'Y Compartimos. . .': the collective creation of performed fiction in practice.

This essay combines text and images in the style of a graphic novel to animate the lively and dynamic processes of a qualitative research approach that I call the collective creation of performed fiction. This is a form of projective storytelling in which participants draw on their own experiences to create and perform composite stories. Using fiction helps them avoid revealing sensitive details of their personal lives. The examples shared here are drawn from a long-term engagement with a group of youth in Old Havana, Cuba, where historic geopolitical tensions and emergent economic crises are interrupting the imagined futures of the young. This brief contribution documents key differences between three creative mediums used in this work (street theatre, film and animation), and addresses their varied capacities to mitigate the risks of self-disclosure.

Real-world effectiveness of the heterologous SOBERANA-02 and SOBERANA-Plus vaccine scheme in 2-11 years-old children during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron wave in Cuba: a longitudinal case-population study.

Background: Increased pediatric COVID-19 occurrence due to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing vaccines. The protection provided by the SOBERANA-02-Plus vaccination scheme against this variant has not yet been studied. We aimed to evaluate the scheme's effectiveness against symptomatic Omicron infection and severe disease in children. Methods: In September 2021, Cuba implemented a mass pediatric immunization with the heterologous SOBERANA-02-Plus scheme: 2 doses of conjugated SOBERANA-02 followed by a heterologous SOBERANA-Plus dose. By December, before the Omicron outbreak, 95.4% of 2-18 years-old had been fully immunized. During the entire Omicron wave, we conducted a nationwide longitudinal post-vaccination case-population study to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of the SOBERANA-02-Plus scheme against symptomatic infection and severe disease in children without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The identification of COVID-19 cases relied on surveillance through first line services, which refer clinical suspects to pediatric hospitals where they are diagnosed based on a positive RT-PCR test. We defined the Incidence Rate ratio (IRR) as IRvaccinated age group/IRunvaccinated 1-year-old and calculated vaccine effectiveness as VE = (1-IRR)∗100%. 24 months of age being the 'eligible for vaccination' cut-off, we used a regression discontinuity approach to estimate effectiveness by contrasting incidence in all unvaccinated 1-year-old versus vaccinated 2-years-old. Estimates in the vaccinated 3-11 years-old are reported from a descriptive perspective. Findings: We included 1,098,817 fully vaccinated 2-11 years-old and 98,342 not vaccinated 1-year-old children. During the 24-week Omicron wave, there were 7003/26,241,176 person-weeks symptomatic COVID-19 infections in the vaccinated group (38.2 per 105 person-weeks in 2-years-old and 25.5 per 105 person-weeks in 3-11 years-old) against 3577/2,312,273 (154.7 per 105 person-weeks) in the unvaccinated group. The observed overall vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection was 75.3% (95% CI, 73.5-77.0%) in 2-years-old children, and 83.5% (95% CI, 82.8-84.2%) in 3-11 years-old. It was somewhat lower during Omicron BA.1 then during Omicron BA.2 variant circulation, which took place 1-3 and 4-6 months after the end of the vaccination campaign. The effectiveness against severe symptomatic disease was 100.0% (95% CI not estimated) and 94.6% (95% CI, 82.0-98.6%) in the respective age groups. No child death from COVID-19 was observed. Interpretation: Immunization of 2-11 years-old with the SOBERANA-02-Plus scheme provided strong protection against symptomatic and severe disease caused by the Omicron variant, which was sustained during the six months post-vaccination follow-up. Our results contrast with the observations in previous real-world vaccine effectiveness studies in children, which might be explained by the type of immunity a conjugated protein-based vaccine induces and the vaccination strategy used. Funding: National Fund for Science and Technology (FONCI-CITMA-Cuba).

Pharmacodynamic of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha-2b Nasal Drops and Effective Prophylaxis Against SARS-COV-2 Infection.

The recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (IFN-α2b) nasal drop formulation (Nasalferon) was studied as prophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2. Healthy volunteers between 19 and 80 years of age received 0.5 million international units of IFN in one drop (0.05 mL ) in each nostril, twice a day, for 10 consecutive days. The nondetection of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time polymerase chain reaction was the primary outcome variable. Several IFN-α biomarkers, including intranasal gene expression and innate immune effector activity, were increased in participants who received intranasal IFN-α2b. The study included 2,930 international travelers and 5,728 persons who were their close contacts. The subjects were treated with Nasalferon in January 2021, and 9,162 untreated travelers were included as controls. COVID-19 rate in treated subjects was significantly lower than in untreated subjects (0.05% vs. 4.84%). The proportion of travelers with COVID-19 decreased from 60.9% to 2.2% between December 2020 and February 2021. Furthermore, 1,719 tourism workers also received Nasalferon, and no cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected, whereas 39 COVID-19 cases (10.6%) were reported in 367 untreated subjects. The main adverse events associated with the use of intranasal IFN-α2b were nasal congestion, headache, and rhinorrhea. Our prophylactic health interventions study demonstrates that the daily administration of Nasalferon for 10 days decreases the risk of developing COVID-19 in healthy volunteers. [Figure: see text].

Mortalidad infantil en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante el período 2008-2022

Introducción: La tasa de mortalidad infantil es un indicador importante y sensible del bienestar y la calidad de vida de una población, muy usado para medir su estado de salud. Objetivo: Caracterizar la mortalidad infantil según semestres en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante 2008-2022. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptico y transversal sobre la mortalidad infantil en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante los años 2008-2022. Para ello se analizó la relación existente entre los semestres de cada año respecto a los nacimientos, las defunciones y su incidencia en la tasa del país. Resultados: Se observó una disminución de los nacimientos y un incremento de las defunciones en cada quinquenio estudiado respecto al anterior. El número de fallecidos menores de un año fluctuó, con una tendencia al aumento a partir del 2019; asimismo, los indicadores de mortalidad infantil fueron inestables, con propensión al incremento, sobre todo en el segundo semestre, y peores resultados en el 2021 y 2022. Existió un descenso mantenido de los nacimientos a partir del 2011, que alcanzó 25,6 % en el 2022. Respecto a los semestres, en el segundo hubo mayor número de nacimientos, defunciones y tasas. Conclusiones: La provincia de Santiago de Cuba influye de forma directa en los resultados de la mortalidad infantil nacional, con una tasa superior a la exhibida por el país. El segundo semestre es el período en el que se incrementan los nacimientos y las defunciones, lo que incide en la elevación de las tasas respectivas.

Introduction: The infant mortality rate is an important and sensitive indicator of the well-being and life quality of a population, very used to measure the health state. Objective: To characterize the infant mortality in Santiago de Cuba province during the period 2008-2022. Methods: An observational descriptive and cross-sectional study about the infant mortality was carried out in Santiago de Cuba during the years 2008-2022. The existent relationship among the semesters of every year regarding births, deaths and their incidence in the country rate was analyzed. Results: A decrease of births and an increment of deaths were observed in each five year period studied regarding the previous one. The number of deceased children under one year fluctuated, with a tendency to the increase starting from 2019; also, the indicators of infant mortality were unstable, with tendency to the increment, mainly in the second semester, and worse results in 2021 and 2022. There was a maintained decrease of births since 2011 that reached 25.6% in 2022. In relation to semesters, in the second one there was a higher number of births, deaths and rates. Conclusions: Santiago de Cuba province influences in a direct way on the results of national infant mortality, with a superior rate to the one exhibited by the country. The second semester is the period in which births and deaths are increased, what impacts in the elevation of the respective rates.

Algunas precisiones a un artículo sobre las enfermedades otorrinolaringológicas padecidas por José Martí

José Martí, el más universal de los cubanos, el hombre que unió a sus compatriotas en el exilio y organizó la Guerra Necesaria, padeció varias entidades patológicas, entre ellas algunas de tipo otorrinolaringológico; pero estas no lograron detenerlo en su labor por alcanzar una patria libre. En el presente trabajo se precisan algunos deslices encontrados en una publicación donde se exponen las enfermedades otorrinolaringológicas que aquejaban al Apóstol.

José Martí, the most universal of Cubans, the man who united his compatriots in exile and organized The Necessary War, suffered from several pathological entities, including some of the otorhinolaryngological type; but these illnesses did not stop him in his work to achieve a free homeland. In the present work, some errors found in a publication that exposes the otorhinolaryngological diseases that afflicted the Apostle are specified.

Fecundidad adolescente en la provincia de Cienfuegos. Período 2012-2021

Fundamento el estudio de la fecundidad adolescente, así como su cambio en el tiempo es de gran importancia, ya que permite mostrar los avances o retrocesos de la misma. Objetivo caracterizar el comportamiento de la fecundidad adolescente en la provincia de Cienfuegos. Métodos estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, que tuvo como universo de investigación toda la población femenina de 15-49 años de Cienfuegos en el período 2012-2021, así como los nacimientos ocurridos por este grupo de edad, además los de las madres menores de 15 años. Se analizaron los indicadores: tasa específica de fecundidad, haciendo énfasis en la tasa de fecundidad adolescente (15-19 años), edad media y peso de la tasa de fecundidad adolescente al total de la fecundidad. Los datos fueron obtenidos de los anuarios estadísticos de la Oficina Nacional de Estadística e Información, de la Dirección Nacional y Provincial de Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Resultados la tasa de fecundidad adolescente presenta ligeras oscilaciones, pasando de 46,7 hijos por mujer en el año 2012 a 45, 4 en el 2021. El grupo de edad de mayor fecundidad es el 20-24 años, la edad media se ubica en el grupo etario 25-29 años y los municipios de mayor peso a la fecundidad total son Abreus y Aguada de Pasajeros. Conclusiones la tasa de fecundidad adolescente muestra resistencia a la disminución, comportamiento que demuestra la necesidad de enfatizar en las políticas y estrategias de educación sexual a los grupos de edades más vulnerables dentro del grupo reproductivo.

Foundation: the adolescent fertility study, as well as its change over time, is of great importance, since it allows us to show its progress or setbacks. Objective: characterize the fertility behavior in the Cienfuegos province. Methods: descriptive, cross-sectional study, which had as the research universe the entire female population aged 15-49 years old of Cienfuegos from 2012 to 2021, as well as the births that occurred in this age group, in addition to those of 15 years old younger mothers. The analyzed indicators were: specific fertility rate, emphasizing the adolescent fertility rate (15-19 years old), average age and weight of the adolescent fertility rate to total fertility. The data were obtained from the National Office of Statistics and Information statistical yearbooks, of the National and Provincial Public Health Ministry Directorate of Statistics. Results: the adolescent fertility rate presents slight oscillations, going from 46.7 children per woman in 2012 to 45.4 in 2021. The age group with the highest fertility is 20-24 years old, the average age is in the age group 25-29 years old and the municipalities with the greatest weight in total fertility are Abreus and Aguada de Pasajeros. Conclusions: the adolescent fertility rate shows resistance to decline, a behavior that demonstrates the need to emphasize sexual education policies and strategies for the most vulnerable age groups within the reproductive group.

Genome-wide analysis of the Siboney de Cuba cattle breed: genetic characterization and framing with cattle breeds worldwide.

Crossbreeding has been employed to address environmental challenges. One successful example is the Siboney de Cuba, developed in response to economic challenges in the 1960s. The aim of this study was to perform the first genomic characterization of the Siboney de Cuba breed, a successful hybrid breed resulting from the crossbreeding of Cuban Zebu and Holstein, using SNP array chip. For this purpose, 48 Siboney de Cuba cattle samples were collected and genotyped with the GGP Bovine 100k BeadChip, resulting in 83,314 SNPs after quality control. The genetic diversity was investigated using observed and expected heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficient, and minor allele frequency. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis provided insights into molecular inbreeding. Additionally, the study investigated copy number variants (CNV), identifying CNV regions and their distribution. The genetic relationship and population structure of Siboney de Cuba were analyzed in comparison with worldwide cattle populations using ADMIXTURE, multidimensional scaling, and phylogenetic analysis. Six ROH islands containing a total of 50 genes were discovered, some of which were uncharacterized loci. Furthermore, 792 CNV with higher occurrence of genetic material loss were observed. The overall genome coverage for CNV regions was 2.16%. The Siboney de Cuba exhibited a good level of genetic variability with high heterozygosity and low inbreeding when compared with other cattle breeds worldwide. Also, the breed shared genetic similarity to hybrids from America and Bos indicus from Africa and highlighted a moderate level of genetic isolation with some overlaps with Bos taurus from America. The breed showed a complex genetic composition, influenced by historical factors. Overall, findings of the present study contribute to the understanding of genomic structure of Siboney de Cuba cattle breed.

Chemical and C and N stable isotope compositions of three species of epiphytic Tillandsia in a Caribbean coastal zone: air pollution sources and biomonitoring implications.

We characterized the elemental and C and N stable isotope compositions of Tillandsia fasciculata Sw., Tillandsia balbisiana Schult. & Schult.f. and Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L. samples collected in Cienfuegos (Cuba). Results showed high enrichment factors for S, Hg, Cd, Pb, P, Zn, Cu, Mo, Sb and Ca in all Tillandsia species, indicating inputs from local anthropogenic activities (road traffic, industries and cement production). Carbon concentrations and δ13C varied from 38.3-47.7 % and -20.4 to -13.4 ‰ within the three species, respectively. δ13C showed seasonal dependence with the dry and wet periods and more 13C-depleted values in urban/industrial areas, coherent with the input of anthropogenic emissions. Nitrogen concentrations (0.4-1.3 %) and δ15N values (-9.9-4.4 ‰) exhibit larger variations and are positively correlated in the three species. The most positive δ15N in T. recurvata (-0.2-4.4 ‰) are attributed to contributions from industrial activities and road traffic. In fact, both δ15N and total nitrogen (TN) values increase in sites with higher road traffic and show significant correlations with typical road traffic and industrial tracers. Finally, we calculate an average total nitrogen deposition rate of 4.4 ± 2.3 kg ha-1 a-1 from N content in T. recurvata, similar to the existing values determined in the region by field measurements, but higher than the global terrestrial average.

Assessing greenhouse gas emissions in Cuban agricultural soils: Implications for climate change and rice (Oryza sativa L.) production.

Assessing the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on agricultural soils is crucial for ensuring food production sustainability in the global effort to combat climate change. The present study delves to comprehensively assess GHG emissions in Cuba's agricultural soil and analyze its implications for rice production and climate change because of its rich agriculture cultivation tradition and diverse agro-ecological zones from the period of 1990-2022. In this research, based on Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach the empirical findings depicts that in short run, a positive and significant impact of 1.60 percent % in Cuba's rice production. The higher amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels improves photosynthesis, and stimulates the growth of rice plants, resulting in greater grain yields. On the other hand, rice production index raising GHG emissions from agriculture by 0.35 % in the short run. Furthermore, a significant and positive impact on rice production is found in relation to the farm machinery i.e., 3.1 %. Conversely, an adverse and significant impact of land quality was observed on rice production i.e., -5.5 %. The reliability of models was confirmed by CUSUM and CUSUM square plot. Diagnostic tests ensure the absence of serial correlation and heteroscedasticity in the models. Additionally, the forecasting results are obtained from the three machine learning models i.e. feed forward neural network (FFNN), support vector machines (SVM) and adaptive boosting technique (Adaboost). Through the % MAPE criterion, it is evident that FFNN has achieved high precision (91 %). Based on the empirical findings, the study proposed the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and incentives should be given to the farmers so that future generations inherit a world that is sustainable, and healthy.

A collaborative approach to develop indicators for quality of care for ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in networks without coronary intervention: A position paper.

BACKGROUND: Data about performance measures (PM) in patients with ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries is really scarce. One of the reasons is the lack of appropriate measures for these scenarios where coronary intervention is not the standard treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a set of PM and quality markers for patients with STEMI in these countries. METHODS: Two investigators systematically reviewed existing guidelines and scientific literature to identify potential PM by referring to documents searched through PubMed from 2010 through 2019, using terms "Myocardial Infarction", "STEMI", "quality indicator", and "performance measure". A modified Delphi technique, involving multidisciplinary panel interview, was used. A 15-member multidisciplinary expert panel individually rated each potential indicator on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) during three rounds. All indicators that received a median score ≥4.5, in final round without significant disagreement were included as PM. RESULTS: Through the consensus-building process, 84 potential indicators were found, of which 10 were proposed as performance measures and 2 as quality metrics, as follows: Pre-Hospital Electrocardiogram; Patients with reperfusion therapy; Pre-hospital Reperfusion; Ischemic time less than 120 minutes; System delay time less than 90 minutes; In-hospital Mortality; Complete in-hospital Treatment; Complete in-hospital Treatment in patients with Heart Failure; 30 day-Re-admissions; 30 day-mortality; Patients with in-hospital stress test performed; and, Patients included in rehabilitation programs. CONCLUSION: This document provides the official set of PM of attention in ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction of the Cuban Society of Cardiology and Cuban National Group of Cardiology.

An island 'endemic' born out of hybridization between introduced lineages.

Humans have profoundly impacted the distribution of plant and animal species over thousands of years. The most direct example of these effects is human-mediated movement of individuals, either through translocation of individuals within their range or through the introduction of species to new habitats. While human involvement may be suspected in species with obvious range disjunctions, it can be difficult to detect natural versus human-mediated dispersal events for populations at the edge of a species' range, and this uncertainty muddles how we understand the evolutionary history of populations and broad biogeographical patterns. Studies combining genetic data with archaeological, linguistic and historical evidence have confirmed prehistoric examples of human-mediated dispersal; however, it is unclear whether these methods can disentangle recent dispersal events, such as species translocated by European colonizers during the past 500 years. We use genomic DNA from historical museum specimens and historical records to evaluate three hypotheses regarding the timing and origin of Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in Cuba, whose status as an endemic or introduced population has long been debated. We discovered that bobwhites from southern Mexico arrived in Cuba between the 12th and 16th centuries, followed by the subsequent introduction of bobwhites from the southeastern USA to Cuba between the 18th and 20th centuries. These dates suggest the introduction of bobwhites to Cuba was human-mediated and concomitant with Spanish colonial shipping routes between Veracruz, Mexico and Havana, Cuba during this period. Our results identify endemic Cuban bobwhites as a genetically distinct population born of hybridization between divergent, introduced lineages.

Esquema para mejorar el aprendizaje sobre el Análisis de la Situación de Salud

Introducción: El análisis de la situación de salud es una investigación primordial que se realiza en el sistema de salud cubano, en el que se estudia la salud, los elementos que la determinan y las formas de mejorarla. Objetivo: Evaluar la propuesta de diseño de un esquema que contribuya a la mejora del aprendizaje del análisis de la situación de salud de la comunidad para los residentes de la especialidad Medicina General Integral, pertenecientes a la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo. Método: Se realizó una investigación pedagógica de tipo descriptiva en la antes mencionada institución durante el período marzo-julio de 2022. De un universo de 67 profesores que aceptaron participar, se seleccionaron 26 por muestreo intencional. Para obtener los datos primarios fueron aplicados tres cuestionarios tipo Likert para evaluar el esquema, en consideración con la estructura, la funcionalidad y el aporte en el aprendizaje. Dichos cuestionarios incluyeron las respuestas: Totalmente en desacuerdo, En desacuerdo, Ni de acuerdo ni en desacuerdo, De acuerdo y Totalmente de acuerdo. Los datos se resumieron en números absolutos y porcentajes. Se presentaron en tablas de distribución de frecuencias. Resultados: Los subtotales de respuestas Totalmente de acuerdo y De acuerdo sobre la evaluación estructural y funcional, así como la influencia que se espera de este para mejorar el aprendizaje del análisis de situación de salud, se consideraron adecuados al superar el estándar. Conclusiones: El esquema propuesto es evaluado como adecuado en estructura y funcionalidad. Se considera positiva la influencia que se espera de este para mejorar el aprendizaje del análisis de situación de salud de la comunidad.

Introduction: The analysis of the health situation is a fundamental investigation carried out in the Cuban health system, in which health is studied, the elements that determine it and the ways to improve it. Objective: To evaluate the design proposal of a scheme that contributes to the improvement of learning of the analysis of the health situation of the community for the residents of the Comprehensive General Medicine specialty, belonging to the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo. Method: A descriptive pedagogical research was carried out in the aforementioned institution during the period March-July 2022. From a universe of 67 teachers who agreed to participate, 26 were selected by intentional sampling. To obtain primary data, three Likert-type questionnaires were applied to evaluate the scheme, taking into consideration the structure, functionality and contribution to learning. These questionnaires included the responses: Totally disagree, Disagree, Neither agree nor disagree, Agree and Totally agree. Data were summarized in absolute numbers and percentages. They were presented in frequency distribution tables. Results: The subtotals of Completely Agree and Agree responses on the structural and functional evaluation, as well as the expected influence of this to improve the learning of health situation analysis, were considered adequate when exceeding the standard. Conclusions: The proposed scheme is evaluated as adequate in structure and functionality. The influence expected from this to improve learning about the analysis of the community's health situation is considered positive.

Introdução: A análise da situação sanitária é uma investigação fundamental realizada no sistema de saúde cubano, no qual se estuda a saúde, os elementos que a determinam e as formas de melhorá-la. Objetivo: Avaliar a proposta de desenho de um esquema que contribua para a melhoria da aprendizagem da análise da situação de saúde da comunidade para os residentes da especialidade Medicina Geral Integral, pertencente à Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Guantánamo. Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa pedagógica descritiva na referida instituição durante o período de março a julho de 2022. De um universo de 67 professores que aceitaram participar, 26 foram selecionados por amostragem intencional. Para obtenção dos dados primários, foram aplicados três questionários do tipo Likert para avaliação do esquema, levando em consideração a estrutura, funcionalidade e contribuição para a aprendizagem. Esses questionários incluíram as respostas: Discordo totalmente, Discordo, Nem concordo nem discordo, Concordo e Concordo totalmente. Os dados foram resumidos em números absolutos e porcentagens. Eles foram apresentados em tabelas de distribuição de frequência. Resultados: Os subtotais das respostas Concordo Totalmente e Concordo na avaliação estrutural e funcional, bem como a influência esperada desta para melhorar a aprendizagem da análise da situação de saúde, foram considerados adequados quando excedem o padrão. Conclusões: O esquema proposto é avaliado como adequado em estrutura e funcionalidade.A influência que se espera disto para melhorar a aprendizagem sobre a análise da situação de saúde da comunidade é considerada positiva.

Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica cubana sobre asma en Scopus

Introducción: El asma es una entidad con alta prevalencia a nivel mundial y en Cuba, que ha suscitado nuevas investigaciones. Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica cubana sobre asma en la base de datos Scopus. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y bibliométrico de los artículos publicados sobre asma en Scopus con autores cubanos, desde 1973 hasta 2021. Para la recuperación de los registros se empleó una fórmula de búsqueda. Para el análisis de los datos se usaron los software Bibexcel y VOSviewer. Resultados: Se publicaron 154 investigaciones sobre asma, con predominio de artículos originales (136) y de revisión (12). Las áreas más productivas fueron Medicina (144) e Inmunología y Microbiología (34). Los artículos fueron publicados en 48 revistas; de ellas, 11 fueron cubanas, con la Revista Cubana de Medicina como la más productiva. México aportó el mayor número de colaboraciones (10). El Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente General Calixto García (15) fue el más productivo. Se identificaron tres clústeres de palabras clave, con "human", "asthma" y "Cuban" como términos centrales y de mayor ocurrencia. Conclusiones: Existió una baja producción científica sobre asma, centrada principalmente en artículos originales, en el área de Medicina y en revistas nacionales. Se evidenció colaboración internacional. Los ejes principales de investigación fueron el diagnóstico, tratamiento, investigación básica en modelos animales, nuevas terapéuticas, factores de riesgo y prevención.

Introduction: Asthma is an entity with high prevalence worldwide and in Cuba, which has prompted new research. Objective: To characterize Cuban scientific production on asthma in the Scopus database. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and bibliometric study was carried out on articles on asthma published in Scopus by Cuban authors, from 1973 to 2021. A search formula was used to retrieve the records. Bibexcel and VOSviewer were used for data analysis. Results: 154 research papers on asthma were published; with a predominance of original (136) and review articles (12). The most productive areas were Medicine (144) and Immunology and Microbiology (34). Articles were published in 48 journals, of which 11 were Cuban, with the Revista Cubana de Medicina (Cuban Journal of Medicine) being the most productive. Mexico contributed the highest number of collaborations (10). The Teaching Hospital General Calixto García (15) was the most productive. 3 key word clusters were identified, with "human", "asthma" and "Cuban" as central and most occurring terms. Conclusions: There was a low scientific production on asthma, mainly focused on original articles, in the area of Medicine and in national journals. International collaboration was evident. The main areas of research were diagnosis, treatment, basic research in animal models, new therapeutics, risk factors and prevention.

Propuesta de Consulta Interdisciplinaria de Medicina del Sueño en Camagüey

Introducción: El sueño garantiza el bienestar físico y mental del individuo mediante retroalimentación directa. Los trastornos del sueño implican alteraciones respecto a calidad y cantidad de horas de sueño y obedecen a una alteración real de su función fisiológica que controla y opera durante el mismo. La Medicina del Sueño es una especialidad nueva, surgida en los últimos 50 años, cuyo campo de acción aborda la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de los trastornos del sueño; los cuales hasta el momento se han identificado alrededor del centenar. Esta enfermedad se ha convertido en problema social crucial y creciente, difícil de abordar en la práctica médica contemporánea; debido a la complejidad en la toma de decisiones respecto a su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Esta temática requiere ser evaluada desde un enfoque interdisciplinario para reducir la morbimortalidad asociada a manifestaciones neurológicas, psicológicas, psiquiátricas, cardiovasculares y endocrinometabólicas. Objetivo: Establecer la propuesta de Consulta Interdisciplinaria de Medicina del Sueño en la provincia Camagüey. Métodos: Se efectuó una investigación cualitativa de tipo descriptivo para la selección de aspectos pertinentes a una consulta especializada proveedora de pacientes pediátricos con trastornos del sueño, en el período comprendido entre julio y diciembre de 2022, en el Centro de Inmunología y Productos Biológicos de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. El universo del grupo de trabajo estuvo integrado por ocho profesionales de las Ciencias Médicas. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos como la revisión documental, histórico-lógico, análisis y síntesis, inducción-deducción, métodos matemáticos-estadísticos y métodos computacionales. Resultados: Se conformó un algoritmo de trabajo para la atención médica, que desarrolló el ordenamiento de los elementos sustantivos propios de la analítica polisomnográfica en el contexto cubano. Logró unificar criterios y opiniones generales de manera consensuada por equipos interdisciplinarios. Conclusiones: Resulta definido el documento científico rector de la Consulta Interdisciplinaria de Medicina del Sueño en Camagüey.

Introduction: Sleep guarantees the physical and mental well-being of the individual through direct feedback. Sleep disorders involve alterations in the quality and quantity of hours of sleep and are due to a real alteration in the physiological function that controls and operates during sleep. Sleep Medicine is a new specialty, emerged in the last 50 years, whose field of action addresses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders; of which around a hundred have been identified so far. This kind of disorders has become a crucial and growing social problem, difficult to address in contemporary medical practice; due to the complexity in decision-making regarding diagnosis and treatment. This topic requires being evaluated from an interdisciplinary approach to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with neurological, psychological, psychiatric, cardiovascular and endocrine-metabolic manifestations. Objective: To establish the proposal of Interdisciplinary Consultation of Sleep Medicine in the province Camagüey. Methods: A qualitative descriptive research was carried out to select aspects relevant to a specialized consultation providing pediatric patients with sleep disorders, in the period between July and December 2022, at the Center for Immunology and Biological Products of the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey. The universe of the working group was made up of eight professionals from the Medical Sciences. Theoretical methods such as documentary review, historical-logical, analysis and synthesis, induction-deduction, mathematical-statistical methods and computational methods were used. Results: A work algorithm for medical care was formed, which developed the ordering of the substantive elements of polysomnographic analysis in the Cuban context. It manages to unify general criteria and opinions in a consensus by interdisciplinary teams. Conclusions: The governing scientific document of the Interdisciplinary Consultation of Sleep Medicine in Camagüey is defined.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among schoolchildren from Unión de Reyes municipality, Matanzas Province, Cuba.

Intestinal parasites are widely distributed around the world and children are the most common affected group. The prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors by a cross-sectional study among children at a primary school in the Union de Reyes municipality, Matanzas province, Cuba, was carried out during April-May, 2022. Blastocystis spp. and Giardia intestinalis were the most common parasites found.

Aspectos significativos en la evolución histórica de la radiología en Matanzas

Introducción: Si bien la radiología es ineludiblemente dependiente de la tecnología, otras aristas menos conocidas han favorecido su crecimiento como especialidad en Matanzas. A pesar del importante papel que han jugado durante su desarrollo, no se ha encontrado documentación que les caracterice, y asimismo acontece con sus principales actores, lo que desarticula la memoria. El rescate de esa información, por el contrario, integra memoria e identidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar aspectos significativos en la evolución histórica de la radiología en Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron los métodos analítico-sintético, deductivo-inductivo, así como los submétodos cronológico y geográfico. Se realizaron entrevistas a informantes clave y revisión documental. Resultados: Se describen elementos relacionados con la docencia, sus directivos, y otros aspectos como el capítulo matancero de la Sociedad Cubana de Imagenología y la constitución de la Sección de Radiología Pediátrica y de la Cátedra Honorífica Dr. Francisco Domínguez Roldán. Conclusiones: La radiología en Matanzas ha experimentado un sostenido progreso a lo largo de los años ―amén de la esfera tecnológica, el fortalecimiento del claustro, la formación continua del capital humano, el trabajo del capítulo y la constitución de la Cátedra Honorífica Dr. Francisco Domínguez Roldán―, a pesar de limitaciones externas e internas. Desde sus inicios, ha contado con actores que han logrado mantenerla y desarrollarla.

Introduction: Although radiology is unavoidably dependent on technology, other, lesser-known edges, have favored its growth as a specialty in Matanzas, and despite the important role they have played during its development, no documentation has been found that characterizes them, and it also happens with its main actors which favors the destruction of memory. The rescue of this information, on the contrary, integrates memory and identity. Objective: To characterize significant aspects in the historical evolution of radiology in Matanzas. Materials and methods: The analytical-synthetic, deductive-inductive methods of historical research were used and also the chronological and geographical sub-methods. Interviews were conducted with key informants, and documentary review. Results: Elements related to teaching, its managerial staff and other aspects such as the Matanzas chapter of the Cuban Society of Imaging, the constitution of the Pediatric Radiology Section and the Honorary Chair Dr. Francisco Domínguez Roldán are described. Conclusions: Radiology in Matanzas has experienced sustained progress over the years―in addition to the technological sphere, the strengthening of its teaching staff, the continuous training of its human capital, the work of the chapter and the constitution of the Honoforific Chair Dr. Domínguez Roldán―, despite external and internal limitations. Since its beginning, it has had actors who have managed to maintain and develop it.

The Development of Cuba's Biotechnology: Mechanisms and Challenges.

Cuba faces a dilemma between continuing its current portfolio of biotechnology drugs and vaccines with lower profitability or renewing its product portfolio with the associated costs and risks.

Cobertura algal en dos sitios del Parque Nacional de Guanahacabibes, plataforma suroccidental de Cuba

Introducción: Las comunidades de macroalgas marinas del Parque Nacional Guanahacabibes no han sido estudiadas desde el punto de vista cuantitativo, a pesar de la influencia que la vegetación submarina tiene sobre la estructura y el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas costeros, componente que hasta ahora ha sido subestimado en la región. Objetivo: Evaluar la variación temporal y espacial de los géneros de macroalgas en dos sitios de María La Gorda, sur del Parque Nacional de Guanahacabibes, y evaluar la salud del arrecife de acuerdo con la cobertura de los diferentes morfo-tipos de macroalgas predominantes. Metodología: El muestreo fue cuatrimestral entre febrero 2014 y marzo 2017 en Yemayá y Laberinto, mediante buceo autónomo a una profundidad de 10 m. La cobertura algal fue estimada siguiendo la metodología AGRRA. Se usaron ocho transectos de 20 m por sitio de muestreo de acuerdo con las condiciones del arrecife y la forma del fondo. Cada cinco metros se colocó un cuadrante de 25 x 25 cm. Se calculó el porcentaje de cobertura que aporta cada género y de los grupos morfofuncionales a la cobertura total. Resultados: Los géneros dominantes durante el periodo de estudio fueron: Dictyota, Lobophora y Halimeda. Las algas carnosas y calcáreas mostraron mayor cubrimiento en Laberinto (carnosas= 57.8 ±15.6; calcáreas = 8.3 ± 6.8) que en Yemayá, (carnosas = 47.3 ± 23.1; calcáreas = 8.5 ± 9.3). Las formas costrosas son más abundantes en Yemayá (17.1 ± 15.1) que en Laberinto (7.7 ± 10). El índice de las carnosas fue superior en Laberinto (225.7 ± 110.2). Conclusión: La disminución en los niveles de cobertura de algas costrosas y la dominancia de formas carnosas como Dictyota y Lobophora en la zona de estudio, evidencian el deterioro en ambos sitios, a pesar de las políticas de conservación de parques nacionales.

Introduction: The macroalgal communities of the Guanahacabibes National Park have been poorly studied from the quantitative point of view, despite the influence that underwater vegetation has on the structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems, a component that until now has been underestimated in the Cuba region. Objetive: To evaluate the temporal and spatial variation of the macroalgal genera in two sites of María La Gorda, south of the Guanahacabibes National Park, and evaluate the reef health according to the coverage of the different predominant macroalgal morphotypes. Methodology: Sampling took place quarterly between February 2014 and March 2017, in Laberinto and Yemayá by SCUBA diving at a depth of 10 m. The algal coverage was estimated following the AGRRA methodology. Eight 20 m transects per sampling site were used according to reef conditions and bottom shape. Every five meters a 25 x 25 cm square was placed. The coverage (%) contributed per genus and morpho-functional group to the total coverage found was calculated. Results: The dominant genera during the study period were: Dictyota, Lobophora and Halimeda. Fleshy and calcareous algae showed greater coverage in Laberinto (fleshy= 57.8 ± 15.6; calcareous = 8.3 ± 6.8) than in Yemayá (fleshy = 47.3 ± 23.1; calcareous = 8.5 ± 9.3). Crustose algae were more abundant in Yemayá (17.1 ± 15.1) than in Laberinto (7.7 ± 10). The fleshy index was higher in Laberinto (225.7 ± 110.2). Conclusion: The decrease in the levels of crustose algal cover, as well as the dominance of fleshy forms Dictyota and Lobophora in the study area, shows the deterioration in both sites, despite the conservation policies of national parks.

First molecular characterization of Dirofilaria Immitis in Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. RESULTS: Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country.