ABSTRACT
RESUMEN La preocupación que tiene la sociedad en todos los países acerca de la salud sigue siendo mayor que sobre cualquier otro aspecto. Una calidad de vida óptima solo es posible con una salud favorable. Ante los recientes eventos de la COVID-19, la importancia de la tecnología médica en la atención del paciente ha resultado evidente. El trabajo pretende mostrar el relevante papel que juega la rama biomédica, su influencia e impacto en los procesos de las unidades de salud. Resume algunos de los desarrollos tecnológicos logrados desde el contexto internacional hasta el local en el complejo escenario epidemiológico en el que se encuentra el planeta. Describe la necesaria cronología del sistema electromédico en Cuba con énfasis en Cienfuegos. Defiende la idea de que es necesario un cambio conceptual acerca del importante papel que juega la rama biomédica, su influencia e impacto en los procesos de las unidades y que los ingenieros biomédicos y electromédicos, así como los licenciados y técnicos en electromedicina, merecen un adecuado reconocimiento ante la comunidad científica por sus tangibles logros en tiempos de Covid-19. Ellos también salvan vidas.
ABSTRACT The concern that society has in all countries about health continues to be greater than about any other aspect. An optimal quality of life is only possible with favorable health. Given the recent COVID-19 events, the importance of medical technology in patient care has become apparent. The aim of this work is to show the relevant role played by the biomedical branch, its influence and impact on the processes of health units. It summarizes some of the technological developments achieved from the international to the local context in the complex epidemiological scene in which the planet finds itself. It describes the necessary chronology of the electromedical system in Cuba with an emphasis on Cienfuegos. It defends the idea that a conceptual change is necessary about the important role played by the biomedical branch, its influence and impact on the processes of the units and that biomedical and electromedical engineers, as well as electromedical graduates and technicians, deserve an adequate recognition before the scientific community for their tangible achievements in Covid-19 times. They also save lives.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of D-004, a lipid extract of the Roystonea regia fruit that prevents testosterone- and phenylepinephrine-induced prostate hyperplasia in rodents, on plasma oxidative markers in healthy men. We enrolled male volunteers (20-55 years) in good health and without lower urinary tract symptoms. Thirty-four eligible participants were randomized to placebo or D-004 (320 mg) capsules administered daily for 6 weeks. An interim check-up and a final visit were conducted after 3 and 6 weeks of therapy, respectively. Physical examinations were performed at each visit, and laboratory tests were performed at baseline and at treatment completion. Oxidative variables included plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), total hydroxyperoxides (TOH), sulphydryl (SH) groups and total antioxidant status (TAS). We assessed treatment compliance and addressed adverse experiences (AEs) at weeks 3 and 6. At week 6, with D-004, the mean reductions of plasma MDA (26.7%), TOH (18.8%) and SH groups (31.6%), and the mean increase of TAS (35.3%) were significantly different from those of placebo (P<0.001 for plasma TAS, P<0.0001 for all other comparisons). D-004 did not differ from the placebo in safety indicators. There were two withdrawals (both in the D-004 group), with one due to dyspepsia (the only AE during the trial). In conclusion, D-004 displayed antioxidant effects on plasma oxidative markers in healthy men, which was consistent with findings from laboratory experimental studies.