Costs of dengue prevention and incremental cost of dengue outbreak control in Guantanamo, Cuba.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the economic cost of routine Aedes aegypti control in an at-risk environment without dengue endemicity and the incremental costs incurred during a sporadic outbreak. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2006 in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba. We took a societal perspective to calculate costs in months without dengue transmission (January-July) and during an outbreak (August-December). Data sources were bookkeeping records, direct observations and interviews. RESULTS: The total economic cost per inhabitant (p.i.) per month. (p.m.) increased from 2.76 USD in months without dengue transmission to 6.05 USD during an outbreak. In months without transmission, the routine Aedes control programme cost 1.67 USD p.i. p.m. Incremental costs during the outbreak were mainly incurred by the population and the primary/secondary level of the healthcare system, hardly by the vector control programme (1.64, 1.44 and 0.21 UDS increment p.i. p.m., respectively). The total cost for managing a hospitalized suspected dengue case was 296.60 USD (62.0% direct medical, 9.0% direct non-medical and 29.0% indirect costs). In both periods, the main cost drivers for the Aedes control programme, the healthcare system and the community were the value of personnel and volunteer time or productivity losses. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive efforts to keep A. aegypti infestation low entail important economic costs for society. When a dengue outbreak does occur eventually, costs increase sharply. In-depth studies should assess which mix of activities and actors could maximize the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of routine Aedes control and dengue prevention.

Comparative toxicity study of Ag, Au, and Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles on Daphnia magna.

A comparative assessment of the 48-h acute toxicity of aqueous nanoparticles synthesized using the same methodology, including Au, Ag, and Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles, was conducted to determine their ecological effect in freshwater environments through the use of Daphnia magna, using their mortality as a toxicological endpoint. D. magna are one of the standard organisms used for ecotoxicity studies due to their sensitivity to chemical toxicants. Particle suspensions used in toxicity testing were well-characterized through a combination of absorbance measurements, atomic force or electron microscopy, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and dynamic light scattering to determine composition, aggregation state, and particle size. The toxicity of all nanoparticles tested was found to be dose and composition dependent. The concentration of Au nanoparticles that killed 50% of the test organisms (LC(50)) ranged from 65-75 mg/L. In addition, three different sized Ag nanoparticles (diameters = 36, 52, and 66 nm) were studied to analyze the toxicological effects of particle size on D. magna; however, it was found that toxicity was not a function of size and ranged from 3-4 µg/L for all three sets of Ag nanoparticles tested. This was possibly due to the large degree of aggregation when these nanoparticles were suspended in standard synthetic freshwater. Moreover, the LC(50) values for Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles were found to be between that of Ag and Au but much closer to that of Ag. The bimetallic particles containing 80% Ag and 20% Au were found to have a significantly lower toxicity to Daphnia (LC(50) of 15 µg/L) compared to Ag nanoparticles, while the toxicity of the nanoparticles containing 20% Ag and 80% Au was greater than expected at 12 µg/L. The comparison results confirm that Ag nanoparticles were much more toxic than Au nanoparticles, and that the introduction of gold into silver nanoparticles may lower their environmental impact by lowering the amount of Ag which is bioavailable.

[Frequency and clinical course of biliary lithiasis in patients with severe preeclampsia]. / Frecuencia y curso clínico de la litiasis biliar en pacientes con preeclampsia severa.

BACKGROUND: Biliary lithiasis in patients with severe preeclampsia has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and clinical course of biliary lithiasis in patients with severe preeclampsia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study on 141 women with severe preeclampsia who had an abdominal ultrasound performed during the pre-partum period or in the immediate puerperium. Patients were treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital de Ginecologia y Obstetricia núm. 3, Centro Medico Nacional La Raza, IMSS (Mexico), in the period of November 26, 2006 to June 26, 2009. Findings from gallbladder lithiasis (sand, solitary stone, multiple stones or wall calcification) and choledocho conduit were reported. Significant maternal data (clinical and laboratory) and perinatal results of patients without stones (group A) were compared to patients (group B) with stones. Measures of central tendency and dispersion, and T-test were used. RESULTS: Frequency of gallbladder lithiasis was 15% (21 cases). Solitary stone were found in 12 cases, multiple stones in seven cases and gallbladder calcification in two cases. There were no cases of choledocholithiasis. Epigastric pain was present in 13 cases (9.2%: group A, 10 cases [7.1%] vs. group B, 3 cases [2.1%], p = 0.06). There were no complications in patients with lithiasis and none required invasive procedures. Clinical evolution and perinatal results were similar in both groups. Duration of stay in the intensive care unit was similar (group A, 2.2 +/- 0.18 days vs. group B, 2.1 +/- 0.13 days, p = 0.86). CONCLUSION: The frequency of biliary lithiasis in patients with severe preeclampsia was 15%. There were no adverse effects on the maternal clinical course or on the perinatal results.

The unbearable lightness of technocratic efforts at dengue control.

OBJECTIVE: To identify key elements that should provide an added value and assure sustainable effects of the deployment of technical tools for Aedes aegypti control. METHODS: An observational study was conducted between April 2001 and March 2002 in 30 blocks (1574 houses) in the central zone of Guantanamo city. A trial that combined two complementary technical interventions, the distribution of new ground level water tanks and the intensive use of insecticide, was nested in May 2001. Another 30 blocks (1535 houses) were selected as control area. We assessed community perceptions and household risk behaviour at baseline and after 9 months, and measured the trial's impact through entomological indices. RESULTS: Perceived self efficacy to solve A. aegypti infestation and prevent dengue was not modified. We found no changes in behaviour. In the study area the container indices decreased significantly from 0.7% before to 0.1% 1 month after the intervention. Six months later, they had increased to 2.7% and uncovered new water tanks constituted 75.9% of all breeding sites. Over the 9 months after the trial the average monthly house indices were similar in the study and control areas. A technical approach and lack of community involvement in the trial's implementation were the main causes of these short-lived results. CONCLUSIONS: Top-down deployment of technical tools without active involvement of the community has a temporary effect and does not lead to the behavioural changes necessary for sustainable A. aegypti control.

A simple-shear rheometer for linear viscoelastic characterization of vocal fold tissues at phonatory frequencies.

Previous studies reporting the linear viscoelastic shear properties of the human vocal fold cover or mucosa have been based on torsional rheometry, with measurements limited to low audio frequencies, up to around 80 Hz. This paper describes the design and validation of a custom-built, controlled-strain, linear, simple-shear rheometer system capable of direct empirical measurements of viscoelastic shear properties at phonatory frequencies. A tissue specimen was subjected to simple shear between two parallel, rigid acrylic plates, with a linear motor creating a translational sinusoidal displacement of the specimen via the upper plate, and the lower plate transmitting the harmonic shear force resulting from the viscoelastic response of the specimen. The displacement of the specimen was measured by a linear variable differential transformer whereas the shear force was detected by a piezoelectric transducer. The frequency response characteristics of these system components were assessed by vibration experiments with accelerometers. Measurements of the viscoelastic shear moduli (G' and G") of a standard ANSI S2.21 polyurethane material and those of human vocal fold cover specimens were made, along with estimation of the system signal and noise levels. Preliminary results showed that the rheometer can provide valid and reliable rheometric data of vocal fold lamina propria specimens at frequencies of up to around 250 Hz, well into the phonatory range.

Biological monitoring of mercury exposure in individuals referred to a toxicological center in Venezuela.

People in developing countries are often considered at greater risk of mercury (Hg) poisoning due to a variety of factors including a lack of awareness regarding their occupational risks. Individuals requiring urine mercury (U-Hg) analysis at the Center for Toxicological Investigations of the University of Carabobo (CITUC), between 1998 and 2002 were studied to identify demographic characteristics associated to U-Hg levels. The studied population included individuals with a history of exposure (or related exposures) to Hg processes, and was comprised of 1159 individuals (65 children, 1094 adults) ages 0.58-79 years old, mean 36.63+/-12.4. Children's geometric mean U-Hg levels were 2.73 microg/g Creatinine (Ct) and in adults 2.55 microg/g Ct. The highest frequency of adults' occupations were shipyard workers (35.47%), dentists (23.5%), lab technicians (11.43%), dental employees 10.42% and miners (10.2%). Chemical laboratory technicians had the highest mean U-Hg (4.46 microg/g Ct). Mean U-Hg levels in female adults (3.45 microg/g Ct) were statistically superior to levels in male adults (2.15 microg/g Ct). Two of the 172 women in reproductive age, had U-Hg levels higher than 78 microg/g Ct. Individuals from Falcon State were found to have the highest mean U-Hg (4.53 microg/g Ct). U-Hg levels higher than permissible limits were found in only 2 states (Carabobo and Bolivar) with a total of 24 cases. Although the results of this investigation were highly variable, the findings can be used to examine circumstances which influence mercury toxicity trends, and possibly used in future studies working to identify Hg exposures.

Improving Rigor in a Door-to-Door Health Survey: A Participatory Approach in a Low-Income Latino Neighborhood.

BACKGROUND: Engaging community partners in research has the potential to make findings higher quality, more actionable, and more meaningful. Less rigorous approaches, often used by community-engaged partnerships, may diminish data quality. OBJECTIVE: This study highlights the key guiding principles of a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, particularly in regards to improving rigor, for a door-to-door health survey conducted by promotoras in a low-income, Latino neighborhood in San Jose, California. METHODS: We describe the partnership formed to conduct the study and the participatory process used throughout the study in questionnaire and sample design, training, and survey administration that adheres to key CBPR principles. LESSONS LEARNED: Our participatory approach required building the capacity of partners, having all partners weigh in on issues that arose in the field, enlisting outside expertise, being responsive to partner concerns while adhering to validated survey methods, simplifying sample design, incorporating expectations for data quality into training, and dedicating sufficient staffing to survey administration. CONCLUSION: The procedures, materials, and tools used by the community-engaged partnership in this study can be replicated by other community partnerships seeking to improve the quality of data used for decision making, program planning, and resource allocation.

Caracterización clinicoepidemiológica de pacientes con enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica / Clinical epidemiological characterization of patients with non alcoholic fatty hepatic disease

Introducción: La enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica se caracteriza por un aumento de la acumulación de lípidos (triglicéridos) de forma macrovesicular, en más de 5 % de los hepatocitos, asociado o no a inflamación y/o fibrosis hepática. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica según variables de interés para el estudio. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 95 pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio hasta diciembre de 2018. Entre las variables figuraron: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, resultados de exámenes complementarios, ecografía hepática y factores de pronósticos clínicos para la fibrosis. Resultados: En la serie predominaron los grupos etarios de 35-44 y de 45-54 años (65,2 %, respectivamente), el sexo femenino, la obesidad como principal factor de riesgo (50,5 %), la transaminasa glutámico pirúvica-alanina aminotransferasa (39,0 %) entre los exámenes complementario con valores alterados y la esteatosis hepática moderada como hallazgo ecográfico (55,8 %), entre otros. Conclusiones: La enfermedad hepática grasa no alcohólica prevaleció en los pacientes entre 35-54 años, donde la obesidad constituyó el factor de riesgo más importante; asimismo, un mayor número de pacientes presentó cifras elevadas de transaminasa glutámico pirúvica-alanina aminotransferasa y los hallazgos ecográficos revelaron la primacía de la esteatosis moderada. La presencia de 4 o más factores pronósticos constituyó un riesgo para el desarrollo de fibrosis hepática.

Introduction: The non alcoholic fatty hepatic disease is characterized by an increase of the lipids accumulation (triglycerides) in a macrovesicular way, in more than 5 % of the hepatic cells, associated or not with inflammation and/or hepatic fibrosis. Objective: To characterize patients with non alcoholic fatty hepatic disease according to variables of interest for the study. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 95 patients assisted in the Gastroenterology Service of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from June to December, 2018. Among the variables figured: age, sex, risk factors, results of complementary exams, hepatic echography and clinical prognosis factors for the fibrosis. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the 35-44 and 45-54 age groups (65.2 %, respectively), female sex, obesity as main risk factor (50.5 %), transaminase glutamic piruvic-alanineaminotransferase (39.0 %) among the complementary exams with altered values and the moderate fatty liver as echographic finding (55.8 %), among others. Conclusions: The non alcoholic fatty hepatic disease prevailed in patients between 35-54 years, where obesity constituted the most important risk factor; also, a greater number of patients presented high figures of transaminase glutamic piruvic-alanineaminotransferase and the echographic findings revealed the primacy of the moderate steatosis. The presence of 4 or more prognosis factors constituted a risk for the development of hepatic fibrosis.

Trabéculo-trabeculectomía como tratamiento quirúrgico inicial del glaucoma congénito primario / Trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy as initial surgical treatment for primary congenital glaucoma

El glaucoma congénito primario constituye la forma más común de glaucoma infantil, el cual exige un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento quirúrgico relativamente urgente, ya que puede ocasionar graves secuelas morfológicas y funcionales. Se presenta la realización, por primera ocasión, de la trabéculo-trabeculectomía combinada en la República Democrática y Popular de Argelia. Se ejecutó en un paciente árabe, de un año de edad, a quien se le diagnosticó el glaucoma congénito primario II. Se evaluó el seguimiento posoperatorio con resultados satisfactorios, por lo que se consideró la trabéculo-trabeculectomía como el proceder quirúrgico efectivo y suficientemente seguro, el cual debe ser realizado por un personal calificado para poder admitirse como primera opción en el tratamiento quirúrgico del glaucoma congénito primario(AU)

Primary congenital glaucoma is the most common form of childhood glaucoma. This condition requires early diagnosis and relatively urgent surgical treatment, since it may leave serious morphological and functional sequelae. A description is provided of the first combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy performed in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The operation was performed on a male one-year-old Arab patient diagnosed with primary congenital glaucoma II. Post-operative follow-up found satisfactory results, and trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy was thus considered to be an effective, sufficiently safe surgical procedure, which should be performed by qualified personnel to be accepted as the first surgical treatment option for primary congenital glaucoma(AU)

Canaliculitis / Canaliculitis

RESUMEN La canaliculitis es una entidad rara, con frecuencia mal diagnosticada por su similitud con otras enfermedades. Se reporta una paciente femenina, de 56 años de edad, remitida a la Consulta de Oculoplastia del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", por secreciones purulentas y epífora del ojo izquierdo. Al examen se observó hiperemia conjuntival, secreción purulenta, punto lagrimal inferior hiperémico, dilatado, y se constató salida de concreciones por este al comprimir el canalículo. Se confirmó el diagnóstico de canaliculitis aguda supurada con concreciones. Se indicó tratamiento quirúrgico, que consistió en la canaliculotomía con remoción de las concreciones. Un examen clínico detallado, con adecuado conocimiento de la vía lagrimal excretora, permitió el diagnóstico certero, con un tratamiento quirúrgico eficaz y una evolución satisfactoria(AU)

ABSTRACT Canaliculitis is an uncommon infectious disease. It is often misdiagnosed due to its overlapping presentation to other common entities. A 56-year-old female patient is reported. She was referred to Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Ophthalmologic Institute, Ocular Plastic Surgery consultation, suffering from punctal swelling, discharge, and epiphora. At ocular examination was described conjunctival hyperemia, pouting punctum and mucopurulent discharge. Punctal regurgitation of concretions appears under syringing. It was confirmed acute canaliculitis with concretions in the left eye. A canaliculotomy was performed, and the concretions were removed. Routine clinical examinations helped to get a right diagnosis of canaliculitis and the surgical result was satisfactory(AU)

Papiloma conjuntival / Conjunctival papilloma

RESUMEN El papiloma conjuntival es un tumor de células escamosas adquirido, benigno, que se puede presentar a cualquier edad, pero más frecuentemente en la tercera y cuarta décadas de la vida. Los papilomas están asociados con la infección del virus papiloma humano, usualmente los tipos 6 y 11. Se presenta un paciente quien se encuentra en la cuarta década de la vida, fumador. Acudió al Servicio de Oculoplastia por aumento del volumen conjuntival en el ojo izquierdo. Luego del interrogatorio y de un examen ocular exhaustivo, se realizó el diagnóstico clínico de papiloma conjuntival recurrente. Se propuso exéresis, crioterapia y biopsia de las lesiones conjuntivales. Posterior a la intervención, se confirmó el diagnóstico anatomopatológico y se reajustó el tratamiento tópico ocular con interferón, con lo cual se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios(AU)

ABSTRACT Conjunctival papilloma is a benign acquired squamous cell tumor occurring at any age, but more commonly in the third and fourth decades of life. Papillomas are associated to human papillomavirus infection, usually of types 6 and 11. A case is presented of a male smoker patient in his fourth decade of life. The patient attended the Oculoplastics Service due to conjunctival volume increase in his left eye. Interrogation and exhaustive ocular examination led to the clinical diagnosis of recurrent conjunctival papilloma. Exeresis, cryotherapy and biopsy of the conjunctival lesions were indicated. The anatomopathological diagnosis was confirmed after the intervention and a readjustment was made of the topical ocular treatment with interferon, with which satisfactory results were obtained(AU)

Glaucoma congénito primario: ¿cuándo es preciso sospechar? / Primary congenital glaucoma: when should it be suspected?

RESUMEN Se realiza una actualización sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del glaucoma infantil primario, considerando la importancia que tiene un diagnóstico precoz y un tratamiento oportuno para obtener los mejores resultados posibles. Actualmente, a pesar del surgimiento de nuevos fármacos y de técnicas quirúrgicas para tratar esta afección, aún existen discrepancias sobre cómo debemos realizar el diagnóstico positivo; qué tratamiento o técnica quirúrgica emplear; cuándo y cuál sería la mejor. Cuando se trata de glaucoma pediátrico (primario o secundario), presente en etapas tan tempranas de la vida -incluso al nacimiento, donde la cirugía está indicada lo más precozmente posible, con la disyuntiva de cuáles medicamentos podemos emplear o no, por desconocimiento de qué efectos indeseables pudieran presentarse en estas edades y además, teniendo en cuenta que estos niños serán nuestros pacientes para toda la vida- es necesario conocer y repasar una vez más este tema. Se recomienda instruir a pediatras y oftalmólogos generales para lograr la remisión adecuada y precoz del niño a un centro especializado para su tratamiento quirúrgico, y mejorar así su pronóstico visual(AU)

ABSTRACT Updated information is provided about the diagnosis and treatment of primary childhood glaucoma, given the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to obtain the best possible results. Despite the emergence of new drugs and surgical techniques to treat this disorder, there is still controversy about how we should perform the positive diagnosis, what treatment or surgical technique should be used and when, and which would be the best. When childhood glaucoma (whether primary or secondary) presents at early stages of life - even at birth -, in which case surgery should be indicated as soon as possible, we are faced with the dilemma of what drugs we may or may not use, due to lack of knowledge about undesirable effects which could appear at these ages, and bearing in mind that these children will be our patients for a lifetime. It is thus necessary to be informed about this topic and go over it once again. It is recommended to instruct pediatricians and ophthalmologists to ensure timely, appropriate referral of the child patient to a specialized center where they will receive surgical treatment, thus improving their visual prognosis(AU)

Concordancia entre el diagnóstico clínico y el anatomopatológico de los tumores malignos del párpado / Concordance between clinical and anatomopathological diagnosis of palpebral malignancies

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la concordancia entre el diagnóstico clínico inicial y el histopatológico de tumores palpebrales malignos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes portadores de diferentes tumores palpebrales, atendidos en el Servicio de Cirugía Plástica Ocular del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", en el periodo comprendido de enero a diciembre del año 2016, en el que se describieron las características clínicas y anatomopatológicas, y la concordancia entre ambos diagnósticos. Resultados: Predominó el grupo de 60-79 años de edad (46,1 por ciento), el sexo femenino (51,7 por ciento) y el color de piel blanco (92,6 por ciento) . Las lesiones se presentaron fundamentalmente en el párpado inferior (77,0 por ciento) y las telangectasias constituyeron el signo de malignidad más consistente (56,8 por ciento), con predominio del carcinoma basocelular, seguido del carcinoma espinocelular (81,4 por ciento y 15,2 por ciento, respectivamente). La concordancia entre el diagnóstico clínico y el histopatológico fue de 69,2 por ciento para el carcinoma basocelular; 9,7 por ciento para el espinocelular y 30 por ciento para el sebáceo (índice de Kappa de 0,338; 0,262 y 0,357, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Existe la mayor concordancia entre diagnóstico clínico e histopatológico en el carcinoma basocelular; no así en el resto de los tumores estudiados(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the concordance between the initial and histopathological clinical diagnosis of malignant palpebral tumors. Methods: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study of patients with different eyelid tumors was performed. The patients were treated in the Ocular Plastic Surgery Service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology, in the period from January to December of 2016, during which the clinical and pathological characteristics were described, together with the concordance between both diagnoses. Results: The age group of 60-79 years predominated (46.1 percent), as it was with the female sex (51.7 percent) and the white skin color (92.6 percent). The lesions occurred mainly in the lower eyelid (77.0 percent) and telangiectasia constituted the most consistent sign of malignancy (56.8 percent), with a predominance of basal cell carcinoma, followed by spinocellular carcinoma (81.4 percent and 15, 2 percent, respectively). The concordance between the clinical and histopathological diagnosis was 69.2 percent for basal cell carcinoma; 9.7 percent for the spinocellular carcinoma; and 30 percent for the sebaceous carcinoma (Kappa index of 0.388, 0.262 and 0.357, respectively). Conclusions: There is the greatest concordance between the clinical and histopathological diagnosis in basal cell carcinoma, but not in the rest of the tumors studied(AU)

La uveítis y el glaucoma, un reto para el oftalmólogo / Uveitis and glaucoma, a challenge for ophthalmologists

La incidencia y la prevalencia de las uveítis varía alrededor del mundo, así como los agentes causales y el grupo de edad más afectado. De forma general, pueden asociarse a gran número de complicaciones oculares que originan marcada disminución de la visión, a veces de modo irreversible, e incluso pueden llevar a la ceguera de uno o de ambos ojos. Existe una asociación frecuente entre uveítis y glaucoma. La incidencia de glaucoma secundario a uveítis oscila sobre el 10 por ciento, con fluctuaciones relacionadas con su origen y la edad de presentación. Una parte de las uveítis cursa con hipertensión ocular más o menos marcada durante o después del proceso inflamatorio, lo que constituye un reto para el oftalmólogo, quien debe tratar simultáneamente dos entidades con terapéuticas prácticamente antagónicas. El tratamiento de la inflamación ocular está bien establecido; la hipertensión ocular debe ser tratada sobre la base de las características y el origen de cada entidad. Realizamos una revisión del tema por su importancia, así como de los elementos a tener en cuenta para un mejor resultado del tratamiento en estos pacientes. Se utilizó la plataforma Infomed, específicamente la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud(AU)

The incidence and prevalence of uveitis vary around the world, and so do its causative agents and most affected age group. In general terms, these may be associated to a large number of ocular complications which cause marked, at times irreversible vision reduction, and may even lead to vision loss in one or both eyes. An association is often found between uveitis and glaucoma. The incidence of glaucoma secondary to uveitis ranges around 10 percent, with fluctuations related to its origin and presentation age. A form of uveitis develops with more or less marked ocular hypertension during or after the inflammation process. This is a challenge for ophthalmologists, who should treat two conditions simultaneously with practically opposite therapies. The treatment for ocular inflammation is well established, whereas ocular hypertension should be treated according to the characteristics and origin of each condition. Due to its importance, we conducted a review of the topic, as well as of the elements to be borne in mind to obtain better treatment results. Use was made of the platform Infomed, specifically the Virtual Health Library(AU)

Desprendimiento coroideo tardío poscirugía de catarata con facoemulsificación en pacientes glaucomatosos / Late choroidal detachment after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification in glaucoma patients

El desprendimiento coroideo es un factor predisponente y causa de hipotonía ocular marcada. Se describen dos pacientes operados de glaucoma por técnica de trabeculectomía simple, con más de 5 años de evolución, bajo régimen medicamentoso de timolol 0,5 por ciento colirio, 2 veces por día, intervenidos de catarata senil con técnica de facoemulsificación sin complicaciones trans ni posquirúrgicas inmediatas, quienes presentan disminución brusca de la agudeza visual a dos meses de la cirugía, por desprendimiento coroideo sin pérdida de cámara anterior, asociado a hipotonía ocular y maculopatía. Se analizan las posibles causas y se impone tratamiento adecuado. Finalmente se logra una evolución satisfactoria(AU)

Choroidal detachment is a cause of and predisposing factor for marked ocular hypotony. A description is provided of two patients undergoing glaucoma surgery by simple trabeculectomy technique, with more than five years of evolution, under drug treatment with 0.5 percent timolol collyrium twice daily, intervened for senile cataract with phacoemulsification technique, without any intra- or immediate post-operative complications, who presented with sudden visual acuity reduction two months after surgery, due to choroidal detachment without anterior chamber loss, associated to ocular hypotony and maculopathy. The possible causes are analyzed and appropriate treatment is indicated. Satisfactory evolution is finally achieved(AU)

Glaucoma neovascular y atrofia esencial de iris / Neovascular glaucoma and essential iris atrophy

Los glaucomas secundarios son de difícil manejo, independientemente de las causas. Entre ellos, el glaucoma neovascular representa un reto para los oftalmólogos por las causas que lo producen y la gran pérdida visual que provoca. De igual manera, el síndrome iridocorneoendotelial es una enfermedad poco frecuente. El glaucoma ocurre aproximadamente en el 50 por ciento de los casos en dependencia del síndrome que predomine, mucho más grave en la atrofia esencial del iris. Presentamos un caso clínico de una paciente femenina de 58 años de edad en quien aparecen en cada ojo, de manera independiente, estos dos tipos de glaucomas secundarios(AU)

Secondary glaucomas are always difficult to manage, no matter what their causes might be. Among them, neovascular glaucomas pose a challenge to ophthalmologists, due to the factors bringing them about and the great visual loss they produce. On the other hand, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome is an uncommon condition. Glaucoma develops in about 50 percent of the cases, depending on the prevailing syndrome, and is much more severe in essential iris atrophy. A clinical case is presented of a 58-year-old female patient with these two types of secondary glaucoma, one type in each eye(AU)

Caracterización de embarazo ectópico / Caracterização da gravidez ectópica / Characterization of ectopic pregnancy

Introducción: durante los últimos 20 años la incidencia del embarazo ectópico se ha duplicado o triplicado, principalmente en los países desarrollados. Este incremento se comporta de forma diferente en países, regiones o áreas poblacionales. Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento del embarazo ectópico en el Hospital General Docente de Guantánamo Dr. Agostinho Neto durante el año 2006. Método: el universo estuvo constituido por 763 pacientes con embarazo ectópico en el período 2002-2006. La muestra fue de 175, todas del año 2006. Las variables estudiadas fueron: grupo de edades, síntomas al ingreso, medios diagnósticos, formas clínicas y operaciones realizadas. Resultados: se obtuvo discreto crecimiento en el número de embarazos ectópicos durante los años de estudio. El grupo de edades de 20-24 obtuvo el 31,4 por ciento en frecuencia y el de 25-29 el 34,9 por ciento. El 85,7 por ciento de las pacientes acudió con los síntomas de dolor bajo vientre y sangramiento vaginal anormal, seguidas por las que presentaron dolor bajo vientre y amenorrea (78,3 por ciento). En 73 pacientes fue diagnosticado por la clínica más culdocentesis en el 41,8 por ciento de los casos y solo en 9 por clínica más laparoscopia. Conclusiones: hubo incremento de los embarazos ectópicos. El año de mayor frecuencia fue 2006. Predominó el grupo de edades de 25 a 29 años y las pacientes primíparas. El síntoma al ingreso predominante fue el dolor bajo vientre y el sangramiento vaginal anormal. El diagnóstico con más frecuencia fue la clínica más culdocentesis. El embarazo ectópico complicado inestable, el sitio de implantación tubárica y la localización ampular con salpingectomía total como operación fueron las más frecuentes(AU)

Introduction: during the last 20 years the incidence of ectopic pregnancy has doubled or tripled, mainly in developed countries. This increase behaves differently in countries, regions or population areas. Objective: to characterize the behavior of ectopic pregnancy in the Guantánamo General Teaching Hospital Dr. Agostinho Neto during the year 2006. Method: the universe consisted of 763 patients with ectopic pregnancy in the period 2002-2006. The sample was 175, all of the year 2006. The variables studied were: age group, symptoms on admission, means of diagnosis, clinical forms and operations performed. Results: discrete growth was obtained in the number of ectopic pregnancies during the years of study. The age group of 20-24 obtained 31.4 percent in frequency and that of 25-29 and 34.9 percent. 85.7 percent of the patients presented with symptoms of abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding, followed by those with lower abdominal pain and amenorrhea (78.3 percent). In 73 patients it was diagnosed by the clinic plus culdocentesis in 41.8 percent of the cases and only in 9 by clinical plus laparoscopy. Conclusions: there was an increase in ectopic pregnancies. The year of greatest frequency was 2006. The age group of 25 to 29 years and the primiparous patients predominated. The predominant symptom of admission was lower abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding. The diagnosis with more frequency was the clinic plus culdocentesis. The complicated unstable ectopic pregnancy, the tubal implantation site and the ampullary location with total salpingectomy as the operation were the most frequent(AU)

Introdução: nos últimos 20 anos, a incidência de gravidez ectópica dobrou ou triplicou, principalmente nos países desenvolvidos. Esse aumento se comporta de maneira diferente em países, regiões ou áreas de população. Objetivo: caracterizar o comportamento da gravidez ectópica no Hospital Geral de Ensino de Guantánamo Dr. Agostinho Neto durante o ano de 2006. Método: o universo consistiu em 763 pacientes com gravidez ectópica no período 2002-2006. A amostra foi de 175, durante todo o ano de 2006. As variáveis estudadas foram: faixa etária, sintomas na admissão, meios de diagnóstico, formas clínicas e operações realizadas. Resultados: crescimento discreto foi obtido no número de gestações ectópicas durante os anos de estudo. A faixa etária de 20 a 24 anos obteve 31,4 por cento de frequência e a de 25 a 29 e 34,9 por cento. 85,7 por cento dos pacientes apresentavam sintomas de dor abdominal e sangramento vaginal anormal, seguidos por dor abdominal baixa e amenorreia (78,3 por cento). Em 73 pacientes foi diagnosticada pela clínica mais culdocentese em 41,8 por cento dos casos e somente em 9 pela clínica mais laparoscopia. Conclusões: houve aumento de gravidez ectópica. O ano de maior frequência foi 2006. A faixa etária de 25 a 29 anos e as primíparas predominaram. O sintoma predominante da admissão foi dor no baixo ventre e sangramento vaginal anormal. O diagnóstico com maior frequência foi a clínica e culdocentese. A gestação ectópica complicada e instável, o local de implantação das trompas e a localização ampular com salpingectomia total como operação foram os mais frequentes(AU)

Development of a mechanically tuneable 3D scaffold for vascular reconstruction.

Material compliance has been shown to be a predictor of vascular graft patency and as such is a critical parameter when designing new materials. Although ex vivo derived materials have been clinically successful in a number of applications their mechanical properties are a direct function of the original vessel and are not easily controllable. These investigations describe an approach to modulate the mechanical properties of an ex vivo derived scaffold by machining variable (discrete) wall thicknesses to control compliance. Human umbilical arteries (HUAs) were machine lathed directly from the umbilical cord at wall thicknesses of 250, 500, 750, and 1000 µm then decellularized using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate. Compliance over physiological pressures, increased from 3.08 ± 1.84% to 11.47 ± 4.11% as direct function of each discrete vessel diameter. Radial stress strain analysis revealed primary and secondary failure points attributed to the discrete layers within the anisotropic scaffold. Maximum strength and suture retention were shown to increase with increasing wall thickness, by contrast stress failure decreased with increasing thickness due to increasing proportions of the mechanically weaker amorphous Wharton's jelly. Reseeded smooth muscle cells were shown to adhere, proliferate, and migrate from the scaffold surface showing the potential of the HUA as a mechanically "tunable" material with applications as an acellular implant or as a tissue engineered construct. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A:3189-3196, 2012.

Estrategia comunitaria de prevención primaria y diagnóstico precoz del síndrome Usher en la provincia Holguín / Community Strategy of Primary Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Usher Syndrome in Holguin Province

Introducción: el síndrome Usher es una enfermedad determinada genéticamente, con una gran heterogeneidad clínica y genética, está caracterizada por hipoacusia neurosensorial de moderada a severa, retinosis pigmentaria progresiva y puede acompañarse de alteraciones en la función vestibular. Por su alta prevalencia en Holguín y su significativa discapacidad visual y auditiva, se hace necesario un instrumento preventivo y de diagnóstico. Objetivos: proponer una estrategia comunitaria de prevención primaria en estas familias y de diagnóstico precoz de esta afección genética, caracterizar evolutiva y clínicamente a todos los afectados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, tipo serie de casos a 53 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome Usher, que son atendidos en Centro Provincial de Retinosis Pigmentaria de la provincia Holguín, en el periodo del febrero de 2009 a diciembre de 2015. Se revisaron las historias clínicas, recogiendo en un instrumento diseñado para el estudio todos los datos de interés, que permitió caracterizar el universo de estudio y determinar las variables susceptibles de análisis. Resultados: se logró caracterizar clínicamente el 100% de los enfermos estudiados. El 80% presentó la retinosis pigmentaria en la primera infancia. De estos, 33 afectados se encuentran en familias consanguíneas para el 62,26%, el número de familias consanguíneas fue de 17 para el 44,73% y las no consanguíneas 21 para el 55,26%. Conclusiones: se propone esta estrategia comunitaria que ayudará en la atención primaria a realizar prevención primaria en familias de afectados y diagnóstico precoz a los afectados lo cual permitió brindar un adecuado asesoramiento genético a estas familias.

Introduction: Usher syndrome is a genetically determined disease with great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. It is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss from mild to severe, progressive retinitis pigmentosa and may be accompanied by alterations in the vestibular function. Because of its high prevalence in Holguin and significant visual and hearing impairment, a preventive and diagnostic tool is necessary. Objective: propose a Community strategy for primary prevention in these families and early diagnosis of this genetic condition. Characterize all clinically affected and describe the evolutionary characteristics. Method: a series of cases descriptive study was carried out in 53 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Usher Syndrome, who are treated at the Provincial Center for Pigmentary Retinosis of Holguín province from February 2009 to December 2015. Clinical records, collecting in an instrument designed for the study all the data of interest that allowed to characterize the universe of study and to determine the variables susceptible of analysis. Results: clinical characterization of 100% of the patients studied was achieved. 80% had retinitis pigmentosa in early childhood. Of them, 33 affected patients are involved in consanguineous families for 62.26%, there were 17 consanguineous families for 44.73% and outbred 21 for a 55.26%. Conclusions: this community strategy that will help in primary care to undertake primary prevention in families of patients and early diagnosis allowing those affected to provide appropriate genetic counseling to these families is proposed.

Retracción palpebral en ojo contralateral: poscirugía de ptosis palpebral / Eyelid retraction in contralateral eye: eyelid ptosis postsurgery

Se presenta a una paciente con antecedentes de tratamiento quirúrgico hace dos años para la elevación del párpado superior por ptosis palpebral derecha, quien exhibía retracción palpebral izquierda, aparentemente secundaria a la cirugía de ptosis, que dejaba expuesta ampolla de filtración por trabeculectomía previa, la cual le causaba molestias permanentes y la limitaba a realizar sus actividades diarias, cuadro clínico que se constató a las 24 horas en el posoperatorio. Se remitió a nuestro Centro y se discutió en colectivo. Se decidió realizar nueva cirugía de la ptosis derecha y tarsorrafia izquierda, con lo que se logró corrección de la ptosis derecha y recubrimiento de la bula de filtración del ojo izquierdo. Se mantuvo asintomática hasta los 3 meses del posoperatorio en que apareció con retracción palpebral izquierda recurrente. Se evaluó nuevamente y se decidió, por la edad de la paciente y los antecedentes de reintervenciones en ambos ojos así como el riesgo de complicación de cirugía filtrante, aplicar toxina botulínica en el párpado superior, 3 cc equivalente a 7 U. Con la aplicación de la toxina botulínica se logró la caída del párpado superior izquierdo, lo que permitió cubrir la bula de filtración, y desapareció la sintomatología. La toxina botulínica, a pesar de tener un efecto transitorio, constituye una buena opción en los pacientes con retracción palpebral en quienes otros tratamientos no han sido satisfactorios(AU)

A female patient with a history of surgical treatment for eyelid ptosis is reported. Two years before, she was operated on for correction of upper eyelid due to right eyelid ptosis, but now she presented left eyelid retraction, apparently secondary to ptosis surgery, which exposed a filtering bleb caused by previous traveculectomy. This condition caused permanent disturbances and restricted her daily activities, a clinical picture that was confirmed 24 hours after the surgery. She was sent to our center and the case was collectively discussed. It was decided to perform a new surgery to correct right ptosis and left tarsoraphy. The result was correction of right ptosis and coating of the filtering bleb in the left eye. She remained asymptomatic for three months in the postoperative period, but recurrent left eyelid retraction occurred. She was re-evaluated and it was decided, due to the patient´s age and the history of resurgeries in both eyes in addition to the risk of filtering surgery complications, to apply botulinum toxin in the upper eyelid at a dose of 3cc equal to 7 U. The administration of botulinum toxin allows fall of the left upper eyelid and covering of the filtering bleb, thus symptoms disappeared. Despite its transient effect, botulinum toxic is a good option for patients with eyelid retraction who had not achieved satisfactory results with other types of treatment(AU)