CYCLOPS: A cyclists' orientation data acquisition system using RGB camera and inertial measurement units (IMU).

This paper introduces CYCLOPS, an acquisition system developed to capture images and inertial measurement data of moving cyclists from a vehicle. The development of CYCLOPS addresses the need to acquire useful data for training machine learning models capable of predicting the motion intentions of cyclists on urban roads. Considering its application, it is a completely original development. The system consists of two devices. The first device is installed on the bicycle and is based on an electronic acquisition board comprising an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a microcontroller, and a transceiver for sending the cyclist's acceleration and orientation data to a vehicle. The second device is installed on the vehicle and uses the same board architecture to acquire the vehicle's accelerations and orientations, along with an RGB monocular camera. The data is stored in real-time in a laptop's drive for subsequent analysis and manipulation. The hardware architecture is presented in detail, including the designs to install the devices, for IMUs configuration, and software installation on the laptop. All design and software files required to develop the proposed system are available for download at: doi.org/10.17632/3yx5y8b7tm.1, licensed under the Open-source license CC BY 4.0.

The Significance of Hypervariability and Conserved Motifs in Antimicrobial Peptides from Tree Frogs.

Amphibians' skin is a rich source of natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These AMPs exhibit marked inter- and intraspecific sequence divergence linked to the arms race between host and pathogens. Here, we combine peptidomics, molecular modeling, and phylogenetic analyses to understand the evolution of AMPs in Cophomantini, a diverse clade of neotropical tree frogs, and to investigate their interaction with bacterial membranes. Consistent with results in other amphibians, all species of Cophomantini secrete a mixture of peptides. We selected the hylin peptide family to survey sequence variability and the presence of common amino acid motifs. We found that most species secrete a unique set of hylins that, though variable, share the conserved motif Gly-X-X-X-Pro-Ala-X-X-Gly, with Gly and Pro colocalizing with charged or polar residues. Our modeling revealed that Pro curves the peptide through a hinge, facilitating its insertion into the bacterial membrane and, once inserted, contributes to stabilizing the pore structure. The phylogenetic inference using hylid prepro-peptides showed the need to classify new AMPs using the full-length sequence of the prepro-peptide region and highlighted the complex relationships between peptide families. Our findings revealed that conserved motifs occurred independently in distinct AMP families, suggesting a convergent evolution and a significant role in peptide-membrane interactions.

Design of Exercise Device for Older Adults / Diseño de Dispositivo para Ejercitación de Adultos Mayores

ABSTRACT Older adults should perform physical activity to improve cardiorespiratory functions. Aerobic exercises improve cardiovascular function, decrease basal heart rate and blood pressure, and improve mood and energy. To facilitate the execution of aerobic physical activity in older adults, the objective of this research was to design an exercise device for older adults. Starting from design specifications such as comfort, size, weight, resistance, and cost, we developed the detailed design of a horizontal bicycle. The designed device, thanks to its horizontally disposed structure, its adequate resistance to pedaling, its dimensioning based on anthropometric measurements of the Chilean population, and the disposition of sensors for heart rate and oxygen saturation, is suitable for older adults. Its weight and size also make it convenient for use inside the home, and the use of materials, components, and manufacturing processes available nationally and within the cheapest options, increases the possibility of access by older adults.

RESUMEN Es fundamental que los adultos mayores realicen actividad física para mejorar las funciones cardiorrespiratorias, particularmente los ejercicios aeróbicos mejoran la función cardiovascular, disminuyen la frecuencia cardíaca basal y la tensión arterial, además de mejorar su estado de ánimo y energía. Con la finalidad de facilitar la ejecución de actividad física del tipo aeróbica en adultos mayores, se planteó el objetivo de este trabajo, centrado en diseñar un dispositivo para su ejercitación. Partiendo de especificaciones de diseño como comodidad, tamaño, peso, resistencia y costo, se desarrolló el diseño de detalle de una bicicleta horizontal. El dispositivo diseñado, gracias a la disposición horizontal de la estructura, la resistencia adecuada al pedaleo, su dimensionamiento con base a medidas antropométricas de población chilena, y la disposición de sensores para heart rate and oxygen saturation, es adecuado para adultos mayores. Además, su peso y tamaño lo hacen conveniente para el uso dentro de las viviendas, del mismo modo, el uso de los materiales, componentes y proceso de manufactura disponibles nacionalmente y dentro de las opciones más económicas, aumentan la posibilidad de acceso por parte de los adultos mayores.

Evaluación de la movilidad del ácido 2,4-diclorofenoxiacético en suelos ándicos del departamento del Cauca, Colombia

El herbicida ácido 2,4 - diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) es un ácido selectivo y sistémico que, desde 1940, es ampliamente utilizado en suelo agrícolas, de todo el mundo. Su uso radica a su selectividad entre la vegetación de hoja ancha y cultivos de gramíneas y como regulador del crecimiento vegetal; sin embargo, este herbicida se puede acumular en el ambiente y, adicionalmente, puede ser transportado por lixiviación, a través del suelo, llegando a contaminar aguas subterráneas, lo que genera un alto riesgo para el ambiente y la salud del ser humano. El estudio de la movilidad del 2,4-D en suelos con alto contenido de materia orgánica permitió conocer, que no solo la materia orgánica se correlaciona indirectamente con la movilidad de este compuesto, sino que, también, influye la humedad, al reducir la lixiviación y el potencial de contaminación del recurso hídrico subterráneo, mientras que la conductividad hidráulica se relaciona, de manera directa, con la lixiviación de este herbicida.

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a selective and systemic acid that has been widely used in agricultural soils since 1940. Its use lies in its selectivity between broadleaf vegetation and grass crops, and as a regulator of plant growth. However, this herbicide can accumulate in the environment, and additionally, it can be transported by leaching through the soil, contaminating groundwater, which generates a high risk for the environment and human health. In this study, the mobility of 2,4-D in organic-matter-rich soils was assessed. The results revealed that not only the organic material is indirectly correlated with the mobility of this compound but also influences humidity and reduces leaching and potential pollution of groundwater resources, whereas hydraulic conductivity is directly related to herbicide leaching.

Suspensiones quirúrgicas: un desafío para la gestión clínica post Covid 19

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia, las causas y los factores asociados de suspensión de cirugías programadas en un hospital de alta complejidad en un periodo de 5 años. Materiales y Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, en un hospital terciario del sur de Chile durante los años 2014 a 2018. Se describe la frecuencia de suspensión quirúrgica del establecimiento y por especialidad, especificando sus principales causas. Además, se identificaron aquellas suspensiones evitables y sus factores asociados mediante regresión logística. Resultados: La tasa de suspensión en los 5 años de estudio fue de 11,2%. Neurocirugía y Traumatología tuvieron la mayor tasa de suspensión (18,8% y 13,9%, respectivamente), mientras que Ginecología y Obstetricia la menor (4,1%). Las causas más frecuentes fueron la inasistencia del paciente (16,9%), la prolongación de la cirugía anterior (16,4%) y la paralización de actividades por motivos gremiales (7,9%). Un 80,1% de las causas fueron evitables. La especialidad quirúrgica y la edad del paciente fueron los factores asociados más relevantes. Discusión: Se evidenció una alta tasa de suspensiones quirúrgicas y la mayoría por causas evitables. Su disminución puede ser la intervención más costo efectiva para contribuir a reducir las extensas listas de espera quirúrgica posterior a la crisis sanitaria por COVID 19, ya que sólo requiere optimizar los recursos existentes. Conclusiones: La suspensión quirúrgica es un problema frecuente en el proceso quirúrgico. Nuestros resultados permiten identificar a los grupos de mayor riesgo de suspensión, asignar responsabilidades a los equipos quirúrgicos y desarrollar estrategias efectivas para su prevención.

Aim: To determine the frequency, the causes and the associated factors of the surgical cancellation of scheduled surgeries at the Hospital Base Valdivia between the years 2014 and 2018. Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Were described the frequency of suspension of scheduled surgeries of the establishment, by specialty and their main causes, identifying those that can be avoided. In addition, the factors associated with suspension were identified by logistic regression. Results: The suspension rate in the 5 years of study was 11.2%. Neurosurgery and Traumatology had the highest frequency of surgical cancellation (18.8% y 13.9%, respectively), Obstetrics, and Gynecology the lowest (4.1%). The most frequent causes of suspension were the absence of the patient (16.9%), the prolongation of the previous surgery (16.4%) and the suspension of activities due to Union reasons (7.9%). 80.1% of the causes were avoidable. The age and surgical specialty were the most relevant associated factorsm Discussion: A high rate of surgical suspensions and most for avoidable reasons were evident. Reducing surgical cancellations can be the most cost effective intervention to help reduce the extensive post-health crisis surgical waiting lists by COVID 19, as it only requires optimizing existing resources. Conclusions: Surgical suspension is a common problem in the surgical process. Our results allow to identify the groups most at risk of suspension, assign responsibilities to surgical teams and develop effective strategies for their prevention.

Biodiversity in the Andean Mountains: Two new rain frogs of the genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the northern Cordillera Central in Colombia.

Frequent biodiversity sampling and monitoring programs often lead to relevant taxonomic findings. Here, as a product of different field expeditions to two places in the northern Andes, we discover and describe two new species of rain frogs of the genus Pristimantis from the cloud forests of the Central Cordillera of Colombia. Pristimantis chocolatebari sp. nov. is diagnosed by having the following character states: dentigerous process of vomer triangular, snout large and protruding, dorsum smooth, vocal slits and vocal sac present, groin and hidden part of the thighs yellow. Pristimantis carylae sp. nov. is diagnosed by having iris copper red, dentigerous process of vomer oval, snout short and rounded, dorsum finely shagreen with scattered tubercles, double nuptial pad in males, groin and hidden part of thighs pink. We also infer, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of P. permixtus, P. platychilus, and two candidate new species. In addition, we emphasize not to use genetic distance as the only source of evidence for species delimitation, considering the high intraspecific diversity found in one of the species described here. Finally, we highlight the relevance of different habitat and ecosystem conservation strategies to promote amphibian diversity studies in the Andes.

Codimension one distributions and stable rank 2 reflexive sheaves on threefolds.

% We show that codimension one distributions with at most isolated singularities on certain smooth projective threefolds with Picard rank one have stable tangent sheaves. The ideas in the proof of this fact are then applied to the characterization of certain irreducible components of the moduli space of stable rank 2 reflexive sheaves on $\p3$, and to the construction of stable rank 2 reflexive sheaves with prescribed Chern classes on general threefolds. We also prove that if $\sG$ is a subfoliation of a codimension one distribution $\sF$ with isolated singularities, then $\sing(\sG)$ is a curve. As a consequence, we give a criterion to decide whether $\sG$ is globally given as the intersection of $\sF$ with another codimension one distribution. Turning our attention to codimension one distributions with non isolated singularities, we determine the number of connected components of the pure 1-dimensional component of the singular scheme.

The phylogeny of Dendropsophini (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae).

The relationships of the hyline tribe Dendropsophini remain poorly studied, with most published analyses dealing with few of the species groups of Dendropsophus. In order to test the monophyly of Dendropsophini, its genera, and the species groups currently recognized in Dendropsophus, we performed a total evidence phylogenetic analysis. The molecular dataset included sequences of three mitochondrial and five nuclear genes from 210 terminals, including 12 outgroup species, the two species of Xenohyla, and 93 of the 108 recognized species of Dendropsophus. The phenomic dataset includes 46 terminals, one per species (34 Dendropsophus, one Xenohyla, and 11 outgroup species). Our results corroborate the monophyly of Dendropsophini and the reciprocal monophyly of Dendropsophus and Xenohyla. Some species groups of Dendropsophus are paraphyletic (the D. microcephalus, D. minimus, and D. parviceps groups, and the D. rubicundulus clade). On the basis of our results, we recognize nine species groups; for three of them (D. leucophyllatus, D. microcephalus, and D. parviceps groups) we recognize some nominal clades to highlight specific morphology or relationships and facilitate species taxonomy. We further discuss the evolution of oviposition site selection, where our results show multiple instances of independent evolution of terrestrial egg clutches during the evolutionary history of Dendropsophus.

Amphibians in Zootaxa: 20 years documenting the global diversity of frogs, salamanders, and caecilians.

Zootaxa is a mega-journal that since its inception, 20 years ago, has contributed to the documentation of the planet's biodiversity. Its role concerning terrestrial vertebrates has been crucial especially for amphibians, which are the most threatened class of vertebrates. As current editors of the Amphibia section, we reviewed the state of knowledge of taxonomic publications on amphibians over the last two decades (from 2001 to 2020). Our review reveals that 2,533 frogs, 259 salamanders, and 55 caecilians have been named in these 20 years, mainly in the tropical regions of South America, Asia, and Africa. More than half (57%) of these species descriptions were published in only 10 journals. At least 827 species of the new amphibians (29% of the total) were described in Zootaxa. This mega-journal has served also as a place of publication for monographs and systematic reviews, in addition to short articles documenting the vocalizations of anurans and the morphology of embryos and larvae. Its efficient evaluation process, the freedom of manuscript length, including full-color figures, and free of cost for the authors, has made Zootaxa a favorite for amphibian researchers. In an era of accelerating rates of biodiversity loss, documenting, describing, naming, and proposing evolutionary scenarios for species is, more than ever, an urgent task.

Out of the blue: A new rain frog species of the genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the northern Cordillera Central in Colombia.

Continuous sampling in well studied areas may lead to new amphibian species discoveries, because population dynamics allow rare species to go unnoticed for years. Based on recent sampling of frogs in the northeastern region of Colombia, here we provide genetic, morphological, and bioacoustics evidence to support the description of a new species of the genus Pristimantis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the new species is a member of the P. lacrimosus species group, a clade of 25 species that is highly diverse in Ecuador and Peru. This new species is more closely related to allopatric species from Peru and Guyana (i.e. P. olivaceus, P. pluvialis, P. pulchridormientes, and an undetermined Pristimantis). The new species has green-yellow coloration and a remarkable brown interocular band, which is unusual in the genus and which inspired the epithet. Pristimantis zorro sp. nov. has only been found at one locality at 1860 m s.a.l., on the eastern flank of the northern Cordillera Central in Department of Antioquia, Colombia. The new species inhabits the ecotone between the humid cloud forest and open areas. Repeated visits to the type locality suggest high variation in population abundance and/or species detection, because we have occasionally observed many individuals in briefs periods of times. In addition, we discuss the biogeographical and systematic implications of our species discovery.

A formação do capital social no YouTube: estudo com base em um canal de divulgação científica de questões abordadas pela psicologia / The social capital formation on YouTube: study based on a health psychology video found in one of its Science Channels / La formación del capital social en YouTube: estudio fundamentado en un canal de divulgación científica referente a cuestiones abordadas por la psicología

Este artigo discute a influência que o conteúdo publicado no YouTube exerce na formação do capital social, a partir da análise do vídeo mais popular de um canal de divulgação científica de questões abordadas pela psicologia e dos comentários a ele associados. Na análise dos comentários, foram utilizados os procedimentos metodológicos da teoria fundamentada. No final da pesquisa, foram identificadas três práticas discursivas que, no contexto de estudo, contribuem para a formação do capital social e de valores a ele relacionados. As formas de capital social encontradas com mais frequência foram a do capital relacional, do capital cognitivo e a da confiança no ambiente social. Entre os valores construídos pelos usuários em suas práticas discursivas estão a visibilidade, a legitimação e o suporte social. Esse último merece destaque por perpassar todas as categorias principais. Concluímos que o conteúdo do vídeo funciona como catalisador para diferentes práticas sociais que culminam na formação do capital social.

This article discusses the influence of YouTube content on the formation of social capital from the analysis of the most popular psychology video on Brazilian Science YouTube Channel and also of the comments made by its users. In the analysis of the comments, the methodological procedures of the grounded theory were used. At the end of the research, three discursive practices were identified and in the study context they aid in the formation of social capital and of related values. The most frequent forms of social capital that we found were those of the relational capital, of the cognitive capital and of the trustworthiness in the interaction with other people in that social environment. Among the values constructed by users in their discursive practices are visibility, legitimation and social support. The latter deserves special mention because it intersects all the main categories. We have come to the conclusion that the content of the video serves as catalyst for different social practices that culminate in the formation of social capital.

Este artículo discute la influencia del contenido publicado en YouTube sobre la formación del capital social, fundamentada en el análisis del vídeo más popular de un canal de divulgación científica de cuestiones abordadas por la psicología y en los comentarios a él asociados. En el análisis de los comentarios, se utilizaron los procedimientos metodológicos de la teoría fundamentada. En el final de la investigación, se identificaron tres prácticas discursivas que, en el contexto del estudio, contribuyen a la formación del capital social y de valores relacionados a él. Las formas de capital social encontradas con más frecuencia fueron la del capital relacional, del capital cognitivo y de la confianza en el ambiente social. Entre los valores construidos por los usuarios en sus prácticas discursivas están la visibilidad, la legitimación y el apoyo social. Este último merece destacarse por atravesar todas las categorías principales. Concluimos que el contenido del vídeo funciona como catalizador para diferentes prácticas sociales que culminan en la formación del capital social.

Foliar mineral content of five shrub species with nutritional potential for small ruminants in semiarid regions in northeastern Mexico / Conteúdo mineral foliar de cinco espécies de arbustos com potencial nutricional para pequenos ruminantes em regiões semiáridas do nordeste do México

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to determine the monthly composition of the minerals Ca, P, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in five shrub species that are consumed by small ruminants in the semi-arid regions of northeastern Mexico. Leaves samples of shrub species; Celtis pallida, Croton suaveolens, Forestiera angustifolia, Guaiacum angustifolium and Parkinsonia aculeata were randomly collected during twelve consecutive months from July 2018 to June 2019 in two sites, located in Linares and Los Ramones counties, in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Mineral content was analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while phosphorus was measured by the colorimetry method. The Linares county showed the highest content of macro- and micro-minerals. Among species, C. pallida showed the highest values of macro-minerals and P. aculeata content of micro-minerals was highest. Ca (total mean = 40.0 g kg-1 DM), K (15.4 g kg-1), Mg (3.7 g kg-1), Fe (87.2 mg kg-1), Mn (35.5 mg kg-1) were available in adequate quantities, while P (1.3 g kg-1 DM), Cu (6.4 mg kg-1) and Zn (17.7 mg kg-1) were found deficient. Shrub species in this study can be considered as a good source of Ca, K, Mg, Fe and Mn except in C. suaveolens. However, P, Cu and Zn must be supplemented.

RESUMO: O presente estudo foi realizado com o intuito de determinar os teores dos minerais Ca, P, K, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn, ao longo do ano, em cinco espécies de arbustos consumidas por pequenos ruminantes nas regiões semiáridas do nordeste do México. Amostras de folhas de espécies arbustivas; Celtis pallida, Croton suaveolens, Forestiera angustifolia, Guaiacum angustifolium e Parkinsonia aculeata foram coletadas aleatoriamente durante doze meses consecutivos, de Julho de 2018 a Junho de 2019, em dois locais, nos municípios de Linares e Los Ramones, no estado de Nuevo Leon, México. O conteúdo mineral foi analisado através de um espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica, enquanto o fósforo foi medido pelo método da colorimetria. O município de Linares apresentou o maior conteúdo de macro e microminerais. Entre as espécies, C. pallida apresentou os maiores valores de macrominerais, enquanto o teor de microminerais foi maior na P. aculeata. Ca (média = 40.0 g kg-1 MS), K (15.4 g kg-1), Mg (3.7 g kg-1), Fe (87.2 mg kg-1), Mn (35.5 mg kg-1) estavam disponíveis em quantidades adequadas, enquanto P (1.3 g kg-1 MS), Cu (6.4 mg kg-1) e Zn (17.7 mg kg-1) foram encontrados deficientes. As espécies arbustivas deste estudo podem ser consideradas uma boa fonte de Ca, K, Mg, Fe e Mn, exceto na espécie C. suaveolens. No entanto, P, Cu e Zn devem ser suplementados.

A Submersible Printed Sensor Based on a Monopole-Coupled Split Ring Resonator for Permittivity Characterization.

This work presents a non-invasive, reusable and submersible permittivity sensor that uses a microwave technique for the dielectric characterization of liquid materials. The proposed device consists of a compact split ring resonator excited by two integrated monopole antennas. The sensing principle is based on the notch introduced by the resonators in the transmission coefficient, which is affected due to the introduction of the sensor in a new liquid material. Then, a frequency shift of the notch and the Q-factor of the proposed sensor are related with the changes in the surrounding medium. By means of a particular experimental procedure, commercial liquids are employed to obtain the calibration curve. Thus, a mathematical equation is obtained to extract the dielectric permittivity of liquid materials with unknown dielectric properties. A good match between simulated and experimental results is obtained, as well as a high Q-factor, compact size, good sensitivity and high repeatability for use in sensing applications. Sensors like the one here presented could lead to promising solutions for characterizing materials, particularly in determining material properties and quality in the food industry, bio-sensing and other applications.

The advertisement call of the treefrog Nyctimantis rugiceps Boulenger, 1882 (Anura: Hylidae), with notes on its natural history and toxicity.

Nyctimantis rugiceps Boulenger, 1882 (Fig. 1A) is a Neotropical treefrog (Duellman Trueb 1976; Faivovich et al. 2005) known only from disjunct localities in Amazonian Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (Pérez-Villota et al. 2009). This species has the skin of the skull co-ossified and reproduces-including calling behavior, egg deposition and tadpole development-in water-filled tree or bamboo cavities (Duellman Trueb 1976; Duellman 1978). Given its secretive behavior, this is a poorly known species and, as noted by Duellman (1978: 169), "the major clue to the life history of Nyctimantis is the calling behavior of the males". Unfortunately, the only quantitative description of the advertisement call of N. rugiceps is a brief passage in Duellman (1978) based on four specimens from Santa Cecilia, Ecuador, where important variables are missing (e.g., call duration). More importantly, graphs illustrating the waveform and spectrogram are missing. Considering these limitations and the importance of advertisement calls to the study of anurans (Köhler et al. 2017), we provide a quantitative description using a call recording obtained in Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia.

Extracellular enzymatic activity of two hydrolases in wastewater treatment for biological nutrient removal.

Due to the complex nature of the wastewater (both domestic and non-domestic) composition, biological processes are widely used to remove nutrients, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P), which cause instability and hence contribute to the damage of water bodies. Systems with different configurations have been developed (including anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic conditions) for the joint removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The goal of this research is to evaluate the extracellular activity of ß-glucosidase and phosphatase enzymes in a University of Cape Town (UCT) system fed with two synthetic wastewaters of different molecular complexity. Both types of waters have medium strength characteristics similar to those of domestic wastewater with a mean C/N/P ratio of 100:13:1. The operation parameters were hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10 h, solid retention time (SRT) of 12 days, mean concentration of the influent in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total phosphorus (TP) of 600, 80, and 6 mg/L, respectively. According to the results obtained, statistically significant differences have been found in the extracellular enzyme activities with the evaluated wastewaters and in the units comprising the treatment system in some of the cases. An analysis of principal components showed that the extracellular enzymatic activity has been correlated to nutrient concentration in wastewater, biomass concentration in the system, and metabolic conditions of treatment phases. Additionally, this research has allowed determining an inverse relationship between wastewater biodegradability and the extracellular enzyme activity of ß-glucosidase and phosphatase. These results highlight the importance of including the analysis of biomass biochemical characteristics as control methods in wastewater treatment systems for the nutrient removal.

Phylogenetic analysis of the Neotropical Pristimantis leptolophus species group (Anura: Craugastoridae): molecular approach and description of a new polymorphic species.

Pristimantis, distributed throughout the New World tropics, is the most speciose vertebrate genus. Pristimantis presents an enormous morphological diversity and is currently divided into several demonstrably non-monophyletic phenetic species groups. With the purpose of increasing our understanding of Pristimantis systematics, we present the first phylogenetic analysis using molecular evidence to test the monophyly and infer evolutionary relationships within the Pristimantis leptolophus group, an endemic group of frogs from the highlands of the Colombian Andes. Our phylogenetic reconstruction recovers the group as monophyletic with high support, indicating general concordance between molecular data and morphological data. In addition, we describe a new polymorphic species lacking conspicuous tubercles, a regular attribute among species of the P. leptolophus species group and endemic from the Páramo de Sonsón complex (Antioquia, Colombia). The phylogenetic position of the new species is inferred and other systematic implications in the light of our results are discussed.

Visual or automated dipstick testing for proteinuria in pregnancy?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the Multistix 10SG/visual-read with two automated methods (Multistix 10SG/Clinitek 50 and Chemstrip 10A/Urisys 1100) to detect significant proteinuria among high-risk pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study at British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnostic accuracy determined by sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-). RESULTS: 303 (89.6%) of 338 women had a urine sample tested by all three dipstick methods. 196 samples (64.7%) were collected in the morning (subsequent to their first void) and from outpatients. 107 samples (35.3%) were from inpatients at various times throughout the day. A PrCr ⩾30mg/mmol was present in 46 (15.2%) samples. The sensitivity for proteinuria was higher with Multistix 10SG/Clinitek 50 (65.2%) than with Multistix 10SG/visual-read (41.3%, p<0.001) or Chemstrip 10A/Urisys 1100 (54.3%, p=0.06). Specificity was >90% for all methods studied, although it was highest for Multistix 10SG/visual-read (98.4%) compared with either Multistix 10SG/Clinitek 50 (92.6%, p<0.001) or Chemstrip 10A/Urisys 1100 (95.7%, p=0.04). For all methods, LR+ was good-excellent (>5), but LR- poor-fair (>0.20). 29 samples were discordant for proteinuria between methods. 28/29 women had negative proteinuria by Multistix 10SG/visual-read, but at least 1+ proteinuria by an automated method; 17/28 were false positives and 11/28 true positives. CONCLUSIONS: Automated dipstick methods are more sensitive than visual urinalysis for proteinuria, but test performance is still only poor-fair as a 'rule-out' test for proteinuria. Whether the enhanced sensitivity would be worth the false positives, cost, and personnel training remains to be determined for detection of low-level proteinuria in pregnancy.