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Recent voyages of the Australian R/V Investigator across the remote Southern Ocean have provided unprecedented observations of precipitation made with both an Ocean Rainfall and Ice-Phase Precipitation Measurement Network (OceanRAIN) maritime disdrometer and a dual-polarization C-band weather radar (OceanPOL). This present study employs these observations to evaluate the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and the fifth major global reanalysis produced by ECMWF (ERA5) precipitation products. Working at a resolution of 60 min and 0.25° (∼25 km), light rain and drizzle are most frequently observed across the region. The IMERG product overestimated precipitation intensity when evaluated against the OceanRAIN but captured the frequency of occurrence well. Looking at the synoptic/process scale, IMERG was found to be the least accurate (overestimated intensity) under warm-frontal and high-latitude cyclone conditions, where multilayer clouds were commonly present. Under postfrontal conditions, IMERG underestimated the precipitation frequency. In comparison, ERA5's skill was more consistent across various synoptic conditions, except for high pressure conditions where the precipitation frequency (intensity) was highly overestimated (underestimated). Using the OceanPOL radar, an area-to-area analysis (fractional skill score) finds that ERA5 has greater skill than IMERG. There is little agreement in the phase classification between the OceanRAIN disdrometer, IMERG, and ERA5. The comparisons are complicated by the various assumptions for phase classification in the different datasets. Significance Statement: Our best quantitative estimates of precipitation over the remote, pristine Southern Ocean (SO) continue to suffer from a high degree of uncertainty, with large differences present among satellite-based and reanalysis products. New instrumentation on the R/V Investigator, specifically a dual-polarization C-band weather radar (OceanPOL) and a maritime disdrometer (OceanRAIN), provide unprecedented high-quality observations of precipitation across the SO that will aid in improving precipitation estimates in this region. We use these observations to evaluate the IMERG and ERA5 precipitation products. We find that, in general, IMERG overestimated precipitation intensity, but captured the frequency of occurrence well. In comparison, ERA5 was found to overestimate the frequency of precipitation. Using the OceanPOL radar, an area-to-area analysis finds that ERA5 has greater skill than IMERG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the unemployment in the Social Services, trying to understand the causes that motivate it. The non-insertion of the social worker in the labor market is a worrying social problem. Therefore, in an attempt to understand and explore this social problem we used a qualitative methodology doing some interviews to graduates in social service by the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Catholic University, Regional Centre of Braga. It was concluded that the surrounding social model is one of the biggest causes of the crisis that we are witnessing with effects in multiple spheres of society. The current social model has created a paradoxical society filled by many trained professionals but who do not have the opportunity to put their skills into practice because they are in a saturated labor market that does not take advantage of the skilled workforce that they have and that each disrespect either by the lack of offers or by the weak conditions that it offers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional societies are characterized by the predominance of religious worldviews, in contrast to modern societies, which open up other avenues of sense, besides religious expression. This study aims to determine the influence of the values of modern societies on religious changes, between 1990 and 2000. We have recourse to data from the European Values Survey for eight Catholic countries. The EVS questionnaire provides a set of guidelines in various areas of life. Several scales have been built with the aim of presenting value orientations. In our analysis we selected two constructs: following Inglehart's thesis, which enables us to explain the change in values, and the Rokeach set of questions to determine the values that individuals considered essential for life. The results allowed us to conclude that we are witnessing a reconfiguration of the mindset that has a decisive influence on younger generations who have assimilated the values of independence and determination and the values of welfare and selfrealization, once the socio-cultural and economic context was favourable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac Sarcoidosis (CS) is a chronic granulomatous disease that can recur in transplanted hearts. There are currently no standardized guidelines for management of CS in heart transplant recipients. A 58-year-old male with end-stage NICM (presumed chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity) presented with shortness of breath, and persistent low flow alarms on his HVAD. His past medical history was significant for leukemia (treated with doxorubicin), non-sustained VT s/p ICD and HVAD as bridge-to-transplant (2016). RHC showed evidence of cardiogenic shock. He was upgraded to UNOS Status 2 and underwent orthotropic heart transplant (OHT) on 7/30/21. He received standard induction (Basiliximab) and maintenance (Tacrolimus, MMF, prednisone) immunosuppression regimen. Unexpectedly, his explanted heart was noted to have non-necrotizing granulomatous myocarditis consistent with CS. He was switched from MMF to Sirolimus at 7 months post-OHT after TTE showed normal biventricular function and surveillance biopsy revealed 0R, AMR0. He was weaned off prednisone at 8 months. Subsequent cardiac biopsy showed recurrence of non-necrotizing granulomas with focal infiltrates (Fig A), suggesting recurrence of CS and mild acute cellular rejection (1R, AMR0). Patient remained asymptomatic with normal biventricular function. He was restarted on high dose prednisone and switched from Sirolimus to MMF. Tacrolimus goal was kept at 8-10. Five months following CS recurrence, cardiac PET showed no evidence of CS on Tacrolimus, MMF and low-dose prednisone. Recurrent CS in a transplanted heart is rare and usually manifests itself once immunosuppression is weaned. While there are no standard guidelines for its management, standard dose MMF plus low-dose prednisone in addition to Tacrolimus was effective in preventing further recurrence in our patient. Routine monitoring for recurrence is important for early detection and prevention of life-threatening complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the teachers' point of view one of the key issues concerning the teaching/ learning process is the students' lack of motivation, either because of the inadequacy of the teaching methods, which do not create involving situations, or because the students simply don't want to study and consequently don't want to learn. To study motivation in learning involves a deeper understanding of a complex system of interrelated factors which operate as a whole in the students' motivation. We have based the present study on Boruchovitch and Neves (2006), Siqueira and Wechsler (2006) and Simões and Alarcão (2011), who defend the use of a quantitative scale to measure students' motivation, with the aim of setting up and validating evaluation tools on students' learning motivation. Our practical procedure consisted on the designing of these instruments, following the theoretical models; its application to a determined number of subjects; the application of other psychological tools for the study of convergent validity and for the verification of theoretical hypothesis; a factor analysis for item construction in the factors which will determine the final instruments and, finally, the study of the time stability for the test application and re-testing after a determined time lapse. The final results allow us to verify that it is possible to measure motivation for learning. We consider it is relevant to continue this research so that we may understand the students' real motivations. This analysis will be essential for the setting up of a set of strategies to fight school failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a detailed description of natal dispersal patterns in owl monkeys (Aotus azarai) and evaluates the extent and characteristics of sex-biased dispersal in this monogamous mammal. Owl monkeys are small, territorial primates that live in socially monogamous groups in the Argentinean Chaco. Between 1997 and 2007 we recorded the disappearance or dispersal of 102 individuals born in 24 social groups. All individuals, both males and females, left their natal group, and they did so when they were between 2.2 and 4.9 years of age. Most dispersal events occurred immediately before or during the birth season and very few of them occurred during the mating season. Males and females did not differ significantly in the timing of dispersal, the age when they dispersed or how far they dispersed. Dispersals during the harsher Fall/Winter season were associated with the eviction of one or both adults in the group. The limited data on the fate of dispersed individuals suggests that natal dispersal is a highly risk event in the life of owl monkeys. The data also provide adequate support for the inbreeding avoidance hypothesis for natal dispersal in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a 30-year span (1969–1999) the annual growth rate of a Venezuelan red howler (Alouatta seniculus ) population fluctuated irregularly, but its size increased, remained stable for a short while, and finally declined sharply. The increase took place in three stages, and began as an increase in the size of established groups. The next two stages of population increase were due to the formation of new groups and their subsequent increases in size. These two stages likely occurred because of habitat regeneration, which increased the areas where newly formed groups could establish home ranges. The population decline of 74% was most likely due to disease. However, new groups died out more rapidly than established groups, indicating that food shortages, especially in recently regenerated areas, may also have contributed to the population crash. The food shortages could have been caused by unpredictable periods of drought, which may explain the irregular size fluctuations of the study population. Since many howler species show irregular size fluctuations and sharp declines, their demographic features may reflect adaptations to unpredictable events like droughts and disease epidemics. On this premise we explain the preponderance of unimale groups and female-biased birth sex ratios at low densities and the dispersal of both sexes as adaptations for increasing a population rapidly after a decline. Within the population, mortality of small juvenile females was higher in multimale than in unimale groups, though medium juvenile and older immature females were better represented in multimale than in unimale groups. These results may be explained in terms of group composition and the mating systems in red howlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sodium chloride on the leaf ultrastructure and net photosynthesis of two varieties of rice (Oryza sativa L.), the land race Amber and the elite breeding line IR2153.26.3.5.2, were examined. Similar concentrations of salt in the leaf tissue had a greater effect in bringing about a disorganization of cellular structure and of decreasing net photosynthesis in Amber than in 1R2153.26.3.5.2. It is argued that these data support the view that rice varieties differ with respect to a cellular component of salt resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Laryngeal transplantation is a possibility for patients with irreversible laryngeal disease, such as complex trauma and larynx cancer. The objective of performing this procedure was to solve problems that these patients face with a laryngectomy. The medical literature has reviews about larynx transplantations, but almost nothing about the larynx donor. The following is our experience on management of these donors. Materials and Methods: Selection criteria was as follows: (1) 18–50 years old; (2) gender and ABO blood type matched between donor and recipient; (3) No abuse of tobacco, cocaine, and marijuana, (4) tracheal intubation time <3 days; and (5) time in the intensive care unit <7 days. The preservation was simple hypothermia with larynx infusion via the carotid artery with University of Wisconsin solution. Results: Between 2001 and 2006, we managed 25 donors, among whom 12 grafts were discarded. The 13 larynx donors were of average age 27.2 +− 7.9 years and their cause of death was head trauma. Each was of male and 12 were multiorgan donors. Three donors had previous consumption of tobacco and 2 donors of marijuana. There were 2 cases of acute rejection episodes. Graft survival rate at 2 years was 90%. Discussion: These donors may have differences from other multiorgan donors: (1) they do not require strict fluid management; (2) vasoactive agents may be used in higher doses than in organ donors, and (3) the larynx tolerates hemodynamic instability. It was necessary to use some donors who had used addictive substances, showing that some selection criteria may be flexible. There was no conflict between thoracic surgeons and larynx surgeons. The priority always was for life-saving organs. Family consent was sometimes difficult because of the retrieval times and body donor reconstruction. The larynx surgery retrieval demanded an additional 2–5 hours during routine multiorgan donor surgery, and always the family asked about body reconstruction. The body appearance was always preserved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We described a case of allograft kidney dysfunction associated with renal parenchymal infection with amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. The patient was diagnosed as being chronically infected prior to transplantation. The infection was probably acquired by blood transfusion. He could not complete antiparasitic treatment due to drug toxicity. He was transplanted from a cadaver who showed a negative test for Chagas’ disease. One year after transplantation the serum creatinine progressively increased. Histological examination of renal biopsy revealed intracytoplasmic amastigotes of T cruzi. No evidence of other specific alterations in the graft was detected. It was unknown whether graft dysfunction was only due to parasitic infection. The present case confirmed that T cruzi can infect kidney grafts and that immunosuppression in kidney transplantation is potentially a cause of dissemination of Chagas’ disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The need to compare and combine data quantitatively is becoming morefrequent in studies of animal behaviour, ecology and conservation. Using a hypothetical data set, I point out some limitations of combining and comparing data using Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST). First, I discuss three different aspects of data analysis that should regularly be considered: (1) effect size estimation, (2) confidence intervals estimation and, (3) power analysis. I then suggest meta- analysis as a sensible alternative method to account for some limitations of NHST. Meta-analysis is a quantitative technique for the combination and comparison of independent but similar studies. Meta-analysis allows comparison and summary of effect sizes across studies. When testing hypotheses framed in evolutionary theory, where small effects may have profound consequences, a knowledge of the magnitude of the association may be as important as knowing whether the data complywith the arbitrary, sacred and dogmatic significance criterion of p < 0.05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our study was to evaluate short- and long-term results of transplants from cadaver donors who have died of poisoning by various substances.The actuarial survival rate of organs from intoxicated donors was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Among the 507 donors between January 1998 and December 2002, 5 (0.98%) had a cause of brain death of poisoning, namely, organo-phosphates (n = 2), methanol (n = 1), cyanide (n = 1) and acetylsalicilic acid(n = 1), from whom were procured 10 kidneys, 1 liver, 2 corneas, and 1 set of bones. The follow up for patients receiving solid organs was 15.2 months (range, 0–48 months). At 3 months, 90% of kidneys had normal function. No delayed graft function rejection episodes or major complications were reported in any recipient. None showed evidence of acute or chronic poisoning. Two died, 1 early mortality was due to anesthetic complications and the other at 17 months to an unknown cause. Actuarial kidney survival rates were 90% and 80% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The liver recipient was well at the end of follow up.Using organs of poisoned donors is feasible with comparable graft survival rates to other recipient. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Negative pressure therapy (NPT) is a widely recognised procedure for the temporary closure of open abdominal wounds. In this study, we compare two NPT products, the V.A.C.® abdominal dressing (AD) system and the new ABThera™ (ABT) system, in terms of the primary closure rates achieved, types of closure, and the associated morbidity.Methods: We employed a retrospective comparative study of open-abdomen patients treated with NPT using either AD or ABT. The indications for treatment were damage control surgery, abdominal compartment syndrome, or severe abdominal sepsis.Results: The group of patients treated with ABT showed a higher percentage of primary closures (41 vs. 11%) and required fewer days of NPT (17 vs. 26 days) than the AD group. Differences were statistically significant. In addition, only 4% of patients in the ABT group exhibited enteroatmospheric fistulae, compared to 17% in the AD group.Conclusions: Compared to the AD system, ABT can achieve faster primary closure after open abdomen treatment with only minor complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autochthonous microorganisms [a consortium of arbuscular-mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt )] were assayed and compared to Rhizophagus intraradices ( Ri ), Bacillus megaterium ( Bm ) or Pseudomonas putida ( Psp ) and non-inoculation on Trifolium repens in a natural arid soil under drought conditions. The autochthonous bacteria Bt and the allochthonous bacteria Psp increased nutrients and the relative water content and decreased stomatal conductance, electrolyte leakage, proline and APX activity, indicating their abilities to alleviate the drought stress. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly enhanced plant growth, nutrient uptake and the relative water content, particularly when associated with specific bacteria minimizing drought stress-imposed effects. Specific combinations of autochthonous or allochthonous inoculants also contributed to plant drought tolerance by changing proline and antioxidative activities. However, non-inoculated plants had low relative water and nutrients contents, shoot proline accumulation and glutathione reductase activity, but the highest superoxide dismutase activity, stomatal conductance and electrolyte leakage. Microbial activities irrespective of the microbial origin seem to be coordinately functioning in the plant as an adaptive response to modulated water stress tolerance and minimizing the stress damage. The autochthonous AM fungi with Bt or Psp and those allochthonous Ri with Bm or Psp inoculants increased water stress alleviation. The autochthonous Bt showed the greatest ability to survive under high osmotic stress compared to the allochthonous strains, but when single inoculated or associated with Ri or AM fungi were similarly efficient in terms of physiological and nutritional status and in increasing plant drought tolerance, attenuating and compensating for the detrimental effect of water limitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titi monkeys (Callicebus spp., Cebidae) are monogamous neotropical primates that live in family-like groups typically consisting of an adult monogamous pair and one or two young. Knowledge about the reproductive biology of this genus is scanty. This study investigated the reproductive biology of female dusky titi monkeys (Callicebus moloch ). An initial analysis characterized reproductive parameters of 32 females from a captive colony maintained for 23 years at the California Regional Primate Research Center (CRPRC). The colony records provided data on reproductive parameters such as interbirth intervals, seasonality, age at first pregnancy, and reproductive rate in captivity. Changes in urinary levels of estrone conjugates (E1C) and pregnanediol-3alpha-glucuronide (PdG) were used to characterize major reproductive events. Urine samples from eleven females were collected during 17 months. The endocrine data were used to examine changes associated with cycling, conception, and the post-partum period as well as to determine the duration of the ovarian cycle and gestation length. The analysis of colony records indicated that females whose infant survived through weaning gave birth at intervals remarkably close to one year, while those who lost their offspring showed a significantly shorter interval. As long as they lived within the family group, mature female offspring did not breed. The analysis of the endocrine profiles indicated that after giving birth to a viable offspring, females undergo a relatively prolonged period of anovulation (approx. 6.5 months), followed by 1-3 non-conceptive cycles (approx. 1 month), after which they conceive and gestate (4.3 months). Am. J. Primatol. 47:183–195, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Adequate health insurance coverage is necessary for heart transplantation (HT) candidates. Prior studies have suggested inferior outcomes post HT with public health insurance. We sought to evaluate the effects of insurance type on transplantation rates, listing status and mortality prior to HT. Methods Patients ≥ 18 years old with an LVAD implanted and listed with 1A status were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry between Jan 2010 and Dec 2017, with follow-up through March 2018. Patients were grouped based on the type of insurance Private/self-pay (PV), Medicare (MC) and Medicaid (MA) at the time of listing. We conducted multivariable competing risks regression analysis on listing status and mortality on the waiting list, stratified by insurance type at the time of listing. Results We identified 2,604 patients listed in status 1A (PV: 51.4%, MC: 32.1%, MA:16.5%). MA patients were younger (43.5 vs. 56.4 for MC vs. 51.5 for PV, p<0.001), less frequently white (p<0.001). The cumulative incidence of HT did not differ among the three insurance types (PV: 74.8%, MC 76.3%, MA 71.1%, P=0.14). The cumulative mortality on the waiting list prior to HT was not different among groups (PV: 29.3%, MC 26.3%, MA 21.8%, p=0.94). The reasons for removal from the transplant list is showed in Figure 1. Conclusion We did not detect any disparities in listing status and mortality among different insurance types. The proportion of patients removed because of death was higher among private insurance. In Medicaid patients clinical improvement was the most frequent reason for removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can serve as a noninvasive marker of filling pressures in ambulatory patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices. We retrospectively identified patients who had an outpatient right heart catheterization and NT-proBNP performed the same day between 01/01/2012 and 12/18/2018 at our institution. We evaluated the correlations between NT- proBNP and right atrial pressure (RA), pulmonary artery pressure (PA) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). The best cut off for NT-proBNP to predict patients that were hemodynamically optimized (CVP<15 and PCWP<18) was derived as the value that minimized the square of the difference between sensitivity and specificity A total of 40 patients were included in the study, Patients characteristics are shown in Table 1. The median NT-proBNP was 1114 pg/mL(IQR 553-2056). The correlations between NT-proBNP and RA (r = 0.58;p<0.001; Coefficient of variation (CV) = 37%); PA(r = 0.34;p=0.03; CV = 26%) and PCWP (r = 0.45;p=0.004; CV = 32%) are shown in figure 1 panels A, B and C respectively. NT-proBNP ≥1168 pg/mL had a 60 %sensitivity and 61% specificity in identifying non-optimum hemodynamics.(Figure 1 panel D). NT-proBNP level is elevated in ambulatory patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices and has a moderate correlation with filling pressures. The best cutoff value identified to predict need of hemodynamic optimization had low sensitivity and specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Evaluate the prevalence, temporal trends and outcomes of patients with left ventricular assist devices and inotropes at the time of listing for heart transplantation. Methods Patients ≥ 18 years old with an LVAD implanted and listed with 1A status were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry between Jan 2010 and Dec 2017, with follow-up through March 2018. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of inotropes at the time of listing. The primary outcomes were mortality on the waiting list or transplantation. Since the occurrence of one of the outcomes will prevent the other from manifesting, we accounted for this by use of competing risks regression. Variables that were adjusted for include age, gender, race, BMI, diabetes, prior cardiac surgery, dialysis-dependent, cerebrovascular disease and presence of an implanted defibrillator. Results A total of 2,714 patients were included in the study. The temporal trend of LVAD patients on inotropic therapy at the time of listing and at the time of transplant is shown in figure 1. Patients on inotropes are younger(49.8 (14.0) vs 52.5 (12.4) p<0.001), less likely to be white(56.7% vs 62.2% p=0.01) and have higher wedge pressure (24.1mmHg (8.4)vs 17.7mmHg (9.5) p <0.001) and higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure (33.8mmHg (10.0) vs 27.0mmHg (10.2)p<0.001). Patients on LVAD and inotropes at the time of listing had higher risk of dying in the waiting list sub-hazard ratio (SHR) =1.48 (95% CI=1.14, 1.90), p=0.002 and were less likely to be transplanted SHR= 0.70 (95% CI=0.63, 0.78), p<0.001 after adjusting for described confounders. Conclusion Approximately 1 in 5 patient on LVAD support is on inotropic therapy at the time of listing for heart transplantation. Patients on LVAD and inotropes have worse outcomes in term of survival and chances of being transplanted. The impact of the new allocation system in these patients remains to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Colombia, Public-Private Partnerships have emerged as a tool for increasing the development of infrastructure projects for highways. These projects have focused on economic highways and have set aside the social ones. This article proposes a conceptual framework based on shadow toll schemes, cash flows, and the three bands proposed by the World Bank, which are used in this article as mechanisms for funding rural highway projects. Strategic financial indicators were considered in designing the proposal. Thus, it is appropriate to encourage both private investment and financial mechanisms to promote projects which will have a social impact. In addition, this article introduces new policies to be implemented by the Colombian government with the aim of encouraging private investors to invest in social highways. As a result, it is expected that this work will contribute to enhancing the financing process in Colombia. It is concluded that to increase the development of rural highways, the creation of a debt fund with an investment focus on social projects is mandatory. Future research opportunities on this topic are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooperative breeding hypothesis ( CBH) states that cooperative breeding, a social system in which group members help to rear offspring that are not their own, has important socio-cognitive consequences. Thornton & McAuliffe (2015; henceforth T&M) critiqued this idea on both conceptual and empirical grounds, arguing that there is no reason to predict that cooperative breeding should favour the evolution of enhanced social cognition or larger brains, nor any clear evidence that it does. In response to this critique, Burkart & van Schaik ( henceforth B&vS) attempt to clarify the causal logic of the CBH, revisit the data and raise the possibility that the hypothesis may only apply to primates. They concede that cooperative breeding is unlikely to generate selection pressures for enhanced socio-cognitive abilities, but argue instead that the CBH operates purely through cooperative breeding reducing social or energetic constraints. Here, we argue that this revised hypothesis is also untenable because: (1) it cannot explain why resources so released would be allocated to cognitive traits per se rather than any other fitness-related traits, (2) key assumptions are inconsistent with available evidence and (3) ambiguity regarding the predictions leaves it unclear what evidence would be required to falsify it. Ultimately, the absence of any compelling evidence that cooperative breeding is associated with elevated cognitive ability or large brains (indeed data suggest the opposite is true in non-human primates) also casts doubt on the capacity of the CBH to explain variation in cognitive traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Do evolutionary specializations lead to evolutionary constraint? This appears plausible, particularly when specialization leads to loss of complex adaptations. In the owl monkey lineage, nocturnality clearly arose from a diurnal ancestor. This behavioural shift was accompanied by morphological changes in the eye and orbit and complete loss of colour vision via missense mutations in the gene encoding the short-wave sensitive visual pigment (SWS opsin). Interestingly, at least one subspecies of owl monkey, Azara's owl monkey (Aotus azarae azarae), has regained activity in daylight. Given that all primate species that are active in daylight, including primarily diurnal species and species that are active during both day and night, have at least dichromatic colour vision, it seems reasonable to propose that dichromacy would be adaptive in A. a. azarae. With a disabled SWS opsin, the main avenue available for Azara's owl monkeys to re-evolve colour vision is via a polymorphism in the intact X-linked opsin locus, which commonly occurs in other New World monkeys. To examine this possibility we assayed variation in the X-linked opsin of A. a. azarae, focusing on the three exons (3, 4 and 5) that control spectral sensitivity. Results: We found low opsin genetic variation on a population level, and no differences at the three main sites that lead to variation in spectral sensitivity in the opsins of other New World monkeys. Two rare alleles with single amino acid variants are segregating in the population, but previous functional studies indicate that these are unlikely to affect spectral sensitivity. Conclusions: Genetic constraint on the re-evolution of colour vision is likely operating in Azara's owl monkey, which may affect the niche that this subspecies is able to occupy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus, and transmitted by females of the Phlebotominae family. The role of wild and domestic hosts in the cycle of Leishmania is still unknown. ACL is endemic in the province of Formosa where Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species in several captures and 31 cumulative ACL human cases were reported between 2005 and 2011 in the province. The present report describes the detection, by PCR-RFLP and confirmed by sequencing, of subgenus Leishmania (Viannia) DNA in four free-ranging owl monkeys (Aotus azarai azarai) from Formosa Province. The sequence amplified was the mini-exon gene present in tandem repeats in all species of the Leishmania genus from buffy coat samples. The absence of inhibitors in the samples was checked by a β-globin protocol originally designed to amplify the human β-globin gene. However, other free-ranging primates were found with natural infections of L. (V) braziliensis complex and Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus by parasitological means in America. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published reports on detection of subgenus Leishmania (Viannia) DNA by PCR-RFLP in argentinean free-ranging primates. Additional eco-epidemiological and parasitological studies are necessary to confirm owl monkeys, or any other natural infected mammal species detected by PCR, as a reservoir, incidental host or to propose it as an animal model for research on this topic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine the accuracy of non-invasive blood mean blood pressure (MAP) assessment in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices. Systematic electronic search was performed on four online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Knowledge) for the terms "Blood Pressure" AND ("Heart-Assist Devices" OR "Left ventricular Assist Devices"). Only studies where a non-invasive blood pressure measurement was compared with intra-arterial blood pressure recording were included. A total of 12 studies with 502 participants were included, of those 402 had intra-arterial blood pressure measurement. The median number of participants per study was 30.5 (range: 5-154). The mean age of participants was 53 years old and 77% were male. All were single center prospective studies and intra-arterial blood pressure recordings were performed in the context of routine medical care in the Intensive Care Unit. Characteristics of the included studies are shown in figure 1. Intra-arterial recording was obtained using fluid filled catheter in all studies. Statements regarding the leveling and calibration of transducer 6 (50%) studies. Simultaneous recording occurred in 4 (30%) studies. The correlations between non-invasive and intra-arterial recordings are shown in Figure 2 Standardization of quality of signal acquisition and assessment of pulsatility was variable among studies. Non-invasive MAP has variable accuracy and this may adversely influence patients outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this article is to present the experience of a new liver transplant team.This review includes all patients who received a liver transplant between March 15, 2000 and March 15, 2003.We performed 87 transplantations on 84 patients; 39 were females and 45 were males of average age 43.6 years, including 6 children. The majority of the patients were from Colombia with time on the waiting list of less than 1 month. The average donor age was 26.7 years. The preservation solutions included Wisconsin, HTK-Brettschneider (Custodiol), and Corpaúl (similar to Henn-Ross). In this study, 95.4% were whole livers, with 97.7% using the piggyback method. We placed 23 arterial grafts and 2 venous grafts for vascular reconstructions; 95.4% were duct-to-duct anastomosis (95.4%). Among the cohort, 8.3% experienced acute rejection and 1.2% experienced chronic rejection. Two patients required retransplantation due to hepatic artery thrombosis with biliary tree necrosis.We consider that we have passed the crisis of beginning a new program with a reduction in postoperative complications and improving patient and graft survival. At present, we are a center that performs liver transplantations in adults and children, with a good organ donation culture in our city that allows us to offer a waiting time on the list less than one month. Neither a veno-venous bypass nor a T-tube were necessary for our cases. We also have developed a new, less expensive form of perfusing the liver in the donor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We performed a multivariate analysis to evaluate the importance of histologic parameters in donor kidney biopsies as predictors of graft outcome. Methods: Wedge protocol biopsies from a single center were analyzed for glomerulosclerosis (GS), interstitial fibrosis (IF), tubular atrophy (TA), arteriosclerosis (AS), and arteriolar hyalinosis (AH). Alterations were quantified as percentage (GS, IF) or semiquantified according to Banff criteria (IF, TA, AS, AH). We calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) at 1, 2, and 3 years posttransplant. Donor data included age, gender, and type: non–heart-beating donor or brain dead donors. Recipient data included age, gender, cold ischemia time, number of HLA mismatches, peak level of the panel reactive antibody (PRA), number of acute rejection episodes (ARE), and presence or absence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Follow-up range was 1 to 4.2 years. Results: GS, IF, TA, and AH were associated with graft survival in the multivariate analysis. The histologic parameters were associated with CrCl at several posttransplant time intervals, but the significance of association was lost in the multivariate analysis. Donor age showed a better correlation with graft function. In the univariate analyses adjusting for donor age, only IF and AH were associated with graft function. Conclusions: Histologic parameters showed a modest association with graft function. In our study, donor age is the better predictor of graft function. IF and AH may be similar to or better than GS as predictors of graft outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently in Latin America, there has been a strong influence of the “Spanish model” of organ procurement. In 2001, The “Punta Cana Group” was created by Latin American transplantation coordinators with the objective of registering and improving the system of donation and procurement. In many countries there is no universal financial support from the government for medical treatment, including dialysis and transplantation. In other countries there is complete financial support for all of the population, including immunosuppressive drugs. Practically all countries have transplantation laws that follow ethical concepts, such as brain death diagnosis criteria, forms of consent, criteria of allocation, and inhibition of commerce. The rate of potential donors notified in countries that perform transplantations with deceased donors varied from 6 to 47 per million population yearly (pmp/y); The rate of effective donors varied from 1 to 20 pmp. In 2004, the mean rate of effective donors in Latin America was 5.4 pmp. The family refusal rate for the donation of organs varied from 28% in Uruguay to 70% in Peru. In some countries, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Cuba, it was more than 15 pmp, whereas in others countries deceased donors were practically not used. The number of patients on the waiting list for solid organ transplants in 12 Latin American countries is 55,000. Although the donation rate has increased by 100% during the last 10 years, it is lower than that in Europe (15 pmm/y) or the United States (20 pmp/y). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: We have observed expanded glomeruli in biopsies of kidneys from non–heart-beating donors (NHBDs). We sought to determine the differences in glomerular size between NHBDs and brain-dead donors and to assess whether glomerular size impacted graft outcome. Methods: We estimated the glomerular area using the maximal planar area (MPA) method in 198 pretransplant biopsies from 119 donors: 54 (45.4%) NHBDs and 65 (54.6%) brain-dead donors. Donor data and graft outcomes were correlated with MPA and percentage of glomerulosclerosis. The range of follow-up was 1 to 3 years. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: MPA was larger among NHBDs. MPA and GS both significantly correlated with donor age. The association between MPA and age was independent of nephron loss (ie; GS). Increased glomerular size was only observed among donors younger than 50 years. Graft survival and function were not independently associated with MPA. Donor age was a better predictor of graft outcome. Conclusions: The perfusion pressure used in NHBDs may expand the glomeruli, but this maneuver does not have any effect on graft outcome. Among donors without severe changes, glomerular size increment shows a limit around the sixth decade of life. In our study, MPA was not an independent predictor of graft survival or function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents the abstract of the paper "Variability in Pitheciine Social Organization," by L.M. Veiga and colleagues to be presented at the 21st Congress of the International Primatological Society in Entebbe, Uganda from June 25-30, 2006.

The article presents the abstract of the paper "Picky, Picky: The Bases for Diet Choice in Pitheciins," by A.A. Barnett and colleagues to be presented at the 21st Congress of the International Primatological Society in Entebbe, Uganda from June 25-30, 2006.