Assessing abundance-suitability models to prioritize conservation areas for the dwarf caimans in South America.

Species-environment relationships have been extensively explored through species distribution models (SDM) and species abundance models (SAM), which have become key components to understand the spatial ecology and population dynamics directed at biodiversity conservation. Nonetheless, within the internal structure of species' ranges, habitat suitability and species abundance do not always show similar patterns, and using information derived from either SDM or SAM could be incomplete and mislead conservation efforts. We gauged support for the abundance-suitability relationship and used the combined information to prioritize the conservation of South American dwarf caimans ( and ).

The Biomechanical Effects of Intramedullary Fixation to the Level of the Physeal Scar on Distal Tibia Fracture Stability.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether intramedullary nail contact with physeal scar improves construct mechanics when treating distal tibial shaft fractures.

Methods: Axially unstable extra-articular distal tibia fractures were created in 30 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens (15 pairs, mean age 79 years). Specimens underwent intramedullary nailing to the level of the physeal scar locked with one or two interlocks or short of the physeal scar locked with two interlocks (reference group).

Preoperative factors associated with patient satisfaction 2 years after elective shoulder surgery.

Background Purpose: Patient satisfaction has become an increasingly important component of quality measures for both hospital reimbursement and quality assessment. Additionally, patient satisfaction influences patient behavior and patient follow-up. The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with patient satisfaction 2 years after shoulder surgery.