Bachman\u27s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) population structure across the southeastern USA

Understanding gene flow and population structure in wildlife populations helps managers to protect distinct genetic lineages and genetic variation in small, isolated populations at high risk of extinction. I assessed genetic diversity in Bachman’s Sparrows (Peucaea aestivalis) to evaluate the role of natural barriers in shaping evolutionarily significant units as well as the effect of anthropogenically-caused habitat loss and fragmentation on population differentiation and diversity. Genetic diversity was assessed across the geographic range of Bachman’s Sparrow by genotyping 226 individuals at 18 microsatellite loci and sequencing 48 individuals at nuclear and mitochondrial DNA genes. Multiple analyses consistently demonstrated high levels of gene flow, which appear to have maintained high levels of genetic variation and panmixia in populations throughout the species’ range. Based on these genetic data, separate management units/subspecies designations or artificial gene flow among populations in habitat fragments do not seem necessary. High vagility in Bachman’s Sparrow may be an adaptation to colonize ephemeral, fire-mediated longleaf pine habitat, but in recent times, it also appears to have reduced inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity in habitat fragments

Detección automática de voz degradada usando medidas de calidad

En este proyecto se presenta el estudio e implementación de un sistema de detección de voz degradada haciendo uso de distintas medidas de calidad y, posteriormente, se evalúa el impacto de utilizar dichas medidas de calidad como parte del detector de actividad de voz de un sistema de reconocimiento de locutor. Al comienzo de este proyecto se hace uso de tres medidas de calidad distintas, ya analizadas en otros estudios, para obtener, mediante la combinación de dichas medidas, un único valor que permita, mediante un análisis previo, determinar la elegibilidad de una muestra de voz concreta. Finalizada la fase de desarrollo del sistema se realiza el experimento de combinar dichos valores con los utilizados por un detector de actividad de un sistema de reconocimiento de locutor desarrollado por el ATVS { Grupo de Reconocimiento Biométrico. Tras la realización de este proceso se evalúa el impacto que tienen las medidas de calidad estudiadas sobre el rendimiento total del sistema. Todos los experimentos se han probado sobre una base de datos proporcionada por el NIST { National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST SRE 2012) utilizadas comúnmente en múltiples estudios del estado del arte. Por ultimo, se presentan las conclusiones y se proponen varias l neas de trabajo futuro.In this work we present the study and implementation of a degraded voice detector making use of di erent quality measures. Also this work evaluates the impact of using these quality measures as part of a voice activity detector used on a speaker recognition system. At the beginning of this work we use three di erent quality measures, already analyzed in other studies, and obtaining, by the combination of these measures, one value that permits determinate the eligibility of a voice sample. When the developing phase is done, the quality measures are combined with the labels of a voice activity detector, developed by the ATVS group. After that, we evaluate the impact of these quality measures on the speaker recognition system. The database used for the experiments is the NIST SRE 2012. Finally the project conclusions are drawn and future lines of work are presented

Adaptation to ephemeral habitat may overcome natural barriers and severe habitat fragmentation in a fire-dependent species, the Bachman\u27s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis)

Bachman\u27s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) is a fire-dependent species that has undergone range-wide population declines in recent decades. We examined genetic diversity in Bachman\u27s Sparrows to determine whether natural barriers have led to distinct population units and to assess the effect of anthropogenic habitat loss and fragmentation. Genetic diversity was examined across the geographic range by genotyping 226 individuals at 18 microsatellite loci and sequencing 48 individuals at mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Multiple analyses consistently demonstrated little genetic structure and high levels of genetic variation, suggesting that populations are panmictic. Based on these genetic data, separate management units/subspecies designations or translocations to promote gene flow among fragmented populations do not appear to be necessary. Panmixia in Bachman\u27s Sparrow may be a consequence of an historical range expansion and retraction. Alternatively, high vagility in Bachman\u27s Sparrow may be an adaptation to the ephemeral, fire-mediated habitat that this species prefers. In recent times, high vagility also appears to have offset inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity in highly fragmented habitat. © 2014 Cerame et al

Synergistic effect of two formulations of hypochlorous acid in the treatment of 346 chronic ulcers

Our objective was to assess the efficacy of two successive applications of hypochlorous acid, first as a liquid and then as a gel because liquid hypochlorous acid is effective but has little residual effect, while the gel form has more residual power, and compare it with that of other products. An experimental non-randomised study was carried out, treating 346 chronic ulcers in 220 patients. The antiseptic treatment has been divided into ‘hypochlorous acid’ (Clortech), ‘hypochlorous acid liquid + gel’ (Clortech + Microdacyn60R-hydrogel) and ‘Others’ (Prontosan or Chlorhexidine or Microdacyn60R-hydrogel). Bivariate and multivariate studies analysed the characteristics of the patients and their ulcers, including size, symptoms, signs, treatments received and their duration, and so on. The ulcers were complicated, of long evolution, and most had a vascular origin. On average, antiseptic treatment lasted 14 weeks. At the time of their discharge, or last treatment in the clinics, 59% of the ulcers had healed completely, 9.5% worsened, and 6.9% had become infected during this period. In the bivariate and multivariate studies, we took as reference the ‘others’ treatments that showed no significant differences in healing time or infection rates compared with liquid hypochlorous acid 100–500 mg/L alone. However, hypochlorous acid liquid + gel showed a synergistic effect, with a higher probability of achieving complete healing (four times) and a lower probability of infection (a fifth), compared to the ‘other’ antiseptics. In conclusion, a synergistic effect was found with the successive application of hypochlorous acid in liquid followed by gel, an effect that increased healing probability and decreased the risk of the ulcer becoming infecte

Hypochlorous acid in a double formulation (liquid plus gel) is a key prognostic factor for healing and absence of infection in chronic ulcers. A nonrandomized concurrent treatment study

Background and aims: Diverse protocols prevent infection and/or improve ulcer epithelialization. The existing protocols tend to antagonize the risk factors that promote the chronicity of this type of wound. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is used to treat ulcers and wounds because of its antiseptic and noncytotoxic properties. Its liquid form is effective but has little residual effect, while in gel it has more residual power. Methods: An experimental nonrandomized study has been carried out treating 346 chronic ulcers of various etiologies in 220 patients. Ulcer outcomes were originally classified as: "complete healing," "incomplete healing without infection," and "incomplete healing with infection." Various antiseptic solutions were used as ulcers cleaning solutions: liquid HOCl, gel HOCl, polymeric biguanide, or chlorhexidine. Only one was applied to the lesion as monotherapy. But, in other cases, we used a combined HOCl (liquid then gel: bitherapy). Bivariate (Chi-square and variance tests) and multivariate studies (logistic regression) evaluated associations of ulcer characteristics and mono or bitherapy outcomes. Results: Four factors reduce the probability of complete ulcer healing: patient age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97); weeks of ulcer evolution (OR: 0.99); poor granulation on admission (OR: 0.35); and need for antibiotic therapy (OR: 0.41). One factor favored healing: combined HOCl therapy with liquid plus gel (OR: 4.8). Infections were associated with longer times of evolution (OR: 1.002) and bad odor of the ulcer on admission (OR: 14), but bitreatment with HOCl reduced the risk of infection (OR: 0.3). Conclusion: A double HOCl formulation (liquid plus gel) reduces the probability of poor healing and infection, in chronic ulcers of various etiologies.S

¿Es capaz “ChatGPT” de aprobar el examen MIR de 2022? Implicaciones de la inteligencia artificial en la educación médica en España

Artificial intelligence and natural language processing models have made an entrance into the field of medical education. Among them, the ChatGPT model has been used to try to solve different international medical exams. However, there is no literature which addresses this phenomenon in Europe or other Spanish-speaking countries. The present paper aims at evaluating the ability to answer questions of the ChatGPT model in the 2022 MIR, which grants access to the Spanish postgraduate training system. To this end, a cross-sectional descriptive analysis has been carried out in which all the questions of the 2022 MIR exam have been solved by this technology. ChatGPT was able to answer 51.4% of the questions correctly, which is approximately 69 net answers on said exam. According to estimates for this year, it would have obtained a 7688 position, which would be slightly below the population’s median, but would allow it to pass the cut-off score and choose a large number of specialties. These results are similar to those obtained in the existing literature, slightly worse to those obtained  by this tool in the American USMLE exams. The development of AI is  an opportunity for medical students and residents to learn, but it is also a risk in many ways. It is essential to train future specialists in the new reality of artificial intelligence so that they are able to use them and obtain benefits in a reasoned and safe manner.La inteligencia artificial y los modelos de procesamiento de lenguaje natural han irrumpido con fuerza en el ámbito de la educación médica. Entre ellos, el modelo ChatGPT ha sido utilizado para intentar resolver distintos exámenes de medicina a nivel internacional. Sin embargo, prácticamente no existe literatura en Europa ni países de habla hispana. El presente trabajo pretende evaluar la capacidad de responder preguntas del modelo ChatGPT en el examen MIR 2022. Para ello, se ha llevado a cabo un análisis transversal y descriptivo en el que se han introducido la totalidad de las preguntas del examen MIR 2022 en dicho modelo. ChatGPT ha sido capaz de responder de manera acertada un 51,4% de las preguntas, lo que supone aproximadamente 69 netas en el examen MIR. Según estimaciones para este año, obtendría un 7688, lo que estaría ligeramente por debajo de la mediana de la población presentada, pero que le permitiría pasar la nota de corte y escoger un gran número de especialidades. El resultado es similar a los obtenidos en la bibliografía previa, ligeramente por debajo de los resultados obtenidos por dicha herramienta en los exámenes americanos USMLE. Este tipo de modelos suponen una oportunidad para el aprendizaje de los estudiantes de medicina y los residentes, pero también supone un riesgo en muchos sentidos. Es fundamental formar a los futuros especialistas en la nueva realidad de la inteligencia artificial para que sean capaces de utilizarlas y obtener beneficios de manera razonada y segura

Estudio descriptivo sobre libranza de guardias de Médicos Residentes de Madrid: Efecto de la huelga de 2020 en el cumplimiento de los descansos obligatorios

Background: This study aims at describing the absence of mandatory rest periods after a 24h on call shift in resident physicians in the region of Madrid. It also tries to elucidate the effect which the 2020 resident physician’s strike has had in this phenomenon. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational cross-sectional study has been carried out through an anonymous survey adapted from the available literature. Results: Before the resident’s strike up to 27,2% of the residents surveyed could not enjoy mandatory resting periods after a 24 hour on-call shift. The mandatory weekly rest of at least 36 hours was not done in up to 87% of the cases. After the residents' strike, these figures have been reduced to 19.8% and 34.5% respectively, with statistical significance comparing with previous percentages (p <0.05). The average number of 24 hours on call shifts residents had to work per month was 5, which exceeds the maximum weekly hours allowed by law. Conclusions: The findings reveal a violation of resident physician labor rights in relation to the mandatory days-off after 24-hour on call shifts and weekly breaks. The resident physician’s strike has reduced the incidence of the phenomenon, but it remains a relevant threat to resident physician’s health and patient safety.Antecedentes: Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir el grado de cumplimiento de los descansos obligatorios tras las jornadas de trabajo de 24 horas (guardias) en el colectivo de médicos residentes en la Comunidad de Madrid y el efecto que la huelga de residentes de 2020 ha tenido en el cumplimiento de dichos descansos. Métodos: Se ha diseñado un estudio descriptivo observacional transversal a través de una encuesta online anónima adaptada de la bibliografía existente. Resultados: Antes de la huelga de residentes el 27,2% de los encuestados no realizaban los descansos obligatorios después de las guardias. El descanso semanal obligatorio de al menos 36 horas no se respetaba hasta en el 87% de los casos. Después de la huelga de residentes, estos porcentajes se han reducido a un 19,8% y un 34,5% respectivamente, con significación estadística comparándose con los porcentajes previos (p<0,05). La media de guardias realizadas en la muestra era de 5 al mes, lo que supera el máximo legal de horas semanales.  Conclusiones: Se constata la vulneración de los derechos laborales de los residentes en un importante porcentaje de los residentes en lo relativo a los descansos obligatorios post-guardia y descansos semanales. La huelga de residentes ha reducido la incidencia del fenómeno, pero sigue siendo un problema relevante para la salud de los residentes y la seguridad del paciente.&nbsp

Metastatic Glioblastoma in Cervical Lymph Node after Repeated Craniotomies: Report of a Case with Diagnosis by Fine Needle Aspiration

Head and neck metastasis from glioblastoma is rare event usually seen in patients with previous and repeated surgery. We present the case of a 35 yr-old-female suffering from metastatic glioblastoma in cervical lymph node that was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. During the last 4 yr, she had four separate craniotomies for the recurrent brain tumors. Cytological diagnosis was made by light microscopy with immunostaining with glial fibrillay acid protein. Chemotherapy with vincristine and procarbazine was performed. The cervical masses were decreased in size and some disappeared while the intracranial glioblastoma continued to grow during chemotherapy. We discuss possible explanations for these different courses after chemotherapy in extraneural metastatic glioblastoma and primary intracranial glioblastoma

¿Es capaz GPT-4 de aprobar el MIR 2023? Comparativa entre GPT-4 y ChatGPT-3 en los exámenes MIR 2022 y 2023

Introducción: La inteligencia artificial (IA) está generando nuevas controversias, oportunidades y riesgos en la educación médica. Este estudio evalúa la capacidad de las versiones de inteligencia artificial (IA) ChatGPT-3 y GPT-4 para responder a las preguntas del examen de acceso a la formación médica especializada MIR en España, comparando el rendimiento entre las convocatorias de 2022 y 2023. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, utilizando GPT-4 para responder a las 210 preguntas del examen MIR 2023, comparando los resultados con los de ChatGPT-3 en el examen MIR 2022. Se utilizó análisis estadístico para determinar el porcentaje de acierto en función de la especialidad, tipo de pregunta y contenido de la misma. Resultados: GPT-4 consiguió 173 aciertos de un total de 210 preguntas, rendimiento superior al de ChatGPT-3, que obtuvo 108 aciertos en el examen de la convocatoria anterior. Se observó una mejora notable en especialidades como Reumatología, Pediatría, Geriatría y Oncología, aunque algunos campos como Neumología y Oftalmología mostraron menos progreso o incluso resultados inferiores. Conclusión: GPT-4 demostró un mejor rendimiento en comparación con ChatGPT-3, indicando avances en el procesamiento y análisis de datos por parte de la IA, así como en su comprensión contextual y aplicación de conocimientos médicos. Sin embargo, se enfatiza la importancia de reconocer las limitaciones de la IA y la necesidad de un enfoque crítico en su uso en educación médica

Effectiveness hyperoxygenated fatt y acid with silicone in lo wer extremities with and without ulcerations

Introducción: Existen evidencias científicas sobre los beneficios del uso de ácidos grasos para la regeneración epidérmica y la prevención de las úlceras crónicas. Los ácidos grasos hiperoxigenados (AGHO) son productos compuestos por ácidos grasos esenciales (AGE) a los que se añade oxigeno a la molécula inicial a través de un proceso llamado hiperoxidación. La formula a estudio presenta además ciclometicona (silicona). El objetivo de este estudio es comprobar la eficacia de los AGHO con silicona en extremidades inferiores, con y sin ulceraciones. Metodología: Estudio observacional, longitudinal, por cohortes de carácter prospectivo y multicéntrico realizado desde octubre de 2010 hasta septiembre de 2011. En una muestra de pacientes se aplicó AGHO con silicona en formato aceite, en extremidades inferiores con alteraciones vasculares venosas y AGHO con silicona en formato leche en extremidades inferiores isquémicas y/o neuropáticas. Se efectúo un seguimiento de 8 semanas, valorando a través de la escala Fedpalla la evolución del grado de deterioro de la integridad cutánea. Resultados: En general la muestra evolucionó tras 8 semanas de aplicación de AGHO, desde un grado II (mal pronóstico de epitelización) a un grado IV (muy buen pronóstico) de la escala Fedpalla. En 9 pacientes se midió la presión transcutánea de oxígeno, al inicio y al final del estudio, elevándose un 11.1%. Conclusión: Los AGHO con silicona utilizados han permitido la restauración de la integridad cutánea en la mayoría de los pacientes en un periodo de 56 días.Introduction: There is scientific evidence on the benefits of the use of fatty acids for epidermal regeneration and prevention of chronic ulcers. The hyperoxygenated fatty acids (HOFAs) are products composed for essential fatty acids (EFA) to which oxygen is added to molecule through a process called hyperoxidation. The formula to study presents addition cyclomethicone (silicone). The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of the HOFA with silicone in lower extremities, with or without ulcerations. Methodology: An observational study, longitudinal, cohort of character and prospective multicenter from October 2010 to September 2011. In a sample of patients were applied HOFA with silicone in oil format, in the lower extremities with vascular alterations venous and HOFA in milk format with silicone in lower extremities ischemic and/or neuropathic. There was a followup to 8 weeks, valuing through Fedpalla scale the evolution of the degree of deterioration of the skin integrity. Results: In general the sample evolved after 8 weeks of implementation of HOFA, since a grade II (poor prognosis of epithelization) to a grade IV (very good prognosis) of the scale Fedpalla. In 9 patients was measured the transcutaneous oxygen pressure at the beginning and the end of the study, rising 11.1 %. Conclusion: The HOFAs with silicone used have allowed the restoration of skin integrity in the majority of patients in a period of 56 days.Enfermerí