Analysis of partnership and conservation requirements for a threatened species, Acipenser sturio L., 1758: Towards the implementation of a recovery plan

El esturión atlántico Acipenser sturio L., 1758 es una especie amenazada cuyo último santuario es el ecosistema Gironda, Garona y Dordoña. Se encuentra estrictamente protegido en Francia desde 1981. Sin embargo, no se ha producido un significativo incremento de esta población. Hasta recientemente, como con el programa desarrollado para el salmón, los planes de recuperación de las especies migratorias se han centrado principalmente en la adquisición de conocimiento y en el desarrollo de programas estrictamente técnicos. Estos enfoques son insuficientes para integrar los requerimientos de supervivencia de las especies en la gestión ambiental. El análisis de las necesidades requeridas para la recuperación del esturión atlántico sugiere aspectos técnicos fácilmente manejables, y las medidas apropiadas están disponibles. Por otro lado, aspectos sociales de recuperación más complejos pueden frecuentemente interferir con la puesta en práctica de acciones técnicas. Como un hecho natural, la gestión de los ecosistemas acuáticos trata con múltiples actores, con diferentes intereses y varias competencias, que pueden, directa o indirectamente, influir en la consecución del programa de recuperación. La motivación de todos los grupos de actores y su inclusión en un proyecto colectivo es una de las maneras de realizar los objetivos de un programa de recuperación.The Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L., 1758 is a threatened species whose last sanctuary is the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne ecosystem. It has been strictly protected throughout France since 1981. However, no significant increase of its population has occurred. Until recently, as with the programme developed for salmon, migratory species restoration plans have mainly been centred on knowledge acquisition and the development of strictly technical programmes. These approaches are insufficient to integrate species survival requirements in environmental management. The analysis of needs necessary for the recovery of Atlantic sturgeon suggests easily manageable technical aspects, providing proper means are available. On the other hand, far more complex social aspects of recovery can often interfere with the implementation of technical actions. As a matter of fact, aquatic ecosystem management deals with multiple actors, with different concerns and various competencies, which can directly or indirectly influence the achievement of a restoration programme. Motivating each group of actors and including them in a collective project is one of the ways to achieve the goals of a restoration programme.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

A retrospective study of cryptorchidectomy in horses: Diagnosis, treatment, outcome and complications in 70 cases

The aim of the study was to investigate the breed predisposition and the diagnostic and surgical management of horses referred for cryptorchidism. The breed, localization of retained testis, diagnosis, type of surgical treatment and complications were analyzed. Seventy horses were included in the study; the Western Riding horse breeds were the most affected (Quarter Horse 34/70, 48.5%; Appaloosa 9/70, 12.8%). In unilateral cryptorchids (65/70, 92.8%) the most common location for a retained testis was the left abdomen (28/65, 43%), while in bilateral cryptorchids (5/70, 7.1%), bilateral abdominal retention was the most frequent (3/5, 6%). Information about testis localization was achieved through transabdominal ultrasound (30/49 cases, 61.2%), through per rectum palpation (21/49 cases, 42.9%) and through inguinal palpation (14/49 cases, 28.9%). Cryptorchidectomy was achieved with standing laparoscopy (44/70 cases, 62.8%), or with open inguinal orchiectomy in general anesthesia (26/70 cases, 37.2%). Complications during laparoscopy were spleen puncture (1/44, 2.2%), a self-limiting bleeding from the spermatic cord (10/44 cases, 22.7%), hyperthermia (3/44 cases, 6.8%), and emphysema (15/44, 34%). During inguinal open cryptorchidectomy difficulties with identifying the inguinal testis during surgery (8/26 cases, 30.8%) and a moderate and self-limiting swelling of the inguinal region after surgery (17/26, 65.4%) were observed. For orchiectomy, a standing laparoscopy was confirmed as the preferred procedure for an abdominally retained testis with almost no complications

Quantitative imaging techniques for the assessment of osteoporosis and sarcopenia

Bone and muscle are two deeply interconnected organs and a strong relationship between them exists in their development and maintenance. The peak of both bone and muscle mass is achieved in early adulthood, followed by a progressive decline after the age of 40. The increase in life expectancy in developed countries resulted in an increase of degenerative diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population and are associated with a significant increase in healthcare costs. Several imaging techniques are currently available for the non-invasive investigation of bone and muscle mass and quality. Conventional radiology, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound often play a complementary role in the study of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, depicting different aspects of the same pathology. This paper presents the different imaging modalities currently used for the investigation of bone and muscle mass and quality in osteoporosis and sarcopenia with special emphasis on the clinical applications and limitations of each technique and with the intent to provide interesting insights into recent advances in the field of conventional imaging, novel high-resolution techniques and fracture risk

Considerations for the optimal management of antibiotic therapy in elderly patients

Objectives: To maximise efficacy and minimise toxicity, special considerations are required for antibiotic prescription in elderly patients. This review aims to provide practical suggestions for the optimal management of antibiotic therapy in elderly patients. Methods: This was a narrative review. A literature search of published articles in the last 15 years on antibiotics and elderly patients was performed using the Cochrane Library and PubMed electronic databases. The three priority areas were identified: (i) pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) for optimising dosage regimens and route of administration; (ii) antibiotic dosages in some special subpopulations; and (iii) treatment considerations relating to different antibiotic classes and their adverse events. Results: Clinicians should understand the altered PK/PD of drugs in this population owing to co-morbid conditions and normal physiological changes associated with ageing. The body of evidence justifies the need for individualised dose selection, especially in patients with impaired renal and liver function. Clinicians should be aware of the major drug–drug interactions commonly observed in the elderly as well as potential side effects. Conclusion: Antibiotic therapy in the elderly requires a comprehensive approach, including strategies to improve appropriate antibiotic prescribing, limit their use for uncomplicated infections and ensure the attainment of an optimal PK/PD target. To this purpose, further studies involving the elderly are needed to better understand the PK of antibiotics. Moreover, it is necessary to assess the role therapeutic drug monitoring in guiding antibiotic therapy in elderly patients in order to evaluate its impact on clinical outcome

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Standing Mule Mares

Mules are hybrids bred from the mating of a jack donkey and a horse mare, known for their strength and resistance and still used to work in agriculture. Although they have been for long considered sterile, evidence of estrus cycle has been demonstrated together with abnormal behavior related to ovarian activity. In this study, a bilateral standing laparoscopic ovariectomy technique using the LigaSure technology was applied in 10 mare mules for treating unwanted behavioral patterns. The technique was effectively performed on these animals avoiding the risk of general anesthesia, and the use of the LigaSure technology allowed good hemostasis and reduced surgical time. Owners declared to be satisfied with the resolution of the behavior

Crystallography in Erice: past, present and future

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