Host space, not energy or symbiont size, constrains feather mite abundance across passerine bird species.

Comprehending symbiont abundance among host species is a major ecological endeavour, and the metabolic theory of ecology has been proposed to understand what constrains symbiont populations. We parameterized metabolic theory equations to investigate how bird species' body size and the body size of their feather mites relate to mite abundance according to four potential energy (uropygial gland size) and space constraints (wing area, total length of barbs and number of feather barbs). Predictions were compared with the empirical scaling of feather mite abundance across 106 passerine bird species (26,604 individual birds sampled), using phylogenetic modelling and quantile regression. Feather mite abundance was strongly constrained by host space (number of feather barbs) but not by energy. Moreover, feather mite species' body size was unrelated to the body size of their host species. We discuss the implications of our results for our understanding of the bird-feather mite system and for symbiont abundance in general.

Lysin (K)-specific demethylase 1 inhibition enhances proteasome inhibitor response and overcomes drug resistance in multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy, accounting for approximately 1% of all cancers. Despite recent advances in the treatment of MM, due to the introduction of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) such as bortezomib (BTZ) and carfilzomib (CFZ), relapses and disease progression remain common. Therefore, a major challenge is the development of novel therapeutic approaches to overcome drug resistance, improve patient outcomes, and broaden PIs applicability to other pathologies. METHODS: We performed genetic and drug screens to identify new synthetic lethal partners to PIs, and validated candidates in PI-sensitive and -resistant MM cells. We also tested best synthetic lethal interactions in other B-cell malignancies, such as mantle cell, Burkitt's and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. We evaluated the toxicity of combination treatments in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). We confirmed the combo treatment' synergistic effects ex vivo in primary CD138+ cells from MM patients, and in different MM xenograft models. We exploited RNA-sequencing and Reverse-Phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the synergy. RESULTS: We identified lysine (K)-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) as a top candidate whose inhibition can synergize with CFZ treatment. LSD1 silencing enhanced CFZ sensitivity in both PI-resistant and -sensitive MM cells, resulting in increased tumor cell death. Several LSD1 inhibitors (SP2509, SP2577, and CC-90011) triggered synergistic cytotoxicity in combination with different PIs in MM and other B-cell neoplasms. CFZ/SP2509 treatment exhibited a favorable cytotoxicity profile toward PBMCs and BMSCs. We confirmed the clinical potential of LSD1-proteasome inhibition in primary CD138+ cells of MM patients, and in MM xenograft models, leading to the inhibition of tumor progression. DNA damage response (DDR) and proliferation machinery were the most affected pathways by CFZ/SP2509 combo treatment, responsible for the anti-tumoral effects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study preclinically demonstrated that LSD1 inhibition could provide a valuable strategy to enhance PI sensitivity and overcome drug resistance in MM patients and that this combination might be exploited for the treatment of other B-cell malignancies, thus extending the therapeutic impact of the project.

Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 Inhibition Enhances Carfilzomib Sensitivity and Overcomes Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines.

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are extensively used for the therapy of multiple myeloma. However, patients continuously relapse or are intrinsically resistant to this class of drugs. In addition, adverse toxic effects such as peripheral neuropathy and cardiotoxicity could arise. Here, to identify compounds that can increase the efficacy of PIs, we performed a functional screening using a library of small-molecule inhibitors covering key signaling pathways. Among the best synthetic lethal interactions, the euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) inhibitor UNC0642 displayed a cooperative effect with carfilzomib (CFZ) in numerous multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines, including drug-resistant models. In MM patients, EHMT2 expression correlated to worse overall and progression-free survival. Moreover, EHMT2 levels were significantly increased in bortezomib-resistant patients. We demonstrated that CFZ/UNC0642 combination exhibited a favorable cytotoxicity profile toward peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bone-marrow-derived stromal cells. To exclude off-target effects, we proved that UNC0642 treatment reduces EHMT2-related molecular markers and that an alternative EHMT2 inhibitor recapitulated the synergistic activity with CFZ. Finally, we showed that the combinatorial treatment significantly perturbs autophagy and the DNA damage repair pathways, suggesting a multi-layered mechanism of action. Overall, the present study demonstrates that EHMT2 inhibition could provide a valuable strategy to enhance PI sensitivity and overcome drug resistance in MM patients.

The Landscape of Signaling Pathways and Proteasome Inhibitors Combinations in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells, characterized by an extreme genetic heterogeneity that poses great challenges for its successful treatment. Due to antibody overproduction, MM cells depend on the precise regulation of the protein degradation systems. Despite the success of PIs in MM treatment, resistance and adverse toxic effects such as peripheral neuropathy and cardiotoxicity could arise. To this end, the use of rational combinatorial treatments might allow lowering the dose of inhibitors and therefore, minimize their side-effects. Even though the suppression of different cellular pathways in combination with proteasome inhibitors have shown remarkable anti-myeloma activities in preclinical models, many of these promising combinations often failed in clinical trials. Substantial progress has been made by the simultaneous targeting of proteasome and different aspects of MM-associated immune dysfunctions. Moreover, targeting deranged metabolic hubs could represent a new avenue to identify effective therapeutic combinations with PIs. Finally, epigenetic drugs targeting either DNA methylation, histone modifiers/readers, or chromatin remodelers are showing pleiotropic anti-myeloma effects alone and in combination with PIs. We envisage that the positive outcome of patients will probably depend on the availability of more effective drug combinations and treatment of early MM stages. Therefore, the identification of sensitive targets and aberrant signaling pathways is instrumental for the development of new personalized therapies for MM patients.

Quantitative Interspecific Approach to the Stylosphere: Patterns of Bacteria and Fungi Abundance on Passerine Bird Feathers.

Feathers are the habitat of a myriad of organisms, from fungi and bacteria to lice and mites. Although most studies focus on specific taxa and their interaction with the bird host, anecdotal data glimpse feathers as holders of a system with its own ecology, what we call here the stylosphere. A major gap in our knowledge of the stylosphere is the ecology of the total abundance of microorganisms, being also rare to find studies that analyze abundance of more than one group of microorganisms at the bird interspecific level. Here, we quantified bacterial and fungi abundances through qPCR on the wing feathers of 144 birds from 24 passerine and one non-passerine bird species from three localities in Southern Spain. Bacteria and fungi abundances spanned three orders of magnitude among individual birds, but were consistent when comparing the right and the left wing feathers of individuals. Sampling locality explained ca. 14% of the variation in both bacteria and fungi abundances. Even when statistically controlling for sampling locality, microbial abundances consistently differed between birds from different species, but these differences were not explained by bird phylogeny. Finally, bird individuals and species having more bacteria also tended to held larger abundances of fungi. Our results suggest a quite complex explanation for stylosphere microorganisms' abundance, being shaped by bird individual and species traits, as well as environmental factors, and likely bacteria-fungi interactions.

Anti-VEGF Signalling Mechanism in HUVECs by Melatonin, Serotonin, Hydroxytyrosol and Other Bioactive Compounds.

Angiogenesis drives evolution and destabilisation of atherosclerotic plaques and the growth and expansion of tumour cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the main endogenous pro-angiogenic factor in humans. The aim was to provide insight into the anti-VEGF activity of bioactive compounds derived from aromatic amino acids (serotonin, melatonin, 3-indoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol and hydroxytyrosol). Experiments involved endothelial cell migration (wound-healing assay), the molecular mechanisms (ELISA assay) and the downstream effects (phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCγ1), protein kinase B (Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by Western blot) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The data suggest for the first time that hydroxytyrosol interacts with surface components of the endothelial cell membrane (, preventing VEGF from activating its receptor. Serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophol significantly inhibited HUVEC migration (98% and 50%, respectively) following the same mechanism. Conversely to other bioactive compounds, the anti-angiogenic effect of melatonin, serotonin, 3-indoleacetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophol is not mediated via PLCγ1. However, hydroxytyrosol inhibits PLCγ1 phosphorylation. Additionally, melatonin and serotonin maintained eNOS phosphorylation and hydroxytyrosol significantly activated eNOS-all via Akt. These data provide new evidence supporting the interest in melatonin, serotonin, 3-indoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol and hydroxytyrosol for their further exploitation as anti-VEGF ingredients in food.

El Programa del médico y enfermera de la familia: desarrollo del modelo de atención médica en Cuba

[RESUMEN]. El modelo de medicina familiar cubano se desarrolla, desde hace más de tres décadas, como el tercer modelo de atención médica del período revolucionario en Cuba. Es la expresión más acabada de la aplicación de la estrategia de atención primaria de salud. Aún muestra potencial para la mejora en la organización, la calidad y la eficiencia de los servicios de salud en el primer nivel de atención de salud. El objetivo esencial de este trabajo es describir el modelo, sus singularidades, sus elementos distintivos, y sus principales logros, retos y desafíos. Se realizó una revisión documental en artículos de revistas, libros y documentos oficiales del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba sobre la creación y desarrollo del modelo, seleccionados y analizados por expertos para la elaboración del presente informe. Se presentan elementos conceptuales del modelo, así como indicadores que sustentan la información. En este trabajo se identificaron las principales características de la medicina familiar en Cuba, sus logros fundamentales, retos y desafíos. Con base en sus resultados, se concluye que el modelo de medicina familiar de Cuba es un referente para la Región de las Américas. Es aún un modelo en desarrollo, perfectible y susceptible de transformaciones para enfrentar nuevos retos, el mayor de los cuales será renovar el modelo manteniendo y fortaleciendo las ideas fundacionales del programa.

[ABSTRACT]. The Cuban family medicine model has been developed, for more than three decades, as the third model of medical care of the revolutionary period in Cuba. It is the complete expression of the application of the primary health care strategy. However, it is still possible to improve the organization, quality and efficiency of health services in the first level of health care. The objective of this article is to describe the model, its singularities, distinctive elements, main achievements, and challenges. A documentary review was made from journal articles, books and official documents of the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba on the creation and development of the model; documents were selected and analyzed by experts for the preparation of this report. Conceptual elements of the model are presented, as well as indicators supporting the information. The main characteristics of family medicine in Cuba, its fundamental achievements, and challenges are presented. Based on its results, Cuba’s family medicine model is a reference for the Region of the Americas. It is still a model in development, however, perfectible and susceptible to transformations to face new challenges, more importantly to renew the model keeping and strengthening the foundational ideas of the program.

[RESUMO]. O modelo cubano de medicina familiar foi desenvolvido, há mais de três décadas, como o terceiro modelo de assistência médica do período revolucionário em Cuba. É a expressão mais completa da aplicação da estratégia de atenção primária à saúde. Ainda mostra potencial de melhoria na organização, qualidade e eficiência dos serviços de saúde no primeiro nível de cuidados de saúde. O objetivo essencial deste trabalho é descrever o modelo, suas singularidades, elementos distintivos, principais conquistas, e desafios. Para isso, foi feita uma revisão documental em artigos de revistas, livros e documentos oficiais do Ministério da Saúde Pública de Cuba sobre a criação e desenvolvimento do modelo, selecionados e analisados por especialistas para a elaboração deste relatório. Os elementos conceituais do modelo são apresentados, bem como indicadores que suportam a informação. Identificamos as principais características da medicina familiar em Cuba, suas conquistas fundamentais, e desafios. Com base em seus resultados, conclui-se que o modelo de medicina familiar de Cuba é uma referência para a Região das Américas. Ainda é um modelo em desenvolvimento, perfeitável e susceptível a transformações para enfrentar novos desafios, o maior dos quais será renovar o modelo com a manutenção e fortalecimento das idéias fundamentais do programa.

[The Family Doctor and Nurse Program: development of the health care model in CubaO Programa de Médicos e Enfermeiras da Família: desenvolvimento do modelo de saúde em Cuba]. / El Programa del médico y enfermera de la familia: desarrollo del modelo de atención médica en Cuba.

The Cuban family medicine model has been developed, for more than three decades, as the third model of medical care of the revolutionary period in Cuba. It is the complete expression of the application of the primary health care strategy. However, it is still possible to improve the organization, quality and efficiency of health services in the first level of health care. The objective of this article is to describe the model, its singularities, distinctive elements, main achievements, and challenges. A documentary review was made from journal articles, books and official documents of the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba on the creation and development of the model; documents were selected and analyzed by experts for the preparation of this report. Conceptual elements of the model are presented, as well as indicators supporting the information. The main characteristics of family medicine in Cuba, its fundamental achievements, and challenges are presented. Based on its results, Cuba's family medicine model is a reference for the Region of the Americas. It is still a model in development, however, perfectible and susceptible to transformations to face new challenges, more importantly to renew the model keeping and strengthening the foundational ideas of the program.

O modelo cubano de medicina familiar foi desenvolvido, há mais de três décadas, como o terceiro modelo de assistência médica do período revolucionário em Cuba. É a expressão mais completa da aplicação da estratégia de atenção primária à saúde. Ainda mostra potencial de melhoria na organização, qualidade e eficiência dos serviços de saúde no primeiro nível de cuidados de saúde. O objetivo essencial deste trabalho é descrever o modelo, suas singularidades, elementos distintivos, principais conquistas, e desafios. Para isso, foi feita uma revisão documental em artigos de revistas, livros e documentos oficiais do Ministério da Saúde Pública de Cuba sobre a criação e desenvolvimento do modelo, selecionados e analisados por especialistas para a elaboração deste relatório. Os elementos conceituais do modelo são apresentados, bem como indicadores que suportam a informação. Identificamos as principais características da medicina familiar em Cuba, suas conquistas fundamentais, e desafios. Com base em seus resultados, conclui-se que o modelo de medicina familiar de Cuba é uma referência para a Região das Américas. Ainda é um modelo em desenvolvimento, perfeitável e susceptível a transformações para enfrentar novos desafios, o maior dos quais será renovar o modelo com a manutenção e fortalecimento das idéias fundamentais do programa.

Prospective randomized trial of 5 days azacitidine versus supportive care in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes without 5q deletion and transfusion-dependent anemia.

In this prospective trial, the efficacy of azacitidine in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-SMD) lacking del(5q) was compared to best supportive care (BSC) at 1:1. The primary endpoint was the achievement of erythroid hematologic improvement (HI-E) after nine cycles. Thirty-six patients received at least ≥1 cycle. HI-E was confirmed 44.4% randomized to Aza and in 5.5% of patients receiving BSC (p < .01). After entry in Aza extension period, transfusion independence was achieved in all Aza responders with a median duration of 50 weeks (range: 17-231). No significant differences were observed in secondary endpoints. Importantly, variant allele frequency (VAF) of some mutated genes (RET, SF3B1, ASXL1) decreased after 9 months of treatment in Aza-responder patients. In conclusion, LR-MDS patients lacking del5q and resistant to ESAs, who receive 5 days Aza, achieve TI in a substantial proportion of cases and results in modifications in mutational landscape.

El Programa del médico y enfermera de la familia: desarrollo del modelo de atención médica en Cuba / The Family Doctor and Nurse Program: development of the health care model in Cuba / O Programa de Médicos e Enfermeiras da Família: desenvolvimento do modelo de saúde em Cuba

RESUMEN El modelo de medicina familiar cubano se desarrolla, desde hace más de tres décadas, como el tercer modelo de atención médica del período revolucionario en Cuba. Es la expresión más acabada de la aplicación de la estrategia de atención primaria de salud. Aún muestra potencial para la mejora en la organización, la calidad y la eficiencia de los servicios de salud en el primer nivel de atención de salud. El objetivo esencial de este trabajo es describir el modelo, sus singularidades, sus elementos distintivos, y sus principales logros, retos y desafíos. Se realizó una revisión documental en artículos de revistas, libros y documentos oficiales del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba sobre la creación y desarrollo del modelo, seleccionados y analizados por expertos para la elaboración del presente informe. Se presentan elementos conceptuales del modelo, así como indicadores que sustentan la información. En este trabajo se identificaron las principales características de la medicina familiar en Cuba, sus logros fundamentales, retos y desafíos. Con base en sus resultados, se concluye que el modelo de medicina familiar de Cuba es un referente para la Región de las Américas. Es aún un modelo en desarrollo, perfectible y susceptible de transformaciones para enfrentar nuevos retos, el mayor de los cuales será renovar el modelo manteniendo y fortaleciendo las ideas fundacionales del programa.

ABSTRACT The Cuban family medicine model has been developed, for more than three decades, as the third model of medical care of the revolutionary period in Cuba. It is the complete expression of the application of the primary health care strategy. However, it is still possible to improve the organization, quality and efficiency of health services in the first level of health care. The objective of this article is to describe the model, its singularities, distinctive elements, main achievements, and challenges. A documentary review was made from journal articles, books and official documents of the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba on the creation and development of the model; documents were selected and analyzed by experts for the preparation of this report. Conceptual elements of the model are presented, as well as indicators supporting the information. The main characteristics of family medicine in Cuba, its fundamental achievements, and challenges are presented. Based on its results, Cuba's family medicine model is a reference for the Region of the Americas. It is still a model in development, however, perfectible and susceptible to transformations to face new challenges, more importantly to renew the model keeping and strengthening the foundational ideas of the program.

RESUMO O modelo cubano de medicina familiar foi desenvolvido, há mais de três décadas, como o terceiro modelo de assistência médica do período revolucionário em Cuba. É a expressão mais completa da aplicação da estratégia de atenção primária à saúde. Ainda mostra potencial de melhoria na organização, qualidade e eficiência dos serviços de saúde no primeiro nível de cuidados de saúde. O objetivo essencial deste trabalho é descrever o modelo, suas singularidades, elementos distintivos, principais conquistas, e desafios. Para isso, foi feita uma revisão documental em artigos de revistas, livros e documentos oficiais do Ministério da Saúde Pública de Cuba sobre a criação e desenvolvimento do modelo, selecionados e analisados por especialistas para a elaboração deste relatório. Os elementos conceituais do modelo são apresentados, bem como indicadores que suportam a informação. Identificamos as principais características da medicina familiar em Cuba, suas conquistas fundamentais, e desafios. Com base em seus resultados, conclui-se que o modelo de medicina familiar de Cuba é uma referência para a Região das Américas. Ainda é um modelo em desenvolvimento, perfeitável e susceptível a transformações para enfrentar novos desafios, o maior dos quais será renovar o modelo com a manutenção e fortalecimento das idéias fundamentais do programa.

Evaluación de la formación de profesionales de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral / Assessment of the profesional training in the specialty of family medicine

Introducción: la evaluación de la formación de los residentes de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral se realiza mediante las visitas de control a los procesos formativos que realizan las Facultades de Ciencias Médicas, por los elementos que aportan los educandos en el proceso de evaluación profesoral y mediante la reacreditación docente de los policlínicos docentes. Objetivo: caracterizar el estado actual de la evaluación de la formación de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, durante el primer semestre del año 2015, en los policlínicos docentes de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Miguel Enríquez", el universo de estudio estuvo conformado por 100 residentes de MGI y los 13 jefes de los departamentos docentes de los policlínicos de los municipios de Regla, Guanabacoa, San Miguel del Padrón y el Cotorro, se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos, así como cuantitativos y cualitativos. Resultados: la totalidad de los jefes de departamento docentes de los policlínicos le conceden importancia a la evaluación de la formación de la especialidad por su parte, los residentes consideran que estos procesos evaluativos garantizan mayor calidad de la formación y mejora la infraestructura y el funcionamiento de los servicios en los policlínicos. Conclusiones: la evaluación de la formación de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral está respaldado por los documentos normativos emanados por el Ministerio de Salud Pública(AU)

Introduction: The assessment of the residents training in the specialty of family medicine is carried out through visits to control the training processes carried out by the School of Medical Sciences, considering the elements provided by the students in the process of teacher evaluation and through the teacher re-accreditation of the polyclinic teachers. Objective: To characterize the present state of the assessment to the training in the specialty of family medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out during the first semester of 2015, in the School Polyclinic of Dr. Miguel Enríquez School of Medical Sciences. The universe of study consisted of 100 family medicine residents and the 13 heads of the Polyclinic teaching Departments of the municipalities of Regla, Guanabacoa, San Miguel del Padrón, and Cotorro, using theoretical and empirical methods whether quantitative and qualitative. Results: All the heads of teaching Departments of the Polyclinics gave importance to the assessment of the training in the specialty. On the other hand, the residents consider that these evaluative processes guarantee better quality of the training and improve the infrastructure and the operation of services in polyclinics. Conclusions: The assessment of the training in the specialty of family medicine is supported by the regulative documents issued by the Ministry of Public Health(AU)

Evaluación de la formación de profesionales de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral / Assessment of the profesional training in the specialty of family medicine

Introducción: la evaluación de la formación de los residentes de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral se realiza mediante las visitas de control a los procesos formativos que realizan las Facultades de Ciencias Médicas, por los elementos que aportan los educandos en el proceso de evaluación profesoral y mediante la reacreditación docente de los policlínicos docentes. Objetivo: caracterizar el estado actual de la evaluación de la formación de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, durante el primer semestre del año 2015, en los policlínicos docentes de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Dr. Miguel Enríquez, el universo de estudio estuvo conformado por 100 residentes de MGI y los 13 jefes de los departamentos docentes de los policlínicos de los municipios de Regla, Guanabacoa, San Miguel del Padrón y el Cotorro, se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos, así como cuantitativos y cualitativos. Resultados: la totalidad de los jefes de departamento docentes de los policlínicos le conceden importancia a la evaluación de la formación de la especialidad por su parte, los residentes consideran que estos procesos evaluativos garantizan mayor calidad de la formación y mejora la infraestructura y el funcionamiento de los servicios en los policlínicos. Conclusiones: la evaluación de la formación de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral está respaldado por los documentos normativos emanados por el Ministerio de Salud Pública(AU)

Introduction: The assessment of the residents training in the specialty of family medicine is carried out through visits to control the training processes carried out by the School of Medical Sciences, considering the elements provided by the students in the process of teacher evaluation and through the teacher re-accreditation of the polyclinic teachers. Objective: To characterize the present state of the assessment to the training in the specialty of family medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out during the first semester of 2015, in the School Polyclinic of Dr. Miguel Enríquez School of Medical Sciences. The universe of study consisted of 100 family medicine residents and the 13 heads of the Polyclinic teaching Departments of the municipalities of Regla, Guanabacoa, San Miguel del Padrón, and Cotorro, using theoretical and empirical methods whether quantitative and qualitative. Results: All the heads of teaching Departments of the Polyclinics gave importance to the assessment of the training in the specialty. On the other hand, the residents consider that these evaluative processes guarantee better quality of the training and improve the infrastructure and the operation of services in polyclinics. Conclusions: The assessment of the training in the specialty of family medicine is supported by the regulative documents issued by the Ministry of Public Health(AU)

Satisfacción de los egresados del curso virtual Elementos esenciales para el trabajo en la Atención Primara de Salud / Graduates satisfaction of the virtual course Essential elements for working in Primary Health Care

Introducción: los retos de la educación superior plantean la necesidad de un proceso educativo basado en los principios de excelencia, calidad y pertinencia, donde los entornos virtuales juegan un importante papel. Objetivos: describir a los cursistas y al programa de estudio e identificar el grado de satisfacción de los egresados del curso virtual Elementos esenciales para el trabajo en la Atención Primaria de Salud con las competencias adquiridas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo. El universo estuvo constituido por 17 profesionales de la salud de diferentes países de la región. Variables estudiadas: programa de estudio, profesores, país de procedencia, expectativas y satisfacción en relación con los temas recibidos. Resultados: el programa estuvo compuesto por una etapa de familiarización con el entorno virtual, 5 temas y una actividad de integración final. En el claustro predominaron los profesores auxiliares (88,2 por ciento) y másteres en Ciencias (100 por ciento). Las expectativas de los estudiantes fueron cumplidas, hubo predominio de muy satisfecho con los temas recibidos destacándose los temas: Enfoque social de la salud y Participación social y comunitaria (100 por ciento), así como la organización y desarrollo general del curso (100 por ciento) y la calidad y actualización de la bibliografía disponible (94,1 por ciento). Conclusiones: el curso virtual facilita las herramientas fundamentales para realizar proyectos de intervención integral en la Atención Primaria de Salud con enfoque social y humanista. Existe satisfacción con los temas impartidos y se reconocieron: la calidad, actualidad de los temas, la profesionalidad del claustro, el excelente trabajo en equipo de profesores y el acompañamiento durante el curso(AU)

Introduction: The challenges of higher education raise the need for an educational process based on the principles of excellence, quality and relevance, where virtual environments play an important role. Objectives: Describe the course participants and the program of study and identify the degree of satisfaction of graduates of the virtual course Essentials for work in Primary Health Care with the skills acquired. Method: A descriptive study was conducted. The universe was composed of 17 health professionals from different countries in the region. Variables studied were the program of study, teachers, national origin, expectations and satisfaction with the subjects received. Results: The program consisted of a stage of familiarization with the virtual environment, 5 topics and a final integration activity. The body of professors was dominated by assistant professors (88.2 percent) and master's degrees in Science (100 percent). The student expectations were met, there was a predominance of very satisfied with the subjects received highlighting topics such as social approach to health and social and community (100 percent), as well as the overall participation and organization and development of the course (100 percent) and the quality and updating of the available literature (94.1 percent). Conclusions: The virtual course provides the fundamental tools for projects comprehensive intervention in primary health care with social and humanistic approach. Their satisfaction with subjects taught and recognized quality, timeliness of the topics, the professionalism of the body of professors, the excellent teamwork of teachers and support during the course(AU)

Satisfacción de los egresados del curso virtual Elementos esenciales para el trabajo en la Atención Primara de Salud / Graduates satisfaction of the virtual course Essential elements for working in Primary Health Care

Introducción: los retos de la educación superior plantean la necesidad de un proceso educativo basado en los principios de excelencia, calidad y pertinencia, donde los entornos virtuales juegan un importante papel. Objetivos: describir a los cursistas y al programa de estudio e identificar el grado de satisfacción de los egresados del curso virtual Elementos esenciales para el trabajo en la Atención Primaria de Salud con las competencias adquiridas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo. El universo estuvo constituido por 17 profesionales de la salud de diferentes países de la región. Variables estudiadas: programa de estudio, profesores, país de procedencia, expectativas y satisfacción en relación con los temas recibidos. Resultados: el programa estuvo compuesto por una etapa de familiarización con el entorno virtual, 5 temas y una actividad de integración final. En el claustro predominaron los profesores auxiliares (88,2 por ciento) y másteres en Ciencias (100 por ciento). Las expectativas de los estudiantes fueron cumplidas, hubo predominio de muy satisfecho con los temas recibidos destacándose los temas: Enfoque social de la salud y Participación social y comunitaria (100 por ciento), así como la organización y desarrollo general del curso (100 por ciento) y la calidad y actualización de la bibliografía disponible (94,1 por ciento). Conclusiones: el curso virtual facilita las herramientas fundamentales para realizar proyectos de intervención integral en la Atención Primaria de Salud con enfoque social y humanista. Existe satisfacción con los temas impartidos y se reconocieron: la calidad, actualidad de los temas, la profesionalidad del claustro, el excelente trabajo en equipo de profesores y el acompañamiento durante el curso(AU)

Introduction: The challenges of higher education raise the need for an educational process based on the principles of excellence, quality and relevance, where virtual environments play an important role. Objectives: Describe the course participants and the program of study and identify the degree of satisfaction of graduates of the virtual course Essentials for work in Primary Health Care with the skills acquired. Method: A descriptive study was conducted. The universe was composed of 17 health professionals from different countries in the region. Variables studied were the program of study, teachers, national origin, expectations and satisfaction with the subjects received. Results: The program consisted of a stage of familiarization with the virtual environment, 5 topics and a final integration activity. The body of professors was dominated by assistant professors (88.2 percent) and master's degrees in Science (100 percent). The student expectations were met, there was a predominance of very satisfied with the subjects received highlighting topics such as social approach to health and social and community (100 percent), as well as the overall participation and organization and development of the course (100 percent) and the quality and updating of the available literature (94.1 percent). Conclusions: The virtual course provides the fundamental tools for projects comprehensive intervention in primary health care with social and humanistic approach. Their satisfaction with subjects taught and recognized quality, timeliness of the topics, the professionalism of the body of professors, the excellent teamwork of teachers and support during the course(AU)

Consideraciones generales sobre la evolución de la medicina familiar y la atención primaria de salud en cuba y otros países / General Considerations on the Evolution of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care in Cuba and Other Countries

Introducción: la Medicina Familiar es considerada como la especialidad médica efectora de la Atención Primaria de Salud, cuyo desarrollo se ha influenciado por la presión de atender imperiosas necesidades sociales. Esta especialidad, también llamada Medicina de Familia, es ejercida de forma general por médicos cuya función básica es atender a la comunidad, la familia y el individuo en un área de salud determinada. Objetivo: revisar información sobre la evolución y desarrollo de la medicina familiar y la Atención Primaria de Salud en Cuba y otros países. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica a través de diferentes fuentes de información, buscadores y bases de datos, entre ellas, Google, Medline, Pubmed y SciELO.Resultados: la medicina familiar resurge a fines de la primera mitad del siglo XX ante el imperativo de satisfacer la necesidad social de una atención médica que garantice un servicio de salud de alta calidad científico-técnica a un costo sostenible, la misma ha tenido su desarrollo en modelos de atención primaria donde se han utilizado diferentes programas de formación, como en México, Brasil, Canadá, Estados Unidos, España y Cuba. Conclusiones: la medicina familiar ha tenido un desarrollo en espiral en el ámbito internacional, logrando algunos modelos más éxitos que otros. El modelo cubano, con una inversión económicamente limitada, se convierte en una de las estrategias más costo-efectivas de la historia(AU)

Introduction: Family Medicine is the medical specialty considered effector of Primary Health Care, whose development has been influenced by the pressure to address compelling social needs. This field, also called family practice is generally exercised by physicians whose primary function is to serve the community, the family and the individual in a particular area of health. Objective: To review information about the evolution and development of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care in Cuba and other countries. Methods: A literature search through different information sources, databases and search engines, including Google, Medline, PubMed and SciELO was performed. Results: family medicine emerges late in the first half of the XX century to meet the imperative social need for health care services to ensure scientific and technical quality health care at a sustainable cost, it has had its development in primary care models which have used different training programs, such as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, USA, Spain and Cuba. Conclusions: Family medicine has had a spiral development internationally, making models - some more success than others. The Cuban model, with a financially limited investment, becomes a cost-effective strategy over history(AU)

Análisis de la situación de salud con enfoque de género / Gender-focused health situation analysis

Introducción: el Análisis de Situación de Salud (ASIS) es considerado como el insumo básico para la toma de decisiones en el sector salud, su conocimiento, comprensión y aplicabilidad permite la adecuada y pertinente planeación de intervenciones en salud. Objetivo: contribuir al perfeccionamiento del Análisis de la Situación de Salud en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: se realizó una revisión documental relacionada con el análisis de la situación de Salud y la atención primaria. Conclusiones: la introducción del enfoque de género en el ASIS permite una lectura diferente de la información que disponemos con un nivel de análisis superior de los problemas de salud.

Introduction: the Health Situation Analysis (HSA) is regarded as the basic input for the decision-making in the healthcare sector; knowledge about, understanding and applicability of this element allows adequate and relevant planning of health interventions. Objective: to contribute to the improvement of the Health Situation Analysis in the primary health care. Methods: adocumentary review was made on the health situation analysis and the primary health care. Conclusions: the introduction of the gender focus in the health situation analysis makes it possible to construe gathered information in a different way with upgraded analysis of health problems.

Análisis de la situación de salud con enfoque de género / Gender-focused health situation analysis

Introducción: el Análisis de Situación de Salud (ASIS) es considerado como el insumo básico para la toma de decisiones en el sector salud, su conocimiento, comprensión y aplicabilidad permite la adecuada y pertinente planeación de intervenciones en salud. Objetivo: contribuir al perfeccionamiento del Análisis de la Situación de Salud en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Método: se realizó una revisión documental relacionada con el análisis de la situación de Salud y la atención primaria. Conclusiones: la introducción del enfoque de género en el ASIS permite una lectura diferente de la información que disponemos con un nivel de análisis superior de los problemas de salud(AU)

Introduction: the Health Situation Analysis (HSA) is regarded as the basic input for the decision-making in the healthcare sector; knowledge about, understanding and applicability of this element allows adequate and relevant planning of health interventions. Objective: to contribute to the improvement of the Health Situation Analysis in the primary health care. Methods: adocumentary review was made on the health situation analysis and the primary health care. Conclusions: the introduction of the gender focus in the health situation analysis makes it possible to construe gathered information in a different way with upgraded analysis of health problems.