Prevalencia de defectos congénitos folato-sensibles en la provincia de Villa Clara / Prevalence of folate-sensitive birth defects in Villa Clara province

Introducción: Los defectos congénitos son un problema global que anualmente afecta a 7,9 millones de recién nacidos, los cuales constituyen la primera causa de muerte en los países desarrollados, y la segunda en países en vías de desarrollo, como es el caso de Cuba. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de defectos congénitos folato-sensibles entre nacidos vivos, nacidos muertos e interrupciones electivas del embarazo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en la provincia de Villa Clara donde se incluyeron todos los casos con defectos congénitos folato-sensibles diagnosticados entre 2013 y 2018. Resultados: Las cardiopatías congénitas conotruncales, el síndrome Down y los defectos del tubo neural fueron los fenotipos clínicos más prevalentes. La tasa de prevalencia ajustada fue de 5,79 por 1 000 nacimientos. Se constató una mayor tasa de prevalencia entre nacidos muertos y se interrumpió el 43,26 % de los embarazos con defectos diagnosticados prenatalmente. Las mayores tasas de prevalencia ajustada de cardiopatías y hendiduras labiopalatinas se identificaron en los municipios de Corralillo y Quemado de Güines, mientras que Placetas tuvo las mayores tasas de defectos del tubo neural y síndrome Down, y Manicaragua las de gastrosquisis. Conclusiones: La mayor frecuencia de defectos congénitos entre nacidos muertos puede estar en relación con la gran expresividad variable de los defectos estudiados, donde se incluyen fenotipos clínicos de gravedad. En los diferentes municipios con elevadas tasas de prevalencia de estos defectos están involucrados diferentes factores de riesgo ambientales que actúan sobre un genotipo que predispone a estos defectos congénitos.

Introduction: congenital defects are a global problem, annually affecting 7.9 million newborns. They constitute the leading cause of death in developed countries and the second one in developing countries like Cuba. Objective: to determine the prevalence of folate-sensitive birth defects among live births, stillbirths and elective pregnancy terminations. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in Villa Clara province, where all cases with folate-sensitive birth defects diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 were included. Results: conotruncal congenital heart diseases, Down syndrome and neural tube defects were the most prevalent clinical phenotypes. The adjusted prevalence rate was 5.79 per 1,000 births. A higher prevalence rate was found among stillbirths and 43.26% of pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed defects were terminated. The highest rates of adjusted prevalence of cleft lip and palate and heart diseases were identified in Corralillo and Quemado de Güines municipalities, while Placetas had the highest rates of neural tube defects and Down syndrome, as well as Manicaragua those of gastroschisis. Conclusions: the higher frequency of congenital defects among stillbirths may be related to a highly variable expressivity of the studied defects, where serious clinical phenotypes are included. Different environmental risk factors acting on a genotype that predisposes these congenital defects are involved in the different municipalities with high prevalence rates of these defects.

Factores genéticos y ambientales asociados al fenotipo longevo / Genetic and environmental factors associated with the longevity phenotype

Introducción: La prevalencia de la longevidad en la población abierta ha aumentado en los últimos cien años. Existen coincidencias en la literatura sobre la importancia de varios factores relacionados con el estilo de vida como elementos favorecedores de la longevidad. Objetivo: Demostrar la influencia de factores genéticos y ambientales en el fenotipo longevo. Métodos: Se estudiaron 178 individuos provenientes del municipio Santa Clara: 86 longevos de 80 años y más, y 92 no longevos (menores de 80 años). A todos se les aplicó un instrumento de recogida de información genealógica sobre antecedentes de longevidad y factores genéticos y ambientales favorecedores. Para los análisis de asociación se procedió a la confección de tablas de contingencia tetracóricas. Se evaluó la asociación mediante la prueba Ji cuadrado de Mantel-Haenszel, así como V de Cramer para medir la magnitud de asociación; cuando el nivel de significación fue p<0,05, se calculó la oportunidad relativa y el intervalo de confianza al 95 %. Resultados: Las asociaciones resultaron significativas para las siguientes variables: no hábito de fumar, no beber alcohol, tener índice de masa corporal normopeso, no padecer enfermedades respiratorias, tener madre longeva, y ser del sexo femenino. Las razones de ventajas más elevadas se alcanzaron en dos factores: no padecer de enfermedades respiratorias y no beber alcohol. La asociación más fuerte fue con la longevidad de la madre (V Cramer=0,234). Conclusiones: Los factores genéticos y ambientales que, de manera consistente, se asociaron a la longevidad, indicaron que en los individuos estudiados existen factores favorecedores de la longevidad.

Introduction: prevalence of longevity in open population has increased in the last hundred years. There are coincidences in the literature on the importance of various factors related to lifestyle as elements that favour longevity. Objective: to demonstrate the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the longevity phenotype. Methods: 178 individuals from Santa Clara municipality were studied: 86 longevous people aged 80 years and over and 92 non-longevous ones aged less than 80 years. An instrument for collecting genealogical information on longevity antecedents and favorable genetic and environmental factors was applied to all of them. Tetrachoric contingency tables were prepared for the association analysis. This association was evaluated using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test, as well as the Cramer's V test to measure the magnitude of association; an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval were calculated when the significance level was p<0.05. Results: the associations were significant for the following variables: not-smoking and not-drinking alcohol, not suffering from respiratory diseases, having a normal weight body mass index and a longevous mother, as well as being female. The highest odds ratios were achieved in two factors: not suffering from respiratory diseases and not drinking alcohol. The strongest association was with maternal longevity (V Cramer=0.234). Conclusions: the genetic and environmental factors that were consistently associated with longevity indicated that there are factors that favour longevity in the studied individuals.

Comportamiento de la IgE y las subclases de IgG en las infecciones por Staphylococcus aureus / Manifestation of IgE and IgG subclasses in Staphylococcus aureus infections

RESUMEN Introducción: Las infecciones cutáneas por Staphylococcus aureus, se presentan con alta frecuencia en la comunidad. La forma superficial de esta es la foliculitis. Una extensión hacia el tejido subcutáneo da como resultado la formación de una lesión supurativa local llamada forúnculo. Aproximadamente el 20 % de los pacientes con forúnculo presentan una o más recidivas durante el año siguiente, y cierto número presenta forunculosis recidivante crónica durante meses o años. Objetivo: Conocer el comportamiento de los niveles de IgE y las subclases de IgG expresadas en pacientes y controles, para inferir el patrón de la respuesta inmune a la infección. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo donde se determinaron las subclases de inmunoglobulina G (IgG) y los niveles de inmunoglobulina E (IgE) en suero de 25 enfermos con lesiones cutáneas por Staphylococcus aureus, y 25 controles sanos, provenientes del banco de sangre. Se elaboró un antígeno (Bacterina de Staphylococcus aureus) y en su enfrentamiento se procedió con la metodología de normalización y validación de ensayos inmunoenzimáticos para cuantificar IgG humana. Los resultados se expresaron en densidades ópticas y gráficamente como la relación matemática (IgG1/3) para Th1 e (IgE/IgG4) para Th2, en el suero de los pacientes. Resultados: Se obtuvo respuesta IgG1 e IgG4 en pacientes y controles y respuesta IgE anti Staphylococcus aureus en pacientes. Conclusiones: Como Staphylococcus aureus es flora normal de la piel, los controles ya han tenido contacto con él, lo que provoca el desarrollo de respuesta Th1 (IgG1) y anticuerpos bloqueadores (IgG4). Contrariamente, los enfermos desarrollan respuesta Th2 (IgE) y la infección.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus skin infections occur with high frequency in the community. Folliculitis is its superficial form. An extension into the subcutaneous tissue results in the formation of a local suppurative lesion known as a furunculosis. Approximately 20% of patients with a furuncle have one or more recurrences over the next year, and a certain number have chronic relapsing furunculosis for months or years. Objective: to know the manifestation of IgE levels and IgG subclasses expressed in patients and controls, to infer the pattern of the immune response to infection. Methods: we conducted a prospective study where immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined in serum of 25 ill patients with Staphylococcus aureus skin lesions, and 25 healthy controls, from the blood bank. An antigen (Staphylococcus aureus bacterin) was elaborated and in its confrontation, the normalization and validation methodology of immunoenzymatic assays to quantify human IgG was carried out. The results were expressed in optical densities and graphically as the mathematical ratio (IgG1/3) for Th1 and (IgE/IgG4) for Th2, in the serum of the patients. Results: IgG1 and IgG4 responses were obtained in patients and controls, and anti-Staphylococcus aureus IgE responses in patients. Conclusions: the controls have already had contact with Staphylococcus aureus, as it is normal flora of the skin, which causes the development of Th1 response (IgG1) and antibodies blockers (IgG4). On the contrary, ill patients develop a Th2 response (IgE) and the infection.

Proteinograma e inmunoglobulinas séricas en las infecciones cutáneas por Staphylococcus aureus / Proteinogram and serum immunoglobulins in skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus

RESUMEN Introducción: lesión típica ocasionada por el Staphylococcus aureus es el furúnculo o cualquier otro absceso localizado. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento del proteinograma y los niveles de inmunoglobulinas séricas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal prospectivo con 70 pacientes portadores de forúnculos infectados por Staphylococcus aureus, que acudieron a las consultas de Inmunología en varias localidades de Villa Clara. Resultados: se determinaron las fracciones proteicas por método de elusión; se cuantificaron las inmunoglobulinas séricas por inmunodifusión radial simple, según edad, sexo y color de la piel de los pacientes. Se contrastaron las variables bajo la prueba de Ji cuadrado, con una significación de confianza del 95 %. Predominaron los pacientes con el color de la piel blanca sobre los no blancos. En la electroforesis de proteínas se obtuvieron resultados normales para las proteínas totales y la fracción gamma. Para la albúmina, fracción alfa 1, alfa 2 y beta globulina se obtuvieron valores bajos, por encima del 95 % válido. Conclusiones: todas las inmunoglobulinas resultaron normales o altas, según los intervalos de referencia para cada grupo de edad. Al correlacionar los valores de las inmunoglobulinas con las fracciones de la electroforesis, fue llamativo el resultado obtenido en la correlación entre la IgA y la fracción beta. De manera general, los anticuerpos no mostraron variaciones significativas en sus correlaciones, lo cual evidenció un pobre papel en la infección. Se concluyó que los valores de alfa 1, alfa 2 y beta globulina pueden tener importancia en la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the typical lesion caused by Staphylococcus aureus is the furuncle or any other localized abscess. Objective: to describe the manifestation of the proteinogram and serum immunoglobulin levels. Methods: a prospective longitudinal study was carried out in 70 patients with furuncles infected by Staphylococcus aureus, who came to the Immunology consultations from various locations of Villa Clara. Results: protein fractions were determined by elution method; serum immunoglobulins were quantified according to age, gender and skin color of the patients by simple radial immunodiffusion. Variables were contrasted under the Chi-square test, with 95% confidence significance. White patients predominated over non-white ones. Normal results were obtained for total proteins and gamma fraction in protein electrophoresis. Low values were obtained for albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta globulin fraction, above 95% valid. Conclusions: all immunoglobulins were normal or high, according to the reference intervals for each age group. The result obtained in the correlation between IgA and the beta fraction was striking when correlating the immunoglobulin values with the electrophoresis fractions. In general, the antibodies did not show significant variations in their correlations, which evidenced a poor role in infection. We concluded that alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta globulin values may be important in the disease.

Class II subdivision: Cone beam computed tomography- CBCT Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To estimate whether there is skeletal and/or dental asymmetry in class II subdivision patients, between the Class II side and the Class I side using of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 30 patients, from a private clinic, retrospectively selected; with a class II subdivision diagnosis requiring treatment, who underwent wide-field CBCT that met the inclusion criteria. The data was processed with Dolphin 3D version 11.95 Premium software. The craniometric points, as well as the spatial orientation scheme of the three-dimensional model were proposed by Craig Minich, et al. (1). RESULTS: The Class II subdivision side and the Class I side of each patient were compared through intramaxillary, intramandibular, and intermaxillary measurements, evaluating each one in three dimensions (sagittal, frontal, and axial). Also, the measurements made from the three-dimensional volume, were contrasted with those generated in the biplane views. The level of significance used was 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using the R program (R Development Core Team), version 3.4.4. The intraoperative variability was previously verified using the Dahlberg formula. This error is 0.35 -1.10, so the spatial orientation and placement of craniometric points are repeatable and reliable. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences have been found with respect to skeletal values and dentoalveolar position. Regarding the skeletal findings, the class II subdivision side is narrower and there is a shortening of the condylar branch. In the dentoalveolar position on this side, the upper molar and canine are in an advanced position, the lower molar is posterior and lower than the contralateral and the lower canine is in a delayed position. Furthermore, measurements made from a two-dimensional image cannot be extrapolated with those made directly from a three-dimensional volume. The problem is generated by a deviation in dental position as well as an underlying asymmetry. Key words:Class II subdivision, cone beam computed tomography, skeletal asymmetry, dentoalveolar position.

Concepción y diseño de un programa de doctorado en ciencias médicas según el contexto local / Conception and design of a doctoral program in medical sciences according to the local context

RESUMEN Fundamento: los diseños curriculares posuniversitarios responden a elevadas exigencias en la formación académica como formas concretas del encargo social a las instituciones de educación superior en cada país. Objetivo: argumentar conceptos e ideas sobre la concepción y diseño del programa de doctorado en "Ciencias básicas como fundamento de las clínicas médicas". Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica y documental que incluyó 32 fuentes entre leyes, resoluciones, reglamentos, indicaciones, instrucciones, artículos originales y artículos de revisión. Se seleccionaron 25, teniendo en cuenta su pertinencia y actualización según objetivo del trabajo. La búsqueda digital se realizó en SciELO, Google Académico e Infomed. Resultados: se identificaron conceptos y categorías fundamentales en la concepción y diseño de programas doctorales, se reconocieron ideas principales en la formación de un núcleo central de diseño, se logró una integración consecuente entre normativas nacionales vigentes y particularidades de la universidad de ciencias médicas como institución autorizada para la formación doctoral. Conclusiones: el programa de doctorado en "Ciencias básicas como fundamento de las clínicas médicas" mediante la interacción efectiva entre las normativas establecidas, diferentes argumentaciones teóricas encontradas en la literatura, las tradiciones y condiciones contextuales de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara, sin afectar el rigor, la originalidad y la pertinencia social. Se reconoció lo local como necesidad para la descentralización deseada y como expresión de compromiso y autonomía universitaria; en la que se manifiesta una posición profesional y ética ante los riesgos de formulaciones muy centralizadas y uniformes como posibles limitaciones en los procesos formativos.

ABSTRACT Background: post-university curricular designs respond to high demands in academic training as concrete forms of social commitment to higher education institutions in each country. Objective: to argue concepts and ideas about the conception and design of the doctoral program in "Basic Sciences as the foundation of medical clinics." Methods: a bibliographic and documentary review was carried out that included 32 sources including laws, resolutions, regulations, indications, instructions, original articles and review articles. 25 were selected, taking into account their relevance and updating according to the objective of the work. The electronic search was carried out in SciELO, Google Scholar and Infomed. Results: fundamental concepts and categories were identified in the conception and design of doctoral programs, main ideas were recognized in the formation of a central design nucleus, a consistent integration between current national regulations and particularities of the University of Medical Sciences as an authorized institution for doctoral training was achieved. Conclusions: the doctoral program in "Basic Sciences as the foundation of medical clinics" through the effective interaction between established regulations, different theoretical arguments found in the literature, traditions and contextual conditions of Villa Clara University of Medical Sciences, without affecting rigor, originality and social relevance. The local was recognized as a need for the desired decentralization and as an expression of university commitment and autonomy; in which a professional and ethical position is manifested in the face of the risks of highly centralized and uniform formulations as possible limitations in the training processes.

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Non-syndromic Orofacial Clefts in Villa Clara Province, Cuba, 2013-2018.

INTRODUCTION: To discern environmental factors that, along with genes influencing susceptibility, drive the occurrence of non-syndromic congenital disorders, it is important to identify clusters of these abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: Determine the adjusted prevalence of orofacial clefts in Villa Clara Province, Cuba, and identify and describe their spatiotemporal variability during January 2013-December 2018. METHODS: Cases were selected from a total of 46,007 births that took place in the province's four maternity hospitals during the study period. Of these, 36 cases of newborns with either prenatal or postnatal non-syndromic orofacial cleft diagnoses were obtained from hospital and community registries. We applied spatial statistical analysis techniques with the aim of identifying areas within the province with the highest prevalence. RESULTS: Adjusted prevalence was 0.78 per 1000 births. The most common non-syndromic orofacial congenital abnormality was cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Frequency of congenital abnormalities increased during the first two years of the study and decreased during the last two years. A primary spatiotemporal cluster was identified in two contiguous municipalities in 2017 and a secondary one in two other neighboring municipalities between 2014 and 2016. CONCLUSIONS: Spatiotemporal analysis of non-syndromic orofacial clefts in Villa Clara Province, Cuba, identified two spatiotemporal clusters, constituting an opportunity to better understand the etiology of orofacial clefts.

Analysis on the predictive value of different variables in pulp stones appearance frequency and its pulpal response to cold stimuli.

This study evaluated the presence of pulp stones in a Seville population, correlating their presence and size with state of the crown and pulp response to cold stimuli, encompassing variables such as age, gender, location (arch and teeth group). The study included 1090 teeth corresponding to 146 patients. Each patient underwent a visual examination, periapical radiographs and sensibility tests. The SPSS 25 software (SSPS, Chicago, USA) was used to carry out the statistical analysis, doing logistic regression to compare variables and Chi-square with a significance level p < 0.001. Of 1090 teeth studied, 524 were molars and 566 premolars. Of the molars, 316 showed calcifications and of the 566 premolars only 6 showed pulp stones (p < 0.001). Due to the low prevalence of premolar pulp calcifications, our study included only molars. These calcifications were significantly more common in women than in men (71.5% vs. 28.5%) and in people over 40 years. Significant differences were identified between the state of the crown and the pulp response with the presence of pulp stones, although size did not influence this association. The set of independent variables has a statistically significant effect on the criterion variable (χ2 = 260.25, p < 0.001). There was a significant association between the state of the crown and the type of pulp response with the presence of pulp stones, but not with the size of the calcification. In conclusion, the highest probability to find pulpal calcification was observed in women over 40 years old in upper molars, and though the pulpal reaction of teeth with pulpal calcification varies, frequently there is an immediate response to a cold stimulus. There is no correlation between the size of pulp stones and the condition of the crown, just as the sensitivity of the pulp did not correlate with the size of pulp stones.

Nanomaterials in Dentistry: State of the Art and Future Challenges.

Nanomaterials are commonly considered as those materials in which the shape and molecular composition at a nanometer scale can be controlled. Subsequently, they present extraordinary properties that are being useful for the development of new and improved applications in many fields, including medicine. In dentistry, several research efforts are being conducted, especially during the last decade, for the improvement of the properties of materials used in dentistry. The objective of the present article is to offer the audience a complete and comprehensive review of the main applications that have been developed in dentistry, by the use of these materials, during the last two decades. It was shown how these materials are improving the treatments in mainly all the important areas of dentistry, such as endodontics, periodontics, implants, tissue engineering and restorative dentistry. The scope of the present review is, subsequently, to revise the main applications regarding nano-shaped materials in dentistry, including nanorods, nanofibers, nanotubes, nanospheres/nanoparticles, and zeolites and other orders porous materials. The results of the bibliographic analysis show that the most explored nanomaterials in dentistry are graphene and carbon nanotubes, and their derivatives. A detailed analysis and a comparative study of their applications show that, although they are quite similar, graphene-based materials seem to be more promising for most of the applications of interest in dentistry. The bibliographic study also demonstrated the potential of zeolite-based materials, although the low number of studies on their applications shows that they have not been totally explored, as well as other porous nanomaterials that have found important applications in medicine, such as metal organic frameworks, have not been explored. Subsequently, it is expected that the research effort will concentrate on graphene and zeolite-based materials in the coming years. Thus, the present review paper presents a detailed bibliographic study, with more than 200 references, in order to briefly describe the main achievements that have been described in dentistry using nanomaterials, compare and analyze them in a critical way, with the aim of predicting the future challenges.

Utilidad de la medición del timo fetal en el diagnóstico de anomalías congénitas y enfermedades obstétricas / Utility of fetal thymus measurement in the diagnosis of congenital anomalies and obstetric diseases

RESUMEN Introducción: el interés de la visualización sonográfica del timo fetal está relacionado con su importante función inmunológica, las posibilidades de diagnóstico que ofrecen los ecógrafos de alta resolución, y el incremento de informes de posibles afecciones durante el proceso de la gestación. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de la hipoplasia tímica fetal en gestantes de riesgo genético y relacionarla con la presencia de defectos fetales, factores de riesgo previos y aparición de efectos obstétricos adversos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo consistente en la evaluación ecográfica del timo fetal mediante el índice timo-tórax a 221 gestantes que acudieron a los servicios de referencia del Centro Provincial de Genética Médica, por presentar riesgo genético incrementado para cardiopatías. Resultados: se encontraron 16 fetos con un índice timo-tórax inferior o igual a 0,30, el cual se utilizó como criterio de hipoplasia tímica en este estudio, entre ellos: 4 con cardiopatías, 4 con cromosomopatías, 1 con malformación estructural aislada, 2 con preeclampsia, 1 con crecimiento intrauterino retardado, 1 pretérmino y una muerte fetal. Los motivos de referencia con mayor proporción de positividad fueron: la traslucencia nucal aumentada y la imagen de sospecha de cardiopatía congénita en ultrasonido de pesquisaje. Conclusiones: la determinación del índice timo-tórax permitió el diagnóstico de la hipoplasia tímica, tanto en el segundo como en el tercer trimestre de la gestación. Este tipo de investigación es relevante pues contribuye a identificar: defectos congénitos, factores de riesgo y efectos obstétricos adversos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the interest in sonographic visualization of the fetal thymus is related to its important immunological function, the diagnostic possibilities offered by high-resolution ultrasound scanners, and the increased reporting of possible conditions during the gestation process. Objective: to determine the frequency of fetal thymic hypoplasia in pregnant women with genetic risks and to relate it to the presence of fetal defects, previous risk factors and the appearance of adverse obstetric effects. Methods: we conducted a prospective descriptive study consisting of the ultrasound evaluation of the fetal thymus by means of the thymic-thoracic ratio in 221 pregnant women who come to referral services of the Provincial Center of Medical Genetics, because they presented increased genetic risk for heart disease. Results: sixteen fetuses were found with a thymic-thoracic ratio less than or equal to 0.30, which was used as the criterion for thymic hypoplasia in this study: four with heart diseases, four with chromosomal diseases, one with isolated structural malformation, two with preeclampsia, one with delayed intrauterine growth, one preterm and one fetal death. The reference reasons with the highest proportion of positivity were: increased nuchal translucency and image of suspected congenital cardiopathy in screening ultrasound. Conclusions: determination of the thymic-thoracic ratio allowed us the diagnosis of thymic hypoplasia, both in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. This type of research is relevant because it helps to identify: congenital defects, risk factors and adverse obstetric effects.

Sistema antioxidante enzimático en mujeres con diagnóstico de Atipias celulares y Neoplasia Intraepitelial Cervical grado I / Enzymatic antioxidant system in women diagnosed with cell atypia and grade I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Introducción: El virus de papiloma humano per se no es capaz de desarrollar todas las transformaciones neoplásicas en el cérvix uterino, de manera que factores de riesgo como los genéticos, ambientales, estilo de vida sexual y el desbalance oxidativo podrían contribuir a la enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento del sistema enzimático antioxidante en mujeres con atipia de células escamosas de significado indeterminado y neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grado I. Métodos: Se conformaron tres grupos de estudio: el primero incluyó 30 mujeres con diagnóstico de atipias, el segundo se constituyó con 40 mujeres con neoplasia intraepitelial grado I y el tercero consistió en 30 mujeres con citología negativa tomadas como control, provenientes de la consulta de Patología de Cuello del Agustín Gómez Lubián de Santa Clara. Mediante métodos espectrofotométricos se determinaron los niveles de actividad enzimática superóxido dismutasa y catalasa así, como las concentraciones de glutatión reducido. Las comparaciones se realizaron con el programa SPSS, versión 18. Resultados: En el grupo de atipias aunque los tres parámetros tuvieron una tendencia a la disminución no hubo diferencias significativas con respecto al control. Mientras que el grupo de neoplasia grado I evidenció disminución significativa de los tres indicadores estudiados al ser comparados con el grupo control. Conclusiones: Se constató afectación del sistema antioxidante enzimático en el grupo de neoplasia grado I, lo cual podría considerarse un cofactor importante en la progresión de las lesiones en el cérvix uterino(AU)

Introduction: Human papillomavirus per se can not carry out all the neoplastic transformations occurring in the uterine cervix. Genetic and environmental risk factors as well as sexual behavior and oxidative imbalance may also play a role. Objective: Determine the behavior of the enzymatic antioxidant system in women with squamous cell atypia of indeterminate significance and grade I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: Three study groups were formed. The first group included 30 women diagnosed with atypia, the second group was made up of 40 women with grade I intraepithelial neoplasia, and the third or control group consisted of 30 women with negative cytology from Agustín Gómez Lubián Cervical Pathology service in Santa Clara. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activity, as well as the concentrations of reduced glutathione. Comparisons were made with the SPSS software, version 18. Results: In the atypia group the three parameters showed a decreasing tendency, but differences with respect to the control group were not significant. In the grade I neoplasia group, however, a significant reduction was found of the three study indicators when compared with the control group. Conclusions: Damage to the enzymatic antioxidant system was observed in the grade I neoplasia group. This could be considered to be an important cofactor in the progress of uterine cervix lesions(AU)

Knowledge and management of temporomandibular joint disorders by general dentists in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), we tried to assess general dentists' knowledge regarding etiology, diagnosis, and treatment in order to understand their attitude. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 130 general dentists answered a 16-item questionnaire on three areas - etiology, diagnosis, and management of common temporomandibular disorders - as well as a question on the need for continuous education regarding TMD management in common clinical practice in Spain. Given that the descriptive statistics achieved reflect significantly different values among means in each area, a variance analysis for repeated measurements was applied in order to contrast differences among etiology, diagnosis, and management knowledge levels. RESULTS: The contrast test was based on Wilks' Lambda, which assumed a value of 0.120 (F = 467.28; p<.001), demonstrating statistically significant differences among knowledge levels in the three dimensions. The effect size for these differences, measured by partial eta squared, was very high (η2p = 0.88). Such parameters were also analyzed to search for potential differences according to professional experience, with differences being exposed as non-significant at the 0.05 level: etiology (T = 1.60; p = 0.113), diagnosis (T = - 0.17; p = 0.868), and treatment (T = 1.10; p = 0.273). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that, even though clinicians are generally skilled regarding the knowledge of the etiologic that explain the diagnosis of TMD, they have room for improvement in terms of TMD management compared to the other two areas studied. General dentists could benefit from specific educational programs enhancing TMD management skills. Key words:Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), knowledge and management. Clinical competence, postgraduate, continuing professional development. Surveys, education,orofacial pain.

Indicators of oxidative stress in long-lived individuals belonging to the municipality of Santa Clara

Aim: To determine indicators of oxidative stress in long-lived individuals. Methods: 120 subjects were studied and two groups were formed: 50 individuals older than 85 years of nuclear families and 70 adults under 60 years old taken as a control group, all belonging to the municipality of Santa Clara. Indicators of antioxidant defense status included enzymatic activities superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations. The determinations were made with the use of spectrophotometric techniques, and the comparisons between the groups were made through the statistical program SPSS with a level of significance of 95 percent. Results: The activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD and GSH levels showed significant differences when comparing both study groups. In the case of the SOD enzyme, the group of long-lived individuals showed a significant reduction in their activity compared to the controls, while GSH levels also decreased in this group. The CAT enzyme activity showed no significant differences between the two study groups. Conclusions: The decrease in enzymatic activity SOD accompanied by a decrease in GSH levels could be an indicator of a state of oxidative imbalance in individuals older than 85 years, which increases their susceptibility to the action of reactive oxygen species(AU)

Serum copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium levels in mothers with offspring affected by neural tube defects: a case-control study

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are important causes of infant mortality, which result from a complex interaction between genetics and environmental factors such as trace elements, which play and crucial role in the epigenetic regulation in the embryo fetal developmental program. Objectives: To measure the maternal serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium in mothers with offspring affected by NTDs, and to examine a possible relationship between the serum concentrations of these micronutrients and occurrence of NTDs. Design: Case-controls study. Subjects and Methods: Maternal serum blood samples were obtained from 72 healthy pregnant women and 36 mothers who had NTDs affected offspring, including those alive, stillbirths and elective pregnancy' termination at Centro Provincial de Genetica in Villa Clara. Copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium levels in serum were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and were compared between the two groups of mothers. Results: Serum zinc levels were determined to be significantly lower in the study group compared with the control group, while copper levels were significant elevated in the study group (all p values < .05). There was a negative correlation between serum zinc levels and serum copper levels. However, no association between calcium and magnesium serum levels and increased risk for the development of NTDs was observed. Conclusions: High maternal serum levels of copper and lower level of zinc during pregnancy were associated with NTDs in offspring. If folic acid supplementation is given, additional zinc supplementation should be considered for the further decrease in the recurrence risk of NTDs(AU)

Alelos específicos de antígenos eritrocitarios ABO con posible asociación al fenotipo longevos según grupos étnicos / Specific alleles of ABO erythrocyte antigens with possible association to long-lived phenotype according to ethnic groups

Introducción: los antígenos eritrocitarios ABO se han asociado a diversas enfermedades y a la longevidad humana Objetivos: Identificar posible asociación alélica específica entre la longevidad y el locus del sistema antigénico ABO, considerando grupos étnicos. Metodología: se realizó un estudio caso control, dirigido a la búsqueda de posible asociación alélica del fenotipo longevo a los alelos del locus del sistema ABO en 280 longevos de Villa Clara. Se probaron varias hipótesis, suponiendo asociación del fenotipo longevo al alelo A, al B o a ambos. Se evaluó si alguno de los alelos es más frecuente entre longevos que en donantes de sangre utilizados como controles. Los estudios de asociación se efectuaron por estratos según grupos étnicos. Resultados: el alelo A fue más frecuente entre los longevos que en los donantes de sangre en el estrato no blanco. En los estudios de asociación alélica, en los individuos longevos no blancos, para modelos de dominancia y efecto favorecedor, la razón de productos cruzados para el alelo A fue superior a la unidad, sin significación estadística. En el modelo que prueba el efecto desfavorecedor, los alelos no B estuvieron asociados a la longevidad (p = 0,02). En la muestra de blancos, el alelo más frecuente en los longevos fue el B. Conclusiones: se encontró asociación alélica de alelos no B a la longevidad en el estrato no blanco(AU)