Sarcocystis spp. of New and Old World Camelids: Ancient Origin, Present Challenges.

Sarcocystis spp. are coccidian protozoans belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum. As with other members of this phylum, they are obligate intracellular parasites with complex cellular machinery for the invasion of host cells. Sarcocystis spp. display dixenous life cycles, involving a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Specifically, these parasites develop sarcocysts in the tissues of their intermediate hosts, ranging in size from microscopic to visible to the naked eye, depending on the species. When definitive hosts consume sarcocysts, infective forms are produced in the digestive system and discharged into the environment via feces. Consumption of oocyst-contaminated water and pasture by the intermediate host completes the parasitic cycle. More than 200 Sarcocystis spp. have been described to infect wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, some of which are of economic or public health importance. Interestingly, Old World camelids (dromedary, domestic Bactrian camel, and wild Bactrian camel) and New World or South American camelids (llama, alpaca, guanaco, and vicuña) can each be infected by two different Sarcocystis spp: Old World camelids by S. cameli (producing micro- and macroscopic cysts) and S. ippeni (microscopic cysts); and South American camelids by S. aucheniae (macroscopic cysts) and S. masoni (microscopic cysts). Large numbers of Old and New World camelids are bred for meat production, but the finding of macroscopic sarcocysts in carcasses significantly hampers meat commercialization. This review tries to compile the information that is currently accessible regarding the biology, epidemiology, phylogeny, and diagnosis of Sarcocystis spp. that infect Old and New World camelids. In addition, knowledge gaps will be identified to encourage research that will lead to the control of these parasites.

Self-Reported ICD-11 Personality Disorder Severity in Peruvian Adolescents: Structure, Validity, and Tentative Cutoffs.

Personality disorder (PD) is particularly common in adolescents, which underscores the significance of early screening, diagnosis, and intervention. To date, the definition of PD in the new ICD-11 has not yet been investigated in adolescents. This study therefore aimed to investigate the unidimensionality and criterion validity of self-reported ICD-11 PD features in Peruvian adolescents using the Personality Disorder Severity ICD-11 (PDS-ICD-11) scale. A total of 1,073 students (63% female; age range 12-16 years) were administered the PDS-ICD-11 scale along with criterion measures of personality pathology and symptom distress. The PDS-ICD-11 score showed adequate unidimensionality and conceptually meaningful associations with external criterion variables. The findings indicate that ICD-11 PD features, as measured with the PDS-ICD-11 scale, are structurally and conceptually sound when employed with adolescents. Norm-based cutoffs derived from the present study may be used for clinical interpretation. The PDS-ICD-11 may be employed as an efficient screening tool for personality dysfunction in adolescents.

Corrigendum: Convergence between the dimensional PD models of ICD-11 and DSM-5: a meta-analytic approach.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1325583.].

Internal consistency of measures for ICD-11 personality disorder severity and traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A number of measures and scales have been developed for the ICD-11 personality disorder (PD) diagnosis, including severity and trait dimensions. The present systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the internal consistency of these measures across different populations and cultures. A systematic search was conducted across four databases where relevant studies were subjected to explicit eligibility criteria resulting in 49 included studies and 370 effect sizes. Study characteristics were tabulated, their methodological quality was evaluated, and findings were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis. Findings overall indicated that measures of ICD-11 PD severity and trait domains have adequate levels of internal consistency (α/ω = 0.82, 95% CI [0.81; 0.83], I2 = 97.3%). Aspects such as sample, country, language, format, and measured construct were significant sources of variation. Additional meta-analyses revealed that some measures performed better than others for certain dimensions. Internal consistency was overall supported across ICD-11 measures of severity and trait domains. Future research should further investigate the interrater reliability, test-retest reliability and stability, and alignment with interview-based PD diagnoses.

Culture and ICD-11 personality disorder: Implications for clinical practice across diverse ethnic groups.

BACKGROUND: Personality disorder (PD) in ICD-11 is defined primarily by self and interpersonal dysfunction and optionally by other qualifiers. This definition is inseparable from relativism of cultural determinants. AIMS: This review aimed to synthesize the relevant aspects of the influence of culture on clinical practice and health management for this condition, aligning them to the ICD-11 PD model. METHOD: In Scopus, we systematically searched for studies that included the text strings: cultur* | personality AND (disorder* OR patholog*) without any restrictions on publication date or language or other exclusion criteria, up to November 2022. RESULTS: Evidence suggests that cultural variables in ethnic groups (Western and non-Western) such as the individualist/collectivist philosophy, historical/generational trauma, immigration, acculturation, religion, and gender influence the etiology, semiology, epidemiology, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health services for ICD-11 PD. We discuss the limitations and propose future lines of research on this topic based on our knowledge and experience. In this review, we provide the scientific community and clinicians with relevant cultural information to guide their practice and propose strategies to manage PD from the ICD-11 model. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed using mixed study methodologies on stigma, the experiences of patients, clinicians, and health agencies, to reduce the care gaps and achieve a culturally comprehensive, inclusive, and competent use of this new model.

Pandemic Grief and Suicidal Ideation in Latin American Countries: A Network Analysis.

This study aimed to characterize the network structure of pandemic grief symptoms and suicidal ideation in 2174 people from eight Latin American countries. Pandemic grief and suicidal ideation were measured using the Pandemic Grief Scale and a single item, respectively. Network analysis provides an in-depth characterization of symptom-symptom interactions within mental disorders. The results indicated that, "desire to die," "apathy" and "absence of sense of life" are the most central symptoms in a pandemic grief symptom network; therefore, these symptoms could be focal elements for preventive and treatment efforts. Suicidal ideation, the wish to die, and the absence of meaning in life had the strongest relationship. In general, the network structure did not differ among the participating countries. It identifies specific symptoms within the network that may increase the likelihood of their co-occurrence and is useful at the therapeutic level.

Diagnostic accuracy of severity measures of ICD-11 and DSM-5 personality disorder: clarifying the clinical landscape with the most up-to-date evidence.

With the implementation of new dimensional models of personality disorder (PD) in the DSM-5 and ICD-11, several investigators have developed and evaluated the psychometric properties of measures of severity. The diagnostic accuracy of these measures, an important cross-cultural metric that falls between validity and clinical utility, remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze and synthesize the diagnostic performance of the measures designed for both models. For this purpose, searches were carried out using three databases: Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies that presented sensitivity and specificity parameters for cut-off points were selected. There were no restrictions on the age and gender of the participants nor on the reference standard used or the settings. Study quality and synthesis were assessed using QUADAS-2 and MetaDTA software, respectively. Twelve studies were eligible covering self-reported and clinician-rated measures based on the ICD-11 and DSM-5 PD severity models. A total of 66.7% of the studies showed a risk of bias in more than 2 domains. The 10th and 12th studies provided additional metrics, resulting in a total of 21 studies for evidence synthesis. Adequate overall sensitivity and specificity (Se = 0.84, Sp = 0.69) of these measures were obtained; however, the cross-cultural performance of specific cut-off points could not be assessed due to the paucity of studies on the same measure. Evidence suggests that patient selection processes should mainly be improved (avoid case-control design), use adequate reference standards, and avoid only reporting metrics for the optimal cut-off point.

Convergence between the dimensional PD models of ICD-11 and DSM-5: a meta-analytic approach.

In the current diagnostic systems, the International Classification of Diseases-11th rev. (ICD-11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th ed. (DSM-5), the evaluation and diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) aim at dimensional examination of the severity of its dysfunction and the stylistic features that accompany it. Since their implementation, or even before, several measures have been developed to assess PD severity and traits in both models. Thus, convergent validity metrics have been reported with various PD measures; however, the convergence of the same constructs included in the measures of these two models remains undefined. The objective of the present review was to examine whether there is a sufficient relationship between PD measures of the ICD-11 and DSM-5 AMPD in the general population. For this meta-analytic review, systematic searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported Pearson's r correlations without restrictions on language, age, sex, setting, type of sample, or informant of the measures. We excluded associations with anankastia, psychoticism or the borderline pattern because they were not comparable between one dimensional model and the other. We examined the quality of the evidence with the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies, and performed the random effects meta-analysis with the 'meta' package of the RStudio software. Of the 5,629 results returned by the search, 16 studies were eligible; and showed moderate quality. The risk of bias was manifested by not specifying the details of the sample, the recruitment environment, and the identification and control of confounding factors. Thirteen studies provided two or more correlations resulting in a total of 54 studies for meta-analysis. The overall effect size estimate (correlation) was moderate for the overall model (r = 0.62, 95% CI [0.57, 0.67], p < 0.0001, I2 = 97.6%). For the subgroup of associations, ICD-11 severity model and DSM-5 AMPD severity model, the correlation was also moderate (k = 10, r = 0.57, 95% CI [0.48; 0.66]; I2 = 92.9%); as for the subgroup of associations, ICD-11 traits model and DSM-5 AMPD traits model (k = 44, r = 0.63, 95% CI [0.57; 0.69], I2 = 97.9%). The convergent validity between measures of PD severity and traits between one diagnostic system and another has been demonstrated in this review and they can probably be used interchangeably because they also measure the same constructs. Future research can address the limitations of this study and review the evidence for the discriminant validity of these measures.

Corrigendum: Cultural lenses of the utility of the ICD-11-PD model: Integrating the Peruvian context.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1016471.].

Determination of Sarcocystis lamacanis microcysts in the cardiac muscle of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and their correlation with troponin cTnI. A study performed in the high Andean region of southern Peru.

The breeding of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is one of the most important economic activities in the high Andean areas of Peru. The commercialization of products derived from alpaca represents more than 80% of the income of high-Andean families. However, the infestation of parasites such as Sarcocystis lamacanis in the alpacas causes economic losses that deteriorate the already diminished quality of life of the alpaca breeder. The search for biomarkers that allow the early detection of these parasites is one of the most critical challenges in Peru, a country with the largest population of alpacas worldwide. This work aimed to analyze and quantify the microcysts formed by the parasite and relate them to the troponin cTnI level in the blood serum. Troponins are proteins secreted when there is damage to the cardiac muscle. 60 blood and cardiac tissue samples were collected from Tisco and La Raya slaughterhouses, localities of Caylloma Province in Arequipa, and Chucuito District in Puno, both regions in southern Peru. The cardiac muscle samples were processed with the routine histology technique and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In addition, serum samples were processed with the ELISA and immunochromatography methods for troponin cTnI. Results were 100% positive for the presence of Sarcocystis lamacanis microcysts in all cardiac muscle samples. The average microcyst quantification per field of 100x were 3.5 and 5.7 for the Tisco and La Raya samples. In addition, several microscopic lesions were observed in the cardiac muscles: microcyst infiltration between muscle fibers, basophilic microcysts with a thick outer membrane and bradyzoites inside, and tissue displacement. On the other hand, all serum blood samples were negative for troponin cTnI, with both methods, ELISA and immunochromatography. For results, we infer troponin cTnI do not can be used as a biomarker for heart damage caused by Sarcocystis lamacanis parasite in alpacas.

Assessment of Organic Chemistry Students' Knowledge of Resonance-Related Structures.

This study examines how well second-year nonmajor organic chemistry students are learning to draw, interpret, and understand resonance-related structures. Students were tested seven times throughout an academic year using a set of four tasks that reflected their understanding of what these structures represent and how they relate to each other. Statistical analysis was used to validate the tests, to investigate whether the tasks were mastered, and to examine possible correlations between the tasks and between each task and students' grades in the course. These data were also analyzed to determine which tasks were deemed most difficult and to identify the most common errors associated with each task. This study seeks to raise consciousness of areas that prove to be most difficult for students and that could be limiting their mastery of the resonance concept.

Network analysis of subjective happiness, hope and resilience in the Paraguayan general population during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period / Análisis en red de felicidad subjetiva, esperanza y resiliencia en la población general paraguaya en la pospandemia del COVID-19

Abstract Introduction/objective: In this cross-sectional study, the connections between indicators of subjective happiness, hope, and resilience were investigated in 591 adult Paraguayans (average age 37.7 years; SD = 11.35) during the COVID-19 post-pandemic period, using network analysis for the first time. Method: The indicators of subjective happiness, hope, and resilience were assessed using the Subjective Happiness Scale, the Adult Hope Scale, and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, respectively. Result: The results indicated that "Enjoy life in spite of it all," "Pursuing goals," and "Coping with stress" were the most central indicators of the resilience, hope, and subjective happiness network. While stronger conditional relationships were observed between indicators of the same network variable, potential bridge indicators were also noted that could link resilience, hope, and subjective happiness, such as "I am a strong person," "Enjoy life in spite of it all," "Pursuing goals," and "I have been successful in life." Conclusions: The results suggest that timely and multilevel interventions targeted at central and bridge indicators can help promote positive emotions that impact mental health.

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: En este estudio transversal se investigaron las conexiones entre los indicadores de felicidad subjetiva, esperanza y resiliencia en 591 paraguayos adultos (edad promedio 37.7 años; DE = 11.35) en el período pospandemia del COVID-19 utilizando análisis de redes por primera vez. Método: Los indicadores de felicidad subjetiva, esperanza y resiliencia se evaluaron utilizando la Escala de Felicidad Subjetiva, la Escala de Esperanza del Adulto y la Escala de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson de 10 ítems, respectivamente. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron que "Disfrutar la vida a pesar de todo", "Perseguir metas" y "Afrontar el estrés" fueron los indicadores más centrales de la red de resiliencia, esperanza y felicidad subjetiva. Si bien se observaron relaciones condicionales más fuertes entre indicadores de la misma variable de red, también se observaron posibles indicadores puente que podrían vincular la resiliencia, la esperanza y la felicidad subjetiva, como "Soy una persona fuerte", "Disfruta la vida a pesar de todo", "Persiguiendo metas" y "He tenido éxito en la vida". Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que las intervenciones oportunas y multinivel dirigidas a indicadores centrales y puente pueden ayudar a promover emociones positivas que impacten la salud mental.

Fear of monkeypox and intention to vaccinate against monkeypox: a network analysis

Introduction: The presence of fear of an infectious disease triggers psychological factors associated with perceived behavioral control over vaccination acceptance, subjective norms of vaccination acceptance, attitudes toward vaccination acceptance, and perceived infectiousness from disease. Objective: The study evaluated how symptoms of fear of Monkeypox specifically relate to intention to be vaccinated against Monkeypox in a sample of 506 Peruvian individuals with a mean age of 27.11 years (SD = 9.77). Methods: Participants responded to the Monkeypox Fear Scale (MFS) and a single item of Intention to be vaccinated against Monkeypox. Using network analysis, central fear symptoms and associations between symptoms and intention to vaccinate were identified. Results: The results suggest that the node with the highest centrality was item 5 of the MFS. Regarding the connection between the intention to be vaccinated and the MFS items, a direct relationship was observed with item 1 and an inverse relationship with item 6. In addition, the relationship between these MFS items and intention to vaccinate is higher in men compared to women. While it would be expected that a greater presence of symptoms of fear of Monkeypox could lead people to have a greater intention to be vaccinated against the disease, the results could lead other researchers to generate evidence to explain this relationship in other Latin American countries. Discussion: The evidence is useful for developing policies that favor vaccination against Monkeypox in Peru and other Latin American countries.

Introducción: La presencia del miedo a una enfermedad infecciosa desencadena factores psicológicos asociados con el control conductual percibido sobre la aceptación de la vacunación, normas subjetivas de aceptación de la vacunación, actitudes hacia la aceptación de la vacunación y la percepción de la infectividad de la enfermedad. Objetivo: El estudio evaluó cómo los síntomas del miedo a la viruela del mono se relacionan específicamente con la intención de ser vacunado contra la viruela del mono en una muestra de 506 individuos peruanos con una edad promedio de 27,11 años (DE = 9,77). Métodos: Los participantes respondieron a la Escala de Miedo a la Viruela del Mono (MFS) y a un solo ítem de Intención de ser vacunado contra la viruela del mono. Utilizando análisis de redes, se identificaron los síntomas centrales del miedo y las asociaciones entre los síntomas y la intención de vacunarse. Resultados: Los resultados sugieren que el nodo con mayor centralidad fue el ítem 5 de la MFS. En cuanto a la conexión entre la intención de ser vacunado y los ítems de la MFS, se observó una relación directa con el ítem 1 y una relación inversa con el ítem 6. Además, la relación entre estos ítems de la MFS y la intención de vacunarse es mayor en hombres en comparación con mujeres. Si bien se esperaría que una mayor presencia de síntomas de miedo a la viruela del mono llevara a las personas a tener una mayor intención de ser vacunadas contra la enfermedad, los resultados podrían llevar a otros investigadores a generar evidencia para explicar esta relación en otros países de América Latina. Discusión: La evidencia es útil para desarrollar políticas que favorezcan la vacunación contra la viruela del mono en Perú y otros países de América Latina.

Expansion of Knowledge, Practice and Public Policy with the ICD-11 for Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals: A Literature Review and Critical Analysis / Expandiendo el conocimiento, la práctica y las políticas públicas con la CIE-11para psicólogos y profesionales de la salud mental: una revisión de la literatura y análisis crítico

Background: Mental disorders are alterations in several functional domains of human beings that trigger greater morbidity and mortality if not adequately addressed. The International Classification of Diseases 11th Edition (ICD-11) is a recently approved modern global system to guide clinical practice for these disorders and other conditions. State of the art: Despite the imminent implementation of this system in member states, the guidelines on its scientific basis, practice and importance in public health have been published in a scattered manner, with a mainly psychiatric medical target audience, hence, it is necessary to unify these guidelines in a single text. Therefore, the objective of this review was to analyze three associated aspects: (a) current knowledge of the subject, (b) its application in psychological practice, and (c) reflection on the implications for public health policies. To do this, these aspects were divided into 10 sections with the most relevant topics, and examples have been described to facilitate their use and comments to promote their understanding. Conclusions: This paper presents a review that comprehensively addresses the knowledge-practice-policy triad of mental disorders of the ICD-11. Keywords: ICD-11; mental disorders; psychology; clinical practice; public health.

Antecedentes: los trastornos mentales son alteraciones en varios dominios funcionales del ser humano que desencadenan mayor morbilidad y mortalidad si no se abordan adecuadamente. La clasificación internacional de enfermedades en su 11.a edición (CIE-11) es un sistema global y moderno recientemente aprobado para guiar la práctica clínica ante estos trastornos y otras condiciones. Estado del arte: a pesar de la inminente implementación de este sistema en los estados miembros, las guías sobre su base científica, práctica e importancia en la salud pública se han publicado de manera dispersa, con una audiencia objetivo principalmente médica psiquiátrica; y de este hecho parte la necesidad de unificar estas guías en un único texto. Por ello, el objetivo de esta revisión fue analizar tres aspectos asociados: (a) el conocimiento actual del tema, (b) su aplicación en la práctica psicológica y (c) la reflexión sobre las implicancias en las políticas de salud pública. Para ello, estos aspectos se han dividido en 10 secciones con los tópicos más relevantes, y se han descrito ejemplos para facilitar su uso y comentarios para promover su comprensión. Conclusiones: este artículo presenta una revisión que aborda integralmente la tríada conocimiento-práctica-política de los trastornos mentales de la CIE-11. Palabras clave: CIE-11; trastornos mentales; psicología; práctica clínica; salud pública.

Integrative Dimensional Personality Inventory for ICD-11: Development and Evaluation in the Peruvian Correctional Setting / Inventario Integrativo de la Personalidad Dimensional para la CIE-11: desarrollo y evaluación en el sistema penitenciario peruano

Abstract Background: Personality disorder (PD) is an important predictor of the commission of crimes; however, there is a lack of clinical instruments adjusted to the characteristics of Peruvian convicts. Objective: To develop a reliable and valid comprehensive personality measurement instrument, the Integrative Dimensional Personality Inventory, ICD-11 version (IDPI-11), according to the standards of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Method: A stratified simple of prisoners from the Huancayo Penitentiary (HP) was selected (n study 1 = 60; n study 2 = 1095). Results: High reliability indices(McDonald's _ _ .73) and adequate levels of content validity(CVI-S ≥ .87), construct validity, and criterion validity of the scales were found. This could explain the probability (a) of belonging to the group of inmates with instrumental or impulsive crimes (R2 N ≥ .52, OR ≥ 1.02, p ≤ .021), and (b) that recidivism, designated by the prison security level imposed, increases (R2≥ .53, β ≥ 1.16, p ≤ .008). Conclusions: The instrument is a valid and reliable measure that allows a dimensional and integrative assessment of the personality of convicts of the HP, according to ICD-11 standards

Resumen Antecedentes: el trastorno de la personalidad (TP) es un predictor importante en la comisión de delitos; sin embargo, existe una ausencia de instrumentos clínicos para las características del convicto peruano. Objetivo: desarrollar un instrumento de medición integral de la personalidad confiable y válido, el Inventario Integrativo de Personalidad Dimensional versión CIE-11 (IDPI-11), según los estándares de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (CIE-11). Método: se utilizó una muestra estratificada de reclusos del Establecimiento Penitenciario de Huancayo (EPH) (n estudio 1 = 60; n estudio 2 = 1095). Resultados: se encontraron altos índices de confiabilidad (ω de McDonald ≥ .73) y niveles adecuados de validez de contenido (CVI-S ≥ .87), constructo y criterio de sus escalas, pudiendo explicar la probabilidad de: (a) pertenecer al grupo de internos con delitos instrumentales o impulsivos (R2≥ .52, OR ≥ 1.02, p ≤ .021);y(b) que la tendencia a reincidir, designada por el grado de seguridad penitenciaria impuesto, aumente (R2 ≥ .53, β ≥ 1,16, p ≤ .008). Conclusiones: el instrumento construido es una medida válida y confiable que permite una evaluación dimensional e integrada de la personalidad del convicto de la EP de Huancayo, de acuerdo con los estándares de la CIE-11.

Diet and adenocarcinoma of the lung: a case-control study in Uruguay.

With the objective of examining the relationship between diet and adenocarcinoma of the lung, a case-control study was carried out in Uruguay. Red meat, total meat and fatty foods were associated with a significant increase in risk (odds ratios (OR) for red meat intake 1.92, 95% CI 1.27-2.90). On the other hand, fruits, tubers and all plant foods displayed significant inverse associations with adenocarcinoma of the lung (OR for total plant foods 0.39, 95% CI 0.26-0.61). Among nutrients, total fat, other fats (saturated fat) and cholesterol were associated with an increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the lung (OR for high consumption of total fat 2.28, 95% CI 1.48-3.54). The risk associated with cholesterol intake was even higher after controlling for total fat, suggesting that both nutrients (fat and cholesterol) have independent effects. Carotenoids and vitamin E displayed significantly protective effects. This effect was markedly attenuated, when these micronutrients were adjusted for total plant intake. Furthermore, red meat, fat, and cholesterol showed attenuation in its effects after adjustment for total plant foods. It could be concluded that tobacco smoking is the strongest risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the lung. Low consumption of plant foods, and in a lesser degree, high consumption of red meat, total fat and cholesterol contribute to a high risk of adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Placentation in the alpaca Lama pacos.

Reproduction in South American camelids is poorly studied. To extend our knowledge of the development and cellular physiology of the placenta in the alpaca Lama pacos, we have examined specimens from day 150 of pregnancy to term. Morphological investigations using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, the histochemical localization of iron, alkaline and acid phosphatase activity, and the immunodetection of placental lactogen hormone were performed. Throughout pregnancy there was a progressive increase in the depths of folds on the uterine mucosa surface together with a thickening of the endometrium. Glandular cells exhibited PAS and acid phosphatase (AcP) positive secretion granules. In the chorion, giant trophoblast polyploid cells gradually became more numerous and larger. Non-giant cells exhibited positive granules for PAS, alkaline phosphatase (AkP) reaction and immunostaining for bovine placental lactogen hormone (PLH). SDS -PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting procedures also confirmed the presence of a bovine PLH-like glycoprotein in the fetal alpaca placenta. Over the glandular openings, the chorion formed typical areolae, where the trophoblast exhibited AcP and PAS positive reactions. At these sites, the fetal endothelial cells contained iron-storage granules in their cytoplasm. The trophoblast-epithelial interface exhibited a complex microvillous interdigitation, in which an AkP reaction was very prominent. The chorionic capillaries progressively indented adjacent trophoblast cells. These data suggest that although the epitheliochorial alpaca placenta is diffuse, various trophoblast cell types and specialized areas of the maternofetal interface give the placenta micro-regional functions where histiotrophic nutrition, hormone production and molecular exchange are prevalent.

La formación de recursos humanos de la salud en la provincia a través de la universalización de la enseñanza / Formation of the Human Resources in the Health Branches in Pinar del Rio province trough the Universalization of Learning

El presente trabajo consiste en dar a conocer todo lo relacionado con la estructura organizativa, matrícula de estudiantes, número de profesores, fuentes de ingreso, modelo pedagógico vigente y especificidad de la provincia de Pinar del Río. Se expresa el reto principal, las proyecciones futuras y los retos y las perspectivas de nuestra Universidad Médica con respecto a la Universalización de la Educación Superior. En él se emplean veintiuna (21) referencias. Enfatizamos en que la elevación de los niveles de vida exige perfeccionar la formación académica de cada uno de los miembros de la sociedad. Ello puede lograrse solamente mediante programas de educación de masas. Esta experiencia única en Cuba, cada día constata resultados superiores.

This study was aimed at showing all the aspects related to the organization and structure of the universalization of learning, registration, and numbers of professors, sources of access, current pedagogical model and specificities in Pinar del Rio province. The main challenge, future expectations and perspectives of the Medical University related to the Universalization of Learning in Higher Education were also analyzed. Twenty one bibliographic references were considered, emphasizing that the elevation of the levels of life demands to perfect the academic formation of each of the members in the society, being only possible through a popular education. This experience is unique in Cuba where higher results are daily observed.

Efecto de la densidad de inóculo en la multiplicación y diferenciación de suspensiones celulares embriogénicas en el cultivar híbrido de banano FHIA-18 (Musa spp AAAB) / The effect of inoculum density on embryogenic cell suspension proliferation and differentiation in banana hybrid cultivar FHIA-18 (Musa spp AAAB)

La obtención de un sistema de regeneración eficiente por medio de la embriogénesis somática en las Musaceas, es hoy una gran herramienta ante los enormes problemas que presenta este género con el ataque de enfermedades como la sigatoka negra. El objetivo del trabajo es determinar las densidades celulares adecuadas para las etapas de multiplicación de suspensiones celulares embriogénicas y formación de los embriones somáticos en medios de cultivo líquidos. Como material vegetal se usaron brotes inmaduros de la inflorescencia masculina de Musa AAAB, cv. FHIA-18. Los resultados demostraron que es posible el establecimiento de suspensiones celulares homogéneas a partir de embriones somáticos en etapa globular, y obtener los mayores volúmenes de biomasa celular al multiplicar dichas suspensionescon una densidad del 3% del volumen de células sedimentadas. A partir del decimoquinto día en el medio de cultivo de formación de embriones comenzaron a formarse estructuras compuestas por proembriones y embriones somáticos en etapa globular; entre las densidades estudiadas los mejores resultados se obtuvieron con 100 mgMF en la cual se formaron 1 871 ES.l-1 con un peso de 248 mgMF.l-1.

An extremely useful tool for dealing with the enormous problems involved in banana growing (Musaceae) caused by the attack of diseases such as black Sigatoka can be obtained today by ensuring an efficient regeneobration system via somatic embryogenesis. The work was aimed at defining appropriate cell densities for embryogenic cell suspension growth stages and somatic embryo formation in liquid culture medium. Immature male inflorescence buds from Musa AAAB cf FHIA-18 were used as vegetal material. The results showed that it is possible to establish homogeneous cell suspensions from somatic embryos in globular stage andobtain greater cell biomass volume by multiplying the suspension with 3% sedimented cell volume (density).Embryos began to form structures in culture medium consisting of globular stage somatic proembryos and embryos from the fifteenth day onwards. The best results amongst the densities studied were obtained with 100 mgMF, in which 1,871 ES.l -1 were formed weighing 248 mgMF.l-1.