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Background: Pragmatic randomized controlled trials are getting more interest to improve trials' external validity. This study aimed to assess how pragmatic the design of the self-labelled pragmatic randomised controlled trials in the manual therapy field is. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for self-labelled pragmatic randomised controlled trials in the manual therapy field until January 2024 were included. Two independent reviewers collected and extracted data related to the intention of the trial, the rationale for the intervention, and specific features of the trial and performed an assessment using the PRECIS-2 tool. Results: Of 39 self-labelled pragmatic trials, the mean PRECIS-2 score was 3.5 (SD: 0.6). Choice of outcome measures, how the interventions were performed, the follow-up of the participants and how all the available data were included in the statistical analysis were the domains rated as most 'pragmatic'. Participants' eligibility, recruitment, and setting obtained lower scores. Less than 25% of the trials claimed that the aim was to investigate an intervention under real-world conditions and to make clinical decisions about its effectiveness. In the 21% of the sample the authors described neither the proof-of-concept of the intervention nor the state of previous studies addressing related research questions. Conclusions: Self-labelled pragmatic randomised controlled trials showed a moderately pragmatic attitude. Beyond the label 'pragmatic', the description of the intention of the trial and the context of every PRECIS-2 domain is crucial to understanding the real pragmatism of a trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacéuticos Comunitarios is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Farmacia Familiar y Comunitaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Journal of Medicine & Science of Physical Activity & Sport / Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Medicina y Ciencias de la Actividad Fisica y del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: An increasing body of evidence suggests that microbiota may promote progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It was hypothesized that gammaproteobacteria (such as Klebsiella pneumoniae) influence survival in PDAC, and that quinolone treatment may attenuate this effect. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients from the Massachusetts General Hospital (USA) and Ludwig-Maximilians-University (Germany) who underwent preoperative treatment and pancreatoduodenectomy for locally advanced or borderline resectable PDAC between January 2007 and December 2017, and for whom a bile culture was available. Associations between tumour characteristics, survival data, antibiotic use and results of intraoperative bile cultures were investigated. Survival was analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Results: Analysis of a total of 211 patients revealed that an increasing number of pathogen species found in intraoperative bile cultures was associated with a decrease in progression-free survival (PFS) (-1·9 (95 per cent c.i. -3·3 to -0·5) months per species; P = 0·009). Adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine improved PFS in patients who were negative for K. pneumoniae (26·2 versus 15·3months; P= 0·039), but not in those who tested positive (19·5 versus 13·2 months; P= 0·137). Quinolone treatment was associated with improved median overall survival (OS) independent of K. pneumoniae status (48·8 versus 26·2months; P= 0·006) and among those who tested positive for K. pneumoniae (median not reached versus 18·8 months; P= 0·028). Patients with quinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae had shorter PFS than those with quinolone-sensitive K. pneumoniae (9·1 versus 18·8 months; P= 0·001). Conclusion: K. pneumoniae may promote chemoresistance to adjuvant gemcitabine, and quinolone treatment is associated with improved survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sanidad Militar is the property of Ministerio de Defensa, Subdireccion General de Publicaciones y Patrimonio Cultural and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archivos de Neurociencias is the property of Instituto Nacional de Neurologia y Neurocirugia, Departamento de Publicaciones Cientificas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Toxicología is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Toxicologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The role of dopaminergic system in the development of rheumatoid arthritis-related pain, a major symptom in this disease, has not been explored. Therefore, the antinociceptive effect of mazindol, a dopamine uptake inhibitor, was evaluated in a model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Furthermore, as studies have shown that the dopaminergic system regulates bone metabolism, the effect of mazindol on bone mass and microarchitecture was determined. Methods: Adult ICR male mice received intra-articular injections of either CFA or saline into the right knee joint every week. Spontaneous pain-like behaviors (flinching and guarding) and locomotor activity were assessed at day 26 post-first CFA, following which, a single intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered dose of mazindol was given (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg). Then, the antinociceptive effect of a repeated administration of 3 mg/kg mazindol (daily, i.p.; day 15--day 26) was evaluated. Additionally, at day 26, the participation of D1-like, D2-like or opioid receptors in the antinociceptive effect of mazindol was evaluated. The effect of mazindol on bone density and microarchitecture was evaluated by micro-computed tomography. Results: Acute administration of mazindol decreased the spontaneous pain-like behaviors in a dose-dependent manner without reducing the knee edema. However, mazindol at 10 mg/kg significantly increased the locomotor activity; therefore, 3 mg/kg mazindol was used for further studies. Repeated administration of 3 mg/kg mazindol significantly decreased the pain-like behaviors without modifying locomotor activity. The antinociceptive effect of mazindol was blocked by administration of a D2-like receptor antagonist (haloperidol), but not by administration of D1-like receptor antagonist (SCH 23390) or an opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone). Repeated administration of mazindol did not significantly modify the density and microarchitecture of periarticular bone of the arthritic and nonarthritic knee joints. Conclusion: Results suggest that mazindol via D2-like receptors has an antinociceptive role in mice with CFA-induced knee arthritis without modifying the bone health negatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To develop a rapid test for thermotolerant Campylobacter in poultry faeces. Methods and Results The reported method is based on immunomagnetic separation and loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification ( IMS/ LAMP). This LAMP assay is specific (demonstrated using 10 Campylobacter strains and 13 non- Campylobacter bacterial species) and sensitive (95% probability of detecting 22 genome copies). A competitive internal amplification control ( IAC) has been incorporated to give unambiguous determination of negative results. Immunoseparation of Campylobacter allows direct LAMP detection from poultry boot swab samples in 90 min without enrichment or DNA purification (74% probability of detecting 104 CFU ml−1 of a boot swab suspension). The analysis of 17 samples from commercial turkey farms showed 100% correlation with parallel results obtained by standard microbiological methods. Conclusions A rapid test has been developed for direct detection of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in boot swab samples, thus bypassing culture enrichment or DNA extraction. The test has potential to be carried out by farm personnel on site. Significance and Impact of the Study The method offers an inexpensive approach to monitor poultry infection in near real time, assisting flock management and controls to prevent introduction of Campylobacter into the food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) is a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas whose natural history is poorly known. The purpose of the study was to attempt to describe the natural history of SCN, including the specific mortality. Design Retrospective multinational study including SCN diagnosed between 1990 and 2014. Results 2622 patients were included. Seventy-four per cent were women, and median age at diagnosis was 58 years (16-99). Patients presented with non-specific abdominal pain (27%), pancreaticobiliary symptoms (9%), diabetes mellitus (5%), other symptoms (4%) and/or were asymptomatic (61%). Fifty-two per cent of patients were operated on during the first year after diagnosis (median size: 40 mm (2-200)), 9% had resection beyond 1 year of follow-up (3 years (1-20), size at diagnosis: 25 mm (4-140)) and 39% had no surgery (3.6 years (1-23), 25.5 mm (1-200)). Surgical indications were (not exclusive) uncertain diagnosis (60%), symptoms (23%), size increase (12%), large size (6%) and adjacent organ compression (5%). In patients followed beyond 1 year (n=1271 ), size increased in 37% (growth rate: 4 mm/ year), was stable in 57% and decreased in 6%. Three serous cystadenocarcinomas were recorded. Postoperative mortality was 0.6% (n=10), and SCN's related mortality was [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte is the property of Centro Andaluza de Medicina del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During their annual regeneration, antlers are innervated by trigeminal sensory axons growing at the highest rate recorded for any adult mammal. Previous analyses established the presence in the antler of nerve growth factor and neurotrophin 3 neurotrophins, which may underlie this rapid nerve growth. We are currently exploring the expression of other molecules that may be involved in such growth (axon growth promoters) combining several gene-expression techniques. Preliminary results indicate the expression of different growth promoters in the antler velvet, five of them not previously described in deer. The expression of these molecules as well as others described in the literature suggests that antler velvet promotes axon growth. However, most promoters expressed in the velvet are also present in unmodified deer skin. Thus, it must be asked why axons grow so fast in the antler? To answer that question, we developed a series of in vitroexperiments using sensory neurons from adult and embryo rodents. These studies suggested that soluble proteins secreted by the velvet strongly promote neurite outgrowth. Using specific blocking antibodies, we demonstrated that nerve growth factor is partially responsible for these effects although other yet unidentified proteins seem also to be involved. The studies also showed that neither endocrine serum factors nor antler tissue substrate stimulate neurite outgrowth, although deep velvet layers cause neurite outgrowth orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is increasingly observed in patients who receive auto-SCT. To investigate this fact, validate the clinical criteria for ES diagnosis and analyze the risk factors for this complication, we reviewed 328 consecutive peripheral blood auto-SCT performed during the past 7 years. A total of 43 patients presented with clinical or biological data suggestive of ES. Of the total, 41 (95%) and 22 (51%) could be diagnosed with ES using the Maiolino criteria (MC) and the Spitzer criteria (SC), respectively. The SC were less sensitive as they do not consider some relevant clinical data and limit the observation time after engraftment. All ES cases had high C-reactive protein (CRP) values not observed in the remaining patients at engraftment (median±s.d.: 17.5±7.3 vs 2.4±3.4 mg per 100 ml; P=0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of ES in SCT performed in recent years (relative risk (RR) 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI 1.0–4.7), female patients (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.2), and absence of intensive chemotherapy before SCT (RR 8.8, 95% CI 3.3–20.5). All patients except one improved after treatment with corticosteroids. The MC seem to be the best tool to establish a diagnosis of ES. In doubtful cases, the diagnosis could be confirmed by evaluating CRP. Auto-SCT in patients not receiving previous chemotherapy could explain the increasing incidence of ES in the past years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  The chromosomal distribution of mobile genetic elements is scarcely known in Arvicolinae species, but could be of relevance to understand the origin and complex evolution of the sex chromosome heterochromatin. In this work we cloned two retrotransposon sequences, L1 and SINE-B1, from the genome of Chionomys nivalis and investigated their chromosomal distribution on several arvicoline species. Our results demonstrate first that both retroelements are the most abundant repeated DNA sequences in the genome of these species. L1 elements, in most species, are highly accumulated in the sex chromosomes compared to the autosomes. This favoured L1 insertion could have played an important role in the origin of the enlarged heterochromatic blocks existing in the sex chromosomes of some Microtus species. Also, we propose that L1 accumulation on the X heterochromatin could have been the consequence of different, independent and rapid amplification processes acting in each species. SINE elements, however, were completely lacking from the constitutive heterochromatin, either in autosomes or in the heterochromatic blocks of sex chromosomes. These data could indicate that some SINE elements are incompatible with the formation of heterochromatic complexes and hence are necessarily missing from the constitutive heterochromatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Cryoprotectants such as hydrocolloids (amidated low-methoxyl (ALM) and high methoxyl (HM) pectins), kappa- and iota-carrageenans (k-C and i-C), xanthan gum (XG)) and dairy proteins [whey protein (WP), sodium caseinate (SC)] were added to mashed potatoes to investigate ways of improving the effects of freezing and thawing. It was found that each hydrocolloid and protein, depending on concentration, affected the mechanical properties [instrumental textural profile analysis (ITPA), cone penetration (CP) test], the total colour difference (ΔE*) with respect to fresh control (FC) and the sensory attributes of fresh (F) and frozen/thawed (F/T) mashed potatoes in a different way. In the F/T samples, adding 5 and 8 g kg−1 ALM, 3, 5 and 8 g kg−1 k-C, 1.5, 3, 5 and 8 g kg−1 i-C and 1.5, 5 and 15 g kg−1 WP significantly increased ITPA consistency. Also, adding 2.5 and 5 g kg−1 XG significantly increased ITPA consistency of the F/T product. In both F and F/T samples, k-C provided the highest ITPA consistency and also high CP average force evidencing a stronger synergistic effect in κ-C/denatured milk protein systems, although the excessive thickening and stickiness provided was judged undesirable by the panellists. Adding 8 g kg−1 HM pectin had a disruptive effect on the mashed potatoes and decreased both ITPA consistency and CP average force. In all cases, freezing and thawing reinforced the gel structure of the products as compared to F and FC counterparts. The ΔE* values were higher in F samples containing ALM and HM pectins. Dairy proteins affected the taste and odour of the mashed potatoes and were judged unacceptable in the sensory analysis. Samples containing 0.5 and 1.5 g kg−1 added XG were preferred organoleptically due to the creamy mouthfeel it produced. ITPA consistency correlated well with sensory texture attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo presenta una reflexión sobre los estudios que abordan la integración comercial internacional y el crecimiento económico. Se discute las teorías económicas actuales de la libertad comercial, las políticas monetarias y macroeconomía. También habla de la literatura económica y el sistema financiero internacional.

A geochemical and mineralogical study has allowed us to address the factors controlling distribution pattern, residence and behaviour of rare earth elements (REE) during kaolinization of Variscan granitoids in NW Spain. Mineral composition of the deeply weathered samples is dominated by kaolinite, with minor amounts of quartz, muscovite-illite, alkaline feldspar and traces of resistant minerals (rutile, ilmenite, zircon and monazite). Variable amounts of Si, Na, Ca, K, Rb, Cs, Ba, U and P were lost from the weathering profile, as a result of feldspars, mica and apatite breakdown, whereas Al, Fe, Ti, Zr, Th, Hf and REE were concentrated in the residual kaolin. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns of the kaolins show an overall enrichment of light REE (LaN/SmN = 1.22–2.53), heavy REE depletion (GdN/YbN = 2.42–15.10) and a strong negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.11–0.25), probably inherited from the parent granite. Nevertheless, the normalization to the parent granite reveals some REE fractionation and increasing positive Eu anomalies with advancing weathering, in response to the breakdown of feldspars. Different grain-size fractions show similar REE distribution patterns, but differ in concentration levels. Although the fine fractions are the most important REE reservoir, there is no positive correlation with clay mineralogy. The correlative behaviour among P2O5, Th and REE in the <2 m m fraction suggests that monazite plays a dominant role controlling the REE budget in the weathering profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuroendocrine-reproductive axis designates the functional activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. A delicate synchronization of many inputs at these three different levels is vital for normal reproductive function. From the median basal hypothalamus, the median eminence releases gonadotrophin releasing hormone into the portal circulation to reach the anterior pituitary gland. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone is obviously a key hormone for the regulation of the secretion of gonadotrophins LH and FSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psicologia Educativa is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To assess the role of oral rapamycin in the prevention of coronary restenosis in patients undergoing coronary stenting. Methods: From December 2001 through February 2003, 76 patients with 103 de novo lesions treated percutaneously with bare stents received a loading dose of oral rapamycin 6 mg followed by a daily dose of 2 mg during 28 days in phase 1 (49 arteries in 34 patients) and 2 mg/day plus 180 mg/day of diltiazem in phase II(54 arteries in 42 patients). Rapamycin blood concentrations were measured in all patients. A six month follow up angiogram was performed in 82.5% (85 of 103 arteries). Follow up angiographic binary restenosis (> 50%), target vessel revascularisation, late loss, treatment compliance, and major adverse cardiovascular events were analysed and correlated with rapamycin concentrations. Results: Rapamycin was well tolerated and only three patients discontinued the treatment for mild side effects. Angiographic restenosis was found in 15% of the arteries with angiographic restudy (13 of 85). The target vessel had been revascularised at follow up in 13.6% of the 103 vessels initially treated (14 of 103) and in 18.4% of the 76 patients (14 of 76). In-stent restenosis in phase I was 19% compared with 6.2% in phase II (p = 0.06). Angiographic in-stent restenosis in lesions of patients with rapamycin blood concentrations ⩾ 8 ng/ml was 6.2% and with rapamycin concentrations < 8 ng/ml was 22% (p = 0.041). Late loss was also significantly lower when rapamycin concentrations were ⩾ 8 ng/ml (0.6 mm v 1.1 mm, p = 0.031). A Pearson test showed a linear correlation between follow up late loss and rapamycin blood concentration (r = -0.826, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Oral rapamycin administered for one month after percutaneous coronary intervention was safe and with few minor side effects. High rapamycin blood concentrations were associated with significantly lower late loss and angiographic in-stent restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The riparian vegetation of a basin in the NW Spain was studied to establish its spatial variation pattern and to relate floristic and structural differences in the community to environmental factors. Eighty-seven sampling units in 43 sampling stations were used. Samples were classified in 5 groups using Two Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN). Three groups represented reaches with riparian wood along their banks: Mediterranean alderwoods and shrubby willow woods. The remaining two corresponded to floodplains with vegetation colonizing moderately eutrophicated deposits of gravel. Structural characteristics of richness and diversity differentiated the alder woods. In these, the shaded environment created by the woody species limited herbaceous vegetation development. This was dominated by Carex acuta subsp. broteriana. Classification and CCA ordination results were compared. The TWINSPAN groups could be recognized in the CCA graph. The ordination was related to a pollution gradient associated with altitude. This pollution gradient involved bank ruderalization, incorporation of nitrophilous species and a decrease in the vegetation quality. The influence of the lithological features on vegetation was also evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some authors have hypothesized that the pathogenesis of mechanical neck pain is mainly produced by musculoskeletal disorders, i.e. myofascial pain syndrome trigger points [TrPs] and cervical joint dysfunctions. The relationship between muscles and joint dysfunctions is well recognized by clinicians, but there are not many published papers analysing this clinical situation. The aim of the present trial was to analyze the relationship between the presence of TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle and the presence of cervical dysfunctions at C3 and/or C4 vertebrae in patients suffering from mechanical neck pain. Methods: One hundred and fifty patients suffering from mechanical neck pain participated in this clinical trial. Patients were examined about TrPs by Therapist 1 and about cervical dysfunctions by Therapist 2. Both therapists were blinded to the other physical exploration. The diagnosis of the TrPs was based upon the diagnostic criteria of Travell and Simons. Pressure on the TrPs was applied with a Pressure Threshold Meter and was increased continuously approximately at a rate of 1 kg/cm2/seg to a maximum of 2.5 kg/cm2 of pressure. Physical examination of cervical dysfunction was based upon the “lateral gliding test for the cervical spine” following the guideline described by Greenman. Results: Latent TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle were shown in 56 percent of patients, whereas 28 percent subjects showed active TrPs. The remaining patients did not show TrPs, but rather tender points [TePs] were found. Ninety-seven percent of subjects showed a cervical dysfunction ipsilateral to the TrP or TeP. Further analysis showed a significant relationship between the presence of TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle and the isolate presence of a dysfunction at C3 vertebra [P = 0.03], and the presence of dual dysfunctions at C3 and C4 vertebrae [P = 0.03]. Conclusion: There is a possible relationship between the presence of TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle and the presence of cervical dysfunctions at C3 and C4 vertebrae in patients suffering from mechanical neck pain. However, it can not be established as a cause-effect relationship. Moreover, there is clinical evidence showing that joint dysfunctions can induce TrP activity, and that TrP activity can aggravate corresponding joint dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract  The introduction of the alocthonous Louisiana red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Chozas (a small shallow lake situated in León (North-West Spain)) in 1996 switched the clear water conditions that harboured an abundant and a quite high richness of plants, invertebrates, amphibians and birds to a turbid one followed by strong losses in abundance and richness in the aforementioned groups. Crayfish exclusion experiments done in Chozas previous to this work confirmed the role of crayfish herbivorism on macrophyte destruction that had a trophic cascade effect on the wetland ecosystem. Direct and indirect effects of crayfish introduction on Chozas lake communities have been evaluated and compared with previous conditions before 1996 or with other related lakes in which crayfish were no present. Crayfish had a main role in submerged plant destruction and a potential effect on amphibia and macroinvertebrate population decrease. Plant destruction (99 % plant coverage reduction) was directly related to invertebrates (71 % losses in macroinvertebrate genera), amphibia (83 % reductions in species), and waterfowls (52 % reduction). Plant-eating birds were negatively affected (75 % losses in ducks species); nevertheless, fish and crayfish eating birds increased their presence since the introduction. Introduction of crayfish in shallow plant-dominated lakes in Spain is a main risk for richness maintenance in these endangered ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1995, a surveillance system for prion diseases was set up in the Basque Country, an autonomous region in northern Spain (2.1 million inhabitants). In the period from January 1993 to December 2003, we diagnosed 21 patients with familial prion diseases prospectively and another 4 patients retrospectively. They represent 35% of all the cases referred to the epidemiological registry. Two main possible explanations for this unusual high incidence of familial prion diseases are proposed: first, comprehensive case ascertainment by public health neurologists; second, a probable cluster of the D178N mutation within families of Basque origin related to a still unconfirmed common ancestor. Further genetic and genealogical studies should resolve this issue.Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design of versatile equipment for obtaining laser‐beam‐induced current (LBIC) images which allows the study of large surfaces as well as conversion areas of a few micrometers. The modular optomechanical design enables the user to modify the size of the irradiation spot by simply changing the microscope objective used as focal lens, albeit within the limits set by the wavelength. The use of an appropriate calculation algorithm makes it possible to rely on a computerized system to adjust the distance at which the focusing lens must be placed with respect to the sample plane. The possibility of working at micrometer resolution allows one to obtain very significant information for the study of irregularities, manufacturing defects, impurities, grain boundaries, dislocations, recombination centers, etc. in photovoltaic wafers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development of electrochemical processes for the oxidative degradation of nitroaromatic compounds, including 2-nitrotoluene, 2-nitroaniline and 4-nitroaniline, in acid wastewaters. The electrolysis process results in the formation of a dark solution in which the concentration of nitroaromatics had been reduced to much lower levels and COD removal efficiencies reached 50%. It was found that the best electrolysis conditions were 96% acid strength, 1000 A m-2 current density and ambient temperature. In addition, electrochemical degradations were always more effective when substituents are in the para-position and lead to significant electrophilic character. A black powdery product was isolated from the dark solution; this resulted from the anodic oxidation of amines initially produced at the cathode. The black product was further destroyed by anodic oxidation during prolonged electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, two main resarch lines in photonics carried out by the optical communications group of the Universidad Publica de Navarra are shown. The article is focused on WDM subsystems, microwave and photonics, smart structures, and fiber-optic sensors development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary objetive Given the important role of the β[sub 2] -adrenoceptor (β[sub 2] -AR) in lipid mobilization and the lack of studies in Southern European countries, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the glutamine 27 glutamic acid (Gln27Glu) β[sub 2] -AR polymorphism in the susceptibility to obesity and its metabolic complications in a population-based nationwide multicentre study in Spain, especially focusing on the hypothetical influence of gender. design Cross-sectional population-based study. patients We studied 666 nonrelated adults (47·9% men and 52·1% women), aged 35–64 years, chosen randomly from a nationwide population-based survey of obesity, and related conditions including insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. measurements Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting and 2-h post-glucose load glycaemic levels, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)- and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, proinsulin and leptin plasma levels were measured. β[sub 2] -AR Gln27Glu genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). results Glu27 homozygous obese men had significantly higher BMI and SAD mean values than both heterozygous and Gln27 homozygous obese men. Two-hour post-load plasma glucose concentration was higher in Glu27 homozygous than in Gln27 homozygous in the whole population and only in men when stratified by gender. No differences according to the genotype were found for the rest of the parameters studied, including homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), insulin, proinsulin and leptin levels, but for total and LDL-cholesterol these increased in men. We did not find differences in the anthropometrical and biochemical parameters according to the genotype in women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Glu27 homozygosity after adjustment for SAD was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. conclusions Our results suggest that the glutamic acid 27 allele of the β[sub 2] -adrenoceptor may be a risk factor in men but not in women for the accumulation of visceral fat and for its association with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]