Search

Storylines of Family Medicine is a 12-part series of thematically linked mini-essays with accompanying illustrations that explore the many dimensions of family medicine as interpreted by individual family physicians and medical educators in the USA and elsewhere around the world. In 'X: standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion', authors address the following themes: 'The power of diversity-why inclusivity is essential to equity in healthcare', 'Medical education for whom?', 'Growing a diverse and inclusive workforce', 'Therapeutic judo-an inclusive approach to patient care', 'Global family medicine-seeing the world "upside down"', 'The inverse care law', 'Social determinants of health as a lens for care', 'Why family physicians should care about human rights' and 'Toward health equity-the opportunome'. May the essays that follow inspire readers to promote change.

While elucidating the evolutionary trajectory of green anacondas, we previously documented the existence of two distinct species, Eunectes akayima sp. nov. and Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758), that separated approximately 10 million years ago. Our research integrates a novel molecular clock approach, focuses on tectonic plate movements with fossil records as minimal chronological markers, and offers a refined understanding of speciation events in relation to major biogeographical occurrences in South America. Mitochondrial DNA analysis demonstrates a significant genetic divergence between the species, which is supported by a notable difference in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) intensity between the two species, along with other morphological differences. This paper also rectifies earlier oversights in the description of the new species and clarifies taxonomic ambiguities in compliance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (henceforth ICZN). In addition, we designate a neotype for E. murinus to stabilize the group. In an effort to honor Indigenous nations, E. akayima sp. nov. derives its name from the Carib language, advocating for the inclusion of traditional names in scientific discourse. Our paper not only contributes to the taxonomic stability of anacondas but also advocates for the usage of Indigenous names in zoological nomenclature by adopting a more inclusive and flexible approach to the ICZN and eliminating unintended exclusionary practices that we have inherited in science as in other disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Irazú and Turrialba are a twin volcanic complex that marks a distinct stop in volcanism along the Central America volcanic arc. We present a new traveltime velocity model of the crust beneath Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, Costa Rica, and interpret it considering the results of previous ambient noise tomographic inversions. Data were acquired by a temporary seismic network during a period of low activity of the Irazú–Turrialba volcanic complex in 2018–2019. Beneath the Irazú volcano, we observe low P -wave velocities (V P = 5 km s−1) and low velocity ratios (V P/ V S = 1.6). In contrast, below the Turrialba volcano, we observe low S -wave velocities (V S = 3 km s−1) and a high V P/ V S (= 1.85) anomaly. We found that locations of low V P and V S anomalies (−15 %) correspond well with shear wave velocity anomalies retrieved from ambient noise tomography. At shallower depths, we observe high V P and V S anomalies (+15 %) located between the summits of the volcanoes. Subvertical velocity anomalies are also observed at greater depths, with high V P and V S anomalies appearing at the lower limits of our models. We propose a complex structure of an intermediate magmatic reservoir, presenting multiphase fluid states of a liquid-to-gas transition beneath Irazú and a juvenile store of magmatic fluid beneath Turrialba, while shallow fluid transport provides evidence of magmatic–hydrothermal interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anacondas, genus Eunectes, are a group of aquatic snakes with a wide distribution in South America. The taxonomic status of several species has been uncertain and/or controversial. Using genetic data from four recognized anaconda species across nine countries, this study investigates the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Eunectes. A key finding was the identification of two distinct clades within Eunectes murinus, revealing two species as cryptic yet genetically deeply divergent. This has led to the recognition of the Northern Green Anaconda as a separate species (Eunectes akayima sp. nov), distinct from its southern counterpart (E. murinus), the Southern Green Anaconda. Additionally, our data challenge the current understanding of Yellow Anaconda species by proposing the unification of Eunectes deschauenseei and Eunectes beniensis into a single species with Eunectes notaeus. This reclassification is based on comprehensive genetic and phylogeographic analyses, suggesting closer relationships than previously recognized and the realization that our understanding of their geographic ranges is insufficient to justify its use as a separation criterion. We also present a phylogeographic hypothesis that traces the Miocene diversification of anacondas in western South America. Beyond its academic significance, this study has vital implications for the conservation of these iconic reptile species, highlighting our lack of knowledge about the diversity of the South American fauna and the need for revised strategies to conserve the newly identified and reclassified species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel composite material based on acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) and carbon black (CB) was proposed here. Different ratios between CB and ABS (40 : 60–60 : 40 %, w/w) were studied to obtain a substrate with improved electrochemical properties. These materials were characterized by techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under the CB/ABS substrate (50 : 50 %, w/w), a lower charge transfer resistance (854 Ω) and a higher heterogeneous electron transfer constant (K0=1.551×10−3 cm s−1) were found, indicating a kinetically more favorable reaction. To improve the electroanalytical performance of the CB/ABS electrode (50 : 50 %, w/w), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were electrodeposited using recycled silver from photographic waste, whose presence was confirmed by SEM imaging and Raman spectra. A method using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) and Pb2+ as model species was developed, where a wider linear working range (4.0 to 40.0 μg L−1) and lower detection limit (0.4 μg L−1) were achieved for the modified electrode. The electrode modification process was highly reproducible (RSD=9.7 %, n=9, inter‐electrode), with precise electrochemical responses (RSD=3.6 %, n=9, intra‐electrode). The applicability was demonstrated in two seawater samples, where recovery levels between 94 and 106 %, as well as statistically similar results to those obtained by atomic absorption spectroscopy, attested to the reliability of the analysis. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that an appropriate selectivity was achieved even in the presence of other metallic species. The proposed composite material is low‐cost, robust, versatile, and can be a promising tool for additive manufacturing of electrochemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate measurement of joint angles during patient rehabilitation is crucial for informed decision making by physiotherapists. Presently, visual inspection stands as one of the prevalent methods for angle assessment. Although it could appear the most straightforward way to assess the angles, it presents a problem related to the high susceptibility to error in the angle estimation. In light of this, this study investigates the possibility of using a new approach to angle calculation: a hybrid approach leveraging both a camera and LiDAR technology, merging image data with point cloud information. This method employs AI-driven techniques to identify the individual and their joints, utilizing the cloud-point data for angle computation. The tests, considering different exercises with different perspectives and distances, showed a slight improvement compared to using YOLO v7 for angle calculation. However, the improvement comes with higher system costs when compared with other image-based approaches due to the necessity of equipment such as LiDAR and a loss of fluidity during the exercise performance. Therefore, the cost–benefit of the proposed approach could be questionable. Nonetheless, the results hint at a promising field for further exploration and the potential viability of using the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]