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Se revisaron 108 estómagos del tiburón Heterodontus francisci Girard, 1854, capturados en Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California Sur, en muestreos trimestrales de enero de 1992 a febrero de 1993. Esta especie se encuentra en la laguna durante todo el año, disminuyendo su abundancia durante las estaciones de verano y otoño. De acuerdo con el índice de importancia relativa (IIR), el tiburón se alimenta de los siguientes invertebrados bentónicos: gasterópodos (Lucapinella milleri y Calyptraea spp.), crustáceos (Callinectes bellicosus, Penaeus spp. e isópodos), pelecípodos (no identificados), sipuncúlidos (Sipunculus nudus), cefalópodos (Octopus spp.), así como de peces pequeños (Syngnathus auliscus). Heterodontus francisci es un consumidor de tercer orden, ya que es una especie bentónica, predominantemente carnívora, que se caracteriza por ser un depredador selectivo de hábitos nocturnos y/o crepusculares. A total of 108 stomach contents of horn shark (Heterodontus francisci Girard, 1854) from San Ignacio Lagoon were analyzed. The samples were taken seasonally from January 1992 to February 1993. This species occurred all year round, with low abundance in summer and fall. The index of relative importance (IRI) was used to determine the prey importance. The horn shark feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates, such as gastropods (Lucapinella milleri and Calyptraea spp.), crustaceans (Callinectes bellicosus, Penaeus spp. and isopods), pelecypods (unidentified). sipunculoids (Sipunculus nudus), cephalopods (Octopus spp.), as well as on small fishes (Syngnathus auliscus). This shark is a third-order consumer, because it is a predominantly carnivorous benthic species: it is a selective predator with nocturnal or crepuscular habits.

The shovelnose guitarfish Pseudobatos productus is a major species in batoid catch on the north-western coasts of Mexico. Our goal was to describe the reproductive biology of this species, including morphometric and histological analysis of the gonads. Sampling was carried out on artisanal fishing camps near Bahía Tortugas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. A total of 147 organisms were collected, with a size of 58.9 to 162 cm of total length (TL). The size of first maturity (L50%) was 111.3 cm TL for females, and 102.2 cm TL for males. The sex ratio was 1.42 females per male, but 1:1 for embryos. Positive correlations were found between TL and the number of oocytes, the diameter of oocytes, the uterus height, the oviducal gland height, the oviducal gland width, and the clasper length. We describe four histological zones in the oviducal gland of females, with no sperm storage. Mature testicle lobes showed distinct spermatogenesis stages, ranging from spermatogonia to mature sperm cells.

The white shark Carcharodon carcharias has been present in the Mediterranean Sea since 3.2 million years ago. Nevertheless, the current population shows a low genetic variability suggesting an endangered small population, on which there is scarce information regarding ecotoxicology or trophic ecology. Given that white shark’s sightings are rare in the Mediterranean and the possibility of obtaining samples is highly limited, the aim of this research was to provide general information regarding the concentration of trace elements and stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C). Laboratory analyses were performed on 18 and 12 subsamples from two different white sharks’ vertebrae obtained from two adult specimens caught in 1987, in Favignana Island, Italy. Perforations were made along the vertebrae to describe both trace elements and stable isotopes at different life stages. A total of 38 trace elements were analysed, in which the highest concentrations were found in Fe, Sr, U, Pb, and Zn. The fluctuations of these elements during the ontogeny of both individuals could have been related to changes in diet and environment, although the specific origin remains unknown. Regarding stable isotopes, the vertebrae from the male showed an isotopic range from 9.6‰ to 10.8‰ (δ15N) and from −16.5‰ to −13.0‰ (δ13C) with a mean ± SD value of 10.3 ± 0.4‰ for δ15N and −14.6 ± 1.3‰ for δ13C; whereas the female vertebrae had an isotopic range from 9.8‰ to 11.1‰ (δ15N) and from −16.9‰ to −15.0‰ (δ13C), with a mean ± SD value of 10.8 ± 0.6‰ for δ15N and −15.8 ± 0.8‰ for δ13C. There were no significant δ15N differences (U = 6, p = 0.07346) between the two individuals. However, there were just significant differences in δ13C (t = −1.8, p = 0.049256), which could suggest sexual segregation in terms of habitat use and feeding habits.

Background. Elasmobranchs can play important roles in marine communities. But, relatively little is known about their diet, and movement. Sphyrna lewini (Griffith et Smith, 1834) consumes fishes, cephalopods, rays, and crustaceans. Carcharhinus falciformis (Müller et Henle, 1839) feed on fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans and sea turtles. To date, there are no studies available on the trophic ecology of sharks in Malpelo Island. The aim of this study was to describe the trophic ecology of S. lewini and C. falciformis, using stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N, to better understand the role of both shark species in the Malpelo Island ecosystem. Materials and methods. In January, February, and November 2013, specimens of Sphyrna lewini and Carcharhinus falciformis illegally caught at Malpelo Island were confiscated at the port of Buenaventura, Colombia. For each shark specimen, total length and sex were registered. Samples of muscle tissue were taken from the nape of all specimens. Each muscle sample was lyophilized for 24 h and analysed with lipid and urea extraction and without extraction. For each shark specimen, a subsample of ~1.0 mg was used for isotopic analysis. Results. A total of 14 Sphyrna lewini (Griffith et Smith, 1834) and 12 Carcharhinus falciformis (Müller et Henle, 1839) were analysed. δ13C values were similar between S. lewini (–16.3 ± 0.1‰) and C. falciformis (–16.5 ± 0.1‰). Sphyrna lewini showed a wider trophic niche than C. falciformis, with low trophic overlap (5%) between the two species. The δ15N values of S. lewini (15.9 ± 0.11‰) were higher than those of C. falciformis (14.9 ± 0.09‰). In C. falciformis, δ13C values were similar in both sexes (–16.5 ± 0.1‰), while δ15N values were significantly different between males (14.6 ± 0.1‰) and females (15.0 ± 0.1‰). The trophic position of S. lewini was 5.25 ± 0.12, and that of C. falciformis, 5.48 ± 0.18, which suggests that both shark species occupy a high position in the marine food chain. Conclusion. Both shark species co-occur at Malpelo Island, but they do not share food resources and feeding areas, and they probably feed far from the island, using it as a resting and cleaning area. This indicates the need for more research to increase biological and ecological knowledge of both species, particularly within marine protected areas and their influence areas throughout the Colombian Pacific.

We report the first record of albinism in the swell shark, Cephaloscyllium ventriosum (Garman, 1880). The specimen was caught off the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. The shark had no skin pigmentation and golden-coloured eyes. The pigmentation of its eyes may be related to the previously reported presence of ocular pigments that are different from melanin, and thus not affected by albinism.

Background: CIWA-Ar score is the gold standard for stratifying severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Aim: To identify the correlation between the different scales used in patients with AWS, and with the biochemical–haematological profile. Material and methods: Prospective, analytical observational study in 49 patients with AWS diagnosed between February 2011 and July 2012. Maddrey, Glasgow, MELD, CIWA-Ar scores and laboratory values were obtained at diagnosis. Results: There was no correlation between CIWA-Ar and other scales (R2 = 0.001, p = 0.823, 95%CI); however, a linear relationship (p = 0.000, 95%CI) was found. On the correlation matrix, CIWA-Ar was not associated with any of the study parameters. There were no significant differences in length of stay when analyzed by type of treatment. Conclusion: CIWA-Ar is a good predictor of severity, albeit with no biochemical or hematic correlation.

The first report of two smalltooth sand tiger sharks, Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810), off the continental Ecuador is presented herewith. The specimens were captured by the Ecuadorian fishing fleet and landed in Manta and Puerto López Canton, Ecuador. The juvenile female specimen was registered in November 2008 and the adult male in July 2009. Both of the specimens recorded extend the geographic range of distribution of O. ferox in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean.

La Bahía de La Paz, es una de las bahías más grandes de la zona central del Golfo de California, esta zona se caracteriza por los altos niveles de captura comercial de peces que existen en la zona; sin embargo el número de investigaciones realizadas para conocer su diversidad taxonómica es bajo. Se determinó la variación en la diversidad taxonómica del ensamblaje de peces en ocho localidades de la zona oeste de la Bahía de La Paz, en el periodo de marzo de 2002 a abril de 2003. Se evaluaron los cambios en la diversidad de peces de arrecifes rocosos considerando la distancia taxonómica entre las especies, utilizando los índices de diversidad alfa, alfa promedio, beta y gamma, y los índices de distintividad taxonómica (Δ*), así como la distintividad taxonómica promedio (Δ+).Se realizaron censos visuales en 48 transectos de 100*5 m (500 m2) a una profundidad promedio de 5 m en un horario de 09:00 a 16:00 horas. Se observaron 24,633 organismos pertenecientes a 92 especies de 67 géneros de peces. De acuerdo a los índices de diversidad Alfa Promedio, Beta y Gamma, el mes con mayor diversidad fue agosto (19.5, 40.5 y 60 especies, respectivamente) y el de menor diversidad fue diciembre (20.625, 27.375 y 48 especies, respectivamente). Los índices de distintividad taxonómica (Δ*), y distintividad taxonómica promedio (Δ+), en el análisis espacial no mostraron diferencias (p=>0.05), mientras que en su forma temporal ambos mostraron diferencias (p=

The analysis of the stomach contents of 500 dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus is presented. The fish were caught from the shoreline to 25 miles off Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Fifty-one prey were identifíed from the food items of the dolphinfish, which pertain to three categories: fishes, cephalopods and crustaceans and, according to the index of relative importance, represent 56.3%, 23.1% and 20.6%, respectively. Of the 51 prey, 18 represented 97%. Dosidicus gigas, Pleuroncodes planipes, Balistes polylepis. Cypselurus callopterus and Auxis spp. contributed 70% of the food supply. The dolphinfish is characterized as a top predator or a highly voracious organism with a wide trophic spectrum. Its food habits tend to be closely related to the epipelagic environment.

Aim: To compare the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and sudden death (SD) between New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I and NYHA class II-III patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM)., Methods and Results: Observational retrospective cohort study including patients with NICM who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at two hospitals. The primary endpoint included appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapies, sustained ventricular tachycardia, resuscitated cardiac arrest and SD. The secondary endpoint included heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, heart transplant, left ventricular assist device implant or HF death. Overall, 698 patients were included, 33% in NYHA class I. During a median follow-up of 31 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 57 patients (8%), with no differences between NYHA class I and NYHA class II-III cases (7% vs. 9%, p = 0.62). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was the only independent predictor of the primary outcome both in NYHA class I and NYHA class II-III patients. LGE+ NYHA class I patients had a similar cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint as compared to LGE+ NYHA class II-III (p = 0.92) and a significantly higher risk as compared to LGE- NYHA class II-III cases (p < 0.001). The risk of the secondary endpoint was significantly higher in patients in NYHA class II-III as compared to those in NYHA class I (hazard ratio 3.2, p = 0.001)., Conclusions: Patients with NICM in NYHA class I are not necessarily at low risk of VA and SD. Actually, LGE+ NYHA class I patients have a high risk. NYHA class I patients with high-risk factors, such as LGE, could benefit from primary prevention ICD at least as much as those in NYHA class II-III with the same risk factors., (© 2023 European Society of Cardiology.)

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements.

Mobile technology-based interventions show promise for conveying HIV prevention information to Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) and Latina transgender women (LTGW); however, implementing such interventions can pose serious challenges. To understand how to adapt existing interventions for these populations, we conducted nine focus groups ( N = 91 participants, 52 LMSM, 39 LTGW) in Los Angeles, California. We used a rapid assessment process to create narrative reports that we examined using thematic analysis to explore differences across sites and between LMSM and LTGW. Lessons learned: requiring smartphone use could diminish participation of poor participants; sending personalized messages on the same days and times can help participants anticipate receiving study information; working with community partners is essential for building trust; recognizing different language literacies and diverse countries of origin can improve the cultural competency of intervention materials. Addressing these challenges may enhance efforts to address the HIV prevention needs of these communities.

The number of individual whale shark Rhincodon typus sightings registered October 2015-March 2018 in Bahia de La Paz, Mexico, ranged from 73 to 129 animals per season (total 1662), with the majority of them identified as males. Density plot maps showed high correlations in sightings between sample seasons and revealed potential hotspot areas. Our study provides an essential baseline of information for the management of whale shark conservation and the associated touristic activities in the region., (© 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)

Smart energy grid is an emerging area for new applications of machine learning in a nonstationary environment. Such a nonstationary environment emerges when large-scale failures occur at power networks because of external disruptions such as hurricanes and severe storms. Power distribution networks lie at the edge of the grid, and are especially vulnerable to external disruptions. Quantifiable approaches are lacking and needed to learn nonstationary behaviors of large-scale failure and recovery of power distribution. This paper studies such nonstationary behaviors in three aspects. First, a novel formulation is derived for an entire life cycle of large-scale failure and recovery of power distribution. Second, spatial-temporal models of failure and recovery of power distribution are developed as geolocation-based multivariate nonstationary GI(t)/G(t)/∞ queues. Third, the nonstationary spatial-temporal models identify a small number of parameters to be learned. Learning is applied to two real-life examples of large-scale disruptions. One is from Hurricane Ike, where data from an operational network is exact on failures and recoveries. The other is from Hurricane Sandy, where aggregated data is used for inferring failure and recovery processes at one of the impacted areas. Model parameters are learned using real data. Two findings emerge as results of learning: 1) failure rates behave similarly at the two different provider networks for two different hurricanes but differently at the geographical regions and 2) both the rapid and slow-recovery are present for Hurricane Ike but only slow recovery is shown for a regional distribution network from Hurricane Sandy.

Aim: So far, no study has assessed the validity of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) in patients enrolled in early intervention programmes, nor has any study evaluated the validity of the HoNOS in people at ultra high-risk (UHR) of psychosis. This study set out to assess the validity and reliability of the HoNOS as a measure of outcome in the patients enrolled in an early intervention programme., Methods: The concurrent, discriminant and predictive validity, and the reliability of the HoNOS as a measure of outcome in an early intervention programe were assessed in 87 first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients, and in 81 patients at UHR of psychosis., Results: Reliability indexes were good in the FEP sample, and less good in the UHR sample. HoNOS total scores differentiated between FEP and UHR patients, and the HoNOS subscales proved able to assess a specific profile of symptoms in the two samples, demonstrating a helpful adjunctive measure of health status without complete overlap with other scales. Sensitivity to change was also very good, again with differences between FEP and UHR patients. HoNOS scores at intake did not predict failure to attain remission in FEP patients. There were too few cases of transition to psychosis (n = 2) to assess predictive validity of HoNOS in the UHR sample., Conclusion: HoNOS possesses satisfactory sensitivity and validity to be used in the routine assessment in early intervention programmes., (© 2012 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background: This study examines exposure to perceived discrimination and its association with depression among low-income, Latina male-to-female transgender women as well as evaluates the impact of sexual partner violence and mistreatment on depression., Methods: A total of 220 Latina male-to-female transgender women who resided in Los Angeles, California, were recruited through community based organizations and referrals. Participants completed individual interviews using a structured questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Perceived discrimination was assessed using a fifteen-item measure that was designed to assess the experiences of maltreatment of transgender individuals. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between perceived discrimination and depression after controlling for the presence of other variables., Results: Of the sample, 35% reported significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15). Additionally, one-third of the participants indicated that in the two weeks prior to the interviews they had thought either of hurting themselves or that they would be better off dead. The extent of perceived discrimination in this population was extensive. Many of the participants experienced discrimination on a daily basis (14%) or at least once or twice a week (25%) as demonstrated by a positive response to at least 7 of 15 items in the measure of perceived discrimination. Almost six out of ten participants admitted that they had been victims of sexual partner violence. Those who reported more frequent discrimination were more likely to be identified with severe depression. There was also a notable association between self-reported history of sexual partner violence and depression severity., Conclusions: A significant association between depression severity and perceived discrimination was identified. How exposure to discrimination leads to increased risk of mental health problems needs additional investigation. Models investigating the association between perceived discrimination and depression among transgender women should include sexual partner violence as a potential confounding variable.

The prevalence and disability rate of rheumatic diseases are increasing. It seems that non-medical causes play an important role in the morbidity, disability and mortality of these patients. Efforts to reduce their impact are extremely important. Patient education is thought to be one way to limit disability in rheumatic diseases and to achieve an improvement in quality of life. In this chapter, we review the influence of non-medical causes of morbidity on disease outcome, some basic aspects of education and the evidence of the effectiveness of patient education in diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia syndrome., (Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.)

Objective: To assess the prevalence, practices, beliefs, and expectations of patients with rheumatic diseases in relation to the use of alternative therapies., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 300 consecutive patients with rheumatic diseases at 3 outpatient rheumatic disease clinics in Guadalajara, Mexico to evaluate the use of alternative therapies. A face-to-face structured interview was administered by a trained assistant to evaluate the prevalence of use and patient beliefs, perceptions, and expectations in relation to alternative therapies., Results: Two hundred fifty patients (83%) had used a total of 1,386 alternative therapies (range 1-19); 203 (68%) patients had used alternative therapy in the previous 12 months. Sixty-one percent received at least one alternative treatment before the first rheumatology consultation, but an additional 18% initiated these therapies after their initial contact with a rheumatologist at our clinics. Only 66 (26%) of the patients using alternative therapy notified their rheumatologist about their use. Thirty-six patients (14%) discontinued formal treatment at least on one occasion in order to receive alternative therapies, and only 8 (22%) notified their rheumatologist. Alternative therapy practitioners recommended discontinuation of conventional therapy on 57% of the occasions when formal treatments were discontinued. Mean expenditures per patient for fees to alternative therapy providers were equivalent to 28 days of the official minimum daily wage, and per patient costs for the remedies themselves were equivalent to 13 days of the official minimum daily wage. Patients who used alternative therapy in the past 12 months had lower education (7 versus 10 years, P < 0.001) and were slightly more disabled (1.7 versus 1.5, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: In this survey most patients used alternative therapies for the treatment of their rheumatic disease. Alternative therapies were costly and appeared to decrease adherence to conventional therapy. Health care providers should openly discuss the use of alternative therapy in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Objective: To evaluate the potential efficacy of intravenous bolus cyclophosphamide (IVCY) in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum., Methods: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum seen in a period of 3 years in tertiary care referral center were included. Patients received IVCY 500 mg/m2 of body surface area, every month until reaching a maximum of 6 doses, or healing of their ulcers or a lack of response after 3 doses. Patients were assessed every month during the time they received IVCY and every 3 months thereafter. The assessments included number and size of ulcers, and a safety profile of the study drug. Complete remission was defined as 100% ulcer healing, partial remission as a decrease > or = 50% but less than 100%, and therapeutical failure if the size of the ulcer increased or decreased < 50%., Results: Nine patients were included, 6 were men, the mean age was 46 yrs (range 24-76). The mean disease duration was 3.3 yrs (range 1 week to 9 yrs). Four patients had idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum, 3 had associated rheumatoid arthritis, and 2 had associated systemic lupus erythematosus. Complete remission was observed in 7 patients, partial in one, and failure in one. Relapses were observed, 3 months after the last IVCY (2 cases) and 12 months after the last IVCY (one case). Transitory thrombocytopenia and leukopenia developed in one patient and nausea and vomiting in another., Conclusion: IVCY appears effective in controlling the lesions of pyoderma gangrenosum and inducing remission for a substantial period in many individuals.