Modeling road traffic safety based on point patterns of wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions represent one of the main coexistence problems that appear between human populations and the environment. In general terms, this affects road safety, wildlife management, and the building of road infrastructures. These accidents are a great danger to the life and safety of car drivers, cause property damage to vehicles, and affect wildlife populations. In this work, we develop a new approach based on algorithms used to obtain minimum paths between vertices in weighted networks to get the optimal (safest) route between two points (departure and destination points) in a road structure based on wildlife-vehicle collision point patterns together with other road variables such as traffic volume (traffic flow information), road speed limits, and vegetation density around roads. For this purpose, we have adapted the road structure into a mathematical linear network as described in the field of Graph Theory and added weights to each linear segment based on the intensity of accidents. Then, the resulting network structure allows us to consider some graph theory methodologies to manipulate and apply different calculations to analyze the network. This new approach has been illustrated with a real data set involving the locations of 491 wildlife-vehicle collisions in a square region (40 km × 40 km) around the city of Lleida, during the period 2010-2014, in the region of Catalonia, North-East of Spain. Our results show the usefulness of our new approach to model road traffic safety based on point patterns of wildlife-vehicle collisions. As such, optimal path selection on linear networks based on wildlife-vehicle collisions can be considered to find the safest path between two pairs of points, avoiding more dangerous routes and even routes containing hotspots of accidents.

Fish size spectra are affected by nutrient concentration and relative abundance of non-native species across streams of the NE Iberian Peninsula.

Aquatic ecosystems are strongly body-size structured with a decline of numerical abundance with increasing body size (hereafter, the size spectrum). Marine and lake fish studies have reported consistent variations of size spectra in relation to environmental conditions and biotic composition, but little is known about stream fishes. Accordingly, in this study we test several hypotheses about the effects of local water conditions, biotic introductions and cumulative pressures (measured as the IMPRESS index) on the fish size-spectrum slope (that is, the linear rate of decline of fish abundance as body size increase in a log-log scale) and the size-spectrum intercept (commonly used as proxy for carrying capacity) among 118 local fish assemblages in streams of the NE Iberian Peninsula. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an extensive river fish dataset is used in a dendritic network to cover systematic changes of size-spectrum parameters. We find that the slope and intercept of the fish size spectrum are negatively correlated with nutrient concentration (mainly total phosphorus), with a greater relative abundance of small fishes but a decline of overall carrying capacity. Moreover, fish assemblages with greater relative abundance of non-native species have flatter size-spectrum slopes. In contrast, the IMPRESS index and climate-related variables are poor predictors of the shape of the fish size spectra. This study contributes to better understanding of the main factors structuring fish assemblages in lotic environments of the Iberian Peninsula. We encourage more research on this line to further explore the use of fish size structure to evaluate the ecological health of riverine ecosystems.

Improving fire season definition by optimized temporal modelling of daily human-caused ignitions.

Wildfire suppression management is usually based on fast control of all ignitions, especially in highly populated countries with pervasive values-at-risk. To minimize values-at-risk loss by improving response time of suppression resources it is necessary to anticipate ignitions, which are mainly caused by people. Previous studies have found that human-ignition patterns change spatially and temporally depending on socio-economic activities, hence, the deployment of suppression resources along the year should consider these patterns. However, full suppression capacity is operational only within legally established fire seasons, driven by past events and budgets, which limits response capacity and increases damages out of them. The aim of this study was to assess the temporal definition of fire seasons from the perspective of human-ignition patterns for the case study of Spain, where people cause over 95% of fires. Humans engage in activities that use fire as a tool in certain periods within a year, and in locations linked to specific spatial factors. Geographic variables (population, infrastructures, physiography and land uses) were used as explanatory variables for human-ignition patterns. The changing influence of these geographic variables on occurrence along the year was analysed with day-by-day logistic regression models. Daily models were built for all the municipal units in the two climatic regions in Spain (Atlantic and Mediterranean Spain) from 2002 to 2014, and similar models were grouped within continuous periods, designated as ignition-based seasons. We found three ignition-based seasons in the Mediterranean region and five in the Atlantic zones, not coincidental with calendar seasons, but with a high degree of agreement with current legally designated operational fire seasons. Our results suggest that an additional late-winter-early-spring fire season in the Mediterranean area and the extension of this same season in the Atlantic zone should be re-considered for operational purposes in the future.

No effects of Bacillus thuringiensis maize on nontarget organisms in the field in southern Europe: a meta-analysis of 26 arthropod taxa.

Maize with the insecticidal properties of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner, known as Bt maize, has been sown in Europe since 1998. For several years, EU and Spanish regulations have required laboratory and field trials to assess risks of genetically modified crops for nontarget organisms prior to their authorization. Thirteen field trials were conducted in Spain to measure the effects of Bt maize on a broad range of arthropod taxa; no effects were found in accordance with most literature records. However, statistical analyses of single trials rarely have the statistical power to detect low effect sizes if they do not have a sufficient sample size. When sample size is low, meta-analysis may improve statistical power by combining several trials and assuming a common measure of effect size. Here we perform a meta-analysis of the results of 13 independent field trials conducted in Spain in which effects of single or stacked Bt traits on several arthropod taxa were measured with no significant results. Since the taxa included in each single trial were not the same for all trials, for the meta-analysis we selected only those taxa recorded in a minimum of six trials, resulting finally in 7, 7, and 12 taxa analyzed in visual counts, pitfall traps and yellow sticky traps, respectively. In comparison with single trial analysis, meta-analysis dramatically increased the detectability of treatment effects for most of the taxa regardless of the sampling technique; of the 26 taxa analyzed, only three showed poorer detectability in the meta-analysis than the best recorded in the 13 single trials. This finding reinforces the conclusion that Bt maize has no effect on the most common herbivore, predatory and parasitoid arthropods found in the maize ecosystems of southern Europe.

Resultados del estudio del genotipado RhD fetal en plasma materno / Results of the study of the fetal RHD genotyping in maternal plasma

Introducción. Se evalúa la eficacia en la determinacióndel RhD fetal a partir de sangre materna.Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo y descriptivo.Se obtuvieron 90 muestras sanguíneas de gestantes RhD negativo con pareja RhD positiva que controlaron su gestación en nuestro centro entre septiembre de 2004 y enero de 2006, previa autorización y consentimiento expreso de las pacientes. Las muestras de sangre materna se enviaron al laboratorio de biología molecular para cuantificar los exones 7 y 10 del gen RHD. Posterior-mente se compararon los resultados obtenidos del genotipado RHD fetal con el fenotipo de RhDde los recién nacidos.Resultados. El genotipado informó de 69 fetos RhD positivo (76,6%) y 21 RhD negativo (23,3%). Se obtuvieron seis falsos positivos y tres falsos negativos. La sensibilidad de la prueba fue del 95,45% y la especificidad del 75%.Discusión. Se detecta una elevada tasa de falsos negativos, que podría explicarse por diferentes razones relacionadas con la obtención y la manipulación de la muestra (semana de gestación, técnica de extracción y técnica de amplificación).Conclusiones. La elevada tasa de falsos negativos en ladeterminación del RhD fetal a partir de sangre materna, que corresponde a casos susceptibles de aloinmunización materna y por tanto de desarrollar enfermedad hemolítica del feto recién nacido, obliga a una correcta reevaluación de la técnica empleada y de la interpre-tación de los resultados

Introduction. We evaluate the effectiveness in thedetermination of the foetal RhD from the mother’s blood.Material and methods. 90 Rh negative pregnant womenwith positive RhD couples allowed us, by signing aconsent form, to use their blood samples for this study. All these patients have been monitored in our centre from September 2004 to January 2006. The maternal blood samples were sent to the molecular biology laboratory for the quantification of exones 7 and 10 of the RhD’s gene. After that, the results obtained from the foetal RhD genotypes were compared with the phenotypes of the newborn’s RhD.Results. The results of the genotyping showed that69 (76,6%) of the foetuses were RhD positive, whereas 21(23,3 %) were RhD negative. The sensitivity of the testwas 95.45% and the specificity 75%. Six tests came outfalse positives and three false negatives.Discussion. Several factors related to the obtainingof the sample and the way it is manipulated (pregnancyweek, the extraction or amplification technique) couldexplain the high rate of false negatives.Conclusion. The high prevalence of false negativesdetected after a foetal RhD test on maternal blood forcesus to reconsider the used technique and to improve theway we interpret the results, taking into account thatthere is a risk of maternal isoimmunization and consequently an haemolytic disease on the newborn (AU)

Endoscopic, bioptic, and manometric findings in eosinophilic esophagitis before and after steroid therapy: a case series.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Eosinophilic esophagitis can be associated with a wide range of endoscopic patterns. The aim of the present case series report is to describe and classify endoscopic appearances before and after corticoid therapy in relation to histopathology and manometry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 30 patients (m : f, 27 : 3; mean age 36.2 years) with eosinophilic esophagitis, endoscopic findings were prospectively classified according to luminal diameter and mucosal pattern. Manometric and bioptic histopathologic findings were also recorded. Endoscopy was repeated following a 3-month course of steroid therapy. RESULTS: In total, 20 % of patients showed a concentric esophageal stricture, and in 57 % simultaneous contraction rings were visible. Mucosal alterations consisted of granular mucosa (20 %), longitudinal furrows (33 %) and transversal undulations (3 %). Lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction and distal esophageal dysfunctional manometry were seen in 73 % and 57 % of cases, respectively. Following steroids, the esophagus showed a normal caliber in 97 % of patients, and 63 % of patients had normal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent findings were narrowing of the esophageal lumen, which returned to normal following steroid treatment to a larger extent than mucosal alterations.

Ecografía obstétrica tridimensional y 4D: factores condicionantes de la imagen y curva de aprendizaje / Three and four-dimensional ultrasound: when and how to obtain the best images? The 3D learning curve

Objetivos. Analizar los factores condicionantes en laobtención de imágenes en ecografía obstétrica 3/4D, enparticular la edad gestacional, la experiencia del ecografista, las condiciones fetales y el índice de masa corporal. Analizar la curva de aprendizaje en ecografía obstétrica 3/4D para expertos en ecografía 2D convencional. Material y métodos. Se incluye un total de 1.017 ecografías obstétricas en gestaciones únicas, seleccionadas de forma aleatoria, excluyéndose la sospecha o evidencia de malformación fetal. El estudio ha sido realizado en un centro privado, entre agosto del 2005 y marzo del 2006, con un Voluson 730 Expert (GE Medical System), con la participación de nueve expertos en ecografía obstétrica 2D. La experiencia en ecografía 3/4D se ha clasificado en nivel I (sin experienciaprevia en esta técnica), nivel II (experiencia entre6 y 12 meses) y nivel IIII (experiencia superior a 1 año). Se efectúa una ecografía 2D detallada y sistemática de la anatomía fetal, seguida de la obtención de imágenes 3/4D de las partes fetales más reconocibles del feto, mediante el modo de renderización de superficie, con una duración máxima de la exploración de 25-30 min. Después del examen ecográfico se rellenan tres cuestionarios dirigidos a la paciente, al médico ecografista y a un observador independiente no médico. Analizamos el impacto de diferentes factores en el éxito de la obtención de imágenes 3/4D mediante el coeficiente de contingencia.Resultados. En relación a la edad gestacional, la mejorcalidad de imagen se obtiene en el tercer trimestre incipiente, aunque sin observar diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Respecto a las condiciones fetales, se observan diferenciasestadísticamente significativas en relación a laposición fetal, dorso fetal y volumen de líquido amniótico. La máxima puntuación se obtiene en situación longitudinal y presentación cefálica, en dorso fetal posterior y en condiciones de polihidramnios. No se demuestra una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre la calidad de imagen obtenida y el índice de masa corporal (IMC). En relación a la experiencia en 3/4D del ecografista: a) la máxima calidad de imagen se correlaciona con el nivel de experiencia del operador;b) se observa una correlación significativa e inversaentre le nivel de experiencia y el grado de dificultad de la exploración ecográfica, y c) no se observa correlación entre el nivel de experiencia y el grado de satisfacción materna tras la exploración 3/4D. En tecnología 3/4D y para un experto en ecografía 2D puede conseguirse una óptima calidad de imagen tras una curva de aprendizaje de 53 exploraciones ecográficas (rango: 34-70). Conclusiones. En relación a la ecografía obstétrica3/4D, la mejor calidad de imagen se obtiene en el tercer trimestre incipiente, en situación longitudinal y presentación cefálica, en dorso posterior y poli o normoamnios. El IMC no influye en la calidad de la imagen. Se demuestra una significativa correlación positiva entre la experiencia del operador y la calidad de imagen obtenida, y negativa entre aquélla y el grado de dificultad de la exploración. No se observacorrelación entre el nivel de experiencia y el grado de satisfacción materna tras la exploración 3/4D. El mínimo número de ecografías 3/4D necesarias para que un experto en ecografía 2D pueda considerarse competente se sitúa en 53 exploraciones, con un rango entre 34 y 70, aunque existen limitaciones en el uso de dicha tecnología pesar de la experiencia del operador

Objective. To explore several factors impact, particularlythe gestational age (GA), previous sonographer’sexperience, fetal conditions and body mass index (BMI),on the 3/4D US success. To explore the learning curve of 3/4DUS for experts in conventional two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS). Methods. An overall of 1,000 routine prenatal scans were included, randomized selected, considering any gestational age or indication for referral except fetal malfromation. Scans were performed in our private Unit with Voluson 730 Expert by nine experts in 2DUS. The 3/4DUS expertise is categorized in level I (no experience), level II (short/medium experience) and level III (long experience). After a 2D detailed examination of the fetal anatomy, 3/4DUS was obtained in all cases consent about the objectives of the 2DUS and 3D images were obtained prior to scan. After the sonographic examination, the physician performing the scan completed a form with the clinical and technical details and the subjective qualification of the images. An independent observer was considered as a gold standard, completing in each case another blind form assessing the qualification of the 3D images. We consider the impact of several factors on the 3/4DUS success, particularlygestational age, previous sonographer’s experience,fetal conditions and BMI, by using the contingency coefficient. Obesity is considered when BMI is higher than 30. Results. Considering the impact of GA, the highest quality image scores were obtained at early third trimester. According to fetal conditions during the exploration, the highest quality scores were obtained in cephalic presentation, posterior spine and normo or polyhydramnios, all of them with statistical significance results. No statistically significant correlation between body mass index and quality images was observed. Considering physician’s experience impact: a) the highest image quality scores were obtained by the most experienced group. There is a statistical significant improvement in quality images when the highest level of expertise is reached; b) there is a statistical significant negative correlation between expertise and level of difficulty, and c) there is no correlation between level of expertise and maternal satisfaction. We analyze how long it takes to improve the 3/4D level and we create a learning curve of 3/4D technique:from a mean of 53 scans onwards (CI 95%: 34-70)we can start to get an acceptable 3/4DUS quality image.Any conditioning factor has a low impact on image quality,taking into account that 3D expertise level is the mostrelevant parameter (contingency coefficient of 0.2) and the BMI the least one (contingency coefficient of 0.09).Conclusions. The highest 3/4D quality scores wereobtained at early third trimester, cephalic presentation,posterior spine and poly or normoamnios. Statisticallysignificant positive correlation between level of expertise and quality images was observed. No statistically significant correlation between BMI and quality images was observed. Considering the impact of physician’s experience in 3/4DUS, the highest quality scores were obtained by the most experienced group, with no differences observed in maternal satisfaction. The learning curve of 3/4D US shows a mean of 53 scans to start getting acceptable images

Budesonide combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cirrhosis with advanced liver damage.

We describe two patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who rapidly suffered progressive liver failure and developed jaundice, despite having undergone correct therapy using ursodeoxycholic acid. Both cases showed an extraordinary clinical and biochemical response 2 months after budesonide was added to standard therapy, leading to recovery of normal liver function.

Genomic affinities between maize and Zea perennis using classical and molecular cytogenetic methods (GISH-FISH).

In this study we have analysed and compared the genomic composition, meiotic behaviour, and meiotic affinities of Zea perennis and Zea mays ssp. mays. To do so we studied the parental taxa and the interspecific hybrid Zea perennis x Zea mays ssp. mays, using classical cytogenetic methods, as well as GISH and FISH. GISH enabled us to recognize the genomic source of each chromosome involved in the meiotic configurations of this hybrid, and established the genomic affinities between their parental species. The results obtained here reinforce the hypothesis of the amphiploid origin of Zea perennis and, together with previous research, indicate that the chromosomes with divergent repetitive sequences in maize and Zea luxurians could be the remnants of a relict parental genome not shared with Zea perennis.

Simple approach to prenatal diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the most relevant anomalies, seen in a sequential segmental transverse views approach to imaging the fetal heart, that provide clues to the diagnosis of complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively all the cases of isolated TGA diagnosed in our center or submitted for a second opinion through the spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) telemedicine (TELE-STIC) program. Only transverse cardiac sweeps were obtained. Digital video clips and STIC volumes were reviewed. The abnormal features on four-chamber, five-chamber, three-vessel (3V) and three vessels and trachea (3VT) views were analyzed. RESULTS: The study population consisted of eight fetuses with TGA with normal extracardiac anatomy. The gestational age ranged from 13 to 32 (mean, 23) weeks. The maternal age ranged from 25 to 42 (mean, 32) years. A normal four-chamber view was seen in seven cases. Only one case demonstrated a significant ventricular septal defect. At the level of the five-chamber view a straight course arterial vessel arose from the left ventricle with lateral branches in all fetuses. In the 3V view, the ascending aorta was seen reaching more anteriorly than was the pulmonary artery in six cases. At the level of the 3VT view, two vessels (transverse aortic arch and superior vena cava) rather than three were seen in all cases. CONCLUSION: Our proposed sequential segmental approach to imaging the fetal heart apparently allows, in five-chamber and 3VT views, clear and confident signs to be detected that aid diagnosis of TGA.

The genome organization and diversification of maize and its allied species revisited: evidences from classical and FISH-GISH cytogenetic analysis.

The present review summarizes our classical and molecular cytogenetic investigations in the genus Zea. The results obtained from the meiotic behavior analysis of Zea species and hybrids, confirm the amphiploid nature of all species in the genus, with a basic number of x = 5 chromosomes. All species with 2n = 20 are diploidized allotetraploids, whereas Z. perennis (2n = 40) is an allooctoploid with four genomes somewhat divergent from one another. These analyses also revealed the existence of postzygotic reproductive isolation among Zea species. Our studies using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) provide evidence about the evolutionary relationships among maize and its allied species, and reveal remarkable genomic divergences. Particularly, knob sequences were not completely shared between taxa previously considered to be closely related. Our data strongly suggest that the teosinte Z. mays parviglumis is not the only progenitor of cultivated maize. Introgression of Tripsacum into cultivated maize cannot be discarded.

GISHGenomic in situ hybridization reveals cryptic genetic differences between maize and its putative wild progenitor Zea mays subsp. parviglumis.

The aim of this paper is to test with genomic in situ hybridization the genomic affinities between maize and its putative progenitor Zea mays subsp. parviglumis. Blocking procedures were applied for the purpose of improving discrimination among chromosome regions. Unlabeled genomic DNA from Z. mays subsp. parviglumis as a blocking agent and labeled genomic DNA from maize were hybridized on maize chromosomes. On the other hand, mitotic metaphases from Z. mays subsp. parviglumis were blocked with unlabeled genomic DNA of maize and hybridized with labeled genomic DNA from Z. mays subsp. parviglumis. Both experiments showed that either maize or Z. mays subsp. parviglumis chromosomes have their own unique sequences. This means an unexpected degree of divergence if Z. mays subsp. parviglumis is the only progenitor of maize, a result that is discussed in relation to our previous genomic in situ hybridization observations and to the different scenarios proposed about the origin of maize.

Avances en ecocardiografía fetal / No disponible

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[Study of the prevalence of burnout in doctors in the Health Area of Talavera de la Reina]. / Estudio sobre la prevalencia del burnout en los médicos del Area Sanitaria de Talavera de la Reina.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of burnout or professional wear-and-tear in doctors from the Talavera de la Reina Health Area and linked factors. DESIGN: Transversal, descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS: Doctors in primary care (PC) (n=106) and specialist care (SC) (n=129). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire and a survey with social and demographic variables and suggestions. Both were anonymous and self-administered. RESULTS: 144 (61.27%) answered, 63 from PC and 81 SC. 72.2% were male, with a mean age of 45 (with little variability between PC and SC). Average years worked were 18.65. 102 (70.83%) worked cover. 85 (59.02%) had an indefinite contract, 49 (34.02%) a temporary one, and 10 (6.94%) other kinds. 76.4% of the professionals suffered burnout (moderate in 38.9% and high in 37.5%). The difference between PC and SC burnout (85.7% vs 69.1%) was statistically significant. In the remaining variables studied (age, sex, marital status, working of cover shifts.) we found no significant differences. Among suggestions to mitigate burnout were demands to support improvements in working conditions, greater personal and professional recognition, involvement of the government and management, economic remuneration, providing more training and research, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Professional wear-and-tear or burnout is very high in our area, and is higher in PC than in SC.

Estudio sobre la prevalencia del burnout en los médicos del Área Sanitaria de Talavera de la Reina / Study of the prevalence of burnout in doctors in the health area of Talavera de la Reina

Objetivo. Determinar el grado de burnout, o desgaste profesional, en los médicos del Área Sanitaria de Talavera de la Reina y los factores asociados. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Sujetos. Médicos dedicados a la atención primaria (AP) (n = 106) y atención especializada (AE) (n = 129).Mediciones. Cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) y encuesta con variables sociodemográficas y sugerencias. Ambos anónimos y autoadministrables. Resultados. Contestaron 144 médicos (61,27 por ciento), 63 de AP y 81 de AE, varones el 72,2 por ciento y con una media de edad de 45 años (con una escasa variabilidad entre AP y AE). La media de años trabajados fue de 18,65. Realizan guardias 102 (70,83 por ciento). El tipo de contrato es fijo en 85 (59,02 por ciento), interino en 49 (34,02 por ciento) y "otros" en 10 (6,94 por ciento). Presenta burnout el 76,4 por ciento de los profesionales (moderado en el 38,9 por ciento y alto en el 37,5 por ciento). Resulta estadísticamente significativa la diferencia entre burnout de AP y AE (el 85,7 frente al 69,1 por ciento). En el resto de las variables estudiadas (edad, sexo, estado civil, realización de guardias...) no encontramos diferencias significativas. Como sugerencias para mitigar el burnout destacan la petición de apoyo de mejoras laborales, un mayor reconocimiento personal y profesional, la implicación de la Administración y la Gerencia, la remuneración económica, facilitar formación e investigación, etc. Conclusiones. El grado de desgaste profesional (burnout) es muy elevado en nuestra área, con un mayor porcentaje en AP que en AE (AU)

Cardiac defects in chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency at 10-14 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence, distribution and spectrum of cardiac defects in chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 4-year period, targeted fetal echocardiography was used in 353 chromosomally normal fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness at 10-14 weeks' gestation. The cardiac scan was performed at 18-22 weeks. In the last 138 cases enrolled, an additional scan at 12-16 weeks was carried out. The follow-up included the findings at necropsy or in the pediatric examination. A complete follow-up was achieved in 97%. RESULTS: Cardiac defects were present in 32 (9.1%) cases, increasing from 5.3% in those with a nuchal translucency thickness of > or = 95th centile (3.9 mm) to 24% when thickness > or = 6 mm (p < 0.001). In 31 cases (97%), the cardiac defect was diagnosed antenatally; in 24 cases (77%) this diagnosis was confirmed later. In the remaining seven cases, the autopsy examination was not available. A wide range of cardiac defects was observed, with the most common being atrioventricular septal defect and tricuspid atresia. CONCLUSIONS: Euploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness have a significantly increased risk of cardiac defects. This is a marker of different types of heart anomalies and constitutes an additional indication for targeted fetal echocardiography. Most of the cardiac defects can be detected by fetal echocardiography.

Molecular phylogeny of Larrea and its allies (Zygophyllaceae): reticulate evolution and the probable time of creosote bush arrival to North America.

Nucleotide sequences of Rubisco Large Subunit (rbcL) and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nrDNA were obtained for the five species of Larrea and one species each of Bulnesia (ITS only) and Plectrocarpa (rbcL only). Parsimony analyses were conducted, including sequences from seven genera of Zygophyllaceae reported by other authors-Kallstroemia, Zygophyllum, Augea, Fagonia, Pintoa, Guaiacum, and Porlieria. The main conclusions of the present study are (1) the Argentine endemic Plectrocarpa tetracantha belongs to the subfamily Larreoideae (New World Clade); (2) all three phylogenies obtained from rbcL, ITS, and combined data sets show a close relationship between the tetraploid L. cuneifolia (sect. Bifolium) and the diploid multifoliolate pair L. nitida-L. ameghinoi (sect. Larrea), which could result from a possible intersectional hybrid origin of the tetraploid; (3) L. divaricata (sect. Bifolium) and L. tridentata (sect. Bifolium) form a highly supported monophyletic group, which agrees with previous cytogenetic and molecular evidence; and (4) the rate of nucleotide substitution of rbcL was estimated based on geological and fossil records. Under the molecular clock hypothesis, nucleotide sequence divergence between L. divaricata and L. tridentata suggests a Late Neogene (8.4 to 4.2 mybp) time of arrival of the diploid ancestors of L. tridentata to North American deserts.

Marcadores ecográficos de cromosomopatías en el primertrimestre / Ultrasonographic markers of chromosomal abnormalities in the third trimester

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The role of ductus venosus blood flow assessment in screening for chromosomal abnormalities at 10-16 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of ductus venosus blood flow assessment at 10-16 weeks' gestation in screening for chromosomal abnormalities. METHODS: Ductus venosus blood flow was prospectively evaluated in 1371 consecutive pregnancies between 10 and 16 weeks of gestation. The pulsatility index for veins was calculated. All cases were screened for chromosomal defects combining maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness. RESULTS: A chromosomal abnormality was found in 20 cases. The overall detection rate, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and odds ratio for chromosomal abnormalities were 65%, 95.7%, 18.3%, 99.5% and 41 (95% CI 16-108), respectively, when using the 95th centile pulsatility index as a cut-off. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that evaluation of the ductus venosus pulsatility index at 10-16 weeks' gestation is a useful second-line screening test for chromosomal defects. A combination of nuchal translucency measurement and ductus venosus assessment might increase specificity while maintaining an optimal detection rate for chromosomal abnormalities. Such a policy could identify 55% of all chromosomal abnormalities and about 69% of autosomal trisomies, reducing the need for invasive testing to less than 1%.