Vascular malformations in pediatric patients: 10-year experience of a vascular anomalies clinic.

BACKGROUND: Vascular malformations (VaMs) are caused by errors in vascular morphogenesis. Diagnosis and treatment can be complex. Few specialized centers care for these patients, and limited literature exists regarding their characteristics and clinical course. The vascular anomalies clinic (VAC) at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (National Institute for Pediatrics) is a multidisciplinary team and has been a reference center for patients with VaMs since 2012. We sought to describe the characteristics of patients cared for at the VAC, types of VaMs, treatments used, and clinical course. METHODS: This was a descriptive, observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study conducted from 2012 to 2022. RESULTS: We included 435 patients with VaMs; the median age of presentation was 1 month. The most frequent signs and symptoms were increased volume (97.2%), superficial color change (65.5%), and pain (43.3%). The most common VaMs were lymphatic (36.7%) and venolymphatic (18.3%). Sclerotherapy was the most frequent treatment (73.4%), followed by medical treatment with sirolimus (18.5%); response to both was excellent/good in > 85% of cases. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of children with VaMs, we found that low-flow malformations were the most common, and sclerotherapy and sirolimus were the most frequently used treatments. The therapeutic response was excellent/good in most cases.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las malformaciones vasculares (MaV) son secundarias a errores en la morfogénesis vascular. El diagnóstico y tratamiento puede ser complejo. Existen pocos centros especializados en su atención y escasa literatura respecto a características y evolución clínica. La Clínica de Anomalías Vasculares (CAV) del Instituto Nacional de Pediatría es un equipo multidisciplinario y centro de referencia para estos pacientes desde 2012. Buscamos describir las características de los pacientes atendidos en la CAV, tipo de MaV, tratamiento y evolución clínica. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo y transversal del periodo 2012 al 2022. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 435 pacientes con MaV, con edad mediana de presentación de 1 mes de vida. Los síntomas y signos más reportados fueron aumento de volumen (97.2%), cambio en coloración de la piel (65.5%) y dolor (43.3%). Las MaV más comunes fueron linfáticas (36.7%), siguiéndoles las venolinfáticas (18.3%). La escleroterapia fue el tratamiento más frecuente (73.4%) y el tratamiento médico más utilizado fue sirolimus (18.5%), ambos con excelente/buena respuesta en > 85% de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio retrospectivo de niños con MaV encontramos que las más frecuentes son de bajo flujo y el tratamiento más usado escleroterapia y sirolimus. La respuesta terapéutica de la mayoría fue excelente/buena.

Glycaemia and ischaemia-reperfusion brain injury in patients with ischaemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy (GLIAS-MT): an observational, unicentric, prospective study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Poststroke hyperglycaemia is an independent risk factor for poorer outcomes in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and is associated with a lower probability of functional recovery and higher mortality at 3 months. This study aims to evaluate the association between glucose levels during cerebral reperfusion with MT and functional recovery at 3 months, measured by subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. METHODS: This prospective observational study aims to recruit 100 patients with ischaemic stroke and large anterior circulation vessel occlusion, in whom MT is indicated. CGM will be performed using a Freestyle Libre ProIQ device (FSL-CGM, Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, California, USA), which will be implanted on admission to the emergency department, to monitor glucose levels before, during and after reperfusion. The study's primary endpoint will be the functional status at 3 months, as measured by the dichotomised modified Rankin Scale (0-2 indicating good recovery and 3-6 indicating dependency or death). We will analyse expression profiles of microRNA (miRNA) at the time of reperfusion and 24 hours later, as potential biomarkers of ischaemic-reperfusion injury. The most promising miRNAs include miR-100, miR-29b, miR-339, miR-15a and miR-424. All patients will undergo treatment according to current international recommendations and local protocols for the treatment of stroke, including intravenous thrombolysis if indicated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study (protocol V.1.1, dated 29 October 2021, code 6017) has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain) and has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05871502). Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications in Open Access format and at conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05871502.

Use of artificial intelligence embryo selection based on static images to predict first-trimester pregnancy loss.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can an artificial intelligence embryo selection assistant predict the incidence of first-trimester spontaneous abortion using static images of IVF embryos? DESIGN: In a blind, retrospective study, a cohort of 172 blastocysts from IVF cases with single embryo transfer and a positive biochemical pregnancy test was ranked retrospectively by the artificial intelligence morphometric algorithm ERICA. Making use of static embryo images from a light microscope, each blastocyst was assigned to one of four possible groups (optimal, good, fair or poor), and linear regression was used to correlate the results with the presence or absence of a normal fetal heart beat as an indicator of ongoing pregnancy or spontaneous abortion, respectively. Additional analyses included modelling for recipient age and chromosomal status established by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). RESULTS: Embryos classified as optimal/good had a lower incidence of spontaneous abortion (16.1%) compared with embryos classified as fair/poor (25%; OR = 0.46, P = 0.005). The incidence of spontaneous abortion in chromosomally normal embryos (determined by PGT-A) was 13.3% for optimal/good embryos and 20.0% for fair/poor embryos, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.531). There was a significant association between embryo rank and recipient age (P = 0.018), in that the incidence of spontaneous abortion was unexpectedly lower in older recipients (21.3% for age ≤35 years, 17.9% for age 36-38 years, 16.4% for age ≥39 years; OR = 0.354, P = 0.0181). Overall, these results support correlation between risk of spontaneous abortion and embryo rank as determined by artificial intelligence; classification accuracy was calculated to be 67.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that artificial intelligence (ERICA), which was designed as a ranking system to assist with embryo transfer decisions and ploidy prediction, may also be useful to provide information for couples on the risk of spontaneous abortion. Future work will include a larger sample size and karyotyping of miscarried pregnancy tissue.

Acute lung injury is prevented by monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor in an experimental severe malaria mouse model.

Acute lung injury caused by severe malaria (SM) is triggered by a dysregulated immune response towards the infection with Plasmodium parasites. Postmortem analysis of human lungs shows diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), the presence of CD8 lymphocytes, neutrophils, and increased expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1). P. berghei ANKA (PbA) infection in C57BL/6 mice reproduces many SM features, including acute lung injury characterized by DAD, CD8+ T lymphocytes and neutrophils in the lung parenchyma, and tissular expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules, such as IFNγ, TNFα, ICAM, and VCAM. Since this is related to a dysregulated immune response, immunomodulatory agents are proposed to reduce the complications of SM. The monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF) is an immunomodulatory pentapeptide isolated from axenic cultures of Entamoeba hystolitica. Thus, we evaluated if the MLIF intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment prevented SM-induced acute lung injury. The peptide prevented SM without a parasiticidal effect, indicating that its protective effect was related to modifications in the immune response. Furthermore, peripheral CD8+ leukocytes and neutrophil proportions were higher in infected treated mice. However, the treatment prevented DAD, CD8+ cell infiltration into the pulmonary tissue and downregulated IFNγ. Moreover, VCAM-1 expression was abrogated. These results indicate that the MLIF treatment downregulated adhesion molecule expression, impeding cell migration and proinflammatory cytokine tissular production, preventing acute lung injury induced by SM. Our findings represent a potential novel strategy to avoid this complication in various events where a dysregulated immune response triggers lung injury.

Repositioning FDA-Approved Drug Against Chagas Disease and Cutaneous Leishmaniosis by Structure-Based Virtual Screening.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease and cutaneous leishmaniasis, two parasitic diseases caused by Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and Leishmania mexicana (L. mexicana), respectively, have a major global impact. Current pharmacological treatments for these diseases are limited and can cause severe side effects; thus, there is a need for new antiprotozoal drugs. METHODS: Using molecular docking, this work describes a structure-based virtual screening of an FDA-approved drug library against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania mexicana glycolytic enzyme triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), which is highly conserved in these parasites. The selected compounds with potential dual inhibitory activity were tested in vitro to confirm their biological activity. RESULTS: The study showed that five compounds: nilotinib, chlorhexidine, protriptyline, cyproheptadine, and montelukast, were more active against T. cruzi, than the reference drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole while chlorhexidine and protriptyline were the most active against L. mexicana. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of these compounds and their structural characteristics may provide the basis for the development of new antiprotozoal agents.

The Internet of Things in assisted reproduction.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network connecting physical objects with sensors, software and internet connectivity for data exchange. Integrating the IoT with medical devices shows promise in healthcare, particularly in IVF laboratories. By leveraging telecommunications, cybersecurity, data management and intelligent systems, the IoT can enable a data-driven laboratory with automation, improved conditions, personalized treatment and efficient workflows. The integration of 5G technology ensures fast and reliable connectivity for real-time data transmission, while blockchain technology secures patient data. Fog computing reduces latency and enables real-time analytics. Microelectromechanical systems enable wearable IoT and miniaturized monitoring devices for tracking IVF processes. However, challenges such as security risks and network issues must be addressed through cybersecurity measures and networking advancements. Clinical embryologists should maintain their expertise and knowledge for safety and oversight, even with IoT in the IVF laboratory.

Parto culturalmente adecuado desde la perspectiva de enfermería, visión contemporánea y particularidades en pacientes reumáticas

La maternidad es un proceso complejo que se encuentra determinado por factores objetivos y subjetivos. A pesar de ser inherente a todos los seres humanos se ve influenciado por elementos culturales que determinan, en buena medida la conducta de la población para con la maternidad. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue exponer los elementos relacionados con la denominación del parto culturalmente adecuado desde la perspectiva de enfermería basado en un enfoque contemporáneo de la maternidad, atendiendo a las particularidades de la paciente reumática. Se realizó un análisis global de las características básicas y distintivas de la maternidad en distintos continentes, basado en la perspectiva de la atención de enfermería, para ser comparado con el proceso que se desarrolla actualmente en el Ecuador; adicionalmente se prestó atención a los elementos distintivos de la atención en pacientes reumáticas. Los resultados muestran las diferencias existentes en un mismo proceso y evidencian como los elementos culturales son capaces de influenciar el desarrollo y la atención de la maternidad en Ecuador. Se concluye que existen particularidades en Ecuador que son distintivas en la atención de enfermería durante la maternidad; estas se ven influenciadas por las costumbres regionales, pero conservan su identidad evidenciando el papel que juega la interculturalidad en cada uno de los momentos trascendentales de los seres humanos.

Maternity is a complex process that is determined by objective and subjective factors. Despite being inherent to all human beings, it is influenced by cultural elements that largely determine the behavior of the population towards motherhood. The objective of this research was to expose the elements related to the culturally appropriate name of childbirth from the nursing perspective based on a contemporary approach to motherhood, taking into account the particularities of the rheumatic patient. A global analysis of the basic and distinctive characteristics of maternity in different continents was carried out, based on the perspective of nursing care, to be compared with the process currently taking place in Ecuador; Additionally, attention was paid to the distinctive elements of care in rheumatic patients. The results show the differences that exist in the same process and show how cultural elements are capable of influencing the development and care of maternity in Ecuador. It is concluded that there are particularities in Ecuador that are distinctive in nursing care during maternity; These are influenced by regional customs, but retain their identity, evidencing the role that interculturality plays in each of the transcendental moments of human beings.

Interpretación de la praxis cultural de la maternidad desde la enfermería antropológica

La interculturalidad, con base en las costumbres y creencias arraigadas, determina en buena medida el accionar d ellos seres humanos. Desde el punto de vista salubrista el accionar de enfermería responde al aporte de cuidados básicos y avanzados orientados al restablecimiento o mantenimiento del adecuado estado de salud de las personas. Durante el periodo de maternidad y el trabajo de parto los profesionales de enfermería juegan un papel fundamental no solo con la gestante, sino con el recién nacido, la familia y el contexto social que los rodea. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue interpretar la praxis cultural de la maternidad desde el punto de vista de la enfermería antropológica, basado en la opinión de personas en base a categorías previamente definidas y clasificadas como de mayor, mediana y poca frecuencia. Las categorías definidas como de mayor frecuencia fueron las creencias y costumbres, la familia, el trabajo de parto y los sistemas de salud. Como categorías de mediana frecuencia se definieron el calvario y dolor, las emociones y sentimiento y las prácticas pos parto. Por último, fueron definidas el embarazo y la religión como categorías de poca frecuencia. Se hace una interpretación de como las costumbres se incorporan dentro de la praxis cotidiana, estableciéndose como una conducta arraigada; por lo que las teorías dejan de ser únicamente teorías para convertirse en una experiencia vivida, siendo este el principal resultado del estudio y posible punto de parida a otras investigaciones sobre el tema.

Interculturality, based on deeply rooted customs and beliefs, largely determines the actions of human beings. From the health point of view, nursing actions respond to the contribution of basic and advanced care aimed at restoring or maintaining the adequate state of health of people. During the maternity period and labor, nursing professionals play a fundamental role not only with the pregnant woman, but also with the newborn, the family, and the social context that surrounds them. The objective of this research was to interpret the cultural praxis of maternity from the point of view of anthropological nursing, based on the opinion of people based on previously defined categories and classified as higher, medium, and infrequent. The categories defined as the most frequent were beliefs and customs, family, labor and health systems. Ordeal and pain, emotions and feelings, and postpartum practices were defined as medium frequency categories. Lastly, pregnancy and religion were defined as infrequent categories. An interpretation of how customs are incorporated into daily praxis is made, establishing itself as a rooted behavior; Therefore, the theories are no longer just theories to become a lived experience, this being the main result of the study and a possible starting point for another research on the subject.

Locomotion Outcome Improvement in Mice with Glioblastoma Multiforme after Treatment with Anastrozole.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a tumor that infiltrates several brain structures. GBM is associated with abnormal motor activities resulting in impaired mobility, producing a loss of functional motor independence. We used a GBM xenograft implanted in the striatum to analyze the changes in Y (vertical) and X (horizontal) axis displacement of the metatarsus, ankle, and knee. We analyzed the steps dissimilarity factor between control and GBM mice with and without anastrozole. The body weight of the untreated animals decreased compared to treated mice. Anastrozole reduced the malignant cells and decreased GPR30 and ERα receptor expression. In addition, we observed a partial recovery in metatarsus and knee joint displacement (dissimilarity factor). The vertical axis displacement of the GBM+anastrozole group showed a difference in the right metatarsus, right knee, and left ankle compared to the GBM group. In the horizontal axis displacement of the right metatarsus, ankle, and knee, the GBM+anastrozole group exhibited a difference at the last third of the step cycle compared to the GBM group. Thus, anastrozole partially modified joint displacement. The dissimilarity factor and the vertical and horizontal displacements study will be of interest in GBM patients with locomotion alterations. Hindlimb displacement and gait locomotion analysis could be a valuable methodological tool in experimental and clinical studies to help diagnose locomotive deficits related to GBM.

Automated identification of blastocyst regions at different development stages.

The selection of the best single blastocyst for transfer is typically based on the assessment of the morphological characteristics of the zona pellucida (ZP), trophectoderm (TE), blastocoel (BC), and inner cell-mass (ICM), using subjective and observer-dependent grading protocols. We propose the first automatic method for segmenting all morphological structures during the different developmental stages of the blastocyst (i.e., expansion, hatching, and hatched). Our database contains 592 original raw images that were augmented to 2132 for training and 55 for validation. The mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was 0.87 for all pixels, and for the BC, BG (background), ICM, TE, and ZP was 0.85, 0.96, 0.54, 0.63, and 0.71, respectively. Additionally, we tested our method against a public repository of 249 images resulting in accuracies of 0.96 and 0.93 and DSC of 0.67 and 0.67 for ICM and TE, respectively. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated that our method is robust, especially for the BC, BG, TE, and ZP. It is concluded that our approach can automatically segment blastocysts from different laboratory settings and developmental phases of the blastocysts, all within a single pipeline. This approach could increase the knowledge base for embryo selection.

Computer software (SiD) assisted real-time single sperm selection associated with fertilization and blastocyst formation.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is it possible to explore an association between individual sperm kinematics evaluated in real time and spermatozoa selected by an embryologist for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with subsequent normal fertilization and blastocyst formation using a novel artificial vision-based software (SiD V1.0; IVF 2.0, UK)? DESIGN: ICSI procedures were randomly video recorded and subjected to analysis using SiD V1.0, proprietary software developed by our group. In total, 383 individual spermatozoa were retrospectively analysed from a dataset of 78 ICSI-assisted reproductive technology cycles. SiD software computes the progressive motility parameters, straight-line velocity (VSL) and linearity of the curvilinear path (LIN), of each sperm trajectory, along with a quantitative value, head movement pattern (HMP), which is an indicator of the characteristics of the sperm head movement patterns. The mean VSL, LIN and HMP measurements for each set of spermatozoa were compared based on different outcome measures. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in VSL, LIN and HMP among those spermatozoa selected for injection (P < 0.001). Additionally, LIN and HMP were found to be significantly different between successful and unsuccessful fertilization (P = 0.038 and P = 0.029, respectively). Additionally, significantly higher SiD scores were found for those spermatozoa that achieved both successful fertilization (P = 0.004) and blastocyst formation (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: The possibility of carrying out real-time analyses of individual spermatozoa using an automatic tool such as SiD creates the opportunity to assist the embryologist in selecting the better spermatozoon for injection in an ICSI procedure.

Relevance of Helminth-Microbiota interplay in the host immune response.

Helminths have been present throughout the evolution of humans, promoting the development and maturation of the host immune system. However, this interaction is not exclusive between these two organisms, as the microbiota is also involved in this human evolutionary process and maintains a balanced relationship inside the host. Consequently, helminths have been forced to interact and co-evolve with the microbiota, shaping microbial communities and allowing the development of reciprocal mechanisms that favour their establishment. This helminth-microbiota association, in turn, induced the activation of different host immunoregulatory pathways to preserve health by preventing the development of some diseases associated with inflammatory immune responses. Unfortunately, this collaborative relationship can be quali- and quantitatively altered by the diet and the use of antibacterial and antihelminthic drugs. Understanding the mechanisms involved in this complex three-way communication that has continued for many years is crucial for preserving health and for the generation of new therapeutic alternatives.

A Method for Evaluating the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 by Using Location Data / Un Método para la Evaluación del Riesgo de Exposición al Virus de COVID-19 Usando los Datos de Locación

Abstract One of the main reasons for the widespread dissemination of COVID-19 is that many infected people are asymptomatic. Consequently, they likely spread the virus to other people as they continue their everyday life. This emphasizes the importance for targeting high-risk groups for the diagnosis of COVID-19 (with real-time PCR techniques). However, the availability of the necessary technology and resources may be limited in certain towns, cities or countries. Thus, the challenge is to determine a criterion in order to prioritize the suspected cases most in need of testing. The aim of the present study was to develop a method for evaluating the risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection based on geolocation data. The risk is expressed as a score that will be instrumental in optimally applying the COVID-19 test to suspected cases representing the highest probability of exposure. It can be easily and quickly implemented with easily accessible open source tools. A simulation was herein conducted with data from four people, assigning infection to one of them. The results show the feasibility of assessing the risk of exposure with the new methodology. Additionally, the data obtained might provide insights into the sometimes complicated patterns of virus propagation.

Resumen Una de las principales razones del esparcimiento del COVID-19 es que muchas de las personas infectadas son asintomáticas. Así entonces, al continuar con su vida diaria estas personas contagiadas son susceptibles a contagiar el virus a otras personas sin siquiera imaginarlo. Actualmente el diagnostico de COVID-19 se lleva a cabo usando técnicas de PCR en tiempo real. Sin embargo, la disponibilidad de dichas pruebas puede ser limitada en algunos países o ciudades. En este sentido determinar un criterio que permita definir a cuáles casos sospechosos deben de ser aplicada la prueba resulta un reto importante. En este artículo se presenta un método que permite evaluar el riesgo de exposición de una persona al COVID-19 que está basado en el uso de los datos locación. El método propuesto puede ser rápida y fácilmente implementada utilizando herramientas de código abierto existentes actualmente. El método propuesto fue probado utilizando datos de cuatro personas simulando a uno de ellos como portador del virus. Los resultados muestran la factibilidad del método propuesto para evaluar el riesgo de exposición. Además, los datos que se obtienen pueden ser potencialmente utilizados para un mejor entendimiento de los patrones de dispersión del virus.

Kinematic Changes in a Mouse Model of Penetrating Hippocampal Injury and Their Recovery After Intranasal Administration of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Locomotion speed changes appear following hippocampal injury. We used a hippocampal penetrating brain injury mouse model to analyze other kinematic changes. We found a significant decrease in locomotion speed in both open-field and tunnel walk tests. We described a new quantitative method that allows us to analyze and compare the displacement curves between mice steps. In the tunnel walk, we marked mice with indelible ink on the knee, ankle, and metatarsus of the left and right hindlimbs to evaluate both in every step. Animals with hippocampal damage exhibit slower locomotion speed in both hindlimbs. In contrast, in the cortical injured group, we observed significant speed decrease only in the right hindlimb. We found changes in the displacement patterns after hippocampal injury. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles had been used for the treatment of several diseases in animal models. Here, we evaluated the effects of intranasal administration of endometrial mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles on the outcome after the hippocampal injury. We report the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and interleukin 6 in these vesicles. We observed locomotion speed and displacement pattern preservation in mice after vesicle treatment. These mice had lower pyknotic cells percentage and a smaller damaged area in comparison with the nontreated group, probably due to angiogenesis, wound repair, and inflammation decrease. Our results build up on the evidence of the hippocampal role in walk control and suggest that the extracellular vesicles could confer neuroprotection to the damaged hippocampus.

Evaluating predictive models in reproductive medicine.

Predictive modeling has become a distinct subdiscipline of reproductive medicine, and researchers and clinicians are just learning the skills and expertise to evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) studies. Diagnostic tests and model predictions are subject to evaluation. Their use offers potential for both harm and benefit in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The performance of AI models and their potential clinical utility hinge on the quality and size of the databases used, the types and distribution of data, and the particular AI method applied. Additionally, when images are involved, the method of capturing, preprocessing, and treatment and accurate labeling of images becomes an important component of AI modeling. Inconsistent image treatment or inaccurate labeling of images can lead to an inconsistent database, resulting in poor AI accuracy. We discuss the critical appraisal of AI models in reproductive medicine and convey the importance of transparency and standardization in reporting AI models so that the risk of bias and the potential clinical utility of AI can be assessed.

Embryo Ranking Intelligent Classification Algorithm (ERICA): artificial intelligence clinical assistant predicting embryo ploidy and implantation.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can a deep machine learning artificial intelligence algorithm predict ploidy and implantation in a known data set of static blastocyst images, and how does its performance compare against chance and experienced embryologists? DESIGN: A database of blastocyst images with known outcome was applied with an algorithm dubbed ERICA (Embryo Ranking Intelligent Classification Algorithm). It was evaluated against its ability to predict euploidy, compare ploidy prediction against randomly assigned prognosis labels and against senior embryologists, and if it could rank an euploid embryo highly. RESULTS: A total of 1231 embryo images were classed as good prognosis if euploid and implanted or poor prognosis if aneuploid and failed to implant. An accuracy of 0.70 was obtained with ERICA, with positive predictive value of 0.79 for predicting euploidy. ERICA had greater normalized discontinued cumulative gain (ranking metric) than random selection (P = 0.0007), and both embryologists (P = 0.0014 and 0.0242, respectively). ERICA ranked an euploid blastocyst first in 78.9% and at least one euploid embryo within the top two blastocysts in 94.7% of cases, better than random classification and the two senior embryologists. Average embryo ranking time for four blastocysts was under 25 s. CONCLUSION: Artificial intelligence lends itself well to image pattern recognition. We have trained ERICA to rank embryos based on ploidy and implantation potential using single static embryo image. This tool represents a potentially significant advantage to assist embryologists to choose the best embryo, saving time spent annotating and does not require time lapse or invasive biopsy. Future work should be directed to evaluate reproducibility in different data sets.

Fasciola hepatica-derived molecules as potential immunomodulators.

Through the years, helminths have co-existed with many species. This process has allowed parasites to live within them for long periods and, in some cases, to generate offspring. In particular, this ability has allowed Fasciola hepatica to survive the diverse immunological responses faced within its wide range of hosts. The vast repertoire of molecules that are constantly secreted in large quantities by the parasite, acts directly on several cells of the immune system affecting their antiparasitic capacities. Interestingly, these molecules can direct the host immune response to an anti-inflammatory and regulatory phenotype that assures the survival of the parasite with less harm to the host. Based on these observations, some of the products of F. hepatica, as well as those of other helminths, have been studied, either as a total extract, extracellular vesicles or as purified molecules, to establish and characterize their anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Until now, the results obtained encourage further research directed to discover new helminth-derived alternatives to replace current therapies, which can be useful for people suffering from inflammatory diseases like autoimmunity or allergy processes that affect their life quality. In this review, some of the most studied molecules derived from F. hepatica and their modulating capacities are discussed.

Evolución de la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) en Ecuador / Evolution of coronavirus desease (COVID­19) in Ecuador

Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) fue declarada una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional por el Comité de Emergencias del Reglamento Sanitario Internacional. En el Ecuador se identificó el primer caso el 29 de febrero del 2020 y su propagación crece en forma acelerada. Objetivo: Demostrar como se desarrolla la infección por COVID-19 en Ecuador a partir de la información proporcionada por el gobierno central con el fin de implementar oportunamente medidas que aplanen la curva creciente en el país. Método: El estudio se basa en literatura de revistas científicas y en reportes diarios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y del Sistema Nacional de Gestión de Riesgos y Emergencias (SINGRE) del Ecuador del 13 al 31 de Marzo del 2020. El procesamiento de los datos se hizo a través de una hoja electrónica de cálculo. Resultados: El Ecuador tiene la tasa más alta de personas con COVID-19 en América del Sur 13.15 por 100 000 habitantes y supera el promedio mundial de 9.63. La tasa letalidad en Ecuador de 3.40 % se acerca al promedio mundial de 4.80%. La provincias de Guayas, Galápagos, Cañar y Sucumbios tienen las tasas de morbilidad por COVID-19 más altas en el país y superan la media mundial. Conclusiones: Se debe fortalecer la comunicación de riesgos, la participación comunitaria y mantener el asilamiento domiciliario, al menos hasta 14 días después de que la curva presente un descenso de los casos.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID­19) was declared a public health emergency of international importance by the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee. In Ecuador, the first case was identified on February 29 2020 and its spread grows rapidly. Objective: To describe the development of COVID­19 infection in Ecuador using informa on provided by the central government in order to be able to implement timely measures and flatten the increasing curve in the country. Methods: The study is based on the daily reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ecuador's National Risk and Emergency Management System (SINGRE) from March 13 to March 31 2020o, as well as on literature from scientific journals. Results: Ecuador has the highest rate of people with COVID­19 in South America with 13.15 per 100 000 inhabitants and exceeds world's average of 9.63. Case fatality rate in Ecuador reaches 3.40%, which approaches world's average of 4.80%. Guayas, Galápagos, Cañar y Sucumbíos have the highest COVID­19 morbidity rates in the country, which exceed world's average rate. Conclusions: Risk communication, community participation and home isolation should be strengthened, at least until about 14 days after the curve shows a decrease in cases.

Interculturalidad en salud a partir de los diferentes sistemas médicos / Interculturality on health from different medical systems

Introducción: La interculturalidad en salud se ha desarrollado a partir del concepto étnico. Objetivo: comprender las culturas médicas para fomentar un diálogo intercultural. Método: El estudio se realizó por medio de una revisión de literatura en revistas indizadas, así como en la base de datos de algunas organizaciones e instituciones nacionales e internacionales. Resultados: Cada sistema médico tiene una filosofía sobre la que desarrolla sus métodos así la Medicina Convencional se basa en el positivismo, las Medicinas Complementarias en el Vitalismo como la Homeopatía y para las Medicinas Ancestrales su relación con la Naturaleza como por ejemplo la Cosmovisión Andina. Conclusiones: partiendo de conocer la filosofía que inspira a cada cultura médica, se deben generar espacios de diálogo para atender las necesidades de prevención, curación y promoción de la salud.