Quiste dentígero en relación con tercer molar inferior retenido / A Dentigerous Cyst Related to Retained Lower Third Molar

Introducción: El quiste dentígero es un quiste odontogénico, casi siempre asociado a la corona de un diente retenido. Sus ubicaciones más frecuentes son la zona de tercer molar inferior y canino superior. Objetivo: Caracterizar la presentación de un quiste dentígero en un paciente adulto. Presentación de caso: Se presentó el caso de una paciente de 27 años de edad que acude a consulta por presentar sensación de opresión, dolor e inflamación en región de tercer molar inferior izquierdo. Al examen oral se observa tejido dentario en correspondencia con molar 38 parcialmente brotado con ligero edema de la mucosa a su alrededor. En radiografía panorámica se observa imagen radiolúcida en relación con cara mesial del 38 con discreto halo radiopaco, redondeada, compatible con un quiste dentígero. Conclusiones: Un diagnóstico a tiempo de estas lesiones constituye la clave para un tratamiento exitoso y menos invasivo, lo cual evitaría complicaciones mayores como la malignización, el crecimiento exagerado que puede ocasionar deformidad facial y la disfunción masticatoria permanente(AU)

Introduction: Dentigerous cyst is an odontogenic cyst, almost always associated with the crown of a retained tooth. Its most frequent locations are the areas of the lower third molar and the upper canine. Objective: To characterize the presentation of a dentigerous cyst in an adult patient. Case presentation: The case is presented of a 27-year-old female patient who came to the clinic with a sensation of pressure, pain and inflammation in the region of the lower left third molar. Oral examination permits to observe some dental tissue corresponding with molar 38 partially erupted with slight edema of the surrounding mucosa. Panoramic radiograph shows a radiolucent image related to the mesial side of 38, with a discrete radiopaque halo, rounded, compatible with a dentigerous cyst. Conclusions: A timely diagnosis of these lesions is the key to a successful and less invasive treatment, which would avoid major complications, such as malignization, the exaggerated growth that can cause facial deformity and permanent masticatory dysfunction(AU)

G4-QuadScreen: A Computational Tool for Identifying Multi-Target-Directed Anticancer Leads against G-Quadruplex DNA.

The study presents 'G4-QuadScreen', a user-friendly computational tool for identifying MTDLs against G4s. Also, it offers a few hit MTDLs based on in silico and in vitro approaches. Multi-tasking QSAR models were developed using linear discriminant analysis and random forest machine learning techniques for predicting the responses of interest (G4 interaction, G4 stabilization, G4 selectivity, and cytotoxicity) considering the variations in the experimental conditions (e.g., G4 sequences, endpoints, cell lines, buffers, and assays). A virtual screening with G4-QuadScreen and molecular docking using YASARA (AutoDock-Vina) was performed. G4 activities were confirmed via FRET melting, FID, and cell viability assays. Validation metrics demonstrated the high discriminatory power and robustness of the models (the accuracy of all models is ~>90% for the training sets and ~>80% for the external sets). The experimental evaluations showed that ten screened MTDLs have the capacity to selectively stabilize multiple G4s. Three screened MTDLs induced a strong inhibitory effect on various human cancer cell lines. This pioneering computational study serves a tool to accelerate the search for new leads against G4s, reducing false positive outcomes in the early stages of drug discovery. The G4-QuadScreen tool is accessible on the ChemoPredictionSuite website.

Development and application of metallo-phthalocyanines as potent G-quadruplex DNA binders and photosensitizers.

Metallo-phthalocyanines (MPc) are common photosensitizers with ideal photophysical and photochemical properties. Also, these molecules have shown to interact with non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplexes, and modulate oncogenic expression in cancer cells. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterisation of two metallo-phthalocyanines containing either zinc (ZnPc) or nickel (NiPc) in the central aromatic core and four alkyl ammonium lateral chains. The interaction of both molecules with G-quadruplex DNA was assessed by UV-Vis, fluorescence and FRET melting experiments. Both molecules bind strongly to G-quadruplexes and stabilise these structures, being NiPc the most notable G-quadruplex stabiliser. In addition, the photosensitizing ability of both metal complexes was explored by the evaluation of the singlet oxygen generation and their photoactivation in cells. Only ZnPc showed a high singlet oxygen generation either by direct observation or by indirect evaluation using a DPBF dye. The cellular evaluation showed mainly cytoplasmic localization of ZnPc and a decrease of the IC50 values of the cell viability of ZnPc upon light activation of two orders of magnitude. Two metallo-phthalocyanines containing zinc and nickel within the aromatic core have been investigated as G-quadruplex stabilizers and photosensitizers. NiPc shows a high G4 binding but negligible photosensitizing ability while ZnPc exhibits a moderate binding to G-quadruplex together with a high potency to generate singlet oxygen and photocytotoxicity. The interaction with G4s and capacity to be photosensitized is associated with the geometry adopted by the central metal core of the phthalocyanine scaffold.

Exact formula to relate optical path differences and transversal aberration components.

An exact equation to relate the optical path differences (OPD) with its transversal aberration components (TAC) is determined. The OPD-TAC equation reproduces the Rayces formula and introduces the coefficient for the longitudinal aberration. The defocus orthonormal Zernike polynomial (Z DF) is not a solution for the OPD-TAC equation since the obtained longitudinal defocus depends on the ray height on the exit pupil, meaning that it cannot be interpreted as a defocus. In order to find an exact expression for OPD defocus, first, a general relationship between the wavefront shape and its OPD is established. Second, an exact formula for the defocus OPD is established. Finally, it is proved that only the exact defocus OPD is an exact solution of the exact OPD-TAC equation.

Design of freeform mirrors using the concentric rings method.

Through the methodology of optical surface design based on concentric rings, this paper proposes the design of freeform mirrors, initially by employing segmented rings, each of them with different spherical radii of curvature, and then by employing segmented conic rings with different conic constants in each of the segments. These surfaces will then produce the desired images. For the case of segmented spherical rings, mathematical expressions were deduced to obtain the image points as a function of the radii of curvature. Furthermore, it is shown that in the case where conic rings were used, there is a decrease in spherical aberration, which allows the manipulation of the generated image. Finally, several proposals are presented for the design of mirrors to generate both the desired size of the image and the desired distribution of energy, together with their analyses.

Impact of the zinc complexation of polytopic polyaza ligands on the interaction with double and single stranded DNA/RNA and antimicrobial activity.

Metal complexes have gained a huge interest in the biomedical research in the last decade because of the access to unexplored chemical space with regards to organic molecules and to present additional functionalities to act simultaneously as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Herein, we evaluated the interaction of two polytopic polyaza ligands and their zinc complexes with DNA and RNA by UV thermal denaturation, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic assays. The zinc coordination was investigated by X-ray diffraction and afforded the structure of the binuclear zinc complex of PYPOD. Thermal denaturation of DNA and RNA and fluorimetry analysis revealed preferential binding of the zinc-PHENPOD complexes towards GC-containing DNA in contrast to the free ligands. On the other hand, PYPOD metal complexes, compared to the free ligand, stabilized AT-based DNA (B-form) better than AU-RNA (A-form). With regards to single stranded RNA, the binuclear complex of PHENPOD and the free ligand can efficiently identify polyadenylic acid (poly A) among other RNA sequences by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity in S. aureus and E. coli bacteria showed the highest activity for the free ligands and their trinuclear zinc complexes. This work can provide valuable insights into the impact of the nuclearity of polytopic polyaza ligands in the binding to DNA/RNA and the antimicrobial effect.

Modulating the G-Quadruplex and Duplex DNA Binding by Controlling the Charge of Fluorescent Molecules.

Two fluorescent and non-toxic spirobifluorene molecules bearing either positive (Spiro-NMe3) or negative (Spiro-SO3) charged moieties attached to the same aromatic structure have been investigated as binders for DNA. The novel Spiro-NMe3 containing four alkylammonium substituents interacts with G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures and shows preference for G4s over duplex by means of FRET melting and fluorescence experiments. The interaction is governed by the charged substituents of the ligands as deduced from the lower binding of the sulfonate analogue (Spiro-SO3). On the contrary, Spiro-SO3 exhibits higher binding affinity to duplex DNA structure than to G4. Both molecules show a moderate quenching of the fluorescence upon DNA binding. The confocal microscopy evaluation shows the internalization of both molecules in HeLa cells and their lysosomal accumulation.

Development of potent tripodal G-quadruplex DNA binders and their efficient delivery to cancer cells by aptamer functionalised liposomes.

Two new ligands (TPB3P and TPB3Py) showing a strong stabilisation effect and good selectivity for G4 over duplex DNAs have been synthesised. The ligands hold three analogous polyamine pendant arms (TPA3P and TPA3Py) but differ in the central aromatic core, which is a triphenylbenzene moiety instead of a triphenylamine moiety. Both TPB3P and TPB3Py exhibit high cytotoxicity in MCF-7, LN229 and HeLa cancer cells in contrast to TPA-based ligands, which exhibit no significant cytotoxicity. Moreover, the most potent G4 binders have been encapsulated in liposomes and AS1411 aptamer-targeted liposomes reaching nanomolar IC50 values for the most cytotoxic systems.

Colecistostomía en tiempos de COVID-19 / Cholecystostomy in COVID-19 Times

Introducción: Con el advenimiento de la pandemia por la enfermedad de la COVID-19 ha sido necesario reorganizar los servicios de salud y modificar en cierta medida la indicación quirúrgica en la colecistitis aguda. Objetivo: Caracterizar la colecistostomía como una alternativa segura y eficaz para la resolución de la colecistitis aguda litiásica en pacientes en los que no está indicada la cirugía, portador o no de la COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión descriptiva narrativa desde el 2019 hasta el 2021 de las fuentes primarias y secundarias que abordan este tema; fue este período de tiempo en el que se desarrolló la pandemia provocada por SARS-Cov 2. Se usaron el Google Chrome y las bases de datos electrónicas MEDLINE/PubMed, INDEXMEDICUS y fuentes de información en revistas basadas en evidencias como ACP Journal Best Evidence y Cochrane. Desarrollo: El impacto de la crisis sanitaria sobre los servicios quirúrgicos se traduce en la cancelación de las colecistectomías electivas en el 97,6 por ciento de los centros. Esta decisión no es inocua, puesto que se ha estimado un riesgo anual de desarrollar complicaciones del 1-3 por ciento en la colelitiasis sintomática. Conclusiones: La colecistostomía es el método más acertado a utilizar para la resolución de la colecistitis aguda litiásica en pacientes en los que no está indicada la cirugía, con mala respuesta al tratamiento médico y sin tener la completa seguridad de que el paciente es o no portador de la COVID-19(AU)

Introduction: With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, to reorganize health services has been necessary, as well as to modify, to a certain extent, the surgical indication for acute cholecystitis. Objective: To characterize cholecystostomy as a safe and effective alternative for the resolution of acute lithiasic cholecystitis in patients with no surgical indication, whether or not they have COVID-19. Methods: A narrative-descriptive review was carried out from 2019 to 2021 of primary and secondary sources addressing this topic; this time period marked the development of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Google Chrome was used, together with the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed and INDEXMEDICUS, as well as sources of information in evidence-based journals, such as ACP Journal Best Evidence and Cochrane. Development: The impact of the health crisis over surgical services is translated into the cancellation of elective cholecystectomies in 97.6 percent of the centers. This decision is not innocuous, since an annual risk of developing complications has been estimated at 1-3 percent for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Conclusions: Cholecystostomy is the most successful method to be used for the resolution of acute lithiasic cholecystitis in patients with no surgical indication or poor response to medical treatment, without complete certainty as to whether or not the patient has COVID-19(AU)

Caracterización de pacientes con traumatismos torácicos atendidos en el servicio de Cirugía General. Cienfuegos, 2019-2020 / Characterization of patients with thoracic trauma treated in the General Surgery Service. Cienfuegos, 2019-2020

RESUMEN Fundamento el traumatismo torácico es un cuadro clínico complejo que puede comprometer la vida del paciente. Por ello es de interés su estudio y análisis. Objetivo caracterizar los pacientes con traumatismo torácico en el servicio de Cirugía General. Métodos estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, de serie de casos, que incluyó a pacientes que ingresaron con el diagnóstico de traumatismo torácico, en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, de Cienfuegos, en el período enero/2019 a diciembre/2020. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, comorbilidades, exámenes imagenológicos, agente causal, lesión torácica, tipo de tratamiento, tipo de traumatismo torácico y estado al egreso. Resultados el trauma de tórax fue más frecuente en el sexo masculino, a partir de la cuarta década de vida en pacientes sanos. El examen imagenológico más usado fue la radiografía simple de tórax; y el agente causal predominante, la herida por arma blanca. Las lesiones torácicas más frecuentes resultaron el enfisema subcutáneo y el hemoneumotorax, así como la pleurostomía fue el tipo de tratamiento más usado. Predominó el traumatismo torácico aislado, siendo las lesiones abdominales las más asociadas. La mayoría de los pacientes egresaron vivos. Conclusión el trauma torácico constituye una patología altamente desafiante, por lo complejas que pueden llegar a ser las lesiones derivadas de él; se presenta con mayor frecuencia en hombres sanos. Cuando se asocia a otras lesiones aumenta la mortalidad.

Background chest trauma is a complex clinical picture that can compromise the patient's life. Therefore, its study and analysis is of interest. Objective to characterize patients with chest trauma in the General Surgery service. Methods descriptive, prospective, case series study which included patients admitted with a diagnosis of chest trauma, in the General Surgery Service at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital, Cienfuegos, from January 2019 to December2020. The analyzed variables were: age, sex, comorbidities, imaging tests, causal agent, chest injury, type of treatment, type of chest trauma, and discharge status. Results chest trauma was more frequent in males, from the fourth decade of life in healthy patients. The most used imaging test was the simple chest X-ray; and the predominant causal agent, the stab wound. The most frequent chest injuries were subcutaneous emphysema and hemopneumothorax, and pleurostomy was the most used type of treatment. Isolated chest trauma prevailed, with abdominal injuries being the most associated. Most of the patients were discharged alive. Conclusion thoracic trauma constitutes a highly challenging pathology, due to how complex the injuries derived from it can become; It occurs more frequently in healthy men. When associated with other injuries, mortality increases.

Proof that spot diagram borders are always caustic curves and/or marginal rays II: annular (circular and elliptical) and single hexagonal exit pupils.

In a previous paper [Appl. Opt. 61, C20 (2022)] it was proven that for a circular exit pupil and any optical path differences, the border of any spot diagram is integrated by the caustic surface and/or marginal rays. In this paper, the previous results are extended to annular (circular an elliptical) as well as hexagonal (single and segmented) exit pupils. Several examples of wavefronts affected by linear combinations of orthonormal Zernike aberrations are shown.

Borders of spot diagrams are always caustic surfaces and/or marginal rays.

In this paper, it is proven that for any optical system with a circular exit pupil and wavefronts affected by any aberrations, the borders of all leaving rays are caustic surfaces and/or marginal rays. Several examples are shown for wavefronts affected by linear combinations of Zernike aberrations.

Identification of Aryl Polyamines Derivatives as Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Agents Targeting Iron Superoxide Dismutase.

Chagas disease (CD) is a tropical and potentially fatal infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Although CD was limited to Latin America as a silent disease, CD has become widespread as a result of globalization. Currently, 6-8 million people are infected worldwide, and no effective treatment is available. Here, we identify new effective agents against T. cruzi. In short, 16 aryl polyamines were screened in vitro against different T. cruzi strains, and lead compounds were evaluated in vivo after oral administration in both the acute and chronic infections. The mode of action was also evaluated at the energetic level, and its high activity profile could be ascribed to a mitochondria-dependent bioenergetic collapse and redox stress by inhibition of the Fe-SOD enzyme. We present compound 15 as a potential compound that provides a step forward for the development of new agents to combat CD.

Alkaloids as Photosensitisers for the Inactivation of Bacteria.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy has emerged as a powerful approach to tackle microbial infections. Photodynamic therapy utilises a photosensitiser, light, and oxygen to generate singlet oxygen and/or reactive oxygen species in an irradiated tissue spot, which subsequently react with nearby biomolecules and destroy the cellular environment. Due to the possibility to irradiate in a very precise location, it can be used to eradicate bacteria, fungus, and parasites upon light activation of the photosensitiser. In this regard, natural products are low-cost molecules capable of being obtained in large quantities, and some of them can be used as photosensitisers. Alkaloids are the largest family among natural products and include molecules with a basic nature and aromatic rings. For this study, we collected the naturally occurring alkaloids used to treat microorganism infections using a photodynamic inactivation approach. We gathered their main photophysical properties (excitation/emission wavelengths, quantum yields, and oxygen quantum yield) which characterise the ability to efficiently photosensitise. In addition, we described the antibacterial activity of alkaloids upon irradiation and the mechanisms involved in the microorganism killing. This review will serve as a reference source to obtain the main information on alkaloids used in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

Íleo biliar: una causa infrecuente de oclusión intestinal. Presentación de un caso clínico

RESUMEN El íleo biliar es una causa poco frecuente de obstrucción intestinal mecánica. Generalmente se ve en pacientes adultos mayores del sexo femenino con antecedentes de ser portadores de litiasis vesicular, representando solamente del 1 al 6% de las obstrucciones intestinales diagnosticadas. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 66 años de edad con antecedentes de presentar cólicos a repetición por litiasis vesicular, la cual acude al cuerpo de guardia de nuestro centro por dolor abdominal vómitos y distención abdominal. Se comprobó en el acto quirúrgico la presencia de un íleo biliar. Se concluye que entre las causas infrecuentes de oclusión intestinal mecánica podemos citar el íleo biliar, lo cual lo corrobora el hecho de que en el servicio de cirugía de nuestro centro solo tenemos dos casos anteriores reportados.

ABSTRACT Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of mechanical bowel obstruction. It is generally seen in older female patients with a history of being carriers of gallstones, representing only 1 to 6% of diagnosed intestinal obstructions. A case of a 66-years-old female patient with a history of recurrent colic due to gallstones, who came to the guardhouse of the hospital for abdominal pain, vomiting and abdominal distention, it is presented. The presence of a gallstone ileus was verified in the surgical act. It is concluded that among the infrequent causes of mechanical intestinal occlusion can be mentioned gallstone ileus, which is corroborated by the fact that in the surgery service of the hospital only have two previous reported cases.

Initial Biological Assessment of Upconversion Nanohybrids.

Nanoparticles for medical use should be non-cytotoxic and free of bacterial contamination. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) coated with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) made by combining UCNPs free of oleic acid, here termed bare UCNPs (UCn), and CB[7], i.e., UC@CB[7] nanohybrids, could be used as photoactive inorganic-organic hybrid scaffolds for biological applications. UCNPs, in general, are not considered to be highly toxic materials, but the release of fluorides and lanthanides upon their dissolution may cause cytotoxicity. To identify potential adverse effects of the nanoparticles, dehydrogenase activity of endothelial cells, exposed to various concentrations of the UCNPs, was determined. Data were verified by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release as the indicator of loss of plasma membrane integrity, which indicates necrotic cell death. This assay, in combination with calcein AM/Ethidium homodimer-1 staining, identified induction of apoptosis as main mode of cell death for both particles. The data showed that the UCNPs are not cytotoxic to endothelial cells, and the samples did not contain endotoxin contamination. Higher cytotoxicity, however, was seen in HeLa and RAW 264.7 cells. This may be explained by differences in lysosome content and particle uptake rate. Internalization of UCn and UC@CB[7] nanohybrids by cells was demonstrated by NIR laser scanning microscopy.

Ditopic Aza-Scorpiand Ligands Interact Selectively with ds-RNA and Modulate the Interaction upon Formation of Zn2+ Complexes.

Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules in living systems and represent one of the main targets of chemists, biophysics, biologists, and nanotechnologists. New small molecules are continuously developed to target the duplex (ds) structure of DNA and, most recently, RNA to be used as therapeutics and/or biological tools. Stimuli-triggered systems can promote and hamper the interaction to biomolecules through external stimuli such as light and metal coordination. In this work, we report on the interaction with ds-DNA and ds-RNA of two aza-macrocycles able to coordinate Zn2+ metal ions and form binuclear complexes. The interaction of the aza-macrocycles and the Zn2+ metal complexes with duplex DNA and RNA was studied using UV thermal and fluorescence indicator displacement assays in combination with theoretical studies. Both ligands show a high affinity for ds-DNA/RNA and selectivity for ds-RNA. The ability to interact with these duplexes is blocked upon Zn2+ coordination, which was confirmed by the low variation in the melting temperature and poor displacement of the fluorescent dye from the ds-DNA/RNA. Cell viability assays show a decrease in the cytotoxicity of the metal complexes in comparison with the free ligands, which can be associated with the observed binding to the nucleic acids.

Caracterización de relaparotomías realizadas en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima (2015-2017) / Characterization of relaparotomies performed at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital (2015-2017)

RESUMEN Fundamento Las relaparotomías se asocian a un porcentaje considerable de morbilidad y mortalidad de pacientes que requieren cuidados intensivos; y en torno a este procedimiento resulta complejo decidir cuándo y cómo realizarlo, de manera que sea efectivo en todos los sentidos. Por ello es de interés el estudio de sus resultados mediante el análisis de variables específicas. Objetivo caracterizar el comportamiento de las relaparotomías en un servicio de Cirugía General. Métodos estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte longitudinal y prospectivo, que incluyó a pacientes que requirieron relaparotomías, las cuales fueron realizadas en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima, de Cienfuegos, en el período enero/2015 a diciembre/2017. Las variables analizadas fueron: diagnóstico operatorio en la reintervención, estrategia quirúrgica, número de reintervenciones, y tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía inicial a la reintervención, entre otras. Resultados se obtuvo un índice de relaparotomías de 2,7. Predominó el grupo de más de 60 años y el sexo masculino; las peritonitis y las evisceraciones postoperatorias fueron las causas principales. Los criterios clínicos fueron los más empleados para reintervenir; la relaparotomía a demanda se aplicó a mayor número de pacientes, con respecto al resto de estrategias quirúrgicas. La mortalidad aumentó en los pacientes reintervenidos en las primeras 72 horas. Conclusión En la serie analizada el número de reintervenciones y la mortalidad mostraron una relación de proporcionalidad directa. La disfunción múltiple de órganos fue la causa de muerte más asociada al procedimiento de relaparotomía.

ABSTRACT Background Relaparotomies are associated with a considerable percentage of morbidity and mortality in patients who require intensive care; and around this procedure it is complex to decide when and how to do it, so that it is effective in every way. For this reason, the study of its results through the analysis of specific variables is of interest. Objective to characterize the behavior of relaparotomies in a General Surgery service. Methods descriptive, longitudinal and prospective observational study, which included patients who required relaparotomies, which were performed in the Surgery service of the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital General, in Cienfuegos, from January/2015 to December / 2017. The variables analyzed were: operative diagnosis at reintervention, surgical strategy, number of reintervention, and time elapsed from initial surgery to reintervention, among others. Results a relaparotomy index of 2.7 was obtained. The group over 60 years old and the male sex predominated; peritonitis and postoperative eviscerations were the main causes. The clinical criteria were the most used for reintervention; On-demand relaparotomy was applied to a greater number of patients, compared to the other surgical strategies. Mortality increased in reoperated patients in the first 72 hours. Conclusion In the series analyzed, the number of reoperations and mortality showed a direct proportionality relationship. Multiple organ dysfunctions were the cause of death most associated with the relaparotomy procedure.

Earliest known human burial in Africa.

The origin and evolution of hominin mortuary practices are topics of intense interest and debate1-3. Human burials dated to the Middle Stone Age (MSA) are exceedingly rare in Africa and unknown in East Africa1-6. Here we describe the partial skeleton of a roughly 2.5- to 3.0-year-old child dating to 78.3 ± 4.1 thousand years ago, which was recovered in the MSA layers of Panga ya Saidi (PYS), a cave site in the tropical upland coast of Kenya7,8. Recent excavations have revealed a pit feature containing a child in a flexed position. Geochemical, granulometric and micromorphological analyses of the burial pit content and encasing archaeological layers indicate that the pit was deliberately excavated. Taphonomical evidence, such as the strict articulation or good anatomical association of the skeletal elements and histological evidence of putrefaction, support the in-place decomposition of the fresh body. The presence of little or no displacement of the unstable joints during decomposition points to an interment in a filled space (grave earth), making the PYS finding the oldest known human burial in Africa. The morphological assessment of the partial skeleton is consistent with its assignment to Homo sapiens, although the preservation of some primitive features in the dentition supports increasing evidence for non-gradual assembly of modern traits during the emergence of our species. The PYS burial sheds light on how MSA populations interacted with the dead.