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation (WBPTR) can serve as a valuable tool when access to conventional care is limited. This review assesses a series of studies that explore pulmonary telerehabilitation programmes delivered via web-based platforms. The studies involved participants with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Of the 3190 participants, 1697 engaged in WBPTR platforms, while the remaining 1493 comprised the control groups. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation led to an increase in daily step count (MD 446.66, 95% CI 96.47 to 796.86), though this did not meet the minimum clinically important difference. Additionally, WBPTR did not yield significant improvements in the six-minute walking test (MD 5.01, 95% CI − 5.19 to 15.21), health-related quality of life as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (MD − 0.15, 95% CI − 2.24 to 1.95), or the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD 0.17, 95% CI − 0.13 to 0.46). Moreover, there was no significant improvement in dyspnoea-related health status, as assessed by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD − 0.01, 95% CI − 0.29 to 0.27) or the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MD − 0.14, 95% CI − 0.43 to 0.14). Based on these findings, this review concludes that WBPTR does not offer substantial advantages over traditional care. While slight improvements in exercise performance were observed, no meaningful enhancements were noted in dyspnoea or quality of life metrics. Overall, WBPTR remains a complementary and accessible option for managing and monitoring COPD patients. However, further research and innovation are required to improve its efficacy and adapt it to various clinical environments.

Background Women typically have a higher body fat content than men. Fat accumulation is associated with muscle weakness and alterations in mechanical properties. This study aims to determine the relationship between BMI and weight status with the mechanical properties of muscle and tendon. It was hypothesized that the stiffness and tone of the forearm muscle and Achilles tendon would be correlated with weight status and BMI. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 136 female university students. Grip strength was assessed using a dynamometer, body composition was analyzed through bioimpedance, and countermovement jump performance was evaluated with a force platform. Stiffness and tone were measured using the MyotonPro device. ANOVA was used to compare grip strength and countermovement jump performance according to body composition. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine bivariate associations. Results Relative grip strength decreased with an increase in fat content, while forearm muscle stiffness and tone decreased with rising weight status and BMI. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon increased with an increase in fat content and showed a significant positive correlation with BMI. Multiple regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between BMI, body composition, and stiffness of the forearm muscles. Conclusion The results of this study support the notion that the stiffness of the forearm muscles and Achilles tendon is correlated with BMI in young adult women. Furthermore, an increase in body fat percentage is linked to a decrease in mechanical properties and poorer muscle function.

In this paper, we explore the parameter space for processes with fermionic flavor violation within the Two Higgs Doublets Model (2HDM) type III, processes of Flavor Changing Neutral Currents (FCNCs) are present at Leading Order (LO) as dynamics beyond the Standard Model (SM) are included. We analyze the possible Yukawa couplings beyond the SM involving the quark top, as the experimental signatures would be a clear signal to conclude about the model. The processes we analyzed are same sign top pair production at the pp collisions, and single top quark production in ep collisions, through Deep Inelastic Scattering (DIS). To examine the scenarios that could exhibit such exotic events, we perform a scan in the parameter space to determine the observation possibilities for FCNC. We show the results considering the model parameters, coming from modified Yukawa interactions, |χ̃ijf| of the order one. In addition, we explore the order of magnitude of possible single top production via μp, at the proposed muon–proton collider. We found scattering values for these exotic processes of up to 𝒪(10−2)pb.

Background Lanthanide-based nanomaterials offer a promising alternative for cancer therapy because of their selectivity and effectiveness, which can be modified and predicted by leveraging the improved accuracy and enhanced decision-making of machine learning (ML) modeling. Methods In this study, erbium (Er³⁺) and ytterbium (Yb³⁺) were used to dope zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). Various characterization techniques and biological assays were employed to investigate the physicochemical and optical properties of the (Er, Yb)-doped ZnO NPs, revealing the influence of the lanthanide elements. Results The (Er, Yb)-doped ZnO NPs exhibited laminar-type morphologies, negative surface charges, and optical bandgaps that vary with the presence of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺. The incorporation of lanthanide ions reduced the cytotoxicity activity of ZnO against HEPG-2, CACO-2, and U87 cell lines. Conversely, doping with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ enhanced the antioxidant activity of the ZnO against DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals. The extra tree (ET) and random forest (RF) models predicted the relevance of the characterization results vis-à-vis the cytotoxic properties of the synthesized NPs. Conclusion This study demonstrates, for the first time, the synthesis of ZnO NPs doped with Er and Yb via a solution polymerization route. According to characterization results, it was unveiled that the effect of optical bandgap variations influenced the cytotoxic performance of the developed lanthanide-doped ZnO NPs, being the undoped ZnO NPs the most cytotoxic ones. The presence alone or in combination of Er and Yb enhanced their scavenging capacity. ML models such as ET and RF efficiently demonstrated that the concentration and cell line type are key parameters that influence the cytotoxicity of (Er, Yb)-doped ZnO NPs achieving high accuracy rates of 98.96% and 98.67%, respectively. This study expands the knowledge of lanthanides as dopants of nanomaterials for biological and medical applications and supports their potential in cancer therapy by integrating robust ML approaches. Graphical abstract

Aims: Edentulous patients can also suffer from sleep bruxism (SB), just like dentate patients. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and severity of SB in edentulous patients using the definitive method. Methods: Twenty-three edentulous patients underwent treatment with new conventional complete dentures. Definitive SB was evaluated using the Bruxoff (portable electromyography device) while sleeping at home. The prevalence of SB was assessed by the Bruxmeter software, where SB was evaluated as “absent” (score zero), “light” (<2 episodes), “moderate” (between 2 and 4 episodes), or “severe” (>4 episodes). The prevalence was expressed with descriptive statistics in percentage using the number of detected cases out of the total number of patients. Results: Eighteen patients (78.26%) were diagnosed with SB. The severity of SB was 55.5%, 5.5%, and 39% for the light, moderate, and severe scores, respectively. Conclusions: Almost 8 out of 10 edentulous patients have SB. Approximately half of the SB-detected patients showed moderate to severe severity of bruxism as measured by a commercial, at-home device.

Scarabaeoidea is a diverse and widely distributed insect group; many are agricultural pests including species within the genus Phyllophaga . Species diversity studies in this taxonomic group are done mainly using morphological identification. However, despite existing taxonomic keys for adults and larvae, identification may be difficult due to their complex morphology. Molecular taxonomy can increase the value and accuracy of morphological species identification of larvae and adults. To test this, larvae collected from soil close to maize plants were identified using molecular taxonomy, and compared with adults captured using light traps. The larvae (2021) and adults (2022) were sampled on maize at the same locations in central Mexico. Molecular identification was achieved using three regions within the Cytochrome oxidase gene ( cox ), two in the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), Cytochrome b (CytB) and 28S rDNA. Cox gene information was more useful than nuclear information (28S). Combined morphological and molecular taxonomy of adults distinguished between seven Phyllophaga species. Although two closely related species, P. polyphyla and P. ravida , were distinguished using cox gene information, greater resolution was obtained using CytB. All analyses identified cryptic species within P. vetula . Species found amongst sampled adults were similar to those found amongst larvae. However, the number of species was greater in adults than in larvae at the same locations. Larval information showed Phyllophaga community structure changed over time. Our findings will contribute to a better understanding of Phyllophaga’s ecology in maize.

Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Instituto de Neurociencias de la Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, a primary neuroscience institute in Ecuador. Participants The study evaluated 425 participants diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia, out of which 272 individuals (mean age = 75 years; 164 female) presenting specific medical conditions were selected for analysis. Measurements Data were collected on demographics, medical history, and neuropsychological assessment using the Neuropsi scale. Conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and history of traumatic brain injury were specifically noted. Results Latent Class Analysis identified three distinct classes of patients: Unspecified Cognitive Deterioration, Dementia, and MCI. The three-class model provided the best fit, revealing varied morbidity patterns and highlighting the influence of vascular and metabolic conditions on cognitive decline. Notably, similarities in hypertension and diabetes prevalence between Dementia and MCI classes suggested shared risk factors. The study also found no significant age differences between the classes, indicating that age alone might not be the primary determinant in the progression of cognitive decline. Conclusions The study underscores the complexity of dementia and MCI in an ageing Ecuadorian population, with vascular health playing a crucial role in cognitive impairment. These findings advocate for a holistic approach in managing dementia and MCI, emphasising the importance of addressing cardiovascular and metabolic health alongside neurocognitive care. The distinct morbidity patterns identified offer insights into tailored intervention strategies, highlighting the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary care in dementia management.

Background The Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth), locally known as “Mora de Castilla,” is a high-altitude fruit rich in phytochemicals, mainly anthocyanins, with potent antioxidant properties. Although its chemical composition has been studied, the influence of altitude on its phytochemical profile and antioxidant capacity is still unclear. This research aimed to investigate the effects of development stages and altitude on the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of this fruit. Methods Andean blackberry fruits were collected at different altitudes and development stages in the central Andean region of Ecuador. An hydroalcoholic extraction was used to quantify the compounds and determine the total antioxidant activity, while solid phase extraction (SPE) was performed to separate anthocyanins from other compounds. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (HPLC-DAD/ESI-MSn) was used to identify anthocyanin and non-anthocyanin phenols, while total antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, total flavonoid content, and total anthocyanin content were quantified spectrophotometrically. Results Flavonols and anthocyanins constitute the majority of the flavonoids identified in the Andean blackberry extracts, both in terms of peak areas and number of identified compounds, followed by ellagic and gallic acid derivatives, as well as phenolic acids, mainly hydroxycinnamic acids. Quercetin was identified as the predominant flavonol in unripe berries, where anthocyanins were not significantly present. On the contrary, in ripe berries, cyanidin and its glycosides stood out as the main anthocyanins and predominant compounds. We observed that in the early stages of ripening, the total polyphenol content predominates in the berries and is mainly responsible for their antioxidant capacity. However, as the fruit ripens, the total anthocyanin content increases, becoming the most prominent bioactive compounds in fully ripe berries. Conclusion The results suggest that higher altitude environmental conditions may improve the composition, concentration of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity of Andean blackberries. Overall, our findings highlight the high functional value of this fruit, supporting its health-protective effects when consumed regularly, either as fresh fruit or in nutraceutical form.

In the contemporary realm of industry, the imperative for influential and steadfast systems to detect anomalies is critically recognized. Our study introduces a cutting-edge approach utilizing a deep learning model of the Long-Short Term Memory variety, meticulously crafted for real-time surveillance and mitigation of irregularities within industrial settings. Through the careful amalgamation of data acquisition and analytic processing informed by our model, we have forged a system adept at pinpointing anomalies with high precision, capable of autonomously proposing or implementing remedial measures. The findings demonstrate a marked enhancement in the efficacy of operations, with the model’s accuracy surging to 95%, recall at 90%, and an F1 score reaching 92.5%. Moreover, the system has favorably impacted the environment, evidenced by a 25% decline in CO2 emissions and a 20% reduction in water usage. Our model surpasses preceding systems, showcasing significant gains in speed and precision. This research corroborates the capabilities of deep learning within the industrial sector. It underscores the role of automated systems in fostering more sustainable and efficient operations in the contemporary industrial landscape.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many life losses, which were not uniform across territories. Several factors can explain geographical differences, including the health and sanitary infrastructure and the economic performance. The present study seeks to determine the probability of death by COVID-19 of individuals by analyzing their individual and contextual characteristics related to their canton of residence with emphasis on the structure of the health system. Using combined data at the individual and contextual level, a logit multilevel model is estimated. The results show that cantonal differences explain 12.8–22.6% of the total variance of the individual probability to die. Cantons where people were more likely and less likely to die by stage were identified. Level 1 health care centers played an important role in reducing the probability of death by COVID-19 of individuals from the isolation stage to the vaccination stage.