Prevalence, drug resistance, and genotypic diversity of the RDRio subfamily of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Ecuador: a retrospective analysis for years 2012-2016.

Introduction: A major sublineage within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) LAM family characterized by a new in-frame fusion gene Rv3346c/55c was discovered in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 2007, called RDRio, associated to drug resistance. The few studies about prevalence of MTB RDRio strains in Latin America reported values ranging from 3% in Chile to 69.8% in Venezuela, although no information is available for countries like Ecuador. Methods: A total of 814 MTB isolates from years 2012 to 2016 were screened by multiplex PCR for RDRio identification, followed by 24-loci MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping. Results: A total number of 17 MTB RDRio strains were identified, representing an overall prevalence of 2.09% among MTB strains in Ecuador. While 10.9% of the MTB isolates included in the study were multidrug resistance (MDR), 29.4% (5/17) of the RDRio strains were MDR. Discussion: This is the first report of the prevalence of MTB RDRio in Ecuador, where a strong association with MDR was found, but also a very low prevalence compared to other countries in Latin America. It is important to improve molecular epidemiology tools as a part of MTB surveillance programs in Latin America to track the transmission of potentially dangerous MTB stains associated to MDR TB like MTB RDRio.

Effect of using a kinetic wedge during the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test in asymptomatic individuals.

BACKGROUND: The hallux dorsiflexion resistance test is a frequently employed clinical maneuver for assessing the initiation of the windlass mechanism This maneuver involves dorsiflexion of the phalanx of the hallux, thereby evaluating plantarflexion of the first metatarsal, elevation of the medial longitudinal arch, and supination of the rearfoot. The windlass mechanism plays a crucial role in gait, and orthopedic devices, such as a kinetic wedge, which aims to facilitate its activation by increasing the hallux dorsiflexion. Although it is believed that facilitating the windlass mechanism with the kinetic wedge should be directly correlated with a decrease in hallux dorsiflexion resistance, its effects have yet to be characterized. Thus, this study aimed to determine the influence of a kinetic wedge on hallux dorsiflexion resistance in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: The sample comprised thirty participants (14 women and 16 men). A digital force gauge measured the force required to perform the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test during two conditions: barefoot and with a kinetic wedge. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the hallux dorsiflexion resistance between conditions. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in force (10.54 ± 3.16N vs. 19.62 ± 5.18N, p < 0.001) was observed when using the kinetic wedge compared to the barefoot condition during the hallux dorsiflexion resistance test. CONCLUSION: The use of a kinetic wedge reduces the required force for performing the passive hallux dorsiflexion resistance test in asymptomatic individuals. Future studies should determine to what extent the kinetic wedge can attenuate the required force to dorsiflex the hallux in individuals with musculoskeletal disorders such as plantar fasciopathy and functional hallux limitus.

Biomechanical Effect on Jack's Test on Barefoot Position, Regular Socks, and Biomechanics Socks.

The proper dorsal flexion movement of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is crucial for an accurate gait. Restricted movement can disrupt the windlass mechanism, and Jack's test is a tool to assess such alterations. Although running socks are commonly used, their influence on the windlass mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the resistance to passive dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) under three different conditions: barefoot, wearing regular socks, and wearing biomechanical socks, using a digital force gauge. METHODS: The research involved a sample size of 30 subjects (14 men and 16 women), and Jack's test was conducted using a digital force gauge and a lever system. Three conditions were measured, barefoot, with a regular sock, and with the biomechanical socks. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed when using biomechanical socks with orthopedic corrections during Jack's test, as measured with the digital force gauge (13.33 N ± 3.54, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of biomechanical socks with a kinetic wedge, reinforced mesh in the medial longitudinal arch, and padding in the heel area results in a reduction of the force required, measured in newtons, to perform dorsal flexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) during Jack's test compared to being barefoot or wearing regular socks.

Population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in El Oro: A first insight into Ecuador-Peru tuberculosis transmission.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in Ecuador and Peru, both settings of high burden of drug resistance TB. Molecular epidemiology tools are important to understand the transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) and to track active transmission clusters of regional importance. This study is the first to address the transmission of TB between Peru and Ecuador through the population structure of MTBC lineages circulating in the Ecuadorian border province of "El Oro". METHODS: A total number of 56 MTBC strains from this province for years 2012-2015 were included in the study and analyzed by 24-loci MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping. RESULTS: Genotyping revealed a high degree of diversity for MTBC in "El Oro", without active transmission clusters. MTBC L4 was predominant, with less than 2% of strains belonging to MTBC L2-Beijing. CONCLUSIONS: These results may suggest that TB dynamics in this rural and semi-urban area would not be linked to highly transmitted strains like MTBC L2-Beijing from Peru, but related to TB relapse; although further studies with larger MTBC cultures collection from recent years are needed. Nevertheless, we recommend to reinforce TB surveillance programs in remote rural settings and border regions in Ecuador.

A first insight into tuberculosis transmission at the border of Ecuador and Colombia: a retrospective study of the population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Esmeraldas province.

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern in Ecuador and Colombia, considering that both countries are high-burden TB settings. Molecular epidemiology is crucial to understand the transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and to identify active transmission clusters of regional importance. Methods: We studied the potential transmission of TB between Colombia and Ecuador through the analysis of the population structure of MTBC lineages circulating in the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas at the border with Colombia. A total of 105 MTBC strains were characterized by 24-loci MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping. Results: MTBC lineage 4 is only present in Esmeraldas; no MTBC strains belonging to Lineage 2-sublineage Beijing were found despite its presence in other provinces of Ecuador and, in Colombia. Genotyping results revealed a high degree of diversity for MTBC in Esmeraldas: Neither active transmission clusters within this province nor including MTBC strains from Colombia or other provinces of Ecuador were found. Conclusion: Our data suggest that tuberculosis dynamics in this rural and isolated area may be not related to highly transmitted strains but could be influenced by other health determinants that favor TB relapse such as poverty and poor health system access. Further studies including a larger number of MTBC strains from Esmeraldas are necessary to test this hypothesis.

The effect of varus rearfoot wedges on hallux dorsiflexion resistance.

BACKGROUND: The first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ), which includes the first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, plays a crucial role in gait and impacts the windlass mechanism. Disruptions to this mechanism are implicated in various foot pathologies. Jack's Test serves as a valuable tool for clinicians to assess the functionality of the MTPJ. Varus rearfoot wedges (VRFWs) are a common treatment employed in the management of lower limb pathologies. The impact of VRFWs on the resistance of the first MTPJ during Jack´s Test is currently unknown. This study aimed to measure the influence of VRFWs on the resistance of the first MTPJ during Jack´s Test. The secondary objective was to validate a new measurement method using a digital force gauge. METHODS: Thirty participants (17 women and 13 men) were enrolled. A digital force gauge measured the weight-bearing force needed for Jack's Test, thereby evaluating the effects of VRFWs of different angulations. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test confirmed that the data followed a normal distribution (p > 0.05). The nonparametric Friedman test (p < 0.001) showed that there were significant differences among all VRFWs, while the Wilcoxon test (p < 0.001) showed that there were differences between barefoot conditions and 3°, 5°, and 8° VRFWs. RESULTS: The use of 8° VRFWs yielded a statistically significant reduction in the passive dorsiflexion force of hallux during Jack's Test (12.51 N ± 4.12, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of VRFWs has been observed to reduce dorsiflexion resistance in the proximal phalanx of the first MTPJ during Jack's Test. Additionally, the digital force gauge was proven to be a valid tool for conducting Jack's Test, thus offering a reliable measurement method.

Combination with Annual Deworming Treatments Does Not Enhance the Effects of PCV2 Vaccination on the Development of TB in Wild Boar Populations.

Vaccination against PCV2 has been proven to be an effective measure to reduce the severity of TB in wild boar. The combination of this measure with strategies focused on treating other key concomitant pathogens, such as nematodes, could be a useful strategy. This study assesses whether a combination of deworming treatments and PCV2 vaccination may reduce the prevalence and severity of TB in wild boar. The study was conducted on five game estates in mid-western Spain where four groups of wild boar were produced: control, vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated-dewormed. Wild boars from all groups were hunted between 2017 and 2020, and all of them received a TB diagnosis based on pathological and microbiological tests. Generalised linear models were used to explore the effect of deworming and PCV2 vaccination on TB prevalence and severity. PCV2-vaccinated animals showed lower probabilities of suffering severe TB lesions. However, no differences regarding TB severity were found between dewormed and non-dewormed wild boar. PCV2 vaccination reduces TB severity in wild boar. However, annual deworming does not produce a long-term parasitological reduction that can influence the development of TB in wild boar, nor does it improve the effect of PCV2 vaccination on TB.

Modelos tridimensionales del encéfalo humano: materiales didácticos sobre anatomía humana / Three-dimensional models of the human brain: teaching aids on human anatomy

RESUMEN Fundamento: el estudio de la anatomía humana permite introducir al estudiante en el lenguaje de las ciencias de la salud, conformado por no menos de diez mil términos propios. La elaboración de medios de enseñanza garantiza el logro de un aprendizaje significativo en sus contenidos. Objetivo: elaborar dos medios didácticos sobre la anatomía del encéfalo humano, de utilidad para el perfeccionamiento del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje en la carrera de Medicina. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo, con una amplia revisión de materiales bibliográficos para obtener el marco teórico, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Manzanillo entre los meses de julio y septiembre de 2020. Se utilizaron métodos empíricos, y los medios fueron confeccionados con la asesoría de especialistas y diseñadores, como modelos tridimensionales. Resultados: se confeccionaron dos medios didácticos del encéfalo humano: un corte sagital que ofrece una vista lateral derecha, de conjunto con un encéfalo tridimensional elaborado con yeso de construcción y pintura acrílica. En ambos se ofrece una leyenda con las denominaciones de sus partes, delimitadas por diversos colores; para una mejor comprensión están fundamentados a partir de un manual explicativo. Conclusiones: los productos creados se pueden emplear como medios de enseñanza, tanto en pregrado como en posgrado, permiten el desarrollo de habilidades profesionales y valores desde su elaboración hasta en su exposición. Pueden ser generalizados y reproducibles por el colectivo de estudiantes y profesores en otros contextos donde resulten útiles.

ABSTRACT Background: the study of human anatomy allows the student to be introduced to the language of health sciences, made up of no less than ten thousand proper terms. The development of teaching aids guarantees the achievement of meaningful learning in its contents. Objective: to elaborate two didactic teaching aids on the anatomy of the human brain, useful for the improvement of the teaching-learning process in the Medicine degree. Methods: a development research was carried out, with an extensive review of bibliographic materials to obtain the theoretical framework, at Manzanillo Faculty of Medical Sciences from July to September 2020. Empirical methods were used, and the teaching aids were made with the advice of specialists and designers as three-dimensional models. Results: two didactic teaching aids of the human brain were made: a sagittal section that offers a right lateral view, together with a three-dimensional brain made of construction plaster and acrylic paint. Both offer a legend with the names of their parts, delimited by different colors; for a better understanding they are addressed on an explanatory manual. Conclusions: the products created can be used as teaching aids, both in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, allowing the development of professional skills and values from their elaboration to their presentation. They can be generalized and reproduced by the group of students and teachers in other contexts where they are useful.

[Interactions between herbals medicines and drugs in chronic patients with complexity in primary care.] / Interacciones entre plantas medicinales y medicamentos en pacientes crónicos complejos en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: Taking medicinal herbs (MH) is frequent in patients and can cause interactions with others medications. Consumption of MH could be high in chronic patients with complexity (CPC) and produce interactions with drugs and knowledge about these drugs in primary health care (PC) professionals about these interactions is low. The aim was to measure the prevalence of potencial interactions between HM and drugs in CPC and evaluate the degree of knowledge of PC professionals. METHODS: Descriptive observational study in a population of CPC assigned to two PC teams. We investigated MH consumption through interviews and review potential drug interactions. We evaluated the degree of professionals knowledge through a survey designed for the study. A descriptive analysis was carried out. The Student-t test for paired data was used to compare the means.The statistical significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: The survey was distributed among 179 patients, mean age 76.9 years old (DE 9.7), 54.6% women. 62.57% (112) take MH. We detected 88 potentially relevant interactions in 51 patients (45.54%). Of the 219 professionals interviewed 51.1% consider that their knowledge about MH were low and 64,4% thought that was important to know the mH consumption of their patients. CONCLUSIONS: We detected a high prevalence of MH consumption in CPC and interactions between herbs medicinal and drugs. Lack of knowledge of PC health professionals is important. It's necessary to record this consumption in the medical history and improve the knowledge of professionals about MH to detect possible interactions, reduce the associated risk and improve the quality of care.

OBJETIVO: El consumo de plantas medicinales (PM) es frecuente en pacientes y puede causar interacciones con otros medicamentos. El consumo de PM puede ser alto en pacientes crónicos complejos (PCC) y producir interacciones con su medicación y el conocimiento sobre estos fármacos en profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria (AP) es bajo. El objetivo del estudio fue medir prevalencia de interacciones potenciales entre PM y medicamentos en PCC y evaluar grado de conocimiento de los profesionales de AP. METODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo en una población de PCC asignados a dos equipos de AP. Se evaluaron el consumo de PM mediante entrevistas y se revisaron las interacciones potenciales con su medicación. Se evaluó el grado de conocimiento de los profesionales mediante una encuesta diseñada para el estudio. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, La comparación de medias se realizó con la prueba t de Student. La significación estadística se estableció en p<0,05. RESULTADOS: La encuesta se distribuyó entre 179 pacientes, con una edad media de 76,9 años (DE 9,7), 54,6% mujeres. El 62,57% (112) consumieron PM. Detectamos 88 interacciones potencialmente relevantes en 51 pacientes (45,54%). De los 219 profesionales entrevistados el 51,1% consideraron que sus conocimientos sobre PM eran bajos y 64,4% pensaron que era importante conocer el consumo de PM de sus pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: Detectamos una alta prevalencia del consumo de PM en PCC y de interacciones entre PM y medicamentos. La falta de conocimientos de los profesionales sanitarios es importante. Es necesario registrar en la historia clínica este consumo y mejorar el conocimiento de los profesionales de AP sobre PM para detectar posibles interacciones, disminuir el riesgo asociado y mejorar la calidad asistencial.

Host Genetic Diversity and Infectious Diseases. Focus on Wild Boar, Red Deer and Tuberculosis.

Host genetic diversity tends to limit disease spread in nature and buffers populations against epidemics. Genetic diversity in wildlife is expected to receive increasing attention in contexts related to disease transmission and human health. Ungulates such as wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are important zoonotic hosts that can be precursors to disease emergence and spread in humans. Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease with relevant consequences and can present high prevalence in wild boar and red deer populations. Here, we review studies on the genetic diversity of ungulates and determine to what extent these studies consider its importance on the spread of disease. This assessment also focused on wild boar, red deer, and tuberculosis. We found a disconnection between studies treating genetic diversity and those dealing with infectious diseases. Contrarily, genetic diversity studies in ungulates are mainly concerned with conservation. Despite the existing disconnection between studies on genetic diversity and studies on disease emergence and spread, the knowledge gathered in each discipline can be applied to the other. The bidirectional applications are illustrated in wild boar and red deer populations from Spain, where TB is an important threat for wildlife, livestock, and humans.

Especies de Candida asociadas a lesiones bucales en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 / Candida species associated with oral lesions in type 2 diabetic patients

La candidiasis es una enfermedad infecciosa provocada por levaduras del género Candida, principalmente por C. albicans. En la cavidad bucal del paciente diabético convergen condiciones fisiológicas que propician el desarrollo de candidiasis. Sin embargo, son escasos los estudios microbiológicos que involucren a otras especies de Candida como posibles agentes causales. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia de las especies de Candida asociadas a lesiones bucales en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2, que acudieron al Servicio de Endocrinología del Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de Los Andes del estado Mérida, durante el segundo trimestre del 2015. Se realizó la evaluación clínico-estomatológica con el respectivo levantamiento de la ficha clínica. La recolección de la muestra de la mucosa bucal fue realizada mediante un raspado con una espátula 7A estéril, realizándose examen directo al fresco y cultivo. Las levaduras recuperadas fueron identificadas utilizando HiChrome Candida Differential agar y agar harina de maíz. De 172 pacientes examinados, solo 59 presentaron lesiones sugestivas de candidiasis, obteniéndose 17 muestras positivas para Candida spp., donde 15 correspondieron a C. albicans y 2 a C. glabrata. Los resultados coinciden con los reportados en la literatura mundial donde C. albicans es la principal especie causante de candidiasis bucal en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2.

Candidiasis is an infectious disease caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, mainly C. albicans. In the oral cavity of the diabetic patient, physiological conditions that promote the development of candidiasis converge. However, there are few microbiological studies involving other Candida species as potential causative agents. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of Candida species associated with oral lesions in patients with type 2 diabetes who attended the Endocrinology Service of the Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario of Los Andes University of the State of Mérida, during the second quarter of 2015. Clinical record and oral cavity examination was performed. Specimen from the oral mucosa was collected by scraping with a sterile 7A spatula for wet direct examination and culture. The recovered yeasts were identified using HiChrome Candida differential agar and corn flour agar. Of the 172 patients examined, only 59 presented lesions suggestive of oral candidiasis, obtaining 17 samples positive for Candida spp. Of which 15 corresponded to C. albicans and 2 to C. glabrata. The results coincide with those reported in the world literature where C. albicans is the main species responsible for oral candidiasis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Percepción, conocimientos y actitudes de las enfermeras de urgencias y salud mental frente al alcoholismo y otras drogodependencias / Perception, knowledge and attitudes of Emergency and Mental Health nurses regarding alcoholism and other drug dependencies

OBJETIVO: describir las percepciones, conocimientos y actitudes delos profesionales de Enfermería que tratan pacientes consumidores de alcohol en las unidades de Urgencias y Salud Mental de hospitales de las Islas Baleares. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico sobre las enfermeras de los servicios de Urgencias y Salud Mental de cinco hospitales de las Islas Baleares. Para la recogida de los datos se utilizó la escala validada al castellano de Seaman e Mannello, que mide los conocimientos y las actitudes de los profesionales de Enfermería con relación al alcoholismo y al consumo del alcohol. RESULTADOS: se recogieron 159 cuestionarios de un universo de257. El 99,1% había tenido contacto con personas con drogodependencias durante su experiencia profesional. Cerca del 75% había tenido dificultades a la hora de atenderlos (20,6% por falta de protocolos y 17,1% por la falta de recursos). Los aspectos que dificultaban la atención eran: falta de conocimientos, actitud del propio profesional y percepción social, falta de habilidades en la comunicación, experiencias previas, organización y tipo de servicio donde trabajaba y opiniones personales. Cuando tenían dificultades, consultaban a otros profesionales para resolver sus dudas; solamente un 7,1% acudía a bases de datos científicas como fuente confiable de información. CONCLUSIONES: la enfermera percibe al paciente alcohólico como una persona enferma que necesita terapia. El déficit de conocimientos es el factor que más negativamente influye en la atención que se presta al drogodependiente, las actitudes aparecen en menor medida. El aspecto organizativo y lugar de trabajo también intervienen

OBJECTIVE: to describe the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of nursing professionals who treat alcoholic patients in the Emergency and Mental Health units of hospitals in the Balearic Islands. MATERIALS AND METHOD: a descriptive transversal multicenter study with nurses in the Emergency and Mental Health units of five hospitals in the Balearic Islands. For data collection, the Seaman-Mannello Scale was used, validated into Spanish, which measures the knowledge and attitudes of Nursing professionals regarding alcoholism and alcohol intake. RESULTS: 150 questionnaires were collected, out of a universe of257. Out of these, 99.1% had become in contact with drug dependent persons during their professional experience. Almost 75% of them had had difficulties when managing them (20.6% due to lack of protocols, and 17.1% due to lack of resources). The factors which made patient care difficult were: lack of knowledge, attitude by the professional and social perception, lack of communication skills, previous experiences, organization and type of unit where they worked, and personal opinions. When they had difficulties, they consulted other professionals to clarify their doubts; only 7.1% used scientific databases as a reliable source of information. CONCLUSIONS: nurses perceive alcoholic patients as sick persons who need therapy. Lack of knowledge is the factor with the highest negative impact on patient care offered to drug dependent patients, while attitudes appear to a lesser extent. Organization aspects and place of work are also involved

Genotypic characterization by spoligotyping and VNTR typing of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium caprae isolates from cattle of Tunisia.

This work is an approach to the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) bovine infections in Tunisia. A total of 35 MTBC isolates from both lateral retropharyngeal lymph node samples of cattle slaughtered in different Tunisian regions were genotyped by spoligotyping and variable number tandem repeat typing (VNTR)-typing. Spoligotyping allowed to identify two profiles not previously registered, namely SB2024, a Mycobacterium caprae isolate from Nabeul Region (North East Tunisia), the first description of this species in the country, and SB2025 (Mycobacterium bovis) from Sfax Region (Southern Tunisia). A second M. caprae isolate with a spoligotyping profile previously described in Europe mainland, SB0418, was also isolated from a bovine of Sfax region. Both isolates suggest the possibility of a widespread distribution of this species in the country. The predominant spoligotype was SB0120, present in all Tunisian regions selected for the study but Nabeul. Molecular typing also allowed to describe a mixed infection caused by two different M. bovis isolates (SB0120 and SB0848) in the same animal. VNTR typing was highly discriminant by testing a panel of six loci. Loci QUB3232 and QUB11b were the most discriminant, whereas ETR-D and QUB11a had the lower diversity index. The value of allelic diversity can significantly vary among countries; thus, it is important to standardize a panel of loci for future inter-laboratory comparisons. Although VNTR typing proved to be useful for an efficient discrimination among MTBC isolates, especially in combination with spoligotyping, further studies are needed in order to assess the genetic diversity of the MTBC in Tunisia.

Development of a real-time SYBR Green PCR assay for the rapid detection of Dermatophilus congolensis.

Methods such as real time (RT)-PCR have not been developed for the rapid detection and diagnosis of Dermatophilus (D.) congolensis infection. In the present study, a D. congolensis-specific SYBR Green RT-PCR assay was evaluated. The detection limit of the RT-PCR assay was 1 pg of DNA per PCR reaction. No cross-reaction with nucleic acids extracted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, or Austwickia chelonae was observed. Finally, the RT-PCR assay was used to evaluate clinical samples collected from naturally infected animals with D. congolensis. The results showed that this assay is a fast and reliable method for diagnosing dermatophilosis.

Hyperspectral optical imaging of two different species of lepidoptera.

In this article, we report a hyperspectral optical imaging application for measurement of the reflectance spectra of photonic structures that produce structural colors with high spatial resolution. The measurement of the spectral reflectance function is exemplified in the butterfly wings of two different species of Lepidoptera: the blue iridescence reflected by the nymphalid Morpho didius and the green iridescence of the papilionid Papilio palinurus. Color coordinates from reflectance spectra were calculated taking into account human spectral sensitivity. For each butterfly wing, the observed color is described by a characteristic color map in the chromaticity diagram and spreads over a limited volume in the color space. The results suggest that variability in the reflectance spectra is correlated with different random arrangements in the spatial distribution of the scales that cover the wing membranes. Hyperspectral optical imaging opens new ways for the non-invasive study and classification of different forms of irregularity in structural colors.

A century of veterinary education in Cuba (1907-2007).

The development of veterinary education in Cuba has closely mirrored the political changes the nation has undergone. Veterinary studies in Cuba began in 1907, with an emphasis on clinical (individual-animal) medicine. Over time, the professional curriculum has evolved to meet the needs of the nation. Preventive medicine topics were added to the curriculum in 1959. Food-animal production was taught by a separate college until 1990. In 1991, these topics were incorporated into the professional veterinary medical curriculum, and they continue to be an area of emphasis. All veterinary colleges in Cuba follow a centrally organized, student-centered curriculum. A substantial portion of instruction is delivered at educational units, housed on livestock operations, where students participate in extensive field experiences while receiving didactic instruction. The amount of instructional time devoted to hands-on activities increases as students progress through the five-year curriculum.

Morfometría del globo ocular en pacientes con trastornos refractivos / Morphometry of ocular globus in patients with refractive disorders

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en los pacientes con trastornos refractivos de la consulta de Oftalmología del Hospital Provincial Celia Sánchez Manduley de Manzanillo en el período de Enero del 2008 a Diciembre del 2008, la muestra quedó conformada por los 66 pacientes entre 15 y 55 años de edad de ambos sexos con trastornos refractivos incluyendo solamente la miopía, hipermetropía y el astigmatismo. Se tuvieron en cuenta un grupo de variables como edad, sexo, y se les realizaron algunos estudios biométricos del globo ocular para determinar la longitud axial (LA) y el grosor del cristalino. Obtenida la información se almacenó en una base de datos plasmando los resultados en tablas concluyéndose que en los defectos refractivos predominó la LA entre 23 y 24,99 siendo el astigmatismo el error mas frecuente, predominando en el sexo femenino, en el ojo izquierdo y en las edades comprendidas entre 36 y 55 años y el lente entre 4 y 4,99 mm(AU)

It was carried out a descriptive transversal study in patients with refractive disorders from the Ophthalmology Room at Celia Sánchez Manduley hospital in Manzanillo, during the period from January 2007 to January 2008. The sample was established by 66 patients from 15 to 55 years of both sexes with refractive disorders, including myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. There were taking into account some variables like age and sex, and there were fulfilled some biometric studies of the ocular globus to determine the axial length (AL) and the lens. The obtained results were gathered into a data process, showing them in tables. Finally, in the refractive default prevailed the AL from 23 to 24,99, being the astigmatism the most frequent mistake in females left eyes, in the ages from 36 to 55 years, and the lens from 4 to 4,99 mm(EU)