Factores sociodemográficos de las gestantes de un policlínico de Guantánamo, que interrumpieron voluntariamente el embarazo

Introducción: la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo -aborto inducido o provocado-, a pesar de ser una temática antigua, continúa siendo un problema social que afecta no solo a la mujer, sino también a la familia y la comunidad, en aspectos políticos, socioeconómicos, culturales y religiosos. Objetivo: caracterizar las interrupciones voluntarias del embarazo, según variables sociodemográficas en el Policlínico Universitario Hermanos Martínez Tamayo. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en el Policlínico Universitario Hermanos Martínez Tamayo, del municipio Baracoa, provincia de Guantánamo, durante el año 2021. La muestra obtenida de 111 pacientes fue seleccionada por muestreo no probabilístico intencionado. El dato primario se obtuvo de la historia clínica individual y de encuestas realizadas a las pacientes. Resultados: se observó un predominio del grupo de edad de 20 a 24 años, con 36 pacientes (32,4 %). Las mujeres de zona urbana fueron la mayoría, con 79 (71,2 %). Respecto al estado civil, predominaron las solteras (56,7 %) y las divorciadas (19,8 %). El 36,9 % estaban en la universidad o contaban con nivel universitario y el 45,9 % eran de ocupación estudiante. Conclusiones: el tratamiento de algunos determinantes sociodemográficos en las características de las interrupciones voluntarias del embarazo, permite entender su variabilidad y su constitución como problema de salud en el Policlínico Universitario Hermanos Martínez Tamayo.

Introduction: the voluntary interruption of pregnancy -induced or provoked abortion- despite being an old issue, continues to be a social problem that affects not only women, but also family and community in political, socio-economic, cultural and religious aspects. Objective: to characterize the voluntary interruptions of pregnancy, according to socio-demographic variables in the University Polyclinic Hermanos Martinez Tamayo. Materials and methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in the University Polyclinic Hermanos Martinez Tamayo, from the municipality of Baracoa, province of Guantanamo, during 2021. The sample obtained from 111 patients was selected by intentioned, non-probabilistic sampling. The primary data were obtained from the individual clinical records and from surveys carried out on the patients. Results: the age group between 20 and 24 years predominated with 36 patients (32.4%). Urban women were the majority 79 (71.2%). Regarding marital status single (56.7%) and divorced (19.8%) women predominated. 36.9% studied in the university or finished university studies, and 45.9% were students. Conclusions: the treatment of some socio-demographic determinants in the characteristics of pregnancy voluntary interruptions, allows us to understand its variability and its constitution as a health problem in the University Polyclinic Hermanos Martinez Tamayo.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes post-COVID-19 en Baracoa, Guantánamo

Fundamento un elevado porcentaje de personas que han padecido COVID-19, refieren tras la recuperación de la fase aguda, manifestaciones que se prolongan por más de tres semanas, e incluso, durante tres meses después del cuadro clínico original. Objetivo caracterizar desde el punto clínico y epidemiológico a pacientes confirmados al SARS-CoV-2 en la etapa post-COVID-19. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, en pacientes confirmados al SARS-CoV-2 en etapa post-COVID-19, pertenecientes al Policlínico Hermanos Martínez Tamayo, en el periodo octubre-noviembre de 2021. Se estudiaron todos los pacientes (N=400) atendidos en consulta post-COVID-19 en el periodo declarado. La información se obtuvo mediante encuestas epidemiológicas realizadas. Resultados predominaron los pacientes con edades entre 50 y 59 años, del sexo femenino. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuente fueron tos, pérdida del gusto y del olfato. El esquema de vacunación incompleto fue el más frecuente. El lugar de ingreso más utilizado fueron los centros de aislamiento, así como el uso del Nasalferon como tratamiento. Las complicaciones predominaron en pacientes no vacunados, y con edad de 60 años y más. Conclusiones un elevado porcentaje de pacientes presentó manifestaciones clínicas tras el periodo agudo de la enfermedad. La COVID-19, a mediano plazo, tuvo mayores implicaciones en el sistema respiratorio, nervioso y osteomioarticular. Las campañas de vacunación ayudan a prevenir los síntomas graves del virus y a contrarrestar las complicaciones.

Background a high percentage of people who have suffered from COVID-19 report, after recovery from the acute phase, manifestations that last for more than three weeks, and even for three months after the original clinical picture. Objective to characterize, from the clinical and epidemiological point of view, patients confirmed to SARS-CoV-2 in the post-COVID-19 stage. Methods a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in patients confirmed to SARS-CoV-2 in the post-COVID-19 stage, belonging to the Hermanos Martínez Tamayo Polyclinic, from October to November 2021. All patients were studied (N= 400) attended in post-COVID-19 consultation in the declared period. The information was obtained through epidemiological surveys carried out. Results there was a predominance of patients aged between 50 and 59 years old, female. The most frequent clinical manifestations were cough, loss of taste and smell. The incomplete vaccination scheme was the most frequent. The most used place of admission were isolation centers, as well as the use of Nasalferon as a treatment. Complications predominated in unvaccinated patients, and aged 60 years and over. Conclusions a high percentage of patients presented clinical manifestations after the acute period of the disease. COVID-19, in the medium term, had greater implications in the respiratory, nervous and osteomyoarticular systems. Vaccination campaigns help prevent serious symptoms of the virus and counteract complications.

La gestación solidaria, oportunidad reproductiva para las familias cubanas / The solidary gestation, reproductive opportunity for Cuban families i: en

La gestación solidaria es una técnica de reproducción humana asistida, destinada a parejas de distinto o igual sexo y a personas solas con alguna causa de infertilidad que les impide concebir el embarazo de manera natural. Al respecto, en el Código de las Familias en Cuba se esclarece que este proceder solo debe realizarse por motivos altruistas y de solidaridad humana, ajenos a cualquier tipo de honorarios. Teniendo en cuenta las consideraciones anteriores, se analizó el tema desde diferentes puntos de vista, con el objetivo de socializar esta práctica como una oportunidad de reproducción para las familias cubanas.

Solidarity gestation is an assisted human reproductive technique intended for different or same sex couples and to single people with some infertility problems which prevent them from conceiving in a natural way. In this respect, the Cuba's Family Code clarifies that this procedure should only be carried out due to altruistic reasons and human solidarity, without any fees. Taking into account the above considerations, the topic was analyzed from different points of view, aimed at socializing this practice as a reproduction opportunity for Cuban families.

Reduced shrinkage stress via photo-initiated copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition polymerizations of azide-alkyne resins.

OBJECTIVES: Polymerization shrinkage stress and factors involved in the stress development such as volumetric shrinkage and modulus were investigated in photo-CuAAC (photo-initiated copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition) polymerization and compared with conventional BisGMA-based methacrylate polymerization for their use as alternative dental resins. METHODS: Tri-functional alkyne and di-functional azide monomers were synthesized for photo-CuAAC polymerization. Conversion kinetics, stress development and polymerization shrinkage were determined with FTIR spectroscopy, tensometery, and with a linometer, respectively, for CuAAC and BisGMA-based monomer mixtures using a camphorquinone/amine visible light photoinitiator system. Thermo-mechanical properties for the cured polymer matrices were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis and in three-point bending on a universal testing machine. Polymerization kinetics, polymerization shrinkage stress, dynamic volumetric shrinkage, glass transition temperature (Tg), flexural modulus, flexural strength, and flexural toughness were compared between the two different resin systems. RESULTS: A glassy CuAAC polymer (Tg=62°C) exhibited 15-25% lower flexural modulus of 2.5±0.2GPa and flexural strength of 117±8MPa compared to BisGMA-based polymer (Tg=160°C) but showed considerably higher energy absorption around 7.1MJ×m-3 without fracture when strained to 11% via three-point bend compared to the flexural toughness of 2.7MJ×m-3 obtained from BisGMA-based polymer. In contrast to BisGMA-based polymers at 75% functional group conversion, the CuAAC polymerization developed approximately three times lower shrinkage stress with the potential to achieve quantitative conversion under ambient temperature photocuring conditions. Moreover, relatively equivalent dynamic volumetric shrinkage of around 6-7% was observed via both CuAAC and dimethacrylate polymerization, suggesting that the low shrinkage stress of CuAAC polymerization was due to delayed gelation along with slower rate of polymerization and the formation of a more compliant network structure. SIGNIFICANCE: CuAAC crosslinked networks possessed high toughness and low polymerization shrinkage stress with quantitative conversion, which eliminated obstacles associated with BisGMA-based dental resins including limited conversion, unreacted extractable moieties, brittle failure, and high shrinkage stress.

Ester-free thiol-ene dental restoratives--Part B: Composite development.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the performance of thiol-ene dental composites based on selected ester-free thiol-ene formulations. Further, to point out the benefits/drawback of having a hydrolytically stable thiol-ene matrix within a glass filled composite. METHODS: Composite samples containing 50-65wt% of functionalized glass microparticles were prepared and photopolymerized in the presence of a suitable visible light photoinitiator. Shrinkage stress measurements were conducted as a function of the irradiation time. Degrees of conversion were measured by FT-IR analysis by comparing the double bond signals before and after photopolymerization. Mechanical tests were carried out on specimens after curing as well as after extended aging in water. Dynamic mechanical analysis was employed to track the changes in storage modulus near body temperature. The properties of the thiol-ene composites were compared with those of the BisGMA/TEGDMA control. RESULTS: Depending on the resin type, similar or higher conversions were achieved in thiol-ene composites when compared to the dimethacrylate controls. At comparable conversions, lower shrinkage stress values were achieved. Although exhibiting lower initial elastic moduli, the thiol-ene composites' flexural strengths were found to be comparable with the controls. Contrary to the control, the mechanical properties of the ester-free thiol-ene composites were shown to be unaffected by extensive aging in water and at least equaled that of the control after aging in water for just five weeks. SIGNIFICANCE: Employing non-degradable step-growth networks as organic matrices in dental composites will provide structurally uniform, tough materials with extended service time.

Ester-free thiol-ene dental restoratives--Part A: Resin development.

OBJECTIVES: To detail the development of ester-free thiol-ene dental resins with enhanced mechanical performance, limited potential for water uptake/leachables/degradation and low polymerization shrinkage stress. METHODS: Thiol-terminated oligomers were prepared via a thiol-Michael reaction and a bulky tetra-allyl monomer containing urethane linkages was synthesized. The experimental oligomers and/or monomers were photopolymerized using visible light activation. Several thiol-ene formulations were investigated and their performance ranked by comparisons of the thermo-mechanical properties, polymerization shrinkage stress, water sorption/solubility, and reactivity with respect to a control comprising a conventional BisGMA/TEGDMA dental resin. RESULTS: The ester-free thiol-ene formulations had significantly lower viscosities, water sorption and solubility than the BisGMA/TEGDMA control. Depending on the resin, the limiting functional conversions were equivalent to or greater than that of BisGMA/TEGDMA. At comparable conversions, lower shrinkage stress values were achieved by the thiol-ene systems. The polymerization shrinkage stress was dramatically reduced when the tetra-allyl monomer was used as the ene in ester-free thiol-ene mixtures. Although exhibiting lower Young's modulus, flexural strength, and glass transition temperatures, the toughness values associated with thiol-ene resins were greater than that of the BisGMA/TEGDMA control. In addition, the thiol-ene polymerization resulted in highly uniform polymer networks as indicated by the narrow tan delta peak widths. SIGNIFICANCE: Employing the developed thiol-ene resins in dental composites will reduce shrinkage stress and moisture absorption and form tougher materials. Furthermore, their low viscosities are expected to enable higher loadings of functionalized micro/nano-scale filler particles relevant for practical dental systems.

Resultados de cirugía videolaparoscópica en el municipio Baracoa, Guantánamo / Laparoscopic surgery results in Baracoa town, Guantánamo

Se realiza un estudio que incluye 305 pacientes con diferentes afecciones intraabdominales urgentes y electivas, diagnosticados y tratados por videolaparoscopía en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital General Docente Octavio de la Concepción y la Pedraja de Baracoa, en el período enero de 2007 - enero de 2010. Entre las variables estudiadas se encuentran: sexo, edad, tipo de intervención quirúrgica, proceder quirúrgico, tipo de complicación, afecciones por especialidad. Los procedimientos videolaparoscópicos se emplean con mayor frecuencia en el sexo femenino y en las edades comprendidas entre 30 y 39 años. Las afecciones de la especialidad de Cirugía General predominan, con superioridad de colecistectomía como proceder videolaparoscópico más utilizado. No se presenta ningún paciente fallecido (AU)

Biophysical characterization of Z(SPA-1)--a phage-display selected binder to protein A.

Affibodies are a novel class of binding proteins selected from phagemid libraries of the Z domain from staphylococcal protein A. The Z(SPA-1) affibody was selected as a binder to protein A, and it binds the parental Z domain with micromolar affinity. In earlier work we determined the structure of the Z:Z(SPA-1) complex and noted that Z(SPA-1) in the free state exhibits several properties characteristic of a molten globule. Here we present a more detailed biophysical investigation of Z(SPA-1) and four Z(SPA-1) mutants with the objective to understand these properties. The characterization includes thermal and chemical denaturation profiles, ANS binding assays, size exclusion chromatography, isothermal titration calorimetry, and an investigation of structure and dynamics by NMR. The NMR characterization of Z(SPA-1) was facilitated by the finding that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) stabilizes the molten globule conformation in favor of the fully unfolded state. All data taken together lead us to conclude the following: (1) The topology of the molten globule conformation of free Z(SPA-1) is similar to that of the fully folded structure in the Z-bound state; (2) the extensive mutations in helices 1 and 2 destabilize these without affecting the intrinsic stability of helix 3; (3) stabilization and reduced aggregation can be achieved by replacing mutated residues in Z(SPA-1) with the corresponding wild-type Z residues. This stabilization is better correlated to changes in helix propensity than to an expected increase in polar versus nonpolar surface area of the fully folded state.