New Ambiguity in Probing CP Violation in Neutrino Oscillations.

If neutrinos get mass via the seesaw mechanism the mixing matrix describing neutrino oscillations can be effectively nonunitary. We show that in this case the neutrino appearance probabilities involve a new CP phase ϕ associated with nonunitarity. This leads to an ambiguity in extracting the "standard" three-neutrino phase δ_{CP}, which can survive even after neutrino and antineutrino channels are combined. Its existence should be taken into account in the planning of any oscillation experiment aiming at a robust measurement of δ_{CP}.

Dose escalation by brachytherapy for gynecological cancers.

Brachytherapy (BT), a type of focal cancer radiation therapy, delivers a highly focused dose of radiation to localized tumors, sparing surrounding normal tissue. Brachytherapy has been used to treat gynecologic malignancies, particularly cervical cancer, for over 100 years. From the first gynecologic brachytherapy treatments in the early 20th century to the modern era, significant transformations have taken place, largely due to advances in technology. The development of high-dose-rate sources, remote afterloaders, new applicators, and three-dimensional image guidance has increased tumor dose and, consequently, local control and survival, reinforcing brachytherapy's role as an integral component of gynecologic cancer treatment. Current research efforts involving biomarker research, integration of new imaging modalities, radiosensitizing therapies are aimed at further personalizing the dose delivered in BT to further improve local control and reduce treatment's related toxicities.

Integration of functional imaging in brachytherapy.

Functional imaging allows the evaluation of numerous biological properties that could be considered at all steps of the therapeutic management of patients treated with brachytherapy. Indeed, it enables better initial staging of the disease, and some parameters may also be used as predictive biomarkers for treatment response, allowing better selection of patients eligible for brachytherapy. It may also improve the definition of target volumes with the aim of dose escalations by dose-painting. Finally, it could be useful during the follow-up to assess response to treatment. In this review, we report how functional imaging is integrated at the present time during the brachytherapy procedure, and what are its potential future contributions in the main tumour locations where brachytherapy is recommended. Functional imaging has great potential in the contact of brachytherapy, but still, several issues remain to be resolved before integrating it into clinical practice, especially as a biomarker or in dose painting strategies.

Versatility of Prolyl Oligopeptidase B in Peptide Macrocyclization.

Cyclic peptides are promising compounds for new chemical biological tools and therapeutics due to their structural diversity, resistance to proteases, and membrane permeability. Amatoxins, the toxic principles of poisonous mushrooms, are biosynthesized on ribosomes as 35mer precursor peptides, which are ultimately converted to hydroxylated bicyclic octapeptides. The initial cyclization steps, catalyzed by a dedicated prolyl oligopeptidase (POPB), involves removal of the 10-amino acid leader sequence from the precursor peptide and transpeptidation to produce a monocyclic octapeptide intermediate. The utility of POPB as a general catalyst for peptide cyclization was systematically characterized using a range of precursor peptide substrates produced either in E. coli or chemically. Substrates produced in E. coli were expressed either individually or in mixtures produced by codon mutagenesis. A total of 127 novel peptide substrates were tested, of which POPB could cyclize 100. Peptides of 7-16 residues were cyclized at least partially. Synthetic 25mer precursor peptide substrates containing modified amino acids including d-Ala, ß-Ala, N-methyl-Ala, and 4-hydroxy-Pro were also successfully cyclized. Although a phalloidin heptapeptide with all L amino acids was not cyclized, partial cyclization was seen when l-Thr at position #5 was replaced with the naturally occurring D amino acid. POPB should have broad applicability as a general catalyst for macrocyclization of peptides containing 7 to at least 16 amino acids, with an optimum of 8-9 residues.

Emergence in Brazil of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates carrying SCCmecIV that are related genetically to the USA800 clone.

An increasing incidence of nosocomial infections caused by non-multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (nMMRSA) has been reported worldwide. The present study genotyped nMMRSA isolates obtained from hospitals in two cities in Brazil. The hospital isolates displayed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns that were similar to those of the USA100 (ST5-SCCmecII) and USA 800 (ST5-SCCmecIV) strains, which are related to the New York/Japan and paediatric clones, respectively. Carriage of SCCmecIV and the classification by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of a representative of this PFGE pattern in clonal complex 5 (CC5) confirmed the genetic relationship of the Brazilian isolates with USA800. The USA800-related Brazilian isolates were responsible for severe nosocomial infections in compromised adults and elderly patients in Brazil. A higher growth rate, an ability to form biofilm on inert polystyrene surfaces and the presence of the egc locus may have contributed, at least in part, to the fitness of these organisms as global nosocomial pathogens.

[Benefits of breathing-adapted radiation therapy for breast cancer]. / Bénéfices de la radiothérapie avec asservissement respiratoire dans le traitement du cancer du sein.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare free-breathing radiotherapy, end-expiration gating and end-inspiration gating for left breast cancer, with respect to the target volume coverage and dose to organs at risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent 3D and 4D simulation CT. For each patient, five dosimetric plans were compared: free breathing, end-inspiration gating, end-expiration gating, and two optimised plans with a 3mm reduction of the posterior field edge to create optimised end-inspiration and end-expiration plans. Dose-volume parameters, including planning target volume coverage and dose to lung, heart and left anterior descending coronary artery were analysed. RESULTS: Planning target volume coverage was adequate and similar in the five dosimetric plans (P=0.49). Significant advantage was found for end-inspiration gating in sparing the ipsilateral lung, heart and left anterior descending coronary artery compared to free-breathing 3D radiotherapy. Optimised end-inspiration was even more favourable than end-inspiration gating (P<0.05), with less dose delivered to the ipsilateral lung, heart and left anterior descending coronary artery. When compared to end-expiration gating, end-inspiration gating dosimetric outcomes were similar regarding lung and left anterior descending coronary artery doses, but the heart dose was inferior on the end-inspiration gating compared to end-expiration gating. CONCLUSION: Breathing-adapted radiation therapy allowed for dose reduction to organs at risk (left lung, heart and left anterior descending coronary artery), while keeping the same planning target volume coverage. Therefore it can be considered as an interesting option for left breast cancer radiation treatment.

Subcellular distribution of low- and high-molecular-weight acid phosphatases.

Acid phosphatases (orthophosphoric-monoester phosphohydrolases (acid optimum), EC 3.1.3.2) of low and high molecular weight were separated by Sephadex G-75 filtration from extracts of rat brain, liver and kidney. The proportion of each phosphatase in the extract depends critically on the method employed for homogenate preparation, and no interconversion between high and low molecular weight forms was detected. In extracts obtained from subcellular organelles only high-molecular-weight acid phosphatase was detected, which is of lysosomal origin. Low-molecular-weight acid -phosphatase is restricted to the cell sap. Low- and high-molecular-weight acid phosphatases were characterized by their elution volumes, specific inhibition and activity with two substrates. It is suggested that the distribution pattern found om rat tissues could be common to all eukaryotic cells.

Preliminary experiment with computerized anamnesis in gynecology and reproductive health.

The Hospital of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the State University of Campinas is implementing an Integrated Health Care Programme, whose objectives are early detection of risk factors of several diseases and the evaluation of the patient's reproductive health at the moment of the first visit to the Hospital. The initial results of this program encouraged us to try to apply it all to our own clientele. The present lack of material resources and qualified manpower leads us to concentrate all our attention on the patient's immediate complaints. This situation indicated to us that the only way to implement the program should be by means of a computerized questionnaire able to detect diseases and risk factors early. This paper presents the preliminary results of the application of computerized questionnaires to evaluate health risks. The authors conclude: The application of a computerized questionnaire met with very favorable reception by the clientele; In some segments of the population, the questionnaire can be answered by the patients in direct interaction with the computer; Programmes which evaluate risk factors need to be carefully revised before being put to use; The system operates on a relatively low cost basis, which could bring undeniable benefits to primary health care.

PIP: This paper reports the preliminary results of the experimental use of a computerized questionnaire aimed at assessing health risks in women attending an integrated health care program. The questionnaire, which includes over 140 items, seeks to calculate reproductive risk as well as the risk of cancers of the cervix, breast, endometrium, ovary, stomach, and lung. It has been tested, either on a self-administered basis or with the aid of nursing personnel, on 500 patients at a hospital clinic. It took subjects 10-34 minutes to complete the questionnaire, with a median time of 18 minutes. 90% of respondents reported that they enjoyed answering the questions and had no difficulties understanding the text. When questionnaire results were compared with the results of clinical evaluations carried out by family planning clinic staff, it was found that 346 patients were using some type of contraceptive method that had not been revealed to clinic personnel; moreover, according to the questionnaire, 27% of the women who were using oral contraceptives had clinical conditions that contraindicated use of this method. These women showed overwhelming acceptance of the computer's recommendation that pill use be discontinued on the basis of health hazards. This program can be processed in small, cost-effective national microcomputers, facilitating its gradual installation in the primary health care network. It could become a useful tool in the reference and counterreference process between the primary health care system and centers of secondary and tertiary health care.

[Dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with Becker's muscular dystrophy. A clinical case report]. / Cardiomiopatia dilatada em doente com distrofia muscular de Becker. Apresentação de um caso clínico.

The authors report a case of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by a muscular dystrophy, namely Becker's disease. The peculiarity of this case is the fact that the patient has lived enough time to have clinical manifestations of myocardiopathy because, in general, in this myopathy, the affected males have a short life and the early myocardial involvement is rare. A particular attention is paid to the need of consulting the cardiac patients not forgetting an eventual causal systemic disease and to the crucial importance of the genetic counselling in that kind of diseases.

Cervix cancer brachytherapy: high dose rate.

Cervical cancer, although less common in industrialized countries, is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer death. In developing countries, these cancers are often discovered at a later stage in the form of locally advanced tumour with a poor prognosis. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment is mainly based on a chemoradiotherapy followed by uterovaginal brachytherapy ending by a potential remaining tumour surgery or in principle for some teams. The role of irradiation is crucial to ensure a better local control. It has been shown that the more the delivered dose is important, the better the local results are. In order to preserve the maximum of organs at risk and to allow this dose escalation, brachytherapy (intracavitary and/or interstitial) has been progressively introduced. Its evolution and its progressive improvement have led to the development of high dose rate brachytherapy, the advantages of which are especially based on the possibility of outpatient treatment while maintaining the effectiveness of other brachytherapy forms (i.e., low dose rate or pulsed dose rate). Numerous innovations have also been completed in the field of imaging, leading to a progress in treatment planning systems by switching from two-dimensional form to a three-dimensional one. Image-guided brachytherapy allows more precise target volume delineation as well as an optimized dosimetry permitting a better coverage of target volumes.

Programa de transición: una intervención para adolescentes con diabetes tipo 1: estudio de casos y controles / Transition program: an intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: cases and controls study

Introduction: The transition programs (TP) are planned interventions with specific aims which support type 1 diabetes adolescents in their process to emigrate from a pediatric care system to an adult care system. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a TP in type 1 diabetes adolescents. Subjects and Method: This study was performed in 20 adolescents: 10 in TP and 10 controls (no TP) attended in an adult care system in a traditional way. The applied program included: coordination of attention dates, administrative supervision of the cases, and integral health team attention: physician every three months, psychologist with psychosocial follow-up every three months, nutricionist and university nurse according to the case necessities. After a year of the TP implementation the indicators of adherence were evaluated: continuity of care, regular medical appointments, physician/adolescent relationship, psychosocial follow-up, and to maintain or improve the HbA1c. The statistical analysis of variables comparison was performed with Kwallis Test o Mann-Whitney Test, in STATA 12.0 program. Results: At comparing groups, it was found that the intervened adolescents presented a major frequency of: continuity of diabetes care, regular medical appointments, physician/adolescent relationship and psychosocial follow-up (p < 0,01); the indicator of maintaining or improving the HbA1c was better in the patients with TP (60 percent vs 30 percent) yet not significant. Conclusion: In type 1 diabetes adolescents, with the applied TP we get better indicators of adherence to the diabetes treatment

La alta prevalencia de lesiones premalignas gástricas y el bajo rendimiento diagnóstico de la visión endoscópica son argumentos a favor de la toma sistemática de biopsias gástricas por Protocolo Sydney / The high prevalence of gastric premalignant lesions and the low diagnostic performance of endoscopic vision advocate towards a systematic gastric biopsy sampling using Sydney Protocol

Background: Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are stages that appear in the process of gastric carcinogenesis. Their presence requires programmed endoscopic vigilance. Objectives: To determine the frequency of AG and IM in gastric biopsies (GB) taken according to Sydney Protocol and to correlate them with endoscopic findings. Methods: Retrospective descriptive analysis of 233 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies with GB per Sydney Protocol. OLGA (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment) and OLGIM (Operative Link for Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) scores were calculated based on the GB description. Endoscopic findings were analyzed for atypical findings and compared to the GB report. Statistic analysis for Kappa and ANOVA was performed via Stata 12. Results: Mean age of patients was 58 ± 12 years. 69% were women. The frequency of AG and IM was 44% and 33% in the antrum, 31% and 20% in the angular incisure and 14% and 9% in the body, respectively. AG and IM were more frequent in the antrum (p < 0.05). AG and IM were more severe in the angular incisure and body (p < 0.05). We were unable to calculate OLGA and OLGIM in 6% and 9% of cases, respectively, due to absence of severity description in GB. 53% were OLGA 0, 42% OLGA I-II and 5% OLGA III-IV. 70% were OLGIM 0, 25% OLGIM I-II and 5% OLGIM III-IV. Agreement between endoscopic and histological findings was best for IM in the antrum (75.5%, Kappa 0.4). Sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic findings were 39% and 70% for AG, and 30% and 85% for IM, respectively. Conclusion: AG and IM are frequent findings in our patients. Due to the low endoscopic sensitivity for AG and IM, we suggest a systematic GB sampling using Sydney Protocol in patients over 40 years old.

Introducción: La gastritis crónica atrófica (GCA) y la metaplasia intestinal (MI) son etapas en el proceso de carcinogénesis gástrica, su presencia requiere control endoscópico programado. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de GCA y MI en biopsias gástricas (BG) por protocolo de Sydney y relacionarlas con el hallazgo endoscópico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo mediante revisión de 233 endoscopias digestivas altas con BG por Protocolo Sydney. Se graduó puntaje OLGA (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment) y OLGIM (Operative Link for Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) según la descripción de la BG. Se definió el hallazgo endoscópico según su informe y se comparó con BG como patrón de referencia. Estadística: Stata 12 para Kappa y ANOVA. Resultados: Edad promedio 58 ± 12 años, 69% mujeres. La frecuencia de GCA y MI en antro fue de 44 y 33%, en ángulo 31 y 20% y en cuerpo 14 y 9%, respectivamente. Hubo mayor frecuencia de GCA y MI en antro (p < 0,05). La graduación de GCA y MI fue mayor en ángulo y cuerpo (p < 0,05). No se obtuvo OLGA en 6% y OLGIM en 9% por ausencia de graduación. La frecuencia de OLGA 0 fue de 53%, OLGA I-II 42%, OLGA III-IV 5%, OLGIM O 70%, OLGIM I-II 25% y OLGIM III-IV 5%. La mejor correlación se observó entre la MI antral endoscópica con la histológica (75,5%, Kappa 0,4). La sensibilidad y especificidad endoscópica fue de 39 y 70% para GCA y 30 y 85% para MI. Conclusión: GCA y MI son hallazgos frecuentes en nuestros pacientes. Por la baja sensibilidad endoscópica en la identificación de GCA y MI sugerimos la toma sistemática de BG por protocolo de Sydney en pacientes mayores de 40 años.

Experiencia con insulina degludec en pacientes diabéticos Tipo 1 del Hospital San Juan de Dios Santiago / Experience with degludec insulin in Type 1 diabetic patients at the San Juan de Dios Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of degludec insulin in Type 1 diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a prospective study, 230 type 1 diabetics patients, average aged 34 years age and 14 years of diagnosis of diabetes and treated with two doses of insulin glargine U-100, were changed to degludec. Patients had glycosylated hemoglobins (HbA1c) greater than 10 percent. Results were recorded at 3 and 6 months with parameters clinical, biochemical, insulin requirements per kilogram of weight (U/kg/wt) and hypoglycemia. Capillary glycemia was evaluated three times a day and the dose of insulin degludec every two weeks. The statistical analysis used was average and rank, standard deviation, normal Swilk test, categorical Chi2 and continuous ANOVA or Kwallis, and p < 0.05. A psychological survey was conducted to evaluate satisfaction with the new treatment. RESULTS: Fasting blood glucose decreased from 253 (range 243-270) at 180 mg/dl (172-240) at 3 months and at 156 (137-180) at 6 months after the change insulin (p < 0.05). HbA1c, initially 10.6 percent (10.4-12.2) decreased to 8.7 percent (9.3-10.1) and 8.3 percent (8.7-9.7) at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a decrease in basal insulin requirements from 0.7 to 0.4 U/kg/60 percent reduction in hypoglycaemia; both mild and moderate and severe. Isolated nocturnal hypoglycaemias were recorded in only 4 patients in this group. CONCLUSION: Six months of treatment with degludec insulin reduces fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and hypoglycemia, both mild and moderate severe and nocturnal, which makes this new ultra-long acting basal insulin a safe and effective tool for the management of type 1 diabetics patients

[Management of malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast: the experience of the Institut Curie]. / Prise en charge des tumeurs phyllodes malignes du sein: l'expérience de l'institut Curie.

PURPOSE: Given the scarcity of malignant phyllode tumours of the breast and the absence of consensus regarding their management justify the need for institutional retrospective evaluations of clinical practices. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study with central pathology review of the 25 consecutive patients treated at the Institut Curie (Paris, France) between 1969 and 2006 for non metastatic malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast. The median follow-up was 65 months (7-257 months). RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 52 years (20-64 years). Breast surgery was conservative in five patients (20%). Surgical margins were wide (> 10mm), narrow, involved or unknown in respectively 17 (68%), three (12%), three (12%) and two (8%) patients. Median tumour size was 65 mm (12-250 mm). Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered in seven (28%) patients (two patients, post-tumorectomy; five patients, post-mastectomy) and 13 patients (52%) received anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Five-year overall survival rate was 91% (95% CI, 80-100%). Five patients (20%) developed distant metastases (one after chemotherapy) and three (12%) locoregional relapse (one after tumorectomy and unknown margin without radiotherapy, two after mastectomy and involved margins with radiotherapy). CONCLUSION: Wide breast surgery (that can be conservative in selected patients) is the mainstay of the treatment of non metastatic malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast. To better determine the respective roles of adjuvant systemic treatment and radiotherapy, further clinical studies and the search for new prognostic and predictive factors remain necessary.

Caries e índice de higiene oral en niños con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 / Dental caries and hygiene oral index in children with diabetes mellitus type 1

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) influye en la salud oral. Una alta glicemia podría asociarse a una disminución del flujo salival, acumulo de placa bacteriana y formación de caries. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de caries e índice de higiene oral (IHO) en niños con DM1 de la Región del Maule-Chile del año 2008. Pacientes y Método: Se diseñó un estudio de corte transversal. Se examinó población menor de 15 años con DM1 del Hospital Regional de Talca. Se registró historia de caries (dientes cariados/obturados/ perdidos) según índice COPD-ceod; IHO (> 1,2 alto acumulo de placa) y potencial cariogénico de dieta (alto/ medio/bajo). Se analizó la relación estadística entre historia de caries con sexo, IHO y dieta. Resultados: 25 niños con DM1 fueron analizados. La prevalencia de caries fue 92 por ciento siendo mayormente en hombres (p = 0,03) y asociada a una mala higiene (p < 0,01). El promedio COPD-ceod fue 2,96 +/- 2,33 y 2 +/- 2,64 respectivamente. El IHO promedio fue 1,8 +/- 2,64 siendo 84 por ciento tipo mala. 21 niños (84 por ciento) tuvieron un potencial cariogénico de dieta bajo, no asociándose a la presencia de caries (p = 0,17). Conclusión: La salud oral de los niños DM1 fue precaria pudiendo corresponder directamente a la mala higiene oral y no con la dieta consumida.

Introduction: Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (DM1) undeniably affects oral health. High glucose levels may be associated with low salivary flow, accumulation of plaque and tooth decay. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of caries and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) in children with DM1 in Maule Region, Chile during 2008. Patients and Method: A cross-sectional study was designed to examine patients under 15 years old with DM1, who were admitted to Talca Regional Hospital. History of caries (decayed, sealed and lost teeth) was registered according to the COPD-dmft index, OHI (> 1.2 high accumulation of plaque) and potential of cariogenic diet (high, medium or low). The statistical relationship between caries history and gender, OHI and diet was analyzed. Results: 25 children cases with DM1 were studied; the prevalence of caries was 92 percent, which was mostly in boys (p = 0.03) and associated with poor hygiene (p < 0.01). The average COPD- ceod index was 2.96 +/- 2.33 and 2 +/- 2.64 respectively. The average OHI was 1.8 +/- 2.64, 84 percent corresponded to bad oral hygiene. 21 children (84 percent had a diet with low cariogenic potential, not associated to the presence of caries (p = 0.17). Conclusion: The children oral health was precarious and it may be associated directly with poor oral hygiene and not with the food consumed.

Asociación entre tuberculosis y diabetes mellitus en la región metropolitana / Associated tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus in Santiago de Chile metropolitan area

Introducción: Los pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) son reconocidos como grupo de riesgo para desarrollar tuberculosis. Sin embargo, existe un importante sub-registro de la diabetes como factor de riesgo entre los casos de tuberculosis, que no permite cuantificar la magnitud de este grupo. Este estudio busca determinar laprevalencia de DM entre los casos de tuberculosis (TB) diagnosticados el año 2012 en la Región Metropolitana y estimar la asociación entre estas dos patologías. Método: Se efectuó un estudio transversal analítico, en que todos los casos de TB mayores de 15 años de la Región Metropolitana del año 2012 consignados en el Registro Nacional de Tuberculosis, fueron buscados en el Sistema de Información para la Gestión de Garantías en Salud (SIGGES) para determinar si tenían o no DM. Se realizó el análisis de prevalencias por edad, sexo y Servicio de Salud y se determinó el nivel de asociación con la razón de prevalencia y la estimación de la tasa de incidencia de tuberculosis entre diabéticos y no diabéticos. Resultados: Del total de casos de TB de la región Metropolitana se excluyeron 23 casos por no disponer de la información necesaria, quedando un total de 821 casos. La prevalencia de DM fue de 15,6 por ciento (13,2-18,2), con una razón de prevalencia ajustada por edad de 1,29 (1,28-1,29) respecto a la población general y de 1,73 (1,72-1,73) ajustada por sexo. La tasa de incidencia estimada de TB entre población diabética es de 24,3 por 100.000, 1,7 veces la de la población general de la región. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de DM en la población con tuberculosis de la Región Metropolitana fue mayor que la encontrada en la población general y se ratifica a los diabéticos como grupo de riesgo para desarrollar tuberculosis.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as an important risk factor to tuberculosis (TB). However, there is significant diabetes under registration among tuberculosis cases which does not allow quantify the magnitude of this group. This study aims to determine the prevalence of DM among TB cases diagnosed in 2012 in Santiago de Chile, metropolitan area and to estimate the association of these two diseases. Method: A cross sectional study was undertaken. TB cases reported in the National Register of Tuberculosis were sought in the Information System for Management of Health Guarantees (SIGGES) to determine we ther or not they had be sides DM. The analysis of prevalence by age, sex and health service area was carried out, prevalence ratio was used to determine the level of association, and incidence rate of tuberculosis among diabetics and non-diabetics was estimated. Results: 23 TB cases were excluded for lack of necessary information, leaving a total of 821 cases. Prevalence of DM was 15.6% (13.2-18.2), with a prevalence ratio adjusted by age of 1.29 (1.28-1.29) respect to general population, and 1.73 (1.72-1.73) adjusted by sex. The estimated incidence rate of TB among diabetic population is 24.3 per 100,000, that is to say 1.7 times higher than general population of the region. Conclusions: Prevalence of DM in tuberculosis cases in Metropolitan Region was greater than in the general population. The study confirms that diabetics are a risk group for developing tuberculosis.

[Health manpower in Cuba]. / Recursos humanos en salud de Cuba.

Since 1959 Cuba has tripled the quantities of its medical facilities, equipment and health services to the population. In this setting, the health manpower is sufficient to attain the goals of the public health plan. In 1985 the manpower requirements were met 100% (247,2 health workers for every 10,000 inhabitants). The geographic distribution betrays the usual urban-rural imbalance, but is improving; this is exemplified by Havana, whose share of the country's physicians has dropped from 63% in 1959 to 29.9% today. Health manpower in Cuba being sufficient in numbers and qualifications, the recommendations are aimed at improvement in such aspects as the assimilation of modern technology, greater emphasis on prevention and primary care, and the provision of one physician for 120 families or 600 persons by establishing the specialty of comprehensive general medicine.