The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) provides consensus criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition that can be widely applied. The GLIM approach is based on the assessment of three ...phenotypic (weight loss, low body mass index, and low skeletal muscle mass) and two etiologic (low food intake and presence of disease with systemic inflammation) criteria, with diagnosis confirmed by any combination of one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion fulfilled. Assessment of muscle mass is less commonly performed than other phenotypic malnutrition criteria, and its interpretation may be less straightforward, particularly in settings that lack access to skilled clinical nutrition practitioners and/or to body composition methodologies. In order to promote the widespread assessment of skeletal muscle mass as an integral part of the GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition, the GLIM consortium appointed a working group to provide consensus-based guidance on assessment of skeletal muscle mass. When such methods and skills are available, quantitative assessment of muscle mass should be measured or estimated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, or bioelectrical impedance analysis. For settings where these resources are not available, then the use of anthropometric measures and physical examination are also endorsed. Validated ethnic- and sex-specific cutoff values for each measurement and tool are recommended when available. Measurement of skeletal muscle function is not advised as surrogate measurement of muscle mass. However, once malnutrition is diagnosed, skeletal muscle function should be investigated as a relevant component of sarcopenia and for complete nutrition assessment of persons with malnutrition.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Few non-native species have colonized Antarctica, although increased human activity and accelerated climate change may increase their number, distributional range, and effects on native species on ...the continent. We searched 13 sites on the maritime Antarctic islands and 12 sites on the Antarctic Peninsula for annual bluegrass (Poa annua), a non-native flowering plant. We also evaluated the possible effects of competition between P. annua and 2 vascular plants native to Antarctica, Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis) and Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica). We grew the native species in experimental plots with and without annual bluegrass under conditions that mimicked the Antarctic environment. After 5 months, we measured photosynthetic performance on the basis of chlorophyll fluorescence and determined total biomass of both native species. We found individual specimens of annual bluegrass at 3 different sites on the Antarctic Peninsula during the 2007—2008 and 2009—2010 austral summers. The presence of bluegrass was associated with a statistically significant reduction in biomass of pearlwort and hairgrass, whereas the decrease in biomass of bluegrass was not statistically significant. Similarly, the presence of bluegrass significantly reduced the photosynthetic performance of the 2 native species. Sites where bluegrass occurred were close to major maritime routes of scientific expeditions and of tourist cruises to Antarctica. We believe that if current levels of human activity and regional warming persist, more non-native plant species are likely to colonize the Antarctic and may affect native species. Pocas especies no nativas han colonizado la Antártica, aunque por incremento de la actividad humana y el cambio climático acelerado su número, rango de distribución y efectos sobre especies nativas pueden aumentar. Muestreamos 13 sitios en las islas Antárticas y en 12 sitios de la Península Antártica para buscar Poa annua, una planta anual no nativa. También evaluamos los posibles efectos de la competencia entre P. annua y dos especies de plantas vasculares nativas de la Antártica, Colobanthus quitensis y Deschampsia antarctica. Crecimos las especies nativas en maceteros con y sin P. annua bajo condiciones similares al ambiente Antártico. Después de 5 meses, medimos el funcionamiento fotosintético basado en la fluorescencia de clorofila y determinamos la biomasa total de ambas especies nativas. Encontramos individuos de P. annua en tres sitios diferentes de la Península Antártica durante los veranos australes de 2007—2008 y 2009—2010. La presencia de P. annua se asoció con una reducción estadísticamente significativa en la biomasa de C. quitensis y D. antarctica, mientras que el decremento en la biomasa de P. annua no fue estadísticamente significativa. Similarmente, la presencia de P. annua redujo significativamente el funcionamiento fotosintético de las dos especies nativas. Los sitios con P. annua estaban cerca de rutas marítimas de expediciones científicas y cruceros turísticos. Consideramos que si persisten los niveles actuales de actividad humana y de calentamiento regional, es probable que más especies de plantas no nativas colonicen la Antártica y afecten a las plantas nativas.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NMLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Mimicry refers to adaptive similarity between a mimic organism and a model. Mimicry in animals is rather common, whereas documented cases in plants are rare, and the associated benefits are seldom ...elucidated 1, 2. We show the occurrence of leaf mimicry in a climbing plant endemic to a temperate rainforest. The woody vine Boquila trifoliolata mimics the leaves of its supporting trees in terms of size, shape, color, orientation, petiole length, and/or tip spininess. Moreover, sequential leaf mimicry occurs when a single individual vine is associated with different tree species. Leaves of unsupported vines differed from leaves of climbing plants closely associated with tree foliage but did not differ from those of vines climbing onto leafless trunks. Consistent with an herbivory-avoidance hypothesis, leaf herbivory on unsupported vines was greater than that on vines climbing on trees but was greatest on vines climbing onto leafless trunks. Thus, B. trifoliolata gains protection against herbivory not merely by climbing and thus avoiding ground herbivores 3 but also by climbing onto trees whose leaves are mimicked. Unlike earlier cases of plant mimicry or crypsis, in which the plant roughly resembles a background or color pattern 4–7 or mimics a single host 8, 9, B. trifoliolata is able to mimic several hosts.
•Leaves of a climbing plant can mimic the leaves of its supporting trees•Leaf mimicry patterns are consistent with an herbivory-avoidance hypothesis
Gianoli and Carrasco-Urra show that a woody vine mimics the leaves of its supporting tree species in a southern temperate rainforest. Field herbivory data suggest that the vine gains protection against herbivory by climbing onto trees whose leaves are mimicked.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Among the strategies for reducing the negative effects on the environment effected by the uncontrolled consumption and low potential for the recovery of conventional plastics, the synthesis of new ...biodegradable and recyclable plastics represents one of the most promising methods for minimizing the negative effects of conventional non-biodegradable plastics. The spectrum of existing biodegradable materials is still very narrow; thus, to achieve greater applicability, research is being carried out on biodegradable polymer mixtures, the synthesis of new polymers, and the incorporation of new stabilizers for thermal degradation, alongside the use of other additives such as antibacterials or new and more sustainable plasticizers. Some studies analyze direct applications, such as shape memory foams, new cartilage implants, drug release, etc.The reader can find several studies on the degradation of biodegradable polymers under composting conditions; however, novel bacteria that degrade polymers considered non-biodegradable in other, unusual conditions (such as conditions of high salinity) are also presented.
Russia, as a nation with regional leadership stimulated by the personality of Putin, has
the willingness to support a security buffer in his borders. ukraine is divided between two
civilizations, ...influenced by the oligarchs and the vital need of energy resources. the political
evolution since the independence of ukraine concluded in a dilemma: “europe versus russia",
which finally erupted in the maidán square, provoking the russian annexation of crimea and the
donbass War, where russia has supported in a hybrid way to the east ukraine secessionist rebels.
ukraine, involved in an economic fierce crisis, feels obliged to increase defence expenditure. the
east of europe´s geopolitical scenario has changed due to an escalate tension concerning West and
russia. nato has increased strategic deployments especially into the Baltic countries. to rebuild a
cordial relationship between russia and the rest of europe is necessary to guarantee the stability and
security of the continent
Rusia es una nación con liderazgo regional, impulsado por la personalidad de Putin,
dispuesta a mantener un colchón de seguridad en sus fronteras. ucrania está dividida entre dos
civilizaciones, influida por los oligarcas y la necesidad vital de recursos energéticos. la evolución
política desde la independencia de ucrania concluyó en un dilema “europa versus rusia” que estalló
en la Plaza del maidán provocando la anexión de crimea y la guerra del donbass, con el apoyo
híbrido de rusia a los rebeldes secesionistas del este de ucrania. ucrania, envuelta en una crisis
económica se ve obligada a aumentar sus gastos de defensa. cambia el escenario geopolítico del
este de europa provocando una escalada de tensiones entre occidente y rusia. la otan ha
aumentado sus despliegues estratégicos en los países del Báltico. reconstruir una relación entre
rusia y el resto de europa es necesario para garantizar la estabilidad y seguridad del continente.
Question: In a southern temperate rain forest, we addressed three questions: (1) Does the abundance of climbing plants increase with light availability? (2) Do host tree species differ in their ...susceptibility to vine infestation? (3) How does the relationship between host tree trunk diameter and relative abundance of vines vary with their climbing mechanism? Location: Two sites in the temperate evergreen rain forest of southern Chile: Puyehue (40°39ʂ′S, 72°09ʂ′W; 350 m a. s. 1.) and Pastahue (42°22ʂ′S, 73°49ʂ′W; 285m a. s. 1). Methods: We sampled vines in 60 25-m² plots, with 20 plots in each of three light environments: mature forest, forest edges and canopy gaps. In each plot, for every tree ≥ 1.50-m tall of any diameter we counted and identified all climbing plant individuals at a height of 1.30 m. We also counted, measured (trunk diameter at 1.30 m) and identified all these trees, and determined prevalence of vine infestation for each tree species. Results: Light availability in forest plots did not affect vine abundance when the number and size of host trees was taken into account. Overall, vine abundance increased with host tree trunk diameter. Tree species did not differ in the prevalence of vine infestation. The relative abundance of stem twiners and adhesive climbers decreased and increased with trunk diameter, respectively. The densities of stem twiners and adhesive climbers were negatively correlated across the forest. Conclusion: We provide further evidence that the pattern of vine abundance is independent of light availability in southern temperate rain forests, in contrast to results commonly reported for tropical rain forests. We also show that support suitability across the forest varies with the mechanism by which vines climb, probably due in part to biomechanical constraints and in part to vine interspecific competition, a virtually unexplored ecological factor.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NMLJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
Aims
To evaluate the burden of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in a large cohort, determine the right ventricle involvement of patients with TR and determine the characteristics of isolated TR.
...Methods and results
Prospective study where consecutive patients undergoing an echocardiographic study in 10 centres were included. All studies with significant TR (at least moderate) were selected. We considered that patients with one of pulmonary systolic hypertension >50 mmHg, left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, New York Heart Association III–IV, or older than 85 years, had a high surgical risk. A total of 35 088 echocardiograms were performed. Significant TR was detected in 6% of studies. Moderate TR was found in 69.6%, severe in 25.5%, massive in 3.9%, and torrential in 1.0% of patients. Right ventricle was dilated in 81.7% of patients with massive/torrential TR, in 55.9% with severe TR, and in 29.3% with moderate TR (P < 0.001). Primary TR was present in 7.4% of patients whereas secondary TR was present in 92.6%. Mitral or aortic valve disease was the most common aetiology (54.6%), following by isolated TR (16%). Up to 51.9% of patients with severe, massive, or torrential primary TR and 57% of patients with severe, massive, or torrential secondary TR had a high surgical risk.
Conclusion
Significant TR is a prevalent condition and a high proportion of these patients have an indication for valve intervention. More than a half of patients with severe, massive, or torrential TR had a high surgical risk. Massive/torrential TR may have implications regarding selection and monitoring patients for percutaneous treatment.
Abstract
Aim
To translate and culturally adapt the FRAIL scale into Spanish and perform a preliminary test of diagnostic accuracy in patients admitted to intensive care units.
Design
Cross‐sectional ...diagnostic study.
Methods
Five intensive care units (ICU) in Spain were participated. Stage 1: Three native Spanish‐speaking bilingual translators familiar with the field of critical care translated the scale from English into Spanish. Stage 2: Three native English‐speaking bilingual translators familiar with critical care medicine. Stage 3: Authors of the original scale compared the English original and back‐translated versions of the scale. Stage 4: Five nurses with more than 5 years of ICU experience and five critical care physicians assessed the comprehension and relevance of each of the items of the Spanish version in 30 patients of 3 different age ranges (<50, 50–65 and >65 years).
Results
The FRAIL scale was translated and adapted cross‐culturally for patients admitted to intensive care units in Spain. The process consisted of four stages: translation, back translation, comparison and pilot test. There was good correspondence between the original scale and the Spanish version in 100% of the items. The participating patients assessed the relevance (content validity) and comprehensibility (face validity) of each of the items of the first Spanish version. The relevance of some of the items scored low when the scale was used in patients younger than 65 years.
Conclusions
We have cross‐culturally adapted the FRAIL scale, originally in English, to Spanish for its use in the critical care medical setting in Spanish‐speaking countries.
Implications for Professionals
Physicians and nurses can apply the new scale to all patients admitted to the intensive care units. Nursing care can be adapted according to frailty, trying to reduce the side effects of admission to these units for the most fragile patients.
Reporting Method
The manuscript's authors have adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines, using the COSMIN reporting guideline for studies on the measurement properties of patient‐reported outcome measures.
Patient or Public Contribution
In a pilot clinical study, we applied the first version of the FRAIL‐Spain scale to intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Five nurses with more than 5 years of ICU experience and five critical care physicians assessed the relevance (content validity) and comprehensibility (face validity) of the five items of the first Spanish version. Relevance was assessed using a 4‐point Likert scale ranging from 1 (no relevance) to 4 (high relevance), and comprehensibility was assessed as poor, acceptable or good. Each health professional applied the scale to three patients (total number of patients = 30) of three different age ranges (<50, 50–65 and >65 years) and recorded the time of application of the scale to each patient. Although the frailty scales were initially created by geriatricians to be applied to the elders, there is little experience with their application in critically ill patients of any age. Therefore, more information is needed to determine the relevance of using this scale in critical care patients. In this pilot study, we considered that nurses and critical care physicians should evaluate frailty using this adapted scale in adult patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Nauck, 1880 is a holothurian-dweller pinnotherid crab representing one of the two species of the genus distributed along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Chile, respectively. While the parasitic ...ecological interaction with its host is well established, the morphology of the male remains unknown, and DNA information for the species is not available. Furthermore, the only morphological trait separating both species of the genus is subjective and corresponds to the presence or absence of a gap between the fingers of the chelae. Our goal is to complete and clarify the taxonomic status of
and describe the male morphology with the use of the integrative taxonomy, providing additional characters to differentiate this species.
We collected new biological material in the Pacific coast of Mexico including the topotypes. We also reviewed material from national collections to integrate morphology (based on a complete and detailed description and illustration of the species using light microscopy), ecological data (based on the identification of the host and the place where it was located within the host), and the mtCOI gene information (commonly known as DNA barcode) to differentiate
from other related crabs.
This species presents marked sexual dimorphism only in the primary sexual characters. For the first time we describe morphological variability of traditionally stable characters. In addition to the gap between the fingers of the chelae,
differs from
(Poeppig, 1836) by their ornamentation, the shape of the male abdomen, and the gonopod. Cytocrome Oxidase 1 gene (COI) distance divergence was >3% between both
species forming a clear clade. DNA barcoding indicates only one taxon, with a maximum divergence of 2.2%. All the specimens have the same Barcode Index Number (BIN; BOLD: ADE9974). All the hosts for
were identified as
(
)
Semper, 1868; the presence of the crab in the host's coelomic cavity was confirmed, and for the first time we found it within the intestine. The geographical distribution is the Pacific coast of Mexico. Based on the data presented here, the taxonomic status of
is now complete.
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