Importancia cultural de la flora empleada por la comunidad nativa Asheninka Sheremashe, Ucayali, Perú / Cultural importance of the flora used by the Asheninka Sheremashe native community, Ucayali, Peru

The cultural significance of the flora used by the native Asheninka Sheremashe community in Ucayali, Peru was determined. To do this, a fieldwork of over 4 months was conducted, involving semi-structured interviews with 106 residents through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The community utilizes 139 plant species in their daily lives, belonging to 120 genera and 52 families, with the most abundant being Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae, and Rutaceae. Furthermore, 25.9% of the species are of significant importance to theinhabitants according to the Cultural Index (CI), such as Manihot esculenta, Theobroma cacao, Bixa orellana, Musa paradisiaca, Ficus insipida, among others. It can be concluded that the flora plays a prominent role in the life of the community, with the categories reporting the highest number of species being: food (29.35%), medicine (28.36%), culture (9.95%), construction (9.45%), lumber (6.97%), commerce (3.48%), craftsmanship (2.49%), toxic (2.49%), and other uses (7.46%)

Se determinó la importancia cultural de la flora empleada por la comunidad nativa Asheninka Sheremashe, en Ucayali, Perú. Para ello, se realizó un trabajo de campo de más de 4 meses, donde se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 106 habitantes mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. La comunidad emplea 139 especies vegetales en su día a día, pertenecientes a 120 géneros y 52 familias; siendo las más abundantes las Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Malvaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae y Rutaceae. Además, el 25.9% de las especies tiene gran importancia para los pobladores según el Índice Cultural (IC): Manihot esculenta, Theobroma cacao, Bixa orellana, Musa paradisiaca, Ficus insipida, entre otras. Se concluye que la flora tiene un rol preponderante en la vida de la comunidad, siendo las categorías que presentaron mayor reporte de especies: alimentación (29.35%), medicina (28.36%), cultura (9.95%), construcción (9.45%), aserrío (6.97%), comercio (3.48%), artesanía (2.49%), tóxico (2.49%) y otros usos (7.46%)

Robust Amide-Linked Fluorinated Covalent Organic Framework for Long-Term Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysis.

The high energy demand of the evolving world opens the door to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a promising candidate, being the 2e- pathway of great interest for the green production of hydrogen peroxide. Metal-free covalent organic frameworks (COFs) electrocatalysts present a suitable alternative to substitute the noble-metals more commonly employed in this application. However, the lability of the linkages building up the framework raises an issue for their long-term use and application in aggressive media. Herein, a stable amide-linked COF is reported through post-synthetic modification of a previously reported imine-linked COF proven to be effective as an electrocatalyst, enhancing its chemical stability and electrochemical response. It is found that after the linkage transformation, the new electrocatalyst displays a higher selectivity toward the H2O2 production (98.5%) and an enhanced turnover frequency of 0.155 s-1, which is among the bests reported to date for metal-free and COF based electrocatalysts. The results represent a promising step forward for metal-free non pyrolyzed electrocatalysts, improving their properties through post-synthetic linkage modification for long-term operation.

Genomic resources of two aquatic Lepidoptera, Elophila obliteralis and Hyposmocoma kahamanoa, reveal similarities with Trichoptera in amino acid composition of major silk genes.

While most species of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) have entirely terrestrial life histories, ∼0.5% of the described species are known to have an aquatic larval stage. Larvae of aquatic Lepidoptera are similar to caddisflies (Trichoptera) in that they use silk to anchor themselves to underwater substrates or to build protective cases. However, the physical properties and genetic elements of silks in aquatic Lepidoptera remain unstudied, as most research on lepidopteran silk has focused on the commercially important silkworm, Bombyx mori. Here, we provide high-quality PacBio HiFi genome assemblies of two distantly-related aquatic Lepidoptera species (Elophila obliteralis (Pyraloidea: Crambidae) and Hyposmocoma kahamanoa (Gelechioidea: Cosmopterigidae)). As a step toward understanding the evolution of underwater silk in aquatic Lepidoptera, we used our two genome assemblies and compared them to published genetic data of aquatic and terrestrial Lepidoptera. Sequences of the primary silk protein, h-fibroin in aquatic moths have conserved termini and share a basic motif structure with terrestrial Lepidoptera. However, these sequences were similar to aquatic Trichoptera in that the percentage of positively and negatively charged amino acids was much higher than in terrestrial Lepidoptera, indicating a possible adaptation of silks to aquatic environments.

Frailty, Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis. / Fragilidad, sarcopenia y osteoporosis.

Frailty, sarcopenia and osteoporosis are entities specific to the elderly, who share some risk factors. For this reason, their relationship has been studied in different works, which have provided disparate results, probably because these studies have not always focused on the same aspects. This article reviews the relationship of frailty and sarcopenia with osteoporosis.

Emergence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST179 producing both IMP-16 and KPC-2: a case study of introduction from Peru to Spain.

We describe four cases of a novel carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST179 clone carrying the blaKPC-2 or blaKPC-35 gene together with blaIMP-16, imported from Peru to Spain and isolated from leukemia patients. All isolates were multidrug-resistant but remained susceptible to fosfomycin, cefiderocol, and colistin. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that blaKPC-2 and blaKPC-35 were located in an IncP6 plasmid, whereas blaIMP-16 was in a chromosomal type 1 integron. This study highlights the global threat of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa clones and underscores the importance of monitoring and early detection of emerging resistance mechanisms to guide appropriate treatment strategies. The importation and spread of such clones emphasize the urgent need to implement strict infection control measures to prevent the dissemination of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. IMPORTANCE: This is the first documented case of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST179 strain carrying the blaKPC-35 gene, and it represents the first report of a P. aeruginosa co-harboring blaIMP-16 and either blaKPC-2 or blaKPC-35, which wre imported from Peru to Spain, highlighting a threat due to the capacity of spreading carbapenem-resistance via plasmid conjugation.

Multiscale Length Structural Investigation and Thermoelectric Performance of Double-Filled Sr0.2Yb0.2Co4Sb12: An Exceptional Thermal Conductivity Reduction by Filler Segregation to the Grain Boundaries.

Among thermoelectric materials, skutterudites are the most prominent candidates in the mid-temperature range applications. In the multiple-filled Sr0.2Yb0.2Co4Sb12 skutterudite, with Sr and Yb as fillers, we have enhanced the thermoelectric performance of CoSb3 through the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity and the optimization of carrier concentration and electrical conductivity. The high-pressure synthesis of the double-filled derivative promotes filling fraction fluctuation. This is observed by high angular resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction, showing a phase segregation that corresponds to an inhomogeneous distribution of the filler atoms, located at the 2a positions of the cubic space group Im3̅. In addition, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with EELS spectroscopy clearly shows a segregation of Sr atoms from the surface of the grains, which is compatible with the synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction results. Mean square displacement parameters analysis results in Einstein temperatures of ∼94 and ∼67 K for Sr and Yb, respectively, and a Debye temperature of ∼250 K. The strong effect on resonant and disorder scattering yields a significantly lower lattice thermal conductivity of 2.5 W m-1 K-1 at 773 K. Still, good weighed-mobility values were obtained, with high filling fraction of the Yb and Sr elements. This drives a reduced electrical resistivity of 2.1 × 10-5 Ω m, which leads to a peak zT of 0.26 at 773 K. The analysis and results performed for the synthesized (Sr,Yb)-double filled CoSb3, shed light on skutterudites for potential waste-heat recovery applications.

Acetonitrile real gas phase behavior from quasi-ideal gas to nanodroplets: A microscopical view.

We have applied a recently developed general purpose acetonitrile force field based on first-principles calculations to simulate acetonitrile in the gas phase at different temperatures and densities. These conditions range from nearly ideal to real gas phase behavior and condensation. The molecular dynamics simulation results agree fairly well with the experimental studies available in the literature on the gas samples. The structural analysis of aggregates and their associated interaction energies is examined and related to the early model proposed on molecular association and equilibrium determining the non-ideal behavior. The formation of dimers is mainly responsible for the non-ideal behavior of the gas at very low density, confirming suggested models based on previous experimental studies. However, when the density of the sample rises, the level of aggregation increases and the simple concept of dimerization does not hold anymore. The real behavior adopted by the gas is related to the distribution of molecular structures observed. The macroscopical view of a real gas as a generic interparticle interaction system without a defined form may then be rationalized on the basis of a defined molecular association originated by a distribution of aggregates at the low density regime. The sample with the highest density (∼1.4 × 103 mol m-3) at the lowest temperature exhibits a massive aggregation where most of the acetonitrile (ACN) molecules in the simulation box form a big cluster. Its radial distribution function is similar to that of the liquid ACN. This strongly inhomogeneous distribution in the box can be considered a condensation in the gas phase under specific density-T conditions. This formation opens the door to the potential tuning of its solvent properties as a function of its size in these nanodroplets that in turn are controlled by the density-T conditions.

Lifetime milk production of Holstein cattle in the humid tropics compared to Holstein-Gyr and Holstein-Brahman crosses.

Crossbred cattle are commonly used for milk production in the tropics, combining the potential benefits of pure breeds with the heterosis effects of the offspring. However, no comprehensive assessment of lifetime productivity for crossbred versus purebred cattle in low-altitude tropical environments has been carried out. The present study compares the lifetime productivity of purebred Holstein (HO, n = 17,269), Gyr (GY4, n = 435), and Brahman (BR4, n = 622) with crossbreds Gyr × Holstein (GY × HO, n = 5521) and Brahman×Holstein (BR × HO, n = 5429) cows from dairy farms located in low and medium altitude tropical regions in Costa Rica. The production traits of interest were age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), milk production per lactation (TMP), lactation length (LLEN), age at culling (ACUL), and number of lactations (NLAC). Estimates of heterosis were also calculated. The AFC for GY × HO crosses (33-34 months) was not significantly different (p > .05) from HO (33.8 months). For BR × HO crosses, a significant (p < .05) decrease in AFC (BR3HO1 35.6 months, BR2HO2 34.5 months, and BR1H03 33.3 months) was observed as the fraction of HO breed increased. Estimates of heterosis for AFC were favourable for both crosses, of a magnitude close to 3%. The DO for F1 crosses (GY2HO2 94 days; BR2HO2 96 days) was significantly (p < .05) lower than HO (123 days). Estimates of heterosis for DO were also favourable and above 15% for both crosses. The TMP and LLEN were higher for HO (TMP = 5003 kg; LLEN = 324 days) compared with GY × HO (TMP = 4428 to 4773 kg; LLEN = 298 to 312 days) and BR × HO (TMP = 3950 to 4761 kg; LLEN = 273 to 313 days) crosses. Heterosis for TMP was favourable but low for both crosses, with a magnitude below 3.0%. The NLAC for HO (4.6 lactations) was significantly (p < .05) lower than F1 (GY2HO2, 5.8 lactations; BR2HO2, 5.4 lactations). Heterosis for NLAC was above 6.0% for both crosses. Overall, estimates of lifetime income over feed costs per cow on average were USD 2637 (30.3%) and USD 734 (8.4%) higher in F1 GY × HO and BR × HO, respectively, compared to HO. In conclusion, crossbred animals, specifically those with Gyr and Brahman genetics, extend the productive lifespan, increasing economic returns.

Turn-On Solid-State Fluorescent Determination of Zinc Ion by Quinoline-Based Covalent Organic Framework.

A new quinoline-based COF (covalent organic framework), obtained by Povarov reaction, containing 2,6-diisopropylphenyl moieties as substituents over the heterocyclic ring is described for detecting Zn2+ in aqueous solution. The introduction of the mentioned bulky phenyl rings into the network favors an increase of the distance between the reticular sheets and their arrangement, obtaining a new material with an alternating AB type stacking. The new material exhibits good selectivity to detect Zn2+ by fluorescence emission in aqueous solutions up to a concentration of 1.2 × 10-4 m of the metal ion. In order to have a deeper insight into the interaction between the COF and the zinc cation, a thorough spectroscopical, microscopical, and theoretical study is also presented and discussed in this communication.

Evolution of interconsultal activity to endocrinology and nutrition in hospitalization floor in a third level hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Endocrinology and Nutrition (EyN) is an outpatient and hospital medical specialty. This study aims to understand the evolution of the activity of interdepartmental consultation (IC) carried out by EyN in hospitalization floor of a third level hospital, comparing its evolution with other medical specialties, and comparing endocrine IC with nutritional IC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Longitudinal and retrospective study which analyzes IC notes of EyN and other medical specialties between 01-01-2013 and 31-12-2022. RESULTS: A total of 76093 IC notes (12623 patients) were performed by the EyN service (average age 65.4 years; 59% male) with an average of 4.8 notes per patient. Average annual growth was 7% in notes and 4% in patients (versus 6% and 3% of all other medical services, differences statistically significant). Of all patients hospitalized for 4 or more days, EyN went from attending 7.9% (2013) to 12.3% (2022). 66% of the IC performed by EyN was for nutritional cause and 34% for other pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: The EyN service is the one that most patients attend in hospital IC activity, with growth over the last few years greater than other medical specialties. Nutritional pathology is the main reason for IC.

The impact of time from ILD diagnosis to referral to the transplant center on the probability of inclusion in the transplant waiting list.

BACKGROUND: Lung transplant is a therapeutic option for patients with progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine whether time from ILD diagnosis to referral to a transplant center influences the probability of being included in the transplant waiting list. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all ILD patients evaluated as lung transplantation (LT) candidates at a lung transplant center between 01/01/2017 and 31/12/2022. The primary endpoint was the probability of being included in the lung transplant waiting list according to the time elapsed from diagnosis to referral to the transplant center. RESULTS: A total of 843 lung transplant requests were received, of which 367 (43.5%) were associated with ILD. Thirteen patients were excluded because they did not attend the first visit, whereas another 11 were excluded because some information was missing. As a result, our final sample was composed of 343 patients. The median time from diagnosis to referral was 29.4 (10.9 - 61.1) months. The overall probability of inclusion in the waiting list was 29.7%. By time from diagnosis to referral, the probability of inclusion in the waiting list was 48.1% for the patients referred 〈 6 months from diagnosis; 27.5% for patients referred 6 to 24 months from diagnosis; and 25.8% for patients referred 〉 24 months from diagnosis (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Early referral to a lung transplant center seemed to increase the probability of being included in the lung transplant waiting list. Further research is needed in this topic.

Magnetically modified-mitoxantrone mesoporous organosilica drugs: an emergent multimodal nanochemotherapy for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy, the mainstay treatment for metastatic cancer, presents serious side effects due to off-target exposure. In addition to the negative impact on patients' quality of life, side effects limit the dose that can be administered and thus the efficacy of the drug. Encapsulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in nanocarriers is a promising strategy to mitigate these issues. However, avoiding premature drug release from the nanocarriers and selectively targeting the tumour remains a challenge. RESULTS: In this study, we present a pioneering method for drug integration into nanoparticles known as mesoporous organosilica drugs (MODs), a distinctive variant of periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMOs) in which the drug is an inherent component of the silica nanoparticle structure. This groundbreaking approach involves the chemical modification of drugs to produce bis-organosilane prodrugs, which act as silica precursors for MOD synthesis. Mitoxantrone (MTO), a drug used to treat metastatic breast cancer, was selected for the development of MTO@MOD nanomedicines, which demonstrated a significant reduction in breast cancer cell viability. Several MODs with different amounts of MTO were synthesised and found to be efficient nanoplatforms for the sustained delivery of MTO after biodegradation. In addition, Fe3O4 NPs were incorporated into the MODs to generate magnetic MODs to actively target the tumour and further enhance drug efficacy. Importantly, magnetic MTO@MODs underwent a Fenton reaction, which increased cancer cell death twofold compared to non-magnetic MODs. CONCLUSIONS: A new PMO-based material, MOD nanomedicines, was synthesised using the chemotherapeutic drug MTO as a silica precursor. MTO@MOD nanomedicines demonstrated their efficacy in significantly reducing the viability of breast cancer cells. In addition, we incorporated Fe3O4 into MODs to generate magnetic MODs for active tumour targeting and enhanced drug efficacy by ROS generation. These findings pave the way for the designing of silica-based multitherapeutic nanomedicines for cancer treatment with improved drug delivery, reduced side effects and enhanced efficacy.

Randomized Double-blind Cost-effectiveness Comparison of Two 10% Urea Creams in Patients with Diabetic Foot Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of two 10% urea creams in patients with diabetic foot syndrome. METHODS: This was a prospective, longitudinal, single-center, randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial that evaluated the skin quality of 20 feet belonging to 10 patients with diabetic foot syndrome after the application of two 10% urea creams purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets. RESULTS: At follow-up, 19 (95%) of the participants' feet showed improved skin quality, irrespective of the cream applied. On visual inspection, participants had a decreased presence of xerosis, hyperkeratosis, and preulcerative signs such as subkeratotic bruising and areas of redness on the dorsum of the toes. At the 3-month follow-up, nine (90%) of the participants stated that they had continued to apply the cream as a method of self-management to prevent complications. CONCLUSIONS: Creams containing 10% urea purchased in supermarkets improve foot skin quality in patients with diabetic foot syndrome, regardless of their cost. Based on these findings, the authors recommend creams containing 10% urea as a self-management tool for patients with diabetic foot syndrome.

Draft genome sequence of the deep-subsurface Ciceribacter sp. strain T2.26MG-112.2, a second Rhizobiaceae isolated from the Iberian Pyrite Belt at 492.6 mbs.

T2.26MG-112.2 is a Ciceribacter strain that has been isolated from the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. We report its draft genome consisting of a chromosome of ≈4.9 Mb and a plasmid of 357 kb. The annotation reveals 4,824 coding sequences, 48 tRNA genes, and 1 rRNA operon.

Promising Anticancer Prodrugs Based on Pt(IV) Complexes with Bis-organosilane Ligands in Axial Positions.

We report two novel prodrug Pt(IV) complexes with bis-organosilane ligands in axial positions: cis-dichloro(diamine)-trans-[3-(triethoxysilyl)propylcarbamate]platinum(IV) (Pt(IV)-biSi-1) and cis-dichloro(diisopropylamine)-trans-[3-(triethoxysilyl) propyl carbamate]platinum(IV) (Pt(IV)-biSi-2). Pt(IV)-biSi-2 demonstrated enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells (HCT 116 and HT-29) compared with cisplatin and Pt(IV)-biSi-1. Notably, Pt(IV)-biSi-2 exhibited higher cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and lower toxicity on nontumorigenic intestinal cells (HIEC6). In preclinical mouse models of colorectal cancer, Pt(IV)-biSi-2 outperformed cisplatin in reducing tumor growth at lower concentrations, with reduced side effects. Mechanistically, Pt(IV)-biSi-2 induced permanent DNA damage independent of p53 levels. DNA damage such as double-strand breaks marked by histone gH2Ax was permanent after treatment with Pt(IV)-biSi-2, in contrast to cisplatin's transient effects. Pt(IV)-biSi-2's faster reduction to Pt(II) species upon exposure to biological reductants supports its superior biological response. These findings unveil a novel strategy for designing Pt(IV) anticancer prodrugs with enhanced activity and specificity, offering therapeutic opportunities beyond conventional Pt drugs.

On-Surface Synthesis of Organolanthanide Sandwich Complexes.

The synthesis of lanthanide-based organometallic sandwich compounds is very appealing regarding their potential for single-molecule magnetism. Here, it is exploited by on-surface synthesis to design unprecedented lanthanide-directed organometallic sandwich complexes on Au(111). The reported compounds consist of Dy or Er atoms sandwiched between partially deprotonated hexahydroxybenzene molecules, thus introducing a distinct family of homoleptic organometallic sandwiches based on six-membered ring ligands. Their structural, electronic, and magnetic properties are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray linear and circular magnetic dichroism, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, complemented by density functional theory-based calculations. Both lanthanide complexes self-assemble in close-packed islands featuring a hexagonal lattice. It is unveiled that, despite exhibiting analogous self-assembly, the erbium-based species is magnetically isotropic, whereas the dysprosium-based compound features an in-plane magnetization.

Transcriptomic profiling of an evolved Yarrowia lipolytica strain: tackling hexanoic acid fermentation to increase lipid production from short-chain fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are cost-effective carbon sources for an affordable production of lipids. Hexanoic acid, the acid with the longest carbon chain in the SCFAs pool, is produced in anaerobic fermentation of organic residues and its use is very challenging, even inhibiting oleaginous yeasts growth. RESULTS: In this investigation, an adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was performed to improve Yarrowia lipolytica ACA DC 50109 tolerance to high hexanoic acid concentrations. Following ALE, the transcriptomic analysis revealed several genetic adaptations that improved the assimilation of this carbon source in the evolved strain compared to the wild type (WT). Indeed, the evolved strain presented a high expression of the up-regulated gene YALI0 E16016g, which codes for FAT1 and is related to lipid droplets formation and responsible for mobilizing long-chain acids within the cell. Strikingly, acetic acid and other carbohydrate transporters were over-expressed in the WT strain. CONCLUSIONS: A more tolerant yeast strain able to attain higher lipid content under the presence of high concentrations of hexanoic acid has been obtained. Results provided novel information regarding the assimilation of hexanoic acid in yeasts.

Myotonometry in machinery operators and its relationship with postural ergonomic risk.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between occupational ergonomic risk, personal characteristics, and working conditions with the biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone in the paravertebral muscles of electric pallet jack and forklift operators in the industrial sector. METHODS: A total of 75 industrial sector machine operators were evaluated in 2021. Personal characteristics and working conditions were assessed through a questionnaire. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and biomechanical properties of stiffness and muscular tone were obtained using the Myoton Pro device. Stiffness in paravertebral muscles was compared based on the operated machine and observed ergonomic risk. A multilevel linear regression model was employed to quantify the relationship, with mean differences and 95% CI calculated. RESULTS: Very high ergonomic risk was found in 75% of the electric pallet truck drivers. In this group with the highest ergonomic risk, an association between biomechanical properties and older workers was observed. Additionally, among electric pallet truck drivers, stiffness (mean difference 335.9 N/m, 95% CI: 46.4 (3.4 to 110.0), P < 0.05) and paravertebral muscle tone (mean difference 17.5 Hz, 95% CI: 1.4 (0.1 to 3.4), P < 0.05) showed statistically significant differences in the very high ergonomic risk category compared to the high-risk category. No significant differences were observed in any of the analyzed variables among forklift drivers. CONCLUSIONS: Workers operating electric pallet trucks with very high ergonomic risk according to the REBA method and aged over 40 yr are associated with increased muscle stiffness and tone.

A Novel Ear Impression-Taking Method Using Structured Light Imaging and Machine Learning: A Pilot Proof of Concept Study with Patients' Feedback on Prototype.

INTRODUCTION: Taking an ear impression is a minimally invasive procedure. A review of existing literature suggests that contactless methods of scanning the ear have not been developed. We proposed to establish a correlation between external ear features with the ear canal and with this proof of concept to develop a prototype and an algorithm for capturing and predicting ear canal information. METHODS: We developed a novel prototype using structured light imaging to capture external images of the ear. Using a large database of existing ear impression images obtained by traditional methods, correlation analyses were carried out and established. A deep neural network was devised to build a predictive algorithm. Patients undergoing hearing aid evaluation undertook both methods of ear impression-taking. We evaluated their subjective feedback and determined if there was a close enough objective match between the images obtained from the impression techniques. RESULTS: A prototype was developed and deployed for trial, and most participants were comfortable with this novel method of ear impression-taking. Partial matching of the ear canal could be obtained from the images taken, and the predictive algorithm applied for a few sample images was within good standard of error with proof of concept established. DISCUSSION: Further studies are warranted to strengthen the predictive capabilities of the algorithm and determine optimal prototype imaging positions so that sufficient ear canal information can be obtained for three-dimensional printing. Ear impression-taking may then have the potential to be automated, with the possibility of same-day three-dimensional printing of the earmold to provide timely access.