Effects of fragmentation and seawater submergence on photochemical efficiency and growth in the clonal invader Carpobrotus edulis

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Elsevier: "Roiloa, S., & Retuerto, R. (2016). Effects of fragmentation and seawater submergence on photochemical efficiency and growth in the clonal invader Carpobrotus edulis. Flora - Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology Of Plants, 225, 45-51", available online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flora.2016.10.002Clonal plants are frequently affected by process of disturbance as fragmentation. The capacity of these fragments to survive and grow after disturbance has important implications for the expansion of clonal plants, and could have special consequences for the colonization of new environments by invasive clonal species. Stolon internodes of clonal plants represent important reserve organs. These storage structures can play a crucial role in the survival and re-growth of clonal plants after an event of disturbance. In this study we simulated physical disturbance by fragmentation of clones of the stoloniferous invader Carpobrotus edulis into ramets with short and long stolon lengths, and a subsequent event of seawater submergence and de-submergence. Ramets with long stolons showed a significantly higher total biomass than ramets with short stolons, supporting the idea that stolon length is related with the amount of reserves stored and with the benefit reported in terms of growth. Our results showed that the benefit of having long stolons was also important for clonal fragments that suffered a process of seawater submergence. Our study suggests that the use of stolon as a source of resources can represent a suitable mechanism for colonization of coastal sand dunes by the aggressive invader C. edulisFinancial support for this study was provided by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (projects Ref. CGL2013-44519-R, awarded to S.R.R. and Ref. CGL2013-48885-C2-2-R, awarded to R.R.). These projects were co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This is a contribution from the Alien Species Network (Ref. R2014/036 – Xunta de Galicia, Autonomous Government of Galicia)S

Fratura da região distal da clavícula em crianças

ResumoObjetivoAnalisar as fraturas da região distal da clavícula em pacientes pediátricos.MétodosForam observados dez pacientes entre cinco a 11 anos com média de 7,3 anos. Nove pacientes foram tratados conservadoramente e um cirurgicamente. As fraturas foram classificadas segundo a classificação de Nenopoulos.ResultadosTodas as fraturas consolidaram sem complicações. O tratamento conservador foi usado em nove pacientes, três do grupo IIIb; três IIb; dois IIa e um IV. O único paciente tratado cirurgicamente foi uma paciente do gênero feminino de 11 anos com fratura do grupo IV.ConclusãoA indicação do tratamento para as fraturas distais da clavícula em crianças deve ser baseada na idade do paciente e no desvio dos fragmentos.AbstractObjectiveTo analyze fractures of the distal clavicle region in pediatric patients.MethodsTen patients between the ages of five to eleven years (mean of 7.3 years) were observed. Nine patients were treated conservatively and one surgically. All the fractures were classified using the Nenopoulos classification system.ResultsAll the fractures consolidated without complications. Conservative treatment was used for nine patients, of whom three were in group IIIB, three IIb, two IIa and one IV. The only patient who was treated surgically was a female patient of eleven years of age with a group IV fracture.ConclusionThe treatment indication for distal fractures of the clavicle in children should be based on the patient's age and the displacement of the fragments

The generalization complexity measure for continuous input data

We introduce in this work an extension for the generalization complexity measure to continuous input data. The measure, originally defined in Boolean space, quantifies the complexity of data in relationship to the prediction accuracy that can be expected when using a supervised classifier like a neural network, SVM, and so forth. We first extend the original measure for its use with continuous functions to later on, using an approach based on the use of the set of Walsh functions, consider the case of having a finite number of data points (inputs/outputs pairs), that is, usually the practical case. Using a set of trigonometric functions a model that gives a relationship between the size of the hidden layer of a neural network and the complexity is constructed. Finally, we demonstrate the application of the introduced complexity measure, by using the generated model, to the problem of estimating an adequate neural network architecture for real-world data sets.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/815156publishedVersionFil: Gómez, Iván. Universidad de Málaga. Departamento de Lenguajes y Ciencias de la Computación; España.Fil: Franco, Leonardo. Universidad de Málaga. Departamento de Lenguajes y Ciencias de la Computación; España.Fil: Jerez, José M. Universidad de Málaga. Departamento de Lenguajes y Ciencias de la Computación; España.Fil: Cannas, Sergio Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina.Fil: Osenda, Omar. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; Argentina.Otras Ciencias de la Computación e Informació

Prebiotics and the Modulation on the Microbiota-GALT-Brain Axis

It is well known that there exists a bi-directional communication system between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system. Recent research has attempted to understand the influence of intestinal bacteria on the brain and behavior. In this manner, it has been observed that pathogenic bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) can induce behavioral changes such as acute anxiety, depressive symptoms, cognitive deficits, and increased sensitivity to visceral pain. The modulation of LPS production through probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics can prevent these changes. In addition to the neuronal, endocrine, and metabolic pathways, it has been observed that the immune mechanism also exerts an influence on the gut-brain axis. The cells of the immune system can undergo phenotypic changes by the induction of certain bacterial species, which can have an important participation in the development of brain disorders. Although the main effect of prebiotics is through the stimulation of probiotic bacteria, in this chapter, we review the indirect therapeutic potential of prebiotics on the brain through the intestinal microbiota, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and other components of the intestinal lumen. Thus, the objective is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effects on the gut-brain axis. Here, we will summarize the possible therapeutic effect of prebiotics on intestinal microbiota, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and brain

Gallbladder adenocarcinoma: evaluation of the prognostic factors in 100 resectable cases in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In spite its relative rarity, gallbladder adenocarcinoma is a neoplasm who presents an aggressive biologic behavior. The single curative treatment has been radical surgical resection with free margin. Prognostic factors has been studied because are very important to identify long-term survival patients which may benefit of aggressive surgical resection. AIM: To evaluate long-term prognostic predictors from gallbladder cancer. METHODS: The medical records of all patients that presented confirmed histological diagnosis of gallbladder adenocarcinoma operated over a 14 year period were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Uni and multivariate analysis was done. RESULTS: Total sample was 100 patients. Median age was 71 years (34 to 93). There were 17 men and 83 women. Lesion distribution according to TNM stage system was: I (n=22), II (n=59), III (n=6), IV (n=4) and unknown (n=9). Fifty two patients underwent radical resection (R0) while 48 to palliative surgery (R1-R2). Overall major morbidity was 14%, while postoperative surgical mortality rate (30th postoperative day) was 12 %. Five-year survival rate was 28% while median of survival was 10 months. Multivariate analysis identified six prognostic factors: T stage, serum level of CA 19.9, gallbladder perforation, lymphatic embolization, surgical historical cohort (after 2002) and hilar lymphadenectomy. CONCLUSION: Prognostic factors were: T stage, serum level of CA 19.9, gallbladder perforation, lymphatic embolization, surgical historical cohort and hilar lymphadenectomy.RACIONAL: A despeito da sua relativa raridade, o adenocarcinoma de vesícula biliar é neoplasia que apresenta comportamento biológico agressivo. O único tratamento curativo tem sido a ressecção cirúrgica radical com margem livre. Fatores prognósticos têm sido estudados por serem importantes para identificar pacientes que podem se beneficiar de ressecção cirúrgica agressiva. OBJETIVO: Avaliar preditores prognósticos em longo prazo de pacientes com câncer da vesícula biliar. MÉTODOS: Foram identificados e retrospectivamente revisados os prontuários médicos de todos os doentes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico que apresentavam diagnóstico histológico confirmado de adenocarcinoma de vesícula biliar durante período de 14 anos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística uni e multivariada. RESULTADOS: A amostra total foi de 100 doentes. A mediana de idade foi de 71 anos (34 a 93). Houve 17 mulheres e 83 homens. A distribuição das lesões de acordo com o sistema de estadiamento TNM foi: I (n=22), II (n=59), III (n=6), IV (n=4) e desconhecido (n=9). Cinquenta e dois doentes foram submetidos à ressecção radical (R0) enquanto 48 à cirurgia paliativa (R1-R2). A morbidade global foi de 14% enquanto que a mortalidade pós-operatória (até 30º dia do pós-operatório) foi de 12 %. A taxa de sobrevida em cinco anos foi de 28% enquanto a mediana de sobrevida foi de 10 meses. A análise multivariada identificou seis fatores prognósticos: estádio T, nível sérico de CA 19.9, perfuração da vesícula biliar, embolização linfática, coorte cirúrgico histórico e linfadenectomia hilar. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento do câncer de vesícula biliar apresenta alta morbimortalidade. Os fatores prognósticos foram: estádio T, nível sérico de CA 19.9, perfuração da vesícula biliar, embolização linfática, coorte cirúrgico histórico e linfadenectomia hilar.HSPE FMO Hospital Francisco Morato de OliveiraUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Repeticiones y variaciones en restauración : Sobre la eternidad y la contingencia de la obra de arte

Las tareas de restauración y conservación de obras de arte observan siempre la finalidad de repetir las obras del pasado (llámese recuperación, recreación, etc.). Sin embargo, la repetición exacta sólo resulta posible en teoría, sea por las variaciones que el deterioro del tiempo ha causado sobre la pieza o por las variaciones introducidas en el proceso de recuperación. Los contrastes se producen cuando a la obra original, sea por obligación, necesidad o capricho, se le agregan elementos disonantes y extraños que modifican su sentido y que, al transformarse en parte de la misma, la vuelven algo distinto. En el texto abordaremos el aspecto repetitivo de toda restauración. Desde el comienzo, la conservación y la restauración de objetos del pasado persigue el deseo de repetir esos objetos tal cual fueron germinados en su origen. No obstante, ninguna repetición es perfecta; siempre se introducen variaciones al modelo, así se pretenda la conservación más ortodoxa con la mínima intervención. (Párrafo extraído del texto a modo de resumen)Facultad de Bellas Arte

Repeticiones y variaciones en restauración : Sobre la eternidad y la contingencia de la obra de arte

Las tareas de restauración y conservación de obras de arte observan siempre la finalidad de repetir las obras del pasado (llámese recuperación, recreación, etc.). Sin embargo, la repetición exacta sólo resulta posible en teoría, sea por las variaciones que el deterioro del tiempo ha causado sobre la pieza o por las variaciones introducidas en el proceso de recuperación. Los contrastes se producen cuando a la obra original, sea por obligación, necesidad o capricho, se le agregan elementos disonantes y extraños que modifican su sentido y que, al transformarse en parte de la misma, la vuelven algo distinto. En el texto abordaremos el aspecto repetitivo de toda restauración. Desde el comienzo, la conservación y la restauración de objetos del pasado persigue el deseo de repetir esos objetos tal cual fueron germinados en su origen. No obstante, ninguna repetición es perfecta; siempre se introducen variaciones al modelo, así se pretenda la conservación más ortodoxa con la mínima intervención. (Párrafo extraído del texto a modo de resumen)Facultad de Bellas Arte

Repeticiones y variaciones en restauración : Sobre la eternidad y la contingencia de la obra de arte

Las tareas de restauración y conservación de obras de arte observan siempre la finalidad de repetir las obras del pasado (llámese recuperación, recreación, etc.). Sin embargo, la repetición exacta sólo resulta posible en teoría, sea por las variaciones que el deterioro del tiempo ha causado sobre la pieza o por las variaciones introducidas en el proceso de recuperación. Los contrastes se producen cuando a la obra original, sea por obligación, necesidad o capricho, se le agregan elementos disonantes y extraños que modifican su sentido y que, al transformarse en parte de la misma, la vuelven algo distinto. En el texto abordaremos el aspecto repetitivo de toda restauración. Desde el comienzo, la conservación y la restauración de objetos del pasado persigue el deseo de repetir esos objetos tal cual fueron germinados en su origen. No obstante, ninguna repetición es perfecta; siempre se introducen variaciones al modelo, así se pretenda la conservación más ortodoxa con la mínima intervención. (Párrafo extraído del texto a modo de resumen)Facultad de Bellas Arte

SAFE LOCALIZATION FOR PLACEMENT OF PERCUTANEOUS PINS IN THE CALCANEUS

ABSTRACTObjective: To determine the areas presenting risk in six zones of the calcaneus, and to quantify the risks of injury to the anatomical structures (artery, vein, nerve and tendon). Method: Fifty-three calcanei from cadavers were used, divided into three zones and each subdivided in two areas (upper and lower) by means of a longitudinal line through the calcaneus. The risk of injury to the anatomical structures in relation to each Kirschner wire was determined using a graded system according to the Licht classification. The total risk of injury to the anatomical structures through placement of more than one wire was quantified using the additive law of probabilities and the product law for independent events. Results: The injury risk calculation according to the Licht classification showed that the highest risk of injury to the artery or vein was in zone IA (43%), in relation to injuries to nerves and tendons (13% and 0%, respectively). Conclusion: This study made it possible to identify the most vulnerable anatomical structures and quantify the risk of injury to the calcaneus

Localization of the tibial entry point

OBJETIVE: To assess, through a questionnaire, the intramedullary nail entry point in the proximal aspect of the tibia. Me-thods: 230 attendees who treat tibial fractures were interviewed. The questionnaire was created with three sections that could be answered with Yes or No answers and a fourth section that had two figures representing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view x-rays that could be answered with a format A, B or C. RESULTS: The most frequent reason was ease of access (67.8%), followed by the better nail insertion access (60.9%) and the third one was to prevent knee pain (27.4%). Reasons for choosing access so as to prevent knee pain and prevent tendinitis had a significant relationship with points A and C of the schematic figure in the AP x-ray, especially C (medial tibial crest). No significant difference was observed between types of access to the patellar ligament in the schematic figure of the AP and lateral x-ray among age groups. CONCLUSION: The greater the age, the larger the proportion choosing the question avoid valgus deformity. Reasons from a medical (practical) perspective were related to the type of access in the transpatellar ligament, while reasons from a patient (functional) perspective were related to medial parapatellar access. Transpatellar access was chosen by most participants (66.5%).OBJETIVO: Verificar, através de um questionário, o ponto de entrada da haste intramedular na região proximal da tíbia. Métodos: 230 participantes que tratam fraturas da tíbia foram entrevistados. O questionário foi formulado com três segmentos que poderiam ser respondidos com um formato sim ou não e um quarto, com duas figuras que representavam uma radiografia em anteroposterior (AP) e lateral que poderiam ser respondidas com um formato A, B ou C. RESULTADOS: A razão mais frequente foi a facilidade de acesso (67,8%), seguida do melhor acesso para inserção da haste (60,9%) e em terceiro prevenir a dor no joelho (27,4%). Existiu relação significativa entre as razões de escolha do acesso como prevenir dor no joelho e evitar tendinites com os pontos A e C da figura esquemática de radiografia em AP, principalmente o ponto C (crista tibial medial). Observou-se que não existiu diferença significativa nos tipos de acesso em relação ao ligamento patelar, nas figuras esquemáticas de radiografia em AP e perfil entre as faixas etárias. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que quanto maior a faixa etária maior a proporção de escolher a pergunta evitar deformidade em valgo. As razões de aspecto médico (prático) foram relacionadas com o tipo de acesso no ligamento transpatelar, enquanto que as razões de aspecto paciente (funcional) foram relacionadas com o acesso parapatelar medial. O acesso transpatelar foi escolhido pela maioria dos participantes (66,5%).Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Hospital Santa TeresaUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Faculdade de Medicina Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaHospital de IpanemaSanta Casa de São Paulo Faculdade de Ciências MedicasSanta Casa de São Paulo da Faculdade de CiênciasUNIFESPSciEL