Alike but genetically divergent: The resurrection of Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883) from its closest relatives, the Munda and the Blotched stingray.

The genus Urotrygon comprises small- to medium-sized endemic round rays on the American continent and has undergone several synonymization processes. Here, we used an integrative taxonomic approach, including meristic, morphometric, and mtDNA analyses, to resolve the particularly intricate relationship among Urotrygon munda Gill, 1863, Urotrygon chilensis (Günther, 1872), and Urotrygon asterias (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883). The latter species is currently a synonym of U. munda but is also considered the U. chilensis "northern morphotype." These taxonomic entities have historically been confounded, mainly due to their phenotypical resemblance along their geographic distribution in the eastern Pacific. We assessed 78 specimens (43 "northern" and 30 "southern morphotypes" of U. chilensis, as well as 5 U. munda) using 19 external variables for taxonomic and morphometric analysis. Distinct meristic patterns, including pectoral and pelvic ceratotrichia, vertebrae number, and thorn distribution along the dorsal midline, were observed in the series-type specimens of the three taxonomic entities. Our multivariate morphometric analyses consistently differentiated the three groups as distinct taxonomic entities, with an overall classification accuracy of 66.7%. The meristic results also provided reliable information distinguishing the three entities. Based on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH2) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, our phylogenetic analysis were consistent with the morphometric and meristic data, supporting these three entities as distinct species having their own evolutionary lineages. Our comprehensive approach confidently demonstrated that the northern U. chilensis morphotype matched and corresponded to the description of the Starry round ray, U. asterias, confirming its taxonomic resurrection as a valid species distinct from U. chilensis and U. munda. The geographic distribution of U. asterias spans from the tropical west coast of Mexico (including the Gulf of California) to Costa Rica, revealing that microevolutionary processes have well-defined population clades within this range. Furthermore, U. chilensis is unequivocally established as the sole Urotrygon species occurring south of the Guayaquil marine ecoregion. In addition, the public COI and NADH2 sequences available for Urotrygon hosted in the ad hoc online databases were found to be misidentified, emphasizing the need for rigorous taxonomic scrutiny in this group. Finally, our research underscores the significance of an integrative approach that combines morphometric, meristic, and molecular techniques with historical data to disentangle the complexities of closely related taxa.

Comparative assessment of emissions, performance, and economics parameters for a dual-fuel diesel generator operating with rice bran biodiesel and hydrogen.

The first step to achieving an energy transition is partially substituting fossil fuels with other more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as hydrogen gas. The current research aims to evaluate the influence of hydrogen in a diesel generator fueled with rice bran biodiesel. The above encourages the use of hydrogen and biodiesel production from residual raw material. For the development of the research, a diesel engine bench was used, which operated in five load conditions: 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 %, and was fed with three fuels: -100 %, RB-10 %, and RB-10 % + H2(30 %). The results show that the mixture RB-10 % + H2(30 %) causes a 3.14 % reduction in BSFC and a 3.26 % increase in energy conversion efficiency. In addition, it is observed that a 9.90 %, 12.57 %, and 10.99 % decrease in HC, CO, and smoke opacity emissions compared to pure diesel. On the other hand, the mixture RB-10 % + H2(30 %) reduces by 4.44 %, 5.07 %, and 7.06 % the environmental, social, and ecological impact due to CO2, HC, and CO emissions, as well as a 3.93 % reduction in engine operating cost compared to RB-10 % biodiesel. In general, hydrogen injection is a promising alternative to promote the use of rice bran biodiesel due to its increased performance characteristics and reduced pollutant emissions without the need to modify the engine.

Migraine treatment consensus document of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC), Society of Primary Care Medicine (SEMERGEN) and Spanish Association of Migraine and Headache (AEMICE) on migraine treatment. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Neurología (SEN), Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SEMFYC), Sociedad de Medicina de Atención Primaria (SEMERGEN) y Asociación Española de Migraña y Cefalea (AEMICE) sobre el tratamiento de la migraña.

Migraine is a disease with a high prevalence and incidence, in addition to being highly disabling, causing a great impact on the patient's quality of life at a personal, family and work level, but also social, given its high expense due to its direct (care) and indirect (presenteeism and work absenteeism) costs. The multiple and recent developments in its pathophysiological knowledge and in its therapy require updating and, therefore, in this article the Spanish scientific societies most involved in its study and treatment (SEN, SEMFYC and SEMERGEN), together with the Association Spanish Association for Patients with Migraine and other Headaches (AEMICE), we have developed these updated care recommendations. We reviewed the treatment of migraine attacks, which consisted mainly of the use of NSAIDs and triptans, to which ditans and gepants have been added. We also discuss preventive treatment consisting of oral preventive drugs, botulinum toxin, and treatments that block the action of calcitonin-related peptide (CGRP). Finally, we emphasize that pharmacological treatments must be complementary to carrying out general measures consisting of identifying and managing/deletion the precipitating factors of the attacks and the chronicizing factors, controlling the comorbidities of migraine and eliminating analgesic overuse.

Improving Sleep Quality, Daytime Sleepiness, and Cognitive Function in Patients with Dementia by Therapeutic Exercise and NESA Neuromodulation: A Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive functions caused by an alteration in the pattern of neural network connections. There is an inability to create new neuronal connections, producing behavioral disorders. The most evident alteration in patients with neurodegenerative diseases is the alteration of sleep-wake behavior. The aim of this study was to test the effect of two non-pharmacological interventions, therapeutic exercise (TE) and non-invasive neuromodulation through the NESA device (NN) on sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and cognitive function of 30 patients diagnosed with dementia (non-invasive neuromodulation experimental group (NNG): mean ± SD, age: 71.6 ± 7.43 years; therapeutic exercise experimental group (TEG) 75.2 ± 8.63 years; control group (CG) 80.9 ± 4.53 years). The variables were evaluated by means of the Pittsburg Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Mini-Cognitive Exam Test at four different times during the study: at baseline, after 2 months (after completion of the NNG), after 5 months (after completion of the TEG), and after 7 months (after 2 months of follow-up). Participants in the NNG and TEG presented significant improvements with respect to the CG, and in addition, the NNG generated greater relevant changes in the three variables with respect to the TEG (sleep quality (p = 0.972), daytime sleepiness (p = 0.026), and cognitive function (p = 0.127)). In conclusion, with greater effects in the NNG, both treatments were effective to improve daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and cognitive function in the dementia population.

Application of non-invasive neuromodulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve their sleep quality and constipation.

BACKGROUND: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders have a very wide clinical variability. A common prevalent factor is problems with stool and sleep quality. Currently, there are multiple studies related to their evaluation, but not so much related to a specific intervention. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the application of non-invasive neuromodulation as a treatment in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve constipation and quality of sleep. METHODS: A total of 23 minors aged between 2 and 16 were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants were applied the microcurrent device for 60 min, 3 times per week for a total of 4 weeks. The technique was based on non-invasive neuromodulation using a surface-applied microcurrent electrostimulation device that administers an external, imperceptible, pulsed electrical stimulation. It is applied to the extremities, in a coordinated manner, using gloves and anklets connected with electrodes to a control console. Sleep latency and microarousals were evaluated through a sleep diary. To assess the evolution and type of defecation, the adapted and validated version in Spanish of the Bristol Stool Form Scale was used. RESULTS: No adverse events occurred during the study and no incidences were registered. Clinically relevant improvements were registered in defecation frequency and type as well as in sleep related parameters. An increase in the hours of sleep was registered, from 7,35 (0,83) to 9,09 (1,35), and sleep interruptions decreased from 3,83 (1,95) to 1,17 (1,11), (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Microcurrents can be used as an effective and safe treatment to improve quality of sleep and constipation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. More studies are needed in order to obtain statistically significant results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05265702. FIRST REGISTRATION: 03/03/2022 PROTOCOL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05265702?term=baez+suarez&draw=2&rank=4.

Comparative Mitogenome Analysis of Two Native Apple Snail Species (Ampullariidae, Pomacea) from Peruvian Amazon.

Apple snails of the genus Pomacea Perry, 1810 (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae) are native to the Neotropics and exhibit high species diversity, holding cultural and ecological significance as an important protein source in Peru. However, most genetic studies in Pomacea have focused mostly on invasive species, especially in Southeast Asia, where they are considered important pests. In this study, we assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of two Pomacea species native to the Peruvian Amazon: Pomacea reevei Ampuero & Ramírez, 2023 and Pomacea aulanieri (Deville & Hupé, 1850). The mitogenomes of P. reevei and P. aulanieri comprise 15,660 and 16,096 bp, respectively, and contain the typical 37 genes of the animal mitochondria with a large control region of 292 bp in P. reevei and 524 bp in P. aulanieri-which fall within the range of what is currently known in Pomacea. Comparisons with previously published mitogenomes in Pomacea revealed differences in the overlapping of adjacent genes, the size of certain protein-coding genes (PCGs) and the secondary structure of some tRNAs that are consistent with the phylogenetic relationships between these species. These findings provide valuable insights into the systematics and genomics of the genus Pomacea.

Self-regulated learning processes across different physiotherapy clinical procedural skills and time intervals: A SRL microanalysis study.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The performance of a clinical procedural skill by an individual student is associated with their use of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) processes. However, previous research has not identified if an individual student has a similarity in their use of SRL processes across different clinical procedural skill tasks and at a time interval. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the similarity in the use of SRL processes by individual students across different clinical procedural skill tasks and at a time interval. METHODS: SRL-microanalysis was used to collect within-subject data on undergraduate physiotherapy students' use of the two key SRL processes (planning and monitoring) during their performance of different goniometry clinical procedural skills tasks and also at a fourth month interval. RESULTS: An individual student's use of key SRL processes across different clinical procedural skill tasks and at a time interval was similar. Also, this similarity was identified for students with initial successful and unsuccessful performances. CONCLUSION: Our findings have implications for the future wider practical implementation of SRL microanalysis to inform personalised SRL feedback for developing the clinical procedural skills of individual students. Further research with a greater number of students and across a wider range of clinical procedural skills will be required to confirm our findings, and also its effectiveness on feedback and future performance.

Who is Andesiops peruvianus (Ulmer, 1920) (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae)? New insight from the type basin using morphological and molecular analyses.

Andesiops peruvianus (Ulmer, 1920) is a small minnow mayfly with a distribution throughout the Andes Mountains, mainly in lotic environments. In recent years, the taxonomic status of the species has been shifting, even finding out molecular and morphological evidence to consider it as a cryptic species. In this work, we collected seven specimens of A. peruvianus from the Lake Titicaca in Peru, the type locality and perform molecular and morphological analyses to test their relationship with specimens from other regions. The species delimitation analysis revealed the existence of five MOTUs for specimens identified as A. peruvianus along the Andes Mountains, while the Lake Titicaca specimens formed a single MOTU with high interspecific distance. In this MOTU were found specimens with different types of abdominal gills, from translucent to markedly tracheated supporting the hypothesis of phenotypic plasticity at the abdominal gill level. Also, an extension in the range of tarsal claw denticles, from 10-12 to 10-14, were observed, higher than what were found in other regions. Our results support A. peruvianus as a species complex and reveal A. peruvianus from Titicaca as a single MOTU. Future morphological revisions of topotype specimens as well as from other Andean regions are required to strengthen the diagnosis of informative characteristics at both the larval and adult stage to elucidate the real status of the species.

Fishes from Yarinacocha lake: an emblematic Amazonian ecosystem in the lower Ucayali River basin, Pucallpa, Peru / Peixes do lago Yarinacocha: um ecossistema amazônico emblemático na bacia do baixo rio Ucayali, Pucallpa, Peru

The Yarinacocha lake is an emblematic ecosystem of the Peruvian Amazon, representing the main point of fish landing and a tourist attraction in the city of Pucallpa. The wide fauna diversity in this area has made it the target of various studies, although for fish species most of them were focused on commercial species. In this work, we carried out the first ichthyofauna species inventory of the Yarinacocha lake, sampling throughout the entire lake during the rainy and dry seasons and considering also all previously recorded species deposited in the Ichthyological Collection of the MUSM with the same locality. A total of 164 fish species were recorded, representing 10 orders (plus Eupercaria), 34 families and 116 genera. Characiformes was the order with more species (68 spp., 41.5%) followed by Siluriformes (59 spp., 36%), Cichliformes (17 spp., 10.5%), and Gymnotiformes (8 spp., 4.9%). The most highly represented families, including almost 55.5% of the total diversity obtained, were Characidae (23 spp., 14%), followed by Cichlidae (17 spp., 10.4%), Loricariidae (14 spp., 8.5%), Pimelodidae (13 spp., 7.9%), Doradidae (13 spp., 7.4%) and Anostomidae (12 spp., 7.3%). From the total fish species recorded in this study, only 22 are considered protected species following the IUCN criteria and 109 species have commercial importance, including 90 ornamental species (54.8%). Our results contribute to the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of the Yarinacocha lake and can be used as a starting point for its conservation and sustainable management over time.

O lago Yarinacocha é um ecossistema emblemático da Amazônia peruana, representando o principal ponto de desembarque de peixes e também uma atração turística da cidade de Pucallpa. A grande diversidade faunística nesta área a tornou alvo de vários estudos, embora para as espécies de peixes a maioria deles tenha sido focada em espécies comerciais. Neste trabalho, realizamos o primeiro inventário da ictiofauna do lago Yarinacocha, amostrando todo o lago durante as estações chuvosa e seca, e também considerando todas as espécies depositadas na Coleção Ictiológica do MUSM dessa localidade. Um total de 164 espécies de peixes foram registradas, representando 10 ordens (mais Eupercaria), 34 famílias e 116 gêneros. Characiformes foi a ordem com mais espécies (68 espécies, 41,5%), seguida por Siluriformes (59 espécies, 36%), Cichliformes (17 espécies, 10,5%) e Gymnotiformes (8 espécies, 4,9%). As famílias mais representadas, incluindo quase 55,5% da diversidade total obtida, foram Characidae (23 spp., 14%), seguido por Cichlidae (17 spp., 10,4%), Loricariidae (14 spp., 8,5%), Pimelodidae (13 spp., 7,9%), Doradidae (13 spp., 7,4%) e Anostomidae (12 spp., 7,3%). Do total de espécies de peixes registradas neste estudo, apenas 22 são consideradas espécies protegidas seguindo os critérios da IUCN e 109 espécies têm importância comercial, incluindo 90 espécies ornamentais (54,8%). Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da ictiofauna do lago Yarinacocha e podem ser utilizados como ponto de partida para sua conservação e manejo sustentável ao longo do tempo.

Toothed Whales Have Black Neurons in the Blue Spot.

Neuromelanin (NM) is a dark polymer pigment that is located mostly in the human substantia nigra, and in the locus ceruleus, referred to as "the blue spot". NM increases linearly with age, and has been described mainly in the human brain; however, it also occurs in the neurons of monkeys, horses, giraffes, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, rats, and even in frogs. While in most of these mammals NM shows the histochemical and ultrastructural features typical of lipofuscins, human NM is confined within cytoplasmic organelles that are surrounded by a double membrane, suggesting an autophagic origin. In a study on the morphology of the locus ceruleus of the family Delphinidae, the presence of a variable quantity of NM in the interior of locus ceruleus neurons was observed for the first time; meanwhile, nothing is known about its ultrastructure and composition. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated in two toothed whales-an Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis; family Delphinidae) and a Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris; family Ziphiidae)-the presence of melanin granules associated with lipid droplets and membranes that were very similar to that of human NM. The relationship between NM and neuronal vulnerability must be studied in depth, and cetaceans may offer a new natural-spontaneous comparative model for the study of NM and its implication in neurodegenerative diseases.

Survey of Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum and Its Associated Vectors in Potato Crop in Spain.

'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (CaLsol), the etiological agent of potato zebra chip (ZC), is transmitted to potato plants by the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc, 1909) in North and Central America and New Zealand. The risk of the dispersion of ZC in Spain depends on the presence of an efficient vector. This work studies the presence and abundance of ZC symptoms and CaLsol in potato plants, as well as the presence and abundance of psyllid species associated with potato crops in the main producing areas in Spain. Eighty-eight plots were surveyed punctually to detect ZC symptoms and psyllid species in the main potato-producing areas. Furthermore, fourteen potato plots were surveyed by different sampling methods during the cropping season to detect psyllid species from 2016 to 2018. Very few symptomatic and CaLsol-positive plants were detected in Mainland Spain, and any positive plant was detected in the Canary Islands. Most of the adult psyllids captured were identified as Bactericera nigricornis (Foerster, 1848), and some of them as Bactericera trigonica, but no B. cockerelli was detected. B. nigricornis was found widely distributed in the northern half of the Iberian Peninsula; however, this psyllid does not seem sufficient to pose a threat to potato production, due to the scarce number of specimens and because the frequency of B. nigricornis specimens that were CaLsol+ was very low.

First record of the invasive dwarf surf clam Mulinia lateralis (Say 1822) in the eastern Pacific Ocean

Mulinia lateralis is a native bivalve from the Western Atlantic Ocean, distributed from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in Canada to Yucatan in Mexico. Based on morphological and genetic data of specimens collected in shrimp farms, in this work, we confirm the presence of M. lateralis in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Presence and its consequences of this invasive bivalve in the region is discussed.

Mulinia lateralis es un bivalvo nativo de las aguas del Océano Atlántico Occidental, distribuido desde el Golfo de Saint Lawrence en Canadá hasta Yucatán en México. En este trabajo, la presencia de M. lateralis es confirmada en el Golfo de Guayaquil, Ecuador, con base en datos morfológicos y genéticos de ejemplares colectados en camaroneras. Se presenta una discusión sobre la presencia y consecuencias de este bivalvo invasor en la región.

[Usefulness of the g8 questionnaire in predicting frailty in elderly patients with metastatic or castration-resistant prostate cancer.] / Utilidad de cuestionario G8 en la predicción de fragilidad en pacientes ancianos con cáncer de próstata metastásico o resistente a castración.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the capacityof the G8 questionnaire for the detection of frailty inpatients over 75 years of age with metastatic or castrationresistant prostate cancer and the relationshipof the results of this questionnaire with clinical variables,laboratory data, quality of life, functional statusand comorbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients over the ageof 75 with metastatic or castration-resistant prostatecancer were evaluated using the G8 questionnaire.Those with a G8 15 were subjected to comprehensivegeriatric assessment in order to evaluate the abilityof this questionnaire to predict frailty. We studiedthe relationship between G8 score and functionalstatus (ECOG), comorbidity (Charlson index), qualityof life (FACT-P and EQ5D 3L questionnaires), diseasecharacteristics and common analytical variables. RESULTS: 64 patients were included in the study,of whom 26 scored 15 in the G8 questionnaireand were referred to geriatrics. 89% (23/26) of thepatients with a G8 score pre-fragile and 7 fragile) and only 11% (3/26) wereconsidered robust. The multivariate model showsthat the Charlson index and the EQ5D 3L score areindependent predictors of frailty. The Charlson index(OR=1.68, p=0.022) increases the probability thatthe patient has a G8 score the EQ5D-3L score (OR-0.64, p-0.021) decreases thatprobability. Both quantitative variables were recodedinto binary variables from the most predictivepoint obtained from the ROC curves and included ina model: patients with Charlson index ≥4 (OR=3.17,p=0.047) and those with EQ5D- 3L score (OR=3.35, p=0.037) increased the likelihood of obtaininga G8 scoreconditions (neither Charlson ≥4 nor EQ5D-3L score 15. However, the presence of the two conditions increasesthe probability to 71.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The score obtained in the G8questionnaire is a good predictor of frailty in elderlypatients with advanced prostate cancer. Comorbidity,as measured by Charlson's index, and quality of life,as measured by the EQ5D-3L questionnaire, are independentpredictors of frailty (score on the G8 questionnairebelow 15).

OBJETIVO: Valorar la capacidad delcuestionario G8 para la detección de fragilidad enpacientes mayores de 75 años con cáncer de próstatametastásico o resistente a castración y la relación de losresultados de este cuestionario con variables clínicas,datos de laboratorio, calidad de vida, estado funcionaly comorbilidad.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluó a pacientes ≥ 75años con cáncer de próstata metastásico o resistente acastración mediante el cuestionario G8. Aquellos conuna puntuación menor de 15 fueron sometidos a valoracióngeriátrica integral. Se evaluó la capacidad dedicho cuestionario para predecir fragilidad y se relacionaronlos hallazgos con el estado funcional (ECOG),comorbilidad (índice de Charlson), calidad de vida(cuestionarios FACT-P y EQ5D 3L), características de laenfermedad y variables analíticas habituales. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 64 pacientes,de los cuales 26 obtuvieron una puntuación inferior a 15 en el cuestionario G8 y fueron remitidosal servicio de geriatría. El 89% (23/26) de los pacientescon una puntuación en el G8 por debajo de 15 presentabandatos de fragilidad (11 prefrágiles y 7 frágiles) ysolo el 11% (3/26) fueron considerados robustos. Elmodelo multivariado muestra, que de manera independiente,el índice de Charlson (OR=1,68, p=0,022)aumenta la probabilidad de que el paciente tenga unapuntuación en el cuestionario G8 por debajo de 15 y lapuntuación en el EQ5D-3L (OR=0,64, p=0,021) disminuyadicha probabilidad. Ambas variables cuantitativasse recodificaron en variables de tipo binario a partir delpunto más predictivo obtenido de las curvas ROC y seincluyeron en un modelo en el cual se objetivó, que pacientescon índice de Charlson ≥4 (OR= 3,17, p=0,047)y aquellos con puntuación en el cuestionario EQ5D-3Lde presentar una puntuación en el cuestionario G8Los pacientes que no presentan ninguna de estas condiciones(ni Charlson ≥4 ni EQ5D-3L score un 19% de probabilidad de presentar una puntuaciónen el cuestionario G8 condiciones aumenta la probabilidad hasta el 71,5%. CONCLUSIONES: La puntuación obtenida en elcuestionario G8 es un buen predictor de fragilidad enpacientes con cáncer de próstata avanzado con edad≥ 75 años. La comorbilidad, medida por el índice deCharlson, y la calidad de vida, medida por el cuestionarioEQ5D-3L, son predictores independientes de fragilidad,entendida como la obtención de una puntuaciónen el cuestionario G8 por debajo de 15.

Utilidad del cuestionario g8 en la predicción de fragilidad en pacientes ancianos con cáncer de próstata metastásico o resistente a castración / Usefulness of the g8 questionnaire in predicting frailty in elderly patients with metastatic or castration-resistant prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE: to assess the capacityof the G8 questionnaire for the detection of frailty inpatients over 75 years of age with metastatic or castration resistant prostate cancer and the relationshipof the results of this questionnaire with clinical variables, laboratory data, quality of life, functional statusand comorbidity.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients over the ageof 75 with metastatic or castration-resistant prostatecancer were evaluated using the G8 questionnaire.Those with a G8 < 15 were subjected to comprehensive geriatric assessment in order to evaluate the ability of this questionnaire to predict frailty. We studiedthe relationship between G8 score and functionalstatus (ECOG), comorbidity (Charlson index), qualityof life (FACT-P and EQ5D 3L questionnaires), diseasecharacteristics and common analytical variables.RESULTS: 64 patients were included in the study,of whom 26 scored < 15 in the G8 questionnaireand were referred to geriatrics. 89% (23/26) of thepatients with a G8 score <15 had fragility data (11pre-fragile and 7 fragile) and only 11% (3/26) wereconsidered robust. The multivariate model showsthat the Charlson index and the EQ5D 3L score areindependent predictors of frailty. The Charlson index(OR=1.68, p=0.022) increases the probability thatthe patient has a G8 score <15 and on the contrarythe EQ5D-3L score (OR-0.64, p-0.021) decreases thatprobability. Both quantitative variables were recoded into binary variables from the most predictivepoint obtained from the ROC curves and included ina model: patients with Charlson index ≥4 (OR=3.17,p=0.047) and those with EQ5D- 3L score <0.87(OR=3.35, p=0.037) increased the likelihood of obtaining a G8 score<15. Patients without any of theseconditions (neither Charlson ≥4 nor EQ5D-3L score<0.87) have a 19% chance of presenting a G8 score< 15. However, the presence of the two conditions increases the probability to 71.5%.

OBJETIVO: Valorar la capacidad delcuestionario G8 para la detección de fragilidad enpacientes mayores de 75 años con cáncer de próstatametastásico o resistente a castración y la relación de losresultados de este cuestionario con variables clínicas,datos de laboratorio, calidad de vida, estado funcionaly comorbilidad.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluó a pacientes ≥ 75años con cáncer de próstata metastásico o resistente acastración mediante el cuestionario G8. Aquellos conuna puntuación menor de 15 fueron sometidos a valoración geriátrica integral. Se evaluó la capacidad dedicho cuestionario para predecir fragilidad y se relacionaron los hallazgos con el estado funcional (ECOG),comorbilidad (índice de Charlson), calidad de vida(cuestionarios FACT-P y EQ5D 3L), características de laenfermedad y variables analíticas habituales.RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 64 pacientes, de los cuales 26 obtuvieron una puntuación inferior a 15 en el cuestionario G8 y fueron remitidosal servicio de geriatría. El 89% (23/26) de los pacientescon una puntuación en el G8 por debajo de 15 presentaban datos de fragilidad (11 prefrágiles y 7 frágiles) ysolo el 11% (3/26) fueron considerados robustos. Elmodelo multivariado muestra, que de manera independiente, el índice de Charlson (OR=1,68, p=0,022)aumenta la probabilidad de que el paciente tenga unapuntuación en el cuestionario G8 por debajo de 15 y lapuntuación en el EQ5D-3L (OR=0,64, p=0,021) disminuya dicha probabilidad. Ambas variables cuantitativasse recodificaron en variables de tipo binario a partir delpunto más predictivo obtenido de las curvas ROC y seincluyeron en un modelo en el cual se objetivó, que pacientes con índice de Charlson ≥4 (OR= 3,17, p=0,047)y aquellos con puntuación en el cuestionario EQ5D-3L<0,87. (OR=3,35, p=0,037) aumentaban la probabilidadde presentar una puntuación en el cuestionario G8<15.Los pacientes que no presentan ninguna de estas condiciones (ni Charlson ≥4 ni

Blue Electroluminescence in SRO-HFCVD Films.

In this work, electroluminescence in Metal-Insulator-Semiconductors (MIS) and Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM)-type structures was studied. These structures were fabricated with single- and double-layer silicon-rich-oxide (SRO) films by means of Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition (HFCVD), gold and indium tin oxide (ITO) were used on silicon and quartz substrates as a back and front contact, respectively. The thickness, refractive indices, and excess silicon of the SRO films were analyzed. The behavior of the MIS and MIM-type structures and the effects of the pristine current-voltage (I-V) curves with high and low conduction states are presented. The structures exhibit different conduction mechanisms as the Ohmic, Poole-Frenkel, Fowler-Nordheim, and Hopping that contribute to carrier transport in the SRO films. These conduction mechanisms are related to the electroluminescence spectra obtained from the MIS and MIM-like structures with SRO films. The electroluminescence present in these structures has shown bright dots in the low current of 36 uA with a voltage of -20 V to -50 V. However, when applied voltages greater than -67 V with 270 uA, a full area with uniform blue light emission is shown.

Taxonomy of Centropomus Lacépède, 1802 (Perciformes: Centropomidae), with focus on the Atlantic species of the genus.

Centropomus Lacépède, 1802 comprises 13 species of the fishes popularly knows as snooks, distributed in both Atlantic and Pacific coasts of America. Despite several studies on the group, conflicting taxonomic classifications still exist, including overlapping diagnostic characters, rendering species diagnoses extremely difficult. Herein, we review the taxonomy of Centropomus to elucidate species identities, redefine their diagnoses and to assess interspecific relationships based on the examination of 376 specimens. The study included complementary approaches, as analyses of external morphologic characters, linear and geometric morphometrics, and molecular analyses. Forty-nine characters were used for external morphology, 17 discrete plus 32 linear measurements. Shape and size were analyzed through geometric morphometrics of 185 specimens in lateral view. Partial sequences of the gene cytochrome c oxidase I were obtained for 129 specimens representing 11 species. Based on the consistent results retrieved from the morphologic and molecular analyses, we recognized six species of Centropomus from the Atlantic coast (C. ensiferus, C. irae, C. parallelus, C. pectinatus, C. poeyi and C. undecimalis). Centropomus mexicanus is treated as a junior synonym of C. parallelus. Six species from the Pacific coast are also tentatively recognized (C. armatus, C. medius, C. nigrescens, C. robalito, C. unionensis, and C. viridis), however further studies on the Pacific species are still needed. Information on type material, diagnosis, distribution, and taxonomic comments are provided for each species. An identification key to the species of Centropomus is presented.

Occurrence of the largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis (Linneaus, 1758) in northern Peru.

The largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List (Kyne et al. 2013). This species has been recorded in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, where its range has been described as extending from Mazatlan, Mexico, to northern Peru (Chirichigno Cornejo 2001). Recent research efforts suggest that largetooth sawfish are now extremely rare or locally extinct on Mexico's Pacific coast (Bonfil et al. 2018). There is no current information on the status of largetooth sawfish in Panama or Colombia; the most recent record of a largetooth sawfish captured on Colombia's Pacific coast occurred in 2007 (Chasqui et al. 2017). In Ecuador, the species had been considered extirpated. However, in 2014, a large largetooth sawfish was captured by local fisherman in southern Ecuador, taken to the fishing port of Salinas and then released by the environmental agency (Barriga 2012; Rosas-Luis 2014). In Peru, recent reports of largetooth sawfish have been rare, but two captures of largetooth sawfish by fishermen (2014 and 2015) in northern Peru were reported (Mendoza et al. 2017). This confirms that the species is still occasionally encountered in this region.

DNA barcoding in the Southeast Pacific marine realm: Low coverage and geographic representation despite high diversity.

The Southeast Pacific comprises two Large Marine Ecosystems, the Pacific Central-American Coastal and the Humboldt Current System; and is one of the less well known in the tropical subregions in terms of biodiversity. To address this, we compared DNA barcoding repositories with the marine biodiversity species for the Southeast Pacific. We obtained a checklist of marine species in the Southeast Pacific (i.e. Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru) from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) database and compared it with species available at the Barcoding of Life Data System (BOLD) repository. Of the 5504 species records retrieved from OBIS, 42% of them had at least one registered specimen in BOLD (including specimens around the world); however, only 4.5% of records corresponded to publicly available DNA barcodes including specimens collected from a Southeast Pacific country. The low representation of barcoded species does not vary much across the different taxonomic groups or within countries, but we observed an asymmetric distribution of DNA barcoding records for taxonomic groups along the coast, being more abundant for the Humboldt Current System than the Pacific Central-American Coastal. We observed high-level of barcode records with Barcode Index Number (BIN) incongruences, particularly for fishes (Actinopterygii = 30.27% and Elasmobranchii = 24.71%), reflecting taxonomic uncertainties for fishes, whereas for Invertebrates and Mammalia more than 85% of records were classified as data deficient or inadequate procedure for DNA barcoding. DNA barcoding is a powerful tool to study biodiversity, with a great potential to increase the knowledge of the Southeast Pacific marine biodiversity. Our results highlight the critical need for increasing taxonomic sampling effort, the number of trained taxonomic specialists, laboratory facilities, scientific collections, and genetic reference libraries.

Taxonomic revision of the Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus, 1758) and M. littoralis (Holbrook, 1847) (Percomorphacea: Sciaenidae) species complexes from the western Atlantic.

The genus Menticirrhus is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, where its species are common and abundant in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. The diversity, biogeography, and evolutionary relationships of the Menticirrhus species are still poorly known, due primarily to the difficulty of differentiating the species, given the broad similarities in their external morphology. The present study is based on the analysis of morphological and molecular data, with the examination of type specimens and a comprehensive collection of non-type specimens from an ample geographic range. These analyses indicated that two widely distributed Western Atlantic species, Menticirrhus americanus and M. littoralis, represent species complexes. The M. littoralis species complex is characterized by the absence of dark bars on body side, and a smaller, light-colored pectoral fins, that barely reaching the tip of the depressed pelvic fins, with fewer pectoral-fin rays. This complex includes three species: M. littoralis, found in the Gulf of Mexico, M. gracilis, from the southeastern and southern coast of South America, and a new species, described here, from the northern to eastern Brazilian coast. The M. americanus species complex is characterized by the presence of dark bars on body side, and a large, dark pectoral fin, that surpass the tip of the depressed pelvic fin, with more pectoral-fin rays. This complex has two species, M. americanus, which occurs on the east coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico, and M. martinicensis, found from Caribbean to Argentina, that represents a cryptic allopatric species. An identification key to all species of the genus is presented.