Use of the Vitiligo Extent Score: a protocol for a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition with no cure. Clinical assessment and treatment evaluation relies heavily on clinometry tools and expert knowledge. The Vitiligo Extent Score has been proposed as one of the most reliable and easy-to-use clinometry tools for vitiligo. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We proposed a scoping review to identify all the available evidence on the clinical research availability around the Vitiligo Extent Score. The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Open Grey, Lens and Directory of Open Access Journals. In addition, the approach proposed in the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual will be followed. Finally, this review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval for this review is not required. We intend to publish the results in a specialised peer-reviewed journal and local, national and international conference presentations. It will also be incorporated as educational material in our institution's postgraduate programme in dermatology.

The landscape of vitiligo in Latin America: a call to action.

Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary condition and severely impacts patient quality of life (QoL). It is an underrecognized burden for patients, healthcare systems, and society in Latin America (LA). This paper examines the journey of a vitiligo patient in LA and assesses the disease landscape. Americas Health Foundation (AHF) assembled a panel of six Argentine, Brazilian, Colombian, and Mexican vitiligo experts. On 10-12 May 2022, they met in a virtual meeting. Each panelist wrote a short paper on barriers to vitiligo diagnosis and treatment in LA before the meeting. AHF staff moderated as the panel reviewed and modified each paper over three days. The panel approved the recommendations based on research, professional opinion, and personal experience. The panel agreed that lack of disease awareness and research, social ostracization, and limited therapeutic options hinder patients in their quest for diagnosis and treatment. In addition to the medical and psychological difficulties associated with vitiligo, problems connected to the Latin American healthcare system may negatively impact diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Access to timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial for improving outcomes. Governments, medical societies, academics, patient organizations, industry, and the public must unite to eliminate these challenges.

Evaluation of the action of precipitating agents to obtain allergenic proteins from crude mite extracts / Avaliação da ação de agentes precipitantes na obtenção de proteínas alergênicas presentes em extratos brutos de ácaros

Introduction: Allergen proteins found in dust mite extracts, such as Dermatophagoides farinae (DF), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP), are relevant for scientific studies in the allergy and immunotherapy fields. The precipitation/concentration of protein extracts may favor the aggregation of the allergens in homogenates. Objective and method: This paper investigates the precipitation process by submitting crude mite extracts to compounds such as ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and acetone. Results: The best results were obtained by fractionation with (NH4)2SO4 at 80% (w/v) saturation (~0° C), observing the protein markings on the electrophoresis gel. Major allergens were identified by immunoblot at 25 kDa (cysteine protease) for Der f and Der p; and 25 kDa, 30 kDa (tropomyosin) and Try p 3, near 26 kDa. For this percentage the total protein contents were 12.83 mg mL-1 for Der f, 24.78 mg mL-1 for Der p and 27.35 mg mL-1 for Try. Conclusion: An advantage of precipitation with (NH4)2SO4 over precipitation with acetone was the possibility of gradually obtaining protein fractions, which does not happen when using the latter. The addition of 80% (v/v) acetone to the mite extracts favored total protein precipitation in the concentrations 16.42 mg mL-1, 28.47 mg mL-1 and 13.41 mg mL-1. The use of TCA in concentrations above 20% (w/v) forms peptides that are not retained in the gel under the established experimental conditions, and dilute solutions of this acid are more efficient.

Introdução: As proteínas alergênicas presentes nos extratos dos ácaros de poeira, tais como Dermatofagoides farinae (DF), Dermatofagoides pteronyssinus (DP) e Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) são relevantes para estudos científicos na área de alergias e aplicação em imunoterapias. A precipitação/concentração desses extratos proteicos pode favorecer a agregação de alérgenos nos homogenatos. Objetivo e método: O trabalho investiga o processo de precipitação, submetendo os extratos brutos de ácaros de poeira a compostos como sulfato de amônio (NH4)2SO4, ácido tricloroacético (ATC) e acetona. Resultados: Os melhores resultados foram obtidos por fracionamento com (NH4)2SO4 em 80% (m/v) de saturação (~ 0°C), observando as marcações proteicas no gel de eletroforese. Os alérgenos principais foram identificados por immunoblot em 25 kDa (cisteína protease) para Der f 1 e Der p 1; e 25 kDa, 33 kDa (tropomyosin), 11 kDa para Tyr. Para esse percentual, os teores de proteína total foram de 12.83 mg mL-1 para DF; 24,78 mg mL-1 para DP; e 27,35 mg mL-1 para TP. Conclusão: A vantagem da precipitação com (NH4)2SO4 frente à precipitação com acetona foi a possibilidade de gradativamente se obter frações proteicas, o que não acontece quando utilizado esse solvente. A adição de 80% (v/v) de acetona aos extratos de ácaros favoreceu a precipitação total de proteína nas concentrações 16,42 mg mL-1; 28,47 mg mL-1; e 13,41 mg mL-1. O uso de ATC em concentrações acima de 20% (m/v) forma peptídeos que não são retidos no gel nas condições experimentais estabelecidas, sendo eficiente soluções mais diluídas desse ácido.

Use of plant materials for the bioremediation of soil from an industrial site.

Bioremediation is one of the existing techniques applied for treating oil-contaminated soil, which can be improved by the incorporation of low-cost nutritional materials. This study aimed to assess the addition of two low-cost plant residues, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and leaf litter (LL) of the forest leguminous Mimosa caesalpiniifolia plant (sabiá), either separately or combined, to a contaminated soil from a petroleum refinery area, analyzed after 90 days of treatment. Individually, both amounts of SCB (20 and 40 g kg-1) favored the growth of total heterotrophic bacteria and total fungi, while LL at 20 g kg-1 better stimulated the hydrocarbon-degrading microorganism's activity in the soil. However, no TPH removal was observed under any of these conditions. Higher microbial growth was detected by the application of both plant residues in multicontaminated soil. The maximum TPH removal of 30% was achieved in amended soil with 20 g kg-1 SCB and 20 kg-1 LL. All the experimental conditions revealed changes in the microbial community structure, related to the handling of the soil, with abundance of Alphaproteobacteria. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the plant residues SCB and LL as low-cost nutritional materials for biodegradation of hydrocarbon in real oil contaminated soil by indigenous populations.

Diagnóstico de aspectos e impactos medioambientales en la Facultad de Estomatología de La Habana / Diagnóstico de aspectos e impactos ambientais na Faculdade de Odontologia da Havana / Diagnosis of aspects and environmental impacts in the School of Dentistry of Havana

Introducción: las facultades de Estomatología tienen un papel predominante en la gestión ambiental para su desempeño general, la innovación y el desarrollo sostenible. Objetivo: diagnosticar los aspectos e impactos medioambientales asociados en la Facultad de Estomatología de La Habana en el período 2015-2017. Método: investigación cualitativa. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos de análisis y síntesis, deducción e inducción y como métodos empíricos la observación y enfoque de sistema; se realizó revisión bibliográfica y documental sobre temas relacionados con el objeto de estudio. Además, se aplicó una encuesta y una entrevista. La población y muestra la constituyeron 90 trabajadores. Resultados: mediante el diagnóstico fueron identificados y evaluados aspectos e impactos ambientales, los que no son significativos por la posibilidad de que ocurran, dada la evaluación general. Las condiciones ambientales de la facultad no constituyeron un riesgo elevado para la salud del personal y su comunidad. El diagnóstico permitió conocer la posición de la organización con respecto a su entorno e internamente para gestionar el medio ambiente y la salud y seguridad en el trabajo. Conclusiones: un diagnóstico de aspectos e impactos medioambientales en la Facultad de Estomatología puede constituir una herramienta útil para la identificación de problemas que afectan el ambiente, la salud y la seguridad del trabajo, lo que podría permitir el diseño de Sistemas de Gestión Ambiental, lo cual es una exigencia de la Salud Pública Cubana(AU)

Introduction: Stomatology faculties have a predominant role in environmental management for their general performance, innovation and sustainable development. Objective: to diagnose the aspects and associated environmental impacts in the Faculty of Stomatology of Havana in the period 2015-2017. Method: qualitative research. Theoretical methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction and induction were used and as empirical methods the observation and system approach; bibliographic and documentary review was made on subjects related to the object of study. In addition, a survey and an interview were applied. The population and sample constituted 90 workers. Results: through the diagnosis, environmental aspects and impacts were identified and evaluated, which are not significant due to the possibility of their occurrence, given the general evaluation. The environmental conditions of the faculty did not constitute a high risk for the health of the personnel and their community. The diagnosis allowed to know the position of the organization with respect to its environment and internally to manage the environment and health and safety at work. Conclusions: a diagnosis of environmental aspects and impacts in the Faculty of Dentistry can be a useful tool for the identification of problems that affect the environment, health and safety of work, which could allow the design of Environmental Management Systems, what is a requirement of the Cuban Public Health(AU)

Introdução: as faculdades de estomatologia têm um papel predominante na gestão ambiental pelo seu desempenho geral, inovação e desenvolvimento sustentável. Objetivo: diagnosticar os aspectos e impactos ambientais associados na Faculdade de Estomatologia da Havana no período 2015-2017. Método: pesquisa qualitativa. Métodos teóricos de análise e síntese, dedução e indução foram utilizados e como métodos empíricos a observação e abordagem sistêmica; revisão bibliográfica e documental dos assuntos relacionados ao objeto de estudo. Além disso, uma pesquisa e uma entrevista foram aplicadas. A população e amostra constituíram 90 trabalhadores. Resultados: por meio do diagnóstico, foram identificados e avaliados os aspectos e impactos ambientais, que não são significativos devido à possibilidade de sua ocorrência, dada a avaliação geral. As condições ambientais do corpo docente não constituíam um alto risco para a saúde do pessoal e de sua comunidade. O diagnóstico permitiu conhecer a posição da organização em relação ao seu ambiente e internamente para gerenciar o meio ambiente e a saúde e segurança no trabalho. Conclusões: o diagnóstico de aspectos e impactos ambientais na Faculdade de Odontologia pode ser uma ferramenta útil para identificar problemas que afetam a ferramenta ambiente, saúde e segurança no trabalho, que poderia permitir a concepção de Sistemas de Gestão Ambiental, que é uma exigência da Saúde Pública cubana(AU)

Propuestas de utilización de bibliografías para tratamiento de estrategias curriculares. Historia de Cuba II. Estomatología / Suggestions on how to use bibliographic references for dealing with curricular strategies. History of Cuba II. Dentistry

Introducción: El programa de la asignatura Historia de Cuba II carece de sugerencias de bibliografías que permitan a los docentes darle tratamiento a las estrategias curriculares plasmadas en el Plan D para la Carrera de Estomatología. Objetivo: Proponer el uso de bibliografías para el tratamiento de las estrategias curriculares en la asignatura Historia de Cuba II de la Carrera de Estomatología. Material y método: Investigación pedagógica de tipo descriptivo. Se utilizaron los métodos de análisis de documentos, búsqueda bibliográfica y taller metodológico. Resultados: Se localizaron 33 bibliografías y se elaboraron las propuestas de vinculación a las distintas estrategias curriculares en cada uno de los temas del programa de Historia de Cuba II de la Carrera de Estomatología. Conclusiones: Las bibliografías propuestas pueden contribuir a darles tratamiento a las estrategias curriculares en la asignatura Historia de Cuba II y favorecer la formación integral del estudiante de primer año de la Carrera de Estomatología(AU)

Introduction: The History of Cuba II syllabus lacks suggestions about bibliography that allow the teaching staff to deal with the curricular strategies in the Curriculum D in dental studies. Objective: To suggest the use of bibliographies for the treatment of curricular strategies in the subject History of Cuba II in Dentistry. Material and methods: A descriptive pedagogical research was conducted. Methods of document analysis, methodological workshop, and bibliographic review were used. Results: A total of 33 bibliographies were found, and proposals were made for linking curricular strategies in each of the topics of History of Cuba II syllabus for dental studies. Conclusions: The suggested bibliographies can contribute to the treatment of curricular strategies in the subject History of Cuba II, and favor the comprehensive training of the first- year dental students(AU)

High Risk of Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Infants Younger than 6 Months of Age with Kawasaki Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the clinical presentation and outcome in infants <6 months of age with Kawasaki disease (KD) and to describe the use of newer anti-inflammatory therapies in this young population. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 88 infants?<6 months old and 632??6 months old treated for KD. We compared differences in laboratory data, response to treatment, and coronary artery outcomes between the 2 cohorts. Fisher exact test was used to analyze categorical variables, whereas the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for continuous variables. RESULTS: The majority of children in both cohorts were diagnosed and treated within the first 10 days of illness (median illness day 6 in both cohorts). For patients treated within the first 10 days after fever onset, a larger proportion of infants <6 months old had a dilated or aneurysmal coronary artery on the initial echocardiogram compared with those ?6 months old (43.4% vs 19.5%). Furthermore, 18.6% of infants?<6 months old who had a normal echocardiogram at diagnosis, developed a dilated or aneurysmal coronary artery on a subsequent echocardiogram within 8 weeks of diagnosis. Twenty-eight infants?<6 months old received a single dose of infliximab without any untoward effects. CONCLUSIONS: Despite treatment in the first 10 days, infants?<6 months old with acute KD are more likely to develop coronary artery abnormalities. Thus, the development of adjunctive therapies to reduce coronary artery damage should target this population.

Benzene as a Chemical Hazard in Processed Foods.

This paper presents a literature review on benzene in foods, including toxicological aspects, occurrence, formation mechanisms, and mitigation measures and analyzes data reporting benzene levels in foods. Benzene is recognized by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) as carcinogenic to humans, and its presence in foods has been attributed to various potential sources: packaging, storage environment, contaminated drinking water, cooking processes, irradiation processes, and degradation of food preservatives such as benzoates. Since there are no specific limits for benzene levels in beverages and food in general studies have adopted references for drinking water in a range from 1-10 ppb. The presence of benzene has been reported in various food/beverage substances with soft drinks often reported in the literature. Although the analyses reported low levels of benzene in most of the samples studied, some exceeded permissible limits. The available data on dietary exposure to benzene is minimal from the viewpoint of public health. Often benzene levels were low as to be considered negligible and not a consumer health risk, but there is still a need of more studies for a better understanding of their effects on human health through the ingestion of contaminated food.

Kawasaki Disease in Latin American Children: Past, Current, and Future Challenges.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the leading cause of acquired cardiac disease in children in developed countries and Asia. However, there is a paucity of data available from Latin America. In response to the gap in knowledge about KD in Latin America, a group of pediatric infectious disease researchers from the Kawasaki Disease Research Center at the University of California San Diego and the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica joined efforts during the last decade to address this problem. The Red de Enfermedad de Kawasaki en América Latina (Latin American Kawasaki Disease Network) was launched in 2013 to study the epidemiology of KD among children from the major pediatric tertiary referral hospitals in Latin America. This multinational multicenter network is primarily composed of pediatric infectious diseases, cardiology, rheumatology, and immunology subspecialists and pediatricians from 20 countries, and it is one of the world's largest networks to study the general epidemiology of KD. The first 2 prospective and retrospective multinational multicenter studies looking at the epidemiology of KD in the region were initiated in 2014. Future plans for the network include establishing collaborative research alliances and projects with other centers around the world. To date [ 1], there have been no published studies describing the overall incidence and prevalence of KD in Latin American children. The most important and recent epidemiological study addressing this issue, related to Chile, was published in 2012 [ 2]. Of these, the most recent relevant study addressed the seasonality of KD in different parts of the globe, including some Latin American and Caribbean countries [ 4]. In this document, we briefly summarize relevant available information from Latin America. Although there have been other publications from individual countries that are outside the scope of this communication, the majority of these reports are single case reports, or case series that have been published predominantly in local journals that are not indexed in PubMed and instead are in regional Spanish, Portuguese, and English databases.

Ruptura de parede septal e corda tendínea de valva tricúspide após infarto audo do miocárdio / Ventricular septal perforation and rupture of the chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve after acute myocardial infarction

Ruptura de parede septal (RPS) no infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) é uma complicação com alta mortalidade, com incidência de 0,2% na era de reperfusão miocárdica. Relata-se um caso de paciente com IAM associado à RPS, e possível rotura de cordas tendinosas da valva tricúspide.

Postinfarction ventricular septal perforation (VSP) is high-mortality complication with an incedence of 0,2%. This paper presents a case report on a patient presenting VSP in association with a possible rupture of the chordae tendineae of the tricuspide valve.

Lymph-node-first presentation of Kawasaki disease compared with bacterial cervical adenitis and typical Kawasaki disease.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics differentiating the node-first presentation of Kawasaki disease (NFKD) from bacterial cervical lymphadenitis (BCL) and typical Kawasaki disease (KD). STUDY DESIGN: From our prospectively collected database, we compared clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of NFKD and BCL cohorts and performed multivariable logistic regression to identify variables that distinguish NFKD from BCL. We then compared outcomes of patients with NFKD and patients with typical KD treated during the same period. RESULTS: Over 7 years, 57 patients were hospitalized for NFKD, 78 for BCL, and 287 for typical KD. Patients with NFKD were older and had more medical encounters and longer duration of illness before the correct diagnosis was made than did patients with BCL. Of patients with NFKD, 33% had an admission diagnosis of bacterial adenitis or abscess. Compared with patients with BCL, patients with NFKD had lower leukocyte (white blood cell), hemoglobin, and platelet counts and higher absolute band counts (ABCs), C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine transaminase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates. In the multivariable analysis, smaller nodes, lower white blood cell count, and higher ABC and CRP were independently associated with NFKD. Patients with NFKD had multiple enlarged solid nodes and comparable rates of retropharyngeal edema. Compared with patients with typical KD, patients with NFKD were older, had more severe inflammation, and had similar rates of coronary artery abnormalities and resistance to intravenous immune globulin. CONCLUSIONS: High ABC and CRP values and multiple enlarged solid nodes in febrile patients with cervical adenopathy should prompt consideration of NFKD to prevent delayed diagnosis of KD. Retropharyngeal edema on radiography should not dissuade from the diagnosis of NFKD.

Estomatólogos cubanos en las guerras contra el colonialismo español: momentos cumbres / Cuban stomatologics in the wars against the spanish colonialism: moments summits

Introducción: es conocida la participación de los estomatólogos en las luchas independentistas; sin embargo, es menos divulgada su presencia en momentos significativos de estas. Objetivo: argumentar la participación de los profesionales de la Estomatología en momentos decisivos de la Patria y sus vínculos con personalidades más prominentes de esta etapa de la Historia de Cuba. Material y Método: Mediante revisión bibliográfica de textos relacionados con la Historia de Cuba y la Estomatología. Importantes fueron el Diccionario Enciclopédico de Historia Militar de Cuba.1510-1898 (tomo I) y Contribución a la historia de la Estomatología Cubana por estar precisamente dedicado a la especialidad y su historia. Desarrollo: los estomatólogos cubanos estuvieron presentes en momentos cruciales de las guerras contra el colonialismo como el Alzamiento de Camagüey, Asamblea de Guáimaro, Protesta de Baraguá, Invasión triunfante a Occidente, entre otras. Protagonistas de gestos dignos como con el caso de un adolescente que tan sólo con 14 años fue un activo conspirador, los que abandonaron sus carreras motivados por su patriotismo para empuñar el machete mambí y otros que para sufragar los gastos para la Revolución vendieron parte de su instrumental de trabajo. Conclusiones: los profesionales de la Estomatología en Cuba tienen el honor de haber tenido una activa participación en nuestras gestas emancipadoras y no solo ello, sino que estuvieron presentes en momentos cumbres de esta lucha y demostraron su patriotismo, desprendimiento, valentía y altruismo. Grandes figuras de nuestra historia como José Martí, Ignacio Agramonte, Antonio y José Maceo, Máximo Gómez y Calixto García, entre otros, contaron con el apoyo de estomatólogos, protagonistas de hechos dignos de admirar.

Introduction: dentist participation during the independence war is well known, however, remarkable moments are less disclosed. Objective: to argue the professional stomatologist participation in decisive historic moments of our homeland and their relation with prominent personalities during Cuba´s History stage. Material and Method: a bibliographical review of texts relating both the History of Cuba and Cuban stomatologist. Important there were Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Military History of Cuba.1510-1898 (volume I) and Contribution to the History of the Cuban Stomatologist to be precisely dedicated to the specialty and their history. Development: the Cubans stomatologists were present in crucial moments of the wars against the colonialism like in the Camagüey´s rebellion, Guáimaro´s Assembly, the Baragua´s protest, triumphant Invasion to West, among others. Dignified protagonist like an adolescent with only 14 years old that was an active conspirator, those which abandon their career moving by their patriotism to seize the machete and other that sold their working instrument to afford the expenses of revolution. Conclusions: to finance the expenses for the Revolution, the Stomatologist professionals in Cuba had had the honour of an active participation in our independence wars and not only it, they were presented in remarks moments of our fights, demonstrating their patriotism, detachment, courage and altruism. Big figures of our History like José Martí, Ignacio Agramonte, Antonio and José Maceo, Máximo Gómez, and Calixto García, among others, had the Stomatologist support, worthy of admiring characters of facts.

Enseñar historia de Cuba en ciencias médicas: un compromiso y un reto / To teach the history of Cuba in the medical sciences careers: a commitment and a challenge

Introducción: en la Historia de Cuba, los estudiantes universitarios encuentran argumentos y experiencias para enriquecer su actuación personal y social, así como obtienen herramientas para comprender los problemas del mundo tan complejo en que vivimos. Objetivo: argumentar que la enseñanza de la Historia de Cuba en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas constituye un compromiso y un reto por el papel de esta disciplina en la formación de los profesionales de la salud, no solo para Cuba sino para el resto del mundo en que se presta colaboración. Método: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica mediante la consulta de textos de significativas personalidades de la docencia y la investigación de esta disciplina. Además fueron importantes las reflexiones sobre la base de la experiencia de más de 30 años en el ejercicio en la docencia de las autoras. Desarrollo: el estudio sistemático de la Historia de Cuba es hoy más que nunca de gran importancia en la actual coyuntura mundial. Cuba cuenta con una historia desbordada de ejemplos indelebles que constituyen la savia de la que se ha nutrido y se nutre nuestra nación. De ahí la extraordinaria importancia que tiene su conocimiento, como motivación para el futuro al que aspiramos. La enseñanza de la Historia de Cuba es una necesidad para la Educación Superior en todos los centros y carreras, pues el profesional egresado de las universidades necesita estar identificado con nuestra historia nacional. Constituye un verdadero reto para los profesionales de la docencia en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas esta disciplina, si se tiene en cuenta que la Historia de Cuba es objeto de estudio en todos los niveles de enseñanza que la preceden, de ahí que requiere una alta preparación. Conclusiones: la enseñanza de la Historia de Cuba en Ciencias Médicas tiene el compromiso de contribuir a la formación de profesionales de la salud y favorecer su crecimiento humanístico. Los docentes de la disciplina Historia de Cuba en la Universidad Médica, tienen el reto de elevar su nivel profesional para que desarrollen una docencia en la que predomine la cultura del debate donde los estudiantes comprendan, reflexionen, encuentre argumentos y arriben a conclusiones.

Introduction: in the history of Cuba university students find arguments and experiences to enrich their personal and social performance and at the same time they obtain the right tools to understand the problems of the complex world we live in. Objective: point out that teaching the history of Cuba in the medical sciences careers constitutea commitment and a challenge since the important role of this subject in the formationof professionals of the health not only in Cuba but for the rest of the world where thereexists Cuban collaboration. Method: it was carried out a bibliographical revision of texts written by important personalities related to teaching and research of this discipline. It was also taken into consideration important reflections of the authors based on their experience of more than thirty years teaching this discipline. Development: the systematic study of the History of Cuba is more than ever today of great importance in the current world joint. Cuba has an overflowed history of indelible examples that you/they constitute the sap of which has been nurtured and our nation is nurtured. Of there the extraordinary importance that has the knowledge of the same one, as motivation for the future to which we aspire. The teaching of the History of Cuba is a necessity for the Superior Education in all the centers and careers, because the professional egresado of the universities needs to be identified with our national history. It constitutes a true challenge for the professionals of the docencia in the University of Medical Sciences this discipline, if one keeps in mind that the History of Cuba is study object in all the teaching levels that precede it, with the result that it requires of a high preparation. Conclusions: the teaching of the history of Cuba in the medical sciences careers has as commitmentto contribute to the formation of new professionals of health and develop their humanistic personalities. Teachers of the subject History of Cuba in the medical university face the challenge ofincreasing their professional level in order to develop a debate culture among the students so they can think, understand and finally find arguments to arrive to their own conclusions.

Pénfigo vulgar localizado: presentación atípica del pénfigo vulgar: reporte de caso / Localized pemphigus vulgaris: atypical presentation of pemphigus vulgaris: case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 30 años quien consultó por un cuadro de 10 mesesde evolución, consistente en una placa única eritematosa, bien definida, con una costra en su superficie y de aproximadamente un centímetro de diámetro, poco pruriginosa, en ala nasalderecha. El estudio histológico, reveló acantolisis suprabasal y la inmunofluorescencia directa fue positiva sólo para IgG intercelular. Basados en los hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos se hace undiagnóstico de pénfigo vulgar localizado. La lesión fue tratada con esteroide tópico de alta potencia,presentándose remisión completa a las dos semanas y luego de seis meses de seguimiento no se han registrado recurrencias.

A 30 years old female patient, with 10-month history ofa single erythematous, well defined plaque, with a cruston the surface, about one centimeter in diameter, slightly pruritic, in the right nasal wing. Histologic examination reported suprabasal acantholysis and direct immunofluorescence was positive for intercellular IgG deposits. Base don clinical and histopathological findings a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris localized was made. The patient was treated with high potency topical steroid, with complete remission of the lesion at two weeks of treatment and had no recurrences after six months of monitoring.

Analysis of methane biodegradation by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b / Análise da biodegradação de metano por Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

The microbial oxidation of methane in the atmosphere is performed by methanotrophic bacteria that use methane as a unique source of carbon and energy. The objective of this work consisted of the investigation of the best conditions of methane biodegradation by methanotrophic bacteria Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b that oxidize it to carbon dioxide, and the use of these microorganisms in monitoring methods for methane. The results showed that M. trichosporium OB3b was capable to degrade methane in a more effective way with an initial microorganism concentration of 0.0700 g.L-1, temperature of 30ºC, pH 6.5 and using 1.79 mmol of methane. In these same conditions, there was no bacterial growth when 2.69 mmol of methane was used. The specific rate of microorganism growth, the conversion factor, the efficiency and the volumetric productivity, for the optimized conditions of biodegradation were, respectively, 0.0324 h-1, 0.6830 gcells/gCH4, 73.73% and 2.7732.10-3 gcells/L.h. The final product of methane microbiological degradation, carbon dioxide, was quantified through the use of a commercial electrode, and, through this, the grade of methane conversion in carbon dioxide was calculated.

A oxidação microbiológica de metano na atmosfera é realizada por bactérias metanotróficas, que o utilizam como fonte única de carbono e energia. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu na investigação das melhores condições de biodegradação do metano por bactérias metanotróficas Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, que o oxidam a dióxido de carbono, para o emprego destes microrganismos em métodos de monitoração para metano. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que M.trichosporium OB3b foi capaz de degradar o metano de forma mais eficaz partindo-se de uma concentração inicial de microrganismos de 0.0700 g.L-1, a uma temperatura de 30ºC, pH igual a 6.5 e empregando-se 1.79 mmol de metano. Nestas mesmas condições, não houve crescimento bacteriano quando foram empregados 2.69 mmol de metano. A taxa específica de crescimento do microrganismo, o fator de conversão, a eficiência e a produtividade volumétrica para as condições otimizadas de biodegradação foram, respectivamente, 0.0324 h-1, 0.6830 gcélulas/gCH4, 73.73% e 2.7732.10-3 gcélulas/L.h. O produto final da degradação microbiológica do metano, o dióxido de carbono, foi quantificado através do emprego de um eletrodo comercial, e, através desta medida, foi calculado o percentual de conversão de metano em dióxido de carbono.

Analysis of methane biodegradation by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

The microbial oxidation of methane in the atmosphere is performed by methanotrophic bacteria that use methane as a unique source of carbon and energy. The objective of this work consisted of the investigation of the best conditions of methane biodegradation by methanotrophic bacteria Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b that oxidize it to carbon dioxide, and the use of these microorganisms in monitoring methods for methane. The results showed that M. trichosporium OB3b was capable to degrade methane in a more effective way with an initial microorganism concentration of 0.0700 g.L-1, temperature of 30ºC, pH 6.5 and using 1.79 mmol of methane. In these same conditions, there was no bacterial growth when 2.69 mmol of methane was used. The specific rate of microorganism growth, the conversion factor, the efficiency and the volumetric productivity, for the optimized conditions of biodegradation were, respectively, 0.0324 h-1, 0.6830 gcells/gCH4, 73.73% and 2.7732.10-3 gcells/L.h. The final product of methane microbiological degradation, carbon dioxide, was quantified through the use of a commercial electrode, and, through this, the grade of methane conversion in carbon dioxide was calculated.

A oxidação microbiológica de metano na atmosfera é realizada por bactérias metanotróficas, que o utilizam como fonte única de carbono e energia. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu na investigação das melhores condições de biodegradação do metano por bactérias metanotróficas Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, que o oxidam a dióxido de carbono, para o emprego destes microrganismos em métodos de monitoração para metano. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que M.trichosporium OB3b foi capaz de degradar o metano de forma mais eficaz partindo-se de uma concentração inicial de microrganismos de 0.0700 g.L-1, a uma temperatura de 30ºC, pH igual a 6.5 e empregando-se 1.79 mmol de metano. Nestas mesmas condições, não houve crescimento bacteriano quando foram empregados 2.69 mmol de metano. A taxa específica de crescimento do microrganismo, o fator de conversão, a eficiência e a produtividade volumétrica para as condições otimizadas de biodegradação foram, respectivamente, 0.0324 h-1, 0.6830 gcélulas/gCH4, 73.73% e 2.7732.10-3 gcélulas/L.h. O produto final da degradação microbiológica do metano, o dióxido de carbono, foi quantificado através do emprego de um eletrodo comercial, e, através desta medida, foi calculado o percentual de conversão de metano em dióxido de carbono.

Integrated biosensor systems for ethanol analysis.

Different integrated systems with a bi-enzymatic biosensor, working with two different methods for ethanol detection--flow injection analysis (FIA) or sequential injection analysis (SIA)--were developed and applied for ethanol extracted from gasohol mixtures, as well as for samples of alcoholic beverages and fermentation medium. A detection range of 0.05-1.5 g ethanol/l, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9909, has been reached when using FIA system, working with only one microreactor packed with immobilized alcohol oxidase and injecting free horseradish peroxidase. When using both enzymes, immobilized separately in two microreactors, the detection ranges obtained varied from 0.001 to 0.066 g ethanol/l, without on-line dilution to 0.010-0.047 g ethanol/l when a 1:7,000 dilution ratio was employed, reaching correlation coefficients of 0.9897 and 0.9992, respectively. For the integrated biosensor SIA system with the stop-flow technique, the linear range was 0.005-0.04 g/l, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9922.

Amperometric immunosensor for detecting Schistosoma mansoni antibody.

An immunosensor for detecting the antibody anti-apyrase of Schistosoma mansoni based on rigid composite materials, containing graphite powder and epoxy resins, developed in this work, is described. A surface modification strategy for the use of oxidized graphite in the detection of antibody-antigen interaction was developed. This modification strategy is based on silanization of conductive composite. First, the graphite powder-epoxy resin was treated with concentrated hydrogen peroxide to improve surface hydroxyl groups and to form a hydrophilic layer. Second, 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane was subsequently used to functionalize the treated surface to form amino groups, which were further activated with glutaraldehyde to introduce a layer of aldehyde groups. Contact angle microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used as a qualitative analysis of the deposition of silane on the surface of the sensor. The effectiveness of the modification strategy was validated by amperometric immunoassays of S. mansoni. Amperometric signals related to concentrations of this immobilized protein were observed, and the effects of pH and incubation times were analyzed. This surface modification strategy provides a platform on which proteins can be directly immobilized for immunosensor and protein array applications.

Enzymatic microreactors for the determination of ethanol by an automatic sequential injection analysis system.

A sequential injection analysis system with two enzymatic microreactors for the determination of ethanol has been designed. Alcohol oxidase and horseradish peroxidase were separately immobilized on glass aminopropyl beads, and packed in 0.91-mL volume microreactors, working in line with the sequential injection analysis system. A stop flow of 120 s was selected for a linear ethanol range of 0.005-0.04 g/L +/- 0.6% relative standard deviation with a throughput of seven analyses per hour. The system was applied to measure ethanol concentrations in samples of distilled and nondistilled alcoholic beverages, and of alcoholic fermentation with good performance and no significant difference compared with other analytical procedures (gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography).

A sequential enzymatic microreactor system for ethanol detection of gasohol mixtures.

A sequential enzymatic double microreactor system with dilution line was developed for quantifying ethanol from gasohol mixtures, using a colorimetric detection method, as a new proposal to the single micro reactor system used in previous work. Alcohol oxidase (AOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilized on glass beads, one in each microreactor, were used with phenol and 4-aminophenazone and the red-colored product was detected with a spectrophotometer at 555 nm. Good results were obtained with the immobilization technique used for both AOD and HRP enzymes, with best retention efficiencies of 95.3 +/- 2.3% and 63.2 +/- 7.0%, respectively. The two microreactors were used to analyze extracted ethanol from gasohol blends in the range 1-30 % v/v (10.0-238.9 g ethanol/L), with and without an on-line dilution sampling line. A calibration curve was obtained in the range 0.0034-0.087 g ethanol/L working with the on-line dilution integrated to the biosensor FIA system proposed. The diluted sample concentrations were also determined by gas chromatography (GC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and the results compared with the proposed sequential system measurements. The effect of the number of analysis performed with the same system was also investigated.