Personality Comparison between Lethal and Non-lethal Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators and Their Victims.

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and femicide (intimate partner femicide, IPF), as a worldwide phenomenon, cannot be explained in a simple way. From an ecological point of view, there are individual factors contemplated. In the current studies, we consider personality as an individual factor to clarify what differentiates a non-lethal IPVAW situation from a femicide. Study 1 was designed to investigate the accuracy with which trained interviewers judged the personality of a group of IPVAW perpetrators during an interview. The target sample of study 1 was composed of 293 males who after being interviewed completed a measure of personality assessing the "Big Three" model of personality. The interviewers performed fairly accurate judgements about the personality of the target participants. Study 2 shows the differences in personality, using Eysenck's personality model, between the IPF and IPVAW perpetrators and their victims. The total sample study 2 was formed of 551 participants distributed among IPF perpetrators, IPVAW perpetrators, and the victims of both groups. Differences in proportions were observed between both groups of perpetrators as well as between each group and their respective victims. With these findings, we propose personality as a femicide risk factor that should be taken into consideration by police officers and other practitioners when receiving an IPVAW report.

Differential survival throughout the full annual cycle of a migratory bird presents a life-history trade-off.

Long-distance migrations are among the most physically demanding feats animals perform. Understanding the potential costs and benefits of such behaviour is a fundamental question in ecology and evolution. A hypothetical cost of migration should be outweighed by higher productivity and/or higher annual survival, but few studies on migratory species have been able to directly quantify patterns of survival throughout the full annual cycle and across the majority of a species' range. Here, we use telemetry data from 220 migratory Egyptian vultures Neophron percnopterus, tracked for 3,186 bird months and across approximately 70% of the species' global distribution, to test for differences in survival throughout the annual cycle. We estimated monthly survival probability relative to migration and latitude using a multi-event capture-recapture model in a Bayesian framework that accounted for age, origin, subpopulation and the uncertainty of classifying fates from tracking data. We found lower survival during migration compared to stationary periods (ß = -0.816; 95% credible interval: -1.290 to -0.318) and higher survival on non-breeding grounds at southern latitudes (<25°N; ß = 0.664; 0.076-1.319) compared to on breeding grounds. Survival was also higher for individuals originating from Western Europe (ß = 0.664; 0.110-1.330) as compared to further east in Europe and Asia, and improved with age (ß = 0.030; 0.020-0.042). Anthropogenic mortalities accounted for half of the mortalities with a known cause and occurred mainly in northern latitudes. Many juveniles drowned in the Mediterranean Sea on their first autumn migration while there were few confirmed mortalities in the Sahara Desert, indicating that migration barriers are likely species-specific. Our study advances the understanding of important fitness trade-offs associated with long-distance migration. We conclude that there is lower survival associated with migration, but that this may be offset by higher non-breeding survival at lower latitudes. We found more human-caused mortality farther north, and suggest that increasing anthropogenic mortality could disrupt the delicate migration trade-off balance. Research to investigate further potential benefits of migration (e.g. differential productivity across latitudes) could clarify how migration evolved and how migrants may persist in a rapidly changing world.

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Correction of Vesicovaginal Fistulas after Hysterectomy Due to Morbidly Adherent Placenta.

BACKGROUND: Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is a difficult-to-treat complication of obstetric hysterectomy. There are multiple management options, with a preference for surgical repair via abdominal or vaginal approach. We describe a transurethral natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) using barbed suture, in 3 cases of VVF after hysterectomy due to morbidly adherent placenta (MAP). CASES: Three patients with VVFs after hysterectomy due to MAP underwent a transurethral endoscopic suture repair. Two patients had complete resolution of the fistula, and the third required additional repair by laparotomy; however, a decrease was observed in the size of the VVF after the initial endoscopic repair. CONCLUSION: The transurethral NOTES approach for VVF after MAP hysterectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is valid as an initial approach for this type of complication.

Activities, bioavailability, and metabolism of lipids from structural membranes and oils: Promising research on mild cognitive impairment.

Concomitant with increased lifespan, large segments of the population are experiencing cognitive decline, which might progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, there is no cure for AD and, once the neurodegenerative disorders are established, patients use pharmacologic therapy to slow the progression of the symptoms and require appropriate care to manage their condition. The preclinical stage of neural degeneration that progress through mild cognitive impairment (MCI) before the onset of AD is when it might be possible to introduce behavioral changes and pharma-nutritional interventions that modify the risk factors of MCI conversion to AD. Some food components accumulate in brain tissues, where they play essential roles. Among them, polar lipids, omega 3 fatty acids, and carotenoids appear to work additively or synergistically. Therefore, there is an opportunity to formulate nutraceuticals/functional foods to slow the progression of MCI. In this paper, we review the biochemical bases and recent interventions with bioactive lipids-rich formulations. Based on accumulated evidence, we propose that appropriate large-scale trials are warranted.

Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Homicide: A Typology Based on Victimization Variables.

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and intimate partner homicide against women (IPHAW) are multidimensional phenomena. The aim of this study was to identify typologies of Spanish IPHAW and IPVAW victims, based on the differences between their characteristics and the determinants of aggression. The sample consisted of 381 cases from the Spanish Integral Monitoring System in Cases of Gender Violence. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview. Results showed differences between IPHAW and IPVAW victims, and latent class analysis suggested a three-profile solution: 1-fatal victims, with low neuroticism, low isolation, and feelings of loneliness, less reconciliation with the aggressor, lower perception of risk and low suicidal ideation; 2-non-fatal victims, with the loss of a loved one and the role of caregiver as stressors, low psychoticism and alcohol abuse, high feelings of loneliness, risk perception, and suicidal ideation; 3-mixed profile, with high neuroticism and psychoticism, alcohol abuse, isolation, and greater reconciliations with the aggressor, and absence of bereavement and caregiver role as stressors. Knowing the differences between IPHAW and IPVAW victims allows the design of more specific instruments for risk assessment and the design of more individualized prevention and treatment programs. This also facilitates police work in identifying victims and deploying more intense protection measures.

La violencia de pareja contra la mujer (violencia de género, VdG) y el homicidio de pareja contra la mujer (feminicidio) son fenómenos multidimensionales. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las tipologías de las víctimas españolas de feminicidio y VdG, basado en las diferencias entre sus características y los determinantes de la agresión. La muestra constaba de 381 casos del Sistema Español de Seguimiento Integral de Casos de Violencia de Género. El instrumento utilizado fue una entrevista semiestructurada. Los resultados mostraron diferencias entre las víctimas de VdG y las víctimas de feminicidios y el análisis de clases latentes sugirió tres perfiles: 1-víctimas mortales, con bajo neuroticismo, bajo aislamiento y sentimientos de soledad, menor reconciliación con el agresor, menor percepción de riesgo y baja ideación suicida; 2-víctimas no mortales, con la pérdida de un ser querido y el rol de cuidador como estresores, bajo psicoticismo y abuso de alcohol, sentimientos de soledad elevados, percepción de riesgo e ideación suicida; 3-perfil mixto, con neuroticismo y psicoticismo elevados, abuso de alcohol, aislamiento y una mayor reconciliación con el agresor y ausencia de duelo y del rol de cuidador como estresores. Conocer las diferencias entre víctimas de feminicidio y de VdG permite el diseño de instrumentos más específicos para la evaluación del riesgo y el diseño de programas de prevención y tratamiento más individualizados. También facilita la labor policial en la identificación de las víctimas y el despliegue de medidas de protección más intensas.

The variability of juvenile dispersal in an opportunistic raptor.

The juvenile dispersal of raptors is a crucial stage that stretches from parental independence to the establishment of the first breeding area. Between 2012 and 2020, 44 juvenile red kites Milvus milvus from the Spanish breeding population were tagged using GPS telemetry to study their dispersal. Juveniles left the parental breeding area at the end of their first summer and performed wandering movements throughout the Iberian Peninsula, returning to the parental breeding area the following year, repeating the same pattern until they settled in their first breeding area. We analyzed the mean distance from the nest, the maximum reached distances, and the traveled distances (daily and hourly) during the first 2 years of dispersal and compared them. Despite the high individual variability, variables describing the dispersal movements of juveniles showed a decreasing trend during the second dispersal year: 80% of individuals reached a shorter maximum distance in the second year, 70% decreased their mean distance to the nest, 65% decreased their hourly traveled distances, and 50% decreased their daily traveled distances. On the other hand, the red kites usually combined wandering movements with the establishment of temporary settlement areas (TSA). The average duration of settlement in the TSAs was 75 ± 40 days (up to 182 days) and was located at 182 ± 168 km from the nest. In those areas, juveniles used 781.0 ± 1895.0 km2 (KDE 95%). Some of the TSAs were used by several individuals, which suggests that these areas might be good targets for conservation in future management plans.

Civic Engagement and Personality: Associations with the Big Five and the Dark Triad.

Several studies have analyzed the relationship between general personality traits and attitudes and behaviors, indicating that a person is more committed to the community. After raising the question of whether malevolent traits might also be related, the aim was to analyze the relationship between civic engagement and personality, delving into the contribution of the Dark Triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and controlling for the association with the Big Five. The Civic Engagement Questionnaire, the Short Dark Triad, and the Big Five Inventory-10 were administered to 1175 Spanish students (convenience sampling). After performing statistical analyses using SPSS statistical software, it was obtained that the three Dark Triad traits explained 11% of the total explained variance of civic engagement, while 19% was reached when the Big Five were included. Narcissism and openness were the factors most strongly associated with engagement. The positive relationship between narcissism and general personality traits could explain why narcissistic people have more favorable attitudes. Furthermore, people with narcissistic traits may display these attitudes for their own benefit. This study provides further evidence of how the narcissistic personality trait differs from the other two malevolent traits. Given that these traits are also associated with maladaptive behaviors, knowing all their characteristics could facilitate the design of prevention programs aimed at reducing such maladaptive behaviors.

Same Personality, New Ways to Abuse: How Dark Tetrad Personalities Are Connected With Cyber Intimate Partner Violence.

New technologies bring new forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) or abuse, such as cyber intimate partner violence (C-IPV). This is a contemporary issue with different consequences from in-person IPV. C-IPV is a complex phenomenon triggered by a number of factors, including personality traits such as the Dark Tetrad, composed of four "malevolent" qualities: subclinical narcissism, Machiavellianism, subclinical psychopathy, and everyday sadism. The Dark Tetrad plays an important role in predicting the perpetration or victimization of the resulting pervasive behaviors. Although the correlations between in-person IPV and the Dark Tetrad have been studied before, to our knowledge this investigation is the first to look at the links between these four dark personality traits and C-IPV. With a sample of 1,189 participants, we measured C-IPV victimization and perpetration rates and compared the results with the Dark Tetrad profiles of the respondents. To analyze these correlations, we conducted bivariate analysis and structural equation modeling. The analysis yielded positive relations of psychopathy and narcissism with cyber controlling behaviors. Psychopathy was found to be strongly related with direct cyber aggression behaviors; sadism was mainly related with C-IPV victimization in both controlling and direct aggression, and, finally and interestingly, Machiavellianism presented negative correlations with direct cyber aggression. Remarkable is that joining sadistic personalities increased vulnerability to victimization from C-IPV direct aggression, as well as more psychopathic traits and an increased probability of perpetration. These combinations may create dangerous situations. In conclusion, we found that both C-IPV perpetrators and victims present higher scores in the dark personality traits and gender-based differences than in-person IPV actors.

Dark tetrad personality traits also play a role in bullying victimization.

Bullying refers to physical and/or psychological mistreatment or abuse by one individual or group toward another individual or group. Bullying is widespread in our society and carries considerable negative consequences. This phenomenon is caused by multiple factors, which include personality. Much more attention has been paid to the study of the perpetrators' negative personality traits than the victims. Several studies have examined the relationship between these traits-the Dark Triad or Dark Tetrad-and being a victim of bullying (or mobbing) in adults, especially in the workplace. However, only two studies have been located that have studied these relationships in adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between being a victim of bullying and the ark Tetrad traits, delving into the specific contribution of Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism in victims of bullying in Spanish adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out by administering the Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, and the Peer Bullying Questionnaire to 393 adolescents aged 12-18 years (M = 14.18; SD = 2.52; 53.7% male). The Dark Tetrad traits predicted the victimization variables in the seven models analyzed, with the verbal abuse model being the model with the largest contribution. Of the four dark traits, sadism stands out as the trait with the highest specific contribution. Our results indicate, despite not implying a causal relationship, that those people with high scores in the Dark Tetrad traits tend to be more victimized by bullying. Knowing the personality traits of the bullying perpetrators and their victims, practitioners will have a complete picture of the personality variables that play a role in preventing bullying and its associated victimization.

Effects of the Action for Neutralization of Bullying Program on Bullying in Spanish Schoolchildren.

Bullying can have serious physical and emotional consequences. In recent years, interest in this phenomenon has been growing, becoming a public health problem in the first world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Action for Neutralization of Bullying Program (ANA) in Spanish children. This study used a quasi-experimental design that included a pre-test evaluation, 2 months of intervention, a post-test, and 3 months of follow-up. A sample of 330 children aged 7-12 years (M = 9.27; SD = 1.09) from third to sixth grade participated in the study. One hundred and fifty-nine were girls (48.2%). The program consisted of eight group sessions in which empathy, assertiveness, communication skills, conflict resolution, and group cohesion were worked on. The results showed statistically significant reductions in verbal abuse behaviors (t = 4.76, p < 0.001), direct social exclusion (t = 3.53, p < 0.001), threats (t = 2.04, p = 0.042), aggression with objects (t = 3.21, p < 0.001), and physical abuse (t = 4.41, p < 0.001). The differences were not statistically significant for indirect social exclusion behaviors (t = 1.86, p = 0.065) or cyberbullying (t = 0.31, p = 0.756). The effects in the reduction of the bullying behaviors decreased after the implementation of the program, achieving even greater reduction in victimization behaviors after 3 months than immediately after the end of the program. These results indicate that the ANA program is effective in reducing bullying behaviors in a group of children. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Urinary tract injuries during treatment of patients with morbidly adherent placenta.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract injuries (UTI) are a frequent complication of morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) management. In this study, we aim to characterize the type of UTI that occurs and to define if their incidence varies after establishing a fixed interdisciplinary group for the protocolized management of patients with MAP. METHODOLOGY: All patients with confirmed MAP attended between 2011 and 2019 in our institution, were included. We analyzed the effect of a change in the surgical protocol including rigid ureteral catheters, vesicouterine dissection before hysterotomy and interdisciplinary planning, in the bladder or ureteral injuries incidence. RESULTS: The study included 65 women. UTI was identified in 27.7% of patients and was associated with a greater volume of blood loss, transfusion requirement, hospital stay, and the need for additional surgeries. There was a high frequency of UTI in patients without protocolized management. The use of rigid ureteral catheters and retrovesical dissection before hysterotomy were associated with a less ureteral injury. CONCLUSIONS: Developing expertise among the members of the surgical team is essential to improve results. Using rigid ureteral catheters, performing retrovesical dissection before hysterotomy, and performing less extensive surgeries in selected patients are associated with a low frequency of ureteral injuries.

Characterization of polyphenol oxidase from the Manzanilla cultivar (Olea europaea pomiformis) and prevention of browning reactions in bruised olive fruits.

The crude extract of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme from the Manzanilla cultivar (Olea europaea pomiformis) was obtained, and its properties were characterized. The browning reaction followed a zero-order kinetic model. Its maximum activity was at pH 6.0. This activity was completely inhibited at a pH below 3.0 regardless of temperature; however, in alkaline conditions, pH inhibition depended on temperature and was observed at values above 9.0 and 11.0 at 8 and 25 degrees C, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters of substrate oxidation depended on pH within the range in which activity was observed. The reaction occurred according to an isokinetic system because pH affected the enzymatic reaction rate but not the energy required to carry out the reaction. In the alkaline pH region, browning was due to a combination of enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions that occurred in parallel. These results correlated well with the browning behavior observed in intentionally bruised fruits at different temperatures and in different storage solutions. The use of a low temperature ( approximately 8 degrees C) was very effective for preventing browning regardless of the cover solution used.

Xanthophyll esters are found in human colostrum.

SCOPE: Carotenoids in human milk are associated with other lipid counterparts in several metabolic processes. One interesting association that has not been demonstrated to date is the presence of xanthophyll esters. Colostrum and mature milk samples were analyzed to determine the occurrence of xanthophyll esters and identify the compounds. Thus, the association of the amounts of these compounds with lactation and whether they are significant contributors to the carotenoid profile of human milk was assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pre-term and term delivering mothers were included in the study to donate colostrum at 3-5 days postpartum and mature milk at 15 days postpartum. Carotenoids extracts were subjected to a clean-up procedure to remove the triacylglycerol fraction and then analyzed by HPLC-MSn . Identification of xanthophyll esters was achieved by considering their chromatographic behaviour, UV-visible characteristics and MSn features. CONCLUSION: Xanthophyll esters are significant contributors to the carotenoid profile in the colostrum, while mature milk does not contain these compounds. Therefore, fatty acid acylation to xanthophylls is activated during the accumulation of carotenoids in the human mammary gland. The sharp decline in the amount of xanthophyll esters in mature milk indicates that the lipophilic components are those recently incorporated in the mammary epithelium.

Dynamic study of excited state hydrogen-bonded complexes of harmane in cyclohexane-toluene mixtures.

Photoinduced proton transfer reactions of harmane or 1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (HN) in the presence of the proton donor hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in cyclohexane-toluene mixtures (CY-TL; 10% vol/vol of TL) have been studied. Three excited state species have been identified: a 1:2 hydrogen-bonded proton transfer complex (PTC), between the pyridinic nitrogen of the substrate and the proton donor, a hydrogen-bonded cation-like exciplex (CL*) with a stoichiometry of at least 1:3 and a zwitterionic exciplex (Z*). Time-resolved fluorescence measurements evidence that upon excitation of ground state PTC, an excited state equilibrium is established between PTC* and the cationlike exciplex, CL*, lambdaem approximately/= 390 nm. This excited state reaction is assisted by another proton donor molecule. Further reaction of CL* with an additional HFIP molecule produces the zwitterionic species, Z*, lambda(em) approximately/= 500 nm. From the analysis of the multiexponential decays, measured at different emission wavelengths and as a function of HFIP concentration, the mechanism of these excited state reactions has been established. Thus, three rate constants and three reciprocal lifetimes have been determined. The simultaneous study of 1,9-dimethyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (MHN) under the same experimental conditions has helped to understand the excited state kinetics of these processes.

Pigment-lipoprotein complexes in table olives (Cv. Gordal) with green staining alteration.

In table olives showing the green staining alteration, extracts of pigment-lipoprotein complexes were obtained from the zone altered and the rest of the fruit. In the altered zone of the olive, the surrounding components of pigments were affected, with the degeneration of proteins and phospholipids forming the pigment-lipoprotein complexes. There was also less interaction between the pigments and the membrane lipids. These results suggested a greater loss of cell integrity in the green-stained zone of the fruit, allowing the migration and local accumulation of Cu-metallochlorophyll complexes, macroscopically visible as the form of green staining alteration.

Differences in the activity of superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase and Cu-Zn content in the fruits of Gordal and Manzanilla olive varieties.

Activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as well as Cu-Zn content have been monitored during the thirteen weeks growth of both Gordal and Manzanilla olive variety fruits. These metalloenzymes, with Cu and Zn in the prostetic group, are involved in controlling the redox balance in the chloroplast environment. The results indicated that, under similar phenological and environmental conditions, there are periodic peaks of SOD activity in both varieties, followed by fluctuations in the copper content of the fruit. This was interpreted as a common and simultaneous response to situations of oxidative stress, and this response was more intense in the variety Gordal. The enzyme PPO showed an activity peak at start of growth and then practically disappeared. Thus, its activity cannot be correlated with situations of stress or with changes of Cu and Zn in the fruit.

A cross-sectional survey among patients and prescribers on insulin dosing irregularities and impact of mild (self-treated) hypoglycemia episodes in Spanish patients with type 2 diabetes as compared to other European patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In Spain, data suggest that 13.8% of adults have diabetes. Two important aspects in diabetes management are mild hypoglycemic episodes and poor treatment adherence. This study assesses the impact of missed insulin doses and prevalence of mistimed and reduced insulin doses and mild hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin analogues in Spain, and compares the data collected to pooled data from 8 other European countries (OECs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: GAPP2 was an international, online, cross-sectional study of diabetic patients aged ≥40 years treated with long-acting insulin analogues and their healthcare professionals. Patients and healthcare professionals were recruited from online research panels. Data reported in Spain are compared to pooled data from 8 OECs. RESULTS: In Spain, 1-3% of patients reported they had reduced, missed, or mistimed at least one insulin does in the previous month. Significantly more OEC patients reported dosing irregularities (15-23%; all P<0.01). In Spain, 77% of patients were worried and 59% felt guilty for missing a dose of basal insulin, while 24% reported that they were very worried about nocturnal hypoglycemia. Significantly fewer OEC patients reported worrying (47%; P<0.01) and feeling guilty (37%; P<0.01) about missing an insulin dose, or worry about nocturnal hypoglycemia (12%; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, patients with type 2 diabetes report fewer dosing irregularities and hypoglycemic episodes as compared to patients from OECs. However, Spanish patients appear to have a reduced quality of life related to hypoglycemia as well as worry and guilt related to insulin dosing irregularities.

Self-reported frequency and impact of hypoglycemic events in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoglycemia is a common side effect of insulin therapy and has negative implications for quality of life and healthcare resources. The authors investigated the self-reported frequency of non-severe and severe hypoglycemic events (NSHEs and SHEs), hypoglycemia awareness, patient-physician communication, health-related effects and economic impact on people with insulin-treated diabetes (Type-1 and Type-2) in Spain. METHODS: People with Type-1 (T1DM) or insulin-treated Type-2 (T2DM) diabetes older than 15 years of age completed up to 4 questionnaires at weekly intervals. NSHE was an event which respondents could manage without assistance. SHE needed help from a third party to manage. RESULTS: In total, 630 respondents completed questionnaires covering 2,235 weeks. Mean self-reported NSHEs per respondent-week were 1.7 (T1DM) and 0.4-0.8 (T2DM). Impaired hypoglycemia awareness or unawareness was reported by 55% of T1DM and 39% of T2DM respondents. Overall, 31% of T1DM and 20% of T2DM respondents rarely/never informed their physician about NSHEs. Respondents reported feeling tired/fatigued after 67% of NSHE and less alert after 45% of NSHE. Over the week following an NSHE, blood glucose measurement test-strip use increased by 5.3 (mean). In employed respondents (43%), 18% of NSHEs were reported to lead to lost work time (mean 1.5 h per event). After an SHE, 49% of respondents required emergency visits and/or hospital admission. CONCLUSION: NSHE are a common occurrence with T1DM and insulin-treated T2DM in Spain and are associated with a cost burden and negative impact on well-being. Patient-physician communication is higher in Spain than Europe overall; however, many patients expressed reluctance to discuss their hypoglycemia.

Picrocrocin kinetics in aqueous saffron spice extracts (Crocus sativus L.) upon thermal treatment.

The kinetics of picrocrocin degradation in aqueous extracts of saffron upon thermal treatment from 5 to 70 °C have been studied, together with the degradation of purified picrocrocin in water at 100 °C. The best fits to experimental data were found for a second-order kinetics model. Picrocrocin showed high stability with half-life periods (t(1/2)) ranging from >3400 h at 5 °C in saffron extracts to 9 h in the experiments with purified picrocrocin at 100 °C. In saffron extracts, the evolution of the rate constant (k) with temperature showed maximum values at 35 °C, and filtration of the extracts contributed to picrocrocin stability. In the case of purified picrocrocin, the generation of safranal in the first 5 h (yield up to 7.4%) was confirmed. Spectrometric parameters used in saffron quality control (E(1cm)(1%) 257 nm and ΔΕ(pic)) were not appropriate for documenting the evolution of picrocrocin.