Diagnostic Accuracy of Hip Joint Ultrasound for Detection of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition.

OBJECTIVE: Calcium Pyrophosphate Crystal Deposition (CPPD) disease is a chronic and disabling arthropathy. Ultrasound (US) has been shown to be a tool with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CPPD disease, but its value at the hip joint has not yet been determined. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of US for the identification of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystals in the hip joint as compared with histopathology. METHODS: Diagnostic test study involving patients over 50 years of age with osteoarthritis, scheduled for hip replacement surgery. US was performed on the affected hip. Acetabular fibrocartilage (FC) and hyaline cartilage (HC) of the femoral head were assessed, and a dichotomous score was used for the presence/absence of CPP crystals. Synovial fluid (SF) was obtained from the affected hip and examined using polarized light microscopy. Histopathological examination was performed by an experienced pathologist in search for CPP crystals in FC and HC samples. RESULTS: One hundred patients were enrolled, of whom 62% were found to have hyperechoic areas suggestive of CPP deposition on US examination. Pathological evaluation revealed a prevalence of 61% of CPP crystals. The sensitivity, specificity and the positive predictive and the negative predictive values were 90%, 82%, 89%, and 84%, respectively. The area under the curve for US compared with histopathology for the diagnosis of hip CPPD was 0.86 (CI 95% 0.78-0.94). CONCLUSION: US is a valid imaging modality with good diagnostic accuracy for the detection of hip CPPD.

Description of lesions in lambs intoxicated with sodium selenite included in intraruminal boluses: Lambs intoxicated with selenium.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for ruminants, which participates in the optimal functioning of proteins and enzymes that can combat oxidative stress in the body; however, its toxicity is documented in different species. The objective of this work was to describe macroscopic and microscopic lesions in lambs intoxicated with selenium administered through intraruminal boluses. The main lesions at necropsy were pulmonary oedema; the myocardial surface presented multifocal pale areas; the thyroid and thymus glands were decreased in size, and areas of necrosis, haemorrhage and hyperkeratosis were observed in the reticulum and rumen. At the microscopic level, congestion, haemorrhage, oedema and hyaline membranes were observed in the lung; hepatic congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration and necrosis; degeneration and necrosis of the reticulum mucosa, as well as areas of hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis; myocardial degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis; congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration and renal tubular necrosis; thyroid follicular atrophy and thymic cortical atrophy. This study evidenced the main lesions related to selenium poisoning in lambs supplemented with the mineral through intraruminal boluses.

Effect of vaccination on COVID-19 mortality during omicron wave among highly marginalized mexican population.

Background: Social determinants have played a role in COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination has improved these and impacted on inflammatory response, we therefore sought to investigate the association between vaccination and inflammatory response with COVID-19 mortality in a Mexican population with high marginalization during the Omicron wave. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, single-center study in a setting of high marginalization conducted during the Omicron wave, from January to November 2022. Clinical and laboratory data were collected during admission and patients were followed until discharge or death. Patients were grouped according to outcome (survival and non-survival), and by complete (2 or more doses) and incomplete vaccination status for comparison. Results: 118 patients were included, 54% (64/118) male, with a median age 63 years and 86% (102/118) with self-reported comorbidities. Mortality was 42%. 58% (68/118) had complete vaccination. There was a 64% risk reduction for all-cause in-hospital mortality of having complete vaccination, hazard ratio 0.36, (95% CI 0.18-0.71, p = 0.004) in the proportional hazards Cox regression test. Survivor group arrived earlier to medical care and had higher SpO2 on admission, and for inflammatory response, had lower levels of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer at admission. In the longitudinal measurement, only D-dimer showed significant differences between groups according to survival. Conclusion: In a highly marginalized Mexican population, complete vaccination has a protective effect against COVID-19 all-cause in-hospital mortality compared with incomplete or no vaccination. However, mortality in this population during the Omicron wave is high. Socio-economic inequalities may play an important role in COVID-19 outcomes.

Heterotopic twin pregnancy in unicornuate uterus and non-communicating rudimentary horn with survival of both fetuses: Magnetic resonance imaging and 3D reconstructions findings.

We reported a case of heterotopic twin pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating rudimentary horn with survival of both fetuses. The diagnosis was made late at 28 weeks of gestation, with suspicion raised by ultrasound and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During hospitalization, obstetric ultrasound with color Doppler was performed every 2 days to assess fetal well-being and myometrial thickness, which was determined by measurements of the uterine wall at the accessory horn. Elective cesarean section was performed at 33 + 5 weeks of gestation. Delivery started with the fetus in the rudimentary horn, with subsequent extraction of the fetus in the unicornate uterus. Three-dimensional virtual reconstruction allowed a spatial view of the both uterus and fetuses with better understanding of the obstetrical condition by the parents and interactive discussion by the multidisciplinary medical team.

An update on the study of synovial fluid in the geriatric patient.

BACKGROUND: The characteristics of synovial fluid (SF) in geriatric patients differ from those in younger patients. In Mexico, epidemiologic data on the incidence of different rheumatic diseases in geriatric patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the physical characteristics of geriatric SF and the prevalence of crystals in knee and other joint aspirates from patients with previously diagnosed joint disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with a baseline of 517 SF samples between 2011 and 2023. White blood cell count was performed by Neubauer chamber and crystals were identified by polarized light microscopy. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and prevalence was reported as a percentage. RESULTS: The mean age of the adults was 73.5±5.0 years, 54.4% were women and 45.6% were men. The mean SF volume was 6.3±9.5mL in older adults and 15.3±24.9mL in those younger than 65 years. The mean viscosity in older adults was 9.5±4.5mm and the mean leukocyte count was 7352±16,402leukocytes/mm3. Seventy percent of the older adults' SFs were referred to the laboratory for osteoarthritis (OA), with lower proportions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (14.6%) and gout (5.1%). Of the crystals observed in the geriatric population, 14.6% corresponded to monosodium urate crystals (CUM) and 18.9% to calcium pyrophosphate crystals (CPP). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of LS in older adults were smaller volume, increased viscosity, and non-inflammatory. The main diagnoses were OA, RA, and gout. The crystal content of the SF of the geriatric population corresponded mainly to CPP.

Characterization and Applications of the Pectin Extracted from the Peel of Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima.

The inadequate management of organic waste and excessive use of plastic containers cause damage to the environment; therefore, different studies have been carried out to obtain new biomaterials from agricultural subproducts. The objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of using the pectin extracted from the peel of Passiflora tripartita var. mollissima (PT), characterizing its type and viability for the production of edible biodegradable films. In addition, films of two thicknesses (23.45 ± 3.02 µm and 53.34 ± 2.28 µm) were prepared. The results indicated that PT is an excellent raw material for the extraction of pectin, with high yields (23.02 ± 0.02%), high galacturonic acid content (65.43 ± 2.241%), neutral sugars (ribose, xylose, glucose) and a high degree of esterification (76.93 ± 1.65%), classifying it as a high-methoxy pectin. Regarding the films, they were malleable and flexible, with a water vapor permeability from 2.57 × 10-10 ± 0.046 to 0.13 × 10-10 ± 0.029 g/s mPa according to thickness, being similar to other Passiflora varieties of edible films. The pectin extraction yield from PT makes this fruit a promising material for pectin production and its chemical composition a valuable additive for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Dietary intake of pregnant women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Findings on the role of diet in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis are inconsistent. There are few studies on the dietary habits of pregnant women with NAFLD. Our primary aim was to compare the dietary intakes of pregnant women with and without NAFLD. METHODS: This case-control study recruited 60 women (26-34 weeks' gestation) with recently diagnosed gestational diabetes (GDM) before any treatment was implemented. At recruitment, all participants underwent B-mode hepatic ultrasound. We included 30 women with sonographic NAFLD (cases) and 30 women without NAFLD (controls) matched for age, skin color, and pre-pregnancy body mass index. We assessed participants' dietary intakes in the last six months using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Mann-Whitney´s test was used to compare differences in median macro and micronutrient intakes between cases and controls. RESULTS: Total median daily energy (1965.1 × 1949.2 calories) and lipid (25.1% × 28.3%) intakes were similar in women with and without NAFLD and fell within recommended ranges. Participants with NAFLD reported significantly higher median daily intakes of carbohydrates (59.4% × 53.1% p = 0.003), and significantly lower protein (15.6% × 17.0% p = 0.005), fiber (10.7 × 13.3 g/day p = 0.010), and vitamin C (151.8 × 192.6 mg/day p = 0.008) intakes than those without NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with NAFLD ingest more carbohydrates and less protein, fiber, and vitamin C than those without NAFLD. Our findings contribute to understanding the role of diet in the development of NAFLD in pregnant women.

Effects of the size and cost reduction on a discounted payback period and levelized cost of energy of a zero-export photovoltaic system with green hydrogen storage.

Zero-export photovoltaic systems are an option to transition to Smart Grids. They decarbonize the sector without affecting third parties. This paper proposes the analysis of a zero-export PVS with a green hydrogen generation and storage system. This configuration is feasible to apply by any self-generation entity; it allows the user to increase their resilience and independence from the electrical network. The technical issue is simplified because the grid supplies no power. The main challenge is finding an economic balance between the savings in electricity billing, proportional to the local electricity rate, and the complete system's investment, operation, and maintenance expenses. This manuscript presents the effects of the power sizing on the efficacy of economic savings in billing (ηSaving) and the effects of the cost reduction on the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and a discounted payback period (DPP) based on net present value. In addition, this study established an analytical relationship between LCOE and DPP. The designed methodology proposes to size and selects systems to use and store green hydrogen from the zero-export photovoltaic system. The input data in the case study are obtained experimentally from the Autonomous University of the State of Quintana Roo, located on Mexico's southern border. The maximum power of the load is LPmax = 500 kW, and the average power is LPmean = 250 kW; the tariff of the electricity network operator has hourly conditions for a medium voltage demand. A suggested semi-empirical equation allows for determining the efficiency of the fuel cell and electrolyzer as a function of the local operating conditions and the nominal power of the components. The analytical strategy, the energy balance equations, and the identity functions that delimit the operating conditions are detailed to be generalized to other case studies. The results are obtained by a computer code programmed in C++ language. According to our boundary conditions, results show no significant savings generated by the installation of the hydrogen system when the zero-export photovoltaic system Power ≤ LPmax and DPP ≤ 20 years is possible only with LCOE ≤ 0.1 $/kWh. Specifically for the Mexico University case study, zero-export photovoltaic system cost must be less than 310 $/kW, fuel cell cost less than 395 $/kW, and electrolyzer cost less than 460 $/kW.

Domestication and lowland adaptation of coastal preceramic maize from Paredones, Peru.

Archaeological cobs from Paredones and Huaca Prieta (Peru) represent some of the oldest maize known to date, yet they present relevant phenotypic traits corresponding to domesticated maize. This contrasts with the earliest Mexican macro-specimens from Guila Naquitz and San Marcos, which are phenotypically intermediate for these traits, even though they date more recently in time. To gain insights into the origins of ancient Peruvian maize, we sequenced DNA from three Paredones specimens dating ~6700-5000 calibrated years before present (BP), conducting comparative analyses with two teosinte subspecies (Zea mays ssp. mexicana and parviglumis) and extant maize, that include highland and lowland landraces from Mesoamerica and South America. We show that Paredones maize originated from the same domestication event as Mexican maize and was domesticated by ~6700 BP, implying rapid dispersal followed by improvement. Paredones maize shows no relevant gene flow from mexicana, smaller than that observed in teosinte parviglumis. Thus, Paredones samples represent the only maize without confounding mexicana variation found to date. It also harbors significantly fewer alleles previously found to be adaptive to highlands, but not of alleles adaptive to lowlands, supporting a lowland migration route. Our overall results imply that Paredones maize originated in Mesoamerica, arrived in Peru without mexicana introgression through a rapid lowland migration route, and underwent improvements in both Mesoamerica and South America.

The plant we know today as maize or corn began its story 9,000 years ago in modern-day Mexico, when farmers of the Balsas River basin started to carefully breed its ancestor, the wild grass teosinte parviglumis. Recent discoveries suggest the crop may have started to travel to South America before its domestication was fully complete, leading to a complex history of semi-tamed lineages evolving in parallel in different regions. For example, 5,300-year-old corn specimens found in Tehuacán, in central Mexico, still genetically and morphologically resemble teosinte. Meanwhile, cobs harvested about 6,700 to 5,000 years ago on the northern coast of Peru ­ 3800km away from where maize was first domesticated ­ look like the ones we know today. Vallebueno-Estrada et al. aimed to explore the evolutionary history of this Peruvian maize, which was discovered at the archaeological coastal site of Paredones. To do so, they extracted and sequenced its genetic information, and compared these sequences with those from modern varieties of lowland and highland maize, as well as from teosinte parviglumis and teosinte mexicana. The analyses showed that the ancestor of the Paredones maize emerged from teosinte parviglumis like any other lineage, but that it was already domesticated when it started to spread South; by the time it was present in Peru 6,700 years ago, it was genetically closer to modern-day crops. This early departure is consistent with the fact that the Paredones specimens lacked teosinte mexicana genetic variants; this highland relative of lowland parviglumis is believed to have interbred with maize lineages from Central America more recently, when these were brought to higher altitudes. The presence of genetic marks tailored to low-elevation regions suggested that the Paredones maize lineage migrated through a coastal corridor connecting Central and South America, arriving in northern Peru about 2,500 years after first arising from teosinte parviglumis in Central America around 9,000 years ago. Under the care of rapidly developing Central Andean societies, the crop then evolved to adapt to its local conditions. Maize today has spread to all continents besides Antarctica; we produce more of it than wheat, rice or any other grain. How our modern varieties will adapt to the environmental constraints brought by climate change remains unclear. By peering into the history of maize, Vallebueno-Estrada et al. hope to find genetic variations which could inform new breeding strategies that improve the future of this crop.

Pancreatitis aguda asociada a balón intragástrico: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

La obesidad es una patología de importancia a nivel mundial porque conlleva a una alta carga de mortalidad y morbilidad. El balón intragástrico representa una técnica no quirúrgica empleada cada vez con más frecuencia para lograr pérdida de peso. Si bien, este se considera un método seguro, se han reportado algunas complicaciones desde náuseas y vómitos, hasta eventos adversos graves, tales como perforación. La pancreatitis aguda constituye una complicación muy rara del balón intragástrico y se atribuye su efecto a la compresión directa que ejerce sobre el páncreas. Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 21 años, quien después de 7 meses de colocación de balón intragástrico, cursó con dolor abdominal, náuseas y vómitos, asociados a elevación de enzimas pancreáticas. Se hizo diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda y se corroboró compresión de la cola del páncreas mediante estudio tomográfico. Se decidió retiro del balón mediante endoscopía, cursando luego con evolución favorable.

Obesity is a pathology of importance worldwide because it leads to a high burden of mortality and morbidity. The intragastric balloon represents a non-surgical technique used more and more frequently to achieve weight loss. Although this is considered a safe method, some complications have been reported, from nausea and vomiting to serious adverse events, such as perforation. Acute pancreatitis is a very rare complication of the intragastric balloon, and its effect is attributed to the direct compression it exerts on the pancreas. We present the case of a 21-year-old female patient who, after 7 months of intragastric balloon placement, developed abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, associated with elevated pancreatic enzymes. A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and compression of the tail of the pancreas was confirmed by tomographic study. It was decided to remove the balloon by endoscopy, which then progressed favorably.

Quantitative Proteomics for the Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Extracellular Vesicles of Cervical Cancer Cells.

The extracellular vesicles (EVs) in a tumoral microenvironment can exert different functions by transferring their content, which has been poorly described in cervical cancer. Here, we tried to clarify the proteomic content of these EVs, comparing those derived from cancerous HPV (+) keratinocytes (HeLa) versus those derived from normal HPV (-) keratinocytes (HaCaT). We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis, using LC-MS/MS, of the EVs from HeLa and HaCaT cell lines. The up- and downregulated proteins in the EVs from the HeLa cell line were established, along with the cellular component, molecular function, biological processes, and signaling pathways in which they participate. The biological processes with the highest number of upregulated proteins are cell adhesion, proteolysis, lipid metabolic process, and immune system processes. Interestingly, three of the top five signaling pathways with more up- and downregulated proteins are part of the immune response. Due to their content, we can infer that EVs can have a significant role in migration, invasion, metastasis, and the activation or suppression of immune system cells in cancer.

Resultados de la osteosíntesis en fracturas intertrocantéricas inestables de fémur con clavo femoral proximal

Introducción: Las fracturas intertrocantéricas del extremo proximal del fémur constituyen el grupo nosológico con mayor morbilidad y mortalidad de las lesiones traumáticas del esqueleto. Objetivo: Evaluar la reducción, la colocación del implante y el tiempo de consolidación. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 114 pacientes con diagnóstico de fracturas del extremo proximal del fémur tratadas con clavo femoral proximal, y un seguimiento posoperatorio de un año. Resultados: Se alcanzó un resultado clínico funcional de excelente a bueno en el 82,4 % de los casos. Se evidenciaron signos radiológicos de consolidación en un promedio de 4,2 meses en la mayor parte de la muestra. Conclusiones: La pérdida de la fijación constituyó la complicación más frecuente; por tanto, se considera que el enclavado femoral proximal ofrece buenos resultados en el tratamiento de fracturas intertrocantéricas inestables del fémur.

Introduction: Intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal end of the femur constitute the nosological group with the highest morbidity and mortality of traumatic skeletal injuries. Objective: To evaluate reduction, implant placement and consolidation time. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in 114 patients with diagnosis of fractures of the proximal end of the femur treated with proximal femoral nailing, and a one-year postoperative follow-up. Results: A functional clinical result from excellent to good was achieved in 82.4% of the cases. Radiological signs of consolidation were evidenced in an average of 4.2 months in most of the sample. Conclusions: Loss of fixation was the most frequent complication; therefore, proximal femoral nailing is considered to offer good results in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.

Physicians' attitudes and perceived barriers to adherence to the national breast cancer clinical practice guidelines in Mexico: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to clinical practice guidelines improves outcomes for patients with breast cancer. However, their implementation may not be feasible in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate physicians' adherence, attitudes, and barriers towards the Colima Consensus, which is the Mexican national breast cancer clinical practice guideline. METHODS: A cross-sectional, 31-item survey was e-mailed to Consensus attendees and members of the Mexican Society of Oncology and Mexican Mastology Association. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the associations between participants' characteristics, adherence, attitudes, and barriers. RESULTS: Of 439 respondents, 78% percent adhered to Consensus recommendations and 94% believed it was applicable to their clinical practice. Forty percent reported using the Consensus as their sole breast cancer guideline. This was associated with being a surgical oncologist (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.0-5.3) and practicing at a public hospital (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.7). The most common barriers to adherence were lack of resources and logistical problems. Regarding attitudes towards the Consensus, 90% considered it a good educational tool, 89% considered it a reliable source of information, and 90% thought it improved quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: We showed high levels of adherence and positive attitudes towards the Colima Consensus, with a significant proportion of physicians using it as their only guideline. Lack of resources and logistical issues were the main barriers to adherence. Our results highlight the relevance of local breast cancer guidelines and suggest a need for the creation of resource-stratified guidelines.

Reconstrucción biológica de grandes defectos óseos con autoinjerto de peroné vascularizado en huesos largos / Biological reconstruction of large bone defects with vascularized fibular autograft

Introducción: El autoinjerto vascular de peroné se presenta como una muy buena opción en la reconstrucción de grandes defectos óseos en huesos largos gracias a sus características estructurales y propiedades biológicas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes operados con un injerto vascular de peroné aislado o asociado a injerto estructural (técnica de Capanna) desde el 1 de enero de 2014 hasta el 1 de enero de 2021 en nuestro hospital. Resultados: Se realizaron 26 cirugías mediante un injerto vascular de peroné; en 8 de ellas, se utilizó el colgajo vascularizado de peroné para la reconstrucción del defecto óseo en hueso largo. El tamaño medio del defecto era de 7,7 cm. El origen del defecto era postraumático en 5 casos y tumoral en el resto. Se consiguió la consolidación completa en todos los pacientes. Los resultados clínicos y funcionales en las escalas de valoración fueron mejores en pacientes operados en el miembro inferior. Conclusiones: El uso de un colgajo vascularizado de peroné asociado o no a aloinjerto estructural es una estrategia útil en la reconstrucción de grandes defectos óseos (≥5 cm), independientemente de la causa de la lesión; la supervivencia del injerto y la función son buenas, con una tasa de complicaciones aceptable. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Background: Given its biological and structural qualities, vascular fibular autograft is a good option for the reconstruction of large defects in long bones. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and retrospective observational study was conducted. We included all cases of patients who underwent surgery in our hospital between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2021, and who had a vascular fibula autograft either standalone or in combination with a structural graft (Capanna technique). Results:There were 26 documented vascular fibula autograft procedures. Eight of the procedures involved the reconstruction of a long bone defect. The bone defect was an average of 7.7 cm in length. In five of the cases, the origin of the bone defect was post-traumatic, and in the remaining cases, it was tumoral. In all cases, complete consolidation was achieved. Surgical procedures performed on the lower extremities yielded better clinical and functional outcomes. Conclusions:Vascular fibula autograft either on its own or in combination with a structural graft, as described in the Capanna technique, is an excellent alternative for the reconstruction of bone defects ≥ 5 cm. Radiological, clinical and functional outcomes are good, with an acceptable rate of complications. Level of Evidence: IV

Dynamic inflammatory response among routine laboratory biomarkers and their predictive ability for mortality in patients with severe COVID-19.

Background: The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is related to several factors, including age, sex, and comorbidities (obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension). However, systemic inflammation plays a fundamental role in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Several studies have described this association employing specific biomarkers that are not routinely used in clinical practice. On the other hand, very few reports in the literature focused on the analysis of the routine laboratory biomarkers to predict the outcome of severe COVID-19 patients. Objective: We aimed to analyze the dynamic inflammatory response using routine laboratory biomarkers to predict in-hospital mortality in Mexican patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: This is a cohort study including patients with severe COVID-19. Demographic characteristics were retrieved from medical charts and biochemical parameters were measured at hospital admission and subsequently on days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 during the hospital stay; measurements were stopped when patients were discharged from the hospital (alive or death). Results: A total of 250 patients were included in the study, 40.8% of patients died. The analyzed routine laboratory parameters, such as serum levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer remained elevated in hospitalized patients who did not survive, whereas eosinophil and platelets were maintained at lower levels. In the multivariate analysis, leukocytes, and neutrophils were the best biomarkers for predicting mortality risk and were independent of age, gender, or comorbidities. Conclusion: Our results support the use of routine laboratory biomarkers as predictors of mortality in Mexican hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.

Verminosis pulmonar en pequeños rumiantes, descripción de la enfermedad, prevención, control y tratamiento / Pulmonary verminosis in small ruminants, description of the disease, prevention, control and treatment

Resumen La verminosis pulmonar en ovinos y caprinos es una de las parasitosis más importantes que afectan a ambas especies. Es causada por los nematodos Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens y Muellerius capillaris. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar información reciente sobre verminosis en ovinos y caprinos. Su patogenicidad depende de la cantidad de larvas presentes y su ubicación en el parenquima pulmonar, lo que puede provocar una bronconeumonía, que en ocasiones es mortal. La enfermedad puede ser clínica o subclínica, con signos como tos, taquipnea, secreción nasal y retraso en el crecimiento. El diagnóstico se puede realizar mediante detección de larvas del primer estadio (L1) en heces, utilizando la técnica de Baermann. Para el tratamiento se pueden utilizar benzimidazoles, lactonas macrocíclicas e imidazotiazoles. A pesar de la poca importancia que se le suele dar como verminosis pulmonar, puede provocar afectación a los parámetros productivos y disminuir la ganancia de peso, así como, predisponer a bronconeumonías secundarias, afectando la rentabilidad de las unidades de producción.

Abstract Pulmonary verminosis is one of the most important parasites affecting sheep and goats. It is caused by Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens and Muellerius capillaris nematodes. The objective of this work was to present recent information on verminosis in sheep and goats. Its pathogenicity depends on the number of larvae and their location in the lung parenchyma, which can cause bronchopneumonia, sometimes fatal. The disease can be clinical or subclinical, with signs such as cough, tachypnea, runny nose, and growth retardation. Diagnosis can be made by detecting first-stage larvae (L1) in feces, using the Baermann technique. Benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones and imidazothiazoles can be used for treatment. Despite the little importance that is usually given to the disease, it can affect production parameters, and decrease weight gain, as well as predispose to secondary bronchopneumonia, affecting the profitability of production units.

Low sensitivity of the COVID-19 antigen test (PANBIO™ COVID-19 Ag rapid test) to detect asymptomatic infections in health personnel of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases.

Background: COVID-19 requires an early diagnosis to optimize management and limit transmission. SARS-CoV-2 is able to spread effectively. Infected asymptomatic individuals have been found to be contagious. RT-qPCR is the currently recommended laboratory method for diagnosing acute infection. However, rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests are not only fast, but require less specialized training. The possibility of using RAD tests to identify asymptomatic patients is attractive, as it could effectively contribute to minimizing the hospital spread of SARS-CoV-2. The objective of the study was to determine the performance of RAD vs. RT-qPCR for the detection of asymptomatic cases in INER health personnel. Methods: In order to follow WHO guidelines, generalized tests, a test station for health care workers was implemented on demand. A rapid test was carried out and a second sample was taken to be processed by RT-qPCR. With the results of both tests we conducted a retrospective study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. Results: A total of 1640 RAD tests were performed in health care workers (mean age was 39, 69, 47% with a self-reported comorbidity). Participants provided 1,640 valid RAD/RT-qPCR test pairs with 2% testing positive via RT-qPCR. 12 RAD samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall sensitivity of the PANBIO ™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test test was 35.2%. Conclusions: RADs are not recommended for the detection of asymptomatic cases due to low performance.

Understanding and addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in low and middle income countries and in people with severe mental illness: Overview and recommendations for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Despite the speedy development of vaccines for COVID-19, their rollout has posed a major public health challenge, as vaccine hesitancy (VH) and refusal are high. Addressing vaccine hesitancy is a multifactorial and context-dependent challenge. This perspective focuses on VH in the world region of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and includes people suffering from severe mental illness, therefore covering populations and subpopulations often neglected in scientific literature. We present an overview of VH in LAC countries, discussing its global and historical context. Vaccine uptake has shown to widely vary across different subregions of LAC. Current data points to a possible correlation between societal polarization and vaccination, especially in countries going through political crises such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Poor accessibility remains an additional important factor decreasing vaccination rollout in LAC countries and even further, in the whole Global South. Regarding patients with severe mental illness in LAC, and worldwide, it is paramount to include them in priority groups for immunization and monitor their vaccination coverage through public health indicators.

Brush-like Polyaniline with Optical and Electroactive Properties at Neutral pH and High Temperature.

In this research, a brush-like polyaniline (poly(2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate)-g-polyaniline)-b-poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (BL PAni) was developed as a strategy to overcome the limited processability and dedoping above pH 4 of conventional polyaniline (PAni). For the BL PAni synthesis, RAFT polymerization (homopolymer), RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (block copolymer), and interfacial oxidative polymerization were applied to graft the PAni chains. NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies were performed to confirm the structural elucidation of the reaction pathways, while the thermal properties were analyzed by TGA and DSC. Notably, the BL PAni presents absorption throughout the visible region and up to the near-infrared, showing dedoping resistance at up to 80 °C and at a neutral pH. The absorption range of the BL PAni, block copolymer, and homopolymer were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy in solid-state and dispersion/solution, highlighting BL PAni and poly(anilinium 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate)-b-poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PAAMP-b-PVK) due to the π-stacking between the anilinium and carbazole groups. The cyclic voltammetry confirmed the persistence of electroactivity at a pH near 7.