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We investigate the scaling law relating the size of the boundary of a solid tumor and the rate at which it is lysed by a cell population of non-infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes. We do it in the context of enzyme kinetics through geometrical, analytical and numerical arguments. Following the Koch island fractal model, a scale-dependent function that describes the constant rate of the decay process and the fractal dimension is obtained in the first place. Then,in silicoexperiments are accomplished by means of a stochastic hybrid cellular automaton model. This model is used to grow several tumors with varying morphology and to test the power decay law when the cell-mediated immune response is effective, confirming its validity.

HELENA Study Group: et al., [Background and aims] This study aims to examine the associations of food portion size (PS) with markers of insulin resistance (IR) and clustered of metabolic risk score in European adolescents., [Methods] A total of 495 adolescents (53.5% females) from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study were included. The association between PS from food groups and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, VO2 max, and metabolic risk score was assessed by multilinear regression analysis adjusting for several confounders. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the mean differences of food PS from food groups by HOMA-IR cutoff categories by using maternal education as a covariable., [Results] Larger PS from vegetables in both gender and milk, yoghurt, and milk beverages in males were associated with higher VO2 max, while larger PS from margarines and vegetable oils were associated with lower VO2 max (p < 0.05). Males who consumed larger PS from fish and fish products; meat substitutes, nuts, and pulses; cakes, pies, and biscuits; and sugar, honey, jams, and chocolate have a higher metabolic risk score (p < 0.05). Males with lower HOMA-IR cutoff values consumed larger PS from vegetables, milk, yoghurt, and milk beverages (p < 0.05). Females with lower HOMA-IR cutoff values consumed larger PS from breakfast cereals, while those with higher HOMA-IR cutoff values consumed larger PS from butter and animal fats (p = 0.018)., [Conclusion] The results show that larger PS from dairy products, cereals, and high energy dense foods are a significant determinant of IR and VO2 max, and larger PS from food with higher content of sugar were associated with higher metabolic risk score., HELENA study received funding from the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Program (Contract FOODCT-2005-007034). E.M.G.-G. holds a Juan de la Cierva-Formación grant from the Spanish Government (FJCI-2017-34,967).

Chips of avocado wood (Persea americana Mill.) were pulped by means of conventional Soda and Kraft pulping processes. The pulps were bleached with an elemental-chlorine-free sequence OD1-Eop-D2, pre-setting reaction conditions for the first chlorine dioxide stage (D1) . The results show that during the chemical pulping process, avocado wood is easier to cook than other hardwoods such as eucalyptus. The avocado pulp also showed a very good bleachability, reaching brightness levels of up to 92% ISO compared to 84% for eucalyptus after the ECF bleaching sequence. The avocado Kraft pulps required more chemical input in the bleaching sequence than the Soda pulps. On the other hand, the physico-mechanical properties of the pulp were not notably reduced by the bleaching process, the Kraft pulp being stronger than the soda pulp. Strength properties of avocado are similar to those of eucalyptus; therefore this raw material constitutes a worthwhile choice for cellulosic fiber supply.

ECRIS Network integrated in the Spanish AIDS Research Network., Exosome-derived miR-21 was independently associated with CD4 T cell decline in HIV-1-infected elite controllers (OR 0.369, 95% CI 0.137–0.994, p = 0.049). Also, a negative correlation between miR-21 expression and MCP-1 level was found (r = −0.649, p = 0.020), while no correlation between soluble biomarkers or cellular immune activation was found., This work has been partially funded by the Spanish Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII) and European Regional Development Fund, Spanish AIDS Research Network (RIS) with grant numbers RD16/0025/0001, RD12/0017/0031, RD16/0025/0013, and RD16/0002/0002. Research Grant Project, Spanish Health Research Fund (FIS, ISCIII) number PI14/00011. Miguel Servet Research Program, Spanish Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII) CP14/00198 to NR. Spanish Health Research Fund (FIS, ISCIII) and IIS-FJD Intramural Research Scholarship co-funded grant number CP14/00198 to MG. Spanish Health Institute Carlos III (ISCIII) grant CD13/00013 to MAJS. Grant Research, Madrid Education, Youth and Sport Counseling number PEJ15/bio/tl-0064 to MJRL.

On behalf of the HELENA Study Group., [Background and aims]: The ideal cardiovascular health (iCVH) construct consists of 4 health behaviors (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity and diet) and 3 health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting glucose). A greater number of iCVH components in adolescence are related to better cardiovascular health, but little is known about the correlates of iCVH in adolescents. Thus, the aim of the study was to examine correlates of iCVH in European adolescents., [Methods and results]: The study comprised 637 European adolescents with complete iCVH data. Participants were part of the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study, a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted in 9 different European countries. Correlates investigated were sex and age, family affluence scale, maternal education, geographic location, sleep time, television viewing, duration of pregnancy, birth weight and breastfeeding. Younger adolescents, those whose mothers had medium/high education or those who watched television less than 2 h per day had a greater number of iCVH components compared to those who were older, had a mother with low education or watched television 2 h or more daily (P ≤ 0.01)., [Conclusion]: Since in our study older adolescents had worse iCVH than younger adolescents, early promotion of cardiovascular health may be important. Future studies may also investigate the usefulness of limiting television viewing to promote iCVH. Finally, since adolescents of mothers with low education had poorer iCVH, it may be of special interest to tailor public health promotion to adolescents from families with low socioeconomic status., The HELENA project was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034). The data for this study was gathered under the aegis of the HELENA project, and further analysis was additionally supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grants RYC-2010-05957 and RYC-2011-09011), the Spanish Ministry of Health: Maternal, Child Health and Development Network (grant RD16/0022), the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (MICINN-FEDER) and by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES). Pontus Henriksson was supported by a grant from Henning and Johan Throne-Holst Foundation. Hanna Henriksson was supported by grants from the Swedish Society of Medicine and the County Council of Östergötland, Sweden. Dr. Gracia-Marco acknowledges “Programa de Captación de Talento - UGR Fellows” as part of “Plan Propio” of the University of Granada (Spain).

Aim Clostridium histolyticum collagenase (CCH) is nowadays an alternative treatment for the contracture of Dupuytren. Our objective is to assess its effectiveness at one year in a series of consecutive patients.Prospective study with minimum follow-up of one year. Evaluation of results and adverse effects.A total of 75 joints treated in 51 patients were included. The average age was 65.18years (SD: 7.288) and 82.7% were males. The initial mean contraction of the MCP was 34.0 degrees (SD: 27.37), PIP 41.5 degrees (SD: 31.33) and combined impairment (MCF+IFP) of 75.5 degrees (SD: 35.2). Efficacy was achieved in 68 patients (90.7%). Adverse effects were mild and self-limiting. The mean correction for the MCP joint was 28.96 degrees (SD: 26.90) and for PIP it was 28.72 degrees (SD: 24.30). The recurrence rate was 18 (24.0%) joints in 14 patients, being more frequent in severe cases. QuickDASH score showed minimal differences measured before the intervention and once a year.Our results show a better outcome in mild cases; the outcome was more favourable and with a higher success rate in the MCP joint. QuickDASH score is not a useful tool for the assessment of Dupuytren's contracture.Treatment with CCH for Dupuytren's contracture is an effective treatment in the medium term. It has a poorer outcome in combined joint disorders, 5th finger, PIP and severe cases.

On behalf of the HELENA study group., [Background and aims] Inflammation may influence the cardio-metabolic profile which relates with the risk of chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the inflammatory status by metabolic health (MH)/body mass index (BMI) category and to assess how inflammatory markers can predict the cardio-metabolic profile in European adolescents, considering BMI. [Methods and results] A total of 659 adolescents (295 boys) from a cross-sectional European study were included. Adolescents were classified by metabolic health based on age- and sex-specific cut-off points for glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides, high density cholesterol and BMI. C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-6), complement factors (C3, C4) and cell adhesion molecules were assessed. [Results] Metabolically abnormal (MA) adolescents had higher values of C3 (p < 0.001) and C4 (p = 0.032) compared to those metabolically healthy (MHy). C3 concentrations significantly increased with the deterioration of the metabolic health and BMI (p < 0.001). Adolescents with higher values of CRP had higher probability of being in the overweight/obese-MH group than those allocated in other categories. Finally, high C3 and C4 concentrations increased the probability of having an unfavorable metabolic/BMI status. [Conclusions] Metabolic/BMI status and inflammatory biomarkers are associated, being the CRP, C3 and C4 the most related inflammatory markers with this condition. C3 and C4 were associated with the cardio-metabolic health consistently., The HELENA Study was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034) and the Stockholm County Council. This analysis was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (JCI-2010-07055) and the gs4:European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). CCS is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BES-2014-068829). FBO is supported by a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (RYC-2011-09011). AIR was funded by a Juan de la Cierva-Formación stipend from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Spanish Government (FJCI-2014-19795).

Resumen Introduccion El objetivo del estudio es medir los resultados de un programa de recambio de sondas de gastrostomias en domicilio, realizado por atencion primaria. Material y metodos Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Incluyo a todos los pacientes (n = 44) del Sector III de Zaragoza portadores de gastrostomia endoscopica percutanea (GEP) a los que se les realizo el recambio de la misma en su domicilio, por el equipo de soporte de atencion domiciliaria (ESAD), desde septiembre de 2008 hasta diciembre de 2010. Se recogieron datos sociodemograficos, numero de recambios de GEP que se realizaron a cada paciente, si existio alguna incidencia en cada uno de los recambios, tanto en el servicio de endoscopias digestivas como en el domicilio y el tiempo que transcurrio hasta el siguiente recambio. Resultados La edad media de los pacientes fue de 74,02 anos; el 65% residian en zona rural. La causa principal de disfagia fueron las demencias (56,82%). El ESAD realizo 136 cambios de GEP (media de 3,09; DE: 2,37). Surgieron 17 complicaciones leves, resolviendose en el domicilio del paciente, y una complicacion grave, una peritonitis, que se soluciono en el hospital. Se realizaron 138 viajes (53,62% en medio rural). A cada paciente se le evito viajar una media de 43,13 km en total, en medio rural 75,24. Conclusiones El cambio de GEP es un metodo sencillo que puede realizarse en domicilio, con un riesgo de complicacion bajo si precede una eficaz seleccion del paciente. Esto conlleva un aumento del bienestar de los pacientes y familiares y una reduccion de gasto sanitario.

Dyspnoea is mainly of cardio-respiratory origin. A diagnosis of psychogenic origin should not be made without having undertaken the necessary complementary tests to rule out any underlying organic cause, even if the patient has a psychiatric history. We present a clinical case with a clinical picture of dyspnoea, in a 30 year-old male of African origin with a history of schizophrenia. Oedemas can also be associated with dyspnoea. Cardiomegaly and hypertrophy of the left ventricle were established, using additional basic tests. The diagnostic confirmation of dilated cardiomyopathy was obtained from the echocardiogram. He was diagnosed in D phase, with decompensated heart failure, which was refractory to treatment, and after several incidents of malignant arrhythmias, the patient died. According to the ACC/AHA classification, the definitive treatment in this phase is the heart transplant. In the present case, urgent intervention was not considered, due to the worsening of the psychiatric pathology and active drug-taking.

The HELENA study: et al., [Background and aims]: Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis and this process seems to appear in childhood. The ideal cardiovascular health index (ICHI) has been inversely related to atherosclerotic plaque in adults. However, evidence regarding inflammation and ICHI in adolescents is scarce. The aim is to assess the association between ICHI and inflammation in European adolescents., [Methods and results]: As many as 543 adolescents (251 boys and 292 girls) from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study, a cross-sectional multi-center study including 9 European countries, were measured. C-reactive protein (CRP), complement factors C3 and C4, leptin and white blood cell counts were used to compute an inflammatory score. Multilevel linear models and multilevel logistic regression were used to assess the association between ICHI and inflammation controlling by covariates. Higher ICHI was associated with a lower inflammatory score, as well as with several individual components, both in boys and girls (p < 0.01). In addition, adolescents with at least 4 ideal components of the ICHI had significantly lower inflammatory score and lower levels of the study biomarkers, except CRP. Finally, the multilevel logistic regression showed that for every unit increase in the ICHI, the probability of having an inflammatory profile decreased by 28.1% in girls., [Conclusion]: Results from this study suggest that a better ICHI is associated with a lower inflammatory profile already in adolescence. Improving these health behaviors, and health factors included in the ICHI, could play an important role in CVD prevention., The HELENA Study was supported by the European Community Sixth RTD Framework Programme (Contract FOOD-CT-2005-007034). This analysis was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (JCI-2010-07055) and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). A grant from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness was received by JRR (grants RYC-2010-05957).

Resumen Introduccion El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar el porcentaje de pacientes con enfermedad arterial periferica (EAP) con un control optimo de sus factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) (colesterol unido a las lipoproteinas de baja densidad [c-LDL], presion arterial [PA] y abandono de tabaco). Material y metodos Estudio descriptivo transversal multicentrico, realizado en consultas de atencion primaria (AP) y de otras especialidades que habitualmente atienden a pacientes con EAP, medicina interna, cirugia vascular (CV), cardiologia, endocrinologia y nefrologia. Seleccion sistematica de los 10 primeros pacientes con EAP de las consultas de 440 investigadores pertenecientes a todas las comunidades autonomas. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio a 4.087 pacientes. Tenian controlada la PA el 29,5% de los pacientes. La frecuencia de pacientes con control de la PA fue significativamente mejor en consultas de AP (p Conclusiones Los medicos de AP manejan mejor al paciente hipertenso. Sin embargo, los pacientes atendidos en especialidad frente a AP tienen mayor probabilidad de conseguir un control optimo de los FRCV. La situacion dista de ser la idonea, ya que solo en un 6% se consiguio el control optimo de todos los FRCV.

Resumen Introduccion En los ultimos anos el porcentaje de mujeres inmigrantes ha aumentado provocando el surgimiento de necesidades especificas referentes a su salud sexual y reproductiva. El objetivo fue conocer los metodos anticonceptivos utilizados por ellas y los condicionantes que influyen en su eleccion. Estimar como indicadores de alerta: uso de pildora poscoital y prevalencia de abortos. Material y metodos Estudio descriptivo transversal, mediante encuesta realizada en el primer trimestre del ano 2011 en el Centro de Salud Delicias Sur (Zaragoza). La poblacion diana fueron mujeres inmigrantes en edad fertil (15-45 anos) que acudieron al centro, previo consentimiento informado. Muestreo accidental por cuotas. Resultados La edad media fue de 29,35 anos (IC al 95% = 27,95-30,75 anos). El pais de origen mayoritario fue Ecuador. Casi la mitad de las mujeres estaban solteras y trabajaban por cuenta ajena, y su nivel de instruccion era medio. La media de anos de residencia en Espana fue de 5,68 anos (IC al 95% = 4,99-6,37 anos). Un 42% de las mujeres (IC al 95% = 32,62-51,83) no utilizaba ningun metodo anticonceptivo. El metodo mas utilizado fue el preservativo, seguido de la pildora. Mas de la mitad de las mujeres habian sido informadas en atencion primaria. Un 32% (IC al 95% = 23,42-41,60) de ellas tenian un antecedente de aborto. Respecto al uso de la pildora poscoital (PPC), habia recurrido a ella el 19,39% (IC al 95% = 12,46-28,10). Conclusiones El 42% no utilizaba ningun metodo anticonceptivo y los indicadores de alerta sobre el fracaso de medidas preventivas en salud reproductiva son elevados.

Resumen Antecedentes La insuficiencia cardiaca (Killip>I) en pacientes con sindrome coronario agudo (SCA) es un reconocido factor de riesgo para mortalidad; sin embargo, su relacion con la aparicion de nuevos episodios isquemicos agudos no ha sido bien establecida. Objetivo El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la asociacion entre Killip>I al ingreso y la aparicion de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) tras el alta hospitalaria por SCA. Pacientes y metodos Se estudio de forma prospectiva y consecutiva 972 y 426 supervivientes a un SCA sin elevacion del segmento ST (SCASEST) e IAM con elevacion del segmento ST (IAMCEST) respectivamente. Se determino la presencia de Killip>I en el momento del ingreso junto con variables pronosticas clasicas. La asociacion entre Killip>I e IAM se determino mediante regresion de Cox adaptada para episodios competitivos. Resultados Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 3 anos, 135 (13,9%) y 53 (12,4%) pacientes con SCASEST y IAMCEST presentaron un IAM. Los pacientes con SCASEST y IAMCEST con Killip>I (15,6 y 21,3% respectivamente) presentaron mas frecuentemente IAM (28,3 vs 6,3 y 10,6 vs 3,3 por 100 pacientes-ano seguimiento, p I mostraron un incremento en el riesgo de IAM (HR = 1,76; IC 95%: 1,15-2,68; p Conclusiones En pacientes con SCASEST y IAMCEST, la presencia de Killip>I al ingreso se asocia de manera independiente con mayor riego de IAM en el seguimiento.

Resumen Fundamento y objetivo Estimar el grado de cumplimiento de la Ley 28/2005 en locales de restauracion y hosteleria de Zaragoza. Metodologia Estudio descriptivo de prevalencia, realizado durante el primer trimestre del ano 2010. Muestreo aleatorio simple. Muestra: 801 locales clasificados en tres categorias: restaurantes, bares —tabernas, cafeterias y comida rapida— y locales de ocio. Las variables: superficie del local, local con o sin humo, separaciones de acuerdo con la ley y cartel visible. Analisis estadistico: prevalencias y sus intervalos de confianza poblacionales; para detectar diferencias entre proporciones se empleo la prueba de la χ2. Resultados En Zaragoza, se permitia fumar en el 92,63% (IC del 95%, 90,66-94,29) de los establecimientos, estaba prohibido el consumo de tabaco en un 4,24% (IC del 95%, 3-5,9), y en un 2,62% (IC del 95%, 1,67-3,91) existian zonas compartimentadas entre fumadores y no fumadores. En los locales de mas de 100 m, en los bares en el 74% estaba permitido fumar. Los restaurantes representan el tipo de local en el que mas se han compartimentado los espacios. No se encontro ningun local de ocio nocturno libre de humo, y solo en un 3,4% de estos habia zonas totalmente compartimentadas. Conclusiones Tras 5 anos de la ley 28/2005, no existe una proteccion efectiva de los fumadores pasivos que deciden acudir a estos establecimientos, ni del fumador pasivo laboral, ya que en el 92,63% de los establecimientos esta permitido el consumo de tabaco.

The objective of the study is to assess the outcome of a Primary Care programme of replacing the Percutaneous Endoscopy Gastrostomy at home.A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on all patients (n=44), of Zaragoza Health Sector III, carriers of a percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy (PEG), who had a replacement at home by the Home Care Service (HCS), during the period from September 2008 to December 2010. Socio-demographic data, the number of PEG replacements performed on each patient, any incidents occurring with each replacement either by the Endoscopy Department or the HCS, as well as the time elapsed until the next replacement, were all recorded.The mean age of the patients was 74.02 years, and up to a 65% lived in rural areas. The main causes of dysphagia were dementia (56.82%). A total of 136 PEG replacements were performed by the HCS (mean 3.09, SD: 2.37). There were 18 cases in which complications arose. Of these, 17 were minor complications and resolved in the patients' homes. The only major complication, a peritonitis, was resolved in the hospital. The HCS made 138 trips (53.62% of them in rural areas). Each patient avoided travelling a total mean of 43.13 km, and 75.24 km in rural areas.The replacement of PEG is a simple method that can be performed at home with a low risk of complications, provided there is an effective selection of patients. This leads to increased patient and family comfort, and reduces health care costs without detriment of performance.

The objective was to determine the percentage of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with good control of their cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) (LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and smoke cessation).Cross-sectional multicentre study. The location was Primary Care and other clinics that typically treat patients with peripheral arterial disease (Internal Medicine, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Nephrology). The first 10 patients with peripheral arterial disease were systematically selected by 440 researchers from all regions.The study included 4087 patients. Blood pressure was controlled in 29.5% of the cases. The frequency of patients with optimal control was significantly better in primary care (p.01). There was an optimal control of LDL-C levels in 30.4% of patients. Factors associated with optimal control of LDL-C was, being diabetic, stage I of La Fontaine, and being seen by a doctor that was not the primary care physician. Control was worse in women and in smokers.Primary care physicians better manage patients with hypertension. Patients seen in by a specialist as opposed to primary care are more likely to achieve optimal control of CVRF. The situation is far from the ideal, only 6% achieved optimal control of all CVRF.

Dyspnoea is mainly of cardio-respiratory origin. A diagnosis of psychogenic origin should not be made without having undertaken the necessary complementary tests to rule out any underlying organic cause, even if the patient has a psychiatric history. We present a clinical case with a clinical picture of dyspnoea, in a 30 year-old male of African origin with a history of schizophrenia. Oedemas can also be associated with dyspnoea. Cardiomegaly and hypertrophy of the left ventricle were established, using additional basic tests. The diagnostic confirmation of dilated cardiomyopathy was obtained from the echocardiogram. He was diagnosed in D phase, with decompensated heart failure, which was refractory to treatment, and after several incidents of malignant arrhythmias, the patient died. According to the ACC/AHA classification, the definitive treatment in this phase is the heart transplant. In the present case, urgent intervention was not considered, due to the worsening of the psychiatric pathology and active drug-taking.

The percentage of women immigrants in Spain has increased in these last years, resulting in the emergence of specific needs related to sexual and reproductive health. The objective of this article was to define the contraceptive methods used by immigrant women and the determining factors that influence their choice. To estimate the use of emergency post-coital contraception and prevalence of abortion.A descriptive cross-sectional study using a survey was carried out in the first quarter of 2011 at the "Centro de Salud Delicias Sur" in Zaragoza, Spain. The target population were immigrant women of childbearing age between 15 and 45 years who attended the clinic. Non probability sampling was used.The mean age was 29.35 years (95% confidence interval (CI) = 27.95 to 30.75 years). The majority country of origin was Ecuador. Almost half the women were single and worked in paid employment. The educational level was considered as average. The average duration of residence in Spain was 5.68 years (95% CI = 4.99 to 6.37 years) and 42% of them (95% CI = 32.62 to 51.83) did not use any contraceptive method. The most used contraceptive method was the condom, followed by oral hormonal contraceptives. More than half of the women had been informed in Primary Care. Almost one third (32%) (95% CI = 23.42 to 41.60) of the women had a history of abortion. More than 19% of women (95% CI = 12.46 to 28.10) had used the emergency contraceptive method.Contraceptive methods were not used by 42% of women. The alert indicators on the failure of preventive measures in sexual health are still too high.

This paper reports on mechanical properties and natural durability of avocado branch wood (Persea americana Mill.) with the objectives of providing a reliable property profile and to promote the rational use of this abundant yet largely neglected natural resource. The mechanical properties (static bending, compression, shear, impact bending) and hardness were determined in accordance with European standards (CEN). Natural durability was assessed according to the European standard EN 350-1 (agar block test) using the white rot fungi Trametes versicolor and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and the brown rot fungus Postia placenta. Avocado trees yield a low to medium density (0,44-0,54-0,64 g/cm3 at 12% mc) branch wood with below average strength under static bending, compression and tension parallel to the grain and average values for longitudinal shear, impact bending and hardness. The wood is rated non-resistant (class 5 according to EN 350-1) and thus is not suitable for exterior applications unless treated. Considering its property profile and the small dimensions available, avocado wood is recommended for general carpentry, furniture, interior paneling, glue-boards for closets and cabinets, and glue-lams for indoor framework.

Mutational robustness has important evolutionary implications, yet the mechanisms leading to its emergence remain poorly understood. One possibility is selection acting on a correlated trait, as for instance thermostability (plastogenetic congruence). Here, we examine the correlation between mutational robustness and thermostability in experimental populations of the RNA bacteriophage Qβ. Thermostable viruses evolved after only six serial passages in the presence of heat shocks, and genome sequencing suggested that thermostability can be conferred by several alternative mutations. To test whether thermostable viruses have increased mutational robustness, we performed additional passages in the presence of nitrous acid. Whereas in control lines this treatment produced the expected reduction in growth rate caused by the accumulation of deleterious mutations, thermostable viruses showed no such reduction, indicating that they are more resistant to mutagenesis. Our results suggest that selection for thermostability can lead to the emergence of mutational robustness driven by plastogenetic congruence. As temperature is a widespread selective pressure in nature, the mechanism described here may be relevant to the evolution of mutational robustness.