Early cortical GABAergic interneurons determine the projection patterns of L4 excitatory neurons.

During cerebral cortex development, excitatory pyramidal neurons (PNs) establish specific projection patterns while receiving inputs from GABAergic inhibitory interneurons (INs). Whether these inhibitory inputs can shape PNs' projection patterns is, however, unknown. While layer 4 (L4) PNs of the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex are all born as long-range callosal projection neurons (CPNs), most of them acquire local connectivity upon activity-dependent elimination of their interhemispheric axons during postnatal development. Here, we demonstrate that precise developmental regulation of inhibition is key for the retraction of S1L4 PNs' callosal projections. Ablation of somatostatin INs leads to premature inhibition from parvalbumin INs onto S1L4 PNs and prevents them from acquiring their barrel-restricted local connectivity pattern. As a result, adult S1L4 PNs retain interhemispheric projections responding to tactile stimuli, and the mice lose whisker-based texture discrimination. Overall, we show that temporally ordered IN activity during development is key to shaping local ipsilateral S1L4 PNs' projection pattern, which is required for fine somatosensory processing.

Acute brachial plexopathy secondary to surgical management of an atrophic nonunion of a clavicle fracture.

We report the case of a 28-year-old patient who developed acute transient brachial plexopathy secondary to surgical management of an atrophic clavicle nonunion. The treatment was conservative, with symptom resolution at 4 months after surgery. This is the first reported case with electromyographic and neuroconduction follow-up, demonstrating complete and spontaneous resolution of axonal damage. The limited number of cases reported in the scientific literature allows for exploring some underlying causes of the acute plexopathy depending on the nature of the non-union (hypertrophic or atrophic).

Ramp-Like Lateral Meniscus Tear. Description of an infrequent lesion.

Numerous studies on meniscal tears have been published, a pathology that continues to evolve in terms of treatment and patient outcomes. As our understanding of anatomy and biomechanics improves, new entities have emerged. The lateral meniscus, especially its posterior attachment, tends to be overlooked due to its greater mobility compared to the medial meniscus. Evaluating the instability of the posterior horn poses a challenge, even during arthroscopy, therefore, it is crucial to understand the posterior menisco-synovial detachment lesions, which are indeed real and, to date, haven't received enough attention in the existing literature. The aim is to describe a new entity affecting the posterior synovial attachment of the lateral meniscus, without injury to the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM). We also aim to present a case report detailing the intraoperative diagnosis and management of a 20-year-old patient with a sports trauma that led to a combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral meniscus tear managed with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and all-inside meniscal suture. Through conventional arthroscopic evaluation of the posterior capsule anatomy and dissections, we have identified a distinct lesion of the PHLM at the menisco-synovial junction. Further research is necessary in this field to understand the biomechanical repercussions and determine the ideal surgical management.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a spectrum of metabolic disorders distinguished by the persistent elevation of glucose levels in the bloodstream. It stands as a primary risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), denoted by atherosclerosis affecting the lower extremities. One clinical manifestation of symptomatic PAD is intermittent claudication alleviated by rest but also capable of presenting as atypical leg pain. Confirmatory diagnostic measures, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBI), or Doppler waveform analysis, are imperative in the verification of PAD. For management, the recommendation is to incorporate physiotherapy alongside concurrent medical interventions, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, statins, or, in certain cases, surgical procedures. This narrative review seeks to elucidate the advantages of physiotherapy in diabetic patients with PAD, contributing to the deceleration of disease progression and improving symptoms. Although supervised exercise therapy is strongly supported by empirical evidence as more beneficial, the absence of supervised environments is a common issue. Consequently, the preference lies in the combination of supervised exercise with home-based regimens. The objective is that each patient exercises for more than three days per week, progressively extending their duration weekly. This approach has demonstrated a noteworthy enhancement in walking functionality, exercise tolerance, pain alleviation, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for patients.

Latin American formal consensus on the indications for the surgical treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears.

OBJECTIVES: To implement the Formal Consensus Method among a group of experts in shoulder surgery in Latin America, in order to establish appropriate indications for the surgical treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff injuries. METHODS: The Formal Consensus Method was used to develop surgical treatment recommendations for massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCT). Three independent groups of experts in shoulder surgery were confirmed. The steering group conducted a systematic literature review and constructed a voting matrix consisting of 348 clinical scenarios. The rating group, composed of 15 members, rated each scenario on two occasions: first anonymously and then during an in-person discussion meeting. The median and voting ranges were used to classify each scenario as inappropriate, uncertain, or appropriate for each surgical technique. Finally, the reading group, consisting of 10 surgeons, reviewed, evaluated and rated the recommendations derived from the detailed analysis of the voting grids. RESULTS: The main finding of the study reveals a high percentage (70%) of clinical scenarios in which consensus was achieved regarding the appropriateness or inappropriateness of different surgical alternatives for the treatment of massive and irreparable rotator cuff injuries. Through a detailed analysis of the voting grids, a total of 20 recommendations were elaborated concerning the appropriateness of various surgical techniques in addressing irreparable rotator cuff tears. CONCLUSIONS: The indications for the operative treatment of MIRCT were determined based on expert consensus and the best available evidence, they seek to provide guidance on the appropriateness of various surgical techniques for different clinical scenarios. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Multiscale Heterogeneous Polymer Composites for High Stiffness 4D Printed Electrically Controllable Multifunctional Structures.

4D printing is an emerging field where 3D printing techniques are used to pattern stimuli-responsive materials to create morphing structures, with time serving as the fourth dimension. However, current materials utilized for 4D printing are typically soft, exhibiting an elastic modulus (E) range of 10-4 to 10 MPa during shape change. This restricts the scalability, actuation stress, and load-bearing capabilities of the resulting structures. To overcome these limitations, multiscale heterogeneous polymer composites are introduced as a novel category of stiff, thermally responsive 4D printed materials. These inks exhibit an E that is four orders of magnitude greater than that of existing 4D printed materials and offer tunable electrical conductivities for simultaneous Joule heating actuation and self-sensing capabilities. Utilizing electrically controllable bilayers as building blocks, a flat geometry that morphs into a 3D self-standing lifting robot is designed and printed, setting new records for weight-normalized load lifted and actuation stress when compared to other 3D printed actuators. Furthermore, this ink palette is employed to create and print planar lattice structures that transform into various self-supporting complex 3D shapes. Finally these inks are integrated into a 4D printed electrically controlled multigait crawling robotic lattice structure that can carry 144 times its own weight.

Dilemas bioéticos en el desempeño del médico de la familia en la pesquisa del cáncer colorrectal

Introducción: La calidad del desempeño profesional determina la resolución de problemas de salud pública como el cáncer colorrectal a través de su pesquisa poblacional, en cuya realización, como en toda práctica médica, surgen dilemas bioéticos. Objetivo: Caracterizar los principales dilemas bioéticos en la realización de la pesquisa poblacional del cáncer colorrectal en la atención primaria. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en 19 médicos de la familia, seleccionados por muestreo simple aleatorio mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario en proceso de validación a través de criterio de expertos y coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. La variable estudiada fue "dilemas bioéticos en la realización de la pesquisa poblacional del cáncer colorrectal", parametrizada en dos dimensiones: valorativa y cognitiva, con cinco y tres indicadores respectivamente. Resultados: El "dilema por temor a realizarse la colonoscopia" fue considerado el de mayor peso, al ser evaluado por 13 médicos (68,4 %) como Muy Importante. El indicador "conocimiento profesional sobre bioética" fue evaluado por la mayoría de los profesionales dentro de los dos niveles superiores de la escala de Likert: cinco médicos (26,3 %) eligieron la categoría Importante, e igual número la de Muy Importante. Conclusiones: Los principales dilemas bioéticos a que se enfrentan los médicos de la familia en su desempeño profesional durante la realización de la pesquisa poblacional del cáncer colorrectal, están caracterizados por las actitudes que asumen los pacientes en relación con la disyuntiva que presupone la realización de la colonoscopia, con sus potenciales riesgos ante un resultado positivo.

Introduction: The quality of professional performance determines the resolution of public health problems such as colorectal cancer through population screening, in whose implementation, as in every medical practice, bioethical dilemmas arise. Objective: To characterize the main bioethical dilemma in carrying out population screening for colorectal cancer in primary care. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study in 19 family physicians, selected by simple random sampling, by application of a questionnaire in the process of validation through expert criteria and Cronbach alpha coefficient. The variable studied was "bioethical dilemmas in carrying out population screening for colorectal cancer" parameterized in two dimensions: evaluative and cognitive, with 5 and 3 indicators respectively. Results: The "dilemma for fear of having a colonoscopy" was considered the most important, being evaluated by 13 doctors/68.4% as Very Important; The indicator "professional knowledge about bioethics" was evaluated by the majority of professionals within the two upper levels of the Likert scale, 5 doctors (26.3%) chose the category of Important and an equal number the category of Very Important. Conclusions: The main bioethical dilemmas that family doctors face in their professional performance during population screening for colorectal cancer are characterized by the attitudes that patients assume in relation to the dilemma that presupposes performing colonoscopy with its potential risks to a positive result.

Knowledge, experience, and perception of molar incisor hypomineralisation among dentists in the metropolitan area of Mexico City: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is the most common developmental abnormality observed in teeth. Being a relatively new condition, its treatment can present a challenge for the dentist. There is currently no study available that has evaluated the knowledge of Mexican dental personnel. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, experience, and perceptions of dental surgeons regarding the detection, assessment, and treatment of MIH in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed. Dentists from Mexico City and its metropolitan area were invited through social networks to answer a questionnaire of 30 questions related to MIH. Participants were classified into general practice dentists, paediatric dentists, and other speciality dentists. Pearson's chi-square test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by 391 dentists. A total of 86% (338 out of 391) of them identified MIH lesions, while 84% of them reported having observed MIH lesions in their practice. The most frequently observed lesions were yellow-brown opacities which accounted for 47% of the lesions, 46% were white opacities, while only 7% were observed as post-eruptive fractures in the enamel as part of the manifestations of MIH. The most frequently reported problem in the management of teeth with MIH was insufficient training for treating children with MIH. A total of 84% of dentists stated that they would like more information on the treatment of MIH lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the surveyed dentists recognised MIH and reported having observed MIH lesions in their practice. Most of the dentists indicated that the main problem for the management of the MIH is the lack of training.

Characteristics of COVID-19 and mortality-associated factors during the first year of the pandemic in southeast Mexico.

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and mortality-associated factors during the first year of the pandemic in patients from southeastern Mexico. Patient & methods: A total of 953 records from patients with COVID-19 were cross-sectionally studied in a primary care hospital in southeast Mexico between 2020 and 2021. Results: The prevalent symptoms were fever (78.6%), cough (80.5%) and headache (82.8%) and dyspnea reached 13.5%. The mortality rate was 7.63% and the clinical variables associated with it were age >60 years, hypertension, severe disease, radiographic pneumonia, days to diagnosis and having two Mayan surnames. Conclusion: Future health strategies should consider age, comorbidities, disease severity, clinical manifestations and possessing ethnicity of risk (i.e., Mayan genetic background).

Molecular characterization and genotyping of isolates from cancer patients with Clostridioides difficile infection or asymptomatic colonization.

Introduction. Cancer patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) are at a higher risk for adverse outcomes. In addition, a high prevalence of Clostridioides difficile asymptomatic colonization (CDAC) has been reported in this vulnerable population.Gap Statement. The molecular characteristics and potential role of CDAC in healthcare-related transmission in the cancer population have been poorly explored.Aim. We aimed to compare the molecular and genotypic characteristics of C. difficile isolates from cancer patients with CDAC and CDI.Method. We conducted a prospective cohort study of cancer patients with CDAC or CDI from a referral centre. Molecular characterization, typification and tcdC gene expression of isolates were performed.Results. The hospital-onset and community-onset healthcare facility-associated CDI rates were 4.5 cases/10 000 patient-days and 1.4 cases/1 000 admissions during the study period. Fifty-one C. difficile strains were isolated: 37 (72 %) and 14 (28 %) from patients with CDI or CDAC, respectively. All isolates from symptomatic patients were tcdA+/tcdB+, and four (10 %) were ctdA+/ctdB+. In the CDAC group, 10 (71 %) isolates were toxigenic, and none were ctdA+/ctdB+. The Δ18 in-frame tcdC deletion and two transition mutations were found in five isolates. After bacterial typing, 60 % of toxigenic isolates from asymptomatic carriers were clonal to those from patients with C. difficile-associated diarrhoea. No NAP1/027/BI strains were detected.Conclusions. We found a clonal association between C. difficile isolates from patients with CDAC and CDI. Studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of asymptomatic carriers in the dynamics of nosocomial transmission to support infection control measures and reduce the burden of CDI in high-risk groups.

Ag2 S Biocompatible Ensembles as Dual OCT Contrast Agents and NIR Ocular Imaging Probes.

Ag2 S nanoparticles (NPs) emerge as a unique system that simultaneously features in vivo near-infrared (NIR) imaging, remote heating, and low toxicity thermal sensing. In this work, their capabilities are extended into the fields of optical coherence tomography (OCT), as contrast agents, and NIR probes in both ex vivo and in vivo experiments in eyeballs. The new dual property for ocular imaging is obtained by the preparation of Ag2 S NPs ensembles with a biocompatible amphiphilic block copolymer. Rather than a classical ligand exchange, where surface traps may arise due to incomplete replacement of surface sites, the use of this polymer provides a protective extra layer that preserves the photoluminescence properties of the NPs, and the procedure allows for the controlled preparation of submicrometric scattering centers. The resulting NPs ensembles show extraordinary colloidal stability with time and biocompatibility, enhancing the contrast in OCT with simultaneous NIR imaging in the second biological window.

TLR2 Is Highly Overexpressed in Retinal Myeloid Cells in the rd10 Mouse Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous disease and the predominant cause of hereditary blindness. Irrespective of the causative mutation, traits common to all forms of RP include photoreceptor dysfunction and death, activation of the retinal glial component, and retinal inflammation. Activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in response to tissue damage is associated with inflammatory processes that contribute to neurodegeneration. We show that retinal expression of the genes Tlr1 to Tlr9 is increased in the rd10 mouse model of RP, with Tlr2 showing the greatest increase (36-fold). Flow cytometry analysis of the retinal myeloid population revealed significant increases in numbers of microglia and infiltrating monocytes and macrophages in rd10 retinas. Furthermore, TLR2 expression, which was restricted to myeloid cells, was increased in rd10 retinal microglia. These observations, together with our previous finding of delayed RP progression following Tlr2 deletion, point to TLR2 as a potential therapeutic target for RP.

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn.

The use of routine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasing in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), with several centers advocating for 24 h equipment availability. In 2018, the sonographic algorithm for life-threatening emergencies (SAFE) protocol was published, which allows the assessment of neonates with sudden decompensation to identify abnormal contractility, tamponade, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. In the study unit (with a consulting neonatal hemodynamics and POCUS service), the algorithm was adapted by including consolidated core steps to support at-risk newborns, aiding clinicians in managing cardiac arrest, and adding views to verify correct intubation. This paper presents a protocol that can be applied in the NICU and the delivery room (DR) in relation to three scenarios: cardiac arrest, hemodynamic deterioration, or respiratory decompensation. This protocol can be performed with a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine or an affordable handheld device; the image acquisition protocol is carefully detailed. This method was designed to be learned as a general competence to obtain the timely diagnosis of life-threatening scenarios; the method aims to save time but does not represent a substitute for comprehensive and standardized hemodynamic and radiological analyses by a multidisciplinary team, which might not universally be on call but needs to be involved in the process. From January 2019 to July 2022, in our center, 1,045 hemodynamic consultation/POCUS consults were performed with 25 patients requiring the modified SAFE protocol (2.3%), and a total of 19 procedures were performed. In five cases, trained fellows on call resolved life-threatening situations. Clinical examples are provided that show the importance of including this technique in the care of critical newborns.

Trypanosoma cruzi DTU II coinfection with bacteria producing prolonged cutaneous lesion in a healthy young male.

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is genetically classified in six discrete typing units (DTUs). The isolates reported in Mexico are generally associated with DTU I. We presented a case of a prolonged cutaneous lesion in a Mexican man, caused by DTU II in coinfection with Bacillus velezensis and Corynebacterium sp. The patient assessment included a complete clinical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and a skin biopsy. In the facial tissues, intracellular parasites were revealed. The PCR tests were positive for T. cruzi in tissue and blood samples. DNA satellite sequencing was correlated with the DTU II. The initial serological tests reported negative results. However, four months later, two serological tests reported positive results. These exams were performed in different health centers. Mexico is considered an endemic area for CD; nevertheless, this is just the second cutaneous case associated with a DTU different from DTU-I noted in this country. From an ecological point of view, this fact suggests a geographical expansion of DTU II and an association with atypical skin manifestations. Further studies should be conducted to understand this exciting association between DTU-II and prolonged cutaneous expression in humans.

The effects of NutraGen supplement on cattle growth performance, energetic efficiency, carcass characteristics, and characteristics of digestion in calf-fed Holstein steers.

Evaluation of the effects of feeding NutraGen supplement (NutraGen, NTG; Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ, USA) on growth performance, energetic efficiency, carcass characteristcs, and characteristics of digestion in calf-fed Holstein steers fed a conventional growing-finishing diet. Trial 1 evaluated growth performance, dietary energetics and carcass characteristics. Two hundred Holstein steer calves (134 ± 5 kg) were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 40 pens (5 steers/pen). Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6% NTG (DM basis). In trial 2, four Holstein steers (170 ±6 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate digestibility and ruminal characteristics using the treatments from trial 1. Compared to non-supplemented cattle, NTG increased BW (2.0%, P = 0.02) and tended to increase ADG (3.6%, P = 0.07) during the initial 56 d period. However, there were no treatment effects on overall growth performance and efficiency of dietary energy utilization after the first 56 days (P > 0.10). Supplementation of NTG increased (linear effect; P ≤ 0.03) longissimus muscle area and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat. There was no effect (P ≥ 0.05) of NTG supplementation on other carcass characteristics, liver abscess incidence, or liver abscess scars. Supplementation decreased the molar proportion of ruminal propionate (P = 0.05) and tended to increase acetate:propionate molar ratio (P = 0.09). However, there was no effect of NTG supplementation on ruminal and total tract diet digestion. NTG increased performance of Holstein steers during the first 56 d on feed in the feedlot. In addition, the steers had an increase in KPH fat and LM area, indicating that the additive induced change in metabolism of the steers.

Aspergillus luchuensis, an Endophyte Fungus from the Metal Hyperaccumulator Plant Prosopis laevigata, Promotes Its Growth and Increases Metal Translocation.

Heavy metal pollution is a worldwide environmental and human health problem. Prosopis laevigata is a hyperaccumulator legume that bioaccumulates Pb, Cu and Zn. With interest in designing phytoremediation strategies for sites contaminated with heavy metals, we isolated and characterized endophytic fungi from the roots of P. laevigata growing on mine tailings located in Morelos, Mexico. Ten endophytic isolates were selected by morphological discrimination and a preliminary minimum inhibitory concentration was determined for zinc, lead and copper. A novel strain of Aspergillus closest to Aspergillus luchuensis was determined to be a metallophile and presented a marked tolerance to high concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb, so it was further investigated for removal of metals and promotion of plant growth under greenhouse conditions. The control substrate with fungi promoted larger size characters in P. laevigata individuals in comparison with the other treatments, demonstrating that A. luchuensis strain C7 is a growth-promoting agent for P. laevigata individuals. The fungus favors the translocation of metals from roots to leaves in P. laevigata, promoting an increased Cu translocation. This new A. luchuensis strain showed endophytic character and plant growth-promotion activity, high metal tolerance, and an ability to increase copper translocation. We propose it as a novel, effective and sustainable bioremediation strategy for copper-polluted soils.

Trypanosoma cruzi DTU II coinfection with bacteria producing prolonged cutaneous lesion in a healthy young male

ABSTRACT Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is genetically classified in six discrete typing units (DTUs). The isolates reported in Mexico are generally associated with DTU I. We presented a case of a prolonged cutaneous lesion in a Mexican man, caused by DTU II in coinfection with Bacillus velezensis and Corynebacterium sp. The patient assessment included a complete clinical history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and a skin biopsy. In the facial tissues, intracellular parasites were revealed. The PCR tests were positive for T. cruzi in tissue and blood samples. DNA satellite sequencing was correlated with the DTU II. The initial serological tests reported negative results. However, four months later, two serological tests reported positive results. These exams were performed in different health centers. Mexico is considered an endemic area for CD; nevertheless, this is just the second cutaneous case associated with a DTU different from DTU-I noted in this country. From an ecological point of view, this fact suggests a geographical expansion of DTU II and an association with atypical skin manifestations. Further studies should be conducted to understand this exciting association between DTU-II and prolonged cutaneous expression in humans.

Terapia antiviral de acción directa para infección del virus de hepatitis C en pacientes en hemodiálisis

Introducción: La infección por el virus C de la hepatitis resulta común en pacientes en hemodiálisis y se considera endémica en estas unidades. El tratamiento utilizado lo componían el interferón pegilado y la ribavirina, combinación que presentaba niveles de toxicidad y baja respuesta. Las drogas actuales aportan mejores resultados. Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia y seguridad de la terapia antiviral de acción directa para la infección del virus de la hepatitis C en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica en hemodiálisis. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 19 pacientes en régimen de hemodiálisis y con infección por virus C, pertenecientes al Hospital General Docente "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy", desde diciembre de 2020 hasta septiembre de 2021," A todos se les prescribió durante 12 semanas Sofosbuvir® 400 mg más Daclatasvir® 60 mg diarios. Se caracterizaron las variables edad, sexo, fibrosis hepática por el índice aspartato-aminotransferasa/plaquetas, reacciones adversas y respuesta viral 12 semanas después del tratamiento. Resultados: La infección predominó en el grupo de 51 a 60 años (36,84 %). La mayoría de los pacientes mostró un índice aspartato-aminotransferasa/plaquetas ≤ 0,5, lo que correspondió con ausencia de fibrosis hepática significativa (14 pacientes). Una minoría de pacientes registró reacciones adversas. No se demostró toxicidad cardiovascular ni hepática. La totalidad de los pacientes manifestaron carga viral no detectable 12 semanas después del tratamiento. Conclusiones: La combinación de Sofosbuvir® con Daclatasvir® para el tratamiento de la infección por virus de la hepatitis C en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica en tratamiento de hemodiálisis resultó eficaz, bien tolerada y segura.

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus infection is common in hemodialysis patients and is considered endemic in these units. The treatment used consisted of pegylated interferon and ribavirin, a combination that presented levels of toxicity and low response. Current drugs bring better results. Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. Methods: Prospective descriptive study in 19 patients on hemodialysis and with virus C infection, belonging to "Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy" Teaching General Hospital, from December 2020 to September 2021. All were prescribed for 12 weeks with Sofosbuvir® 400 mg plus Daclatasvir® 60 mg daily. The variables age, sex, liver fibrosis were characterized by the aspartate aminotransferase/platelet index, adverse reactions and viral response 12 weeks after treatment. Results: Infection predominated in the group of 51 to 60 years (36.84%). Most patients showed an aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio ≤ 0.5, corresponding to the absence of significant liver fibrosis (14 patients). A minority of patients reported adverse reactions. No cardiovascular or hepatic toxicity was demonstrated. All patients had an undetectable viral load 12 weeks after treatment. Conclusions: The combination of Sofosbuvir® with Daclatasvir® for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis was effective, well tolerated and safe.

Chemoinformatics and artificial intelligence colloquium: progress and challenges in developing bioactive compounds.

We report the main conclusions of the first Chemoinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Colloquium, Mexico City, June 15-17, 2022. Fifteen lectures were presented during a virtual public event with speakers from industry, academia, and non-for-profit organizations. Twelve hundred and ninety students and academics from more than 60 countries. During the meeting, applications, challenges, and opportunities in drug discovery, de novo drug design, ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) property predictions, organic chemistry, peptides, and antibiotic resistance were discussed. The program along with the recordings of all sessions are freely available at https://www.difacquim.com/english/events/2022-colloquium/ .