Combinación de interferones en pacientes con tumores cerebrales de alto grado de malignidad sin opciones terapéuticas / Combination of interferons in patients with high-grade brain tumors without therapeutic options

Introducción: La escasa supervivencia de pacientes con tumores cerebrales de alto grado de malignidad, pese a la existencia de algunas opciones de tratamiento, conduce a la búsqueda de nuevas modalidades terapéuticas. La combinación cubana de interferones alfa y gamma es novedosa y existen evidencias de que aumenta la supervivencia de pacientes con tumores sólidos. Método: Se realizó una investigación clínica para determinar la eficiencia de la combinación en pacientes con tumores cerebrales de alto grado sin opciones terapéuticas. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes tratados en el Hospital “Arnaldo Milián Castro” en el período 2009-2020, se evaluó seguridad y eficacia. Resultados: No se produjeron efectos adversos graves, fueron leves o moderados, y los pacientes se recuperaron. Al año habían fallecido el 8,7 % de los casos del grupo experimental, frente al 70,6 % en el grupo control. La supervivencia global en estadio III fue similar en ambos escenarios y en estadio IV fue superior para el grupo experimental. La posibilidad de sobrevivir para los pacientes que se trataron con la combinación de interferones fue 0,887 veces superior a los casos control. Se produjeron diferencias significativas en la capacidad funcional entre ambos grupos de pacientes. Conclusiones: Se evidenció que la combinación cubana de interferones es segura y eficaz para el tratamiento de tumores cerebrales de alto grado de malignidad sin opciones terapéuticas, lo que la convierte en una opción eficiente en este escenario clínico. (AU)

Introduction: The poor survival of patients with high-grade malignancy brain tumors, despite the existence of some treatment options, leads to the search for new therapeutic modalities. The cuban combination of alpha and gamma interferons is novel and there is evidence that it increases the survival of patients with solid tumors. Method: A clinical investigation was conducted to determine the efficiency of the combination in patients with high-grade brain tumors without therapeutic options. 40 patients treated at the “Arnaldo Milián Castro” Hospital in the period 2009-2020 were included, safety and efficacy were evaluated. Results: No serious adverse events occurred, events were mild or moderate, expected, and patients recovered. After one year, 8.7 % of the cases in the experimental group had died, compared to 70.6 % in the control group. Overall survival in stage III was similar in both scenarios and in stage IV it was higher for the experimental group. The chance of survival for the patients who were treated with the combination of interferons was 0.887 times higher than the control cases. There were significant differences in functional capacity between both groups of patients. Conclusions: It was evidenced that the Cuban combination of interferons is safe and effective for the treatment of high-grade malignancy brain tumors without therapeutic options, which makes it an efficient option in this clinical scenario. (AU)

Environmental DNA-based biomonitoring of Cuban Crocodylus and their accompanying vertebrate fauna from Zapata Swamp, Cuba.

Crocodylians globally face considerable challenges, including population decline and extensive habitat modification. Close monitoring of crocodylian populations and their habitats is imperative for the timely detection of population trends, especially in response to management interventions. Here we use eDNA metabarcoding to identify the Critically Endangered Crocodylus rhombifer and the Vulnerable C. acutus, as well as vertebrate community diversity, in Cuba's Zapata Swamp. We tested four different primer sets, including those used previously in Crocodylus population genetic and phylogenetic research, for their efficiency at detecting crocodylian eDNA. We detected C. rhombifer eDNA in 11 out of 15 sampled locations within its historical geographic distribution. We found that data analyses using the VertCOI primers and the mBRAVE bioinformatics pipeline were the most effective molecular marker and pipeline combination for identifying this species from environmental samples. We also identified 55 vertebrate species in environmental samples across the four bioinformatics pipelines- ~ 85% known to be present in the Zapata ecosystem. Among them were eight species previously undetected in the area and eight alien species, including known predators of hatchling crocodiles (e.g., Clarias sp.) and egg predators (e.g., Mus musculus). This study highlights eDNA metabarcoding as a powerful tool for crocodylian biomonitoring within fragile and diverse ecosystems, particularly where fast, non-invasive methods permit detection in economically important areas and will lead to a better understanding of complex human-crocodile interactions and evaluate habitat suitability for potential reintroductions or recovery programs for threatened crocodylian species.

First molecular characterization of Dirofilaria Immitis in Cuba.

BACKGROUND: Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. RESULTS: Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country.

Alternativas de procesos para la búsqueda de casos de tuberculosis bajo condiciones económicas limitadas. Cuba 2022-2025 / Process Alternatives for the Tuberculosis Case Finding under Limited Economic Conditions. Cuba 2022-2025

Ejecutar procesos efectivos de búsqueda de casos de tuberculosis es crucial para acele-rar el paso hacia su eliminación. El empeoramiento de las condiciones económicas mun-diales y nacionales no nos permite aplicar extensivamente las tecnologías rápidas mo-leculares idóneas de diagnóstico. Consideramos sensato entonces aplicar algoritmos alternativos que satisfagan las necesidades nacionales presentes hasta que las condi-ciones permitan la cobertura completa de las tecnologías moleculares recomendadas. Sugerimos introducir la radiografía digital para todos los algoritmos, utilizar mejor la microscopía de fluorescencia LED y la óptica convencional ya probadas. En conclusión, es preciso que este enfoque de trabajo, que procura optimizar la efectividad y eficiencia del programa, se introduzca en la práctica cotidiana hasta que lo idóneo sea permisible

Executing effective tuberculosis case-finding processes is crucial to accelerate the path towards elimination of the disease. The worsening of global and national economic conditions do not allow us to extensively apply rapid molecular diagnostic technolo-gies. We consider it sensible and necessary to apply alternative algorithms that meet the current national needs, until conditions allow full coverage of the recommended molecular technologies. We suggest introducing digital X-rays for all algorithms, bet-ter use of LED fluorescence microscopy and conventional optics already appropriate-ly tested. In conclusion, it is necessary that this approach that seeks to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the Cuban program be introduced into daily practice until the ideal is permissible

Perfil de carga de enfermedad por diabetes 2023: Cuba

El propósito fundamental de esta serie de perfiles nacionales de la carga de enfermedad por diabetes y de enfermedad renal crónica debida a diabetes es apoyar a los países de la Región de las Américas en el seguimiento de las estrategias puestas en marcha para enfrentar la diabetes. Esta primera versión de los perfiles, que abarca el período comprendido entre el 2000 y el 2019, muestra la tendencia de la mortalidad, los años de vida perdidos por muerte prematura, los años vividos con discapacidad y los años de vida ajustados por discapacidad de ambas enfermedad. Se han elaborado con los últimos datos disponibles de las estimaciones mundiales de salud de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y tiene como objetivo convertirse en una herramienta útil para llevar a cabo el monitoreo de las estrategias conexas.

Morphometric responses of two zooxanthellate octocorals along a water quality gradient in the Cuban northwestern coast.

Octocoral abundance is increasing on Caribbean reefs, and one of the possible causes is their vertical morphological plasticity that allows them to grow above the substrate to reduce the effect of processes that occur in it (e.g., scour by sediments) as well as adapt to environmental gradients. The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric response of two octocorals species (Eunicea flexuosa and Plexaura kükenthali) with different life strategies in a water quality gradient. The research was carried out between 2008 and 2016 on eight forereefs of northwest Cuba. Different morphometric indicators were measured in the colonies of both species found within a belt transect (100 x 2 m) randomly located at each site. The lowest means in height, diameter, number of terminal branches/colony, cover index, and least arborescent colonies of E. flexuosa were detected at the sites with the greatest anthropogenic pollution. The water quality gradient did not explain the variability of the five morphometric indicators of P. kükenthali. However, hydrodynamic stress was the factor that most negatively affected the morphometry of this species. The chronic effect of poor water quality over time resulted in more small sized colonies of E. flexuosa at the polluted site, probably due to higher mortality. The size distribution of P. kükenthali also showed the same trend but at the sites with greater hydrodynamic stress. These results show that the morphometric response of octocorals along a water quality gradient is species-specific. This study suggests that poor water quality decreases the size and thus availability of habitat provided by octocorals sensitive to that factor (e.g., E. flexuosa) while other tolerant species (e.g., P. kükenthali) could provide the habitat of several organisms in a scenario of increasing anthropogenic pollution.

Palpigrades from Cuba (Arachnida: Palpigradi: Eukoeneniidae).

The knowledge of palpigrades in Cuba is limited to the species Eukoenenia orghidani, discovered and described from Cueva de Bellamar. In this work, a survey for palpigrades in the suburbs of La Habana, Cuba revealed three species, Eukoenenia berlesei, Eukoenenia florenciae and a new species described here as Eukoenenia glandulosa sp. nov. Interestingly, the three species coexist in the microspaces of wet soil. A total of 16 arthropod species were identified living in the same microhabitat as the palpigrades.

Habilidades prácticas en estudiantes de Enfermería Técnica de tercer año, Facultad Finlay-Albarrán, 2021 / Practical skills in third-year Technical Nursing students, Finlay-Albarrán Faculty, 2021 / Competências práticas em estudantes de enfermagem técnica do terceiro ano, Finlay-Albarrán Faculty, 2021

Introducción: El proceso de formación de habilidades es superior a la simple asimilación del contenido, ya que las habilidades resultan indispensables en el aprendizaje, requiriéndose que la enseñanza sea activa a través de diferentes etapas interrelacionadas, pero con cierta flexibilidad en su aplicación, según su complejidad. Objetivo: Diagnosticar el estado de desarrollo de las habilidades prácticas en estudiantes de 3° año (9° grado) de la carrera de Enfermería Técnica Facultad Finlay-Albarrán marzo-mayo 2021. Metodología: El estudio corresponde a un diseño descriptivo de corte transversal en la Facultad Finlay-Albarrán con estudiantes de 3° año de la carrera de Enfermería Técnica durante el período marzo-mayo 2021.El universo estuvo representado por los estudiantes que iniciaron en la rotación de Enfermería Ginecobstétrica (N=28). Para el estudio se combinaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadísticos. Resultados: Los alumnos del 3° año de Enfermería, reconocen como habilidades a desarrollar la medición de signos vitales para un 57.14%, el examen físico general, para un 67.85%, la cura de herida quirúrgica para un 53.57% y la evolución de Enfermería para un 82.1%, no consideran el Proceso de Atención de Enfermería, o sea la aplicación de este que es el método científico de la profesión, como un saber esencial en la práctica de Enfermería. Conclusiones: Se diagnosticó el estado de las habilidades prácticas en estudiantes de 3° año de Enfermería.

Introduction: The skills training process is superior to the simple assimilation of the content, since the skills are essential in learning, requiring that the teaching be active through different interrelated stages, but with some flexibility in its application, according to its complexity. Objective: To diagnose the state of development of practical skills in third year students (ninth grade) of the Finlay-Albarrán Faculty of Technical Nursing career, March-May 2021. Methodology: The study corresponds to a descriptive cross-sectional design in the Finlay-Albarrán Faculty with third year students of the Technical Nursing career during the period March-May 2021.The universe was represented by the students who started in the Gyneco-Obstetric Nursing rotation (N = 28) .For the study, theoretical, empirical, and statistical methods were combined. Results: The 3rd year Nursing students recognize as skills to develop the measurement of vital signs for 57.14%, the general physical examination, for a 67.85%, surgical wound healing for 53.57% and Nursing evolution for 82.1%, do not consider the Nursing Care Process, that is, the application of this, which is the scientific method of the profession, as essential knowledge in Nursing practice. Conclusions: The state of practical skills in third year Nursing students was diagnosed.

Introdução: O processo de formação de competências é superior à simples assimilação do conteúdo, uma vez que as competências são essenciais na aprendizagem, exigindo que o ensino seja ativo em diferentes etapas inter-relacionadas, mas com alguma flexibilidade na sua aplicação, de acordo com a sua complexidade. Objetivo: Diagnosticar o estado de desenvolvimento de habilidades práticas em alunos do 3º ano (9º ano) da carreira da Faculdade de Enfermagem Técnica Finlay-Albarrán, março-maio de 2021. Metodologia: O estudo corresponde a um desenho transversal descritivo no Finlay-Albarrán Docente com alunos do 3º ano da carreira de Técnico de Enfermagem durante o período março-maio de 2021. O universo foi representado pelos alunos que iniciaram no rodízio de Enfermagem Gineco-Obstétrica (N = 28). Para o estudo foram combinados métodos teóricos, empíricos e estatísticos. Resultados: Os alunos do 3º ano de Enfermagem reconhecem como habilidades para desenvolver a mensuração dos sinais vitais para 57,14%, o exame físico geral, para 67,85%, a cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas para 53,57% e a evolução da Enfermagem para 82,1%, não consideram o Processo de Assistência de Enfermagem, ou seja, a aplicação deste, que é o método científico da profissão, como conhecimento essencial na prática da Enfermagem. Conclusões: Foi diagnosticado o estado das habilidades práticas em alunos do 3º ano de Enfermagem.

HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD CHEMISTRY VALUES IN CUBAN CROCODILES (CROCODYLUS RHOMBIFER) HOUSED AT THE ZAPATA SWAMP CROCODILE FARM, CUBA.

We report hematology and biochemistry reference intervals (RI) for the critically endangered Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer). In November 2019, we sampled 43 adult crocodiles (6 male, 37 female) under human care at the Zapata Swamp Crocodile Farm in Matanzas, Cuba. These crocodiles are part of a breeding program for the species registered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Visual health evaluations were performed immediately after manual restraint, and blood was collected from the postoccipital sinus. We performed packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), complete blood counts (CBC), and biochemistry profiles for each crocodile on the day of sampling. Mean PCV (n = 42) was 21.1 ± 5.0% and TS (n = 42) 7.3 ± 1.2 mg/dl, respectively. Absolute white blood cell (WBC) (n = 40) was 9.6 ± 5.7 ｘ 109/L. Similar to other crocodilian species, the dominant leukocyte was lymphocytes (70.7 ± 10.4%), followed by heterophils (18.7 ± 9.7%). Two of the crocodiles had a high heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (0.87 and 0.74), although on visual exam they were both considered healthy. The range of creatine kinase was 41-1,482 U/L, and the higher values may be a reflection of muscle exertion at time of handling. Limitations to the study included skewed sex ratios and high lipemia and hemolysis in most samples collected. These are the first reference intervals reported for this species, including the first descriptions of WBC morphology. These data are valuable for the management of animals at the Zapata Swamp Crocodile Farm, for comparison with free-living Cuban crocodiles in Cuba, and for comparison with those managed under human care outside of Cuba.

Exploring the natural history of intrinsic capacity impairments: longitudinal patterns in the 10/66 study.

BACKGROUND: intrinsic capacity (IC) is a construct encompassing people's physical and mental abilities. There is an implicit link amongst IC domains: cognition, locomotion, nutrition, sensory and psychological. However, little is known about the integration of the domains. OBJECTIVES: to investigate patterns in the presentation and evolution of IC domain impairments in low-and-middle-income countries and if such patterns were associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: secondary analyses of the first two waves of the 10/66 study (population-based surveys conducted in eight urban and four rural catchment areas in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Peru, Mexico and China). We applied latent transition analysis on IC to find latent statuses (latent clusters) of IC domain impairments. We evaluated the longitudinal association of the latent statuses with the risk of frailty, disability and mortality, and tested concurrent and predictive validity. RESULTS: amongst 14,923 participants included, the four latent statuses were: high IC (43%), low deterioration with impaired locomotion (17%), high deterioration without cognitive impairment (22%), and high deterioration with cognitive impairment (18%). A total of 61% of the participants worsened over time, 35% were stable, and 3% improved to a healthier status.Participants with deteriorated IC had a significantly higher risk of frailty, disability and dementia than people with high IC. There was strong concurrent and predictive validity. (Mortality Hazard Ratio = 4.60, 95%CI 4.16; 5.09; Harrel's C = 0.73 (95%CI 0.72;0.74)). CONCLUSIONS: half of the study population had high IC at baseline, and most participants followed a worsening trend. Four qualitatively different IC statuses or statuses were characterised by low and high levels of deterioration associated with their risk of disability and frailty. Locomotion and cognition impairments showed other trends than psychological and nutrition domains across the latent statuses.

Estrés, burnout y emociones en personal de salud ante la emergencia por COVID-19 / Stress, burnout and emotions in health workers´ emergency conditions due to the COVID-19

La situación epidemiológica originada por la COVID-19 provocó nuevas demandas a las ya existentes en el personal de salud. Objetivos: Describir las dimensiones del síndrome de burnout: agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y falta de realización profesional en el personal del área de salud, determinar los niveles de estrés, explorar el ambiente emocional en sus dimensiones de afectividad positiva y negativa y delimitar la relación entre estas variables. Estudio cuantitativo con un diseño descriptivo de corte transversal, en un Policlínico durante el mes de diciembre del 2021. En personal médico (n=23) y de enfermería (n=16), se aplica el Inventario de burnout de Maslach, la Escala sintomática de estrés y la Escala de afectividad positiva y negativa. Resultados: Se obtiene agotamiento emocional alto en el 30,8%, medio en 33,3%; despersonalización, en un sujeto fue alto, y en 6 medio; la eficacia profesional en 9 sujetos fue medio y en 1 bajo; el nivel de estrés fue patológico en 41%, la afectividad positiva es alta en 53,8%, la negativa en el 5,1%. No existen diferencias respecto al sexo, ocupación y haber padecido o no COVID-19, se constata relación inversa entre la despersonalización y la edad. Conclusiones: La relación directa entre el estrés, agotamiento emocional y afectividad negativa son expresión de un desgaste producto de las respuestas fisiológicas y emocionales a situaciones mantenidas de movilización de recursos en el entorno laboral, lo cual se manifiesta en el grupo estudiado. Se recomiendan acciones dirigidas a intervenir de modo participativo y prevenir el ambiente emocional negativo(AU)

The epidemiological situation originated by COVID-19 caused new demands to those already existing in health personnel. Objectives: Describe the dimensions of the burnout syndrome, determine the levels of stress explore the emotional environment in its positive and negative affectivity dimensions and define the relationship between these variables. Quantitative study with crosssectional design, in a polyclinic during the month of December 2021. In medical (n=23) and nursing (n=16) staff the Scale of Positive and Negative Affect -PANAS- the Symptomatic Scales of Stress and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were applied. Measures of central tendency, absolutes and relative frequencies, measures of association and correlation coefficients with a reliability of 95% were used. Results: High emotional exhaustion is obtained in 30.8%, medium in 33.3%, depersonalization in one subject was high and in 6 medium, professional efficacy in 9 subjects was medium and in 1 low; the level of pathological stress in 41%, the positive affectivity is high in 53,8%, the negative in the 5.1%. There are no differences regarding sex, occupation and having suffered or not COVID-19. An inverse relationship between depersonalization and age is verified. Conclusions: The direct relationship between stress, emotional exhaustion and negative affectivity are expressions of a wear due to the physiological and emotional response to chronic situations of mobilization of resource at work. Actions aimed at intervening in a participatory way and preventing the negative emotional environment is recommended(AU)

Geographic Origin may Affect Outcomes for Hispanic Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health thoroughly explored in the literature include insurance status, race, and ethnicity. There are over 50 million self-identifying Hispanics in the United States. This, however, represents a heterogeneous population. We used a national registry to investigate for significant differences in outcomes of Hispanic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Unites states, by geographic region of origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified a cohort of Hispanic patients in the Unites states with NSCLC for which region of origin was documented within the 2004 to 2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) registry. This included patients from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, South and Central America, and the Dominican Republic. We performed multivariate logistic regression modeling to determine whether origin was a significant predictor of cancer staging at diagnosis, adjusting for age, sex, histology, grade, insurance status, and facility type. Race was not included due to a nonsignificant association with stage at diagnosis at the bivariate level in this cohort. Subsequently, we used Kaplan-Meier modeling to identify whether overall survival (OS) of Hispanic patients differed by origin. RESULTS: A total of 12,557 Hispanic patients with NSCLC were included in this analysis. The breakdown by origin was as follows: n = 2071 (16.5%) Cuban, n = 2360 (18.8%) Puerto Rican, n = 4950 (39.4%) Mexican, n = 2329 (18.5%) from South or Central America, and n = 847 (6.7%) from the Dominican Republic. After controlling for age, sex, histology, grade, insurance status and treating facility type, we found that geographic origin was a significant predictor of advanced stage at diagnosis (P = .015). Compared to Cubans, patients of Puerto Rican origin were less likely to present with advanced disease (68.4% vs. 71.9%; OR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.69-0.98; P = .026). We also identified a significant (log-rank P-value<.001) difference in OS by geographic origin, even at early-stages of diagnosis. Dominican patients with NSCLC exhibited the highest 5-year OS rate (63.3%), followed by patients from South/Central America (59.7%), Puerto Rico (52.3%), Mexico (45.9%), and Cuba (43.8%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that for Hispanic individuals living in the Unites states, region/country of origin is significantly associated with outcomes, even after accounting for other known determinants of health. We suggest that region of origin should be studied further as a potential determinant of outcomes in patients with cancer.

A multivariate spatio-temporal model for the incidence of imported COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths in Cuba.

To monitor the COVID-19 epidemic in Cuba, data on several epidemiological indicators have been collected on a daily basis for each municipality. Studying the spatio-temporal dynamics in these indicators, and how they behave similarly, can help us better understand how COVID-19 spread across Cuba. Therefore, spatio-temporal models can be used to analyze these indicators. Univariate spatio-temporal models have been thoroughly studied, but when interest lies in studying the association between multiple outcomes, a joint model that allows for association between the spatial and temporal patterns is necessary. The purpose of our study was to develop a multivariate spatio-temporal model to study the association between the weekly number of COVID-19 deaths and the weekly number of imported COVID-19 cases in Cuba during 2021. To allow for correlation between the spatial patterns, a multivariate conditional autoregressive prior (MCAR) was used. Correlation between the temporal patterns was taken into account by using two approaches; either a multivariate random walk prior was used or a multivariate conditional autoregressive prior (MCAR) was used. All models were fitted within a Bayesian framework.

Problemas relacionados con los medicamentos en pacientes de Santiago de Cuba hospitalizados / Drug related problems in inpatients of Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: Los problemas relacionados con los medicamentos constituyen una gran preocupación sanitaria por su elevado impacto en la morbilidad de pacientes hospitalizados.Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en los servicios clínicos de cinco instituciones de salud de Santiago de Cuba, durante el primer trimestre de 2020. Se revisaron los perfiles de 329 pacientes que recibieron seguimiento farmacoterapéutico. La muestra fue caracterizada según variables biosociales, clínicas y farmacoterapéuticas, la identificación de los problemas relacionados a la medicación fue realizada utilizando los criterios de Cipolle, Stramd y Morley, determinándose además los medicamentos implicados en los problemas relacionados a la medicación. Los datos fueron procesados a través de frecuencias absolutas y relativas representadas por medio de tablas y figuras.Resultados: Predominaron los pacientes mayores o iguales de 60 años representando un 38,6 %; respecto al género un 61,4 % perteneció al femenino. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron hasta dos enfermedades (76,3 %), las infecciones respiratorias complicadas (35,6 %) fueron el motivo de ingreso más frecuente. El 36,5 % consumió entre cuatro y seis medicamentos, siendo los antibacterianos de usos sistémicos los más prescritos. Se identificaron 598 Problemas Relacionados con los Medicamentos para una proporción de 1,8 PRM/paciente, de estos un 42,8 % corresponde a los problemas de Seguridad, un 31,1 % de Indicación, seguido de 24,9 % de Efectividad y finalmente el 1,2 % de Adherencia.Conclusiones: Los antimicrobianos resultaron los más implicados en la aparición de los problemas relacionados a la medicación. La atención farmacéutica ofrece servicios que garantizan el uso adecuado de los medicamentos. (AU)

Introduction: Drug-related problems are a major health concern because of their high impact on inpatient morbidity. Method: Descriptive and cross-sectional observational, study in the clinical services of five health institutions of Santiago de Cuba, during the first quarter of 2020. The profiles of 329 patients who received pharmacotherapeutic follow-up were reviewed. The sample was characterized according to biosocials, clinical and pharmacotherapeutic variables, the identification of medication-related problems was performed using the criteria of Cipolle, Stramd and Morley, also determining the drugs involved in medication-related problems. The data were processed through absolute and relative frequencies represented by means of tables and figures. Results: Patients over or equal to 60 years of age predominated, representing 38.6 %; 61.4 % of the patients were female. Most of the patients had up to two diseases (76.3 %); complicated respiratory infections (35.6 %) were the most frequent reason for admission. Between four and six medications were consumed by 36.5 %, with antibacterials for systemic use being the most prescribed. A total of 598 drug-related problems were identified for a ratio of 1.8 DRP/patient, of which 42.8 % corresponded to safety problems, 31.1 % to indication, followed by 24.9 % to effectiveness and finally 1.2 % to adherence. Conclusions: Antimicrobials were the most implicated in the occurrence of medication-related problems. Pharmaceutical care offers services that ensure the appropriate use of medications. (AU)

El sufrimiento y las necesidades espirituales en pacientes cubanos con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis / Suffering and spiritual needs in cuban patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Introducción: El origen o el agravamiento del sufrimiento pueden tener determinantes de naturaleza espiritual; sin em-bargo, son reducidas las investigaciones en esta temática en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis.Objetivos: Determinar si existe relación entre la presencia de sufrimiento y necesidades espirituales en pacientes en hemo-diálisis. Material y Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, que integró tareas de correlación en una muestra de 47 pacientes adultos que se hemodializan en el hospital Salvador Allende en La Habana. Los instrumentos empleados fueron la entrevista, el Instrumento para la De-tección del Sufrimiento de Bayés y colaboradores y el Cues-tionario de Conexión Espiritual de Wheeler y Hyland. Resultados: Se halló asociación significativa entre el malestar y el sexo masculino (p=0,04), la tenencia de hijos (p=0,01), la necesidad de “ser reconocido como persona” (p=0,01) y “volver a leer su vida” (p=0,01), mientras que el bienestar se asoció a la preparación para la hemodiálisis (p=0,01) y a la necesidad de “amar y ser amado” (p=0,00); también se encon-tró entre el nivel medio general de conexión espiritual y las necesidades: “volver a leer su vida” (p=0,03) y “continuidad, de un más allᔠ(p=0,02). Conclusiones: El sufrimiento se asoció al sexo, la tenencia de hijos y a determinadas necesidades espirituales. Las necesidades espirituales más reportadas fueron: “amar y ser ama-do”, “volver a leer su vida” y “expresar sentimientos y viven-cias religiosas”.(AU)

Introduction: The origin or exacerbation of suffering may have spiritual determinants; however, research on this topic is limited among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between the presence of suffering and spiritual needs in patients undergoing hemodialysis.Material and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional observational study that included correlation tasks in a sample of 47 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis at Salvador Allende Hospital in Havana. The instruments used were the interview, the Bayés Suffering Detection Instrument, and the Spiritual Connection Questionnaire by Wheeler and Hyland.Results: A significant association was found between distress and male gender (p=0.04), having children (p=0.01), the need to “be recognized as a person” (p=0.01), and the need to “re-read one’s life” (p=0.01). Well-being was associated with preparedness for hemodialysis (p=0.01) and the need to “love and be loved” (p=0.00). A moderate overall level of spiritual connection was also found to be associated with the needs to “re-read one’s life” (p=0.03) and “continuity, beyond this life” (p=0.02). Conclusions: Suffering was associated with gender, having children, and specific spiritual needs. The most reported spiritual needs were “love and be loved,” “re-read one’s life,” and “express religious feelings and experiences.”(AU)

Factores de mal pronóstico en pacientes con Accidente Cerebrovascular Isquémico Agudo / Bad prognostic factors in patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objective: To determine factors of bad prognosis in patients with Cerebral Infarction, at the Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital, Villa Clara, in 2019. Methods: Observational, analytical, transversal study, during January-December 2019, at “Arnaldo Milián Castro” Hospital in Villa Clara, Cuba. The universe was made up of all the patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of Cerebral Infarction in the Neurology ward of the Hospital, in 2019. Through simple random sampling, 153 patients were selected. The information was stored and processed in SPSS v.21. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for each study variable, in a frequency distribution; A bivariate analysis of groups was applied, comparing epidemiological and clinical variables. Finally, as a mortality predictor model in these patients, a Multilayer Perceptron neural network was created. Results: 65.6% of the patients were discharged alive from the Hospital. There was a total of 48 deaths (31.4%); Of these, all had some motor defect at the time of admission, and in most of them there were disorders of language and state of consciousness. These variables were highly significantly associated from the statistical point of view with patient mortality (p=0.000). The mortality predictor model created showed an average accuracy ± standard deviation of 89 ± 6%. Conclusion: Advanced age, motor defect on admission, language disorders, impaired level of consciousness, as well as neurologicaland non-neurological complications, are poor prognostic factors and determine higher mortality in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. (AU)

Objetivo: Determinar factores de mal pronóstico en pacientes con Infarto Cerebral, en el Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro, Villa Clara, en el año 2019. Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, durante enero-diciembre de 2019, en Hospital “Arnaldo Milián Castro” en Villa Clara, Cuba. El universo lo constituyeron todos los pacientes que ingresaron con diagnóstico de Infarto Cerebral en la sala de Neurología del Hospital, en el año 2019. Mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple se seleccionaron 153 pacientes. La información fue almacenada y procesada en SPSS v.21. Se realizó el análisis estadístico descriptivo para cada variable de estudio, en una distribución de frecuencias; se aplicó un análisis bivariado de grupos, comparando variables epidemiológicas y clínicas. Finalmente, como modelo predictor de mortalidad en estos pacientes, se creó una red neuronal Perceptrón Multicapa. Resultados: El 65,6% de los pacientes egresaron vivos del Hospital. Hubo un total de 48 fallecidos (31,4%); de estos, la totalidad tenían algún defecto motor al momento del ingreso, y en la mayoría existían trastornos del lenguaje y del estado de conciencia. Estas variables se asociaron muy significativamente desde el punto de vista estadístico con la mortalidad de los pacientes (p=0,000). El modelo predictor de mortalidad creado, mostró una precisión promedio ± desviación estándar de 89 ± 6%. Conclusión: La edad avanzada, el defecto motor al ingreso, los trastornos del lenguaje, el deterioro del nivel de conciencia, así como las complicaciones neurológicas y no neurológicas, constituyen factores de mal pronóstico y determinan una mayor mortalidad en la fase aguda del Ictus Isquémico. (AU)

Enfermeros por el mundo. Cuba. Portugal / Nurses around the world. Cuba. Portugal

De origen cubano, Niurkis Céspedes decidió salir de su país natal para poder ayudar a su familia a mejorar su situación económica. El periplo de esta enfermera comienza con una misión nacional en Cuba, separándose de su hijo y de su familia, para posteriormente desplazarse hasta Angola para ejercer de profesora de Enfermería y enfermera asistencial durante siete años. Un viaje laboral a Italia le permite conocer Europa, hasta que sus pasos, tras una visita turística a Portugal, hacen que se establezca en nuestro país vecino. Actualmente es enfermera en la Unidad de Cuidados continuados São Roque (Lisboa).(AU)

Heterogeneity in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Latino Immigrant Subgroups: Evidence From the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey.

Background The Latino population is a growing and diverse share of the US population. Previous studies have examined Latino immigrants as a homogenous group. The authors hypothesized that there would be heterogeneity in cardiovascular disease risk factors among Latino immigrant subgroups (from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Central America, or South America) compared with non-Latino White adults. Methods and Results A cross-sectional analysis of the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) among 548 739 individuals was performed. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution were fitted to compare the prevalence of self-reported hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, and current smoking, adjusting for known confounders. The authors included 474 968 non-Latino White adults and 73 771 Latino immigrants from Mexico (59%), Puerto Rico (7%), Cuba (6%), Dominican Republic (5%), Central America (15%), and South America (9%). Compared with White adults, Mexican immigrants had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.17 [95% CI, 1.15-1.19]); Puerto Rican individuals had the highest prevalence of diabetes (PR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.45-1.83]); individuals from Central America had the highest prevalence of high cholesterol (PR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04-1.28]); and individuals from the Dominican Republic had the highest prevalence of physical inactivity (PR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.18-1.32]). All Latino immigrant subgroups were less likely to be smokers than White adults. Conclusions The authors observed advantages and disparities in cardiovascular disease risk factors among Latino immigrants. Aggregating data on Latino individuals may mask differences in cardiovascular disease risk and hinder efforts to reduce health disparities in this population. Study findings provide Latino group-specific actionable information and targets for improving cardiovascular health.

Characterization of the populations of upside-down jellyfish in Jardines de la Reina National Park, Cuba.

Upside-down jellyfish are a group of benthic scyphozoans belonging to the genus Cassiopea, whose members are in symbiosis with dinoflagellates and inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. Although there are some studies of the genus in the Caribbean, these are limited. In Cuba, the group's studies are restricted to reports on taxonomic lists and, as far as we know, no one has performed any analyzes of the densities of these jellyfish in seagrass or mangrove ecosystems in Cuba. In this work, the populations of Cassiopea spp. in Jardines de la Reina National Park (JRNP) were characterized, for the first time for this Marine Protected Area and Cuba. One hundred 1m2 square frames were placed at 14 JRNP sites. For each site, the species, density, size of the individuals and abiotic factors were determined. Density and diameter comparisons were made between sites, zones and regions within the JRNP. The percentage of the benthic cover was determined and a correlation was made between density and diameter. A total of 10,803 individuals were recorded, of which 7,618 belong to Cassiopea xamachana and 3,185 belong to Cassiopea frondosa. Both species share a niche and no evident segregation was detected according to abiotic variables. Significant differences were detected in comparisons of density and size across sites and zones. Density and size in the JRNP were negatively correlated, and higher aggregations of the species were observed at lower sizes. Density mean values ranged from 2.18 to 14.52 ind. /m2 with maximum values of 79 ind. /m2. Cayo Alcatraz was the site found to have the highest density while Cachiboca was the site with the lowest density. The average bell diameter size of the individuals ranged from 9.34 to 15.31 cm for the sampled sites, with minimum and maximum values of 2.5 cm and 32.6 cm. The smallest size was recorded at Cayo Alcatraz while the largest size was reported for Boca de las Anclitas. The environmental factors evaluated showed no significant relationship with the density or diameter of Cassiopea, while the Thalassia testudinum cover was negatively correlated with Cassiopea density at all fourteen sites in the JRNP. The percentage of Cassiopea coverage was higher than those reported in the literature, with four sites exceeding 20% coverage. In general, the populations of Cassiopea spp. in the JRNP did not differ greatly, although a higher density was observed towards the eastern region of the park. It was shown for the first time for the species that density and size have a negative correlation. Future studies are required to quantify the impact of Cassiopea on coastal marine ecosystem processes, and to further determine how anthropogenic changes may be altering the function of these tropical ecosystems.