Characterization of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. (Asteraceae): Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity and Chromatography Analysis.

Cosmos sulphureus Cav. (Asteraceae), and endemic plant of Mexico is used in herbal medicine. In this study, the phytochemical composition, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of ethanolic and methanolic extracts from C. sulphureus leaves and flowers were determined. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of compounds such as terpenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and flavonoids and the absence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, and anthraquinones. The experimental results showed that the extracts have high contents of phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannins contents. The phenolic compounds identified in the C. sulphureus extracts by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) include phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid as well flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin. The C. sulphureus extracts showed a relevant free radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation inhibition ability, and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity. This research highlights the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds-rich extracts from C. sulphureus leaves and flowers.

Phenotypic, Anatomical, and Diel Variation in Sugar Concentration Linked to Cell Wall Invertases in Common Bean Pod Racemes under Water Restriction.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pod wall is essential for seed formation and to protect seeds. To address the effect of water restriction on sugar metabolism in fruits differing in sink strength under light-dark cycles, we used plants of cv. OTI at 100% field capacity (FC) and at 50% FC over 10 days at the beginning of pod filling. Water restriction intensified the symptoms of leaf senescence. However, pods maintained a green color for several days longer than leaves did. In addition, the functionality of pods of the same raceme was anatomically demonstrated, and no differences were observed between water regimes. The glucose and starch concentrations were lower than those of sucrose, independent of pod wall size. Remarkably, the fructose concentration decreased only under water restriction. The cell wall invertase activity was twofold higher in the walls of small pods than in those of large ones in both water regimes; similar differences were not evident for cytosolic or vacuolar invertase. Using bioinformatics tools, six sequences of invertase genes were identified in the P. vulgaris genome. The PvINVCW4 protein sequence contains substitutions for conserved residues in the sucrose-binding site, while qPCR showed that transcript levels were induced in the walls of small pods under stress. The findings support a promising strategy for addressing sink strength under water restriction.

Phylogenetic relationships in Coryphantha and implications on Pelecyphora and Escobaria (Cacteae, Cactoideae, Cactaceae).

The genus Coryphantha includes plants with globose to cylindrical stems bearing furrowed tubercles, flowers arising at the apex, and seeds with flattened testa cells. Coryphantha is the second richest genus in the tribe Cacteae. Nevertheless, the genus lacks a phylogenetic framework. The limits of Coryphantha with its sister genus Escobaria and the infrageneric classification of Coryphantha have not been evaluated in a phylogenetic study. In this study we analyzed five chloroplast regions (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, rpl16, and trnL-F) using Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. We included 44 species of Coryphantha and 43 additional species of the tribe Cacteae. Our results support the monophyly of Coryphantha by excluding C.macromeris. Escobaria + Pelecyphora + C.macromeris are corroborated as the sister group of Coryphantha. Within Coryphantha our phylogenetic analyses recovered two main clades containing seven subclades, and we propose to recognize those as two subgenera and seven sections, respectively. Also, a new delimitation of Pelecyphora including C.macromeris and all species previously included in Escobaria is proposed. To accommodate this new delimitation 25 new combinations are proposed. The seven subclades recovered within Coryphantha are morphologically and geographically congruent, and partially agree with the traditional classification of this genus.

Anti-Virulence Properties of Plant Species: Correlation between In Vitro Activity and Efficacy in a Murine Model of Bacterial Infection.

Several plant extracts exhibit anti-virulence properties due to the interruption of bacterial quorum sensing (QS). However, studies on their effects at the preclinical level are scarce. Here, we used a murine model of abscess/necrosis induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to evaluate the anti-pathogenic efficacy of 24 plant extracts at a sub-inhibitory concentration. We analyzed their ability to inhibit QS-regulated virulence factors such as swarming, pyocyanin production, and secretion of the ExoU toxin via the type III secretion system (T3SS). Five of the seven extracts with the best anti-pathogenic activity reduced ExoU secretion, and the extracts of Diphysa americana and Hibiscus sabdariffa were identified as the most active. Therefore, the abscess/necrosis model allows identification of plant extracts that have the capacity to reduce pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of the plant extracts on Chromobacterium violaceum. T3SS (ΔescU) and QS (ΔcviI) mutant strains were assessed in both the abscess/necrosis and sepsis models. Only the ΔescU strain had lower pathogenicity in the animal models, although no activity of plant extracts was observed. These results demonstrate differences between the anti-virulence activity recorded in vitro and pathogenicity in vivo and between the roles of QS and T3S systems as virulence determinants.

Caracterización de pacientes extranjeros confirmados con la COVID-19 en Santiago de Cuba / Characterization of foreign patients confirmed with the COVID - 19 in Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: La COVID - 19 es una enfermedad emergente, que ha afectado a todo el mundo de forma pandémica, con elevados costos sanitarios, económicos y sociales. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes extranjeros confirmados con la COVID - 19 en Santiago de Cuba, según variables clinicoepidemiológicas seleccionadas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 42 pacientes extranjeros, quienes visitaron la provincia de Santiago de Cuba y resultaron positivos a la COVID - 19, los cuales fueron remitidos a los centros de salud destinados para su atención desde marzo hasta diciembre del 2020. Se analizaron variables, tales como edad, sexo, municipio de residencia, país de procedencia, meses de mayor número de extranjeros que visitaron la provincia y evolución clínica. Resultados: El grupo etario de mayor frecuencia fue el de 30 - 44 años (14 pacientes para 33,3 %), seguido de los afectados de 45 - 59 (11 para 26,2 %). El municipio de Santiago de Cuba resultó el de mayor riesgo de incidencia (27 para 64,3 %). La manifestación clínica más común fue el malestar general y el país de procedencia que prevaleció, Estados Unidos (47,6 %). Todos los pacientes fueron importados. Conclusiones: Los integrantes de la casuística tuvieron una evolución favorable, lo cual permitió accionar, desde la atención primaria de salud, a fin de prevenir la enfermedad y realizar el control de foco como principal herramienta para cortar la cadena de transmisión.

Introduction: The COVID-19 is an emergent disease that has affected everybody in a pandemic way, with high sanitary, economic and social costs. Objective: To characterize foreign patients confirmed with the COVID-19 in Santiago de Cuba, according to selected clinical epidemiological variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 42 foreign patients who visited Santiago de Cuba province and tested positive to the COVID-19, who were referred to the health centers dedicated for their care was carried out from March to December, 2020. Some variables were analyzed, such as age, sex, residence municipality, origin country, months of more number of foreigners that visited the province and clinical course. Results: The age group of more frequency was that of 30 - 44 years (14 patients for 33.3 %), followed by those affected of 45 - 59 years (11 for 26.2 %). The municipality of Santiago de Cuba had the higher risk of incidence (27 for 64.3 %). The most common clinical sign was the diffuse discomfort and the origin country that prevailed, United States (47.6 %). All the patients were imported. Conclusions: The members of the case material had a favorable clinical course, that allowed to work, from the primary health care, in order to prevent the disease and to carry out the source of infection control as main tool to stop the transmission chain.

Quantitative Analysis of Rutin by HPTLC and In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Phenolic-Rich Extracts from Verbesina sphaerocephala.

Verbesina sphaerocephala A. Gray, like other wild plants of the genus Verbesina, has been used in herbal medicine. There is information for other species of the genus related to their phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and isolation of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. However, there are no reports for V. sphaerocephala, although it has an important presence in the state of Michoacán, México. In this study, the phenolic composition, quantification of rutin, and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of methanolic extracts from V. sphaerocephala leaves and flowers were determined. The results showed that all the investigated extracts have high phenolic and flavonoid contents. The flavonoid rutin was identified in all the extracts from V. sphaerocephala by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The V. sphaerocephala extracts showed scavenging activity against DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals (IC50 and 5.83 ± 0.50 and 0.93 ± 0.01 mg/mL, respectively) as well as relevant antioxidant capacity (51.05 ± 0.36 mg of ascorbic acid/g of dry tissue). The experimental results show that V. sphaerocephala extracts possessed a strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This research indicates that V. sphaerocephala could be considered as a potential source of natural compounds from the point of ethnopharmacological usage.

Calidad de la atención a madres de recién nacidos con bajo peso / Quality of care for mothers of newborns with low weight

Se realizó un estudio cualitativo de tipo evaluativo, con vistas a determinar la calidad de la atención a 28 madres de recién nacidos con bajo peso, pertenecientes al Policlínico Docente "30 de Noviembre" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero a diciembre del 2010. Se confeccionaron tablas de distribución de frecuencias, se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen relacionado con variables cualitativas y la prueba de hipótesis no paramétricas con 95 % de confiabilidad. Asimismo se emplearon técnicas estadísticas de procedimiento a partir de las encuestas aplicadas. Al comparar los indicadores de cada criterio con los estándares prefijados en cuanto a la competencia profesional, la satisfacción de usuarias y los prestadores de servicio, se concluyó que la calidad de la atención a estas madres fue inadecuada.

An evaluative qualitative study was carried out to determine the quality of care for 28 mothers of newborns with low weight, belonging to "30 de Noviembre" Teaching Polyclinic, of Santiago de Cuba, from January to December, 2010. Tables of frecuency distribution were made, the percentage as summary measure related to qualitative variables and nonparametric hypothesis testing with 95 % confidence were used. Also, procedure statistical techniques were used from the surveys. When comparing the indicators of each criterion with preset standards regarding professional competence, satisfaction of users and health providers, it was concluded that the quality of care for these mothers was inappropriate.

Calidad de la atención a madres de recién nacidos con bajo peso / Quality of care for mothers of newborns with low weight

Se realizó un estudio cualitativo de tipo evaluativo, con vistas a determinar la calidad de la atención a 28 madres de recién nacidos con bajo peso, pertenecientes al Policlínico Docente 30 de Noviembre de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero a diciembre del 2010. Se confeccionaron tablas de distribución de frecuencias, se utilizó el porcentaje como medida de resumen relacionado con variables cualitativas y la prueba de hipótesis no paramétricas con 95 por ciento de confiabilidad. Asimismo se emplearon técnicas estadísticas de procedimiento a partir de las encuestas aplicadas. Al comparar los indicadores de cada criterio con los estándares prefijados en cuanto a la competencia profesional, la satisfacción de usuarias y los prestadores de servicio, se concluyó que la calidad de la atención a estas madres fue inadecuada(AU)

An evaluative qualitative study was carried out to determine the quality of care for 28 mothers of newborns with low weight, belonging to 30 de Noviembre Teaching Polyclinic, of Santiago de Cuba, from January to December, 2010. Tables of frecuency distribution were made, the percentage as summary measure related to qualitative variables and nonparametric hypothesis testing with 95 percent confidence were used. Also, procedure statistical techniques were used from the surveys. When comparing the indicators of each criterion with preset standards regarding professional competence, satisfaction of users and health providers, it was concluded that the quality of care for these mothers was inappropriate(AU)

Efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach en pacientes con alcoholismo crónico / Effectiveness of Bach flower therapy in patients with chronic alcoholism

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 15 pacientes con alcoholismo crónico, pertenecientes al Grupo Básico de Trabajo No. 3 del Policlínico Docente "Armando García Aspurú", de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio de 2008 hasta febrero de 2009, a fin de evaluar la efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach en el tratamiento de dichos pacientes, para lo cual se aplicó primero un esquema terapéutico general y luego individual. Se emplearon la media aritmética para cuantificar los datos, la desviación estándar para estimar la variabilidad y el porcentaje como medida de resumen, con un intervalo de confianza de 95 %. La favorable evolución observada en la mayoría de ellos puso de manifiesto la utilidad de esta terapia para disminuir manifestaciones psicosomáticas de ansiedad, depresión e insomnio y mejorar así la calidad de vida, tanto de los afectados como de sus familiares.

A therapeutic intervention was performed in 15 patients with chronic alcoholism, belonging to the Working Basic Group No. 3 of "Armando García Aspurú" Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from June 2008 to February 2009, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy in the treatment of these patients, thus applying a therapeutic regimen generally first and then individually. The arithmetic mean to quantify the data, the standard deviation to estimate the variability and the percentage as summary measure were used, with a 95% confidence interval. The favorable course observed in most of them demonstrated the usefulness of this therapy to reduce psychosomatic manifestations of anxiety, depression and insomnia and improve the life quality of both patients and their families.

Factores determinantes de la deserción escolar en el Policlínico Docente "Frank País García" / Determinant factors of the school desertion in «Frank País García¼ Teaching Polyclinic from Santiago de Cuba

Se realizó un estudio de tipo investigación en el campo de la educación médica de pregrado a 33 estudiantes del primer año de medicina en el primer semestre del curso 2010-2011 en el Policlínico Docente "Frank País García" de Santiago de Cuba, con vistas a identificar los factores determinantes de la deserción escolar de este período. Para obtener la información, se aplicó un cuestionario a los educandos, avalado por criterios de expertos, y se llevaron a cabo métodos teóricos y empíricos (descritos en el trabajo). Se obtuvo que la deserción escolar fuera elevada y entre sus principales causas estuvieron la insuficiencia docente, el abandono y la falta de orientación vocacional.

A study of investigation type was carried out in the field of pregraduate medical education to 33 first year students in the first semester of the course 2010-2011 at "Frank País García" Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, with the objective of identifying the determinant factors of the school desertion in this period. To obtain the information, a inquiry was applied to the students, endorsed by experts' criteria, and theoretical and empiric methods (described in the work) were carried out. It was obtained that the school desertion was high and among its main causes there were teaching inadequacy, desertion and the lack of vocational guide.

Factores determinantes de la deserción escolar en el Policlínico Docente Frank País García / Determinant factors of the school desertion in Frank País García Teaching Polyclinic from Santiago de Cuba

Se realizó un estudio de tipo investigación en el campo de la educación médica de pregrado a 33 estudiantes del primer año de medicina en el primer semestre del curso 2010-2011 en el Policlínico Docente Frank País García de Santiago de Cuba, con vistas a identificar los factores determinantes de la deserción escolar de este período. Para obtener la información, se aplicó un cuestionario a los educandos, avalado por criterios de expertos, y se llevaron a cabo métodos teóricos y empíricos (descritos en el trabajo). Se obtuvo que la deserción escolar fuera elevada y entre sus principales causas estuvieron la insuficiencia docente, el abandono y la falta de orientación vocaciona(AU)

A study of investigation type was carried out in the field of pregraduate medical education to 33 first year students in the first semester of the course 2010-2011 at Frank País García Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, with the objective of identifying the determinant factors of the school desertion in this period. To obtain the information, a inquiry was applied to the students, endorsed by experts' criteria, and theoretical and empiric methods (described in the work) were carried out. It was obtained that the school desertion was high and among its main causes there were teaching inadequacy, desertion and the lack of vocational guide(AU)

Efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach en pacientes con alcoholismo crónico / Effectiveness of Bach flower therapy in patients with chronic alcoholism

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 15 pacientes con alcoholismo crónico, pertenecientes al Grupo Básico de Trabajo No 3 del Policlínico Docente Armando García Aspurú, de Santiago de Cuba, desde junio de 2008 hasta febrero de 2009, a fin de evaluar la efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach en el tratamiento de dichos pacientes, para lo cual se aplicó primero un esquema terapéutico general y luego individual. Se emplearon la media aritmética para cuantificar los datos, la desviación estándar para estimar la variabilidad y el porcentaje como medida de resumen, con un intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento. La favorable evolución observada en la mayoría de ellos puso de manifiesto la utilidad de esta terapia para disminuir manifestaciones psicosomáticas de ansiedad, depresión e insomnio y mejorar así la calidad de vida, tanto de los afectados como de sus familiares(AU)

A therapeutic intervention was performed in 15 patients with chronic alcoholism, belonging to the Working Basic Group No. 3 of Armando García Aspurú Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from June 2008 to February 2009, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Bach flower therapy in the treatment of these patients, thus applying a therapeutic regimen generally first and then individually. The arithmetic mean to quantify the data, the standard deviation to estimate the variability and the percentage as summary measure were used, with a 95 percent confidence interval. The favorable course observed in most of them demonstrated the usefulness of this therapy to reduce psychosomatic manifestations of anxiety, depression and insomnia and improve the life quality of both patients and their families(AU)

Calidad de la ejecución del programa nacional de prevención, diagnóstico, evaluación y control de la hipertensión arterial en el Policlínico Universitario Julián Grimau García / Quality of the implementation of the national program of prevention, diagnosis, evaluation and control of hypertension at

Se realizó una investigación sobre servicios y sistemas de salud para evaluar la calidad de la ejecución del Programa Nacional de Prevención, Diagnóstico, Evaluación y Control de la Hipertensión Arterial en el Policlínico Julián Grimau García de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre de 2009 hasta igual mes de 2010, para lo cual se elaboraron los criterios, indicadores y estándares pertinentes, en tanto las dimensiones evaluadas fueron la estructura y el proceso (competencia profesional). Se contó con la participación de todos los especialistas de medicina general integral que se encontraban laborando en la unidad durante ese período y accedieron a colaborar. Se halló que dicho Programa no se ejecutaba con la calidad requerida y que existían dificultades en la estructura por el inadecuado estado de los recursos materiales; sin embargo, los resultados del examen de competencia se consideraron satisfactorios, puesto que los profesionales en cuestión dominaban los contenidos.

A research on health services and systems was carried out to evaluate the quality of the implementation of the National Program of Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation and Control of Hypertension at Julián Grimau García Polyclinic of Santiago de Cuba from September 2009 to September 2010. With this purpose relevant approaches, indicators and standards were developed, whereas the dimensions evaluated were the structure and process (professional competence). It is included the participation of all the specialists of comprehensive general medicine who were working in the unit during that period and agreed to cooperate. It was found that this Program was not implemented with the required quality and there were difficulties in the structure because of the inadequacy of material resources; however, the results of the proficiency test were considered satisfactory, since the professionals dominated the contents.

Calidad de la ejecución del Programa Nacional de Prevención, Diagnóstico, Evaluación y Control de la Hipertensión Arterial en el Policlínico Universitario Julián Grimau García / Quality of the implementation of the National Program of Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation and Control of Hypertension at

Se realizó una investigación sobre servicios y sistemas de salud para evaluar la calidad de la ejecución del Programa Nacional de Prevención, Diagnóstico, Evaluación y Control de la Hipertensión Arterial en el Policlínico Julián Grimau García de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre de 2009 hasta igual mes de 2010, para lo cual se elaboraron los criterios, indicadores y estándares pertinentes, en tanto las dimensiones evaluadas fueron la estructura y el proceso (competencia profesional). Se contó con la participación de todos los especialistas de medicina general integral que se encontraban laborando en la unidad durante ese período y accedieron a colaborar. Se halló que dicho Programa no se ejecutaba con la calidad requerida y que existían dificultades en la estructura por el inadecuado estado de los recursos materiales; sin embargo, los resultados del examen de competencia se consideraron satisfactorios, puesto que los profesionales en cuestión dominaban los contenidos(AU)

A research on health services and systems was carried out to evaluate the quality of the implementation of the National Program of Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation and Control of Hypertension at Julián Grimau García Polyclinic of Santiago de Cuba from September 2009 to September 2010. With this purpose relevant approaches, indicators and standards were developed, whereas the dimensions evaluated were the structure and process (professional competence). It is included the participation of all the specialists of comprehensive general medicine who were working in the unit during that period and agreed to cooperate. It was found that this Program was not implemented with the required quality and there were difficulties in the structure because of the inadequacy of material resources; however, the results of the proficiency test were considered satisfactory, since the professionals dominated the contents

Phylogenetic relationships in Peniocereus (Cactaceae) inferred from plastid DNA sequence data.

The phylogenetic relationships of Peniocereus (Cactaceae) species were studied using parsimony analyses of DNA sequence data. The plastid rpl16 and trnL-F regions were sequenced for 98 taxa including 17 species of Peniocereus, representatives from all genera of tribe Pachycereeae, four genera of tribe Hylocereeae, as well as from three additional outgroup genera of tribes Calymmantheae, Notocacteae, and Trichocereeae. Phylogenetic analyses support neither the monophyly of Peniocereus as currently circumscribed, nor the monophyly of tribe Pachycereeae since species of Peniocereus subgenus Pseudoacanthocereus are embedded within tribe Hylocereeae. Furthermore, these results show that the eight species of Peniocereus subgenus Peniocereus (Peniocereus sensu stricto) form a well-supported clade within subtribe Pachycereinae; P. serpentinus is also a member of this subtribe, but is sister to Bergerocactus. Moreover, Nyctocereus should be resurrected as a monotypic genus. Species of Peniocereus subgenus Pseudoacanthocereus are positioned among species of Acanthocereus within tribe Hylocereeae, indicating that they may be better classified within that genus. A number of morphological and anatomical characters, especially related to the presence or absence of dimorphic branches, are discussed to support these relationships.

Trabajo desplegado en función de la universalización y municipalización de la enseñanza en las ciencias médicas / Actions towards the univerzialization and municipalization of teaching in the medical sciences

El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de explicar las nuevas tendencias de la Dirección de Docencia Médica Superior e insistir en la responsabilidad de formar los recursos humanos que necesita el Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), con una sólida preparación cientificotécnica y humanística, comprometidos con la Revolución en correspondencia con los valores éticos y morales que requiere este personal teniendo en cuenta que las instituciones universitarias son las responsables de preparar a los profesionales de la salud no médicos, aplicando el principio de la Universalización de la Enseñanza y la puesta en marcha de un Nuevo Modelo Pedagógico modular, coherente y continuo, en las especialidades de Licenciatura en Enfermería y Tecnología de la Salud(AU)