Causes and consequences of change rates in the habitat of the threatened tropical porcupine, Sphiggurus mexicanus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico: implications for its conservation.

Land use changes by human activities have been the main causes of habitats and wildlife population degradation. In the Tehuantepec Isthmus in Oaxaca, the tropical habitat of the porcupine Sphiggurus mexicanus has been subject to vegetation and land use changes, causing its reduction and fragmentation. In this study, we estimated vegetation cover and land use (δn) change rates and assessed habitat availability and potential cor- ridors for possible porcupine movements to avoid its isolation.

Relationship between salivary melatonin and severity of periodontal disease.

Background: Melatonin possesses antioxidant, free-radical scavenging, and immunoenhancing properties that promote fibroblast activity and bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to examine the possible links between salivary melatonin levels and the severity of periodontal disease using the community periodontal index (CPI).

Methods: Thirty-seven patients with different degrees of periodontal disease were studied.

Nutritional risk in institutionalized older women determined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment test: what are the main factors?

Objectives: We assessed which factors contribute to the high level of nutritional risk detected by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) test in institutionalized older women. To this end, we undertook a complete nutritional assessment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in 89 older women (age range, 72-98 y) living in two private nursing homes in Granada (Spain) was carried out.