Polydatin and Nicotinamide Rescue the Cellular Phenotype of Mitochondrial Diseases by Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (mtUPR) Activation.

Primary mitochondrial diseases result from mutations in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes, encoding proteins crucial for mitochondrial structure or function. Given that few disease-specific therapies are available for mitochondrial diseases, novel treatments to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction are necessary. In this work, we explored new therapeutic options in mitochondrial diseases using fibroblasts and induced neurons derived from patients with mutations in the GFM1 gene. This gene encodes the essential mitochondrial translation elongation factor G1 involved in mitochondrial protein synthesis. Due to the severe mitochondrial defect, mutant GFM1 fibroblasts cannot survive in galactose medium, making them an ideal screening model to test the effectiveness of pharmacological compounds. We found that the combination of polydatin and nicotinamide enabled the survival of mutant GFM1 fibroblasts in stress medium. We also demonstrated that polydatin and nicotinamide upregulated the mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (mtUPR), especially the SIRT3 pathway. Activation of mtUPR partially restored mitochondrial protein synthesis and expression, as well as improved cellular bioenergetics. Furthermore, we confirmed the positive effect of the treatment in GFM1 mutant induced neurons obtained by direct reprogramming from patient fibroblasts. Overall, we provide compelling evidence that mtUPR activation is a promising therapeutic strategy for GFM1 mutations.

Actin Polymerization Defects Induce Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cellular Models of Nemaline Myopathies.

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is one of the most common forms of congenital myopathy and it is identified by the presence of "nemaline bodies" (rods) in muscle fibers by histopathological examination. The most common forms of NM are caused by mutations in the Actin Alpha 1 (ACTA1) and Nebulin (NEB) genes. Clinical features include hypotonia and muscle weakness. Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment and the pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear. In this manuscript, we examined the pathophysiological alterations in NM using dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with mutations in ACTA1 and NEB genes. Patients' fibroblasts were stained with rhodamine-phalloidin to analyze the polymerization of actin filaments by fluorescence microscopy. We found that patients' fibroblasts showed incorrect actin filament polymerization compared to control fibroblasts. Actin filament polymerization defects were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, we identified two mitochondrial-boosting compounds, linoleic acid (LA) and L-carnitine (LCAR), that improved the formation of actin filaments in mutant fibroblasts and corrected mitochondrial bioenergetics. Our results indicate that cellular models can be useful to study the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NM and to find new potential therapies. Furthermore, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction with LA and LCAR can revert the pathological alterations in NM cellular models.

Mitochondrial Quality Control via Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (mtUPR) in Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Mitochondria play a key role in cellular functions, including energy production and oxidative stress regulation. For this reason, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and proteostasis (homeostasis of the proteome) is essential for cellular health. Therefore, there are different mitochondrial quality control mechanisms, such as mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs), mitophagy, or mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR). The last item is a stress response that occurs when stress is present within mitochondria and, especially, when the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins in the mitochondrial matrix surpasses the folding capacity of the mitochondrion. In response to this, molecular chaperones and proteases as well as the mitochondrial antioxidant system are activated to restore mitochondrial proteostasis and cellular function. In disease contexts, mtUPR modulation holds therapeutic potential by mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, in the case of neurodegenerative diseases, such as primary mitochondrial diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), there is a wealth of evidence demonstrating that the modulation of mtUPR helps to reduce neurodegeneration and its associated symptoms in various cellular and animal models. These findings underscore mtUPR's role as a promising therapeutic target in combating these devastating disorders.

Antioxidants Prevent Iron Accumulation and Lipid Peroxidation, but Do Not Correct Autophagy Dysfunction or Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Cellular Models of BPAN.

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is a group of rare neurogenetic disorders frequently associated with iron accumulation in the basal nuclei of the brain. Among NBIA subtypes, ß-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is associated with mutations in the autophagy gene WDR45. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the autophagic defects and secondary pathological consequences in cellular models derived from two patients harboring WDR45 mutations. Both protein and mRNA expression levels of WDR45 were decreased in patient-derived fibroblasts. In addition, the increase of LC3B upon treatments with autophagy inducers or inhibitors was lower in mutant cells compared to control cells, suggesting decreased autophagosome formation and impaired autophagic flux. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed mitochondrial vacuolization associated with the accumulation of lipofuscin-like aggregates containing undegraded material. Autophagy dysregulation was also associated with iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. In addition, mutant fibroblasts showed altered mitochondrial bioenergetics. Antioxidants such as pantothenate, vitamin E and α-lipoic prevented lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation. However, antioxidants were not able to correct the expression levels of WDR45, neither the autophagy defect nor cell bioenergetics. Our study demonstrated that WDR45 mutations in BPAN cellular models impaired autophagy, iron metabolism and cell bioenergetics. Antioxidants partially improved cell physiopathology; however, autophagy and cell bioenergetics remained affected.

Patient-Derived Cellular Models for Polytarget Precision Medicine in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration.

The term neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) brings together a broad set of progressive and disabling neurological genetic disorders in which iron is deposited preferentially in certain areas of the brain. Among NBIA disorders, the most frequent subtype is pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) caused by pathologic variants in the PANK2 gene codifying the enzyme pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2). To date, there are no effective treatments to stop the progression of these diseases. This review discusses the utility of patient-derived cell models as a valuable tool for the identification of pharmacological or natural compounds for implementing polytarget precision medicine in PKAN. Recently, several studies have described that PKAN patient-derived fibroblasts present the main pathological features associated with the disease including intracellular iron overload. Interestingly, treatment of mutant cell cultures with various supplements such as pantothenate, pantethine, vitamin E, omega 3, α-lipoic acid L-carnitine or thiamine, improved all pathophysiological alterations in PKAN fibroblasts with residual expression of the PANK2 enzyme. The information provided by pharmacological screenings in patient-derived cellular models can help optimize therapeutic strategies in individual PKAN patients.

Derecho a la defensa de funcionarios policiales inmersos en procesos penales por actos de servicio en Venezuela / Right to defence of police officers involved in criminal proceedings for acts of service in Venezuela / Direito à defesa dos policiais envolvidos em processos criminais por atos de serviço na Venezuela

El derecho a la defensa es una garantía que forma parte del debido proceso de conformidad con lo pautado en la Constitución de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Los funcionarios que forman parte de los órganos policiales colaboran con el Ministerio Público en la persecución de hechos delictivos, y en el ejercicio de sus funciones pueden incurrir en conductas que den lugar a la instrucción de procedimientos en su contra, por lo que la investigación analizó el derecho a la defensa de funcionarios policiales en procesos por actos de servicio en la Policía del Estado Mérida. Se realizó un estudio de campo, descriptivo, cualitativo y se aplicó un cuestionario contentivo de diez preguntas con varias alternativas de respuestas a una muestra de 50 personas. Los resultados permitieron inferir que las situaciones de servicio se generan principalmente por aprehensiones en flagrancia y procedimientos de captura, en cuyo cumplimiento los funcionarios pueden incurrir en irregularidades que den lugar a la apertura de investigaciones disciplinarias y penales, razón por la cual se requiere de una defensa pública especializada. Se concluyó que el derecho a la defensa se hará valer en las instancias administrativas y jurisdiccionales, y se recomienda la puesta en funcionamiento de la Defensoría Pública con competencia en materia penal policial.

The right to a defence is a guarantee that forms part of due process in accordance with the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Police officers collaborate with the Public Prosecutor's Office in the prosecution of criminal acts, and in the exercise of their duties may engage in conduct that may lead to proceedings being brought against them. For this reason, the research analysed the right to defence of police officers involved in proceedings for acts of service in the Mérida State Police. A descriptive, qualitative field study was carried out and a questionnaire containing ten questions with several alternative answers was applied to a sample of 50 people. The results allowed us to infer that service situations are mainly generated by apprehensions in flagrante delicto and arrest procedures, in which officials may incur in irregularities that lead to the opening of disciplinary and criminal investigations, which is why specialised public defence is required. It was concluded that the right to defence should be asserted in administrative and jurisdictional instances, and it is recommended that a Public Defence Office with competence in police criminal matters be set up.

O direito à defesa é uma garantia que faz parte do devido processo legal, de acordo com a Constituição da República Bolivariana da Venezuela. Os funcionários que fazem parte dos órgãos policiais colaboram com o Ministério Público a persecução de fatos delituosos e, no exercício de suas funções, podem ter condutas que podem levar à instauração de processos contra eles. Por essa razão, na pesquisa, foi analisado o direito de defesa dos policiais em processos por atos de serviço na Polícia Estadual de Mérida. Foi realizado um estudo de campo descritivo e qualitativo e um questionário com 10 perguntas com várias alternativas de resposta foi aplicado a uma amostra de 50 pessoas. Os resultados permitiram inferir que as situações de serviço são geradas principalmente por apreensões em flagrante delito e procedimentos de prisão, nos quais os agentes podem incorrer em irregularidades que levam à abertura de investigações disciplinares e criminais, razão pela qual é necessária a defesa pública especializada. Concluiu-se que o direito de defesa deve ser afirmado nas instâncias administrativas e jurisdicionais, sendo recomendada a criação da Defensoria Pública com competência em matéria penal policial.

Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation corrects pathological alterations in cellular models of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration with residual PANK2 expression levels.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that have in common the accumulation of iron in the basal nuclei of the brain which are essential components of the extrapyramidal system. Frequent symptoms are progressive spasticity, dystonia, muscle rigidity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and retinal degeneration or optic nerve atrophy. One of the most prevalent subtypes of NBIA is Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). It is caused by pathogenic variants in the gene of pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) which encodes the enzyme responsible for the first reaction on the coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis pathway. Thus, deficient PANK2 activity induces CoA deficiency as well as low expression levels of 4'-phosphopantetheinyl proteins which are essential for mitochondrial metabolism. METHODS: This study is aimed at evaluating the role of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in reversing the pathological alterations in fibroblasts and induced neurons derived from PKAN patients. Iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, transcript and protein expression levels of PANK2, mitochondrial ACP (mtACP), 4''-phosphopantetheinyl and lipoylated proteins, as well as pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and Complex I activity were examined. RESULTS: Treatment with α-LA was able to correct all pathological alterations in responsive mutant fibroblasts with residual PANK2 enzyme expression. However, α-LA had no effect on mutant fibroblasts with truncated/incomplete protein expression. The positive effect of α-LA in particular pathogenic variants was also confirmed in induced neurons derived from mutant fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that α-LA treatment can increase the expression levels of PANK2 and reverse the mutant phenotype in PANK2 responsive pathogenic variants. The existence of residual enzyme expression in some affected individuals raises the possibility of treatment using high dose of α-LA.

mtUPR Modulation as a Therapeutic Target for Primary and Secondary Mitochondrial Diseases.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key pathological event in many diseases. Its role in energy production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis regulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance render mitochondria essential for cell survival and fitness. However, there are no effective treatments for most primary and secondary mitochondrial diseases to this day. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches, such as the modulation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR), are being explored. mtUPRs englobe several compensatory processes related to proteostasis and antioxidant system mechanisms. mtUPR activation, through an overcompensation for mild intracellular stress, promotes cell homeostasis and improves lifespan and disease alterations in biological models of mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related diseases, cardiopathies, metabolic disorders, and primary mitochondrial diseases. Although mtUPR activation is a promising therapeutic option for many pathological conditions, its activation could promote tumor progression in cancer patients, and its overactivation could lead to non-desired side effects, such as the increased heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA mutations. In this review, we present the most recent data about mtUPR modulation as a therapeutic approach, its role in diseases, and its potential negative consequences in specific pathological situations.

Pterostilbene in Combination With Mitochondrial Cofactors Improve Mitochondrial Function in Cellular Models of Mitochondrial Diseases.

Mitochondrial diseases are genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes in the nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that encode mitochondrial structural or functional proteins. Although considered "rare" due to their low incidence, such diseases affect thousands of patients' lives worldwide. Despite intensive research efforts, most mitochondrial diseases are still incurable. Recent studies have proposed the modulation of cellular compensatory pathways such as mitophagy, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation or the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) as novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these pathologies. UPRmt is an intracellular compensatory pathway that signals mitochondrial stress to the nucleus for the activation of mitochondrial proteostasis mechanisms including chaperones, proteases and antioxidants. In this work a potentially beneficial molecule, pterostilbene (a resveratrol analogue), was identified as mitochondrial booster in drug screenings. The positive effects of pterostilbene were significantly increased in combination with a mitochondrial cocktail (CoC3) consisting of: pterostilbene, nicotinamide, riboflavin, thiamine, biotin, lipoic acid and l-carnitine. CoC3 increases sirtuins' activity and UPRmt activation, thus improving pathological alterations in mutant fibroblasts and induced neurons.

Artículo original / Characterization of patients with COVID -19 according to clinical groups

RESUMEN Fundamento: la incidencia de casos positivos a la COVID-19 en edades pediátricas y adultos ha ido en aumento, lo que genera colapsos en los servicios sanitarios por las cifras elevadas de contagios en todo el mundo. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes de edades pediátricas y adultas, positivas a la COVID-19 de las provincias Camagüey y Ciego de Ávila, según grupos clínicos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en el Hospital Militar Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja, desde de marzo de 2020 a julio de 2020. El universo estuvo constituido por los 90 pacientes diagnosticados con la COVID-19. La información recogida en los expedientes clínicos se incluyó en un formulario y se consideró como variable dependiente grupos clínicos positivos a la COVID-19: asintomáticos y sintomáticos y como variables independientes: grupos de edades, sexo, comorbilidades, fuente de infección, complicaciones y los grupos según sintomatología de acuerdo a la clasificación del Colegio del Rey de Londres. Resultados: los pacientes sintomáticos fueron más frecuentes, el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 27 a 59 años en ambas formas clínicas, se contagiaron de forma similar ambos sexos. Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes en el grupo sintomático, donde la neumonía y la bronconeumonía fueron las más representativas. Conclusiones : los pacientes sintomáticos y la fuente de infección autóctona fueron más frecuentes en edad pediátrica y adultos. Las complicaciones fueron poco frecuentes en estos grupos de edades y la neumonía y la bronconeumonía las más habituales.

ABSTRACT Background: the incidence of positive cases to COVID-19 in pediatric and adult ages has been increasing, generating collapses in health services due to the high numbers of infections around the world. Objective: to characterize patients of pediatric and adult ages; positive for COVID-19 in the Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila provinces, according to clinical groups. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Teaching Clinical Surgical Military Hospital, during the period from March 2020 to July 2020. The universe consisted of 90 diagnosed patients with Covid-19. The information collected in the clinical records was included in a form and clinical groups positive for COVID-19 were considered as dependent variables: asymptomatic and symptomatic, and as independent variables: age groups, sex, comorbidities, source of infection, complications and the groups according to symptoms according to the classification of the London King's College. Results: symptomatic patients were more frequent, the age group most affected was that of 27 to 59 years in both clinical forms, both sexes were infected in a similar way. Complications were more frequent in the symptomatic group, where pneumonia and bronchopneumonia were the most representative. Conclusions: symptomatic patients and the source of autochthonous infection were more frequent in pediatric and adult ages. Complications were rare in these age groups and pneumonia and bronchopneumonia the most common.

Diagnóstico educativo sobre adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en médicos y enfermeras de la atención primaria de salud / Educative diagnosis on adherence to antiretroviral treatment in doctors and nurses in primary health care

Introducción: la deficiente adherencia a los tratamientos antirretrovirales, se ha convertido en un problema de salud de gran importancia, por lo que es necesario promover una correcta relación terapéutica, entre el profesional de la salud, y la persona con VIH/sida. Objetivos: identificar el nivel de conocimientos relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral, las principales prácticas profesionales que se realizan, y la percepción de capacitación que tienen los médicos y enfermeras del municipio Camagüey, en el periodo de septiembre de 2006 a junio de 2007. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, la población estuvo constituida por 150 enfermeras y 90 médicos. La muestra quedó conformada por 100 enfermeras y 65 médicos de la atención primaria de salud, que atendían en los consultorios, a las personas con VIH/sida. Resultados: los médicos y las enfermeras muestran escasos conocimientos en algunos elementos esenciales, relacionados con la adherencia a los tratamientos de larga duración, y la repercusión que tienen en la calidad de vida de las personas con VIH/sida. Existen dificultades en algunas prácticas profesionales, llevadas a cabo con los pacientes. Hubo insuficiente percepción de capacitación relacionada con el tema, para promover la adherencia en los pacientes. Conclusiones: los conocimientos que poseen los médicos y enfermeras de la familia, son insuficientes para abordar con calidad, la atención a las personas con VIH/sida, que se acogen al sistema de atención ambulatorio

Introduction: poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment has become an important health issue, so it is necessary to promote proper therapeutic relationship between health professional and the persons with HIV/AIDS. Objectives: to identify the level of knowledge related to the antiretroviral therapy adherence, the major professional practices performed and the training perception of doctors and nurses from Camag³ey municipality during september 2006 to june 2007. Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted, out of 150 nurses and 90 doctors, a sample was made up by 100 nurses and 65 doctors from primary care, assisting HIV/AIDS patients. Results: physicians and nurses showed little knowledge of essential elements relating to adherence to long-term treatment and the impact it has on the quality of life of HIV/AIDS people. There are difficulties in some professional practices, performed on patients. There was insufficient awareness training related to the topic, to promote adherence in these patients. Conclusions: the knowledge of primary care doctors and nurses are insufficient to deal with quality care for HIV/AIDS people, benefiting from the outpatient care system

Contribuciones científicas del Programa de Maestría en promoción y educación para la salud: scientific contributions / Mastery Program in the promotion and health education

La formación postgraduada en salud encuentra en el área de promoción y educación para la salud uno de sus principales retos, dada la necesidad que para su desarrollo tiene, la síntesis de conocimientos de muy diversas disciplinas y el potencial impacto que sus egresados podrían lograr en la sociedad. OBJETIVO: caracterizar la contribución científica del Programa de la Maestría en promoción y educación para la salud en las dos ediciones concluidas. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal. El universo estuvo constituido por los 48 trabajos de terminación de maestría (TTM) ejecutados por la totalidad de los estudiantes de las dos ediciones concluidas de la Maestría en Promoción y Educación para la Salud (2001-2004; 2005-2008). Se utilizó la revisión documental como técnica de recogida de información. RESULTADOS: el análisis de contenido reveló un predominio de investigaciones de innovación tecnológica en el nivel local, relacionadas con algunos de los principales problemas de salud en Cuba. CONCLUSIONES: la producción científica refleja una elevada consistencia con los enfoques metodológicos contemporáneos en la investigación científico-tecnológica y las temáticas abordadas se encuentran en consonancia con los referentes teóricos actuales sobre la promoción de la salud

Health postgraduate training has in health promotion and education areas one of its major challenges due to the knowledge synthesis of very different disciplines needed for its development, and the potential impact that its graduates could achieve in society. OBJECTIVE: To characterize scientific contribution of Mastery Program to the health promotion and education in the two concluded editions. METHODS: Authors made a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Universe included 48 mastery completion papers (MCP) performed by the total of students of the two concluded editions of Health Education and Promotion (2001-2004; 2005-2008). We used a documentary review as a information retrieve technique. RESULTS: Content analysis showed a predominance of technological innovation researches at local level related to some of the main health problems in Cuba. CONCLUSIONS: Scientific production shows a high coherence with contemporaneous methodological approaches in scientific-technological research and the matters discussed are in keeping with the current theoretical references on health promotion

Sensibilidad celular a bacterias en pacientes con diagnóstico de dermatitis atópica / Cellular sensibility to bacterias in patient with diagnosis of atopic dermatitis

Fundamento: El paciente con dermatitis atópica sufre con frecuencia infección bacteriana en las lesiones cutáneas lo que facilita el proceso de sensibilización. Objetivo: Determinar la sensibilización celular in vivo a bacterias en pacientes con diagnóstico de dermatitis atópica. Método: Se realizó un estudio casos control pareado 1:1 en pacientes con diagnóstico de dermatitis atópica que asistieron a la consulta de alergia del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Provincial Amalia Simoni de la ciudad de Camagüey, desde enero de 2006 a julio de 2007. Los pacientes se seleccionaron del universo de enfermos con diagnóstico de dermatitis atópica. Resultados: De los antígenos bacterianos testados la mayor respuesta se obtuvo al Staphylococcus aureus. La bacteria de mayor respuesta positiva según el diámetro del nódulo fue el Staphylococcus aureus, por lo que fue el germen que produjo mayor sensibilización celular en la dermatitis atópica. Conclusiones: La respuesta positiva a las pruebas demoradas con antígenos bacterianos en la dermatitis atópica resultó alta.

Background: The patient with atopic dermatitis frequently suffers bacterial infection in cutaneous lesions what facilitates the process of sensitization. Objective: To determine the cellular sensitization in vivo to bacterias in patient with diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Method: A paired 1:1 case control study was carried out in patients with diagnosis of atopic dermatitis attended in the allergy consultation at the Educational Provincial Clinical Surgical Hospital Amalia Simoni of Camagüey city, from January 2006 to July 2007. The patients were selected of the universe of sick people with diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. Results: Of the tested bacterial antigens the biggest answer was obtained to the Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria of positive bigger answer according to the diameter of the node was Staphylococcus aureus, which was the germ that produced bigger cellular sensitization in the atopic dermatitis. Conclusions: The positive answer to the delayed tests with bacterial antigens in the atopic dermatitis was high.

Estrongiloidosis crónica: reporte de un caso / Chronic strongyloidosis: a case report

Se describe el caso de una adolescente de 15 años remitida a la consulta de parasitología del Policlínico de Especialidades Pediátricas de Camagüey, por presentar una eosinofilia marcada y lesiones purpúricas en cara y tórax, acompañadas de fiebre y vómitos con estrías de sangre. Se le indicó copa cónica en heces fecales y se observaron larvas de Strongyloides stercoralis, la biopsia de piel arrojó edema del dermis papilar y focos hemorrágicos, lesiones que se pueden presentar en pacientes con infección por esta parasitosis. En la encuesta epidemiológica se comprobó que la paciente acostumbraba a andar sin calzado con frecuencia y se constataron las malas condiciones higiénico-sanitarias en el hogar. Este caso constituye el primer reporte de estrongiloidosis crónica en la provincia.

The case of a 15 year-old adolescent remitted to the parasitology consultation at Pediatric Specialties Polyclinic of Camagüey is described, by presenting a marked eosinophilia and purpuric lesions in face and thorax, accompanied by fever and vomits with striae of blood. It was indicated conical cup in feces and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were observed, the skin biopsy showed edema of the papillary dermis and hemorrhagic focuses, lesions that can show up in patients with infection for this parasitosis. In the epidemiological survey was proved that the patient frequently used to walk without having no shoes and bad hygienic-sanitary conditions at home were verified. This case constitutes the first chronic strongyloidosis report in the province.

Evaluación de los resultados de cultivos de catéteres en pacientes graves / Evaluation of cultive results of catheters in grave patients

Se realizó un estudio en pacientes que ingresaron en la unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital Provincial “Manuel Ascunce Domenech” de Camagüey, en el período comprendido entre el 1 de septiembre de 1999 al 29 de febrero de 2000, que fueron tributarios de un abordaje venoso profundo, con el objetivo de evaluar el papel del cateterismo intravascular como causa de infección intravascular en pacientes graves. A los pacientes incluidos en el estudio se les realizó un examen microscópico directo con coloración de Gram y cultivo semicuantitativo de la punta del catéter, así como hemocultivo. Se determinó el porciento de casos negativos, colonizados y con infección del torrente sanguíneo relacionada con el catéter intravascular. Se valoró la utilidad de la combinación del examen directo y el cultivo para el diagnóstico de estas infecciones y se identificaron los principales microorganismos causantes de colonización e infecciones del torrente sanguíneo, así como su susceptibilidad medicamentosa