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Congenital anomalies are rare in veterinary medicine, and their aetiology, development, clinical presentation, and management remain poorly understood. This study documents a rare case of multiple congenital anomalies occurring simultaneously in a single individual. We present a comprehensive analysis of a 4-month-old mixed-breed puppy diagnosed with caudal duplication (monocephalus dipygus), integrating clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, cytogenetic findings, and surgical intervention. The puppy exhibited several external abnormalities, including a supernumerary limb, a single tail, two penises, and two distinct scrotal sacs. Radiographic examination revealed additional metatarsal and phalangeal bones in the supernumerary limb. Ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy further identified two bladders, a single prostate, and bifurcated ureters, each connecting to a kidney. Cytogenetic analysis was conducted to investigate potential chromosomal abnormalities underlying these congenital anomalies, as we hypothesized that these malformations might be linked to chromosomal aberrations. The successful surgical removal of the supernumerary limb significantly improved the dog’s mobility. Notably, since each bladder was independently connected to a kidney, surgical intervention in the genitourinary system was avoided to prevent potential impairment of urinary function. This case highlights the complexity of congenital anomalies in canines and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to their diagnosis and management.

Abstract Background Equitable health service utilization is key to health systems' optimal performance and universal health coverage. The evidence shows that men and women use health services differently. However, current analyses have failed to explore these differences in depth and investigate how such gender disparities vary by service type. This study examined the gender gap in the use of outpatient health services by Mexican adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from 2006 to 2022. Methods A cross-sectional population-based analysis of data drawn from National Health and Nutrition Surveys of 2006, 2011–12, 2020, 2021, and 2022 was performed. Information was gathered from 300,878 Mexican adults aged 20 years and older who either had some form of public health insurance or were uninsured. We assessed the use of outpatient health services provided by qualified personnel for adults who reported having experienced an NCD and seeking outpatient care in the 2 weeks before the survey. Outpatient service utilization was disaggregated into four categories: non-use, use of public health services from providers not corresponding to the user’s health insurance, use of public health services from providers not corresponding to the user’s health insurance, and use of private services. This study reported the mean percentages (with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) for each sociodemographic covariate associated with service utilization, disaggregated by gender. The percentages were reported for each survey year, the entire study period, the types of service use, and the reasons for non-use, according to the type of health problem. The gender gap in health service utilization was calculated using predictive margins by gender, type of disease, and survey year, and adjusted through a multinomial logistic regression model. Results Overall, we found that women were less likely to fall within the “non-use” category than men during the entire study period (21.8% vs. 27.8%, P

Abstract Many research articles have explored the impact of surgical interventions on voice and speech evaluations, but advances are limited by the lack of publicly accessible datasets. To address this, a comprehensive corpus of 107 Spanish Castilian speakers was recorded, including control speakers and patients who underwent upper airway surgeries such as Tonsillectomy, Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, and Septoplasty. The dataset contains 3,800 audio files, averaging 35.51 ± 5.91 recordings per patient. This resource enables systematic investigation of the effects of upper respiratory tract surgery on voice and speech. Previous studies using this corpus have shown no relevant changes in key acoustic parameters for sustained vowel phonation, consistent with initial hypotheses. However, the analysis of speech recordings, particularly nasalised segments, remains open for further research. Additionally, this dataset facilitates the study of the impact of upper airway surgery on speaker recognition and identification methods, and testing of anti-spoofing methodologies for improved robustness.

Abstract Background Mexico and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with gender-differentiated risk factors and access to prevention, diagnosis and care. However, the political agenda in LMICs as it relates to health and gender is primarily focused on sexual and reproductive health rights and preventing violence against women. This research article analyses public policies related to gender and NCDs, identifying political challenges in the current response to women’s health needs, and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care in Mexico. Methods We carried out a political mapping and stakeholder analysis during July–October of 2022, based on structured desk research and interviews with eighteen key stakeholders related to healthcare, gender and NCDs in Mexico. We used the PolicyMaker V5 software to identify obstacles and opportunities to promote interventions that recognize the role of gender in NCDs and NCD care, from the perspective of the political stakeholders interviewed. Results We found as a political obstacle that policies and stakeholders addressing NCDs do not take a gender perspective, while policies and stakeholders addressing gender equality do not adequately consider NCDs. The gendered social and economic aspects of the NCD burden are not widely understood, and the multi-sectoral approach needed to address these aspects is lacking. Economic obstacles show that budget cuts exacerbated by the pandemic are a significant obstacle to social protection mechanisms to support those caring for people living with NCDs. Conclusions Moving towards an effective, equity-promoting health and social protection system requires the government to adopt an intersectoral, gender-based approach to the prevention and control of NCDs and the burden of NCD care. Despite significant resource constraints, policy innovation may be possible given the willingness among some stakeholders to collaborate, particularly in the labour and legal sectors. However, care will be needed to ensure the implementation of new policies has a positive impact on both gender equity and health outcomes. Research on successful approaches in other contexts can help to identify relevant learnings for Mexico.

La Ehrlichiosis monocítica canina (EMC), una enfermedad emergente causada por Ehrlichia canis. Este patógeno se encuentra comúnmente en perros y otros canidos silvestres que actúan como reservorios naturales. La EMC es prevalente en regiones tropicales y subtropicales, por la presencia de la garrapata marrón del perro, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, que actúa como vector principal, siendo América Latina una región afectada. La enfermedad se manifiesta en tres etapas clínicas: aguda, subclínica y crónica, con síntomas como depresión, letargo, anorexia, hemorragias, y cambios en los parámetros hematológicos. El diagnóstico de E. canis puede ser a través de pruebas serológicas y moleculares, siendo la PCR dirigida al gen 16S rRNA considerada la técnica más fiable. El estudio se llevó a cabo en perros con sintomatología clínica en una clínica veterinaria en Ecuador. Se realizaron test de inmunocromatografia y reacción de cadena de polimerasa para identificar la presencia de E. canis. Se evidenció que las pruebas serológicas presentan una tasa de positividad superior, pero pueden generar falsos positivos debido al tiempo post infección. La PCR permite la detección temprana, incluso en fases subclínicas, ofreciendo la posibilidad de iniciar el tratamiento antes de la manifestación de síntomas. Se concluye destacando la importancia de realizar combinación de pruebas de laboratorio para un diagnóstico más fiable de la EMC en perros, identificando precozmente caninos como posibles fuentes de transmisión zoonótica de E. canis a los humanos.

Mammary cancer is a disease that requires effective treatments. Conventional chemotherapy, while effective, often causes harmful side effects. In contrast, metronomic chemotherapy (mCHT), which involves the continuous administration of low doses of anticancer drugs, is presented as a less aggressive alternative. In this study, the genotoxic impact of treatment with Cyclophosphamide and Meloxicam under the mCHT approach was evaluated in ten canine (Canis lupus familiaris) patients with mammary carcinoma after undergoing mastectomy. The patients underwent monthly evaluations, including chest X–rays, blood tests, and the alkaline comet assay to measure genotoxic effects of the antineoplastic drugs. These results were compared with those of a group that received conventional chemotherapy. The results revealed that patients treated with mCHT experienced significantly lower levels of DNA damage compared to those who received conventional chemotherapy. Furthermore, DNA damage decreased over time during mCHT, suggesting that dogs may have developed tolerance to the treatment. Blood parameters remained stable in the mCHT–treated group, and X–rays showed no signs of recurrence or metastasis. All dogs survived during the one–year follow–up without mammary cancer recurrence. It is concluded that mCHT with Cyclophosphamide appears to be a less aggressive therapeutic option with a more favorable genotoxic profile in the treatment of mammary cancer in dogs.

In the realm of gastroenterology, the inadequacy of current medical treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coupled with their potential side effects, necessitates novel therapeutic approaches. Neuromodulation, targeting the nervous system’s control of GI functions, emerges as a promising alternative. This review explores the promising effects of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), magnetic neuromodulation, and acupuncture in managing these challenging conditions. VNS offers targeted modulation of GI motility and inflammation, presenting a potential solution for patients not fully relieved from traditional medications. Magnetic neuromodulation, through non-invasive means, aims to enhance neurophysiological processes, showing promise in improving GI function and reducing inflammation. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture, grounded in traditional medicine yet validated by modern science, exert comprehensive effects on GI physiology via neuro-immune-endocrine mechanisms, offering relief from motility and inflammatory symptoms. This review highlights the need for further research to refine these interventions, emphasizing their prospective role in advancing patient-specific management strategies for GI motility disorders and IBD, thus paving the way for a new therapeutic paradigm.

ABSTRACTLatin America has experienced a rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) which is having repercussions on the structuring of healthcare delivery and social protection for vulnerable populations. We examined catastrophic (CHE) and excessive (EHE, impoverishing and/or catastrophic) health care expenditures in Mexican households with and without elderly members (≥65 years), by gender of head of the households, during 2000–2020. We analyzed pooled cross-sectional data for 380,509 households from eleven rounds of the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Male- and female-headed households (MHHs and FHHs) were matched using propensity scores to control for gender bias in systematic differences regarding care-seeking (demand for healthcare) preferences. Adjusted probabilities of positive health expenditures, CHE and EHE were estimated using probit and two-stage probit models, respectively. Quintiles of EHE by state among FHHs with elderly members were also mapped. CHE and EHE were greater among FHHs than among MHHs (4.7% vs 3.9% and 5.5% vs 4.6%), and greater in FHHs with elderly members (5.8% vs 4.9% and 6.9% vs 5.8%). EHE in FHHs with elderly members varied geographically from 3.9% to 9.1%, being greater in less developed eastern, north-central and southeastern states. Compared with MHHs, FHHs face greater risks of CHE and EHE. This vulnerability is exacerbated in FHHs with elderly members, because of gender intersectional vulnerability. The present context, marked by a growing burden of NCDs and inequities amplified by COVID-19, makes key interlinkages across multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) apparent, and calls for urgent measures that strengthen social protection in health.

Abstract Background Age and comorbidity are the main determinants of COVID-19 outcome. Shorter leukocyte telomere length (TL), a hallmark of biological aging, has been associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes. We sought to determine TL in patients with severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization to analyze whether clinical outcomes and post-COVID-19 manifestations are associated with shorter TL. Results We analyzed 251 patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19, hospitalized in the first months of the pandemics. We determined TL in PBL at admission by quantitative-PCR (qPCR) analysis in patients. A healthy cohort from the same area with a similar age range (n = 169) was used to calculate TL Z-scores. After hospital discharge, 144 COVID-19 survivors were followed-up for persistent COVID-19 manifestations. A second TL determination was performed in a smaller group of 63 patients 1 year later and compared with baseline TL. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients had a decreased baseline age-adjusted TL Z-score compared to the reference group. No differences in Z-scores were observed in patients with different COVID-19 outcomes, classified as WHO ordinal scores. In 144 patients, followed for a median of 8 months, post-COVID manifestations were not associated to differences in TL. Persistence of lung radiographic abnormalities was associated with shorter baseline TL. In patients with a second TL determination, further telomere shortening (TS) was observed in 35% and telomere lengthening in 49%. Patients with further TS had suffered a more severe disease. Conclusion Shorter TL is associated with COVID-19 hospitalization but not with hospital clinical outcomes nor with persistent post-COVID-19 manifestations. Delayed resolution of radiographic lung abnormalities was also associated with shorter TL.

Abstract Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are highly prevalent among university students and predict impaired college performance and later life role functioning. Yet most students do not receive treatment, especially in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). We aim to evaluate the effects of expanding treatment using scalable and inexpensive Internet-delivered transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) among college students with symptoms of MDD and/or GAD in two LMICs in Latin America (Colombia and Mexico) and to investigate the feasibility of creating a precision treatment rule (PTR) to predict for whom iCBT is most effective. Methods We will first carry out a multi-site randomized pragmatic clinical trial (N = 1500) of students seeking treatment at student mental health clinics in participating universities or responding to an email offering services. Students on wait lists for clinic services will be randomized to unguided iCBT (33%), guided iCBT (33%), and treatment as usual (TAU) (33%). iCBT will be provided immediately whereas TAU will be whenever a clinic appointment is available. Short-term aggregate effects will be assessed at 90 days and longer-term effects 12 months after randomization. We will use ensemble machine learning to predict heterogeneity of treatment effects of unguided versus guided iCBT versus TAU and develop a precision treatment rule (PTR) to optimize individual student outcome. We will then conduct a second and third trial with separate samples (n = 500 per arm), but with unequal allocation across two arms: 25% will be assigned to the treatment determined to yield optimal outcomes based on the PTR developed in the first trial (PTR for optimal short-term outcomes for Trial 2 and 12-month outcomes for Trial 3), whereas the remaining 75% will be assigned with equal allocation across all three treatment arms. Discussion By collecting comprehensive baseline characteristics to evaluate heterogeneity of treatment effects, we will provide valuable and innovative information to optimize treatment effects and guide university mental health treatment planning. Such an effort could have enormous public-health implications for the region by increasing the reach of treatment, decreasing unmet need and clinic wait times, and serving as a model of evidence-based intervention planning and implementation. Trial status IRB Approval of Protocol Version 1.0; June 3, 2020. Recruitment began on March 1, 2021. Recruitment is tentatively scheduled to be completed on May 30, 2024. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04780542 . First submission date: February 28, 2021.

For the management of Spodoptera frugiperda, botanical extracts have been used to reduce the environmental impacts of synthetic chemical pesticides. In the present investigation, the insecticidal activity of the acetonic and methanolic extracts of Heterotheca inuloides (Asteraceae) and of the main compound 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene on this pest as well as its ecotoxicological effect on Poecilia reticulata were evaluated. A greater insecticidal response was obtained from the acetonic extracts than from the methanolic extracts, with LC50 values of 730.4 ppm and 711.7 ppm for samples 1 and 2, respectively. Similarly, there was a lethal effect on 50% of the P. reticulata population at low concentrations in the acetonic extract compared to the methanolic extract. The sesquiterpene 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalene has greater insecticidal activity by presenting an LC50 of 44.36 ppm; however, it is classified as moderately toxic for guppy fish.

La queratoconjuntivitis seca (QCS) es una enfermedad inflamatoria que afecta la córnea y conjuntiva generando signos oculares como resequedad de la córnea, ulceraciones, pigmentación, vascularización y disminución significativa de la cantidad de la producción lagrimal que es secretada por las glándulas lagrimales, tarsales y ciliares apocrinas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la incidencia de QCS con el método diagnóstico cuantitativo “test de Schirmer”, y relacionarlo con el grupo etario, la presión ocular y la glucemia. En la metodología empleada se realizó una valoración clínica oftalmológica a perros braquiocefálicos de la ciudad de Machala (Ecuador), aparentemente sanos tomando en cuenta el sexo y registro etario. Se organizaron 3 grupos de estudio de 6 meses a 2 años de edad (AdE), de 2,5 a 5 AdE y mayores a 6 AdE. Para el diagnóstico de QCS se empleó la tira de papel absorbente “test de Schirmer” comercial. La incidencia de QCS en los perros braquiocefálicos fue del 27,3 %, encontrándose el 40 % de éstos en edades entre los 2,5 a 5 AdE sin relación estadística. Un tercio de los animales (33,3 %), presentaron una presión intraocular alta sin relación a la presencia de la QCS en el grupo etario afectado. La alta incidencia de la QC lleva a implementar en las clínicas veterinarias, exámenes oftalmológicos preventivos a los pacientes braquiocefálicos ya que tienen cierta predisposición por su anatomía a padecer esta patología.

Se presenta el estudio de un perro con sintomatología de Parvovirosis que resultó positivo a los test de inmunocromatografìa para Parvovirus y Ehrlichia canis el cual fue confirmado, a nivel molecular, como positivo para E. canis y E. ewingii. Además del interés que representa este caso desde el punto de vista clínico, la detección mediante PCR de E. ewingii sugiere la presencia de este patógeno fuera de su rango de distribución geográfica natural (México, Guatemala, Guyana, Guayana Francesa y Estados Unidos) y destaca la necesidad de realizar estudios moleculares en garrapatas locales a fin de verificar si éste es un caso aislado en Ecuador o si, por el contrario, existe colonización de E. ewingii en vectores locales.

La Esporotricosis es una micosis causada por especies de patógenos de Sporothrix schenkii. Las manifestaciones clínicas en gatos ocasionan lesiones cutáneas como nódulos y ulceras. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo el reporte de un caso de un felino, macho entero, de aproximadamente seis años de edad, que presentaba una masa de 12 centímetros (cm) en la cabeza, de consistencia sólida, base ancha y muy vascularizada. Se solicitó examen de sangre completo y prueba para descarte de enfermedades virales. Los resultados fueron positivos a Leucemia Viral Felina, en el hemograma se observó una pancitopenia con un hematocrito de 11 %. Se realizó una citología por punción con aguja fina; en el microscopio se pudo diferenciar neutrófilos degenerados y microorganismos ovales con un halo sin teñir y un centro basófilo. Con el resultado se tomó una muestra del tejido y se envió para cultivo micológico en agar Sabouraud, el cual reveló colonias de color negruzco-castaño. Hubo respuesta favorable al tratamiento con itraconazol y baños con shampoo de Clorhexidina más Miconazol, a los 90 días (d) se observó una cicatriz de promedio de 1 cm y al realizar una citología no se observó contenido ni celularidad con la tinción, se suspendió el tratamiento a los 90 d. Este es el primer reporte documentado de esporotricosis de un felino en Ecuador.

Objetivo. Estimar la elasticidad precio y la elasticidad ingreso de la demanda de cerveza en México. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron series mensuales de ventas y precios de cerveza de 2007 a 2019. Se estimó la elasticidad a largo plazo mediante un modelo de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios (MCO). La elasticidad en el corto plazo se estimó mediante un modelo de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios dinámicos (MCOD). Resultados. La elasticidad precio en el largo plazo fue de -1.40 (IC95%: -2.53 a -0.27) y -1.31 (IC95%: -2.46 a -0.15) en el corto plazo. La elasticidad ingreso de la demanda en el largo y en el corto plazo se estimó en 0.86 (IC95%: 0.44-1.29) y 0.93 (IC95%: 0.51-1.34), respectivamente. Conclusión. Los hallazgos de este estudio sugieren que las políticas fiscales pueden tener un impacto positivo en la salud de la población al reducir el consumo de cerveza.

Currently, in critical times of confinement, hydroponics is a viable alternative that allows the production of plant biomass derived from the initial development of plants in the stages of germination and early growth of seedlings from feasible seeds, it is the sowing of soilless cultivation, this method facilitates the productive, sustainable, and ecological development of plants. Hydroponic crops are developed in a medium or culture system fed by a nutrient solution that offers the precise food for the entire period of growth of the forages, free of pesticides and fungicides with this we get healthy food for the feeding of domestic animals. In addition, it allows the use of simple or complex structures to produce fodder, taking advantage of spaces or areas such as terraces, infertile soils, rugged terrain, technical or traditional greenhouses. Based on this idea, techniques were deployed that are supported by using substrates, or methods with contributions of nutrient solutions, always considering the needs of the plant such as temperature, humidity, water, and nutrients. Based on practice, the benefits per unit of planted area are high due to greater consistency, productivity, safety, and efficiency in the use of water, light, and nutrients, and it is also economically viable that deserves to be considered by small and medium- sized companies. rural producers of domestic animals.

In the realm of gastroenterology, the inadequacy of current medical treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coupled with their potential side effects, necessitates novel therapeutic approaches. Neuromodulation, targeting the nervous system's control of GI functions, emerges as a promising alternative. This review explores the promising effects of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), magnetic neuromodulation, and acupuncture in managing these challenging conditions. VNS offers targeted modulation of GI motility and inflammation, presenting a potential solution for patients not fully relieved from traditional medications. Magnetic neuromodulation, through non-invasive means, aims to enhance neurophysiological processes, showing promise in improving GI function and reducing inflammation. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture, grounded in traditional medicine yet validated by modern science, exert comprehensive effects on GI physiology via neuro-immune-endocrine mechanisms, offering relief from motility and inflammatory symptoms. This review highlights the need for further research to refine these interventions, emphasizing their prospective role in advancing patient-specific management strategies for GI motility disorders and IBD, thus paving the way for a new therapeutic paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]