Discrimination of stable isotopes in fin whale tissues and application to diet assessment in cetaceans

RATIONALE In stable isotope research, the use of accurate, species‐specific diet‐tissue discrimination factors (i.e., Δ13C and Δ15N) is central to the estimation of trophic position relative to primary consumers and to the identification of the dietary sources of an individual. Previous research suggested that the diet of fin whales from the waters off northwestern Spain is overwhelmingly based on krill, thus permitting reliable calculation of discrimination values in this wild population. METHODS After confirming that the stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N values) in muscle from 65 aged fin whales remained constant through age classes (4-65 years), the signatures were determined in muscle, bone protein, skin, liver, kidney, baleen plates and brain, as well as food (krill), from a subset of individuals to calculate discrimination factors. Signatures were determined by means of elemental analysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA‐IRMS) using a ThermoFinnigan Flash 1112. RESULTS The isotopic values remained constant regardless of age. The mean Δ15N values between krill and whale tissues ranged from 2.04 in bone protein to 4.27¿ in brain, and those of Δ13C ranged from 1.28 in skin to 3.11¿ in bone protein. This variation was consistent with that found in other groups of mammals, and is attributed to variation in tissue composition and physiology. CONCLUSIONS Because discrimination factors are relatively constant between taxonomically close species, the results here obtained may be reliably extrapolated to other cetaceans to improve dietary reconstructions. The skin discrimination factors are of particular relevance to monitoring diet through biopsies or other non‐destructive sampling methods. The large difference in bone protein discrimination factors from those of other tissues should be taken into consideration when bone collagen is used to determine trophic level or to assess diet in paleodietary isotopic reconstructions

Virtual reality exercise intradialysis to improve physical function: A feasibility randomized trial

[EN] Objective The main objective of this investigation was to assess feasibility of conducting a future RCT with an intradialysis non-immersive virtual reality exercise intervention. The secondary aim was to explore the impact of either conventional or VR exercise on physical function. Design Feasibility randomized trial. Participants Eighteen subjects who participated in a 16-week intradialysis combined exercise program. Interventions The program lasted four additional weeks of either combined exercise or virtual reality exercise. Main outcome measures Physical function was measured through several reliable tests (sit-to-stand-to-sit tests 10 and 60, gait speed, one-leg heel-rise tests, and 6-minute walk test) at baseline, after 16 weeks of intradialysis combined exercise and by the end of four additional weeks of exercise. Adherence to the exercise programs was registered. Results There was a significant time effect, so that physical function improved in both groups. By the end of the 20 weeks, function improved as measured through the sit-to-stand-to-sit tests 10 and 60, gait speed, one-leg heel-rise left leg, and the 6-minute walk test. Changes that did not occur due to error in the test were seen after 20 weeks were achieved in the sit-to-stand-to-sit test 60, gait speed, one-leg heel-rise test for the left leg, and 6-minute walking test. Conclusion Virtual reality was a feasible intervention. Both interventions improved physical function. Adherence was not significantly different between groups.Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain, Grant/Award Number: Consolidacion de Indicadores CEU-UCH 2016-2017/ISegura-Orti, E.; Perez-Dominguez, B.; Ortega-Pérez De Villar, L.; Melendez-Oliva, E.; Martínez-Gramaje, J.; García-Maset, R.; Gil-Gómez, J. (2019). Virtual reality exercise intradialysis to improve physical function: A feasibility randomized trial. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 29(1):89-94. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13304S8994291Segura-Ortí, E., Gordon, P. L., Doyle, J. W., & Johansen, K. L. (2017). Correlates of Physical Functioning and Performance Across the Spectrum of Kidney Function. Clinical Nursing Research, 27(5), 579-596. doi:10.1177/1054773816689282Segura-Orti, E., & Johansen, K. L. (2010). Exercise in End-Stage Renal Disease. Seminars in Dialysis, 23(4), 422-430. doi:10.1111/j.1525-139x.2010.00766.xDelgado, C., & Johansen, K. L. (2011). Barriers to exercise participation among dialysis patients. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 27(3), 1152-1157. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfr404Heiwe, S., & Tollin, H. (2012). Patients’ perspectives on the implementation of intra-dialytic cycling—a phenomenographic study. Implementation Science, 7(1). doi:10.1186/1748-5908-7-68Konstantinidou, E., Koukouvou, G., Kouidi, E., Deligiannis, A., & Tourkantonis, A. (2002). Exercise training in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: Comparison of three rehabilitation programs. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 34(1), 40-45. doi:10.1080/165019702317242695Corbetta, D., Imeri, F., & Gatti, R. (2015). Rehabilitation that incorporates virtual reality is more effective than standard rehabilitation for improving walking speed, balance and mobility after stroke: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 61(3), 117-124. doi:10.1016/j.jphys.2015.05.017Peruzzi, A., Cereatti, A., Della Croce, U., & Mirelman, A. (2016). Effects of a virtual reality and treadmill training on gait of subjects with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 5, 91-96. doi:10.1016/j.msard.2015.11.002Brien, M., & Sveistrup, H. (2011). An Intensive Virtual Reality Program Improves Functional Balance and Mobility of Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23(3), 258-266. doi:10.1097/pep.0b013e318227ca0fOrtega‐Pérez de VillarL Pérez‐ DomínguezB Segura‐OrtíE et al.Use of virtual reality game as part of exercise program for chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis.2015.Cho, H., & Sohng, K.-Y. (2014). The Effect of a Virtual Reality Exercise Program on Physical Fitness, Body Composition, and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 26(10), 1661-1665. doi:10.1589/jpts.26.1661OrtegaL.Comparison of two exercise programs for hemodialysis patients intradialysis vs home based program. absolute and relative reliability of physical performance[tesis doctoral]. Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud;2017.Guralnik, J. M., Ferrucci, L., Simonsick, E. M., Salive, M. E., & Wallace, R. B. (1995). Lower-Extremity Function in Persons over the Age of 70 Years as a Predictor of Subsequent Disability. New England Journal of Medicine, 332(9), 556-562. doi:10.1056/nejm199503023320902Segura-Ortí, E., & Martínez-Olmos, F. J. (2011). Test-Retest Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change Scores for Sit-to-Stand-to-Sit Tests, the Six-Minute Walk Test, the One-Leg Heel-Rise Test, and Handgrip Strength in People Undergoing Hemodialysis. Physical Therapy, 91(8), 1244-1252. doi:10.2522/ptj.20100141Segura-Ortí, E. (2017). Fisioterapia sobre ejercicio en pacientes en hemodiálisis. Fisioterapia, 39(4), 137-139. doi:10.1016/j.ft.2017.05.003Bohm, C., Stewart, K., Onyskie-Marcus, J., Esliger, D., Kriellaars, D., & Rigatto, C. (2014). Effects of intradialytic cycling compared with pedometry on physical function in chronic outpatient hemodialysis: a prospective randomized trial. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 29(10), 1947-1955. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfu248KOUFAKI, P., NASH, P. F., & MERCER, T. H. (2002). Assessing the efficacy of exercise training in patients with chronic disease. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 34(8), 1234-1241. doi:10.1097/00005768-200208000-00002Cappy, C. S., Jablonka, J., & Schroeder, E. T. (1999). The effects of exercise during hemodialysis on physical performance and nutrition assessment. Journal of Renal Nutrition, 9(2), 63-70. doi:10.1016/s1051-2276(99)90002-xHeadley, S., Germain, M., Mailloux, P., Mulhern, J., Ashworth, B., Burris, J., … Jones, M. (2002). Resistance training improves strength and functional measures in patients with end-stage renal disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 40(2), 355-364. doi:10.1053/ajkd.2002.34520Painter, P., Carlson, L., Carey, S., Paul, S. M., & Myll, J. (2000). Low-functioning hemodialysis patients improve with exercise training. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 36(3), 600-608. doi:10.1053/ajkd.2000.16200Segura-Ortí, E., Kouidi, E., & Lisón, J. F. (2009). Effect of resistance exercise during hemodialysis on physical function and quality of life: randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nephrology, 71(05), 527-537. doi:10.5414/cnp71527Esteve Simó, V., Junqué, A., Fulquet, M., Duarte, V., Saurina, A., Pou, M., … Ramírez de Arellano, M. (2014). Complete Low-Intensity Endurance Training Programme in Haemodialysis Patients: Improving the Care of Renal Patients. Nephron Clinical Practice, 128(3-4), 387-393. doi:10.1159/000369253Johansen, K. L., Painter, P. L., Sakkas, G. K., Gordon, P., Doyle, J., & Shubert, T. (2006). Effects of Resistance Exercise Training and Nandrolone Decanoate on Body Composition and Muscle Function among Patients Who Receive Hemodialysis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 17(8), 2307-2314. doi:10.1681/asn.2006010034Tao, X., Chow, S. K. Y., & Wong, F. K. (2017). The effects of a nurse-supervised home exercise programme on improving patients’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers to exercise: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 26(17-18), 2765-2775. doi:10.1111/jocn.13798Rossi, A. P., Burris, D. D., Lucas, F. L., Crocker, G. A., & Wasserman, J. C. (2014). Effects of a Renal Rehabilitation Exercise Program in Patients with CKD: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 9(12), 2052-2058. doi:10.2215/cjn.11791113Boone, A. E., Foreman, M. H., & Engsberg, J. R. (2017). Development of a novel virtual reality gait intervention. Gait & Posture, 52, 202-204. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.11.025Orcy, R. B., Dias, P. S., Seus, T. L., Barcellos, F. C., & Bohlke, M. (2012). Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise is Better than Resistance Training Alone to Improve Functional Performance of Haemodialysis Patients - Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Physiotherapy Research International, 17(4), 235-243. doi:10.1002/pri.1526Oliveros R, M. S., Avendaño, M., Bunout, D., Hirsch, S., De La Maza, M. P., Pedreros, C., & Müller, H. (2011). Estudio piloto sobre entrenamiento físico durante hemodiálisis. Revista médica de Chile, 139(8), 1046-1053. doi:10.4067/s0034-98872011000800010Silva, S. F. da, Pereira, A. A., Silva, W. A. H. da, Simôes, R., & Barros Neto, J. de R. (2013). Physical therapy during hemodialyse in patients with chronic kidney disease. Jornal Brasileiro de Nefrologia, 35(3), 170-176. doi:10.5935/0101-2800.20130028Bulckaen, M., Capitanini, A., Lange, S., Caciula, A., Giuntoli, F., & Cupisti, A. (2011). Implementation of exercise training programs in a hemodialysis unit: effects on physical performance. Journal of Nephrology, 24(6), 790-797. doi:10.5301/jn.2011.6386Cook, S. A., MacLaughlin, H., & Macdougall, I. C. (2007). A structured weight management programme can achieve improved functional ability and significant weight loss in obese patients with chronic kidney disease. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 23(1), 263-268. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfm511PérezDF.Comparación de los efectos de un programa de ejercicio intradiálisis frente a un programa de ejercicio domiciliario[tesis doctoral]. Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud;2017.Wilkinson, T. J., Shur, N. F., & Smith, A. C. (2016). «Exercise as medicine» in chronic kidney disease. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(8), 985-988. doi:10.1111/sms.1271

Psychophysiological condition in the performance of sanitary-military tasks with surgical mask

Using a quasi-experimental design with 19 health workers (33.7 ± 5.1 years), the importance of physical and cognitive condition and performance when wearing protective equipment with a surgical mask during training situations in significant contexts of military intervention has been analysed. Heart rate and its variability, glucose levels, thermoregulation, explosive strength and perceived effort in specific motor performance tasks (tapping test, tourniquet, ammunition), and cognitive and decisional performance (triage) were measured. The results indicate significant differences (p < 05) depending on the physical condition (blood glucose and explosive strength), gender (explosive strength and tourniquet), smoking habit (perceived effort) and specialty (glucose level) in the study group. In conclusion, the importance of physical and psychological training is highlighted to improve the operational response in health-military situations that require the use of a surgical maskSe ha analizado, mediante un diseño cuasi-experimental con 19 sanitarios (33.7 ± 5.1 años), la importancia de la condición física, cognitiva y el rendimiento al portar un equipo de protección con mascarilla quirúrgica durante situaciones de entrenamiento en contextos significativos de intervención militar. Se midieron la frecuencia cardíaca y su variabilidad, los niveles de glucosa, la termorregulación, la fuerza explosiva y el esfuerzo percibido en tareas de rendimiento motor específicas (tapping test, torniquete, municionamiento), y de rendimiento cognitivo y decisional (triaje). Los resultados indican diferencias significativas (p < 05) en función de la condición física (glucemia y fuerza explosiva), del género (fuerza explosiva y torniquete), del hábito tabáquico (esfuerzo percibido) y del cuerpo de pertenencia (nivel de glucemia) en el grupo de estudio. Como conclusión, se destaca la importancia del entrenamiento físico y psicológico para la mejora de la respuesta operativa en situaciones sanitario-militares que requieren el uso de mascarilla quirúrgic

Diálogos sobre transdisciplina: los investigadores y su objeto de estudio

A la transdisciplinariedad se le ha definido como “una feliz transgresión de las fronteras entre las disciplinas” y es en este tono en que se presenta esta obra, que recopila las experiencias y reflexiones, las discusiones y propuestas de una veintena de investigadores y académicos que hablan sobre o desde la transdisciplina acerca de los temas de su interés o especialidad. La aproximación se da desde perspectivas académicas diversas y se adereza con expresiones estéticas que van desde la poesía hasta la pintura, a través de las cuales se busca ofrecer un espacio a las rutas posibles y limitaciones connaturales de acceder a la realidad para construir conocimiento “de frontera”, “en las fronteras”. Los abordajes son fruto de la exploración, filiación, encantos y desencantos por parte de los autores con la entidad de su búsqueda, quienes buscan contestar, entre otras, las siguientes cuestiones: ¿Cómo establecer un acercamiento transdisciplinar al objeto de estudio? ¿Qué hace a un objeto de estudio transdisciplinar? ¿Cómo impacta la transdisciplinariedad la identidad del académico? Una obra concebida desde una perspectiva más pedagógica que desde la doxa académica, con el interés de aportar una lectura amena para las reflexiones en torno a la trasgresión de las fronteras disciplinarias.ITESO, A.C

A model of membrane contraction predicting initiation and completion of bacterial cell division

Bacterial cell division involves a complex and dynamic sequence of events whereby polymers of the protein FtsZ assemble at the division plane and rearrange to achieve the goal of contracting the cell membrane at the site of cell division, thus dividing the parent cell into two daughter cells. We present a mathematical model (which we refer to as CAM-FF: Critical Accumulation of Membrane-bound FtsZ Fibres) of the assembly of the contractile ring in terms of the accumulation of short linear polymers of FtsZ that associate and dissociate from the cell membrane. In prokaryotes, the biochemical function of FtsZ is thought to underpin the assembly and at least the initial kinetic force of ring contraction. Our model extends earlier work of Surovtsev et al. [PLoS Comput. Biol., 2008, 4, e1000102] by adding (i) the kinetics of FtsZ accumulation on cell membrane anchor proteins and (ii) the physical forces required to deform the cell against its surface tension. Moreover, we provide a more rigorous treatment of intracellular diffusion and we revise some of the model parameter values in light of the experimental evidence now available. We derive a critical contraction parameter which links the chemical population dynamics of membrane-bound FtsZ molecules to the force of contraction. Using this parameter as a tool to predict the ability of the cell to initiate division, we are able to predict the division outcome in cells depleted of key FtsZ-binding proteins

Health-related Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Pediatric Patients and Their Caregivers in Spain: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and their caregivers.Methods: CHRYSTAL was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in Spain in 2014 on 275 patients under 18 years old diagnosed with T1DM. Patient/caregiver pairs were stratified by patients' HbA1c level (?7.5% versus <7.5%) and by presence or absence of T1DM complications and/or comorbidities. EQ-5D and PedsQL questionnaires were administered to patients and caregivers.Results: On the EQ-5D, according to caregivers' perception, 17.7% of children experienced moderate pain or discomfort, 9.7% suffered problems performing usual activities, and 13.2% demonstrated moderate anxiety or depression. Mean EQ-5D index score was 0.95 and mean visual analog scale (VAS) score was 86.1. By HbA1c level (?7.5% versus <7.5%), mean index scores were 0.94 and 0.95, and mean VAS scores were 82.8 and 89.2, respectively. Mean index scores were 0.91 for children with complications and/or comorbidities and 0.96 for children without. Mean VAS scores were 83.7 and 87.2, respectively. HRQOL per the PedsQL tool ranged from 68.1 (ages 2-4) to 73.1 (ages 13-18). EQ-5D index and VAS scores were significantly correlated (rho = 0.29-0.43) with several age groups of the PedsQL. EQ-5D scales showed significant moderate correlation between EQ-5D-Y and EQ-5D-3L proxy VAS score (rho = 0.45; p < .001).Conclusions: Patients with few complications and controlled HbA1c reported a relatively high HRQOL. The results suggest that parent-proxy EQ-5D ratings are valid for use as part of an overall health outcomes assessment in clinical studies of T1DM in pediatric patients

Net Efficacy Adjusted for Risk (NEAR): A Simple Procedure for Measuring Risk:Benefit Balance

BACKGROUND: Although several mathematical models have been proposed to assess the risk:benefit of drugs in one measure, their use in practice has been rather limited. Our objective was to design a simple, easily applicable model. In this respect, measuring the proportion of patients who respond favorably to treatment without being affected by adverse drug reactions (ADR) could be a suitable endpoint. However, remarkably few published clinical trials report the data required to calculate this proportion. As an approach to the problem, we calculated the expected proportion of this type of patients. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Theoretically, responders without ADR may be obtained by multiplying the total number of responders by the total number of subjects that did not suffer ADR, and dividing the product by the total number of subjects studied. When two drugs are studied, the same calculation may be repeated for the second drug. Then, by constructing a 2 x 2 table with the expected frequencies of responders with and without ADR, and non-responders with and without ADR, the odds ratio and relative risk with their confidence intervals may be easily calculated and graphically represented on a logarithmic scale. Such measures represent "net efficacy adjusted for risk" (NEAR). We assayed the model with results extracted from several published clinical trials or meta-analyses. On comparing our results with those originally reported by the authors, marked differences were found in some cases, with ADR arising as a relevant factor to balance the clinical benefit obtained. The particular features of the adverse reaction that must be weighed against benefit is discussed in the paper. CONCLUSION: NEAR representing overall risk-benefit may contribute to improving knowledge of drug clinical usefulness. As most published clinical trials tend to overestimate benefits and underestimate toxicity, our measure represents an effort to change this trend

Dificultades para codificar, relacionar y categorizar problemas verbales algebraicos: dos estudios con estudiantes de secundaria y profesores en formación

En resolución de problemas verbales por transferencia, la activación de problemas ya conocidos que sirvan de guía, depende de las analogías percibidas entre éstos y el problema a resolver. Se desarrollan dos estudios relacionados para analizar en qué características se basan los estudiantes para codificar problemas y detectar sus analogías, en tareas de categorización (sorting). Se utilizaron técnicas cuantitativas y cualitativas combinadas. Primero se analizó cómo los estudiantes de secundaria son influidos por diferentes variables características de problemas de ciencias. Una gran proporción de sujetos no fue capaz de percibir las analogías y diferencias adecuadas entre problemas. El segundo estudio trató de avanzar una explicación de estos resultados. El nivel académico y la familiaridad con las temáticas fueron factores significativos, pero los futuros profesores participantes mostraron demasiadas dificultades, alertando sobre la conveniencia de revisar algunos supuestos instruccionales habituales

Site Selection for a Network ofWeather Stations Using AHP and Near Analysis in a GIS Environment in Amazonas, NW Peru

Meteorological observations play a major role in land management; thus, it is vital to properly plan the monitoring network of weather stations (WS). This study, therefore, selected ‘highly suitable’ sites with the objective of replanning the WS network in Amazonas, NW Peru. A set of 11 selection criteria for WS sites were identified and mapped in a Geographic Information System, as well as their importance weights were determined using Analytic Hierarchy Process and experts. A map of the suitability of the territory for WS sites was constructed by weighted superimposition of the criteria maps. On this map, the suitability status of the 20 existing WS sites was then assessed and, if necessary, relocated. New ‘highly suitable’ sites were determined by the Near Analysis method using existing WS (some relocated). The territory suitability map for WS showed that 0.3% (108.55 km2) of Amazonas has ‘highly suitable’ characteristics to establish WS. This ‘highly suitable’ territory corresponds to 26,683 polygons (of ≥30 × 30 m each), from which 100 polygons were selected in 11 possible distributions of new WS networks in Amazonas, with different number and distance of new WS in each distribution. The implementation of this methodology will be a useful support tool for WS network planning

Measurement of the Depth of Maximum of Extensive Air Showers above 10^18 eV

We describe the measurement of the depth of maximum, Xmax, of the longitudinal development of air showers induced by cosmic rays. Almost four thousand events above 10^18 eV observed by the fluorescence detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory in coincidence with at least one surface detector station are selected for the analysis. The average shower maximum was found to evolve with energy at a rate of (106 +35/-21) g/cm^2/decade below 10^(18.24 +/- 0.05) eV and (24 +/- 3) g/cm^2/decade above this energy. The measured shower-to-shower fluctuations decrease from about 55 to 26 g/cm^2. The interpretation of these results in terms of the cosmic ray mass composition is briefly discussed.Comment: Accepted for publication by PR