Replication-Competent Oropouche Virus in Semen of Traveler Returning to Italy from Cuba, 2024.

A febrile man in Italy who had traveled to Cuba in July 2024 was diagnosed with Oropouche fever. Reverse transcription PCR detected prolonged shedding of Oropouche virus RNA in whole blood, serum, urine, and semen. Sixteen days after symptom onset, replication-competent virus was detected in semen, suggesting risk for sexual transmission.

Studying the Humoral Response against SARS-CoV-2 in Cuban COVID-19 Recovered Patients.

Understanding the immune response generated by SARS-CoV-2 is critical for assessing efficient therapeutic protocols and gaining insights into the durability of protective immunity. The current work was aimed at studying the specific humoral responses against SARS-CoV-2 in Cuban COVID-19 convalescents. We developed suitable tools and methods based on ELISA methodology, for supporting this evaluation. Here, we describe the development of an ELISA for the quantification of anti-RBD IgG titers in a large number of samples and a similar test in the presence of NH4SCN as chaotropic agent for estimating the RBD specific antibody avidity. Additionally, a simple and rapid ELISA based on antibody-mediated blockage of the binding RBD-ACE2 was implemented for detecting, as a surrogate of conventional test, the levels of anti-RBD inhibitory antibodies in convalescent sera. In a cohort of 273 unvaccinated convalescents, we identified higher anti-RBD IgG titer (1 : 1,330, p < 0.0001) and higher levels of inhibitory antibodies blocking RBD-ACE2 binding (1 : 216, p < 0.05) among those who had recovered from severe illness. Our results suggest that disease severity, and not demographic features such as age, sex, and skin color, is the main determinant of the magnitude and neutralizing ability of the anti-RBD antibody response. An additional paired longitudinal assessment in 14 symptomatic convalescents revealed a decline in the antiviral antibody response and the persistence of neutralizing antibodies for at least 4 months after the onset of symptoms. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 infection elicits different levels of antibody response according to disease severity that declines over time and can be monitored using our homemade serological assays.

Report of an unusual association of Oropouche Fever with Guillain-Barré syndrome in Cuba, 2024.

Oropouche virus is the aetiological agent of Oropouche fever. At present, this is currently considered one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Latin America. On 27 May 2024, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba reported the first ever outbreak of Oropouche fever. In this report, we describe three human cases of Oropouche virus infection with symptoms and signs of neurological disease and clinical diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This study offers insights regarding that Oropouche virus is a causal agent of neurological disorders and it could be involved in the etiology of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Oropouche Virus Disease Among U.S. Travelers - United States, 2024.

Beginning in late 2023, Oropouche virus was identified as the cause of large outbreaks in Amazon regions with known endemic transmission and in new areas in South America and the Caribbean. The virus is spread to humans by infected biting midges and some mosquito species. Although infection typically causes a self-limited febrile illness, reports of two deaths in patients with Oropouche virus infection and vertical transmission associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes have raised concerns about the threat of this virus to human health. In addition to approximately 8,000 locally acquired cases in the Americas, travel-associated Oropouche virus disease cases have recently been identified in European travelers returning from Cuba and Brazil. As of August 16, 2024, a total of 21 Oropouche virus disease cases were identified among U.S. travelers returning from Cuba. Most patients initially experienced fever, myalgia, and headache, often with other symptoms including arthralgia, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and rash. At least three patients had recurrent symptoms after the initial illness, a common characteristic of Oropouche virus disease. Clinicians and public health jurisdictions should be aware of the occurrence of Oropouche virus disease in U.S. travelers and request testing for suspected cases. Travelers should prevent insect bites when traveling, and pregnant persons should consider deferring travel to areas experiencing outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease.

Octocoral growth rate and mortality along a eutrophication gradient in Cuban reefs.

Octocorals are showing resilience to local and global stressors, while the decline in zooxanthellate corals continues. One of the processes that helps explain this ecological succession is the vertical growth of octocorals, which allows colonies to avoid stressors occurring at the substrate level. However, the growth and survival of octocorals could be affected by eutrophication, similar to what has happened with zooxanthellate corals. For this reason, the growth rate, mortality and survival of two octocoral species were determined along a eutrophication gradient in Cuba. A permanent band transect (250 × 2 m) was established on seven frontal reefs, and marked colonies were monitored for one year. The growth rates in height, width and colony area of Eunicea flexuosa and Plexaura kükenthali were significantly greater in the reefs near the polluted river basins. The eutrophication gradient, water visibility, and sediment accumulation on the bottom explained 36-78% of the variability in the growth of both species. The positive and significant correlations between the growth rate and stable nitrogen isotopes in both species and the microbiological variables, suggest that the contributions of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and organic matter from sewage discharge favor the growth of colonies. The eutrophication gradient did not explain the variability in mortality of either species in the short term, while hydrodynamic stress did. The results of this research highlight the resilience of both species and their ability to grow more rapidly in areas with eutrophic conditions, low water visibility, and greater sediment accumulation on the bottom, which may help explain the abundance of octocorals in the western tropical Atlantic.

Oropouche Fever, Cuba, May 2024.

Phylogenetic analyses showed that the virus responsible for a May 2024 Oropouche fever outbreak in Cuba was closely related to viruses from Brazil in 2023. Pools of Ceratopogonidae spp. biting midges and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were positive for Oropouche viral RNA. No cases were severe. Virus extension to new areas may increase case numbers and severity.

Non-volatile leaves compounds LC-MS profile of the two Cuban Piper aduncum L. subspecies / Perfil de CL-SM de compuestos no volátiles de las hojas de las dos subspecies cubanas de Piper aduncum L

The medicinal plant Piper aduncum was segregated in Cuba as P. aduncum subsp. ossanumand P. aduncum subsp. aduncum, the latter has not been phytochemically investigated in Cuba. This study aims to compare profiles of non-volatile compounds of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cuban Piper aduncum subspecies leaves. From both subspecies were prepared a decoction and, an ethanolic extract that yield two fractions. Analysis was performed by UPLC-ESI/QTOF/MS. Standard reference compounds were assessed by comparison with MS data of the plants extracts. Also, tentatively assigned compounds were proposed by matching m/z and fragmentation patterns with P. aduncum published compounds. Main compounds in decoction and aqueous ethanolic fraction of both subspecies were characterized as flavon-C-glycosides. Isoorientin was not previously reported in P. aduncum. Oleaginous ethanolic extracts differs among subspecies and peaks are coincident with benzoic acid derivate compounds. Results can serve for quality control of P. aduncumin Cuba

La planta medicinal Piper aduncum, fue segregada en Cuba como P. aduncum subsp. ossanum y P. aduncum subsp. aduncum, la última carece de estudios fitoquímicos en Cuba. El objetivo fue comparar los perfiles de los compuestos no volátiles de extractos acuosos y etanólicos de hojas de las subespecies cubanas de P. aduncum. De ambas subespecies se prepararon decocciones y extractos etanólicos que rindieron dos fracciones, que fueron analizadas mediante UPLC-ESI/QTOF/MS. Los MS obtenidos se evaluaron respecto a compuestos de referencia y tentativamente se asignaron compuestos comparando con los reportados en P. aduncum. Los perfiles de LC-MS de decocciones y fracciones acuosas fueron similares en ambas subespecies, los compuestos mayoritarios fueron C-glucósidos de flavonas. La isorientina no se ha reportado antes en P. aduncum. Las fracciones oleaginosas difieren entre las subespecies, sus picos coinciden con derivados del ácido benzoico. Estos resultados pueden servir para el control de calidad de P. aduncum en Cuba.

Drug Pricing Stewardship from Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Generic Drug Program.

IMPORTANCE: The exceedingly high US spending per capita on prescription medications is mediated, at least in part, by the inefficiencies of existing generic pharmaceutical distribution and reimbursement systems; yet, the extent of potential savings and areas for targeted interventions for generic drug prescribers remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze 2021 Medicare Part D spending on generic drugs in comparison with pricing of a low-cost generic drug program, the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC), to gauge the extent of achievable potential savings. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this retrospective, observational study, we performed a systematic analysis of potential Medicare Part D savings when using MCCPDC generic pricing. The 2023 MCCPDC data, as of August 2023, were obtained from the provider's publicly available database. The 2021 Medicare Part D data and prescriber datasets were obtained from the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Outcomes included total prescription volume, proportion of drugs with savings, total US dollar Medicare savings, and average weighted price reduction per unit drug. Results were stratified by medical and surgical subspecialties to identify areas for targeted interventions. Subspecialty-wise contribution to total savings versus contribution to total prescription volume was characterized. RESULTS: Total estimated Medicare Part D savings were $8.6 billion using 90-day MCCPDC pricing, with surgical drugs accounting for over $900 million. Nearly 80% of the examined drugs were more price effective through MCCPDC using 90-day supply. Commonly prescribed drugs in cardiology, psychiatry, neurology, transplant surgery, and urology demonstrated the highest estimated absolute savings. The most disproportionate savings relative to prescription volume were observed for drugs in oncology, gynecology, infectious disease, transplant surgery, and colorectal surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study underscores the significant potential for Medicare Part D savings through strategies that address the systemic overpayment for generic medications. We identified key areas for reform as well as specific medical and surgical subspecialties where targeted interventions could yield substantial savings.

Advancing the art of mosquito control: the journey of the sterile insect technique against Aedes aegypti in Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, poses a significant public health threat worldwide. Traditional control methods using insecticides are increasingly challenged by resistance and environmental concerns. The sterile insect technique (SIT) offers an eco-friendly alternative that has been successfully applied to other insect pests. This article aims to briefly review Ae. aegypti management in Cuba, highlighting the accomplishments, challenges, and future directions of the SIT. MAIN BODY: Here we provide a brief summary of the extensive history of Ae. aegypti control efforts in Cuba. After a successful eradication campaign in the 1980s, a resurgence of dengue cases has been observed in recent years, suggesting that traditional control methods may have limited effectiveness under current conditions. In response, Cuba initiated a phased approach to develop and evaluate the feasibility of SIT for Ae. aegypti control, starting in 2008. Initial research focused on Ae. aegypti mating behavior and sterilization methods, followed by successful laboratory and semi-field trials that demonstrated population suppression. The first open-field trial in 2020 confirmed the efficacy of the SIT in reducing Ae. aegypti populations under real-world conditions. Currently, the research is in a phase involving a cluster-randomized superiority-controlled trial. This planned trial will compare the standard vector control program with the same program augmented by the SIT, aiming to assess the impact of the SIT on dengue incidence as the primary outcome. Implementing robust epidemiological trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the SIT is complex due to potential spillover effects from mosquito and human movement across study areas. Additionally, conducting the SIT requires significant development and operational investments. Despite these challenges, the ongoing Cuban trial holds promise for establishing the SIT as an effective and sustainable tool for Ae. aegypti control and for reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The phased evaluation conducted in Cuba confirms the efficacy of the SIT against Ae. aegypti, highlighting its potential for sustainable mosquito-borne disease management. The effective implementation of multi-site trials will be crucial in providing evidence of the potential of the sterile insect technique as part of a strategy to reduce the incidence of arboviral diseases.

Discovering the volatilome fingerprint of selected traditional Cuban wines elaborated with native grapes, tropical fruits, and rice using DHS-TD-GC-MS.

Cuban wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage elaborated with a wide variety of raw materials, such as native grapes, tropical fruits, and rice, and different winemaking processes. Research on Cuban wines is almost nonexistent, and therefore, a study of these wines is necessary to improve their quality. Dynamic headspace (DHS)-TD-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to establish the different aroma fingerprints of different Cuban wines. A total of 42 volatile aroma metabolites (VAMs) were identified, including esters, alcohols, aldehydes, acids, volatile phenols, terpenes, and lactones. The odorant activity values (OAV) of each VAM were obtained, and the esters were the most relevant group due to their highest OAV. Ethyl octanoate, hexanoate, and butanoate stand out and are considered key odorants in the aromatic fingerprint. The VAMs were grouped into seven aromatic series. Fruity series showed the highest OAVs due to the contribution of ethyl esters and acetates. Principal component analysis was used to identify the specific parameters most accurately reflecting the differences between the wines. Showing that fruity, spicy, and chemical aromatic series allow distinguishing the wines into three aroma types. These results may provide useful information for the selection of raw materials and optimization of the traditional winemaking processes of Cuban wines. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research contributes to knowledge of the aroma and the oenological parameters of traditional and selected Cuban wines (rice wine, tropical fruit wine, and native grape varieties). The establishing of the aroma fingerprint of these wines provides useful information for the industrial development of a quality product that may then be promoted in other areas of the world.

Breast cancer risk estimation with intelligent algorithms and risk factors for Cuban women.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women globally. Current prediction models based on risk factors are inefficient in specific populations, so an appropriate and calibrated breast cancer prediction model for Cuban women is essential. This article proposes a conceptual model for breast cancer risk estimation for Cuban women using machine learning algorithms and risk factors. The model has three main components: knowledge representation, risk estimation modeling, and risk predictor evaluation. Nine of the most common machine learning algorithms were used to generate risk predictors using the proposed model. Two data sources served as case studies: the first comprised data collected from Cuban women, and the second included data from US Hispanic women obtained from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium dataset. The results show that the model effectively estimates breast cancer risk and could be a valuable tool for early detection of breast cancer and identification of patients at risk. According to the first experiment results, the best predictor of breast cancer risk for the Cuban female population corresponds to the Random Forest algorithm with a weighted score of 5.981, a training accuracy of 0.996 and a training AUC of 0.997. In a second experiment, it was demonstrated that the risk predictors generated by the proposed model using data from Cuban women obtained better AUC and accuracy values compared to the predictors generated by using the US Hispanic population, potentially generalizable to other Hispanic populations. Implementing this model could be an economically viable alternative to reduce the mortality rate of this type of cancer in Latin American countries such as Cuba.

Land-cover change in Cuba and implications for the area of distribution of a specialist's host-plant.

Changes in land cover directly affect biodiversity. Here, we assessed land-cover change in Cuba in the past 35 years and analyzed how this change may affect the distribution of Omphalea plants and Urania boisduvalii moths. We analyzed the vegetation cover of the Cuban archipelago for 1985 and 2020. We used Google Earth Engine to classify two satellite image compositions into seven cover types: forest and shrubs, mangrove, soil without vegetation cover, wetlands, pine forest, agriculture, and water bodies. We considered four different areas for quantifications of land-cover change: (1) Cuban archipelago, (2) protected areas, (3) areas of potential distribution of Omphalea, and (4) areas of potential distribution of the plant within the protected areas. We found that "forest and shrubs", which is cover type in which Omphalea populations have been reported, has increased significantly in Cuba in the past 35 years, and that most of the gained forest and shrub areas were agricultural land in the past. This same pattern was observed in the areas of potential distribution of Omphalea; whereas almost all cover types were mostly stable inside the protected areas. The transformation of agricultural areas into forest and shrubs could represent an interesting opportunity for biodiversity conservation in Cuba. Other detailed studies about biodiversity composition in areas of forest and shrubs gain would greatly benefit our understanding of the value of such areas for conservation.

Maniobras de vacunación contra la Covid-19 en Songo-La Maya, Cuba / Vaccination maneuvers against Covid-19 in Songo-La Maya, Cuba / Medidas de vacinação contra a Covid-19 em Songo-La Maya, Cuba

Introducción: En la lucha contra las epidemias la vacunación resulta una herramienta indispensable de la salud pública. Método: Se presenta una investigación interventiva y del tipo descriptivo, no experimental y bajo los métodos: observación participativa, revisión de historias clínicas, entrevista médica y correlación de datos. El universo y muestra estuvo constituido por 87 028 personas mayores de 2 años de edad pertenecientes al municipio Songo-La Maya. Se implementó la vacunación en el periodo Febrero del 2021 hasta Febrero del 2022. Todo bajo la metodología de la investigación cuantitativa y del paradigma del positivismo. Resultados: al cierre de febrero del 2022 se administraron 270140 dosis de las vacunas cubanas Abdala, soberana 02, soberana plus y 951 dosis de vacuna china Sinopharm; para un total de 271091 dosis administradas. Hasta la fecha, han recibido al menos una dosis de una de las vacunas cubanas 75 866 personas. Conclusiones: En el municipio Songo-La Maya hasta febrero del 2022, el 78.02 % de su población quedó inmunizada contra la Covid-19. Más de la mitad (58,14%) completaron el esquema de las 3 dosis de la vacuna Abdala y el 17,75% completó el esquema de la 2da dosis de soberana 02 y una de soberana plus. Es notorio que en las publicaciones de los medios que responden a los países altamente industrializados no mencionan las vacunas cubanas, esto puede responder a mediaciones políticas para no dar méritos a los logros de la Revolución Cubana.

Introduction: In the fight against epidemics, vaccination is an indispensable public health tool. Method: An interventional and descriptive research is presented, non-experimental and using the methods: participatory observation, review of medical record, medical interview and data correlation. The universe and sample consisted of 87,028 people over 2 years of age belonging to the Songo-La Maya municipality. Vaccination was implemented in the period from February 2021 to February 2022. All under the methodology of quantitative research and the paradigm of positivism. Results: at the end of February 2022, 270,140 doses of the Cuban vaccines Abdala, sovereign 02, sovereign plus and 951 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine were administered; for a total of 271,091 doses administered. To date, 75,866 people have received at least one dose of one of the Cuban vaccines. Conclusions: In the Songo-La Maya municipality until February 2022, 78.02% of its population was immunized against Covid-19. More than half (58.14%) completed the schedule of the 3 doses of the Abdala vaccine and 17.75% completed the schedule of the 2nd dose of sovereign 02 and one of sovereign plus. It is notorious that in media publications that respond to highly industrialized countries they do not mention Cuban vaccines; this may respond to political mediations to not give merit to the achievements of the Cuban Revolution.

Introdução: No combate às epidemias, a vacinação é uma ferramenta indispensável de saúde pública. Método: Apresenta-se uma pesquisa intervencionista e descritiva, não experimental e utilizando os métodos: observação participante, revisão de prontuários, entrevista médica e correlação de dados. O universo e a amostra foram constituídos por 87.028 pessoas com mais de 2 anos pertencentes ao município de Songo-La Maya. A vacinação foi implementada no período de fevereiro de 2021 a fevereiro de 2022. Tudo sob a metodologia da pesquisa quantitativa e o paradigma do positivismo. Resultados: no final de fevereiro de 2022, foram administradas 270.140 doses das vacinas cubanas Abdala, soberana 02, soberana plus e 951 doses da vacina chinesa Sinopharm; para um total de 271.091 doses administradas. Até o momento, 75.866 pessoas receberam pelo menos uma dose de uma das vacinas cubanas. Conclusões: No município de Songo-La Maya até Fevereiro de 2022, 78,02% da sua população estava imunizada contra a Covid-19. Mais da metade (58,14%) completou o esquema das 3 doses da vacina Abdala e 17,75% completou o esquema da 2ª dose da soberana 02 e uma da soberana plus. É notório que nas publicações mediáticas que respondem aos países altamente industrializados não mencionam as vacinas cubanas; isto pode responder às mediações políticas para não dar mérito às conquistas da Revolução Cubana.

Association between COMMD1 gene polymorphism rs11125908 and rheumatoid arthritis in the Cuban population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of the rs11125908 polymorphism in the COMMD1 gene in the Cuban population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this case-control study, 161 RA patients and 150 control subjects were genotyped for rs11125908 by the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction method. DNA sequencing was used to verify the assignation of the polymorphism. The odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval were calculated by logistic regression to determine the associations between genotypes and RA using the SNPStats software. RESULTS: An association of the single nucleotide polymorphism with the disease was found in the overdominant model (p=0.025; OR=1.91) for the AG genotype. Our analyses revealed an association between rs11125908 and the subgroup of patients with swollen joints < median under the codominant model for AG (p=0.034; OR=2.30) and GG genotype (p=0.034; OR=0.82) and with the overdominant model (p=0.01; OR=2.38). The subgroup of patients with an age of onset lower than the mean and AG genotype showed an association in the overdominant model (p=0.027; OR=2.27). Disease activity score 28 with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and disease duration variables were not associated with the rs11125908 polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: rs11125908 was associated with RA and with the number of swollen joints and age of onset subgroup analyses. We provide concepts for treatments for RA, based on pharmacological management of COMMD1 expression.