Centro de Isótopos: acciones en beneficio de la salud pública / Center of Isotope: actions for the benefit of public health

RESUMEN En tributo a los cinco siglos de ciudad el Centro de Isótopos hace recuento de su actividad. La obtención de compuestos marcados con radionucleidos y otros trabajos radioquímicos en el Instituto de Física Nuclear, inaugurado en 1969, estimularon las aplicaciones de las fuentes radiactivas abiertas, por lo que puede considerarse el antecedente organizado más palpable del centro. Posteriormente en los años 80, la Secretaria Ejecutiva para Asuntos Nucleares aceleró, diversificó y amplió las aplicaciones, desarrolló la formación de cuadros y especialistas y la colaboración internacional. La puesta en operación del Centro de Estudios Aplicados al Desarrollo de la Energía Nuclear coincidió con la consolidación de un grupo de instituciones de investigación y producción biotecnológica y con el auge de las aplicaciones en Medicina Nuclear. Pronto se reconoció que no era posible continuar el manejo de un inventario cada vez mayor de radionucleidos, por lo que se diseñó y construyó un centro especializado a ciclo completo: investigación-desarrollo, producción y comercialización, el CENTIS. Durante su integración en 1994 a la Agencia de Energía Nuclear, se concluyó la inversión y se establecieron las metodologías de producción de los más importantes radiofármacos. En más de 20 años de labor CENTIS se ha convertido en el principal soporte de la Medicina Nuclear del país. Con sus capacidades metrológicas en la magnitud radiactividad y sus investigaciones no clínicas y clínicas, se inserta de forma cada vez más estrecha en la vida socio-económica del país y su capital. En el trabajo se detallan los principales resultados de cada etapa en lo relacionado a la misión del centro y se hace una valoración técnica de hacia dónde se encaminan acciones en favor de sus sectores destino: salud e investigación biomédica. Lustros en favor de siglos.

ABSTRACT To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the city of Havana, the Isotope Center reviews its activity since its creation. The production of radionuclidemarked compounds and other radiochemical work at the Institute of Nuclear Physics, inaugurated in 1969, stimulated the applications of open radioactive sources, which can be considered as the most tangible organized antecedent of the center. Later in the 1980s, the Executive Secretary for Nuclear Affairs accelerated, diversified and expanded nuclear applications, developed the training of highly qualified staff and experts as well as international cooperation. The creation of the Center for Applied Nuclear Development Studies coincided with the consolidation of a group of biotechnological research and production institutions and with these applications gaining importance in Nuclear Medicine. It was soon recognized that it was not possible to continue managing a growing inventory of radionuclides. As a result, CENTIS, a specialized center with a complete cycle, was designed and built, which comprised not only research and development, but also production and marketing. When in 1994 CENTIS became part of the Nuclear Energy Agency, investment was concluded and the production methodologies of the most important radiopharmaceuticals were established. In more than 20 years of work CENTIS has become the main support of Nuclear Medicine in the country. With its metrological capabilities in the magnitude of radioactivity and its non-clinical and clinical research, it is increasingly part of the socio-economic life of the country and its capital. In this paper the main results of each stage are detailed in relation to the mission of the center and a technical assessment is made regarding the actions taken to favor their target sectors: health and biomedical research. Periods of five years in favor of centuries.

Chilocorus cacti (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) as a Biological Control Agent of the Wild Cochineal (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) of Prickly Pear Cactus.

The wild cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) is considered to be the most important pest in cactus pear plantations. In Mexico, there are seven natural enemies that provide natural biological control of D. opuntiae. However, their role and impact have not been evaluated. In this article, we report on aspects of the population biology of Chilocorus cacti L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which is considered one of the main natural enemies of D. opuntiae. We also conducted experiments to evaluate the consumption of C. cacti by this predator when fed nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae. Changes in the survival function of D. opuntiae in the presence or absence C. cacti were also identified. Both larvae and adults of C. cacti prefer to consume D. opuntiae nymphs because the wax produced by adult females presents a significant obstacle. The survival analysis showed that the presence of C. cacti had significant negative effects on D. opuntiae survival. C. cacti significantly increased its abundance while reducing the density of adult female D. opuntiae, but this impact occurred only after they had consumed the more preferred nymphs. For this reason, natural enemies other than C. cacti may be required to achieve adequate levels of biological control.

The prostacyclin pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a clinical review.

INTRODUCTION: Prostacyclin is produced in vascular endothelial cells and acts via the IP prostacyclin receptor to cause vasodilation and inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet aggregation. Prostacyclin production is reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and drugs targeting the prostacyclin pathway are one of the pharmacotherapeutic options for PAH. Areas covered: The prostacyclin pathway and drugs that target it are discussed, including synthetic prostacyclin (epoprostenol), prostacyclin analogs (iloprost, treprostinil, beraprost) and selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonists (selexipag). An overview of the development of these therapies, from the earlier agents requiring parenteral administration, through inhaled formulations, to oral products, is provided, together with a summary of data from key clinical trials and registries. Expert commentary: Synthetic prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogs are beneficial for patients with PAH, but they tend to be underused, in part due to the difficulties associated with the administration of parenteral and inhaled formulations. Oral prostacyclin analogs have some limitations with regard to efficacy. The newest agent targeting the prostacyclin pathway, the selective prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag, is administered orally, and has been shown to reduce a composite morbidity/mortality endpoint. Ongoing studies will help clarify how best to use it in the management of PAH.