First genetic characterization of human cystic echinococcosis in Uruguay.

Cystic echinococcosis is endemic and hyperendemic in Uruguay. The objective of this study was to determine the species and genotype of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in symptomatic patients with cystic echinococcosis who underwent surgery, together with the location and stage of the cysts. The study included 13 patients aged between 6 and 57 years old. Samples of cysts from these cases were analyzed using DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing. The results revealed the presence of E. granulosus sensu stricto in all cases, with 12 samples belonging to the G1 genotype and 1 to the G3 genotype, suggesting that disease persistence might be related to the dog-sheep cycle. However, other intermediate hosts, such as cattle, could also be involved. Cysts were most frequently found in the liver, followed by muscle and other sites (e.g. pulmonary, vertebral, pelvic and cardiac); and stage CE1 was most frequently found, followed by CE2 and CE3b. Three cases occurred in children or adolescents, suggesting an active parasite cycle in at least some areas of the country. Since there is considerable diversity of E. granulosus sensu lato species and genotypes in South America, it is important to continue the present study in order to draw stronger epidemiological conclusions.

La equinococosis quística es endémica e hiperendémica en Uruguay. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la especie y el genotipo de Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato en pacientes sintomáticos con equinococosis quística que fueron sometidos a cirugía, además de la localización y estadio de los quistes. En el estudio participaron 13 pacientes de entre 6 y 57 años. Las muestras de quistes de estos casos se analizaron mediante la extracción de ADN, la amplificación de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y la secuenciación. Los resultados revelaron la presencia de E. granulosus sensu stricto en todos los casos, con 12 muestras pertenecientes al genotipo G1 y 1 muestra de genotipo G3, lo que sugiere que la persistencia de la enfermedad podría estar relacionada con el ciclo perro/ovinos. Sin embargo, otros huéspedes intermedios, como el ganado, también podrían estar involucrados. Los quistes se encontraron con mayor frecuencia en el hígado, seguido por los músculos y otros sitios (por ejemplo, quistes pulmonares, vertebrales, pélvicos y cardíacos); y el estadio más frecuente fue CE1, seguido por CE2 y CE3b. Tres de los casos ocurrieron en niños o adolescentes, lo que sugiere un ciclo activo de parásitos al menos en algunas áreas del país. Dado que existe una considerable diversidad de especies y genotipos de E. granulosus sensu lato en América del Sur, es importante continuar con este estudio para extraer conclusiones epidemiológicas más sólidas.

A equinococose cística é endêmica e hiperendêmica no Uruguai. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a espécie e o genótipo do Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato em pacientes sintomáticos com equinococose cística que foram submetidos a cirurgia, juntamente com a localização e o estágio dos cistos. O estudo incluiu 13 pacientes entre 6 e 57 anos de idade. As amostras de cistos foram analisadas utilizando extração do DNA, amplificação pela reação em cadeia da polimerase e sequenciamento. Os resultados revelaram a presença de E. granulosus sensu stricto em todos os casos, com 12 amostras pertencentes ao genótipo G1 e uma ao genótipo G3, sugerindo que a persistência da doença pode estar relacionada ao ciclo cão-ovelha. Entretanto, outros hospedeiros intermediários como gado também poderiam estar envolvidos. Os cistos foram mais frequentemente encontrados no fígado, seguido por músculos e outros locais (por exemplo, pulmão, vértebras, pelve e coração), e o estágio mais frequentemente encontrado foi o CE1, seguido por CE2 e CE3b. Três casos ocorreram em crianças ou adolescentes, o que sugere um ciclo parasitário ativo em pelo menos algumas áreas do país. Devido à considerável diversidade de espécies e genótipos de E. granulosus sensu lato na América do Sul, é importante dar continuidade do presente estudo a fim de se chegar a conclusões epidemiológicas mais sólidas.

Development of a low-cost copro-LAMP assay for simultaneous copro-detection of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati.

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease caused mainly by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati and diagnosis in dogs and cats is an important tool for its control. For this reason, a new coprological loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of these species. The primer set was designed on a region of the mitochondrial cox-1 gene. Amplification conditions were evaluated using a temperature gradient (52°C to 68°C), different incubation times (15­120 min), and different concentrations of malachite green dye (0.004­0.4% w/v). The analytical sensitivity was evaluated with serial dilutions of genomic DNA from T. canis and T. cati adult worms, and with serial dilutions of DNA extracted from feces using a low-cost in-house method. The specificity was evaluated using genomic DNA from Canis lupus familiaris, Felis catus, Escherichia coli, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma caninum, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and Taenia hydatigena. The LAMP assay applied to environmental fecal samples from an endemic area showed an analytical sensitivity of 10­100 fg of genomic DNA and 10−5 serial dilutions of DNA extracted from feces using the low-cost in-house method; with a specificity of 100%. Additionally, the total development of the assay was carried out in a basic laboratory and per-reaction reagent cost decreased by ~80%. This new, low-cost tool can help identify the most common agents of toxocariasis in endemic areas in order to manage prevention strategies without having to rely on a laboratory with sophisticated equipment.

First report of cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 in Felis catus from the Patagonian region of Argentina.

Two domestic cats from the Patagonia rural area in Argentina were found to be naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto/G1 genotype; so far, the only species/genotype of E. granulosus sensu lato complex described to infect domestic cats. The felines developed abdominal disseminated larval disease; the diagnosis was performed by ultrasound, exploratory laparotomy, and molecular techniques. These results indicate that cystic echinococcosis must be considered for differential diagnosis of felines with abdominal distension and/or observation of vesicles through ultrasound, from endemic areas. Even though cats and dogs are carnivores, differences in digestive physiology and immunological characteristics between them could allow the development of larval or adult worm parasites. Domestic cats with cystic echinococcosis show to be environmentally infected with E. granulosus s. s./G1 eggs.

Risk factors associated with reproductive performance in small-scale dairy farms in Mexico.

Several studies suggest that reproductive performance in small-scale dairy farms is low reducing the farms' profitability. Therefore, identifying risk factors associated with low reproductive performance is a key step to implement an improved reproductive management program. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to identify the main risk factors affecting the reproductive performance of cows in small-scale dairy farms. Ninety-six dairy farms were incorporated into this study, and data from 1263 lactations were collected with different events as potential risk factors. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association (odds ratio, OR) and impact (population attributable fraction, PAF) between the potential risk factors and the reproductive variables. The main risk factors associated with assisted calving were male calf and primiparous cows (OR = 1.7, PAF = 0.315 and OR = 1.5, PAF = 0.131, respectively), while for retained fetal membranes (RFM) were assisted calving and abortion (OR = 4.5, PAF = 0.440 and OR = 8.1, PAF = 0.239, respectively). The main risk factors for days to first service over 70 days in milk were low body condition score at calving (BCS ≤ 2.5) and primiparous cows (OR = 2.2, PAF = 0.285 and OR = 1.4; PAF = 0.096, respectively), while for days open over 110 days in milk were low BCS at calving (BCS ≤ 2.5) and primiparous cows (OR = 1.7, PAF = 0.213 and OR = 1.4; PAF = 0.096, respectively) The main risk factor for non-pregnant cows at first service was RFM (OR = 1.7; PAF = 0.059). In conclusion, assisted calving, male calf, BCS ≤ 2.5 and RFM were the main risk factors associated with reduced reproductive performance in small-scale dairy farms in tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico.

Cystic echinococcosis in South America: systematic review of species and genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in humans and natural domestic hosts.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review publications on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species/genotypes reported in domestic intermediate and definitive hosts in South America and in human cases worldwide, taking into account those articles where DNA sequencing was performed; and to analyse the density of each type of livestock that can act as intermediate host, and features of medical importance such as cyst organ location. METHODS: Literature search in numerous databases. We included only articles where samples were genotyped by sequencing since to date it is the most accurate method to unambiguously identify all E. granulosus s. l. genotypes. Also, we report new E. granulosus s. l. samples from Argentina and Uruguay analysed by sequencing of cox1 gene. RESULTS: In South America, five countries have cystic echinococcosis cases for which sequencing data are available: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay, adding up 1534 cases. E. granulosus s. s. (G1) accounts for most of the global burden of human and livestock cases. Also, E. canadensis (G6) plays a significant role in human cystic echinococcosis. Likewise, worldwide analysis of human cases showed that 72.9% are caused by E. granulosus s. s. (G1) and 12.2% and 9.6% by E. canadensis G6 and G7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: E. granulosus s. s. (G1) accounts for most of the global burden followed by E. canadensis (G6 and G7) in South America and worldwide. This information should be taken into account to suit local cystic echinococcosis control and prevention programmes according to each molecular epidemiological situation.

3D Bioprinting Human Chondrocytes with Nanocellulose-Alginate Bioink for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications.

The introduction of 3D bioprinting is expected to revolutionize the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The 3D bioprinter is able to dispense materials while moving in X, Y, and Z directions, which enables the engineering of complex structures from the bottom up. In this study, a bioink that combines the outstanding shear thinning properties of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) with the fast cross-linking ability of alginate was formulated for the 3D bioprinting of living soft tissue with cells. Printability was evaluated with concern to printer parameters and shape fidelity. The shear thinning behavior of the tested bioinks enabled printing of both 2D gridlike structures as well as 3D constructs. Furthermore, anatomically shaped cartilage structures, such as a human ear and sheep meniscus, were 3D printed using MRI and CT images as blueprints. Human chondrocytes bioprinted in the noncytotoxic, nanocellulose-based bioink exhibited a cell viability of 73% and 86% after 1 and 7 days of 3D culture, respectively. On the basis of these results, we can conclude that the nanocellulose-based bioink is a suitable hydrogel for 3D bioprinting with living cells. This study demonstrates the potential use of nanocellulose for 3D bioprinting of living tissues and organs.

Biocompatibility evaluation of densified bacterial nanocellulose hydrogel as an implant material for auricular cartilage regeneration.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), synthesized by the bacterium Gluconacetobacter xylinus, is composed of highly hydrated fibrils (99 % water) with high mechanical strength. These exceptional material properties make BNC a novel biomaterial for many potential medical and tissue engineering applications. Recently, BNC with cellulose content of 15 % has been proposed as an implant material for auricular cartilage replacement, since it matches the mechanical requirements of human auricular cartilage. This study investigates the biocompatibility of BNC with increased cellulose content (17 %) to evaluate its response in vitro and in vivo. Cylindrical BNC structures (Ø48 × 20 mm) were produced, purified in a built-in house perfusion system, and compressed to increase the cellulose content in BNC hydrogels. The reduction of endotoxicity of the material was quantified by bacterial endotoxin analysis throughout the purification process. Afterward, the biocompatibility of the purified BNC hydrogels with cellulose content of 17 % was assessed in vitro and in vivo, according to standards set forth in ISO 10993. The endotoxin content in non-purified BNC (2,390 endotoxin units (EU)/ml) was reduced to 0.10 EU/ml after the purification process, level well below the endotoxin threshold set for medical devices. Furthermore, the biocompatibility tests demonstrated that densified BNC hydrogels are non-cytotoxic and cause a minimal foreign body response. In support with our previous findings, this study concludes that BNC with increased cellulose content of 17 % is a promising non-resorbable biomaterial for auricular cartilage tissue engineering, due to its similarity with auricular cartilage in terms of mechanical strength and host tissue response.

Comorbidity patterns in cardiovascular diseases: the role of life-stage and socioeconomic status.

Cardiovascular diseases stand as a prominent global cause of mortality, their intricate origins often entwined with comorbidities and multimorbid conditions. Acknowledging the pivotal roles of age, sex, and social determinants of health in shaping the onset and progression of these diseases, our study delves into the nuanced interplay between life-stage, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity patterns within cardiovascular diseases. Leveraging data from a cross-sectional survey encompassing Mexican adults, we unearth a robust association between these variables and the prevalence of comorbidities linked to cardiovascular conditions. To foster a comprehensive understanding of multimorbidity patterns across diverse life-stages, we scrutinize an extensive dataset comprising 47,377 cases diagnosed with cardiovascular ailments at Mexico's national reference hospital. Extracting sociodemographic details, primary diagnoses prompting hospitalization, and additional conditions identified through ICD-10 codes, we unveil subtle yet significant associations and discuss pertinent specific cases. Our results underscore a noteworthy trend: younger patients of lower socioeconomic status exhibit a heightened likelihood of cardiovascular comorbidities compared to their older counterparts with a higher socioeconomic status. By empowering clinicians to discern non-evident comorbidities, our study aims to refine therapeutic designs. These findings offer profound insights into the intricate interplay among life-stage, socioeconomic status, and comorbidity patterns within cardiovascular diseases. Armed with data-supported approaches that account for these factors, clinical practices stand to be enhanced, and public health policies informed, ultimately advancing the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease in Mexico.

Inter-observer and intra-observer variability in ultrasound assessment of gastric content and volume in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of gastric content and volume using bedside ultrasound (US) has become a useful tool in emergency departments, anesthesiology departments and inpatient wards, as it provides a rapid and dynamic assessment of the gastric content of patients, which, allows making decisions regarding the risk of regurgitation or the need to adjust the strategy used to induce general anesthesia in patients with a full stomach. This assessment consists of two evaluations: a qualitative one, in which the status of the antrum, in terms of gastric content, is classified into three categories (empty, liquid content and full), and a quantitative one, where gastric volume is estimated. The objective of this study was to estimate the intra-observer and inter-observer agreement in ultrasound assessment of gastric content and volume in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included and each examiner performed 64 gastric US (n = 128). Participants' average age was 56.5 years (SD ± 12.6) and 63.4% were men. Regarding the qualitative evaluation of the antrum, in supine position both examiners classified the gastric content as grade 0 in 1 gastric US (1.5%), grade 1 in 4 gastric US (6.2%) and grade 2 in 59 (92.1%). Regarding intra-observer variability in the measurement of the area of the antrum, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), the difference of means between measurements and the 95% limits of agreement of Bland and Altman values were 0.95 (95% CI 0.940-0.977), - 0.47 cm2 (SD ± 1.64) and - 3.70 cm2 to 2.75 cm2, respectively, in EC1, and 0.94 (95% CI 0.922-0.973), - 0.18 cm2 (SD ± 2.18) and - 4.47 cm2 to 4.09 cm2 in EC2. Concerning to inter-observer variability (EC1 vs EC2) in the measurement of the area of the antrum and of gastric volume, the following CCC, mean difference between measurements and 95% limits of agreement of Bland and Altman values were obtained: measurement of the area of the antrum: 0.84 (95% CI 0.778-0.911), - 0.86 cm2 (SD ± 3.38) and - 7.50 cm2 to 5.78 cm2; gastric volume measurement: 0.84 (95% CI 0.782-0.913), - 12.3 mL (SD ± 49.2) and - 108.8 mL to 84.0 mL. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of gastric content and volume using bedside US in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation and receiving enteral nutrition showed a good intra and inter-rater reliability. Most of the patients included in the study had a high risk of pulmonary aspiration, since, according to the results of the gastric US evaluation, they had gastric volumes > 1.5 mL/kg.

Environmental Toxocara spp. presence in crowded squares and public parks from San Juan Province, Argentina: A call for a "One Health" approach.

Introduction: Canine soil-transmitted helminth (cSTH) parasites need specific environmental conditions to complete their life cycle. Toxocara canis and T. cati are the most important zoonotic cSTH, since they are the causal agents of human toxocariasis. Canine STHs are dispersed in feces from infected domestic and wildlife canines. In this study, the presence of STH in canine feces was evaluated in 34 crowded public parks and squares from San Juan Province (Argentina). Methods: Fecal samples were collected during different seasons in 2021-2022 and analyzed by standard coprological methods, including Sheather and Willis flotation and Telemann sedimentation. InfoStat 2020, OpenEpi V. 3.01 and R and RStudio® were used for statistical analysis and QGIS 3.16.10 for mapping. Results: From a total of 1,121 samples collected, 100 (8.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite (IP) and three cSTH species were detected: Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina and Trichuris vulpis. The most prevalent cSTH species was T. vulpis (64/1121; 0.057%), while the least prevalent was Toxocara spp. (19/1121; 0.017%). The detection of Toxocara spp. eggs was significantly different depending on the season. The geo-spatial variation of each cSTH per season is described. Discussion: This is the first study in San Juan Province to identify environmental contamination of cSTHs in public areas. The specific localization of areas with the presence of cSTH eggs could provide information to guide strategies to reduce the cSTH infection burden in dogs and promote serological screening of the human population for Toxocara spp. Given the zoonotic nature of Toxocara spp. We hope this information will help to reinforce activities of control programs, focusing on the "One Health" approach.

Ultrasound assessment of muscle mass and correlation with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Muscular atrophy implies structural and functional alterations related to muscular force production and movement. This condition has been reported to be the main reason for generalized muscle weakness; it reflects the severity of the disease and can have a profound impact on short- and long-term clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle atrophy ultrasound parameters early predict muscle weakness, morbidity, or 28-days mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational single center cohort study. Ultrasound was used to determine the cross-sectional area and muscle thickness of the rectus femoris on the first and third day of ICU stay. The main outcome was the incidence of significant muscle atrophy (≥ 10%). RESULTS: Ultrasound measurements were made in 31 patients, 58% (18/31) of which showed significant muscle atrophy. The relative loss of muscle mass per day was 1.78 at 5% per day. The presence of muscle atrophy presents increased risk for limb muscle weakness and handgrip weakness. The 28-days mortality rate was similar in both subgroups. CONCLUSION: The presence of muscle atrophy presents an increased clinical risk for the development of limb ICUAW and handgrip, although these observations were not statistically significant. The results could be used to plan future studies on this topic.

Accelerated urokinase-receptor protein turnover triggered by interference with the addition of the glycolipid anchor.

u-PAR (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor), anchored to the cell surface via a glycolipid moiety, drives tumour progression. We previously reported that colon cancer cells (RKO clone 2 FS2), attenuated for in vivo tumorigenicity, are diminished >15-fold for u-PAR display when compared with their tumorigenic isogenic counterparts (RKO clone 2), this disparity not reflecting altered transcription/mRNA stability. FACS, confocal microscopy and Western blotting using a fused u-PAR-EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) cDNA revealed a >14-fold differential in the u-PAR-EGFP signal between the isogenic cells, ruling out alternate splicing as a mechanism. Although metabolic labelling indicated similar synthesis rates, pulse-chase revealed accelerated u-PAR-EGFP turnover in the RKO clone 2 FS2 cells. Expression in RKO clone 2 cells of a u-PAR-EGFP protein unable to accept the glycolipid moiety yielded diminished protein amounts, thus mirroring the low endogenous protein levels evident with RKO clone 2 FS2 cells. Transcript levels for the phosphatidylglycan anchor biosynthesis class B gene required for glycolipid synthesis were reduced by 65% in RKO clone 2 FS2 cells, and forced overexpression in these cells partially restored endogenous u-PAR. Thus attenuated u-PAR levels probably reflects accelerated turnover triggered by inefficient addition of the glycolipid moiety.

Paradoxical venous air embolism detected with point-of-care ultrasound: a case report.

Venous air embolism (VAE) is an uncommon event consistent in the entrainment of air from any communication between the environment and the venous vasculature that could occur during central venous catheter (CVC) manipulation, and might trigger circulatory shock within minutes depending on the amount of air embolized. We present a case of a critical care patient who presented sudden clinical hemodynamic deterioration after the removal of central venous catheter. Hemodynamic evaluation with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) showed bubbles in both right and left heart cavities wherewith air embolism facilitated by heart septal defect was suspected. Therefore, the patient was reintubated, supported with vasopressors and a new CVC was inserted to proceed with air aspiration. Shortly after, the patient's hemodynamic status improved in terms of vital signs stabilization. 6 h after the event with optimal perfusion markers and diminished sedation, the patient showed left hemiparesis therefore a cerebral magnetic resonance (MRI) was also performed showing hyperintensity in the right precentral gyrus, so ischemic stroke without hemorrhagic transformation diagnosis was made, because of paradoxical embolism. This case report demonstrates the value of POCUS application as a diagnostic tool in the hemodynamically unstable patient.

Assessment of a novel microalgae-cork based technology for removing antibiotics, pesticides and nitrates from groundwater.

Groundwater pollution has increased in recent years due to the intensification of agricultural and livestock activities. This results in a significant reduction in available freshwater resources. Here, we have studied the long term assessment of a green technology (1-4 L/day) based on a photobioreactor (PBR) containing immobilised microalgae-bacteria in polyurethane foam (PF) followed by a cork filter (CF) for removing nitrates, pesticides (atrazine and bromacil), and antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole and sulfacetamide) from groundwater. The prototype was moderately effective for removing nitrates (58%) at an HRT of 8 days, while its efficiency decreased at a HRT of 4 and 2 days (<20% removal). The combined use of PBR-CF enabled antibiotics and pesticides to be attenuated by up to 95% at an HRT of 8 days, but their attenuation decreased with shorter HRT, with pesticides being the compounds most affected (reducing from 97 to 98% at an HRT of 8 days to 23-45% at an HRT of 2 days). Pesticide transformation products were identified after the CF, supporting biodegradation as the main attenuation process. A gene-based metataxonomic assessment linked the attenuation of micropollutants to the presence of specific pesticide biodegradation species (e.g. genus Phenylobacterium, Sphingomonadaceae, and Caulobacteraceae). Therefore, the results highlighted the potential use of microalgae and cork to treat polluted groundwater.

Development of a New LAMP Assay for the Detection of Ancylostoma caninum DNA (Copro-LAMPAc) in Dog Fecal Samples.

Ancylostoma caninum is a zoonotic nematode which is able to affect animals and humans. Diagnosis in the definitive host and environmental detection are key to prevent its dissemination and achieve control. Herein, a new coprological LAMP method for the detection of A. caninum (Copro-LAMPAc) DNA was developed. DNA extraction was performed using a low-cost method and a fragment of the cox-1 gene was used for primer design. The analytical sensitivity, evaluated with serial dilutions of genomic DNA from A. caninum adult worms, was 100 fg. A specificity of 100% was obtained using genomic DNA from the host and other pathogens. The Copro-LAMPAc was evaluated using environmental canine fecal samples. When compared with gold standard optical microscopy in epidemiological studies, it proved to be more sensitive. This new LAMP assay can provide an alternative protocol for screening and identification of A. caninum for epidemiological studies in endemic areas.

Comorbidity Networks in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. One reason behind this lethality lies in the fact that often cardiovascular illnesses develop into systemic failure due to the multiple connections to organismal metabolism. This in turn is associated with co-morbidities and multimorbidity. The prevalence of coexisting diseases and the relationship between the molecular origins adds to the complexity of the management of cardiovascular diseases and thus requires a profound knowledge of the genetic interaction of diseases. Objective: In order to develop a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, we examined the patterns of comorbidity as well as their genetic interaction of the diseases (or the lack of evidence of it) in a large set of cases diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions at the national reference hospital for cardiovascular diseases in Mexico. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of the National Institute of Cardiology. Socioeconomic information, principal diagnosis that led to the hospitalization and other conditions identified by an ICD-10 code were obtained for 34,099 discharged cases. With this information a cardiovascular comorbidity networks were built both for the full database and for ten 10-years age brackets. The associated cardiovascular comorbidities modules were found. Data mining was performed in the comprehensive ClinVar database with the disease names (as extracted from ICD-10 codes) to establish (when possible) connections between the genetic associations of the genetic interaction of diseases. The rationale is that some comorbidities may have a stronger genetic origin, whereas for others, the environment and other factors may be stronger. Results: We found that comorbidity networks are highly centralized in prevalent diseases, such as cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and ischemic diseases. Said comorbidity networks are actually modular on their connectivity. Modules recapitulate physiopathological commonalities, e.g., ischemic diseases clustering together. This is also the case of chronic systemic diseases, of congenital malformations and others. The genetic and environmental commonalities behind some of the relations in these modules were also found by resorting to clinical genetics databases and functional pathway enrichment studies. Conclusions: This methodology, hence may allow the clinician to look up for non-evident comorbidities whose knowledge will lead to improve therapeutically designs. By continued and consistent analysis of these types of patterns, we envisaged that it may be possible to acquire, strong clinical and basic insights that may further our advance toward a better understanding of cardiovascular diseases as a whole. Hopefully these may in turn lead to further development of better, integrated therapeutic strategies.

Development of a copro-LAMP assay for detection of several species of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex.

Cystic echinococcosis represents a significant problem in human and animal health and constitutes one of the most severe Neglected Tropical Diseases prioritized by the World Health Organization. The etiological agent is the complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.), composed of several species/genotypes. Diagnosis in the definitive host and molecular epidemiology studies are important points for cystic echinococcosis control. Here we developed a new copro-LAMP assay, LAMP EGSL, for diagnosis in the definitive host for simultaneous detection of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s. s.), Echinococcus ortleppi, and Echinococcus canadensis species. Also, the analytical sensitivity, specificity and plausibility of performance in a rural context of a previously reported species-specific LAMP reaction, was evaluated. Both reactions showed high analytical sensitivity values (10 fg-100 fg DNA) and did not show cross reaction with DNA from host or other helminthic parasites. LAMP EGSL was performed with samples from an endemic area. In addition, the alkaline hydrolysis of one E. granulosus s. s. adult parasite followed by specific LAMP to E. granulosus s. s. was performed in a laboratory with low resources from another cystic echinococcosis endemic area. The results obtained suggest that LAMP EGSL represents a potential tool for canine diagnosis that could be useful for cystic echinococcosis control programs. In addition, we showed that LAMP reaction for E. granulous s. s., E. ortleppi and E. canadensis specific detection, could be useful for molecular epidemiology studies applicable to the definitive host. Both reactions were performed in endemic, rural areas without sophisticated equipment.

In Vivo Human Cartilage Formation in Three-Dimensional Bioprinted Constructs with a Novel Bacterial Nanocellulose Bioink.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a 3D network of nanofibrils exhibiting excellent biocompatibility. Here, we present the aqueous counter collision (ACC) method of BNC disassembly to create bioink with suitable properties for cartilage-specific 3D-bioprinting. BNC was disentangled by ACC, and fibril characteristics were analyzed. Bioink printing fidelity and shear-thinning properties were evaluated. Cell-laden bioprinted grid constructs (5 × 5 × 1 mm3) containing human nasal chondrocytes (10 M mL-1) were implanted in nude mice and explanted after 30 and 60 days. Both ACC and hydrolysis resulted in significantly reduced fiber lengths, with ACC resulting in longer fibrils and fewer negative charges relative to hydrolysis. Moreover, ACC-BNC bioink showed outstanding printability, postprinting mechanical stability, and structural integrity. In vivo, cell-laden structures were rapidly integrated, maintained structural integrity, and showed chondrocyte proliferation, with 32.8 ± 13.8 cells per mm2 observed after 30 days and 85.6 ± 30.0 cells per mm2 at day 60 (p = 0.002). Furthermore, a full-thickness skin graft was attached and integrated completely on top of the 3D-bioprinted construct. The novel ACC disentanglement technique makes BNC biomaterial highly suitable for 3D-bioprinting and clinical translation, suggesting cell-laden 3D-bioprinted ACC-BNC as a promising solution for cartilage repair.

Postgraduate medical education in Colombia. Proposals to improve it

After 70 years of the formalization of medical specialties in Colombia, very little progress has been made in the educational models for the acquisition of clinical competencies in these postgraduate programs. Furthermore, although there is already a law on human resources in health, the Colombian medical education system lacks specific regulations on the training of health professionals (physicians) in the different medical specialty programs offered in the country. Likewise, at present, factors such as the financial crisis of public hospitals, the limited number of accredited hospitals and the growing number of medical schools and specialization programs, affect the comprehensive and equal development of medical competencies of professionals who are trained as specialists in the different postgraduate medical programs offered in Colombia. In view of the above, the purpose of this article is to present a proposal for postgraduate medical education that prioritizes the adequate acquisition of competencies over compliance with the time required to complete the curricula of the different medical specialties. However, this involves several prerequisites: a regulatory body in charge of overseeing and monitoring the training of medical residents or specialists in the country; strong training in university teaching for professors practicing in medical schools and university hospitals; the standardization of the graduates profile; adequate financing of university hospitals, as well as appropriate support in the process of accreditation as such, and the self-evaluation and continuous improvement of postgraduate medical programs.

Después de 70 años de la formalización de las especialidades médicas en Colombia, ha habido muy pocos avances en los modelos educativos para la adquisición de competencias clínicas en estos programas de posgrado. Además, a pesar de que ya hay una ley sobre el talento humano en salud, en el sistema educativo médico colombiano no hay regulaciones específicas sobre la formación de profesionales de la salud (médicos) en los diferentes programas de especialidades médicas ofrecidos en el país. Igualmente, en la actualidad factores como la crisis financiera de los hospitales públicos, el escaso número de hospitales acreditados y el creciente número de facultades de medicina y de programas de especialización afectan la adquisición integral e igualitaria de competencias médicas de los profesionales que se forman como especialistas en los diferentes programas de posgrado médico ofrecidos en Colombia. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, el propósito de este artículo es presentar una propuesta de educación médica de posgrado que priorice la adecuada adquisición de competencias por encima del cumplimiento del tiempo fijado para completar los planes de estudios de las diferentes especialidades médicas. Sin embargo, para esto se requieren varios aspectos: un ente regulatorio encargado de vigilar y monitorear la formación de los residentes o especialistas médicos en el país; una fuerte capacitación en docencia universitaria a los profesores que ejercen en las facultades de medicina y hospitales universitarios; la homogenización del perfil de los egresados; una adecuada financiación de los hospitales universitarios, así como un apropiado acompañamiento en su proceso de acreditación como tal, y la autoevaluación y mejoramiento continuo de los posgrados médicos.

Morphostructural Characterization of the Black Creole Goat Raised in Central Mexico, a Currently Threatened Zoogenetic Resource.

In order to evaluate the morphostructural variability of the Black Creole goat (BCG), the present study was carried out in a population of 226 animals from eight localities and 14 morphometric variables were taken. Descriptive statistics for the variables were obtained and 10 of these presented variation coefficients of less than 10%. The degree of harmony in the morphology of the population was determined by the number of positive correlations with significant differences (p < 0.05), including a correlation test using Spearman's method. In order to reduce the matrix of variables, a principal components analysis was performed, and it was evaluated based on Kaiser's criteria (eigenvalue > 1). Finally, a hierarchical analysis of conglomerates using Ward's method was performed using the Euclidean distance to evaluate the distances among localities. Morphometric variables were also included to visualize the relationship among the localities and their average per variable. The results showed that the animals evaluated presented a certain degree of homogeneity and maintained a highly harmonic model. The BCG population showed a high aptitude for milk production, which confirmed the zootechnical purpose of the breed. The BCG populations evaluated maintain similar morphostructural profiles specific to them that can distinguish this population from other animal breeds.