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The majority of the parasite assessments of New World primates have been conducted through the identification of the eggs found in faeces, though many species of parasites have very similar eggs, leaving uncertainty in the diagnosis. Here, we present the results of a parasite survey of the three species of primates distributed in Mexico, combining non-invasive sampling with molecular techniques via DNA extraction of the eggs found in the faeces. Mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA were employed for species identification and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Nine parasite taxa were found in the three primate species: the nematodes Trypanoxyuris minutus, T. multilabiatus, T. pigrae, T. atelis, T. atelophora, Strongyloides sp., unidentified Ancylostomatid, unidentified Ascarid, and the trematode Controrchis biliophilus. We were able to extract and amplify DNA from the eggs of the five species of Trypanoxyuris reported for Mexican primates, two morphologically different trematode eggs, and Strongyloides sp. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the two types of trematode eggs belong to Controrchis biliophilus, a member of the family Dicrocoeliidae. For Strongyloides sp., phylogenetic analysis and genetic divergence showed an association between our samples and S. fuelleborni; however, no species could be established due to the lack of more DNA sequences from Strongyloides sp. occurring in Neotropical primates. The use of molecular and phylogenetic methods could help to overcome the limitations imposed by traditional non-invasive sampling because eggs are primarily obtained from the faeces; however, its utility relies on the extant genetic library and the contributions that expand such library. The information presented here could serve as a basis for future research on primate parasitology, allowing a more accurate parasite diagnosis and a more precise evaluation of their zoonotic potential., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Molecular diagnosis of parasites from Mexican primates through non-invasive sampling. • Phylogenetic analysis identified seven parasite species. • 28S a suitable marker for parasite DNA diagnosis. • Accurate parasite diagnosis crucial in wildlife conservation and management programs.

Anticalins are a novel class of small, robust proteins with designed ligand-binding properties derived from the natural lipocalin scaffold. Due to their compact molecular architecture, comprising a single polypeptide chain, they provide several benefits as protein therapeutics, such as high target specificity, good tissue penetration, low immunogenicity, tunable plasma half-life, efficient Escherichia coli expression, and suitability for furnishing with additional effector functions via genetic fusion or chemical conjugation. The lipocalins are a widespread family of proteins that naturally serve in many organisms, including humans, for the transport, storage, or sequestration of small biological compounds like vitamins and hormones. Their fold is dominated by an eight-stranded antiparallel β-barrel, which is open to the solvent at one end. There, four loops connect the β-strands in a pairwise manner and, altogether, they form the entry to a ligand-binding site. This loop region can be engineered via site-directed random mutagenesis in combination with genetic library selection techniques to yield "Anticalins" with exquisite specificities-and down to picomolar affinities-for prescribed molecular targets of either hapten or antigen type. Several Anticalins directed against medically relevant disease targets have been successfully engineered and can be applied, for example, for the blocking of soluble signaling factors or cell surface receptors or for tissue-specific drug targeting. While natural lipocalins were already subject to clinical studies in the past, a first Anticalin has completed Phase I trials in 2011, thus paving the way for the broad application of Anticalins as a promising novel class of biopharmaceuticals.

Surgical research encompasses any research performed in a surgical department, conducted by surgeons, conceived by surgeons, or financed by surgeons. Thus, surgical research is simply medical research that benefits from the views and experience of surgeons as well as from the financial resources of surgical departments. Consequently, surgical research is now in direct competition with all facets of medical research conducted by medical and basic science departments. Given that medical research is increasingly focusing on molecular analysis, the surgical researcher must contend with the rapidly developing field of molecular biology. Embracing molecular biological techniques and embarking on a research plan that involves cloning of a novel gene or cDNA are ambitious steps for any investigator who is not a trained molecular biologist. On the other hand, when successful, the rewards of such a plan are great. Cloning and studying a novel gene, mRNA, and protein will be viewed as novel and unique research, two key ingredients for obtaining research funding. Fortunately, the advent of molecular biology kits and service companies has made this process easier and more expedient. However, it is crucial to understand the principles and methods used to complete the many tasks that must be accomplished before bringing such a research plan to fruition.