Fiabilidad de los métodos automatizados en la determinación del índice tobillo-brazo. Revisión sistemática / Reliability of automated methods in determining the ankle-brachial index. Systematic review

La enfermedad arterial periférica es uno de los principales factores que intervienen en la aparición de la úlcera de etiología isquémica de la extremidad inferior en mayores de 70 años. La aparición de esta patología conlleva un aumento de la mobimortalidad e, incluso, llega a afectar a la calidad de vida de la persona que la padece. Todo esto hace que sea necesario aplicar métodos diagnósticos que permitan establecer un diagnóstico temprano. Para ello, se lleva a cabo una exploración clínica inicial y una exploración hemodinámica mediante el cálculo del índice tobillo-brazo. El método que se considera como el gold standard es la técnica Doppler, sin embargo, el tiempo que conlleva su realización y la necesidad de un entrenamiento previo ha dificultado su práctica en atención primaria. Como solución a esto, se ha propuesto la sustitución del método tradicional por equipos oscilométricos automáticos. Para poder determinar la fiabilidad de los dispositivos automáticos en la determinación del índice tobillo-brazo se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica en las bases de datos: MEDLINE, SciELO, Cochrane, Elsevier y CUIDEN hasta febrero de 2020. Se obtuvo un total de 58 artículos, de los cuales se incluyeron 15 en el análisis. Los resultados publicados son varios debido a las diferentes metodologías empleadas, los perfiles de los pacientes seleccionados para el estudio y los diversos modelos de oscilometría estudiados en cada artículo. Por tanto, las diferencias encontradas en los artículos dificultan la realización de una comparación válida entre ellos, para poder determinar qué dispositivo automático sería el más fiable en el cálculo del índice tobillo-brazo en comparación con la técnica Doppler; y se recomienda que se continúen realizando investigaciones con un diseño más centrado que permita determinar una alternativa eficaz al método tradicional en la práctica clínica (AU)

Peripheral artery disease is one of the main factors involved in the onset of ischemic etiology ulcers of the lower limb in patients older than 70 years old. The appearance of this disease leads to an increase in the morbidity and mortality and even affects the quality of life of the person who suffers from this disease. All this makes it necessary to apply diagnostic methods to make an early diagnosis. To this end, an initial clinical examination and a hemodynamic examination are carried out by calculating the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The method that is considered the gold standard is the Doppler technique. However, the time involved in its implementation and the need for prior training has hampered its practice in primary care. As a solution to this, automatic oscillometric devices that measure blood pressure have been proposed to replace the traditional method. In order to determine the reliability of automatic devices when it comes to determining the ankle-brachial index, a systematic review of scientific literature databases has been performed: MEDLINE, SciELO, Cochrane, Elsevier and CUIDEN until February 2020. A total of 58 items were received, 15 of which were included for the analysis. Several published results are due to the different methodologies employed, profiles of patients selected for the study and various models of oscillometry studied in each article. Therefore, the differences found in the articles make it difficult to make a fair comparison between them in order to determine which device would be the most reliable in determining the ankle-brachial index compared to the Doppler technique; recommending the continuous designfocused research in order to establish an effective alternative to the traditional method in clinical practice (AU)

Lesion-associated microglia and macrophages mediate corralling and react with massive phagocytosis for debris clearance and wound healing after LPS-induced dopaminergic depletion.

Neuroinflammation contributes to neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, how brain inflammatory factors mediate the progression of neurodegeneration is still poorly understood. Experimental models of PD have shed light on the understanding of this phenomenon, but the exploration of inflammation-driven models is necessary to better characterize this aspect of the disorder. The use of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce a neuroinflammation-mediated neuronal loss is useful to induce reliable elimination of dopaminergic neurons. Nevertheless, how this model parallels the PD-like neuroinflammation is uncertain. In the present work, we used the direct LPS injection as a model inductor to eliminate dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in rats and reevaluated the inflammatory reaction. High-resolution 3D histological examination revealed that, although LPS induced a reliable elimination of SNpc dopaminergic neurons, it also generated a massive inflammatory response. This inflammation-mediated injury was characterized by corralling, a damaged parenchyma occupied by a vast population of lesion-associated microglia and macrophages (LAMMs) undertaking wound compaction and scar formation, surrounded by highly reactive astrocytes. LAMMs tiled the entire lesion and engaged in long-standing phagocytic activity to resolve the injury. Additionally, modeling LPS inflammation in a cell culture system helped to understand the role of phagocytosis and cytotoxicity in the initial phases of dopaminergic degeneration and indicated that LAMM-mediated toxicity and phagocytosis coexist during LPS-mediated dopaminergic elimination. However, this type of severe inflammatory-mediated injury, and subsequent resolution appear to be different from the ageing-related PD scenario where the architectural structure of the parenchyma is mostly preserved. Thus, the necessity to explore new experimental models to properly mimic the inflammatory compound observed in PD degeneration.

¿Afecta la hidradenitis supurativa a la calidad de vida del paciente? Una revision de la literatura / Does hidradenitis suppurativa affect the patient's quality of life? A review of the literature

La hidradenitis supurativa es una enfermedad autoinmune crónica debida a la obstrucción de un folículo piloso, que da lugar a la formación de nódulos. Se desconoce la etiología concreta. Algunos factores desencadenantes son los antecedentes familiares, la obesidad, el hábito tabáquico, la ropa ajustada y los factores hormonales e inmunológicos, entre otros. La sintomatología típica es dolor, supuración, prurito y mal olor, y puede llegar a generar cicatrices, fístulas y tunelizaciones. Las localizaciones de las lesiones típicas son en axilas, zona inguinal, perianal y zona mamaria. Cursa con brotes y no es contagiosa. Dependiendo del estadio existen diferentes tratamientos para esta. El diagnóstico se basa en una entrevista sobre los antecedentes familiares, la localización de las lesiones, las manifestaciones clínicas y la alta recurrencia de la enfermedad. Afecta a un 1% de la población mundial, con mayor incidencia a las mujeres. Objetivos: Investigar si la patología afecta a la calidad de vida de los pacientes y averiguar las repercusiones en esta. Metodología: Se realizó mediante una revisión sistemática de los últimos 5 años, tanto de la hidradenitis supurativa como de la pregunta a estudio en las siguientes bases de datos: Google Académico, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus y Cochrane. Resultados: Los pacientes refieren tener una peor calidad de vida debido a síntomas de la hidradenitis supurativa, como el dolor, prurito y mal olor. Estos afectan en su vida diaria, vida laboral y relaciones sociales, entre otros. Conclusiones: Tras la búsqueda, se afirma la pregunta de estudio. La calidad de vida del paciente con hidradenitis supurativa está disminuida y deteriorada debido a los síntomas que la cursan. Además, conlleva una serie de comorbilidades tanto psicológicas como personales (AU)

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic autoimmune disease due to the obstruction of a hair follicle leading to the formation of nodules. The specific etiology is unknown. Some triggers are family history, obesity, smoking, tight clothing, hormonal and immunological factors, among others. The typical symptomatology is pain, suppuration, itching, bad smell and can generate scars, fistulas and tunnels. Typical lesion locations are in the armpits, inguinal, perianal, and mammary areas. It has outbreaks and is not contagious. Depending on the stage there are different treatments for it. The diagnosis is based on an interview on the family history, location of the lesions, clinical manifestations and high recurrence of the disease. It affects 1% of the world population, with a higher incidence in women. Objectives Investigate whether the pathology affects the quality of life of patients and find out the repercussions on it. Methods: It was carried out through a systematic review of the last five years of both hidradenitis suppurativa and the question under study in the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Results: Patients reported having a poorer quality of life due to symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa such as pain, itching and a bad smell. These affect their daily life, work life, social relationships, among others Conclusions: After the search, the study question is affirmed. The quality of life of the patient with hidradenitis suppurativa is diminished and deteriorated due to the symptoms that occur. In addition, it carries a series of psychological and personal comorbidities (AU)

Activated Carbon Modifications for Heterogeneous Fenton-Like Catalysis.

The effective and efficient degradation of persistent, recalcitrant pollutants by advanced oxidation processes is vital to both reduce hazardous waste and remediate polluted waters. One such advanced oxidation process is the use of Fenton chemistry, which can be optimized using heterogeneous catalysts. However, to make this AOP viable over conventional treatment methods, the technology needs to be optimized from both a technical and economic standpoint. From a heterogeneous catalyst optimization perspective, varying the surface chemistry of activated carbon and impregnating or doping with Fenton-like catalytic nanomaterials removes precipitation complications associated with traditional iron species in Fenton chemistry while generating effective amounts of highly oxidative hydroxyl radicals. Utilizing various techniques to synthesize heterogeneous catalysts with activated carbon as a backbone, in the presence of H2O2 the formation of hydroxyl radicals and removal of benzoic acid is tested. Comparing various additives, raw activated carbon impregnated with 5% MnO2 in the presence of H2O2 realized a high concentration of hydroxyl radical formation while maintaining low cost and relative ease of synthesis. This AC-Mn5 catalyst performed effectively in varying concentrations of H2O2, utilizing various synthesis techniques, after simulated aging of the catalyst structure, and over a wide pH range with the highest radical formation at acidic pH values. Utilizing this catalytic material as a substitute for iron species associated with traditional Fenton technology, the goal of designing a full set of oxidation functions towards persistent, recalcitrant pollutant removal while maintaining cost-effectiveness and scalability is proposed. It is anticipated these catalytic materials are effective to eliminate analogous contaminants and mixtures.

Horse choanae are directionally asymmetric / Las coanas de los caballos son direccionalmente asimétricas

SUMMARY: Studies related to the upper respiratory pathway asymmetries are still scarce in the veterinary literature. We present here a study of choanae asymmetries of a pure horses belonging to "Cavall Pirinenc Català" (Pyrenean Horse Breed). For this goal, the palates of 23 dry skulls with no apparent pathologies were photographed and evaluated using geometric morphometrics. On each photo, we identified and digitized a total of 26 points (subset of 2 mid-sagittal, 4 paired landmarks (discrete homologous points) and 10 semilandmarks (points on an outline determined by extrinsic criteria) per side on the choana. Both fluctuating and directional asymmetries appeared statistically significant, the latter accounting more than half of the total variation. The lateral bend observed in horse choanae may be due to the asymmetrically positioned nasal passages. So detected equine choana asymmetry must rather be considered functional, with no clinical implication and presents an important consideration when equine choanae shape.

RESUMEN: Los estudios relacionados con las asimetrías de las vías respiratorias superiores aún son escasos en la literatura veterinaria. Presentamos un estudio de coanas asimetrías de un caballo puro perteneciente al "Cavall Pirinenc Català" (Raza del Caballo de los Pirineos). Para ello, se fotografiaron y evaluaron los paladares de 23 cráneos secos sin patologías aparentes mediante morfometría geométrica. En cada foto, identificamos y digitalizamos un total de 26 puntos (subconjunto de 2 puntos medio sagitales, 4 puntos de referencia emparejados (puntos homólogos discretos) y 10 puntos semillanos (puntos en un contorno determinado por criterios extrínsecos) por lado de la coana. Ambos fluctúan Las asimetrías direccionales aparecieron estadísticamente significativas, representando estas últimas más de la mitad de la variación total. La curvatura lateral observada en las coanas de caballo puede deberse a los conductos nasales asimétricamente posicionados. Por lo tanto, la asimetría de coanas equinas detectada debería considerarse funcional, sin implicación clínica y presenta una importante consideración cuando se forman coanas equinas.

Anatomic Veterinary Usage: Discussion Around Technical Nomenclature Vs. Jargon.

This article discusses some examples of problems derived from the mix of technical jargon and anatomical veterinary words and makes recommendations regarding their use according to specific situations.

Diferente asimetría craneal según sexo en el conejo toy / Different skull asymmetry according to sex in toy rabbits

RESUMEN: Los conejos denominados toy son seleccionados por su apariencia pedomórfica ('infantilizada'). El objetivo principal de este estudio fue analizar las asimetrías craneales en este tipo de conejo. Para ello, se estudiaron un total de 46 cráneos adultos (9 machos y 37 hembras), recurriéndose a técnicas de morfométrica geométrica a partir 10 hitos anatómicos pareados y 3 en el plano sagital, en la cara dorsal del cráneo. Nuestra hipótesis es que a través de la selección artificial en los machos (objetivo principal para la obtención de nuevos fenotipos) las asimetrías se expresarán como valores de asimetría más altos. El tamaño de los cráneos resultó similar entre ambos sexos, pero presentaban la asimetría fluctuante fue mayor en machos. La asimetría fluctuante se considera un indicador negativo de la capacidad de resistir pequeñas anomalías en su desarrollo, anomalías que son generalmente el resultado de estrés genético o ambiental. En otras palabras, los machos estarían sujetos a una selección más fuerte y, en consecuencia, se verían más afectados por el manejo, en comparación con las hembras. Estos resultados pueden facilitar la comprensión de los patrones y procesos subyacentes al dimorfismo sexual en fenotipos extremos, como lo son los de los conejos toy.

SUMMARY: Toy rabbits are selected for their paedomorphic ('babyish') appearance. The main objective of this study is to analyse the skull asymmetries of toy rabbits. For this purpose, a total of 46 adult skulls (9 males and 37 females) were studied. Geometric morphometric technique with five pairs of anatomical landmarks and three on sagittal plane on dorsal aspect of skull was used. Our hypothesis is that through artificial selection on males (which are the main subject for obtaining new phenotypes among toys) asymmetries will be expressed as higher asymmetrical values. Skulls' size was similar between sexes, but males presented a higher level of fluctuating asymmetry. Fluctuating asymmetry indicates a negative ability to buffer subtle developmental anomalies, normally from genetic or environmental origin. In other words, males would be under stronger directed selection and consequently be more affected by management (including selective) factors compared to females. These results can allow a better understanding of the patterns and processes underlying sexual shape dimorphism, especially with extreme phenotypes, as toy rabbits are.

Incidencia, tipología y medidas de prevención y tratamiento de las lesiones cutáneas asociadas al uso de EPI en profesionales sanitarios durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en España. Estudio colaborativo GNEAUPP-Cátedra de estudios avanzados en heridas GNEAUPP - FSJJ - Universidad de Jaén / Incidence, typology and measures of prevention and treatment of skin lesions associated with the use of personal protective equipment in health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Collaborative study GNEAUPP-Cátedra de estudios avanzados en heridas GNEAUPP - FSJJ - Universidad de Jaén

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reciente pandemia de COVID-19 ha representado la utilización por parte de los profesionales de la salud de diferentes equipos de protección individual (EPI), lo que ha dado lugar a la aparición de lesiones cutáneas asociadas a los mismos (LC-EPI). Conocer la epidemiología, las características y los factores relacionados con el uso de los diferentes tipos de EPI y la prevención y el tratamiento de las LC-EPI puede ser muy útil para comprender el alcance del problema y definir estrategias para su prevención y tratamiento en posibles pandemias futuras. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado por el Grupo Nacional para el Estudio y Asesoramiento en Úlceras por Presión y Heridas Crónicas (GNEAUPP) en el ámbito geográfico del Estado español, mediante una encuesta autoadministrada utilizando un cuestionario de Google Forms. El universo de estudio fueron profesionales de la salud, de cualquier disciplina y nivel asistencial o tipo de institución que habían estado en contacto con pacientes o sospechosos de COVID-19 y habían utilizado EPI durante la primera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19 en España. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 2078 cuestionarios, el 75,5% de enfermeras, el 10,79% de técnicos en cuidados auxiliares de enfermería (TCAE) y el 6,6% de médicos. De los respondedores, el 84,7% eran mujeres y el 15,3% hombres con una edad media de 43,7 años. En el 18,2% de los casos, la institución del profesional contaba con un protocolo para la prevención de las LC-EPI, en el 10,2% el profesional no sabía si existía y en el 71,3% restante la institución no contaba con dicho protocolo. El 29,9% de los profesionales utilizaba siempre algún producto de prevención de LC-EPI y el 25,3% en ocasiones. El 52,4% de los encuestados informó haber presentado al menos una LC-EPI, de los cuales el 39% había presentado una, el 35,8% dos, el 14,3% tres, el 2,2% cuatro y el 8,6% más de cuatro. En relación con el tipo de lesiones, el 74,3% fueron definidas como lesiones por presión (LPP), el 11% como lesiones por fricción (LF), el 8,5% como lesiones combinadas o multicausales (LCMC) y el 6,1% como lesiones cutáneas asociadas a la humedad (LESCAH). La duración media de las lesiones incidentes fue de 11,6 días (9,7 días para las LPP, 10,2 días para las LF, 19,9 días para las LCMC y 19,4 días para las LESCAH). En el artículo se presenta información más detallada por tipo de dispositivo causante, tipología y gravedad de las lesiones por dispositivo, así como las medidas preventivas utilizadas

INTRODUCTION: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has represented the use by health care professionals (HCP) of different personal protective equipment (PPE), resulting in the appearance of skin injuries associated with PPE (PPE-SI). Knowing the epidemiology, characteristics and factors related to the use of different types of PPE and the prevention and treatment of PPE-SI can be very useful to understand the scope of the problem and to define strategies for its prevention and treatment in possible future pandemics. METHODS: To this end, the GNEAUPP proposed the performance of a cross-sectional study, in the geographical area of the Spanish state, by means of a self-administered survey using a Google forms questionnaire. The study universe was HCP, from any discipline and from any level of care or type of institution with patients who have been in contact with COVID-19 patients or COVID-19 suspects and have used PPE during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. MAIN RESULTS: We obtained 2078 questionnaires, 75.5% from nurses, 10.79% from nurse aids, and 6.6% from physicians. Of these, 84.7% were women and 15.3% were men with an average age of 43.7 years. In 18.2% of the cases the institution of the professional had a protocol for the prevention of PPE-SI, in 10.2% the professional did not know if it existed or not and in the remaining 71.3% the institution did not have such a protocol. 29.9% of the professionals always used some prevention product and 25.3% sometimes. 52.4% of respondents reported having submitted at least one PPE-SI, of which 39% had submitted one, 35.8% two, 14.3% three, 2.2% four and 8.6% more than four. In relation to PPE-SI, 74.3% were defined as pressure injuries (PI), 11% were friction injuries (FI), 8.5% were combined or multicausal injuries (CMCI) and 6.1% were skin injuries associated with moisture (MASI). The mean duration of incident injuries was 11.6 days (9.7 days for PI, 10.2 days for FI, 19.9 days for CMCI and 19.4 days for MASI). More detailed Information is presented in the paper by type of device causing, typology and severity of injuries per device as well as preventive measures used

Pregnancy planning and outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis after mitoxantrone therapy: a monocentre assessment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many pregnancy-related doubts and fears. Careful counselling is thus important. Mitoxantrone (MITO) is used in patients with aggressive MS and may affect reproductive capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate pregnancy planning and outcomes in patients with MS treated with MITO, both before and after the treatment. METHODS: Patients with MS previously treated with MITO were recruited. Clinical, demographic and treatment data were recorded. A questionnaire regarding the planning and outcomes of all pregnancies was administered. Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed using SPSS 22 software. RESULTS: A total of 238 patients (female/male, 158/80) were included; 106 subjects planned a pregnancy before MITO and 40 after MITO. Of these, respectively, 102 (97%) and 35 (85%) resulted in conception, 19 (19%) and 7 (18%) in miscarriage, 6 (6%) and 1 (3%) in abortion and 98 (96%) and 32 (91%) were full-term pregnancies. A total of 96 patients (40%) planned a pregnancy only before MITO (and not after), whereas 30 (13%) planned a pregnancy only after MITO (and not before) (P < 0.01). A total of 103 patients did not plan a pregnancy before MITO and 198 did not plan a pregnancy after MITO. The reasons included lack of interest or a partner, fear of MS and infertility. All of the babies born were healthy until the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Mitoxantrone does not affect the ability to conceive or pregnancy outcomes. We found no differences in pregnancies, abortions or miscarriages before and after MITO. The tendency to plan pregnancies decreased significantly after MITO. Our findings may be useful for improving the quality of life of patients and the approach taken by neurologists.

Elliptical Fourier descriptors of outline and morphological analysis in caudal view of foramen magnum of the tropical raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) (Linnaeus, 1758).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate sexual-size dimorphism and attempt at categorization of inter-individual shapes of foramen magnum outlines using Fourier descriptors which allow for shape outline evaluations with a resultant specimen character definition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individual characterization and quantification of foramen magnum shapes in direct caudal view based on elliptical Fourier technique was applied to 46 tropical raccoon skulls (26 females, 20 males). RESULTS: Incremental number of harmonics demonstrates morphological contributions of such descriptors with their relations to specific anatomical constructions established. The initial harmonics (1st to 3rd) described the general foramen shapes while the second (4th to 12th) demonstrated fine morphological details. Sexual-size dimorphism was observed in females (87.1%) and 91.7% in males, normalization of size produces 75% in females and 83% in males. With respect to foramen magnum dimorphism analysis, the result obtained through elliptic Fourier analysis was comparatively better in detail information of outline contours than earlier classical methods. The first four effective principal components defined 70.63% of its shape properties while the rest (22.51%) constituted fine details of morphology. CONCLUSION: Both size and shape seems important in sexual dimorphisms in this species, this investigation suggest clinical implications, taxonomic and anthropologic perspectives in foramen characterization magnum characterization and further postulates an increased possibility of volume reduction cerebellar protrusion, ontogenic magnum shape irregularities in the sample population with neurologic consequences especially among females.

The use of an antioxidant dressing on hard-to-heal wounds: a multicentre, prospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress can contribute to impaired wound healing and chronic wounds. Our objective was to test the results of a new antioxidant dressing that could help stop the oxidative stress of cells in the wound bed. METHOD: A multicentre, prospective case study series was conducted in three Spanish hospitals. The RESVECH 2.0 index was used for healing assessment. Data from each patient was collected by the attending clinical researchers. Data analysis was performed using the statistical concept intention-to-treat (ITT). Descriptive results were presented as frequency and percentages for qualitative variables and mean, standard deviation (SD), range and median for quantitative variables. For analytical-inferential analyses, incidence of healing was calculated for chronic and acute wounds. Relative risk (RR) was used to establish the differences of healing between both types of wounds. Healing was represented by Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and these were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients with hard-to-heal wounds were recruited. During the 8-week follow-up period, nine wounds (29%) completely healed, of which seven (77.8%) were acute and two (22.2%) chronic. The remaining wounds (22) showed a significant improvement after treatment with the antioxidant dressing. RESVECH 2.0 scores decreased an average of 10.16 points over the 8-week period. CONCLUSION: The antioxidant dressing could represent an alternative in the dressing landscape for many types of acute and chronic wounds.

Elliptic Fourier Analysis in the Study of the Male Genitalia to Discriminate Three Macrolophus Species (Hemiptera: Miridae).

Within the genus Macrolophus (Heteroptera: Miridae), the species M. costalis (Fieber), M. melanotoma (Costa) and M. pygmaeus (Rambur) are present in the Mediterranean region on a wide variety of plant species. While M. costalis can easily be separated from the other two by the black tip at the scutellum, M. pygmaeus and M. melanotoma are cryptic species, extremely similar to one another in external traits, which has resulted in misidentifications. M. pygmaeus is an efficient biological control agent, both in greenhouse and field crops. The misidentification of these cryptic species could limit the effectiveness of biological control programs. Although the morphology of the left paramere of the male genitalia has been used as a character for identification of these two cryptic species, there is controversy surrounding the reliability of this character as a taxonomic tool for these species. Using geometric morphometric techniques, which are a powerful approach in detecting slight shape variations, the left parameres from these three Macrolophus species were compared. The paramere of M. costalis was larger and had a different shape to that of M. melanotoma and M. pygmaeus; however, no differences in size or shape were found between the left paramere of M. melanotoma and that of M. pygmaeus. Therefore, our results confirm that this character is too similar and it cannot be used to discriminate between these two cryptic species.

Inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus with selenium nanoparticles synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in deionized water.

Nosocomial diseases are mainly caused by two common pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are becoming more and more resistant to conventional antibiotics. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly necessary to find other alternative treatments than commonly utilized drugs. A promising strategy is to use nanomaterials such as selenium nanoparticles. However, the ability to produce nanoparticles free of any contamination is very challenging, especially for nano-medical applications. This paper reports the successful synthesis of pure selenium nanoparticles by laser ablation in water and determines the minimal concentration required for ~50% inhibition of either E. coli or S. aureus after 24 hours to be at least ~50 ppm. Total inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus is expected to occur at 107±12 and 79±4 ppm, respectively. In this manner, this study reports for the first time an easy synthesis process for creating pure selenium to inhibit bacterial growth.

Classification of dependence-related skin lesions: a new proposal.

A new theoretical framework on the development of pressure ulcers and other dependence-related lesions requires continued in-depth analysis of their conceptual bases. This study reports the historical background, definitions, and production mechanisms of these lesions, describing the differential pathognomonic features of pressure and/or shear ulcers, moisture-associated skin damage, and lesions from rubbing or friction. It also discusses the combined/multifactorial lesions that can be found in the clinical setting. Finally, it presents the new classification of these lesions proposed by the Spanish Pressure Ulcers and Chronic Wounds Advisory Panel.

A limit for antler length in captive marals / Límite del largo de cuernos del ciervo colorado en cautiverio

The main aim of this study was to estimate phenotypic correlations among live weight, withers height, rump height, chest depth, chest width, thoracic girth, body length, hip widths (between iliac tuberosities and between ischial tuberosities) and forelimb cannon perimeter with antler length measured during the growth of marals on a Kazakh farm. The data comprised 18 animals studied during their growth (at 18 months and at 24 months). In maral, the first period of antler productivity takes place at the age of 24 months. This fact should be taken into account in order to select the best animals for antler production, which is the main purpose for farming this species.

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar en ciervos colorados de una granja de Kazajstán, las correlaciones fenotípicas entre el peso vivo, altura a la cruz, la profundidad del pecho, ancho de pecho, circunferencia torácica, longitud del cuerpo, ancho de cadera (entre tuberosidades ilíacas e isquiáticas) y perímetro del miembro anterior, con el largo de cuernos medido durante su crecimiento. Los datos de este estudio comprendieron 18 animales durante su crecimiento (entre los 18 y 24 meses). En el ciervo colorado el período inicial de la productividad de cuernos tiene lugar a los de 24 meses de edad. Este hecho se debe tener en cuenta para seleccionar los mejores animales para la producción de cuernos, objetivo principal para la crianza de esta especie.

No difference in antler asymmetries between two captive maral deer populations / No existen diferencias de asimetría de las astas entre dos poblaciones de ciervo rojo en cautiverio

The objective of this study was to investigate asymmetry in antlers of Caspian Red Deer or maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus) from two different genetic origins and maintained under similar conditions. Eighteen male Caspian Red Deer aged 24 months were studied. Nine animals belonged to the local Kazakh population and nine were directly imported Russian deer. The following data were obtained for right and left antlers: wet weight, stem length and circle and 1st, 2nd and 3rd shoot lengths. To obtain the values of antler asymmetries we used the absolute differences between the value of each trait on left and right sides. According to values of asymmetries obtained, the two populations neither showed differences from each other nor exhibited consistent directional trends in mean measures. Therefore, it could be concluded that Russian marals have adapted well to environmental conditions, presenting no different levels of environmental stress in relation to local Kazakh ones.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asimetría en las astas del Ciervo Rojo del Mar Caspio o Maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus) en dos rebaños de origen genético diferente y mantenidos bajo condiciones similares. Se estudiaron 18 ciervos rojos del mar Caspio (machos) de 24 meses de edad. Nueve de los 18 animales pertenecían a la población nativa de Kazajistán y nueve fueron importados directamente desde Rusia. Se obtuvieron los siguientes datos para las astas derecha e izquierda: peso húmedo, longitud del tallo, circunferencia y primera, segunda y tercera longitud de los cuernos. Para obtener los valores de asimetrías de las astas se registraron las diferencias absolutas entre el valor de cada rasgo, izquierdo y derecho. De acuerdo a los valores obtenidos de las asimetrías, no se registraron diferencias entre ambas poblaciones, tampoco se observaron tendencias direccionales consistentes en el promedio de medidas. El ciervo rojo ruso se ha adaptado bien a las condiciones ambientales y no presentó niveles de estrés ambiental diferentes en relación con los animales nativos de Kazajistán.

An analysis of sexual size dimorphism in goose.

1. Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is a common phenomenon in animals. Rensch's rule states that larger species generally exhibit a higher male to female body size ratio than smaller ones. 2. Domesticated animals offer excellent opportunities for testing predictions of the functional explanations of Rensch's rule and this was tested in a meta-analysis of SSD in 38 breeds of domestic geese compared among themselves and with their wild relatives (subfamily Anserinae, 35 species). 3. Domestic geese and wild Anser species taken together supported Rench's rule but the wild species did not. 4. The non-targeted sex selection hypothesis seems to provide the best intuitive explanation for the lack of SSD in geese.

Size and shape variability in the skull of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821).

The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a widely spread cetacean species. We present a quantitative analysis of age dimorphism variation in the skull of T. truncatus assessed by geometric morphometrics (GM) methods. Differences in size and shape of skulls were investigated using eight landmarks plotted on 2-D images of ventral views of 14 museum specimens. The results of GM revealed differences in size, but not in shape. The left side appears more variable, which is probably an effect of telescoping.

Evaluation of obturator foramen suggests no differences between sexes in young bovines.

Among the numerous bovine pelvic traits displaying sex differences, no detailed studies of bovine obturator foramen are available in the veterinary literature. The purpose of this work was to study quantitatively this structure using lineal biometrics, shape indexes and Fourier analysis. The material consisted of 60 hemicoxae belonging to young bovines of approximately 1 year of age. Although significant differences were found in area, perimeter and length of obturator foramen, none of the analyses used were able to differentiate between sexes and thus cannot be used as a natural trait for determining sex, at least in young bovines.

Basicranial analysis in young bovines reveals a relation to breed and sex.

The purpose of this article was to examine the level of sexual dimorphism exhibited in the foramen magnum and occipital condyles of bovine juveniles and to test the utility of three basicranial measurements for estimating sex and to evaluate breed differences. Data were taken from 68 bovines of known sex, age and breed. The linear foramen magnum measurements (breadth and height) were not effective in determining the sex of the skulls, but there appeared differences of the occipital bicondylar breadth between sexes and breeds evaluated ('Bruna dels Pirineus' and others). The occipital bicondylar breadth assigned the sex correctly 75% of the cases. The study of occipital bicondylar breadth could thus be effective to obtain reliable results for the determination of sex in bovine skulls and also could be taken into account when differentiating breeds. It is considered that this study will make morphological contributions to develop a comparative model for other domestic bovine breeds, for there is inadequate literature on foramen magnum morphology for domestic species contrary to the richness of these kinds of studies on humans. The results obtained in this study can also be useful as baseline research data in comparative neuroanatomy and in neuropathology. Focusing on zooarchaeology and also on forensic veterinary, simple morphometric analysis of this type can be used as part of an investigative process prior to more sophisticated and expensive analyses such as the DNA examination.