Tutorial on compressed ultrafast photography.

Significance: Compressed ultrafast photography (CUP) is currently the world's fastest single-shot imaging technique. Through the integration of compressed sensing and streak imaging, CUP can capture a transient event in a single camera exposure with imaging speeds from thousands to trillions of frames per second, at micrometer-level spatial resolutions, and in broad sensing spectral ranges. Aim: This tutorial aims to provide a comprehensive review of CUP in its fundamental methods, system implementations, biomedical applications, and prospect. Approach: A step-by-step guideline to CUP's forward model and representative image reconstruction algorithms is presented with sample codes and illustrations in Matlab and Python. Then, CUP's hardware implementation is described with a focus on the representative techniques, advantages, and limitations of the three key components-the spatial encoder, the temporal shearing unit, and the two-dimensional sensor. Furthermore, four representative biomedical applications enabled by CUP are discussed, followed by the prospect of CUP's technical advancement. Conclusions: CUP has emerged as a state-of-the-art ultrafast imaging technology. Its advanced imaging ability and versatility contribute to unprecedented observations and new applications in biomedicine. CUP holds great promise in improving technical specifications and facilitating the investigation of biomedical processes.

Short-wave Infrared Photoluminescence Lifetime Mapping of Rare-Earth Doped Nanoparticles Using All-Optical Streak Imaging.

The short-wave infrared (SWIR) photoluminescence lifetimes of rare-earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs) have found diverse applications in fundamental and applied research. Despite dazzling progress in the novel design and synthesis of RENPs with attractive optical properties, existing optical systems for SWIR photoluminescence lifetime imaging are still considerably restricted by inefficient photon detection, limited imaging speed, and low sensitivity. To overcome these challenges, SWIR photoluminescence lifetime imaging microscopy using an all-optical streak camera (PLIMASC) is developed. Synergizing scanning optics and a high-sensitivity InGaAs CMOS camera, SWIR-PLIMASC has a 1D imaging speed of up to 138.9 kHz in the spectral range of 900-1700 nm, which quantifies the photoluminescence lifetime of RENPs in a single shot. A 2D photoluminescence lifetime map can be acquired by 1D scanning of the sample. To showcase the power of SWIR-PLIMASC, a series of core-shell RENPs with distinct SWIR photoluminescence lifetimes is synthesized. In particular, using Er3+ -doped RENPs, SWIR-PLIMASC enables multiplexed anti-counterfeiting. Leveraging Ho3+ -doped RENPs as temperature indicators, this system is applied to SWIR photoluminescence lifetime-based thermometry. Opening up a new avenue for efficient SWIR photoluminescence lifetime mapping, this work is envisaged to contribute to advanced materials characterization, information science, and biomedicine.

Swept coded aperture real-time femtophotography.

Single-shot real-time femtophotography is indispensable for imaging ultrafast dynamics during their times of occurrence. Despite their advantages over conventional multi-shot approaches, existing techniques confront restricted imaging speed or degraded data quality by the deployed optoelectronic devices and face challenges in the application scope and acquisition accuracy. They are also hindered by the limitations in the acquirable information imposed by the sensing models. Here, we overcome these challenges by developing swept coded aperture real-time femtophotography (SCARF). This computational imaging modality enables all-optical ultrafast sweeping of a static coded aperture during the recording of an ultrafast event, bringing full-sequence encoding of up to 156.3 THz to every pixel on a CCD camera. We demonstrate SCARF's single-shot ultrafast imaging ability at tunable frame rates and spatial scales in both reflection and transmission modes. Using SCARF, we image ultrafast absorption in a semiconductor and ultrafast demagnetization of a metal alloy.

Reproducibility of pop sensation, Thompson sign in achillotomy, and final Pirani score to predict clubfoot relapse: Achillotomy clinical signs and Pirani predictive ability.

Ultrasound (US) can guide and confirm percutaneous release of the achilles tendon in the clubfoot. However, this technique may not always be available; therefore, surgeons' reported feelings of tendon release ("click" or "pop") and the Thompson sign could demonstrate that they are sensitive and reliable for confirming complete tendon release. The purpose of this study was to compare the reproducibility of clinical maneuvers that aim to detect the reported "click" or "pop" sensation by the surgeon and the Thompson sign after surgical release in percutaneous achilles tenotomy compare with US in patients with clubfoot. A cross-sectional reproducibility study of consecutive patients with idiopathic clubfoot was conducted. All the patients were scheduled to undergo tenotomy in the operating room using the standard percutaneous achilles tenotomy technique under sedation. The surgeon's reported surgical sensation ("click" or "pop") and Thompson signs were compared to the US assessment of the cut. The final Pirani score was used to predict recurrence risk and was correlated with the number of plaster casts and age. Forty-five feet were affected in 30 patients. Eighteen (60%) men. Age range: 1 to 60 months. The sensation of "click" or "pop" was recorded in 38 patients, and complete release was confirmed by US in 37 patients, for a sensitivity (Se) of 0.95 and specificity (Sp) of 0.63. Thompson signs were positive in 33 and 36 patients at 2 evaluations, with Se values of 0.87 and 0.92 and Sp values of 0.88 and 0.75, respectively. The Pirani final score, a predictor of recurrence risk, had an area under the curve of 0.80 (95% CI = 0.63-0.97; P = .005), Se = 0.78, and Sp = 0.56, with a cutoff point of 2.75. The feeling of achilles tendon release and Thompson sign had high sensitivity, prevalence, accuracy, and posttest probability. The confirmation of tendon release based on clinical signs could prevent the use of US.

Association of adverse childhood experiences with irritable bowel syndrome in Mexican adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to the development of gastrointestinal disorders during adulthood, but there is limited research on the prevalence of ACEs in Latin American populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of ACEs on Mexican adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 290 Mexican adults (aged 18-65), including 90 individuals with IBS and 200 healthy controls. All participants completed four self-reported questionnaires: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACEs), Visceral Sensitivity Index, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Statistical analyses included mean differences using either the Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon test, correlations assessed with Spearman's correlation coefficient, and logistic regression models. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value less than 0.05. KEY RESULTS: Among IBS subjects, the prevalence of ACEs was 80%, significantly higher than the 59% prevalence observed in controls (p < 0.0001). Individuals with ACEs exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Seventy-five percent of IBS subjects with severe symptoms reported four or more ACEs. The presence of four or more ACEs was found to be associated with an increased risk of IBS. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: ACEs are notably prevalent among Mexican individuals with IBS and are positively correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal pain. These findings underscore the critical significance of evaluating and addressing ACEs in the comprehensive management of IBS within Latin American populations.

Captación tiroidea de yodo radioactivo 131 en 24 horas en adultos jóvenes eutiroideos residentes de gran altitud / Thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine 131 in 24 hours in eutiroid young adults residents at high altitude

INTRODUCCIÓN: el tiroides exhibe una gran avidez por el yodo radioactivo (I131) que al ser fijado por ésta glándula puede determinarse, desde afuera, aprovechando el hecho de que las radiaciones gamma atraviesan los tejidos blandos del cuello y pueden registrarse (Gammagrafía) a distancias apreciables. Desde 1962 Bolivia cuenta con esta tecnología, sin embargo, no cuenta con trabajos similares desde la declaración de país libre de enfermedades secundarias a la deficiencia de Yodo en 1997. El objetivo fue determinar valores de la captación tiroidea de I131 a las 24 horas en adultos jóvenes eutiroideos, residentes de gran altitud. MÉTODO: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, en 76 sujetos obtenidos por intención y seleccionados mediante una entrevista clínica, examen físico dirigido y un consentimiento informado. El procedimiento fue ejecutado por personal calificado en el INAMEN siguiendo las recomendaciones de la OIEA. RESULTADOS: el valor de la captación tiroidea de I131 en 24 horas fue de 18,23 + 5,79% (rango 7,70 ­ 39,70). DISCUSIÓN: los expertos recomiendan establecer valores de referencia actualizados en cada región. Se han descrito variaciones de los valores normales influenciados por el sexo y edad; esta última, aparentemente por una hipofunción tiroidea inversamente proporcional con la edad. CONCLUSIÓN: el valor referencial encontrado en nuestro estudio es concordante con los establecidos en el extranjero, sin embargo, con una tendencia incrementada. Podría deberse a la secuencia cronológica de los estudios comparados en países que ya habían establecido políticas de yodación más tempranamente.

INTRODUCTION: the thyroid exhibits a great avidity for radioactive iodine (I131) which, when fixed by this gland, can be determined from the outside, taking advantage of the fact that gamma radiation passes through the soft tissues of the neck and can be registered (scintigraphy) at appreciable distances. Since 1962, Bolivia has had this technology, however, it does not have similar studies since the declaration of a country free of diseases secondary to iodine deficiency in 1997. The objective was to determine values of the thyroid uptake of I131 at 24 hours in euthyroid young adults, high altitude residents. METHOD: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 76 subjects obtained by intention and selected by means of a clinical interview, directed physical examination and informed consent. The procedure was carried out by qualified personnel at INAMEN, following IAEA recommendations. RESULTS: the value of the thyroid uptake of I131 in 24 hours was 18.23 + 5.79% (range 7.70 - 39.70). DISCUSSION: experts recommend establishing up-to-date reference values in each region. Variations in normal values influenced by sex and age have been described; the latter, apparently due to a thyroid hypofunction inversely proportional to age. CONCLUSION: the reference value found in our study is consistent with those established abroad, however, with an increased trend. It could be due to the chronological sequence of comparative studies in countries that had already established iodination policies earlier.

Feasibility in the echocardiographic estimation of parameters of the right ventricle in prone position / Factibilidad en la estimación ecocardiográfica de parámetros del ventrículo derecho en posición prono

Abstract Background: Echocardiographic cardiac parameters in the prone position are usually obtained with an esophageal probe. The feasibility of obtaining them by means of a transthoracic approach is unknown. Objective: Estimating the feasibility to obtain parameters of the right ventricle by transthoracic echocardiography in prone position on the subject. Methods: Pilot design of consecutive case series without cardiopulmonary disease. Demographic, vital signs and echocardiographic variables were defined in the ventral initial, prone and ventral final decubitus positions. The data are shown with averages and standard deviations, and frequencies and percentages according to the variable. The differences between the positions were calculated with ANOVA of repeated samples and adjustment of Bonferroni test. Intra-subject variability was obtained by the Bland-Altman procedure and its 95% confidence interval. Results: We studied 50 subjects, 44 (88%) males, age 30 ± 6 years and body mass index 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and S'-wave were measured 100% of the time. The vital signs and echocardiographic variables according to the position had differences in: heart rate (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 beats/min), partial oxygen saturation (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) and mean systemic blood pressure (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 ± 2.84 mm), mean difference (bias) 0 (2, -2.0) and S'-wave (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), mean difference (bias) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectively. Conclusions: Obtaining right ventricle parameters by transthoracic ecocardiopraphy is feasible in the prone position.

Resumen Introducción: Los parámetros cardiacos ecocardiográficos en posición de decúbito prono usualmente se obtienen con sonda esofágica. Se desconoce la factibilidad de obtenerlos mediante aproximación transtorácica. Objetivo: Estimar la factibilidad para obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho mediante ecocardiografía transtorácica en el sujeto en posición de decúbito prono. Métodos: Diseño piloto de serie de casos consecutivos sin enfermedad cardiopulmonar. Se acotaron variables demográficas, signos vitales y ecocardiográficas en posición decúbito ventral inicial, prono y ventral final. Los datos se muestran con promedios y desviaciones estándar, y frecuencias y porcentajes de acuerdo con la variable. La diferencia entre las posiciones se calculó con ANOVA de muestras repetidas y ajuste de Bonferroni. Se obtuvo la variabilidad intrasujetos mediante el procedimiento de Bland-Altman y su intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se estudiaron 50 sujetos, 44 (88%) masculinos, edad 30 ± 6 años e índice de masa corporal 25.65 ± 2.71 kg/m2. El TAPSE (excursión sistólica del plano del anillo tricuspídeo) y la onda S' se midieron en el 100% de las veces. Los signos vitales y variables ecocardiográficas de acuerdo con la posición tuvieron diferencias en: frecuencia cardiaca (74 ± 9 vs. 77 ± 9 vs. 75 ± 8 lpm), saturación parcial de oxígeno (94.40 ± 1.70 vs. 96.64 ± 1.79 vs. 95.32 ± 1.36%) y la presión arterial sistémica media (65.33 ± 5.38 vs. 67.69 ± 6.31 vs. 65.29 ± 5.62 mmHg); TAPSE (19.74 ± 3.24 vs. 21.60 ± 2.97 vs. 19.44 vs. 2.84 mm), diferencia media (sesgo) 0 (2, -2.0) y onda S' (13.52 ± 1.87 vs. 15.02 ± 2.09 vs. 13.46 ± 1.55 cm/s), diferencia media (sesgo) -0.46 (1.21, -2.14) respectivamente. Conclusión: En posición de decúbito prono es factible obtener parámetros del ventrículo derecho por ecocardiografía transtorácica.

Perfil bociógeno en estudiantes de Camata Marka, mediante palpación semiológica y respaldo ultrasonográfico. Un estudio de corte / Transversal. Gestión 2014 goitrogenic profile of students from Camata Marka, through semiological palpation and backup ultrasound. A study of cross section. Management 2014

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los Desórdenes por Deficiencia de Yodo (DDI) tienen devastadoras repercusiones en mujeres embarazadas y niños, ocasionando secuelas como el cretinismo y retraso mental, vinculados con el desarrollo económico y social de los pueblos. Un indicador del grado de deficiencia de yodo de una población para el diagnóstico descriptivo de los DDI, son las pesquisas realizadas en niños, adolescentes y mujeres embarazadas. Estudios realizados por Peterson y col, demostraron que el Método Palpatorio de Pérez (MPP), adaptado por la OMS en 1960, continua siendo el método de elección para la clasificación de bocio en países en vías de desarrollo. Se pretende determinar el Perfil Bociógeno en estudiantes de Camata mediante palpación semiológica y Ultrasonografía, en un corte transversal. MÉTODO: Se realizó la pesquisa a 201 estudiantes niños y adolescentes, entre las edades de 5 a 17 años, mediante una Historia Clínica dirigida que permitió obtener datos generales y antropométricos, un examen físico teniendo como referencia el MPP y la Ultrasonografía. RESULTADOS: Los 2 casos de bocio encontrados muestran un valor estadístico de 1,4 %. Empero, este hallazgo en una población sensible para este tipo de estudio, revelan un indicador importante para este sector. DISCUSIÓN: El bocio existe en Bolivia desde los tiempos Precolombinos por un fenómeno geográfico montañoso deficiente de yodo que caracteriza a su territorio, entre ellos Camata Marka, es más, ningún estudio similar fue realizado en esa región. Con este estudio se demuestra que a la fecha existen DDI pese a políticas nacionales de lucha contra el Bocio vigentes.

INTRODUCTION: The Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) have devastating effects on pregnant women and children, causing sequelae such as cretinism and mental retardation linked to economic and social development of peoples. An indicator of iodine deficiency in a population for descriptive diagnosis of IDD, are the investigations conducted in children, adolescents and pregnant women. Studies by Peterson et al, showed that the palpatory method Pérez (PMP), adapted by WHO in 1960, remains the method of choice for the classification of goiter in developing countries. It is intended to determine the profile goitrogenic in students Camata by palpation and ultrasonography semiológica, in cross section. METHOD: The research to 201 children and adolescents students was conducted between the ages of 5-17 years through a medical history that yielded demographic and anthropometric data, physical examination with reference MPP and ultrasonography. RESULTS: The 2 cases of goiter found show a statistical value of 1.4%. However, this finding sensitive to this type of study population, reveal an important indicator for this sector. DISCUSSION: Goiter exists in Bolivia since pre-Columbian times by poor mountainous geographical phenomenon of iodine that characterizes its territory, including Camata Marka also no similar study was conducted in that region. This study shows that to date there IDD despite national policies to combat goiter force.

Trastornos de ansiedad en el DSM-5 / [Anxiety disorders in DSM-5].

The fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the DSM-5 appeared officially in May 2013 during the development of the 166th Annual Meetingof the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in San Francisco. The drafting process was long and complex; much of the debate became public so that the expectations were great. And it must be said that the new edition did not disappoint, as many changes were made in relation to their predecessors. In Chapter of Anxiety Disorders, which is reviewed in this article, the changes were significant. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and Stress-related disorders were excluded and new clinical pictures, such as separation anxiety disorder and selective mutism, were included. And took place was the long awaited split between panic disorder and agoraphobia, now two separate disorders.

Factores de riesgo asociados a tenosinovitisestenosante: estudio de casos y controles / Risk factors associated with trigger finger: case-control study

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study to identify risk factors in our population associated with trigger finger. The study was conducted at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, UMAE 21, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. METHODS: This was a case-control, retrospective, and observational study. There were 250 patients in each group. For cases, patients who were operated on for trigger finger from March 2006 to August 2006 were included. Controls included patients admitted to the Emergency Department with hand injuries that fulfilled the selection criteria. Risk factors analyzed were diabetes, hypertension, smoking, sex, age, weight, and 19 different occupations. RESULTS: Mean age of the cases was 52 years (SE +/- 14.19 years) with a median and mode of 53 years. The right hand was the most common with the middle, thumb, ring, index and little fingers, respectively. A significant statistical relationship was found: females (OR 7.57, 95% CI 5.07-11.31); diabetes (OR 3.72, 95% CI 2.43-5.70); obesity (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.02-2.19). With regard to occupation, a statistical relationship was found: homemaker (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.62-3.69); seamstress (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.3-21.6); and secretary (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.38-5.52). CONCLUSIONS: Trigger finger is a common pathology in our population and is more frequent in women >53 years old. It may be related to diabetes, body mass index (obesity) and certain occupations such as secretary, seamstress and homemaker.

Globalización, salud y equidad: contradicciones e incertidumbres / Globalization, health and equity: contradictions and uncertainties

Al exponer algunas ideas sobre los retos del salubrista, el autor se declara partidario del optimismo en el trabajo que se fundamenta en las siguientes consideraciones: el papel del salubrista seguirá en ascenso en la sociedad y en los estamentos gubernamentales o no gubernamentales, porque tienen las respuestas para las crisis, han vivido sus propias revoluciones epidemiológicas y su aporte a la salud de los pueblos es significativo. Se han incorporado al quehacer científico y de trabajo del salubrista, con carácter interdisciplinario y transprofesional, los aportes de la economía, de las ciencias sociales, de la psicología, de la pedagogía, de la cibernética, de la ecología y la demografía, lo que permite ampliar el horizonte de trabajo. No están los salubristas fuera de las reformas políticas, de los proyectos de descentralización y, sobre todo, de los lineamientos de justicia social, de equidad y de la batalla por el desarrollo humano como base para el desarrollo económico. Los salubristas son democráticos desde los albores de la salud pública y, por lo tanto, el bien individual no lo ven aislado de su propio asidero: el bien social, nacional y mundial. La salud pública se ha desarrollado a través del tiempo por la búsqueda de la calidad y con sólidas bases estadísticas que le permite llegar con claridad a la cibérnética, no como un fin, sino como un medio. La internacionalización del conocimiento es una tesis definida por los salubristas, se tiene experiencias y formas para enfrentar los nuevos cantos de sirena.

On stating some ideas on the challenges faced by the public health professionals, the author declares his optimism about their work and this optimism is supported on the following considerations: the public health professionals will continue playing a growing role at govermental and non-governmental levels because they have answers for the crises, they have lived their own epidemiological revolutions and because their contribution to the people´s health is significant. There have been incorporated to the scientific work of the public health professionals, with interdisciplinary and trans-professional character, the contributions made by economics, social sciences, psychology, pedagogy, cybernetics, ecology and demographics, all of which allows extending working horizons. Public health professionals are not unaware of political reforms, decentralization projects and above all, of the social justice, the equity guidelines and of the battle for the human development as a basis for the economic development. Public health professionals are democratic since the very beginning of public health, and thus, individual good is not isolated from their own support that is national and international social good. Public health has developed in the course of time on the basis of search for quality on sound statistical grounds that allow clearly reaching cybernetics to use it not as an objective but as a means. Internationalization of knowledge is a thesis defined by public health professionals who have experience and means to face the new siren songs.

Evaluación de la tiroides por palpación, su asociación con la ultrasonografía en mujeres en edad fértil, residentes de gran altitud: validación como un test diagnóstico / Evaluation of the thyroid by palpation, its association with ultrasonography in women of childbearing age, residents of high altitude: validation as a diagnostic test

Existen pocos estudios a gran altitud relativos a la validez del método palpario de Perez para identificar bocio en mujeres en edad fértil. Pregunta de investigación: cuales son los valores de sensibilidad, especificidad y los valores predictivos de la palpación de la glándula tiroides para detectar el bocio en mujeres en edad fértil residentes de gran altitud?. Objetivo: determinar los valores del test diagnóstico palpación de la glandula tiroides frente a un gold estándar comola ultrasonografía de la tiroides. Diseño: test diagnóstico. Lugar y pacientes. gran actitud , en la Facultad de Medicina 177 mujeres en edad fértil. Material y métodos: se seleccionaron mujeres con criterios de elegibilidad. Se cálculo el tamaño muestral para las con bocio y las sin bocio, definidas por palpación de tiroides y de acuerdo a criterios OMS de 1960. Se evalúo por palpación y ultrasonografía la glandula y se realizó un cuestionario de tipo clínico

La colaboración de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y el Sistema Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas de Cuba: actualidad y perspectivas / The colaboration of the Panamerican Health Organization: actualities and perspectives

Se expone la situación en extremo negativa de los países latinoamericanos y del Caribe. La respuesta de la OPS/OMS ante esta crisis ha sido intentar una nueva definición de su función y un nuevo concepto para su cooperación técnica. Se presentan las relaciones de cooperación de la Organización con el Sistema Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas, la que está en condiciones de colaborar en políticas navionales e interpaíses en materia de información científica y técnica consolidar la red nacional y sus expresiones al nivel del centro coordinador, preparar profesionales y técnicos cubanos para la elaboración y publicación de trabajos científicos, consolidar y actualizar la base de datos nacional sobre la base del sistema regional (LILACS) y ofrecer recursos técnico-metodológicos para el desarrollo de la Biblioteca Médica Nacional

La investigación en salud maternoinfantil y reproducción humana / Research in maternal and child health and in human reproduction

This article stresses the importance of research in the field of maternal and child health because it can provide knowledge on which to base activities designed to change conditions, as required by the specific needs of the population. The authors review the characteristics of such research in Latin America and put forward a number of suggestions for promoting studies on maternal and child health, including priority areas, methodologies and analytical models, and specific research projects based on an overall approach to the situation concerned. Finally, they emphasize that research must focus on the priority problems of each country in the area of maternal and child health (Au)

Docencia médica media en Cuba / Middle-level medical training in Cuba

The background, evolution, and prospects for training middle-level medical technicians in Cuba are reviewed, with emphasis on the relationships existing among socioeconomic structures, the education sector, and the health sector. Developments since the revolution of 1959 may be divided into three periods--1959-1964, 1965-1969, and 1970-1975--which reflect a clear policy progressing from the quantitative to the qualitative. A description is given of the health and education systems and subsystems that have emerged as a result of changes in the social, political, and economic system and have made it possible to develop new approaches to teaching, including work-study programs and integrated training (Au)

Programa de desarrollo humano local en Cuba 1999-2009: lecciones aprendidas: Tomo II / Local Human Development Program in Cuba 1999-2009: Lessons Learned: Volume II

Es un gran honor para mí poder participar de esta obra tan trabajada aportando unas breves palabras en forma de prefacio y colaborar, desde la institución que represento, con un granitode arena para que su publicación pueda ser una realidad. Pero ha sido un honor, tanto o mayor aún, ser testigo de la vida de esta iniciativa conocida como PDHL-Cuba que tantas experiencias innovadoras, concretas, palpables, ha aportado al contexto del desarrollo humano en Cuba y a la cooperación internacional en general. He tenido la oportunidad de apoyar y conocer iniciativas que van desde el Cabo de San Antonio, en el confín occidental de la Isla, hasta la Punta de Maisí, en el oriente, desde el teatro de Gibara en Holguín hasta la potabilizadora del río Guamá en Pinar del Río. Proyectos hidráulicos, agrícolas, de rehabilitación de patrimonio, de salud, de apoyo a invidentes, de tratamiento de desechos urbanos, de formación de recursos humanos, etc., muchos proyectos, muchos amigos y mucha ilusión. Dicen que las cosas si no se cuentan… como que no existen. Yo no diría tanto, pero sí afirmaría con rotundidad que si no se cuentan no se aprenden. Y del PDHL hay mucho que aprender. Hoy, ya muy avanzado el año 2012, el mundo sigue colocándola locura desenfrenada de la vorágine del crecimiento ilimitado, el desarrollo insostenible y la concentración progresiva de la riqueza, frente a la cordura necesaria de un desarrollo con visión de futuro, redistributivo, con respeto a la naturaleza y al ser humano en su conjunto. En ese contexto la propuesta del desarrollo humano local y sostenible se extiende a lo largo y ancho de todo el planeta concretándose en políticas, programas o planes de diverso formato.