Identification of optimal concentrations and incubation times for the study of in vitro effects of Pb in ram spermatozoa.

In vitro effects of lead (Pb) on ram (Ovis aries) spermatozoa were studied to establish a threshold level that affects sperm function. Spermatozoa were incubated between 15 and 180 min with Pb concentrations ranging from 0 to 5,000 ng/mL. Sperm motility, acrosome integrity, membrane functionality and sperm viability were all negatively affected by Pb and incubation time. Acrosome integrity was linearly affected by Pb levels at an incubation time of 30 min, and 50 ng/mL was the lowest Pb level producing such effect. These experimental conditions can be appropriate for in vitro studies of the mechanisms of action of Pb on spermatozoa.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPS) in pediatric primary care.

Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Optimizing the use of antibiotics is a key measure to prevent and control this problem. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are designed to improve clinical outcomes, minimize adverse effects and protect patients, and to ensure the administration of cost-effective treatments. Inappropriate use of antibiotics also occurs in pediatric clinical practice. For this reason, ASPs should include specific objectives and strategies aimed at pediatricians and families. Implementing these programs requires the involvement of institutions and policy makers, healthcare providers as well as individuals, adapting them to the characteristics of each healthcare setting. Pediatric primary care (PPC) faces specific issues such as high demand and immediacy, scarce specialized professional resources, difficulties to access regular training and to obtain feedback. This requires the design of specific policies and strategies to achieve the objectives, including structural and organizational measures, improvement of the information flow and accessibility to frequent trainings. These programs should reach all health professionals, promoting regular trainings, prescription support tools and supplying diagnostic tests, with adequate coordination between health care levels. Periodic evaluations and surveillance tools are useful to assess the impact of the actions taken and to provide feedback to health providers in order to adapt and improve their clinical practice to meet ASPs objectives.

Update of the consensus document on the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media and sinusitis.

Update of the consensus on acute otitis media (AOM) (2012) and sinusitis (2013) following the introduction of pneumococcal vaccines in the immunization schedule, and related changes, such as epidemiological variation, colonization by of nonvaccine serotypes and emerging antimicrobial resistances. A majority of studies show that the introduction of the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine has been followed by a reduction in the nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococcus, with an increase in the proportion of drug-resistant nonvaccine serotypes. The diagnosis of AOM is still clinical, although more stringent criteria are proposed, which are based on the visualization of abnormalities in the tympanic membrane and the findings of pneumatic otoscopy performed by trained clinicians. The routine diagnosis of sinusitis is also clinical, and the use of imaging is restricted to the assessment of complications. Analgesia with acetaminophen or ibuprofen is the cornerstone of AOM management; watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescription may be suitable strategies in select patients. The first-line antibiotic drug in children with AOM and sinusitis and moderate to severe disease is still high-dose amoxicillin, or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in select cases. Short-course regimens lasting 5-7 days are recommended for patients with uncomplicated disease, no risk factors and a mild presentation. In allergic patients, the selection of the antibiotic agent must be individualized based on severity and whether or not the allergy is IgE-mediated. In recurrent AOM, the choice between watchful waiting, antibiotic prophylaxis or surgery must be individualized based on the clinical characteristics of the patient.

The Pharmacological Inhibition of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Prevents Excitotoxic Damage in the Rat Striatum: Possible Involvement of CB1 Receptors Regulation.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) actively participates in several physiological processes within the central nervous system. Among such, its involvement in the downregulation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) through a modulatory input at the cannabinoid receptors (CBr) has been established. After its production via the kynurenine pathway (KP), quinolinic acid (QUIN) can act as an excitotoxin through the selective overactivation of NMDAr, thus participating in the onset and development of neurological disorders. In this work, we evaluated whether the pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) by URB597, and the consequent increase in the endogenous levels of anandamide, can prevent the excitotoxic damage induced by QUIN. URB597 (0.3 mg/kg/day × 7 days, administered before, during and after the striatal lesion) exerted protective effects on the QUIN-induced motor (asymmetric behavior) and biochemical (lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation) alterations in rats. URB597 also preserved the structural integrity of the striatum and prevented the neuronal loss (assessed as microtubule-associated protein-2 and glutamate decarboxylase localization) induced by QUIN (1 µL intrastriatal, 240 nmol/µL), while modified the early localization patterns of CBr1 (CB1) and NMDAr subunit 1 (NR1). Altogether, these findings support the concept that the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system plays a neuroprotective role against excitotoxic insults in the central nervous system.

Early expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in a toxic model produced by 6-hydroxydopamine in the rat striatum.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is commonly involved in different neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. The cellular signaling associated to RAGE activation may occur upon binding to different ligands. In this study we investigated whether the toxic model produced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in rats comprises early noxious responses related to RAGE-mediated signaling cascades. In order to explore a possible interaction between 6-OHDA and RAGE, affinity parameters of RAGE with 6-OHDA were estimated by different means. The possible binding sites of 6-OHDA with the VC1 homodimer for both rat and human RAGE were also modeled. Our results show that the striatal infusion of 6-OHDA recruits RAGE upregulation, as evidenced by an early expression of the receptor. 6-OHDA was also found to bind the VC1 homodimer, although its affinity was moderate when compared to other ligands. This work contributes to the understanding of the role of RAGE activation for 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity.

Increased chromatin fragmentation and reduced acrosome integrity in spermatozoa of red deer from lead polluted sites.

Vertebrates are constantly exposed to a diffuse pollution of heavy metals existing in the environment, but in some cases, the proximity to emission sources like mining activity increases the risk of developing adverse effects of these pollutants. Here we have studied lead (Pb) levels in spermatozoa and testis, and chromatin damage and levels of endogenous antioxidant activity in spermatozoa of red deer (Cervus elaphus) from a Pb mining area (n=37) and a control area (n=26). Deer from the Pb-polluted area showed higher Pb levels in testis parenchyma, epididymal cauda and spermatozoa, lower values of acrosome integrity, higher activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and higher values of DNA fragmentation (X-DFI) and stainability (HDS) in sperm than in the control area. These results indicate that mining pollution can produce damage on chromatin and membrane spermatozoa in wildlife. The study of chromatin fragmentation has not been studied before in spermatozoa of wildlife species, and the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) has been revealed as a successful tool for this purpose in species in which the amount of sperm that can be collected is very limited.

Modeling the interaction between quinolinate and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE): relevance for early neuropathological processes.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a pattern-recognition receptor involved in neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. RAGE induces cellular signaling upon binding to a variety of ligands. Evidence suggests that RAGE up-regulation is involved in quinolinate (QUIN)-induced toxicity. We investigated the QUIN-induced toxic events associated with early noxious responses, which might be linked to signaling cascades leading to cell death. The extent of early cellular damage caused by this receptor in the rat striatum was characterized by image processing methods. To document the direct interaction between QUIN and RAGE, we determined the binding constant (Kb) of RAGE (VC1 domain) with QUIN through a fluorescence assay. We modeled possible binding sites of QUIN to the VC1 domain for both rat and human RAGE. QUIN was found to bind at multiple sites to the VC1 dimer, each leading to particular mechanistic scenarios for the signaling evoked by QUIN binding, some of which directly alter RAGE oligomerization. This work contributes to the understanding of the phenomenon of RAGE-QUIN recognition, leading to the modulation of RAGE function.

La Escuela de Farmacia en el contexto universitario cubano de enero de 1934 a marzo de 1937 / School of Pharmacy in the Cuban universitary context from January 1934 to March 1937

Se presentan los principales aspectos relativos al desempeño de la Escuela de Farmacia de la Universidad de La Habana desde enero de 1934 hasta marzo de 1937. Se destaca el diseño de un ambicioso plan de estudios, que no se pudo evaluar debidamente para su posible aplicación, a causa de la política represiva de los gobiernos de turno que impidió el desarrollo de las actividades académicas y docentes en la Universidad durante dos años. Asimismo se describe el proceso organización del curso extraordinario 1936-1937 bajo la dirección de las autoridades de la de nuevo independiente Facultad de Farmacia(AU)

The main aspects related to the performance of the School of Pharmacy of the University of Havana from January 1934 to March 1937 were presented in this article. The design of an ambitious curriculum was stressed, which could not be duly evaluated for its possible implementation as a result of the repressive policy of the governments in power that hindered the development of the academic activities in the university during two years. The article also described the process of organization of the extraordinary course 1936-1937 under the leadership of the authorities of the once again independent School of Pharmacy(AU)

La Escuela de Farmacia en el contexto universitario de 1925 a 1933 / School of Pharmacy in the university setting from 1925 to 1933

Se presentan los principales aspectos relativos a la Escuela de Farmacia de la Universidad de La Habana entre 1925 y 1933, los cuales estuvieron marcados por las condiciones impuestas al país, y a la institución, por un gobierno dictatorial que se extendió desde mayo de 1925 hasta agosto de 1933. A lo largo de esos años el desempeño académico y docente de la Universidad se vio seriamente afectado porque, además de que los cinco primeros cursos transcurrieron en un ambiente de tensión, protestas, represión e irregularidad, fue clausurada en diciembre de 1930 por primera vez en su historia. Aunque esa medida fue derogada en mayo de 1932, concluyó el año 1933 sin que se pudiera dar inicio a un nuevo curso académico. Se destaca la figura del líder estudiantil Antonio Guiteras Holmes quien, después de concluir sus estudios de Farmacia, en 1927, continuó su lucha contra la tiranía y fue llamado a formar parte del gobierno provisional revolucionario, también conocido como gobierno de los cien días porque sólo pudo existir desde septiembre de 1933 hasta los primeros días de enero de 1934(AU)

The main aspects of the School of Pharmacy of the University of Havana from 1925 to 1933 were presented. They were influenced by the conditions imposed to the country and to the institution by a dictatorial government that ruled from May 1925 to August 1933. Throughout these years, the academic and teaching performance of the University of Havana was seriously hit because the first five academic courses took place in an environment full of tensions, protests, police repression and irregularities and the University was closed for the first time in December 1930. Although this measure was eliminated in May, 1932, the new academic year had not begun at the end of 1933 yet. The example of the university leader Antonio Guiteras Holmes was underlined in this paper. After finishing his Pharmacy studies in 1927, he continued struggling against the tyranny and was called to be part of the temporary revolutionary government, also known as the one hundred day government, because it only lasted from September 1933 to the early days of January, 1934(AU)

Changes in fatty acid profiles in testis and spermatozoa of red deer exposed to metal pollution.

Lowered sperm quality associated with reduced superoxide dismutase activity in testis and spermatozoa has been observed in red deer from a mined area in South-central Spain. Here we present fatty acid profiles for testis and spermatozoa of deer from this mined area (n=29) and a control area (n=33). Despite elevated Pb in liver and bone of red deer from this area, concentrations in testis and sperm were not significantly higher than in control areas; however, Cu in testis was lower in mined areas. Testis from mined areas also contained higher percentages of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3n-6), but lower arachidonic acid (20:4n-6). The percentage of 20:4n-6 was also lower in spermatozoa of deer from the mined area. Copper levels in testis correlated positively with the percentage of 20:4n-6. The imbalance in Cu homeostasis caused by metal pollution may have caused the observed effects on deer sperm.

Reduced sperm quality in relation to oxidative stress in red deer from a lead mining area.

We studied the effects of elevated heavy metal uptake on the sperm quality and the antioxidant mechanisms of sperm and testis of red deer from a Pb mining area in Spain. Testis, liver and bone of red deer from mining (n = 21) and control (n = 20) areas were obtained from hunters and analyzed for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, As and Se. Testes were weighed and measured. Motility, acrosome integrity and viability and functionality of membrane were evaluated in epididymal spermatozoa. Lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were studied in testis and spermatozoa. Deer from mined areas showed less Cu in testis, a higher testis mass and size and reduced spermatozoa membrane viability and acrosome integrity. Effects on sperm quality were associated to decreased Cu and increased Se in testis, and to decreases in the activity of SOD and GPX in testis and spermatozoa.

El catedrático de Farmacia Manuel Serafín Johnson Larralde / Pharmacy specialist Manuel Serafin Jonhson Sarralde

El doctor Manuel Serafín Johnson Larralde se incorporó a la docencia en la Universidad de La Habana y al ejercicio de la profesión inmediatamente después de su graduación como doctor en Farmacia en 1883. Se presentan los principales datos sobre su trayectoria estudiantil en esa institución, la cual debió transitar con gran esfuerzo y perseverancia dada su condición de huérfano y la carencia de suficientes recursos económicos para abonar los pagos establecidos. También se ofrecen los detalles de su vida académica en la Universidad, marcada por reiteradas licencias que solicitó para viajar al extranjero por motivos de salud, según consta en su expediente administrativo. Se hace referencia a su destacado desempeño como propietario de una farmacia que llegó a convertir en farmacia-droguería, la cual logró prestigiar gracias a la profesionalidad de los servicios que se prestaban en ella. Johnson Larralde supo garantizar la formación universitaria de sus cinco hijos; cuatro de ellos farmacéuticos, quienes se convirtieron en continuadores de su tenaz dedicación a la especialidad. Por el legado que dejó tanto en la enseñanza universitaria, como en la práctica de la profesión merece un sitial de honor en la historia de la Farmacia en Cuba(AU)

Dr Manuel Serafin Johnson Larralde became professor at the University of Havana and began performing his profession right after graduating as Doctor of Pharmacy in 1883. This article presented the main data on his student life in that institution, which required a lot of efforts and perseverance since he was an orphan and did not have enough financial resources to pay the fees. It also provided details of his academic life at the University where one may see that he had to ask for permissions several times to travel to other countries because of health problems. Reference was made to his outstanding performance as the owner of a drugstore that became one of the most famous thanks to the quality of service rendered there. Johnson Larralde could guarantee the university studies of his five children who became pharmacists (4 of them) and continued the tenacious and devoted work of their father in this specialty. Taking into account his legacy in the university education and in the field of pharmacy, he deserves to hold very special place in the history of pharmacy in Cuba(AU)

La carrera de Farmacia en Cuba desde el curso 1921-1922 hasta el 1924-1925 / Pharmacy studies in Cuba from the 1921-1922 academic course to the 1924-1925 course

La tercera década del siglo XX fue escenario de históricos acontecimientos en La Universidad de La Habana. El primero de ellos tuvo lugar a finales de 1921, cuando los estudiantes impidieron que el Consejo Universitario aprobara el otorgamiento de títulos honoríficos que deshonrarían a la institución. Un año después comenzaría la lucha estudiantil contra las irregularidades presentes en la Universidad, reflejo de las prácticas corruptas que se habían ido adueñando del país desde el mismo nacimiento de la República en 1902. Los estudiantes demandaron insistentemente la aplicación de una profunda reforma de los estudios superiores y la aprobación de la autonomía universitaria. También exigieron la depuración del claustro mediante denuncias que presentaron contra algunos catedráticos por su actitud indigna o su incapacidad para el ejercicio de la docencia. En diciembre de 1922 tendría lugar la constitución del Directorio de la Federación de Estudiantes de la Universidad de La Habana, el cual jugó un papel fundamental en la lucha por las demandas antes mencionadas. Se presentan los principales acontecimientos acaecidos en la Universidad de La Habana y en su Escuela de Farmacia desde el curso 1921-1922 hasta el 1924-1925, así como diversas informaciones académicas sobre esta última, incluida la relacionada con las acusaciones formuladas por el Directorio Estudiantil contra uno de sus profesores(AU)

The third decade of the 20th century witnessed historical events in Havana University. The first one took place at the end of 1921 when the university students hindered the approval of granting honorary titles that would damage the prestige of the institution. The following year was the beginning of the student´s struggle against the irregularities observed in the university, which reflected the corruption that had gradually taken the country over since the very inception of the Republic in 1902. The students persistently demanded the application of a deep reform in the higher education and the approval of the university autonomy. They also claimed for the purging of the faculty by denouncing the shameful attitudes of some professors or their lack of capacity to teaching. In December, 1922, there took place the setting up of the Directory of the Federation of Students at Havana University, an organization that played a leading role in the struggle for meeting the above-mentioned demands. The main events occurred at Havana University and at the School of Pharmacy from the 1921-1922 academic course through the 1924-1925 course, in addition to several academic pieces of information about the School of Pharmacy, including that related to allegations put forward by the Directory against one of the professors, were all presented in this article(/AU)

La carrera de Farmacia en Cuba entre 1910 y 1921 / Pharmacy studies in Cuba in the period of 1920-1921

Una vez concluida la segunda intervención militar norteamericana en 1909 y como parte del esfuerzo del gobierno cubano para proyectar una imagen de renacer republicano, a partir del curso 1910-1911 se pusieron en vigor los primeros estatutos universitarios redactados sin la presencia de autoridades colonialistas ni de gobiernos interventores en Cuba. Desde entonces vivió la Universidad hasta 1921 en un ambiente de cierta normalidad, aunque se fue convirtiendo en fiel reflejo del estado de corrupción que se había generalizado en casi todas las esferas del quehacer político y administrativo del país. El agravamiento de esa actuación y la actitud indigna de una gran parte de los profesores y autoridades universitarias, aceleró la toma de conciencia del estudiantado cubano y desencadenó una crisis que alteró por completo la vida académica en la Universidad de La Habana. Se presenta un breve resumen de lo acontecido en la mencionada institución y, particularmente, en su Escuela de Farmacia entre los cursos 1910-1911 y 1920-1921

After the end of the second US military intervention in 1909, the Cuban government made efforts to exhibit an image of republican rebirth and, as a result, the first university statutes, which were drafted without the supervision of either colonial or interventionist governments, were put into effect in the 1910-1911 academic course. Since then, the University carried out its activities in a quite normal environment until 1921, although it also was an exact reflection of the corruption existing in almost every political and administrative sphere of the country. The worsening of this situation and the outrageous attitude of many university professors and authorities made the Cuban students be more aware of this state of affairs and unleashed a crisis that fully changed the academic life of the University of Havana. A brief presentation about the events occurred in this academic institution, particularly in the School of Pharmacy, during the 1910-1911 and 1920-1921 courses was made in this article

La Escuela de Farmacia en la Universidad de La Habana desde 1902 hasta 1910 / The School of Pharmacy in the University of Havana from 1902 to 1910

Es indudable que la intervención del ejército de los Estados Unidos en la guerra revolucionaria cubana de 1895 y el período de ocupación militar que le siguió, conllevaron el cumplimiento del objetivo final de la política, que ese país se había trazado en relación con Cuba durante todo el siglo XIX. Por tal motivo, al marcharse de la isla en mayo de 1902, las autoridades interventoras dejaron asegurada la existencia de una república mediatizada e irremediablemente atada a los designios de su vecino del norte. La historia de la Universidad de La Habana, que había sido fiel reflejo de los principales hechos acontecidos en Cuba durante su etapa colonial, continuaría siéndolo a lo largo de la existencia de la república mediatizada. Se presentan los hechos más relevantes acontecidos durante los primeros ocho cursos académicos en la Escuela de Farmacia de la Universidad de La Habana, lapso en el que se produjo una segunda intervención militar estadounidense en el país y continuaron vigentes el reglamento universitario de 1901 y el plan de estudios de 1900 (plan Varona). También se ofrece información sobre los resultados académicos, la conformación del cuadro docente y los graduados de la Escuela de Farmacia en el transcurso del mencionado período

Beyond any doubt, the US army intervention in the Cuban revolutionary war in 1895 and the subsequent military occupation paved the way for that country to attain its ultimate political objective in relation to Cuba in the 19th century. For this reason, when the interventionist authorities left the island in May 1902, they made sure of the existence of a republic inevitably tied to the plans of the Northern neighbour. The history of the University of Havana, which had been the pure reflection of the main events occurred in Cuba during the colonial times, would continue playing the same role in the republic under US influence. This paper presented the most relevant developments in the first eight academic courses in the School of Pharmacy of the University of Havana, a period of time when the second US military intervention took place and the university set of rules of 1901 and the syllabus of 1900 (Varona's plan) remained in effect. Pieces of information on the academic results, the composition of the faculty and the graduates of the School of Pharmacy in this period were also provided

La carrera de Farmacia en la Universidad de La Habana durante los cursos 1898-1899 y 1899-1900 / The Pharmacy career in La Habana University during 1898-1899 and 1899-1900 courses

Al finalizar la guerra hispano-cubano-americana, cesó el control de la isla de Cuba por la Corona española y comenzó el de los Estados Unidos de América. El traspaso de poderes se produjo el 1ro de enero de 1899, es decir, cuando ya había comenzado el curso 1898-1899 el cual, al igual que el anterior, se desarrolló en condiciones totalmente irregulares como consecuencia de la cruenta y del lógico desbalance entre ambos gobiernos. Aunque durante ese curso continuó vigente el plan de estudios de 1880 (y su reforma de 1887 para las facultades de Farmacia y Medicina), disposiciones y órdenes militares emitidas con posterioridad a enero de 1899 introdujeron sucesivas modificaciones durante este. En el curso 1899-1900 se empezó a aplicar un nuevo plan de estudios, el llamado Plan Lanuza, el cual no conllevó cambios significativos en la enseñanza universitaria, pues se limitó a incorporar de nuevo el período preparatorio para todas las facultades, incrementar el número de càtedras y asignaturas y eliminar los estudios propios del doctorado, aunque no el grado. El Plan Lanuza estuvo solo vigente durante el curso 1899-1900. En este trabajo se presentan los principales hechos que caracterizaron la transición de la Universidad de las manos españolas a las estadounidenses y, en particular, los que correspondieron a la Facultad de Farmacia durante los cursos 1898-1899 y 1899-1900.

To finish of the Spanish-American-Cuban war, ceased the control over the Cuban island and started that of the United States of America by The Spanish crown. The transfer was in January 1, 1989, that is, when the course 1898-1899 had begun which, just like the previous one, was developed under conditions totally irregular as consequence of the bloody situation and the logical inequality between both governments. Although during this course remained in use the study plan of 1880 (and its reform of 1880 for the Pharmacy and Medicine Faculties), dispositions and military orders emitted after January, 1889 some successive modifications were introduced. During the 1889-1900 a new study plan was started.tje so called Plan Lanuza Plan, which has not significant changes in university teaching, only incorporated the new preparatory period for all faculties, to increase the number of cathedras and subjects and to eliminate the studies typical of doctorate, although not in the corresponding degree. The Planuza Plan remained only during the course 1889-1900. The aim of present paper was to show the main facts charactering the transition of University from Spanish authorities to American ones and particularly, those corresponding to Pharmacy Faculty during the course 1898-1899 and 1899-1900.

Estudiantes y graduados de Farmacia en la Real Universidad de La Habana en el período 1880-1898: las primeras farmacéuticas cubanas / Pharmacy students and graduates in the Real University of Havana during 1880-1898: The first Cuban pharmacists women

Se relacionan los doctores que se graduaron en la Facultad de Farmacia de la Real Universidad de La Habana entre 1880 y 1898, último período universitario bajo control español. Se destacan los que integraron el claustro de esa Facultad y los que màs sobresalieron en el ejercicio de la profesión. Se hace especial referencia a las primeras mujeres que estudiaron y se graduaron de licenciadas y doctoras en Farmacia y de las que habilitaron en Cuba los títulos obtenidos en el extranjero. Se rinde también un merecido homenaje los estudiantes, profesores y graduados de la Facultad de Farmacia que abandonaron sus estudios o el ejercicio de la profesión para incorporarse a la guerra por la independencia de Cuba, iniciada el 24 de febrero de 1895.

Doctors graduated in he Pharmacy Faculty of Real University of Havana between 1880 and 1898 are mentioned, this was the last university period under the Spanich government control. Are emphasized those that were part of the Faculty staff and those more outstanding in exercising of the profession. Authors made a special reference to the first student women graduated of Bachelor and Pharmacy Doctors and those fitted out in Cuba the titles obtained abroad. Also, to pay tribute to students, professors and graduated of Pharmacy Faculty that abandon their studies or the practice of the profession to Cuban Independence War started in February 24, 1895.

La carrera de Farmacia en la Universidad de La Habana durante los cursos 1900-1901 y 1901-1902: el Plan Varona / The career of Pharmacy in the Universidad de La Habana during the 1900-1901 and 1901-1902 courses: The Varona's Plan

El curso 1900-1901 marcó el inicio de una nueva era en la Universidad de La Habana pues, por primera vez, su plan de estudios fue diseñado con un verdadero sentido pedagógico y con el objetivo de dar respuesta a la urgente necesidad de profesionales en Cuba. El artífice de tan significativo cambio fue el insigne pedagogo cubano Enrique José Varona, a quien el gobierno interventor de los Estados Unidos encargó la elaboración de un nuevo plan de estudios para la enseñanza media y superior y le nombró como Secretario de Instrucción Pública. El Plan Varona transformó radicalmente la estructura de la Universidad de La Habana, cuyas enseñanzas quedaron agrupadas en sistemas de escuelas pertenecientes a solo tres facultades. Por tal motivo, a partir del curso 1900-1901 la hasta entonces Facultad de Farmacia pasó a ser una de las escuelas de la nueva Facultad de Medicina y Farmacia. Se presentan las principales modificaciones de carácter general que introdujo el Plan Varona en el sistema de estudios en la Universidad de La Habana y se detallan los aspectos más relevantes de la vida académica en la Escuela de Farmacia durante los cursos 1900-1901 y 1901-1902. En las postrimerías de este último se trasladó la sede universitaria al lugar que ocupa actualmente, poco antes de la retirada de las autoridades interventoras norteamericanas del territorio cubano

The 1900 to 1901 course was the onset of a new era in the Universidad de La Habana, since for the first time; its study plan was designed with a real educational sense and in reply to the urgent need of Cuban professionals. The author of such change was the distinguished Cuban education Enrique José Varona who was designed by operating United State Government to draw up the new study plan for the secondary and higher education naming as Public Instruction Secretary. The Varona's Plan transformed radically the structure of the Universidad de La Habana whose teachings were grouped in school systems pertaining to only three Faculties. Thus, from the 1900-19901 courses the known Pharmacy Faculty becomes one of the schools of the new Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty. Authors present the leading and general modifications introduced by Varona's Plan in study system of this Educational Center and the more relevant features of the academic life in Pharmacy School during 1900-1901 and 1901-1902 courses are detailed. Afterwards the university headquarter was moved to place where is nowadays, not much before the retirement of Americans operating authorities from the Cuban territory

Joaquín Francisco Lastres y Juiz: el primer farmacéutico Rector de la Universidad de La Habana / Joaquín Francisco Lastres y Juiz: the first pharmacist President of the Havana University

Joaquín Francisco Lastres y Juiz nació en La Habana, Cuba, el 21 de febrero de 1835. Se graduó de Licenciado en Farmacia en la Real Universidad de La Habana en 1856 y de Doctor en la Universidad Central de Madrid en 1858. De inmediato regresó a Cuba y habilitó su título para incorporarse a la docencia en la Facultad de Farmacia, de la cual llegó a ser Decano desde 1880 hasta 1890 y su primer catedrático en ser nombrado Rector. Ocupó esa responsabilidad durante los últimos años de dominación española en Cuba (1890-1898), los cuales fueron extremadamente críticos para la isla y, en consecuencia, para la Universidad. Su hijo, Néstor Lastres y Coppinger, también farmacéutico, fue Comandante del Ejército Libertador durante la contienda de 1895. Joaquín Francisco Lastres era Licenciado en Ciencias Naturales y en Derecho Civil y Canónico y, aunque fue considerado un destacado jurista, solo desarrolló su actividad docente en la especialidad de Farmacia, única en la que ostentaba el grado de Doctor. Al cesar en su cargo de Rector, continuó como catedrático de la Facultad de Farmacia hasta la reforma de la enseñanza de 1900, año en que debió abandonar su actividad docente al no ser ratificado como integrante del claustro universitario. Falleció el 24 de abril de 1910

Joaquín Francisco Lastres and Juiz born in La Habana, Cuba in February 21, 1835. He was Bachelor in Pharmacy in the Real University of La Habana in 1856 and Doctor in the Central University of Madrud in 1858. Immediately, he returned to Cuba authenticating its degree to joining to teaching in the Pharmacy Faculty as dean from 1880 to 1890 and its first professor appointed as Head. Has this responsability during the last years of Spanish Domination in Cuba (1890-1898), which were very critical for the isle and consquently for the University. Its son, Néstor Lastres and Coppinger, also pharmacist was Commandant of Libering Army during the confflict of 1895. Joaquín Francisco Lastres was Bachelor in Natural Sciences and in Civil and Canonical Law, and although he was considered a prominent Jurist, only developed its teaching Pharmacy activity until the education reform of 1900, year in which abandoned its teaching activity due to a negative ratification as member of university staff. He dyed in April 24, 1910

Datos biográficos de los profesores de la Facultad de Farmacia en la Real Universidad de La Habana: Plan de 1880 / Main biographical data from professors of Real University Pharmacy Faculty of Havana: The1880 Plan

Se relacionan los principales datos biográficos de los 21 docentes que integraron el claustro de la Facultad de Farmacia en la Real Universidad de La Habana desde 1880 hasta 1898, cuyos nombres se mencionaron ya en un trabajo anterior al presentarse los cuadros docentes de los cursos académicos correspondientes a ese período. De ellos, diecisiete nacieron en Cuba y solo cuatro en la metrópoli, aunque todos se graduaron de la especialidad en la isla. De los 9 catedráticos numerarios, seis fueron miembros de la Sección de Farmacia de la Real Academia de Ciencias Médicas, Físicas y Naturales de La Habana. Uno de los dos docentes que se desempeñaron únicamente como ayudantes facultativos en este período, el licenciado Néstor Lastres y Coppinger, hijo del entonces Rector, abandonó en 1896 la enseñanza universitaria, para incorporarse como Comandante del Tercer Cuerpo de la Sección Farmacéutica del Cuerpo de Sanidad del Ejército Libertador.

Main biographical data from 21 professors integrated staff of Real University Pharmacy Faculty of Havana from 1880 to 1898, whose names are yet mentioned in a previous paper presenting teaching staff of academic courses corresponding to that period. From them, 16 were Cuban, and only four born in Metropolis, although all were graduates in this specialty in Cuba. From 9 numerary professors, six were member of Pharmacy section of Real Academy of Medical, Physics and Natural Sciences of Havana. One of professor acted only like optional assistants during this period, Bachelor Nestor Lastres and Coppinger, son of then Head, in 1896 abandon the university teaching to join as Third Body Commander of Pharmaceutical Section of Health Body of Liberating Army.