Reciprocal facilitation between ants and small mammals in tidal marshes.

The role of facilitation in shaping natural communities has primarily been studied in the context of plant assemblages, while its relevance for mobile animals remains less understood. Our study investigates whether reciprocal interspecific facilitation may exist between fire ants (Solenopsis richteri) and cavies (Cavia aperea), two mobile animals, in the SW Atlantic coast brackish marshes. Field samples showed a spatial association between ant mounds and cavies, and that ants prefer to use cavy runways for movement within the marsh.

Multifocal contact lens vision simulated with a clinical binocular simulator.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the binocular visual perception of participants wearing multifocal contact lenses and these same lens designs viewed through a temporal multiplexing visual simulator.

Methods: Visual performance and perceived visual quality at various distances were obtained in 37 participants wearing soft M-CLs and through the SimVis Gekko programmed with the same lenses. In a pilot study (n = 10) visual performance was measured in terms of LogMAR visual acuity (VA) at far (4 m), intermediate (64 cm) and near (40 cm) distances and through-focus VA (TFVA) curves with the simulated M-CLs.

Underwater acoustic communication during the mating behaviour of the semi-terrestrial crab Neohelice granulata.

In semi-terrestrial crabs, the production of sounds has been recognized to be related to courtship communication dynamics. The present study aimed to assess if the crab Neohelice granulata (Varunidae) was able to emit acoustic signals and if they played a role in the crab's behaviour. We also assessed the locomotor behaviours to examine these parameters in different mating contexts of crabs.

Are semi-terrestrial crabs threatened by human noise? Assessment of behavioural and biochemical responses of Neohelice granulata (Brachyura, Varunidae) in tank.

This study examined the effects of human lab-generated noise (sweep tone) on the behaviour and biochemistry of a semi-terrestrial crab (Neohelice granulata). The experiment was carried out in tanks equipped with video- and audio-recording systems on a total of seventy-eight specimens. In total, 42 experimental trials with sweep-tone exposure and control conditions were performed using crabs in single and group layouts.

[Multiple paragangliomas associated to a SDHB gene mutation: report of one case].

Paragangliomas are tumors arising from sympathetic and parasympathetic tissues. The classic associated syndromes are neurofibromatosis type 1, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and von Hippel-Lindau. Germline mutations of succinate dehydrogenase subunits genes, are associated with familial paraganglioma syndromes 1,2,3 and 4.

Whole-community facilitation regulates biodiversity on Patagonian rocky shores.

Background: Understanding the factors that generate and maintain biodiversity is a central goal in ecology. While positive species interactions (i.e.

Attitudes towards contact lenses: a comparative study of teenagers and their parents.

Purpose: This two-phase survey aimed to identify the beliefs and attitudes that create a barrier towards contact lens (CL) fitting among adolescents (aged 12-18 years) and their parents attending eye care practitioner clinics in Italy (phase 1) and Iberia (Spain and Portugal; phase 2). In phase 2, the sample was further focused, by limiting it to those adolescents who did not already wear CL.

Methods: The extent to which CL satisfy aesthetic, visual, and practical needs and their effectiveness, safety, and comfort in the general population and in adolescents was rated by respondents on a 5-point Likert scale.

Astasia, asymmetrical asterixis and pretectal syndrome in thalamo-mesencephalic hemorrhage.

We report a patient who presented with sudden onset instability and diplopia. On neurological examination he had asymmetrical asterixis, predominantly in the left hand, and ocular findings consistent with a pretectal syndrome. He was also unable to stand or even sit up unassisted, with a tendency to tilt his body and rotate his trunk axis to the left.

[Transperitoneal laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy].

Objectives: To report the first case of bladder diverticulectomy in a female patient.

Methods: 74-year-old female patient with a two-year history of recurrent lower urinary tract infection and the diagnosis of big bladder diverticulum. A laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy was performed.