Actualistic taphonomic study of the rodents digested by the Achala culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus smithersi) in the highlands of central Argentina

We present the first actualistic study of the rodents consumed by the South American foxLycalopex culpaeus smithersi (Achala culpeo fox), a subspecies of the culpeo fox that is endemicto the highlands of central Argentina. We provide a taphonomic characterization of this canidbased on digested micromammal bones, and compare it to other carnivores. We studied over 1000bones derived from 83 scats collected in Quebrada del Condorito National Park, Córdobaprovince, Argentina, corresponding to caviomorph and myomorph rodents. Galea leucoblepharawas the main prey (59.8% MNI, 93.1% biomass). Average relative abundance for the totalassemblage was 26.7. Cranial and, to a lesser extent, proximal limb bones were the most abundantelements. A high degree of breakage was observed in cranial elements and, to a lesser extent, inlimb bones. A high proportion of heavy and extreme digestion was inferred, while some elementsbear light or no digestion traces at all. Overall, the Achala culpeo fox fits best with othermammalian carnivores in the category of extreme modification, and shows types and proportionsof taphonomic attributes similar to other South American mammalian predators. These resultscontribute to the understanding of regional taphonomic processes and of digestivemodifications by Lycalopex foxes generally, and are thus relevant to interpreting the presence of micromammal remains in the archaeological and palaeontological recordsand the impact of these foxes in their formation.Fil: Coll, Daiana Geraldine. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Montalvo, Claudia Inés. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Fernando Julián. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Pia, Monica Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa; ArgentinaFil: Mondini, Nora Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Instituto de Antropología de Córdoba; Argentin

Natural History of MYH7-Related Dilated Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Variants in myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) are responsible for disease in 1% to 5% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); however, the clinical characteristics and natural history of MYH7-related DCM are poorly described. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the phenotype and prognosis of MYH7-related DCM. We also evaluated the influence of variant location on phenotypic expression. METHODS: We studied clinical data from 147 individuals with DCM-causing MYH7 variants (47.6% female; 35.6 ± 19.2 years) recruited from 29 international centers. RESULTS: At initial evaluation, 106 (72.1%) patients had DCM (left ventricular ejection fraction: 34.5% ± 11.7%). Median follow-up was 4.5 years (IQR: 1.7-8.0 years), and 23.7% of carriers who were initially phenotype-negative developed DCM. Phenotypic expression by 40 and 60 years was 46% and 88%, respectively, with 18 patients (16%) first diagnosed at <18 years of age. Thirty-six percent of patients with DCM met imaging criteria for LV noncompaction. During follow-up, 28% showed left ventricular reverse remodeling. Incidence of adverse cardiac events among patients with DCM at 5 years was 11.6%, with 5 (4.6%) deaths caused by end-stage heart failure (ESHF) and 5 patients (4.6%) requiring heart transplantation. The major ventricular arrhythmia rate was low (1.0% and 2.1% at 5 years in patients with DCM and in those with LVEF of ≤35%, respectively). ESHF and major ventricular arrhythmia were significantly lower compared with LMNA-related DCM and similar to DCM caused by TTN truncating variants. CONCLUSIONS: MYH7-related DCM is characterized by early age of onset, high phenotypic expression, low left ventricular reverse remodeling, and frequent progression to ESHF. Heart failure complications predominate over ventricular arrhythmias, which are rare

Distribución alélica para los microsatélites FCA96, FCA45, FCA43, FCA08, y FCA126 para los félidos neotropicales Oncifelis geoffroyi, Oncifelis guigna y Lynchailurus colocolo en Argentina, Paraguay y Bolivia

En zonas del norte de Argentina, diversas especies de Felidae de pequeño tamaño se sobrelapan en sus distribuciones geográficas. Cuando los investigadores de campo encuentran huellas o excrementos, resulta difícil distinguir de cuál de esas especies se trata (Oncifelis geoffroyi, O. guigna y Lynchailurus colocolo), lo que imposibilita saber con exactitud parámetros demográficos y la determinación de censos precisos

Spatial organization of Molina’s hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus chinga) in two landscapes of the Pampas grassland of Argentina

We radio-tracked 16 individuals (6 males, 10 females) of the little known Molina’s hog-nosed skunk ( Conepatus chinga (Molina, 1782)) and compared home-range dynamics, movement rates, and densities between a protected area and a landscape fragmented by agriculture. The mean home-range size (95% fixed kernel) was 166.7 ha (SD = 107.5 ha), without significant differences between areas. Home-range size varied significantly between males (mean = 243.7 ha, SD = 76.5 ha) and females (mean = 120.4 ha, SD =77.6 ha). Overlap between home range and core area was extensive between and within sexes in the protected area and more limited in the cropland area. Mean distance traveled between two consecutive resting sites was 269.5 m (SD = 365 m) and did not differ between areas, although movements were greater for males than females. Distance moved was influenced by seasons, being greater during the cold period. Finally, density estimates were consistently greater at the protected area. We argue that home-range size in Molina’s hog-nosed skunks is an inherent species property, whereas population density and territoriality are more flexible parameters that could reflect how the ecosystem state was affected. In our study, the greater dispersion of food patches in the cropland area than in the protected area may be the major factor influencing these parameters. </jats:p

Women and cardiac rehabilition in Mallorca

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Women are less likely to be referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) than men. Little is known about the different indications between genders and whether women who attend a CRP have different health characteristics from men. Purpose To study the differences between men and women in the frequency of referral to the only CRP in Mallorca (Spain), their indication and whether there were different health characteristics by gender among referred patients. Methods Retrospective observational study. We studied the indication, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), somatometric data, blood test and psychosocial health (by hospital anxiety and depression scale, HADS) of all patients referred to a CRP in Mallorca since the program was launched in 2014. Results 524 patients have been referred to the CRP. 18% (95) were women, with no differences in mean age compared to men (55.9 ± 11 vs 56.2 ± 10 years). Women were referred more frequently due to non-coronary diseases (20% vs 4%, p &amp;lt;0.05), such as congenital heart disease, valve disease, or heart failure due to other cardiomyopathies. Among patients referred with coronary disease (485), only 15.7% (76) were women. The most frequent indication (84% in men and 80% in women) was an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with similar percentages of NSTEACS and STEACS (women 43 and 57%, men 41 and 59%). Women were referred more frequently due to chronic coronary syndrome than men (17% vs 5%, p &amp;lt;0.05) and only one woman was referred after a coronary artery bypass grafting (vs 19 men, 1% vs 4%). Among patients with coronary disease, women had less frequent history of smoking (64% vs 81%, p &amp;lt;0.05), but similar percentages of other classic CVRF (Hypertension -59 vs 56% -, diabetes -27% vs 26% - and dyslipidemia -59% vs 63% - p&amp;gt;0,05). Women didn’t have significant differences when compared to men in their levels of LDL cholesterol (73 ± 23 vs 76 ± 25), triglycerides (122 ± 64 vs 135 ± 72), HbA1c (6.2 ± 1% vs 6, 1 ± 3%), p&amp;gt;0,05. A lower percentage of women were overweight or obese (71% vs 85%, p &amp;lt;0.05). Women with ischemic heart disease referred to the CRP had a higher degree of anxiety and depression measured in the HADS questionnaire (anxiety 9.2 ± 4 vs 7.0 ± 4, depression 6.7 ± 5 vs 5.1 ± 4, p &amp;lt;0.05). The percentage of women with a high degree of anxiety or depression (score&amp;gt; 11 in HADS) was higher than for men (anxiety 44% vs 22%, depression 24% vs 13%, p &amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions Only 18% of the patients referred to a CRP in Mallorca were women. This percentage was lower (15,8%) in patients with coronary disease referred to CRP. Women were referred in a higher percentage of cases than men for non-coronary pathology and chronic coronary syndrome. A lower percentage of women with coronary disease were smokers, overweighted or obese. Finally, a higher degree of anxiety and depression was observed among women than among men. </jats:sec

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in patients with coronary artery disease referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program in a Mediterranean island (Mallorca)

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recommended in ESC guidelines to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and it’s part of the secondary prevention treatment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) Purposes To investigate the degree of adherence to the MedDiet in patients with CAD treated at a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) unit in Mallorca. To study wether the degree of adherence to the MedDiet correlates to any health-related characteristic of these patients. Methods Retrospective observational study. The degree of adherence to the MedDiet was measured using the 14-points MEDAS-14 questionnaire (validated in the PREDIMED study) administered by a trained nurse to patients with CAD referred to the CR program. A score of 0 to 8 points is considered low adherence, 9 or more is considered an acceptable adherence. We measured the relationship between the degree of adherence to the MedDiet and the presence cardiovascular risk factors, weight and body mass index (BMI), lipid and glycemic profile, and degrees of anxiety and depression measured by the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Results Since 2014, 485 patients with CAD have been treated in the CR program (83% of them after an acute coronary syndrome -ACS-). Their mean age was 56 ± 9 years and 84% were men. Their average weight was 85 ± 15 kg. The mean BMI was 29.2 ± 4 (44% overweight, 39% obese). The degree of adherence to MedDiet in these patients was low in 30% of patients and acceptable in 70%. The mean score obtained in the MEDAS-14 questionnaire was 9.3 ± 2,0 points. There were no significant differences in the degree of adherence to the MedDiet between men or women. Nor were significante differences whether or not the patient was diabetic, overweight or obese. Patients who had never smoked had greater adherence to the MedDiet (9.8±2 vs 9.1± 2, p: 0.02) and a higher percentage of them had an acceptable adherence compared to the smokers or former smokers (81 vs 67%, p: 0.01). The youngest patients (below the mean age of the group) had a worse adherence to the MedDiet (8.9 ± 3 vs 9.6 ± 2, p: 0.007) There were no significant differences in weight, BMI, LDL cholesterol, Triglycerides or HbA1c levels between patients with low and acceptable adherence to the MedDiet. Patients with high levels of anxiety or depression measured in HADS obtained similar scores of adherence to MedDiet to people who had a better psicosocial profile. Conclusions Patients with CAD treated in a CR unit in Mallorca have acceptable levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, better than those seen in the general population or in other CAD patient samples previously published (1,2). The information received at hospital discharge after a recent ACS could have already caused changes in the eating pattern. Young patients and smokers or former smokers have lower adherence to the MedDiet. </jats:sec

Cardiac rehabilitation in the Balearic Islands. Indications, baseline patient characteristics and estimation of the volume of patients with indication for cardiac rehabilitation but not referred

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Objectives 1) To describe the indications and baseline characteristics of patients (p.) referred to the only cardiac rehabilitation (CR) center in Mallorca (Balearic Islands) and 2) Estimate of the volume of patients with indication of CR but not referred to a CR phase II program. Material and methods 1) Retrospective observational study. We studied the indication, cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), somatometric data, blood test and hospital anxiety and depression scale (EHAD) of all consecutive patients attended in the only CR center in Mallorca. 2) Estimation based on the recommendations of the ESC guidelines and epidemiological data of CV disease in the Balearic Islands. Results Since 2014, 524 patients have attended the CR program. Their mean age was 56.2±10, 18% (95p.) women. The most frequent indication (79.2%, 415 p.) was acute coronary syndrome (ACS, 58% STEACS, 42% NSTEACS). The second most frequent indication was chronic coronary syndrome (7.8%, 41p.). In only 5% (26p.) the indication was heart failure (HF). Other indications were coronary artery bypass grafting (3.8%, 20p,), valve surgery (1.9%, 9p), heart transplantation (0.4%, 2p), congenital heart disease (0.4%, 2p). Among patients referred with any clinical expression of coronary disease (92.6%, 485p.), their mean age was 56.7±9, and only 15.7% (76) were women. Only 21% were non-smokers (neither smokers nor former smokers). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were 56%, 26% and 63% respectively. 44% were overweight and 39% obese. At the beginning of the CR program 57% of patients had LDL cholesterol &amp;gt;70mg/dl and 80% &amp;gt;55mg/dl. 26% of coronary patients had EHAD scores indicative of significant anxiety (case) and 14.5% of patients had significant depression. Exercise-based CR is recommended by ESC guidelines after an ACS and in HF with depressed LVEF(1). In the Balearic Islands around 400p. are admitted annually with STEACS, 23% of them women(2). It is estimated that around 50% of acute myocardial infarctions are non-ST-elevation (3) so 400 more p. could have an indication for CR. Every year in the Balearic Islands about 2100 p. are admitted for HF (4), and it’s estimated that 50% of them have reduced LVEF(5). With all the reservations generated by this crude estimate, up to 1800 p. could have an indication for CR every year. The only existing CR center in Balearic Islands can treat 80 patients per year. Therefore, around 1700 patients with a possible indication for CR every year (95.6% of p.) have no access to it. Conclusion The most frequent indication for CR in the Balearic Islands is ACS, usually with ST elevation. Patients with HF are rarely referred to CR. Women are referred to CR less frequently than expected. We observed high percentages of smokers or former smokers, overweight or obese patients and patients with severe anxiety. The vast majority of patients with an indication for CR has no access to a CR program in Balearic Islands. </jats:sec