Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Chalcogen Semicarbazone (S, Se) and Their Azole Derivatives against Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease is caused by the eukaryote parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Current treatment exhibits limited efficacy and selenium-based compounds emerged as promising candidates for new therapies which is surpassing its bioisoster, sulfur. We designed new thiosemicarbazones, thiazoles, selenosemicarbazones and selenazoles, using isosteric substitution. We synthesized 57 new chalcogen compounds which were evaluated against T. cruzi, C2C12 cells and cruzain, the main target of this parasite. Additionally, human cathepsin L, was tested for selectivity. Three compounds were selected, based on their activity against the intracellular amastigotes (EC50 < 1 µM, SI > 10) and cruzain (IC50 < 100 nM, SI > 5.55) which compared favorably with the approved drug, Benznidazole, and the well-established cruzain inhibitor K777. Seleno-compounds demonstrated enhanced activity and selenazoles showed a decrease in selenium-associated toxicity. Compound 4-methyl-2-(2-(1-(3-nitrophenyl)ethylidene)hydrazineyl)-1,3-selenazole (Se2h) emerged as a promising candidate, and its binding to cruzain was investigated. Pharmacokinetic assessment was conducted, showing a favorable profile for subsequent in vivo assays.

Myroides species, pathogenic spectrum and clinical microbiology sight in Mexican isolates.

INTRODUCTION: Myroides is a bacterial genus of opportunistic bacteria responsible for diverse infections including in the skin and soft tissues, urinary tract, cardiovascular system, and bacteremia, although the incidence of its reported infections is low, it is increasing, likely due the use of better bacterial identification methods, but also perhaps due an increase in its prevalence. In addition, their pathogenic role is limited in terms of reporting their microbial physiology, so the present work provides information in this regard in addition to the information that is available in the international literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe the microbiological and genetic characteristics of seven different Myroides spp. clinical strains and comment on their phylum, pathogenic and resistance characteristics. METHODS: Seven Myroides spp., strains associated with infections were included from 1/January/2012 to 1/January/20 and identified by miniaturized biochemistry and MALDI-ToF. Susceptibility tests were performed according to CLSI recommendations by broth microdilution. Whole genome sequencing was performed for each strain and bioinformatics analysis were performed. RESULTS: Strains were identified at genus level by two methodologies. Our results revealed that likely four strains belong to the species Myroides odoratimimus, while the other two may be undescribed ones. Remarkably, all isolates harbored several genes encoding antibiotic resistance determinants for ß-lactams, aminoglycosides and glycopeptides and in concordance, presented high levels of resistance, against these antibiotics (AK and GN both 100%, ATM, CAZ and FEP 100%, e.g.); moreover, the presences of carbapenemases were evidenced by meropenem (mCIM) and imipenem (CARBA NP) degrading activity in six isolates and two strains possessed plasmids harboring mainly ribosomal RNA genes, tRNAs and genes encoding proteins with unknown functions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study increases the knowledge about the biology of this understudied genus and highlights the potential of Myroides to emerge as a broader cause of recalcitrant opportunistic infections.

Treatment Outcomes for Asian Americans Diagnosed with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder.

We implemented a pilot study to investigate symptoms and functional outcomes of Asian Americans treated in urban community mental health centers for a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Furthermore, we investigated whether these outcomes differed between East and Southeast Asians. We collected quantitative data from 75 participants recruited using a nonprobability sampling strategy from six urban community mental health centers. We used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (Kay et al. in Schizophrenia Bulletin 13(2):261-276, 1987) and the Strauss and Carpenter Outcome Scale (Strauss and Carpenter in Archives of General Psychiatry 27(6):739-746, 1972) to measure their symptoms and functional outcomes. To compare the outcomes between East and Southeast Asians, we used a multivariable logistic regression model, which adjusted for the estimated effects of age, sex assigned at birth, and age at onset of illness for each outcome examined. The data shows that the treatment outcomes for this group are poor. Only a small number of participants experienced symptomatic remission (30.67%), role restoration (34.67%), and clinical recovery (21.33%). The majority of those who did not experience clinical recovery had difficulties sustaining symptomatic remission and restoring role functioning (54.67%). However, more participants achieved social restoration (68.00%). The results did not vary by national origin groups and sex assigned at birth. However, the participant's age, the age at which the illness began, or both determined whether the treatment outcomes were favorable. Findings underscore the need for interventions that improve symptom control to increase the likelihood of other favorable outcomes.

Anatomical outcomes and complications of sacrocolpopexy using Surelift Uplift mesh: A multicentric observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the anatomical and functional outcomes, as well as the safety data of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using a lightweight macroporous mesh. METHODS: A multicentric observational study was developed including five expert centers between March 2011 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria were female patients with symptomatic ≥stage II POP (POP-Q classification), who underwent a LSC. A lightweight and macroporous mesh device (Surelift Uplift) was used. Baseline anatomical positions were evaluated using POP-Q stage. The anatomical outcomes and procedural complications were assessed during the postoperative period. Primary outcomes were anatomical success, defined as POP-Q stage ≤I, and subjective success, defined as no bothersome bulge symptoms, and no repeat surgery or pessary use for recurrent prolapse. RESULTS: A total of 325 LSCs were analyzed with a median patient age of 66 (interquartile range [IQR] 61-73). After a median follow-up of 68 months (IQR 46.5-89), anatomical success was found in 88.9%, whereas subjective success was seen in 98.5% of the patients. Recurrent prolapse presented as cystocele (1.5%). Reported complications were bladder (4.6%) or rectum lesions (0.6%), de novo urinary incontinence (12.9%), and mesh extrusion (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: LSC provides significant clinical improvement and excellent anatomical results, with a low risk of serious complications for women with ≥2 grade POP in a real clinical practice setting.

Sociodemographic and treatment-related determinants of recent substance use among adults with comorbid substance misuse and psychotic disorders discharged from substance use treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Rates of alcohol and illicit substance use are higher among persons with psychotic disorders relative to the general population. The adverse health and psychological effects of substance use behaviors disproportionately impact persons with psychotic disorders. Prior research has shown that persons with psychotic disorders experience increased difficulty in reducing substance use behaviors, and interventions targeting substance use behavior change among this population have demonstrated limited effectiveness. One reason for this is that little is known about the factors that influence substance use and behavior change among this population. To address these disparities, the present study investigated sociodemographic and treatment-related factors of substance use recurrence among persons with psychotic disorders who received substance use treatment services. METHODS: Data came from the 2015-2018 Treatment Episode Dataset-Discharges (TEDS-D). TEDS-D collects annual data on adolescent and adult discharges from state-certified substance use treatment centers in the United States. The study conducted all analyses with a subsample of 1956 adult discharges with a psychotic disorder who received services from an outpatient substance use treatment center for at least one month. χ2 tests of independence and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations of sociodemographic and treatment-related characteristics with substance use recurrence while in treatment (α < 0.05 analyses). The study presents results from multivariable logistic regression models as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Those who were age 50 or older, were referred to treatment by the criminal justice system, and attended substance use self-help groups had lower odds of substance use recurrence while in treatment. Sex, educational attainment, employment status, living situation, type of substance use, and treatment history were not significantly associated with substance use recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In designing treatment services, providers should consider whether focusing on sociodemographic, including cultural, factors can affect more positive substance use behavior change and other desired treatment outcomes among those with psychotic disorders and comorbid substance misuse. Further study is needed to identify these factors among specific subpopulations of those with psychotic disorders and substance misuse.

Síndrome de la arteria de Percheron, a propósito de un caso / Percheron artery syndrome: A case report

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Percheron es una entidad infrecuente de difícil determinación clínica y que es causada por la oclusión de la arteria de Percheron. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 71 años que llega obnubilado al servicio de urgencias, con disartria, hemiparesia izquierda, signo de Babinski bilateral, ptosis palpebral derecha, con exotropía, limitación total de la aducción del ojo derecho y abducción parcial del izquierdo, con imposibilidad de supraducción e infraducción de ambos ojos. Además, tenía reflejo oculocefálico vertical ausente bilateralmente y horizontal derecho ausente, pupilas anisocóricas y reflejo fotomotor ausente en ambos ojos. La imágenes obtenidas por resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) (T1W, T2, T2-FLAIR y técnicas de difusión) demostraron que hubo un infarto de la arteria de Percheron. El paciente se mantuvo por 10 días hospitalizado y evolucionó favorablemente. Discusión: El síndrome de Percheron cursa con una triada clásica caracterizada por alteración de la conciencia, deterioro cognitivo y parálisis de la mirada vertical, a lo que se le añade hemiplejía, ataxia cerebelosa y déficit oculomotor y, si se acompaña de lesiones mesencefálicas, se produce un síndrome tálamo-peduncular. La sospecha clínica de esta patología constituye un desafío en la práctica médica, debido a la infrecuencia de presentación, variabilidad de alteraciones neurológicas y la dificultad que ofrecen los estudios imagenológicos de urgencia. Conclusiones: Hemos descrito una entidad infrecuente y de difícil determinación clínica, en la cual, los criterios para el diagnóstico son fundamentalmente imagenológicos, siendo de elección la RMN. La evolución y el pronóstico dependerán de la extensión del proceso, las estructuras involucradas, el diagnóstico y su tratamiento oportuno.

Abstract Introduction: Percheron Syndrome is an infrequent entity that is difficult to determine clinically, caused by the occlusion of the Percheron artery. Case presentation: We present a 71-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency department: obtunded, with dysarthria, left hemiparesis, bilateral Babinsky's sign, right palpebral ptosis, with exotropia, total adduction limitation of the right eye and partial adduction of the right eye. abduction of the left with impossibility of supraduction and infraduction of both eyes. Absent vertical oculocephalic reflex bilaterally and absent right horizontal. Anisochoric pupils, photomotor reflex absent in both eyes. The images obtained by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (T1W, T2, T2-FLAIR and diffusion techniques) showed infarction of the Percheron artery. He remained hospitalized for 10 days, and evolved favorably. Discussion. Percheron Syndrome presents with a classic triad characterized by altered consciousness, cognitive impairment and paralysis of vertical gaze, to which is added hemiplegia, cerebellar ataxia and oculomotor deficit, if accompanied by mesencephalic lesions, producing a Thalamopeduncular Syndrome. The clinical suspicion of this pathology constitutes a challenge in medical practice, due to the infrequency of presentation, variability of neurological alterations and the difficulty offered by emergency imaging studies. Conclusions. We have described a rare entity that is difficult to determine clinically, in which the criteria for diagnosis are fundamentally imaging, with MRI being the choice. The evolution and prognosis will depend on the extent of the process, structures involved in addition to the diagnosis and timely treatment.

Promising aryl selenoate derivatives as antileishmanial agents and their effects on gene expression.

Leishmaniasis remains one of the main public health problems worldwide, with special incidence in the poorest populations. Selenium and its derivatives can be potent therapeutic options against protozoan parasites. In this work, 17 aryl selenoates were synthesized and screened against three species of Leishmania (Leishmania major, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania infantum). Initial screening in promastigotes showed L. infantum species was more sensitive to selenoderivatives than the others. The lead Se-(2-selenocyanatoethyl) thiophene-2-carboselenoate (16) showed a half-maximal effective concentration of 3.07 µM and a selectivity index > 32.57 against L. infantum promastigotes. It was also the most effective of all 17 compounds, decreasing the infection ratio by 90% in L. infantum-infected macrophages with amastigotes at 10 µM. This aryl selenoate did not produce a hemolytic effect on human red blood cells at the studied doses (10-100 µM). Furthermore, the gene expression of infected murine macrophages related to cell death, the cell cycle, and the selenoprotein synthesis pathway in amastigotes was altered, while no changes were observed in their murine homologs, supporting the specificity of Compound 16 against the parasite. Therefore, this work reveals the possible benefits of selenoate derivatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Un acercamiento a las variables y su escala de clasificación, a través de la "edad" como variable de estudio

La operacionalización de las variables constituye una acción investigativa de gran importancia metodológica. En este artículo se repasan, someramente, aspectos teóricos acerca de las variables de estudio, con el propósito de fundamentar la mayor utilidad y conveniencia de declarar, en el proyecto de investigación, el tipo de escala que será empleada para la agrupación de los datos provenientes de las unidades de análisis, en lugar del tipo de variable, como suele hacerse. Esta idea adquiere un evidente sentido práctico cuando se trabaja con variables cuantitativas.

The variables' operationalization constitutes a research action of great methodological importance. This article briefly reviews theoretical aspects about the study variables, to substantiate the greatest usefulness and convenience of declaring, in the research project, the type of scale that will be used to group the data coming from of the units of analysis, instead of the type of variable, as is usually done. This idea takes on an obvious practical meaning when working with quantitative variables.

Efficacy of Medical Ozone as an Adjuvant Treatment in Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Protusions-A Retrospective Study.

Ozone-therapy is used in humans as a coadjutant treatment in intervertebral disc diseases due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. References in dogs are scarce and limited to clinical cases (intradiscal/paravertebral infiltrations). The aim of this study was to assess the use of medical ozone (MO) as an adjunctive treatment in dogs with intervertebral disc protrusions (Hansen Type II/Chronic). A retrospective study was conducted in dogs diagnosed with intervertebral disc protrusions by MRI/CT in which MO was used as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medical treatment. Neurological examination and quality of life (QL) at the beginning and end of study were recorded, as well as posology and possible side effects. A total of 21 patients of different breeds and sex with a mean age of 12 years were included in this study. Results showed pain relief (7 ± 3 days) and improvement of neurologic signs (11 ± 9 days) with a consequent increasement in QL (13 ± 9 days). Thirteen out of the twenty-one patients (62%) showed a complete remission of the clinical signs. No serious adverse effects were observed. Medical ozone could be a potential complementary therapy to medical treatment in dogs with intervertebral disc protrusions. Prospective studies are necessary.

Contribución de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos a la utilización de la tecnología computacional en la docencia médica superior. Reseña del empleo de simulaciones clínicas en el periodo 1990-2007

El artículo ha tenido como objetivo reseñar, de forma cronológica, los acontecimientos más relevantes relacionados con la utilización de simulaciones computarizadas en el proceso docente, en el contexto particular de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos durante el periodo 1990-2007. Entre los acontecimientos identificados se encuentran los siguientes: la elaboración e introducción de simulaciones en la asignatura Medicina Interna correspondiente al tercer año de la carrera (curso 1990-1991); la introducción de la simulación, con fines evaluativos, en el internado de Medicina Interna (1997-2000); el desarrollo de un nuevo software para la elaboración de simulaciones (2002); y la extensión del uso de simulaciones a los seminarios de actualización terapéutica correspondientes al internado de Pediatría (2007). Se evidenció que la contribución realizada por la institución docente al tema abordado, no solo consistió en la elaboración de ejercicios de simulación y su introducción en la práctica formativa, sino también en la ejecución de acciones dirigidas a la capacitación de profesores, el perfeccionamiento de las herramientas utilizadas (programas, metodologías) y la socialización de las experiencias; todo lo cual se acompañó de una amplia actividad investigativa que mereció reconocimientos a diferentes niveles.

The objective of this article is to review chronologically, the most relevant events related to the use of computerized simulations in the teaching process, in the particular context of the Cienfuegos Medical Sciences Faculty from 1990 to 2007. Among the identified events are: the development and introduction of simulations in the Internal Medicine subject corresponding to the third year of the degree (course 1990-1991); the introduction of simulation, for evaluation purposes, in the Internal Medicine internship (1997-2000); the development of a new software for the elaboration of simulations (2002); and the extension of the use of simulations to therapeutic update seminars corresponding to the Pediatrics internship (2007). It was evidenced that the contribution made by the educational institution to the topic addressed, not only consisted in the preparation of simulation exercises and their introduction in the training practice, but also in the teacher training, the improvement of the tools used (programs, methodologies) and the sharing of experiences; all of which was accompanied by extensive research activity that deserved recognition at different levels.

Consent for Research Involving Spanish- and English-Speaking Latinx Adults With Schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Latinxs are vastly underrepresented in mental health research; one of many contributing factors may be complexities in the research consent process, including language preferences. We examined determinants of comprehension of research consent procedures and tested the effects of a preconsent research schema condition among 180 adults with schizophrenia (60 Latinx-English and 60 Latinx-Spanish preference, and 60 non-Latinx White). STUDY DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned (equal allocation) to an educational session regarding clinical research concepts and processes (schema condition) or to an attention control. Following a subsequent simulated consent procedure for a hypothetical drug trail, comprehension of consent disclosures was measured with 2 standard measures. STUDY RESULTS: One-way ANOVAs showed significant medium effect size differences between ethnicity/language groups on both measures of comprehension (η2s = 0.066-0.070). The Latinx-Spanish group showed lower comprehension than non-Latinx White participants; differences between the 2 Latinx groups did not reach statistical significance. Group differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for differences in education, or on scores from structured measures of acculturation, health literacy, or research literacy. Two-way ANOVAs showed no significant main effects for consent procedure on either comprehension measure (Ps > .369; partial η2s < 0.006) and no significant group-by-consent interactions (Ps > .554; partial η2s < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Although the preconsent procedure was not effective, the results suggest health and research literacy may be targets for reducing disparities in consent comprehension. The onus is on researchers to improve communication of consent information as an important step to addressing health care disparities.

Stigma and the Intersection of Ethnicity, Gender, Romantic Relationships, and Serious Mental Illness: Perspectives from Latinxs with Schizophrenia and Their Family Members.

Romantic relationships are a fundamental part of the human experience and contribute to quality of life and recovery of people with serious mental illness (SMI). However, few psychosocial interventions exist to address this issue among people with schizophrenia, and no existing intervention focuses on Latinxs. The intersectionality of being Latinx and having schizophrenia can create a unique experience regarding stigma, romantic relationships, and gender. Guided by intersectionality theory, this study used qualitative content analysis and an intersectionality template analysis to examine data from interviews with 22 participants-11 people with diagnosed schizophrenia and their identified primary family member. Overall, findings illustrate perspectives about romantic relationships in a sample of Latinxs with schizophrenia and highlight the stigma that people with schizophrenia and their families can experience. Five key themes emerged from the data: obstacles to romantic relationships, advantages of romantic relationships, disadvantages of romantic relationships, gender-role issues and satisfaction with life, and hope for the future. Participants reported that stigma related to schizophrenia and the lack of employment were the main obstacles to establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. These findings provide an insider perspective on romantic relationships in a sample of Latinxs with schizophrenia and elucidate the importance of using an intersectionality lens to guide culturally responsive approaches.

Uso y abuso de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión en el proyecto de investigación

Uno de los aspectos metodológicos esenciales de una investigación es la delimitación de los sujetos a estudiar. Este artìculo aborda la tendencia actual a una excesiva e injustificada declaración de los criterios de inclusión y de exclusión en todo tipo de investigación. Se defiende la idea de que una adecuada utilización de las categorías universo y muestra hace innecesaria la declaración de criterios de inclusión y de exclusión en el diseño metodológico de la mayoría de los proyectos de trabajo de terminación de la especialidad que presentan nuestros residentes.

One of the essential methodological aspects of an investigation is the delimitation of the subjects to be studied. This article addresses the current trend towards an excessive and unjustified statement of inclusion and exclusion criteria in all types of research. The idea is defended that an adequate use of the universe and sample categories makes it unnecessary to declare inclusion and exclusion criteria in the methodological design of most of the specialty completion work projects presented by our residents.

¿Mi estudio es transversal o longitudinal?

La clasificación de los estudios en transversales o longitudinales constituye uno de los aspectos metodológicos que se declaran en los proyectos de investigación correspondientes a los trabajos de terminación de la especialidad. En este artículo se ofrecen elementos esclarecedores para la distinción entre ambos tipos de estudios; en este sentido, se considera que la esencia definitoria del estudio longitudinal radica en el interés del investigador por los cambios en el tiempo del fenómeno investigado.

The studies' classification as cross-sectional or longitudinal constitutes one of the methodological aspects that are declared in the research projects corresponding to the specialty's completion works. This article offers clarifying elements for the distinction between both types of studies; In this sense, it is considered that the longitudinal study's defining essence lies in the researcher's interest in the changes over time of the investigated phenomenon.

Comportamiento de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes con infarto cerebral en Villa Clara

Fundamento la enfermedad cerebrovascular representa el problema de salud más frecuente relacionado con la atención neurológica, hecho en que estriba la importancia que reviste su estudio en los diferentes contextos y desde diversos enfoques. Objetivo describir el comportamiento de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas en pacientes ingresados por infarto cerebral. Métodos estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el servicio de Neurología del Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro, de Villa Clara, Cuba, el cual incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de infarto cerebral cardioembólico o aterotrombótico, ingresados en sala durante el año 2019. La información se obtuvo de las historias clínicas almacenadas en el Archivo del Hospital; y fue procesada en el paquete estadístico SPSS. v. 21. Se aplicó un análisis estadístico descriptivo, en una distribución de frecuencias. Resultados predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (51,6 %). Hubo mayor incidencia en hombres mayores de 79 años (47,7 %), y en mujeres mayores de 70 (86,0 %). En el 67,3 % se demostró la causa cardioembólica. La hipertensión arterial resultó el principal factor de riesgo asociado (83,6 %). El defecto motor se observó como hallazgo clínico más frecuente al ingreso (96,7 %). Se identificaron la transformación hemorrágica del infarto y la bronconeumonía nosocomial como principales complicaciones neurológicas y no neurológicas respectivamente. Prevalecieron los pacientes egresados vivos (68,6 %). Conclusiones los ictus isquémicos son más frecuentes en pacientes de edad avanzada; la identificación temprana y manejo oportuno de la enfermedad instaurada puede prevenir en gran medida la aparición de complicaciones, y consecuentemente la muerte.

Background cerebrovascular disease represents the most common health problem related to neurological care, it is important to study it in different contexts and from different approaches. Objective to describe epidemiological and clinical variables' behavior in patients admitted for stroke. Methods descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital's Neurology service from Villa Clara, Cuba, which included all patients with a clinical diagnosis of cardioembolic or atherothrombotic stroke, admitted to the ward during 2019. The information was obtained from the medical records stored in the Hospital Archive; and it was processed in the statistical package SPSS. v. 21. A descriptive statistical analysis was applied, in a frequency distribution. Results female patients predominated (51.6%). There was a higher incidence in men older than 79 years (47.7%), and in women older than 70 (86.0%). In 67.3% the cardioembolic cause was demonstrated. Arterial hypertension was the main associated risk factor (83.6%). The motor defect was observed as the most frequent clinical finding on admission (96.7%). Hemorrhagic transformation of the infarct and nosocomial bronchopneumonia were identified as the main neurological and non-neurological complications, respectively. Patients discharged alive prevailed (68.6%). Conclusions ischemic strokes are more frequent in elderly patients; early identification and timely management of the established disease can largely prevent the appearance of complications, and consequently death.

Preparation of Surgical Thread from a Bioplastic Based on Nopal Mucilage.

Currently, natural materials represent a sustainable option for the manufacture of biopolymers with numerous industrial applications and characteristics comparable with synthetic materials. Nopal mucilage (NM) is an excellent natural resource for the synthesis of bioplastics (BPs). In the present research, the fabrication of biopolymers by using NM is addressed. Changes in the plasticizer (sorbitol and cellulose) concentration, in addition to the implementation of two sources of starch (corn starch (CS) and potato starch (PS)) to obtain the surgical thread, were analyzed. The NM extracted was close to 14% with ethanol. During the characterization of the extract, properties such as moisture, humidity, viscosity, and functional groups, among others, were determined. In the CS and PS analysis, different structures of the polymeric chains were observed. BP degradation with different solvents was performed. Additionally, the addition of sorbitol and cellulose for the BP mixtures presenting the highest resistance to solvent degradation and less solubility to water was conducted. The obtained thread had a uniform diameter, good elasticity, and low capillarity compared to other prototypes reported in the literature.

Una mirada a las series de casos y sus unidades de análisis

Las series de casos constituyen un tipo particular de estudio de uso muy frecuente en la investigación clínica. En este artículo se pretende resaltar la utilidad y plena vigencia de estos estudios como propuestas de proyectos de terminación de la especialidad, así como abordar sus particularidades más importantes en la delimitación de sus unidades de análisis. Cuando son bien realizadas, estas investigaciones constituyen una excelente fuente de actualización del conocimiento médico y una magnífica oportunidad para que los investigadores jóvenes se entrenen en el campo de la investigación científica.

Case series are a particular type of study that is very frequently used in clinical research. This article intends to highlight the usefulness and full validity of these studies as proposals for completion projects of the specialty, as well as to address their most important particularities in the delimitation of their analysis units. When they are well carried out, these researches constitute an excellent source of updating medical knowledge and a magnificent opportunity for young researchers to train in the scientific research field.

Intervención didáctica para la enseñanza-aprendizaje de los fundamentos teóricos del método clínico 20 años de experiencia / Didactic Intervention for Teaching-Learning of the Clinical Method Theoretical Foundations: 20 years of Experience

Introducción: Dada la incuestionable importancia del método clínico en la labor asistencial, continua como tema medular en la docencia médica. Objetivo: Perfeccionar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje del método clínico en la educación médica superior. Métodos: Se transitó por un momento inicial de diagnóstico del estado de aprendizaje del método clínico en el contexto local, seguido de los momentos de concepción, diseño y aplicación de una intervención didáctica. Resultados: La intervención didáctica implementada está constituida por un sistema de conferencias orientadoras dirigidas a estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de medicina, impartidas en las asignaturas propedéutica clínica y medicina interna, las cuales abordan áreas complejas de la enseñanza-aprendizaje del método clínico: el interrogatorio, el razonamiento diagnóstico y la toma de decisiones terapéuticas; todas las conferencias se acompañan de sus correspondientes materiales de apoyo a la docencia. Forman parte de la intervención, como diseñadas acciones complementarias dirigidas a estimular la participación de los profesores en la ejecución de la intervención, como cursos de capacitación, la elaboración de un modelo del pase de visita docente asistencial. Conclusiones: La intervención didáctica expuesta contribuyó a perfeccionar la base orientadora de la acción para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje del método clínico en sí, y de la mayoría de sus habilidades esenciales constituyentes, por lo que tributa al perfeccionamiento curricular en la carrera de medicina. La intervención didáctica diseñada puede ser aplicada, o servir de referente, en cualquiera de los centros de enseñanza médica superior del país(AU)

Introduction: Given the unquestionable importance of the clinical method in health care work, it continues as a core theme in medical teaching. Objective: To improve the teaching and learning of the clinical method in higher medical education. Methods: There was an initial moment to diagnose the learning state of the clinical method in the local context, followed by the stages for conception, design and implementation of a didactic intervention. Results: The implemented didactic intervention is made up of a system of guiding lectures aimed at third-year students of the medical studies, taught in the clinical propaedeutic and internal medicine subjects, which address complex areas of the clinical method teaching-learning: questioning, diagnostic reasoning, and therapeutic decision-making. All the lectures are accompanied by their corresponding teaching support materials. They are part of the intervention, as designed complementary actions aimed at stimulating the participation of professors in the intervention operation, such as training courses, development of a model of medical rounds supporting teaching. Conclusions: The described didactic intervention contributed to perfecting the guiding basis of action for teaching and learning the clinical method itself, and most of its constituent essential skills, which is why it contributes to curricular improvement in the studies of medicine. The designed didactic intervention can be applied, or serve as a reference, in any of the higher medical education schools in the country(AU)

Las hipótesis en el proyecto de investigación: ¿cuándo si, cuándo no?

La utilización de hipótesis en los proyectos de trabajo de terminación de la especialidad constituye uno de los aspectos metodológicos que amerita un análisis. El artículo pretende esclarecer a los investigadores jóvenes cuándo en una investigación debe ser declarada esta categoría. Se sugiere utilizar el alcance de la investigación (exploratorio, descriptivo, correlacional o explicativo) para la decisión de empleo o no de hipótesis en un proyecto investigativo. Se detallan condiciones que determinan el uso de hipótesis específicamente en los estudios descriptivos, los más frecuentemente realizados por los residentes.

The use of hypotheses in the specialty finishing projects constitutes one of the methodological aspects that deserves an analysis. The article aims to clarify for young researchers when this category should be declared in a research. It is suggested to use the scope of the research (exploratory, descriptive, correlational or explanatory) for the decision of whether or not to use hypotheses in a research project. Conditions that determine the use of hypotheses specifically in descriptive studies, the most frequently carried out by residents are detailed.

Reasons and obstacles for changing risky drinking behavior among Latinas at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.

This study examined reasons and obstacles for changing risky alcohol use behavior among Latina adults at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy. Using qualitative methods, data from CHOICES Plus intervention sessions of Latinas (N = 59) were analyzed. Reasons for wanting to change risky alcohol use centered on health, parenting, interpersonal conflict, control, and risk of harm. Obstacles included social obstacles, belief that drinking was not risky, and drinking to manage mood. Differences were found across level of acculturation. Knowledge about salient motives and obstacles is critical to addressing the needs and strengths of Latinas at risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy.