La geometría de visualización afecta el dicromatismo sexual y la conspicuidad de la coloración del plumaje no iridiscente de Tersina viridis

Some types of plumage color are difficult to characterize spectrophotometrically because the properties of the reflected light change with viewing geometry (i.e. the relative positions of the light source and the observer, and the orientation of the feather). This is the case for the noniridescent plumage coloration of the Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis), which seems to change from a human perspective as the angle between the light source and the observer varies. In this study, we measured plumage reflectance with different angles of illumination and/or observation, and used avian visual models to evaluate the change in sexual dichromatism and conspicuousness with viewing geometry from a bird’s perspective. We also calculated different color parameters to assess how these changed with viewing conditions. Sexual dichromatism showed large changes, with its maximum coinciding with the angle combination between illuminant and observer that produced both the highest conspicuousness for males and the highest crypsis for females. The conspicuousness of males also varied with viewing geometry, and was consistently less when viewed by the visual system of a potential avian predator (VS) than by that of a conspecific (UVS). The change in perceived coloration was mainly related to large variation in hue and chroma in the plumage of males as the relative angle between the illumination and observation probes changed. Our results show that viewing geometry can alter color perception, even for noniridescent plumage coloration. Therefore, the relative position of the light source and the observer should be considered in studies of avian visual communication, particularly for species with plumage coloration similar to that of Swallow Tanagers.Algunos tipos de colores del plumaje son difíciles de caracterizar espectrofotometricamente debido a que las propiedades de la luz que reflejada varían con la geometría de visualización (es decir, la posición relativa de la fuente lumínica, el observador y la pluma). Este es el caso de la coloración no-iridiscente de la Tersina viridis, que parece cambiar desde la perspectiva humana al modificarse el ángulo conformado entre el observador y la fuente de luz. En este trabajo medimos la reflectancia del plumaje con diferentes ángulos de iluminación y/o observación y empleamos modelos visuales avianos para evaluar el cambio en dicromatismo sexual y conspicuidad. Tambien calculamos parámetros descriptores de la coloración para determinar cómo cambian estos en función de la geometría de visualización. El dicromatismo sexual mostró una amplia variación, siendo máximo con la combinación de ángulos entre iluminante y observador que también produjo el máximo de conspicuidad en los machos y el máximo de cripsis en las hembras. La conspicuidad de los machos tambien varió con la geometría de visualización y además fue consistentemente menor para sistemas visuales avianos menos sensibles al UV (como los de los máximos potenciales predadores de esta especie) que para sus conspecíficos, que serían más sensibles a longitudes de onda del UV. El cambio percibido en la coloración estuvo principalmente relacionado a una gran variación en el tono y la saturación en el plumaje de los machos al cambiar el ángulo conformado entre la fuente lumínica y el observador. Nuestros resultados muestran que la geometría de visualización puede alterar la percepción del color, a un en plumajes no-iridiscentes. Por lo tanto, es importante considerar la posición relativa de la fuente de luz y el observador en estudios de comunicación visual en aves, particularmente en especies con coloración del plumaje como la de la Tersina viridis.Fil: Barreira, Ana Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: García, Natalia Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Lougheed, Stephen C.. Queens University, Department Of Biology; CanadáFil: Tubaro, Pablo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentin

Structural Brain Alterations in Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been related to brain alterations in female survivors. Nonetheless, few studies have used an exploratory approach, focusing on brain regions that are traditionally studied in other populations with post-traumatic stress. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), strangulation, and childhood trauma are highly prevalent among this population, and have also been associated with brain alterations and functional deterioration. As such, it is difficult to determine how different brain regions are affected by the complex interplay of these factors in female survivors. The aim of this study is to assess (a) brain alterations in female survivors of IPV as compared to non-victim females and (b) the potential causal mechanisms associated with such alterations. We hypothesized that structural brain differences would be found between female survivors of IPV and non-victims, and that these differences would be related to IPV-related TBI, strangulation, IPV severity, depression, post-traumatic stress, generalized anxiety, and childhood adverse experiences. A total of 27 non-victims and 28 survivors completed structural magnetic resonance imaging and questionnaires to measure the potential causal mechanisms for brain alterations. Structural brain differences were found between groups, principally in volumetric analyses. The brain regions in which between-group differences were found were related to attempted strangulation, IPV-related TBI, severity of IPV, adverse childhood experiences, and post-traumatic stress. These results demonstrate that a wider range of brain regions may be impacted by IPV and that various factors are implicated in the structural brain alterations found in female survivors. This study demonstrates the importance of post-traumatic stress, childhood and adult trauma, and physical violence in assessing brain alterations in IPV survivors. Further, it serves as a critical first step in assessing an extensive list of potential causal mechanisms for structural brain alterations, using a more comprehensive a whole-brain structural analysis of IPV female victims, a largely understudied and vulnerable population.I+D+I Operative Program FEDER project of the Andalusian Government in 2018 B-CTS-493-UGR18Ministry of Education and Professional Training in SpainUniversity of Granada (Spain)Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities FJCI-2017-3339

Efecto de la crisis económica sobre el consumo de psicofármacos en Asturias

ResumenObjetivoEvaluar si la crisis económica de 2008ha comportado cambios en la evolución del consumo de ansiolíticos, hipnótico-sedantes y antidepresivos en Asturias.MétodoEstudio descriptivo y de utilización de medicamentos durante 2003-2013. Se calcularon las dosis diarias definidas por 1000 habitantes/día (DHD) de ansiolíticos, hipnótico-sedantes y antidepresivos. Se obtuvieron coeficientes de regresión lineal (b) de las DHD de la etapa precrisis (2003-2008) y de la etapa de crisis (2009-2013).ResultadosEl consumo de ansiolíticos creció un 40,25%, el de hipnóticos un 88,11% y el de antidepresivos un 80,93%. Para los ansiolíticos: b-(2003-2008)=4,38 DHD/año y b-(2009-2013)=1,08 DHD/año. Para los hipnótico-sedantes: b-(2003-2008)=2,30 DHD/año y b-(2009-2013)=0,40 DHD/año. Para los antidepresivos: b-(2003-2008)=5,79 DHD/año y b-(2009-2013)=2,83 DHD/año.ConclusionesEl incremento del consumo para los tres subgrupos en la época de crisis fue menor que en la época precrisis. No se confirma que la crisis económica haya influido aumentando el consumo de estos medicamentos.AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether the economic crisis of 2008 has changed the consumption of anxiolytics, hypnotics-sedatives and antidepressants in Asturias (Spain).MethodWe conducted a descriptive study of drug use from 2003 -2013. The defined daily doses of 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD) were calculated for anxiolytics, hypnotics-sedatives and antidepressants. Linear regression coefficients (b) of the DHD were obtained for the pre-crisis period (2003-2008) and the crisis period (2009-2013).ResultsThe consumption of anxiolytics increased by 40.25%, that of hypnotics by 88.11% and that of antidepressants by 80.93%. For anxiolytics: b-(2003-2008)=4.38 DDI/year and b-(2009-2013)=1.08 DDI/year. For hypnotics-sedatives: b-(2003-2008)=2.30 DDI/year and b-(2009-2013)=0.40 DDI/year. For antidepressants: b-(2003-2008)=5.79 DDI/year and b-(2009-2013)=2.83 DDI/year.ConclusionsThe rise in consumption of the three subgroups during the crisis period was lower than that of the pre-crisis period. This study does not confirm the influence of the economic crisis on the rise in consumption of these drugs

Liver Cholesterol Overload Aggravates Obstructive Cholestasis by Inducing Oxidative Stress and Premature Death in Mice

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver disease. Dietary factors determine the clinical presentation of steatohepatitis and can influence the progression of related diseases. Cholesterol has emerged as a critical player in the disease and hence consumption of cholesterol-enriched diets can lead to a progressive form of the disease. The aim was to investigate the impact of liver cholesterol overload on the progression of the obstructive cholestasis in mice subjected to bile duct ligation surgery. Mice were fed with a high cholesterol diet for two days and then were subjected to surgery procedure; histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were conducted to address the effect of cholesterol in liver damage. Mice under the diet were more susceptible to damage. Results show that cholesterol fed mice exhibited increased apoptosis and oxidative stress as well as reduction in cell proliferation. Mortality following surgery was higher in HC fed mice. Liver cholesterol impairs the repair of liver during obstructive cholestasis and aggravates the disease with early fatal consequences; these effects were strongly associated with oxidative stress.This work was supported by grants of the CONACYT 252942, 236558, and 166042, CONACYT Fronteras de la Ciencia 1320, Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología, and SEP-PRODEP-913026-1461211, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, by grants SAF-2011-23031 and SAF-2012-34831 from Plan Nacional de I+D, Spain, Fundació la Marató de TV3, La Mutua Madrileña, PI11/0325 (META) Grant from the Instituto Salud Carlos III, by the support of CIBEREHD, and by the Center Grant P50-AA-11999 from Research Center for Liver and Pancreatic Diseases funded by NIAAA/NIH.Peer Reviewe

Student Perception of Teacher and Parent Involvement in Homework and Student Engagement: The Mediating Role of Motivation

Currently, there is much debate about the value of assigning homework. Organizations such as the OECD have concluded that doing more homework is not synonymous with better performance. This study was designed to analyze the mediating role of student motivation in the relationship between the involvement of parents and teachers in homework and the engagement of students in these tasks. Seven hundred and thirty students in Compulsory Secondary Education (7th–10th grade) participated from 14 schools in the north of Spain. Three competing models were developed and tested to study motivational mediation: a non-motivational mediation model (direct effects model); a total motivational mediation model (indirect effects model); and a partial motivational mediation model (mixed effects model). The best model was adjusted according to gender and school year variables. The total mediation motivational model demonstrated the best fit (indirect effects model). The results suggest the total mediation of student motivation in the relationship between the perception of parents’ and teachers’ involvement in homework and student cognitive engagement in these tasks. Some differences, albeit slight, were observed with respect to gender and school year. The results have clear theoretical and educational implications.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; EDU2013-44062-PMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad; EDU2017-82984-PGobierno de Asturias; FC-GRUPIN-IDI/2018/00019

Análisis por elementos finitos de una prótesis transtibial para un ciclista paralímpico

(Eng) Currently, finite element analysis techniques are used to reduce costs in the manufacturing process of sports prostheses. This study primarily focuses on the finite element analysis of a design for a transtibial prosthesis for a paralympic cyclist, integra ting the biomechanics of an athlete with a double leg amputation below the knee with two prostheses categorized before the Union Cycling International (UCI) with a C - 3 disability and the characteristics of the terrain and the dynamic model. The analysis em ploying finite elements aims to evaluate the static and dynamic behavior of the proposed design when subjected to competition in the track - cycling category. As a result of this analysis, mechanical aspects, such as static forces, buckling, frequency, fatig ue, free fall, impact, and aerodynamics, can be evaluated to verify that the design of the proposed transtibial prosthesis meets an adequate aerodynamic profile and its mechanical characteristics are suitable to be used in a high - performance Paralympic cyc ling competition.(Spa) En la actualidad se emplean técnicas de análisis por elementos finitos para reducir costos en el proceso de fabricación de prótesis deportivas. Este estudio particularmente se centra en el análisis por elementos finitos de un diseño para una prótesis transtibial de un ciclista paralímpico, en el que se integra la biomecánica de un atleta con amputación en ambas piernas por debajo de la rodilla, con dos prótesis categorizado ante la Unión Ciclista Internacional (UCI) con una discapacidad de grado C-3, considerando características del terreno y el modelo dinámico. El análisis por medio de elementos finitos tiene como objetivo evaluar el comportamiento estático y dinámico del diseño propuesto cuando se somete a una competencia en la categoría de ciclismo de pista. Como resultado de este análisis, se pueden evaluar aspectos mecánicos como: esfuerzos estáticos, pandeo, frecuencia, fatiga, caída libre, impacto y aerodinámica, permitiendo verificar que el diseño de la prótesis transtibial propuesto cumple con un perfil aerodinámico idóneo y sus características mecánicas para ser utilizada en una competencia de ciclismo paralímpico de alto rendimiento

El mortinato y el mortinato malformado como urgencias médicas : propuesta de manejo interdisciplinario

El óbito fetal es una condición frecuente y a menudo de causa no establecida, que constituye un hecho de interés tanto para los padres como para el personal de salud. El óbito fetal y el mortinato malformado son urgencias médicas que deben ser manejadas con un abordaje interdisciplinario. La evaluación y el manejo del óbito fetal y el mortinato malformado no deben ser la esponsabilidad de un solo médico, sino de un equipo de salud interdisciplinario. Aunque el estudio fetal es extenso y dispendioso, y a pesar de que la conformación de un equipo de trabajo interdisciplinario es difícil, es necesario establecer protocolos versátiles de evaluación y manejo del óbito fetal y el mortinato malformado donde participen diversos profesionales de la salud para brindar una mejor atención a las familias afectadas.Q4166-176IndigentesStillbirth is a common condition and its cause is frequently unknown. This condition is an event of interest to parents and health personnel. Stillbirths and malformed stillbirths are medical emergencies that must be handled with an interdisciplinary approach. Evaluation and management of stillbirths and malformed stillbirths must not be the responsibility of a single doctor, but that of an interdisciplinary health team. Although fetal assessment is extensive and expensive and despite the fact that the formation of an interdisciplinary team is difficult, it is necessary to establish versatile protocols for evaluating and managing stillbirths and malformed stillbirths involving several health professionals to provide better attention to affected families

Effect of the addition of flavan-3-ols on the HPLC-DAD salivary-protein profile

[EN] The interaction between monomeric flavan-3-ols and salivary proteins has been studied using HPLC-DAD. A chromatographic method has been described and seven protein fractions were collected. The peptides and proteins present in each fraction have been identified using nLC-MS-MS analysis. The interaction between saliva and catechin, epicatechin and gallocatechin has been studied. These compounds interact in a discriminated way with salivary proteins: catechin causes a decrease of some fractions, epicatechin causes the decrease or increase of fractions while gallocatechin seems to cause an increase of two fractions. This variable behavior is explained, for the decrease in the chromatographic area, by the precipitation of salivary proteins and, for the increase of the area, by the formation of soluble complexes and/or for the formation of new peaks

Integrated assessment of contaminants and monitoring of an urbanized temperate harbor (Montevideo, Uruguay): a 12-year comparison

Situated opposite the Freshwater Front, Montevideo city with its more than 1.5 million inhabitants encircles Montevideo Bay, where one of the most active and polluted harbors in South America is located. Faecal sterols, trace metals, organochlorine compounds and petroleum derivatives in the sediments of Montevideo Harbor were evaluated and their spatial distribution inside the harbor as well as in the input of two main tributary streams analyzed. Specifically for the harbor sites, a temporal comparison of metal and hydrocarbons was made with previous measurements taken 12 years ago. Clear changes were observed at these sites. The concentration of metals such as Pb, Cr and Zn have diminished, while aliphatic hydrocarbons have increased their values at almost all of the stations studied. Differences were observed between summer and winter suggesting sedimentation, input or hydrodynamic changes in the area. These results help one to understand the present situation and develop the management measures needed to improve the environmental quality of the harbor and bay.A cidade de Montevidéu, com mais de 1,5 milhões de habitantes, circunda a Baía de Montevidéu, onde um dos portos mais ativos e poluídos da América do Sul está localizado. No presente trabalho, foram avaliados esteróis fecais, metais traço, compostos organoclorados e derivados de petróleo nos sedimentos superficiais do Porto de Montevidéu, analisando sua distribuição espacial no interior do porto, bem como em dois dos principais tributários que chegam ao interior da baía. Especificamente para os sítios do porto, foi realizada uma comparação temporal dos metais pesados e hidrocarbonetos, considerando dados pretéritos de 12 anos. Foram observadas alterações significativas nos sítios estudados. Metais, tais como o Pb, Cr e Zn, apresentaram redução nas suas concentrações, enquanto os hidrocarbonetos alifáticos aumentaram seus valores em quase todas as estações. Foram observadas também diferenças entre o verão e o inverno, sugerindo mudanças no padrão de sedimentação, nos ingressos de substâncias e/ou mudanças hidrodinâmicas na área. Os resultados podem vir auxiliar na compreensão do estado atual e para o desenvolvimento de medidas de gestão necessárias para melhorar a qualidade ambiental do porto e da baía

Seroprevalencija Dirofilaria immitis u pasa iz skloništa za životinje u kolumbijskoj regiji kave (Eje Cafetero)

In Colombia, there are reports of approximately 6.4 million pets, making this the fourth country in Latin America and leading the pet sector with an annual growth of 13%. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic nematode, in 170 canines from the municipalities of Pereira, Santa Rosa de Cabal, and La Virginia, located in the department of Risaralda and the municipalities of Calarca and Armenia in the department of Quindio. A cross-sectional study was carried out on canines from animal shelters during the period 2021–2022. Blood samples were taken, and in vitro immunochromatography was performed to detect specific lesions for Dirofilaria immitis. A peripheral blood smear confirmed positive patients, and a chest x-ray was performed to show changes in the morphology of the heart and blood vessels. Seroprevalence was determined by calculating proportions with the 95% confidence interval determined by the exact or Clopper-Pearson method for a proportion based on sample size and the number of positive cases. The seroprevalence of the test for Dirofilaria immitis was 0.62% (95% CI = 0.016–3.42%). This parasite is a nematode of low distribution in areas of the coffee region. However, surveillance programmes that help control and reduce its transmission should be established.Postoje izvješća o gotovo 6.400.000 kućnih ljubimaca u Kolumbiji i to je četvrta zemlja u Latinskoj Americi u sektoru kućnih ljubimaca, s godišnjim rastom od 13 %. Cilj je ove studije jest utvrditi seroprevalenciju Dirofilaria immitis u 170 pasa iz općina Pereira, Santa Rosa de Cabal i La Virginia, koje se nalaze u departmanu Risaralda i u općinama Calarca i Armenia u departmanu Quindio. Provedena je presječna studija na psima iz skloništa za životinje tijekom godine 2021.-2022. Uzeti su uzorci krvi i obavljena je in vitro imunokromatografija za detekciju lezija specifičnih za Dirofilaria immitis. Razmaz periferne kriv potvrdio je pozitivne pacijente i obavljen je RTG prsnog koša da bi se vidjele promjene u morfologiji srca i krvnih žila. Seroprevalencija je utvrđena izračunom omjera uz interval pouzdanosti od 95% određen preciznom ili Clopper-Pearson metodom za omjer na temelju veličine uzorka i broja pozitivnih slučajeva. Seroprevalencija testa na Dirofilaria immitis bila je 0,62 % (95% CI = 0,016-3,42 %). Ovaj je parazit oblić u područjima regije kave niske rasprostranjenosti, ali predlaže se uspostaviti programe nadzora koji će pomoći kontrolirati i reducirati njegov prijenos