Spanish Western Research Articles

Subacromial balloon spacer improves isokinetic performance in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear.

The aim of this study was to analyse clinical, functional and shoulder kinematics results using subacromial balloon spacer in nonreparable massive rotator cuff tears. Subacromial balloon spacer was hypothesised to improve shoulder kinematics and increases clinical and functional outcomes scores in nonreparable massive rotator cuff tears. This is a prospective study in massive rotator cuff tears. From October 2021 to October 2022, a total of 127 shoulders suffering massive rotator cuff tears were initially evaluated. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months. Patients' patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) subjective values using visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Spanish Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) version were analysed. We also evaluated objective outcomes: constant score, range of movement and kinematic shoulder analysis (isokinetic test to evaluate internal and external rotation forces). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software; continuous variables were presented as means and standard deviations (SDs). Seventeen nonrepairable massive rotator cuff tears were finally included. Three patients required reverse shoulder arthroplasty before 6 months postoperative. After 1-year follow-up, objective and subjective (PROM) outcome scores and isokinetic measurements improved in 13 patients. Preoperative VAS improved from 6.5 ± 2.1 to 2 ± 1.9 points on average at 1-year follow-up and WORC index from 1603 ± 217.3 to 699 ± 361.6. Constant score from 42.1 ± 13.1 on average and at 1-year follow-up increased to 60.8 ± 14.7. Range of movement also improved in elevation 122.2 ± 39.3 to 166.9 ± 25.8, abduction 120.3 ± 38.6 to 134.6 ± 21.1, external rotation 30.3 ± 19.7 to 86.1 ± 13.8 and internal rotation L4-T12 on average at 1-year follow-up. Isokinetic evaluation showed functional improvement 1 year after implantation. Both internal and external rotation improved compared with their healthy shoulder. External rotation improved from 30.3° ± 19.7° preoperatively to 86.1° ± 13.8° (43.7% in the isokinetic study) and internal rotation from L4 preoperatively to L1 (49.8% in isokinetic study) on average. Among the different alternatives for irreparable rotator cuff injuries surgical treatment, subacromial balloon spacer is an effective alternative in selected patients, both in terms of clinical-functional improvement and short-term isokinetic results. Level II.

La memoria saharaui de la visita de la misión de Naciones Unidas al Sahara Español en mayo de 1975. Una indagación en base a testimonios

The article addresses the memory of the visit of the United Nations Decolonization Committee to the then Spanish Western Sahara in May 1975 and the demonstrations for independence that were organized. The research uses documentary, newspaper and graphic material, but above all oral testimonies of Sahrawi actors involved. This allows us to maintain that the Sahrawis have formed a particular and counterhegemonic memory of that moment, which is not limited to the elements that have always prevailed in the conventional historical reconstruction of the end of Spanish colonialism.

Blackthorn (Mateo Gil, 2011): an inter-national, revisionist, Spanish Western

ABSTRACT The international influence of the Western cinematographic genre is indubitable. In this genre, the West is portrayed as a space in which conflicting forces cohabit: the whites vs the natives, the East vs the West, and, in sum, good vs evil. With its re-emergence in recent decades, both inside the United States and outside its borders, this space is being re-described as a more permeable, fluid one, in which different communities cohabit and diverse movements occur. Mateo Gil’s Blackthorn (2011) provides an example of the bridging essence of some contemporary Westerns. In this new representational context, this essay aims to show how Gil’s Western is inter-national, gender- and age-balanced, and multilingual and, thus, may be regarded as a good example of the revision and rebirth of the Western genre.

The Ethics of Wrongdoing in José María Forqué's Amanecer en puerta oscura (1957)

Amanecer en puerta oscura (José María Forqué, 1957) is a Spanish Western starring Francisco Rabal which depicts banditry from the nineteenth century and which won the Berlin Silver Bear. In the climactic scenes of the film, the statue of Jesús el Rico (a crucifix carried on high by encapuchados during the Easter celebrations) raises its hand to choose which one of three prisoners to pardon in a re-enactment of the Parable of the Good Thief. This article will examine documents from the censorship files under the Franco dictatorship and reviews of the film to explore the representations of wrongdoing in the film and the intersections of spectatorial relations with ethics.

Spatial distribution, sampling precision and survey design optimisation with non-normal variables: The case of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) recruitment in Spanish Mediterranean waters

In the Mediterranean Sea, the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) displays a key role in ecological and economical terms. Ensuring stock sustainability requires the provision of crucial information, such as species spatial distribution or unbiased abundance and precision estimates, so that management strategies can be defined (e.g. fishing quotas, temporal closure areas or marine protected areas MPA). Furthermore, the estimation of the precision of global abundance at different sampling intensities can be used for survey design optimisation. Geostatistics provide a priori unbiased estimations of the spatial structure, global abundance and precision for autocorrelated data. However, their application to non-Gaussian data introduces difficulties in the analysis in conjunction with low robustness or unbiasedness. The present study applied intrinsic geostatistics in two dimensions in order to (i) analyse the spatial distribution of anchovy in Spanish Western Mediterranean waters during the species’ recruitment season, (ii) produce distribution maps, (iii) estimate global abundance and its precision, (iv) analyse the effect of changing the sampling intensity on the precision of global abundance estimates and, (v) evaluate the effects of several methodological options on the robustness of all the analysed parameters. The results suggested that while the spatial structure was usually non-robust to the tested methodological options when working with the original dataset, it became more robust for the transformed datasets (especially for the log-backtransformed dataset). The global abundance was always highly robust and the global precision was highly or moderately robust to most of the methodological options, except for data transformation.

Analysis of NO, NO2, NOx, O3 and oxidant (OX = O3 + NO2) levels measured in a metropolitan area in the southwest of Iberian Peninsula

Concentrations of O3, NO, NO2, NOx and oxidant (OX=O3+NO2) were investigated for the first time, in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Seville metropolitan area, during 2004. This area experiences frequent photochemical pollution events, mainly in the warm season. Two different environments were analyzed and compared, an urban traffic station (Torneo) and a suburban station (Aljarafe). The concentration of OX (defined as O3+NO2) can be described in terms of the sum of a NOx-independent ‘regional’ contribution (i.e. the O3 background), and a linearly NOx-dependent ‘local’ contribution. Monthly dependence of regional and local OX concentration variation at Torneo and Aljarafe stations were studied along with the annual variation of the daily mean NOx and OX. Maximum levels of OX>190μgm−3 where NOx<70μgm−3 at Aljarafe, and OX<170μgm−3 with NOx around 80–90μgm−3 can be expected in summer months and during daylight hours. Also during summer, but at night, more elevated NOx levels are needed in order to achieve maximum OX values (OX=130–150μgm−3 with NOx≥100μgm−3 at Aljarafe, OX=110–130μgm−3 with NOx≥100μgm−3 at Torneo). This can be used as an approximation to estimate the OX concentrations in Seville for each month, as a function of the NOx measured, as well as to improve in the atmospheric photochemical dynamic in the Spanish Western Mediterranean area where there are undeniable air quality problems.

Validation of a proposed WOMAC short form for patients with hip osteoarthritis

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to propose a Spanish Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) short form based on previously shortened versions and to study its validity, reliability, and responsiveness for patients with hip osteoarthritis undergoing total hip replacement (THR).MethodsProspective observational study of two independent cohorts (788 and 445 patients, respectively). Patients completed the WOMAC and the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaires before THR and 6 months afterward. Patients received the questionnaires by mailing, and two reminder letters were sent to patients who had not replied the questionnaire. Based on two studies from the literature, we selected the two shortened domains, the pain domain composed of three items and the function domain composed of eight items. Thus, we proposed an 11-items WOMAC short form. A complete validation process was performed, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis, and a study of reliability, responsiveness, and agreement measured by the Bland-Altman approach.ResultsThe mean age was about 69 years and about 49% were women. CFA analyses confirmed the two-factor model. The pain and function domains fit the Rasch model. Stability was supported with similar results in both cohorts. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were high, 0.74 and 0.88. The highest correlations in convergent validity were found with the bodily pain and physical function SF-36 domains. Significant differences were found according to different pain and function severity scales, supporting known-groups validity. Responsiveness parameters showed large changes (effect sizes, 2.11 and 2.29). Agreement between the WOMAC long and short forms was adequate.ConclusionsSince short questionnaires result in improved patient compliance and response rates, it is very useful to have a shortened WOMAC version with the same good psychometric properties as the original version. The Spanish WOMAC short form is valid, reliable, and responsive for patients undergoing THR, and most importantly, the first WOMAC short version proposed in Spanish. Because of its simplicity and ease of application, the short form is a good alternative to the original WOMAC questionnaire and it would further enhance its acceptability and usefulness in clinical research, clinical trials, and in routine practice within the orthopaedic community.

Diet of Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) chicks along the Spanish Western Mediterranean coast: the relevance of refuse dumps

In recent decades, the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) has become a problematic species in many Mediterranean countries, mainly because it interferes with human interests. However, this gull also has a negative impact on several other bird species, many of which are classified as endangered. Two different European Union Action Plans are currently under development with the aim of decreasing the availability of food derived from human activities, such as garbage and fishery discards, which are considered to be the main causes of the superpopulations of this gull. Here, we describe the diet of Yellow-legged Gull chicks, with particular emphasis on establishing the dependence of each population on refuse dumps, in order to forecast changes in gull population dynamics in response to the management decisions being implemented. We sampled four colonies along the Western Mediterranean in Spain: the Medes Islands, the Ebro Delta, the Columbretes Islands, and Mazarron Island. To elucidate their feeding ecology and to avoid obtaining a discrete estimation from a single sampling, we collected regurgitates from each colony three times throughout the chick-rearing period. Slightly differential feeding habits were observed between chick age classes. Younger chicks in all four colonies tended to be consistently provisioned with smaller prey such as invertebrates. Distinct uses of several foraging habitats among localities were observed. In particular, the use of refuse dumps was common and abundant in two of the colonies: the Medes and Mazarron Islands. As a consequence of current management strategies, generalized reductions in Yellow-legged Gull populations and increases in the consumption of alternative food resources to those of fishery discards and refuse scraps are expected. Finally, we predict that decreased food availability will force some gulleries to increase predation on endangered species, thereby raising a conservation concern.

Forest Management Considerations for Conservation of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Populations in Quinto Real (Spanish Western Pyrenees)

Forest Management Considerations for Conservation of Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius and White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Populations in Quinto Real (Spanish Western Pyrenees)

Influence of forest structure on the density and distribution of the White-backed WoodpeckerDendrocopos leucotosand Black WoodpeckerDryocopus martiusin Quinto Real (Spanish western Pyrenees)

The nesting areas of 13 pairs of Black Woodpecker (0.41 pairs/km2) and 12 pairs of White-backed Woodpecker (0.38 pairs/km2) were mapped in the Quinto Real forest (Spanish western Pyrenees). Nearest-neighbour analysis indicated a uniform spacing of Black Woodpecker territories and, as both species occupied the most developed beechwoods, White-backed and Black territories showed an aggregated distribution. The local distribution appears to be determined by forest structure. Principal components analysis indicated that forest plots occupied by the woodpeckers had a high percentage of beech in old forest (with a total basal area of tree boles above 20 m2/ha) and with many large trees (diameter at breast height, dbh, over 60 cm).

Hydrothermal events in the Valle de Tena (Spanish Western Pyrenees) as evidenced by fluid inclusions and trace-element distribution from fluorite deposits

This paper provides further evidences from fluorite and calcite geochemistry and from fluid inclusion studies for the origin of the Valle de Tena fluorite deposits. The Valle de Tena, Spanish Western Pyrenees, contains two kinds of fluorite mineralizations: (1) vein-type deposits located in the vicinity of the Panticosa granite and enclosed by Devonian carbonate facies; and (2) carbonate-hosted mineralizations on highly silicified Lower Carboniferous limestones. Based on geological evidences the latter deposits can be referred to as Permo-Triassic. Microthermometrical measurements on two-phase, water-rich inclusions with high liquid to vapor ratios yield homogenization temperatures ranging from 100° to 200°C for the two deposit-types. Salinities range from 4.0 to 11.6 eq wt% NaCl for carbonate-hosted deposits and from 12.5 to 21.3 eq wt% NaCl for vein mineralizations. REE contents are variable and highest abundances are found in the fluorite from Lanuza and Tebarray (green flurite). These later fluorite mineralizations have primary REE patterns with positive Eu anomalies which possibly reflect the alteration of feldspar. The REE distribution patterns of fluorites and calcites from the carbonate-hosted mineralizations are different from those occurring as veins; the decrease of LREE in the former resulted in roof-shaped REE patterns. The negative Eu anomalies as well as the trace-element distribution allow us to deduce that the fluid from which these later Ca-minerals were formed was probably equilibrated with the sedimentary country rocks. The fluid inclusion, geochemical, geologic and preliminary stable isotope data support two temporally distinct hydrothermal systems accounting for the fluorite formation and suggest a sedimentary basin source for the ore fluids. High-salinity fluids (basement brines) are involved in the formation of the vein-type deposits, whereas the subsequent carbonate-hosted mineralizations were formed by mobilization of the fluorite veins by formation waters. The most likely fluorite deposition mechanism is cooling with minor contribution of fluid-rock interaction. In such context, magmatic activity is considered as heat source. The above mineralization events possibly span a time from Permian to Triassic which is in close agreement with the timing of hydrothermal processes documented throughout the Hercynian Europe.

Hadwenius tursionis (Marchi, 1873) n. comb. (Digenea, Campulidae) from the bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) in the western Mediterranean

The taxonomic position of Synthesium tursionis (Marchi, 1873) (Digenea, Campulidae) is revised, based on material from 147 worms from four bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded off the Comunidad Valenciana (Spanish western Mediterranean). The species is transferred to Hadwenius, as H. tursionis n. comb., and characterised by a high length/width ratio of the body, spinose cirrus and unarmed metraterm. Synthesium, a monotypic genus, becomes a synonym of Hadwenius. The intraspecific variation of some morphological traits is briefly discussed.

Biostratigraphie: Foraminifères, Palynoflore et Ostracodes du Rhétien de Bac Grillera (Pyrénées orientales espagnoles)

A marine sequence of Rhaetian age (Upper Triassic) has been identified in the Spanish Western Pyrenees with the help of foraminifera and palynology. The foraminifera, characteristic of the Alpine realm, are essentially represented by the species Aulotortus friedli and Gandinella falsofriedli. The genus Triasina has not been observed. Thus, this outcrop belongs to the Gandinella falsofriedli zone, i.e. the lower subdivision of the Rhaetian s.l., corresponding roughly to the Sevatian. Ostracodes are not age-diagnostic but bring valuable palaeoecological information. A Rhaetian age is confirmed by the presence of the palynomorphs Corollina meyeriana, Rhaetipollis germanicus, Granuloperculatipollis rudis and the dinoflagellate cysts Rhaetogonyaulax rhaetica and Dapcodinium priscum. Data on the systematics of Aulotortus friedli and Gandinella falsofriedli are given. The palaeogeographic importance of this outcrop is emphasized.

Stratigraphie im Variszikum des östlichen Cinco-Villas-Massives in den spanischen Westpyrenäen

Stratigraphie im Variszikum des östlichen Cinco-Villas-Massives in den spanischen Westpyrenäen

Genesis of the three concentrically-zoned granitoid Plutons of Cauterets-Panticosa (French and Spanish Western Pyrenees)

The petrogenesis of the Hercynian plutons of Cauterets-Panticosa was deduced from detailed cartographic, petrographic, chemical (> 300 analyses) and mineralogical evidence. The three adjacent calc-alkaline plutons were derived from a siliceous continental magma modified to varying degrees by hybridization with a mafic mantle-derived magma. The mafic inclusions are evidence for the mafic parent magma. Each of the three plutons is made up of several more or less concentrically disposed granitoid units. This concentric zonation is either recurrent (West Cauterets Pluton), or normal (Panticosa Pluton), or both normal and recurrent (East Cauterets Pluton). The combination of several processes (hybridization, differentiation, multiple intrusion, subterranean collapse) was responsible for the genesis of the three plutons.