Evaluation of vascular tone and cardiac contractility in response to silver nanoparticles, using Langendorff rat heart preparation.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used because of their antimicrobial properties. However, several reports suggest that AgNPs exposure promote cardiac effects that involve nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress (OS). Nevertheless, there are no studies related to AgNPs-induced effects in cardiac physiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the AgNPs direct actions on coronary vascular tone and cardiac contractility using Langendorff rat heart preparation. Low concentrations of AgNPs (0.1 and 1 µg/mL) increased NO derived from inducible NO-synthase (iNOS), without modifying cardiac parameters. Meanwhile, high concentrations (10 and 100 µg/mL) promoted a sustained vasoconstriction and increased cardiac contractility related to OS, leading to rhabdomyolysis. Furthermore, AgNPs were internalized in the cardiac muscle, hindering classic actions induced by phenylephrine (Phe) and acetylcholine (ACh). These data suggest that AgNPs affect cardiac physiology in function of the concentration and in part of the NO generation, NOS expression and OS.

Functionalization of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes with gallium to form Ga-CN(x)-multi-wall carbon nanotube hybrid materials.

In an effort to combine group III-V semiconductors with carbon nanotubes, a simple solution-based technique for gallium functionalization of nitrogen-doped multi-wall carbon nanotubes has been developed. With an aqueous solution of a gallium salt (GaI(3)), it was possible to form covalent bonds between the Ga(3+) ion and the nitrogen atoms of the doped carbon nanotubes to form a gallium nitride-carbon nanotube hybrid at room temperature. This functionalization was evaluated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

PERUANOCOTYLE PELAGICA N. SP. (MONOGENEA: MONOCOTYLIDAE), PARASITE OF THE PACIFIC COWNOSE RAY RHINOPTERA STEINDACHNERI EVERMANN AND JENKINS, 1891 (BATOIDEA: RHINOPTERIDAE) FROM THE SOUTHERN MEXICAN PACIFIC OCEAN.

Peruanocotyle pelagica n. sp. is described based on specimens collected from the wall of the pharyngeal cavity of the Pacific cownose ray Rhinoptera steindachneri offshore Oaxaca and Guerrero, Mexico. The new species is distinguished from Peruanocotyle chisholmae by its anchors, which include a slender guard that curves towards the tip of the blade and which lack an accessory piece, morphological differences of the seminal vesicle, the lack of a male copulatory organ accessory piece and a greater number of spines, and an unsclerotized vagina. Molecular data of Peruanocotyle pelagica were generated to place the phylogenetic position of the genus within Monocotylidae.

Effects of natural extracts in the treatment of oral ulcers: A systematic review of evidence from experimental studies in animals.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical and histopathological effects of natural extracts in the treatment of oral ulcers induced in animal experimental models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a search in the Medline, Scopus, WoS and Embase databases from the start of the databases to December 2020, and also made a manual search of the references. The search and selection were carried out by two researchers independently. The inclusion criteria were: experimental studies in animal models, in english, which complied with the study object. RESULTS: A total of 705 articles were identified. After selection by title, abstract and full text, 19 articles were finally included. Natural extracts of Jasminum grandiflorum, Ficus deltoidea, curcumin and Bixina orellana provoked a significantly greater reduction in the size of the ulcer. Extracts of Salvatora persica, Musa acuminate, Ganoderma lucidum mycelia and Bixina Orellana, as well as preparations of Kouyanqing Granule and curcumin, were able to reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase the expression and serum levels of growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Extracts of Piper sarmentosus, Cannabis sativa and Bletilla striata provoked a reduction in the severity of the histological inflammation. No significant differences were observed compared to controls in the treatments with extracts of Cannabis sativa, Aloe barbadensus Miller and Malva sylvestris in reducing the area of the oral ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the natural extracts described in this review presented a positive clinical and histological effect on the cicatrisation of oral ulcers induced in animal models. Key words:Recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral ulcer, plants, herbs, extracts, medicine, treatment.

Marine flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida) found in empty barnacle shells, including a new species, from southern Mexican Pacific.

The association of some species of polyclads of the suborder Acotylea with barnacles has been recorded worldwide. In contrast, no species of the suborder Cotylea has been recorded present in these crustaceans. The aim of this work is to describe the species of polyclads found in the empty barnacle shells on the coasts of Oaxaca, southern Mexican Pacific. Thirty polyclad specimens in the barnacles' empty shells were collected, corresponding to two species. A new species of acotylean, Stylochus mistus sp. nov., was found in Paraconcavus pacificus; and the cotylean Prosthiostomum cf. parvicelis in Megabalanus peninsularis. Both species of polyclads are considered to use the shells of Megabalanus and Paraconcavus as an occasional shelter site; however, it is not ruled out that these species feed on these barnacles, as polyclads normally prey on the communities they inhabit. This work records for the first time the presence of a cotylean polyclad in barnacles, as well as the first record of the polyclad genera Stylochus and Prosthiostomum from the southern Mexican Pacific.

Five new species of cotylean flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida: Cotylea) from Oaxaca, southern Mexican Pacific.

The flatworms of the suborder Cotylea live in diverse marine substrates such as rocks, seaweed and sand or in association with corals. In the Mexican Pacific, particularly on the coast of Oaxaca, knowledge about cotyleans is scarce, with only one record of the genus Pseudoceros. The aim of this work was to describe the cotylean species present in the area. A total of 48 specimens were collected, fixed, mounted in whole mounts or histological sagittal and frontal histological sections of the reproductive systems. These were examined for taxonomic identification, determining five new species of four genera: Boninia oaxaquensis sp. nov., Pericelis sigmeri sp. nov., Pericelis nazahui sp. nov., Pseudoceros bicuti sp. nov. and Thysanozoon estacahuitensis sp. nov. The present study establishes the first record of the genus Boninia and the family Boniniidae for the Tropical Eastern Pacific. It also confirms the presence of the genus Pseudoceros on the coast of Oaxaca, and break the disjunct distribution of this genus (from Gulf of California to Gulf of Tehuantepec), as well as the genus Pericelis (from Canada to Galapagos Islands) and Thysanozoon (from Chile to Gulf of California).

New genus, new species and new records of marine acotylean flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida: Acotylea) from Oaxaca, southern Mexican Pacific.

The acotylean polyclads are characterized by the absence of a ventral sucker located posteriorly to the female gonopore. These flatworms are mostly marine, benthic or pelagic, except by two species, one freshwater Limnostylochus borneensis and other semi-terrestrial Myoramyxa pardalota. Oaxaca is a state located in the southern Mexican Pacific, where only three acotyleans species have been formally recorded until now. After sampling littoral to sublittoral zones, a total of 34 specimens were collected and fixed in frozen formalin. Some specimens were stained with Mayer´s carmalum and hematoxylin and cleared in methyl salicylate for whole mounts; the portion containing the reproductive structures of other specimens were dissected and histologically processed in sagittal and frontal sections. Four species were identified as belonging to four genera and three families. The new genus Bisacculosuteri gen. nov. is established, close to the genus Itannia, but lacking double ventral suckers placed on both sides of the female gonopore. Two species are new to science: Bisacculosuteri marcelae sp. nov., characterized by a highly branched central pharynx, prominent seminal vesicle, a penis papilla with stylet, paired strongly muscularized uterine sac and uterine vesicles; and Paraplanocera oligoglenoides sp. nov., with translucent body, light brown pigmentation and black dots distributed in the pharyngeal and reproductive regions, and an oval cirrus sac with intramuscular surrounding hollow spaces and armored with spines and conspicuous teeth. The third species is Euplanoida cf. pacificola that could not be determined as the nominal species, due to ambiguity in its description. The fourth species, Bivesiculoplana lamothei, was previously described from the region and now is recorded in new localities and hosts from Oaxaca.

La salud humana frente al estrés térmico por el cambio climático

Introducción: La alteración del clima planetario, atribuida directa o indirectamente a la actividad humana, que modifica la composición de la atmósfera mundial y se suma a la variabilidad natural del clima, es conocida como cambio climático global. Sus efectos en la salud, directos e indirectos, ya presentes, perturbarán a la mayoría de las poblaciones en las próximas décadas y pondrán en riesgo la vida y el bienestar de miles de millones de personas. Objetivo: Describir, a partir de una revisión, los principales riesgos para la salud humana derivados de la mayor frecuencia e intensidad de episodios de estrés térmico derivados del cambio climático. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica relativa a los efectos de la temperatura sobre la salud humana, así como su influencia sobre la mortalidad general, en el periodo 2008 hasta 2021, en las bases de datos Scopus, PubMed/Medline, SciELO, Ebsco, LiLACS, así como, otras fuentes y recursos de información disponibles en Internet. Se utilizó el vocabulario controlado del Descriptor en Ciencias de la Salud. Resultados: Se recuperaron 32 publicaciones sobre de la influencia del clima y sus cambios en la salud humana que plantearon, por lo general, que las altas temperaturas guardaron relación con el incremento de la mortalidad principalmente por enfermedades cardiovasculares, cerebrovasculares y respiratorias, se han convertido en un contribuyente considerable a la carga de morbilidad. Conclusiones: Las temperaturas extremas incrementan la morbilidad y mortalidad agudas, principalmente en grupos de riesgo. La promoción de una adecuada hidratación y el uso de ropas adecuadas, ayudará a las personas en la prevención de afecciones por las temperaturas extremas, erigiéndose en acciones individuales de protección contra los efectos de la mayor frecuencia e intensidad de eventos de estrés térmico asociado al cambio climático, a incorporar a la cotidianidad.

Introduction: The alteration of the planetary climate, attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, which modifies the composition of the world atmosphere and adds to the natural variability of the climate, is known as global climate change. Its direct and indirect health effects, already present, will disturb most populations in the coming decades and put the lives and well-being of billions of people at risk. Objective: To describe, based on a review, the main risks to human health derived from the greater frequency and intensity of episodes of thermal stress derived from climate change. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out regarding the effects of temperature on human health, as well as its influence on general mortality, in the period 2008 to 2021, in the Scopus, PubMed/Medline, SciELO, Ebsco, LiLACS, as well as other information sources and resources available on the Internet. The controlled vocabulary descriptors in Health Sciences were used. Results: 32 publications on the influence of climate and its changes on human health were recovered, which generally stated that high temperatures were related to the increase in mortality, mainly due to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases, and have become a significant contributor to the burden of disease. Conclusions: Extreme temperatures increase acute morbidity and mortality, mainly in risk groups. The promotion of adequate hydration and the use of adequate clothing will help people in the prevention of conditions caused by extreme temperatures, establishing individual actions to protect against the effects of the greater frequency and intensity of heat stress events associated with climate change, to incorporate into daily life.

Attempted and Completed Suicide in Cuban Adolescents, 2011-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Recent decades have seen an uptick in suicide attempts and completed suicides among adolescents and young adults worldwide. In the Americas, including Cuba, suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents (ages 10-19 years). OBJECTIVE: Characterize the epidemiology of attempted and completed suicide in Cuban adolescents from 2011 through 2014. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiological study was carried out. The information was gathered from morbidity records for suicide attempts and mortality records for suicide deaths in adolescents, taken from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health's Medical Records and Health Statistics Division database for January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014. Variables were sex, age, occupation or employment status, and suicide method. Suicide attempt incidence rates and suicide mortality rates by age group per 100,000 population (crude, adjusted and age/sex specific), mortality sex ratio and attempt/suicide ratio were calculated. Relative change was calculated as a percentage, as were frequencies by variable for attempted suicide and suicide, and by age and sex for method used. RESULTS: A total of 19,541 suicide attempts and 149 suicides were reported. Average annual numbers were 4,885.2 suicide attempts and 37.2 suicides (131:1 ratio). There were 3,966 suicide attempts among boys, for a sex ratio of 0.25:1. Age-adjusted suicide attempt rates decreased from 391.8 per 100,000 population to 304.5 (22.3% reduction over the study period). Boys accounted for 107 of 149 suicide deaths, for a sex ratio of 2.5:1. Age-adjusted suicide mortality rates decreased from 2.8 to 2.3 per 100,000 population (17.9% reduction). The group aged 15-19 years had the highest age-adjusted suicide rate (3.9 per 100,000 population) and contributed the most deaths (114/149, 76.5%), although it did experience a 31.8% reduction over the study period. The group aged 10-14 years recorded a relative increase of 60% over the study period. Hanging was the most common suicide method (116/149, 77.9%). The suicide rate in Cuban adolescents (2.6 per 100,000 population, 3.7 in boys and 1.5 in girls) is less than that reported by the Region of the Americas between 2005 and 2009, 3.7 per 100,000 population (5/100,000 in boys and 2.3/100,000 in girls). CONCLUSIONS: Suicide rates in Cuban adolescents are lower than reported elsewhere in the Americas. Suicide attempts and suicide rates decreased modestly between 2011 and 2014. Hanging is the most commonly used method. The highest rates occur in the group aged 15-19 years, but those aged 10-14 years showed a relative increase over the study period. These results update the epidemiology of suicide in Cuban adolescents and demonstrate the extent of the problem. Suicides and suicide attempts show opposite patterns in boys and girls; suicides are more frequent among boys while suicide attempts are more frequent among girls. CONTRIBUTION OF THIS RESEARCH: These results update the epidemiology of suicide in Cuban adolescents and reveal the extent of the problem for one of the main preventable causes of death in this age group.

Aportes del Hospital de Día para la atención de niños/as y adolescentes con patologías mentales graves, en la formación de residentes de Psiquiatría Pediátrica / Contributions from the Day Hospital for the care of children and adolescents with serious mental pathologies, in the training of Pediatric Psychiatry residents

Cerca del 20 % de niños en todo el mundo experimentan trastornos mentales, independientemente de su procedencia o cultura. La manifestación de un trastorno mental durante la infancia puede ocasionar alteraciones en el desarrollo, impactando negativamente en la calidad de vida, la dinámica familiar, y en el progreso académico y social. En nuestro país los problemas de salud mental en la infancia y adolescencia están entre los principales problemas de salud en este grupo de edades, y las consultas y hospitalizaciones de niños, niñas y adolescentes se encuentran con una oferta de servicios limitada. En 2017, se aprueba la Ley de Salud Mental, que promueve la atención de los problemas en el ámbito comunitario, y la implementación de distintos dispositivos de atención alternativos a la hospitalización a tiempo completo. Uno de los dispositivos intermedios es el hospital de día, para la atención de trastornos mentales en forma ambulatoria diurna, como alternativa a la hospitalización. En el 2021 se abre el primer Hospital de Día para niños, niñas y adolescentes con trastornos psiquiátricos severos en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Con un equipo interdisciplinario con recursos de la Administración de los Servicios de Salud del Estado y la Facultad de Medicina, brinda la oportunidad de pasantías para estudiantes de distintas disciplinas. El Hospital de Día enriquece la formación de residentes de Psiquiatría Pediátrica para enfrentar desafíos clínicos y desarrollar estrategias de tratamiento interdisciplinarias, complementarias al abordaje tradicional, una atención de mayor calidad y una oportunidad de aprendizaje en trabajo en equipo.

About 20% children experience mental disorders worldwide, regardless of background or culture. Mental disorders appearing during childhood can cause developmental changes, with negative impact on quality of life, family dynamics, as well as on academic and social progress. In our country, Mental Health problems in childhood and adolescence are among the main health problems in this age group, increasing consultations and hospitalizations of children and adolescents, stressing a limited supply of services. In 2017, the Mental Health Law was passed, which promotes mental health care at the community level, and the implementation of different care strategies as alternatives to fulltime hospitalization. One of the intermediate strategies is the day hospital, for the care of mental disorders on a daytime outpatient basis, as an alternative to conventional hospitalization. In 2021, the first day hospital for children and adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders was opened in Uruguay at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center. With an interdisciplinary team with resources from ASSE and the Faculty of Medicine, it provides opportunity for internships for students from different disciplines. The Day Hospital enriches the training of Pediatric Psychiatry residents. They learn how to cope with clinical challenges, have a teamwork learning opportunity, and develop interdisciplinary treatment strategies, complementary to the traditional approach, providing higher quality care in the management of serious childhood mental disorders.

Prevalencia y mortalidad por diabetes en Cuba, decenio 2010-2019 / Prevalence and mortality from diabetes in Cuba during the 2010-2019 decade

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus es una afección grave y crónica que ocurre cuando los niveles de glucosa en la sangre de una persona son altos, porque su cuerpo no puede producir insulina o su cantidad es insuficiente. Constituye un importante e independiente factor de riesgo, para las enfermedades cardiovasculares y otros daños. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia y mortalidad por diabetes en Cuba, en el decenio 2010- 2019. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico, descriptivo, sobre la diabetes mellitus en Cuba. Se tuvieron en cuenta, la dispensarización, las tasas de mortalidad brutas por la enfermedad, en el decenio 2010- 2019. Los anuarios estadísticos publicados por la Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Salud, del Ministerio de Salud Pública de esos años, fueron la fuente de información. Resultados: La prevalencia de diabetes en Cuba en el decenio, ha tenido tendencia al incremento de 4,04 por ciento en 2010, a 6,67 por ciento en 2019. Fue más frecuente en las personas del sexo femenino. Las tasas brutas de mortalidad, disminuyeron en ese período de 23,9 a 20,6 por 100 000 habitantes. Conclusiones: Las tasas de prevalencia anuales de diabetes reportadas en Cuba, resultaron mayores en el sexo femenino. En el decenio, la prevalencia general de diabetes mostró un incremento, en tanto que la tendencia de la mortalidad bruta por esta enfermedad, fue al descenso. Murieron más mujeres que hombres(AU)

Introduction: Diabetes is a serious and chronic condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are high because the body cannot produce insulin or its amount is insufficient. It is an important and independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other damages. Objective: To describe the prevalence and mortality from diabetes in Cuba during the decade 2010-2019. Material and Methods: A descriptive ecological study on diabetes in Cuba was carried out. Dispensarization and gross mortality rates due to the disease in the 2010-2019 decade were taken into account. The statistical yearbooks published by the Directorate of Medical Records and Health Statistics of the Ministry of Public Health those years were used as a source of information. Results: The prevalence of diabetes in Cuba in the decade tended to increase from 4,04 percent in 2010, to 6,67 percent in 2019. It was more frequent in women. Crude mortality rates decreased in that period from 23,9 to 20,6 per 100 000 inhabitants. Conclusions: The annual prevalence rates of diabetes reported in Cuba were higher in females. In the decade, the general prevalence of diabetes showed an increase, while the trend in gross mortality from this disease was related to the decrease. Women were more likely to die than men(AU)

Vulnerabilidad poblacional a la COVID-19 severa desde los datos de la encuesta nacional de salud

RESUMEN Introducción: Nuevas cepas de SARS-CoV-2 detectadas recientemente provocan aumento de la morbilidad y mortalidad no solo en adultos mayores. Conocer la población vulnerable es un reto. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de adultos vulnerables a la COVID-19 severa y sus factores sociodemográficos asociados. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal analítico con datos provenientes de la encuesta nacional de salud 2018-2020, que incluye 13 684 personas de 19 y más años de edad. El cuestionario estructurado provee la información de variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes patológicos personales e historia familiar, mediciones de la presión arterial y bioquímicas, entre otras. Vulnerabilidad a COVID-19 severa se construyó según propuesta del CDC de Atlanta, EE. UU y fue la variable dependiente. Resultados: La prevalencia de adultos vulnerables a COVID-19 severa en el país fue de 68,3 %, riesgo superior en el adulto mayor (86,5 %), en los no blancos y en la percepción de condiciones de vida "malas". En adultos mayores ser hombre protege, en tanto, fue riesgo, vivir en la región oriental del país. La hipertensión arterial (39,4 %), seguida del tabaquismo (22,2 %), la obesidad (16,6 %) y las enfermedades respiratorias crónicas (10,6 %) fueron las afecciones médicas más frecuentes. Conclusiones: La vulnerabilidad a la COVID-19 severa en la población adulta cubana es elevada, consecuentemente, constituye un serio problema de salud. Factores no modificables se asocian positivamente a la vulnerabilidad: ser adulto mayor, mujer, color de piel no blanca y padecer hipertensión arterial, en tanto, las "malas" condiciones de vida es el único que puede ser modificado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: New SARS-CoV-2 strains recently detected cause an increase in morbidity and mortality not only in the elderly. Identifying the vulnerable population is a challenge. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of adults vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and its associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: An observational cross-sectional analytic study using data from the 2018-2020 National Health Survey. It included 13 684 individuals aged 19 years and over. The structured questionnaire included information on the sociodemographic variables, personal and family pathological antecedents, and records of blood pressure and biochemistry tests, among others. Vulnerability to severe COVID-19 was developed based on the proposal from the CDC Atlanta, USA and it was the dependable variable. Results: The prevalence of adults vulnerable to severe COVID-19 in the country was 68.3%. At higher risk are the elderly (86.5%), non-white individuals, and those who perceived themselves as having poor living conditions. For the elderly, being male was a protective factor, while living in the western region of the country was a risk factor. High blood pressure (39.4%), smoking (22.2%), obesity (16.6%) and chronic respiratory diseases (10.6%) were the most frequent health problems. Conclusions: Vulnerability to severe COVID-19 in the Cuban adult population is high; consequently, it is considered a serious health problem. Non-modifiable factors are positively associated with vulnerability: being an older adult, female, non-white skin color, and suffering from hypertension; while "poor" living conditions is the only modifiable factor.

Epidemiology of Suicide in Cuba, 1987-2014.

INTRODUCTION Suicide is a health problem influenced by biological, genetic, psychological, social and economic factors. It is responsible for 50% of violent deaths in the male population, worldwide, and 71% in the female. In the Americas, 65,000 deaths by suicide occur every year. It is the ninth most frequent cause of death in Cuba, and third among people aged 10-19. OBJECTIVE Characterize the epidemiology of suicide in Cuba from 1987 to 2014. METHODS A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. The information comprised all records of death by suicide from January 1, 1987 to December 31, 2014, in the Cuban Ministry of Public Health's National Statistics Division database. The variables were sex, age, skin color, employment status/occupation, marital status, and method of suicide. Crude and age-standardized mortality rates and age-sex specific mortality rates were calculated, all per 100,000 population, as well as the sex ratio. Relative change over the series was calculated as a percentage. Distribution of suicides by variable was calculated and proportions expressed as percentages. RESULTS A total of 51,113 deaths by suicide were reported (annual average 1825), of which 34,671 (67.8%) were among men. The sex ratio was 2.1:1 for the entire study period, and 3.9:1 for 2011-2014. Over the course of the period studied, age-standardized suicide rates decreased from 23.9 to 10.8 per 100,000 population (54.8% reduction). The group aged ≥60 years had the highest average age-standardized rate, 44.6 per 100,000 population. The highest suicide burden by age was in the group aged 20-59 years (60.5%). By skin color, the highest burden was in those recorded as white, 68.9%. By marital status, the highest burden was in persons with a stable partner (46.7%), and by employment status/occupation, in retired (25.9%). The most commonly used method was hanging (59.4%). CONCLUSIONS Over the course of about three decades, suicide mortality rates have declined by almost half and they are still slightly higher than overall rates in the Americas. The most commonly used method is hanging. The sex ratio is greater than two and has increased over time. The highest rates occur in the group aged ≥60 years, but finer stratification is needed to identify an age-related risk trend. In view of Cuba's aging population, these results are of interest for epidemiology and public health. KEYWORDS Suicide, suicide attempt, death, mental health, Cuba.

Estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo del intento suicida en Cuba / Epidemiological Risk Stratification of Suicide Attempt in Cuba

Introducción: La estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo es un proceso integrado de diagnóstico-intervención-evaluación, que sirve para la toma de decisiones. El riesgo de morir por suicidio, en quienes hacen intentos es 100 veces superior a la población general. Objetivo: Estratificar epidemiológicamente el intento suicida según provincias de residencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico mixto. El universo fueron los registros de intento suicida, a través de las tarjetas de enfermedad de declaración obligatoria de los Registros Médicos y Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública desde 1990 hasta 2014. Las variables fueron: sexo, edad y provincias de residencia. Se calcularon las tasas de morbilidad acumuladas, brutas, ajustadas y específicas por 100 000 habitantes. La estratificación se realizó tomando como punto de corte los percentiles, quedando Muy alto riesgo por encima del 75 percentil, Alto riesgo entre 50-74; Moderado riesgo entre 25-49 y Bajo riesgo por debajo del 25 percentil. Se calculó el porcentaje de cambio relativo de la serie y los porcentajes, según variables. Resultados: Desde 1990-2014 se produjeron 291 524 intentos suicidas (20 823 intentos por año), de los cuales el 71,5 por ciento fueron mujeres, Las provincias de Muy Alto Riesgo en el periodo 1990-2014 fueron: Cienfuegos (tasa 151,9), Holguín (135,2), Santiago de Cuba (126,9) y Granma (125,2) tasas por 100 000 habitantes; y durante 2011-2014: Matanzas (tasas de 154,4), Las Tunas (154,3), Cienfuegos (148,3) y Holguín (147,3) por 100 000 hab. Conclusiones: La estratificación de riesgo a nivel provincial varió en los periodos estudiados. El sexo femenino y los adolescentes fueron los de mayor riesgo en el intento suicida(AU)

Introduction: Epidemiological risk stratification is an integrated process of diagnosis, intervention and evaluation, used for decision-making. The risk of dying by suicide in those who make attempts is a hundred times higher than in the general population. Objective: To stratify suicide attempt epidemiologically, according to province of residence. Methods: A mixed ecological study was carried out. The universe was made up of the records of suicide attempts, accessed through the files of reportable diseases from the Medical Registries and Statistics of the Ministry of Public Health from 1990 to 2014. The variables were sex, age and provinces of residence. Cumulative gross, adjusted and specific morbidity rates per 100 000 inhabitants were calculated. The stratification was carried out taking the percentiles as cut-off point, leaving very high risk above the 75th percentile, high risk between the 50th and the 74th percentiles, moderate risk between the 25th and the 49th percentiles, and low risk below the 25th percentile. The relative change percentage of the series and the percentages were calculated, according to variables. Results: From 1990 to 2014, there were 291 524 suicide attempts (20 823 attempts per year), of which 71.5 por ciento corresponded to women. The provinces with very high risk in the period 1990-2014 were Cienfuegos, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba and Granma, accounting, respectively, for rates of 151.9, 135.2, 126.9 and 125.2 per 100 000 inhabitants; and during 2011-2014, Matanzas, Las Tunas, Cienfuegos and Holguín, accounting, respectively, for rates of 154.4, 154.3, 148.3 and 147.3 per 100 000 inhabitants. Conclusions: Risk stratification at the provincial level varied in the periods studied. The female sex and adolescents were the most at risk of suicide attempt(AU)

Estratificación epidemiológica de la mortalidad por suicidio en Cuba, 2011-2016 / Epidemiological stratification of mortality by suicide in Cuba, 2011-2016

Introducción: La estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo es un proceso que categoriza áreas geoecológicas y grupos poblacionales, de acuerdo con factores de riesgo de un determinado problema de salud. El suicidio en Cuba es la décima causa de muerte y la tercera en el grupo de 10 a 19 años. Objetivo: Estratificar epidemiológicamente la mortalidad por suicidio en Cuba, en el periodo comprendido entre 2011- 2016. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. El universo fueron los registros de fallecimiento por suicidio de la Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Cuba, desde 2011- 2016. Las variables estudiadas: sexo, edad, lugar de fallecimiento, color de la piel, y provincias de residencia. Se calcularon las tasas acumuladas, brutas, ajustadas y específicas por 100,000 habitantes. Se calculó el porcentaje según variables y el cambio relativo de la serie. Se estratificó la mortalidad por provincias de residencia, en adolescentes y para todos los grupos de edades, utilizando como punto de cortes los percentiles. Resultados: El 79,9% de los fallecidos fueron hombres. El grupo de ( 60 años tuvo la más alta tasa promedio (26,8 por 100,000 habitantes). Predominó según lugar de fallecimiento, el domicilio (57,1 por ciento). La estratificación provincial en adolescentes mostró; Muy Alto Riesgo: Mayabeque (tasa 4,9); Cienfuegos (4,0); Granma (3,8); Las Tunas (3,0) por 100,000 habitantes. En todas las edades; Muy Alto riesgo: Villa Clara (tasa 17,9); Las Tunas (17,6); Holguín (17,1); Mayabeque (16,7) por 100,000 habitantes. Conclusiones: Las tasas de suicidio son más bajas entre las mujeres. Existen diferencias en la estratificación de riesgo provincial. Los resultados contribuyen a la actualización epidemiológica del suicidio en Cuba(AU)

Introduction: Epidemiological risk stratification is a process that categorizes geo-ecological areas and population groups according to risks factors in a particular health problem. Suicide in Cuba is the tenth cause of death and the third one in the age group of 10 - 19 years. Objective: To present the epidemiological stratification of mortality by suicide in Cuba during the period between 2011 and 2016. Material and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out. The universe consisted of the records of death by suicide from the Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Cuba from 2011 to 2016. The variables studied were: sex, age, place of death, skin color, and provinces of residence. Cumulative, gross, adjusted and specific rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated. The percentage was calculated according to variables and the relative change of the series. Mortality was stratified by provinces of residence, in adolescents and for all age groups, using percentiles as a cut-off point. Results: It was identified that 79.9 percent of the deceased were men. The ( 60 year- old-group had the highest average rate (26.8 per 100,000 inhabitants). Regarding place of death, residence predominated (57.1 percent). Provincial stratification in adolescents showed Very High Risk in Mayabeque (rate: 4.9), Cienfuegos (4.0), Granma (3.8) and Las Tunas (3.0) per 100,000 inhabitants; whereas in all ages, Very High Risk was present in: Villa Clara (rate: 17.9), Las Tunas (17.6), Holguín (17.1) and Mayabeque (16.7) per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusions: Suicide rates are lower among women. There are differences in the provincial risk stratification. The results contribute to the epidemiological update of suicide in Cuba(AU)

Surface activity of thymol: implications for an eventual pharmacological activity.

In the present work, we studied the ability of thymol to affect the organization of model membranes and the activity of an intrinsic membrane protein, the GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)-R). In this last aspect, we tried to elucidate if the action mechanism of this terpene at the molecular level, involves its binding to the receptor protein, changes in the organization of the receptor molecular environment, or both. The self-aggregation of thymol in water with a critical micellar concentration approximately = 4 microM and its ability to penetrate in monomolecular layers of soybean phosphatidylcholine (sPC) at the air-water interface, even at surface pressures above the equilibrium, lateral pressure of natural bilayers were demonstrated. Thymol affected the self-aggregation of Triton X-100 and the topology of sPC vesicles. It also increased the polarity of the membrane environment sensed by the electrochromic dye merocyanine. A dipolar moment of 1.341 Debye was calculated from its energy-minimized structure. Its effect on the binding of [3H]-flunitrazepam ([3H]-FNZ) to chick brain synaptosomal membranes changed qualitatively from a tendency to the inhibition to a clear activatory regime, up on changing the phase state of the terpene (from a monomeric to a self-aggregated state). Above its CMC, thymol increased the affinity of the binding of [3H]-FNZ (K(d-control)= 2.9, K(d-thymol)= 1.7 nM) without changing the receptor density (B(max-control)= 910, B(max-thymol)= 895 fmol/mg protein). The activatory effect of thymol on the binding of [ [3H]-FNZ was observed even in the presence of the allosteric activator gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at a concentration of maximal activity, and was blocked by the GABA antagonist bicuculline. Changes in the dipolar arrangement and in the molecular packing of GABA(A)-R environment are discussed as possible mediators of the action mechanism of thymol.

Caracterización de la Conducta suicida en Cuba, 2011-2014 / Characterization of suicidal behavoir in Cuba, 2011-2014

Introducción: La conducta suicida incluye el intento suicida y el suicidio consumado. En 2012, se registraron en el mundo 804 000 muertes por suicidio. En Cuba, el suicidio es la novena causa de muerte y la tercera en el grupo de 10-19 años. Objetivo: Caracterizar la Conducta Suicida en Cuba desde 2011-2014. Material y Métodos: El universo estuvo constituido por todos los registros de morbilidad por intento y los de mortalidad por suicidio de las bases de datos de la Dirección de Registros y Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba, desde 2011 al 2014. Las variables fueron: sexo, edad para el intento y además color de la piel, ocupación y método empleado en el suicidio. Se calcularon las tasas acumuladas de morbilidad y mortalidad por grupos de edades por 100 000 habitantes, las tasas bruta, ajustada y específica por sexo, la razón de mortalidad hombre/mujer y la relación intento/suicidio. Se calculó el porcentaje de cambio relativo y los porcentajes según las variables. Resultados: Se reportaron 53 764 intentos suicidas, para una tasa acumulada de 126.2 por 100 000 habitantes. El sexo femenino aportó 37 617 (70 por ciento). La relación intento y suicidio fue de 9.1. Se reportaron 5 942 fallecidos por suicidio para una tasa acumulada de 14.8 por 100 000 habitantes. La ocupación que predominó fue en los jubilados (29.8 por ciento) y el método más empleado fue el ahorcamiento (76.4 por ciento). Conclusiones: El sexo femenino es el más afectado en el intento y en el suicidio, el masculino. La relación intento y suicidio disminuye a medida que se incrementa la la edad(AU)

Introduction: Suicidal behavior includes suicidal attempt and consummated suicide. 804 000 deaths by suicide were registered in the world in 2012. In Cuba, suicide is the ninth cause of death and the third one in the group of 10-19 years of age. Objective: To characterize suicidal behavior in Cuba from 2011 to 2014. Material and methods: The sampling universe was composed of all registries of mobidity by suicidal attempt and the registries of mortality by suicide, taken from the database of the Direction of Registry and Statistics of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, from 2011 to 2014. The variables were: sex, age for the attempt, skin color, occupation, and the method used for suicide. The accumulated morbidity and mortality rates were calculated by groups of ages per 100 000 inhabitants, the crude-, adequate-, -and sex-specific rates, the man-woman cause of mortality, and the attempt-suicide relationship. The relative change (percentage) was calculated, as well as the percentages according to the variables. Results: 53 764 suicidal attempts were reported, for an accumulated rate of 126.2 per 100 000 inhabitants. The female sex was 37 617 (70 percent). The attempt-suicide relationship was 9.1. 5942 deaths by suicide were reported, for an accumulated rate of 14.8 per 100 000 inhabitants. The occupation that predominated was the retired one (29.8 percent), and the most used method was hanging (76.4 percent). Conclusions: The female sex is the most affected in the attempt, and the male sex is the most affected in the suicide. The attempt-suicide relationship decreases as age increases(AU)

Afectación del uso del electrobisturí monopolar en la cicatrización de la piel en pacientes diabéticos / Impact of use of monopolar electrosurgical unit (monopolar electrocautery) in skin healing of diabetic patients

En las últimas décadas la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 ha incrementado notablemente su presencia dentro de la población mundial con proyecciones de convertirse en la séptima causa de mor-talidad en el mundo para el año 2030 según la OMS (1). Las personas que padecen de este trastorno metabólico tienden a manifestar algunas comorbilidades entre ellas: la mala cicatriza-ción de la piel y otros tejidos como consecuencia de las vasculopatías asociadas, alteración de la perfusión del entorno e hipoxia tisular, siendo muy propensos a manifestar isquemia tisular, traumatismos repetitivos e infecciones ya sea por la enfermedad de base debido al mal control de la hiperglucemia o como consecuencia de las eventualidades de la vida como accidentes o caídas que alteran dichos tejidos.Por ese motivo, se realizó una revisión de tema recopilando varios estudios realizados en seres humanos relacionando aspectos como la tasa de complicaciones de la herida, la pérdida de sangre, los tiempos de incisión y la escala de dolor postoperatoria en incisiones en piel realiza-das con electro bisturí y bisturí frío; además de la revisión del proceso de cicatrización en el ser humano con el objetivo de identifi car las ventajas y desventajas del uso de la energía monopolar en intervenciones quirúrgicas realizadas en pacientes diabéticos

In the last decades, prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has increased signifi cantly in the world, forecasting to become the seventh cause of mortality by year 2030 according to WHO; people who have this metabolic disorder tend to have comorbidities, among them, defective skin and other tissues 'healing as a consequence of vascular disease, perfusion disturbances and tissue hypoxia, being more susceptible to tissue ischemia, repetitive trau-matic injuries and infections, whether it is because of their control of underlying disease hyperglycemia or as a consequence of everyday issues such as accidents or injuries that might affect such tissues.This is a review paper analyzing several studies performed on human beings related to as-pects such as wound complication rate, loss of blood, incision times and post operatory pain scale on skin incisions done with an electrosurgical unit (cautery knife) and a cold scalpel, besides a review of healing of human tissue, aiming at of identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the use of monopolar energy in surgical procedures on diabetic patients

High-sensitivity bolometers from self-oriented single-walled carbon nanotube composites.

In this work, films of horizontally aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes were thermally and electrically characterized in order to determine the bolometric performance. An average thermal time constant of τ = 420 µs along with a temperature coefficient of resistance of TCR = -2.94% K(-1) were obtained. The maximum voltage responsivity and detectivity obtained were R(V) =230 V/W and D* = 1.22 × 10(8) cm Hz(1/2)/W, respectively. These values are higher than the maximum voltage responsivity (150 V/W) and maximum temperature coefficient of resistance (1.0% K(-1)) previously reported for carbon nanotube films at room temperature. The maximum detectivity was obtained at a frequency of operation of 1.25 kHz.

Refractariedad a las transfusiones de plaquetas en pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas / Platelet Transfusions Refractoriness in Patients with Oncological Diseases

Introducción: la transfusión de concentrado de plaquetas en ocasiones no logra el incremento esperado en estas células, lo que se conoce como refractariedad plaquetaria, lo cual complica la hemoterapia. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia de refractariedad a las transfusiones de plaquetas en pacientes oncológicos e identificar algunos factores asociados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico y prospectivo en 71 pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas transfundidos con plaquetas, desde julio de 2012 a julio de 2013 en el Hospital Vladimir Ilich Lenin. Las variables consideradas fueron: respuesta a la transfusión de concentrados de plaquetas, edad, sexo, localización de la neoplasia maligna, fiebre, esplenomegalia, hemorragia activa, antecedentes de transfusiones previas, tratamiento con radioterapia o quimioterapia, presencia de anticuerpos anti-HLA, anticuerpos antieritrocitarios e inmunocomplejos circulantes. Resultados: la frecuencia de refractariedad fue de 19,7 % con 14 casos. Hubo un ligero predominio del sexo femenino y edad se localizó entre 35 y 59 años en todos los grupos de estudio. El 35,8 % de los pacientes refractarios presentaron neoplasias hematológicas; el 64,3 % tuvo fiebre; el 85,7 % recibieron transfusiones anteriores con plaquetas y el 64,2% tuvo niveles altos de anticuerpos anti-HLA. En los pacientes no refractarios predominó pulmón (19,3 %) y mama (17,5 %) y el 33,3 % reflejó fiebre, el 50,8 % recibieron transfusiones anteriores con plaquetas y el 29,8 % tuvo niveles altos de anticuerpos anti-HLA. Conclusiones: la refractariedad se observó en un número importante de pacientes transfundidos. Los posibles factores relacionados con la refractariedad fueron la fiebre, antecedentes de transfusiones anteriores y niveles elevados de anticuerpos anti-HLA.

Introduction: the transfusion of platelet concentrates often fails in the platelet increment, named platelet refractoriness, which impairs the hemotherapy. Objective: to determine the frequency of platelet refractoriness in oncological patients and identify some associated factors. Methods: a descriptive, analytical and prospective study was carried out in 71 oncological patients who received platelet transfusion at “Vladimir Ilich Lenin” Hospital, since July 2012 until July 2013. Results: the frequency of platelet refractoriness was of 19.7 % with 14 cases identified, with a slight prevailing of females and the aged between 35 and 59 years in all groups. The 35.8 % of refractory patients had oncohematological diseases whereas lung (19.3 %) and breast (17.5 %) cancer prevailing in non refractoriness individuals. Previous history of platelet transfusion was found in the 85.7 % of patients with refractoriness and 50.8 % in the non-refractoriness. High levels of anti-HLA antibodies were found in the 64.2 % of refractory patients and only in the 29.8% of non refractoriness patients. Conclusions: platelet refractoriness is frequent in oncological patients. Fever, history of previous platelet transfusions and high levels of seric anti-HLA antibodies were the most important factors in the refractoriness development.