Thymol as adjuvant in oncology: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potentials, and prospects for integration in cancer management.

Cancer remains a global health challenge, prompting a search for effective treatments with fewer side effects. Thymol, a natural monoterpenoid phenol derived primarily from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and other plants in the Lamiaceae family, is known for its diverse biological activities. It emerges as a promising candidate in cancer prevention and therapy. This study aims to consolidate current research on thymol's anticancer effects, elucidating its mechanisms and potential to enhance standard chemotherapy, and to identify gaps for future research. A comprehensive review was conducted using databases like PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, focusing on studies from the last 6 years. All cancer types were included, assessing thymol's impact in both cell-based (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) studies. Thymol has been shown to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis), halt the cell division cycle (cell cycle arrest), and inhibit cancer spread (metastasis) through modulation of critical signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Wnt/ß-catenin. It also enhances the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colorectal cancer treatments. Thymol's broad-spectrum anticancer activities and non-toxic profile to normal cells underscore its potential as an adjunct in cancer therapy. Further clinical trials are essential to fully understand its therapeutic benefits and integration into existing treatment protocols.

Targeting CCR3 with antagonist SB 328437 sensitizes 5­fluorouracil­resistant gastric cancer cells: Experimental evidence and computational insights.

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks fifth globally in cancer diagnoses and third for cancer-related deaths. Chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a primary treatment, faces challenges due to the development of chemoresistance. Tumor microenvironment factors, including C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3), can contribute to chemoresistance. The present study evaluated the effect of CCR3 receptor inhibition using the antagonist SB 328437 and the molecular dynamics of this interaction on resistance to 5-FU in gastric cancer cells. The 5-FU-resistant AGS cell line (AGS R-5FU) demonstrated notable tolerance to higher concentrations of 5-FU, with a 2.6-fold increase compared with the parental AGS cell line. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of thymidylate synthase (TS), a molecular marker for 5-FU resistance, were significantly elevated in AGS R-5FU cells. CCR3 was shown to be expressed at significantly higher levels in these resistant cells. Combining SB 328437 with 5-FU resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, particularly at higher concentrations of 5-FU. Furthermore, when SB 328437 was combined with 5-FU at a high concentration, the relative mRNA expression levels of CCR3 and TS decreased significantly. Computational analysis of CCR3 demonstrated dynamic conformational changes, especially in extracellular loop 2 region, which indicated potential alterations in ligand recognition. Docking simulations demonstrated that SB 328437 bound to the allosteric site of CCR3, inducing a conformational change in ECL2 and hindering ligand recognition. The present study provides comprehensive information on the molecular and structural aspects of 5-FU resistance and CCR3 modulation, highlighting the potential for therapeutic application of SB 328437 in GC treatment.

Epigenetic modulation of cytokine expression in gastric cancer: influence on angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance.

Cytokines are proteins that act in the immune response and inflammation and have been associated with the development of some types of cancer, such as gastric cancer (GC). GC is a malignant neoplasm that ranks fifth in incidence and third in cancer-related mortality worldwide, making it a major public health issue. Recent studies have focused on the role these cytokines may play in GC associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, which are key factors that can affect carcinogenesis and tumor progression, quality, and patient survival. These inflammatory mediators can be regulated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone protein modification, and non-coding RNA, which results in the silencing or overexpression of key genes in GC, presenting different targets of action, either direct or mediated by modifications in key genes of cytokine-related signaling pathways. This review seeks insight into the relationship between cytokine-associated epigenetic regulation and its potential effects on the different stages of development and chemoresistance in GC.

Detección e integración del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo en lesiones pre-neoplásicas en mujeres del sur de Chile: un estudio transversal / High-risk human papillomavirus detection and integration in preneoplastic lesions among women in Southern Chile: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo (VPH-AR) es responsable del cáncer de cuello uterino y sus lesiones preneoplásicas. Los genotipos VPH16 y VPH18 son los más frecuentes en este cáncer. La integración del VPH-AR en el genoma de la célula hospedera es crucial en la carcinogénesis cervical, pero la etapa en que ocurre en la población chilena es incierta. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la integración de VPH16 y VPH18 en lesiones pre-neoplásicas de cuello uterino. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 108 muestras de raspados cervicales. El VPH se genotipificó mediante reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) e hibridación no radiactiva. La integración de VPH16 y VPH18 se determinó por presencia del gen E2 mediante RPC. RESULTADOS: VPH16 y VPH18 se detectaron en 36,1% y 12,0% de las muestras, respectivamente. El VPH16 se integró en 23,1% de los casos de VPH16, mientras que VPH18 se integró en 100% de las muestras positivas para este genotipo. CONCLUSIONES: La integración VPH-AR es un evento temprano en la carcinogénesis cervical que ocurre en casi la mitad de las lesiones pre-neoplásicas y es más frecuente en VPH18 que en VPH16. La evaluación de la integración VPH-AR puede ser una herramienta útil para detectar el virus en la población chilena.

BACKGROUND: High-risk Human Papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are the etiological agents of cervical cancer and its preneoplastic lesions. HPV16 and 18 are the most frequent HR-HPV genotypes detected in cervical cancer. HR-HPV genome integration into the host cell is an important event in the carcinogenic process. However, it remains uncertain which stage of cervical carcinogenesis HPV16 and 18 integration occurs in the Chilean population. AIM: The goal of this study was to evaluate HPV16 and HPV18 integration in preneoplastic lesions of the cervix. METHODS: DNA was extracted from 108 cervical scrape samples with preneoplastic lesions. HPV was genotyped using PCR and non-radioactive hybridization. The integration status of HPV16 and HPV 18 was determined by evaluating the E2 gene presence through PCR. RESULTS: HPV16 and HPV18 tested positive in 36.1% and 12.0% of samples, respectively. HPV16 was found integrated in 23.1% of HPV 16 cases, while HPV 18 in 100% of samples positive for this viral genotype. CONCLUSIONS: HR-HPV integration is an early event in cervical carcinogenesis, occurring in nearly half of preneoplastic lesions and being more frequent in HPV18 than in HPV16. The evaluation of HR-HPV integration can be utilized as a complementary tool for detecting HPV in the Chilean population.

Exploring the Genetic Diversity of Epstein-Barr Virus among Patients with Gastric Cancer in Southern Chile.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with gastric cancer (GC), one of the deadliest malignancies in Chile and the world. Little is known about Chilean EBV strains. This study aims to investigate the frequency and genetic diversity of EBV in GC in patients in southern Chile. To evaluate the prevalence of EBV in GC patients from the Chilean population, we studied 54 GC samples using the gold standard detection method of EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER). The EBV-positive samples were subjected to amplification and sequencing of the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear protein 3A (EBNA3A) gene to evaluate the genetic diversity of EBV strains circulating in southern Chile. In total, 22.2% of the GC samples were EBV-positive and significantly associated with diffuse-type histology (p = 0.003). Phylogenetic analyses identified EBV-1 and EBV-2 in the GC samples, showing genetic diversity among Chilean isolates. This work provides important information for an epidemiological follow-up of the different EBV subtypes that may cause GC in southern Chile.

Genome analysis suggests HTLV-1aA introduction in Chile related to migrations of ancestral indigenous populations.

The human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), unlike other RNA viruses such as HIV, has a stable genome and has infected humans since remote times. Although the HTLV-1 infection is endemic in South America, there is scarce information about HTLV-1 in Chile and its history of introduction. This study assessed the genomic content of HTLV-1 from Chile and its relationship with HTLV-1 lineages circulating worldwide by phylogenetic reconstruction and dating analyses. A total of 30 HTLV-1 genomes collected from the four continents were used to conduct dating analyses, including the first HTLV-1 genome from Amerindian/Mapuche ethnicity. Estimation was performed using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo coalescent-based approach as implemented in the BEAST program. The time of the most recent ancestor of HTLV-1 from Chile was ∼1409 years ago, which coincides with the period of Amerindian population expansion across South America. Our results suggest HTLV-1aA was possibly introduced in Chile during the migrations of the ancestral indigenous populations.

Resistance to platinum-based cancer drugs: a special focus on epigenetic mechanisms.

Chemoresistance is a significant clinical challenge, limiting the drug response in cancer. Several mechanisms associated with drug resistance have been characterized, and the role of epigenetics in generating resistance to platinum-based drugs has been clarified. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, long noncoding RNA, and microRNA affect the expression of genes implicated in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of drugs, and other non-ADME genes that encode enzymes involved in the processes of cell proliferation, DNA repair, apoptosis and signal transduction key in the development of chemoresistance in cancer, specifically in platinum-based drugs. This review summarizes current discoveries in epigenetic regulation implicated in platinum drug resistance in cancer and the main clinical trials based on epigenetic therapy, evaluating their potential synergy with platinum-based drugs.

Genetic Patterns Found in the Nuclear Localization Signals (NLSs) Associated with EBV-1 and EBV-2 Provide New Insights into Their Contribution to Different Cell-Type Specificities.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a globally dispersed pathogen involved in several human cancers of B-cell and non-B-cell origin. EBV has been classified into EBV-1 and EBV-2, which have differences in their transformative ability. EBV-1 can transform B-cells into LCL more efficiently than EBV-2, and EBV-2 preferentially infects T-cell lymphocytes. The EBNA3A oncoprotein is a transcriptional regulator of virus and host cell genes, and is required in order to transform B-cells. EBNA3A has six peptide motifs called nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that ensure nucleocytoplasmic protein trafficking. The presence of multiple NLSs has been suggested to enhance EBNA3 function or different specificities in different cell types. However, studies about the NLS variability associated with EBV types are scarce. Based on a systematic sequence analysis considering more than a thousand EBNA3A sequences of EBV from different human clinical manifestations and geographic locations, we found differences in NLSs' nucleotide structures among EBV types. Compared with the EBNA3A EBV-1, EBNA3A EBV-2 has two of the six NLSs altered, and these mutations were possibly acquired by recombination. These genetic patterns in the NLSs associated with EBV-1 and EBV-2 provide new information about the traits of EBNA3A in EBV biology.

Phylogenetic dating analysis of HTLV-1 from Chile suggests transmissions events related to ancient migrations and contemporary expansion.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a globally-spread virus. It is estimated that there are about 5­10 million infected people in the world. HTLV is endemic in Chile, with higher seroprevalence among indigenous people. However, little is known about HTLV-1 genetic diversity, its introduction and dispersion in this country. To gain insights into these issues, a phylogenetic dating analysis was conducted based on Chilean and closed related long terminal repeat sequences. The time tree reconstruction showed that the introduction of HTLV-1aA occurred several times in Chile. It was hypothesized that these introductions took place at least in two different historical moments: (i) during the ancient human migrations and (ii) during/after the European colonization of South America. The present study contributes toward understanding the evolutionary history of HTLV-1 in Chile and South America.

Brown Seaweed Fucoidan in Cancer: Implications in Metastasis and Drug Resistance.

Fucoidans are sulphated polysaccharides that can be obtained from brown seaweed and marine invertebrates. They have anti-cancer properties, through their targeting of several signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms within malignant cells. This review describes the chemical structure diversity of fucoidans and their similarity with other molecules such as glycosaminoglycan, which enable them to participation in diverse biological processes. Furthermore, this review summarizes their influence on the development of metastasis and drug resistance, which are the main obstacles to cure cancer. Finally, this article discusses how fucoidans have been used in clinical trials to evaluate their potential synergy with other anti-cancer therapies.

Functional and transcriptomic characterization of cisplatin-resistant AGS and MKN-28 gastric cancer cell lines.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a significant cancer-related cause of death worldwide. The most used chemotherapeutic regimen in GC is based on platinum drugs such as cisplatin (CDDP). However, CDDP resistance reduces advanced GC survival. In vitro drug-resistant cell model would help in the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying this drug-resistance phenomenon. The aim of this study was to characterize new models of CDDP-resistant GC cell lines (AGS R-CDDP and MKN-28 R-CDDP) obtained through a stepwise increasing drug doses method, in order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance as well as identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of GC. Cell viability assays, cell death assays and the expression of resistance molecular markers confirmed that AGS R-CDDP and MKN-28 R-CDDP are reliable CDDP-resistant models. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses identified a total of 189 DEGs, including 178 up-regulated genes and 11 down-regulated genes, associated mainly to molecular functions involved in CDDP-resistance. DEGs were enriched in 23 metabolic pathways, among which the most enriched was the inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathway. Finally, the higher mRNA expression of SERPINA1, BTC and CCL5, three up-regulated DEGs associated to CDDP resistance found by RNA-seq analysis was confirmed. In summary, this study showed that AGS R-CDDP and MKN-28 R-CDDP are reliable models of CDDP resistance because resemble many of resistant phenotype in GC, being also useful to assess potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of gastric cancers resistant to CDDP. In addition, we identified several DEGs associated with molecular functions such as binding, catalytic activity, transcription regulator activity and transporter activity, as well as signaling pathways associated with inflammation process, which could be involved in the development of CDDP resistance in GC. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of inflammatory processes in GC resistant to CDDP and these models could be useful for these purposes.

Evaluación de resultados en el paciente sometido a procedimiento de cirugía bariátrica en el Hospital Médico Quirúrgico del ISSS enero 2010 - diciembre 2014 / Evaluation of results in the patient in bariatric surgery procedure at the Medical Surgical Hospital of ISSS January 2010 - December 2014

La obesidad es un problema de salud de primera magnitud debido al crecimiento de las ciudades industrializadas y a la dificultad de su tratamiento. Además la obesidad es responsable directa del incremento de la incidencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, resistencia a la insulina, hipertensión arterial y factores que desencadenan y aumentan el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. En la presente investigación se mostraron los resultados de los procedimientos de cirugía bariátrica en el Hospital Médico Quirúrgico entre enero 2010 a diciembre 2014. El propósito principal es analizar la evolución clínica de los pacientes adultos asegurados, durante el primer año posterior a la cirugía y verificar pérdida ponderal y mejoría de las comorbilidades relacionados con la obesidad. Se pretende dar a conocer los resultados obtenidos en este estudio para demostrar el impacto sobre la salud del paciente obeso mórbido sometido a estos procedimientos. Un total de 468,609 procedimientos bariátricos se realizaron en todo el mundo en el año 2013 según la Federación Internacional para la Cirugía de la Obesidad y Enfermedades Metabólicas (IFSO) (10) y esta extraordinaria aceptación, tanto por los pacientes y médicos, se deriva de la eficacia de estos procedimientos para producir la pérdida de peso, sino también por los resultados en el tratamiento del síndrome metabólico en pacientes obesos mórbidos

Hígado graso no alcohólico como marcador de calidad de vida en mujeres de edad mediana / Non-alcoholic fatty liver as a marker of quality of life in middle age women

Introducción: en la mujer de edad mediana coexisten múltiples enfermedades crónicas en detrimento de su calidad de vida, es frecuente la presencia de hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). Objetivo: identificar las variables de riesgo en mujeres de edad mediana con hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). Métodos: se realizó un estudio casos control desde enero 2008 a 2011 en San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa, donde se analizaron variables como: edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC) según relación cintura cadera (ICC), presencia de hipertensión y su control, severidad y duración del síndrome climatérico más edad de presentación de la menopausia espontánea. Aleatoriamente se seleccionaron 60 pacientes con criterios ultrasonográficos de HGNA (Grupo A), de otras 60 con ultrasonido negativo (Grupo B o control) seleccionadas por pareamiento. Resultados: en A un 44,4 por ciento tenían menor edad respecto a la media global (47,5 años IC: 45,7-48,2), en ese mismo grupo un 51,6 por ciento presentó aumento del IMC e ICC con coeficiente de correlación de 0,94. La mayor cantidad de hipertensas estaban en el Grupo A, con un 81,6 por ciento de ellas descontroladas (OR: 0,25 IC: 95 por ciento). Un 55 por ciento de las pacientes con HGNA presentó síntomas climatéricos muy molestos por más de 12 meses. De las estudiadas, 64,1 por ciento refirió la menopausia entre 46-49 años, con 33,3 por ciento del grupo A por debajo de la media global (47,5). Conclusiones: el HGNA marca tempranamente mal control clínico-metabólico de la mujer en edad mediana con síntomas climatéricos más tempranos intensos y duraderos, en detrimento de su calidad de vida(AU)

Objective: To identify the risk variables in mean age women presenting with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Methods: A control-case study was conducted from January, 2008 to 2011 in San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa province to analyze variable including: age, body mass index (BMI) according to the waist-hip relation (WHR), presence of high blood pressure and its control, severity and length of climateric syndrome plus age of presentation of spontaneous menopause. In a random way 60 patients with ultrasonography criteria of NAFL (Group A), another 60 patients with negative ultrasound (US) (Group B or control) selected according matching. Results: In A group the 44.4 percent was smaller than the global mean (47.5 years, 95 percent CI: 45.7 48.2) in that same group the 51.6 percent had al increase of the BMI and WHR, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. Most of hypertensive patients were in the A group with a 81.6 percent of them non-controlled (RO: 0.25 CI: 95 percent. The 55 percent of patients with NAFL had climateric symptoms very annoying for more than 12 months. From the study patients, the 64.1 percent had menopause between 46-49 years old where the 33.3 percent of the A group was under the global mean (47.5). Conclusions: The NAFL marks early a poor clinical-metabolic control of woman in mean age with earlier, intensive and lasting and climateric symptoms to the detriment of life(AU)

Hígado graso no alcohólico como marcador de calidad de vida en mujeres de edad mediana / Non-alcoholic fatty liver as a marker of quality of life in middle age women

Introducción: en la mujer de edad mediana coexisten múltiples enfermedades crónicas en detrimento de su calidad de vida, es frecuente la presencia de hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). Objetivo: identificar las variables de riesgo en mujeres de edad mediana con hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA). Métodos: se realizó un estudio casos control desde enero 2008 a 2011 en San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa, donde se analizaron variables como: edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC) según relación cintura cadera (ICC), presencia de hipertensión y su control, severidad y duración del síndrome climatérico más edad de presentación de la menopausia espontánea. Aleatoriamente se seleccionaron 60 pacientes con criterios ultrasonográficos de HGNA (Grupo A), de otras 60 con ultrasonido negativo (Grupo B o control) seleccionadas por pareamiento. Resultados: en A un 44,4 por ciento tenían menor edad respecto a la media global (47,5 años IC: 45,7-48,2), en ese mismo grupo un 51,6 por ciento presentó aumento del IMC e ICC con coeficiente de correlación de 0,94. La mayor cantidad de hipertensas estaban en el Grupo A, con un 81,6 por ciento de ellas descontroladas (OR: 0,25 IC: 95 por ciento). Un 55 por ciento de las pacientes con HGNA presentó síntomas climatéricos muy molestos por más de 12 meses. De las estudiadas, 64,1 por ciento refirió la menopausia entre 46-49 años, con 33,3 por ciento del grupo A por debajo de la media global (47,5). Conclusiones: el HGNA marca tempranamente mal control clínico-metabólico de la mujer en edad mediana con síntomas climatéricos más tempranos intensos y duraderos, en detrimento de su calidad de vida

Objective: To identify the risk variables in mean age women presenting with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Methods: A control-case study was conducted from January, 2008 to 2011 in San Antonio de los Baños, Artemisa province to analyze variable including: age, body mass index (BMI) according to the waist-hip relation (WHR), presence of high blood pressure and its control, severity and length of climateric syndrome plus age of presentation of spontaneous menopause. In a random way 60 patients with ultrasonography criteria of NAFL (Group A), another 60 patients with negative ultrasound (US) (Group B or control) selected according matching. Results: In A group the 44.4 percent was smaller than the global mean (47.5 years, 95 percent CI: 45.7 48.2) in that same group the 51.6 percent had al increase of the BMI and WHR, with a correlation coefficient of 0.94. Most of hypertensive patients were in the A group with a 81.6 percent of them non-controlled (RO: 0.25 CI: 95 percent. The 55 percent of patients with NAFL had climateric symptoms very annoying for more than 12 months. From the study patients, the 64.1 percent had menopause between 46-49 years old where the 33.3 percent of the A group was under the global mean (47.5). Conclusions: The NAFL marks early a poor clinical-metabolic control of woman in mean age with earlier, intensive and lasting and climateric symptoms to the detriment of life

Alternativas no farmacológicas en pacientes comunitarios / Non-pharmacological alternatives for community-based patients

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, prospectivo y longitudinal con 8 adolescentes de la Escuela Especial “Mártires del Corynthia”, del consejo popular Cayo Hueso en el municipio Centro Habana, con diagnóstico de retraso mental ligero, con el objetivo de determinar cómo se comportan estos adolescentes, dadas sus características, en una psicoterapia de grupo. Los problemas psicológicos son frecuentes en la población infantil y adolescente. Cada año 1 de cada 10 niños presenta un problema de salud mental importante (trastornos psiquiátricos o anormalidades de las emociones, la conducta o las relaciones). como metodología investigativa se utilizó la técnica cualitativa de entrevista individual a fondo, por tratarse de una técnica que se realiza de forma semiestructurada, más informal, pero más profunda, que mide factores como la comprensión, las motivaciones, la subjetividad, los criterios, etc. En los resultados obtenidos encontramos que, tanto padres como maestros, manifestaron cambios favorables en la conducta de estos adolescentes una vez incorporados al grupo(AU)

Aplicación de la terapia floral de Bach en niños con retardo del desarrollo psíquico / Application of Bach´s flower therapy in children with psychical development retardation

Se realizó un trabajo investigativo, prospectivo, transversal, con 100 alumnos de la Escuela Especial de Retardo del Desarrollo Psíquico “Turcios Lima”, situada en el consejo popular de Cayo Hueso en el municipio Centro Habana, con el objetivo de evaluar los resultados de la aplicación de la terapia floral de Bach en el aprendizaje de estos niños diagnosticados como retardados. A principios del siglo xx el doctor Edward Bach (1886-1936), médico de origen galés, desarrollo un original y eficaz sistema de curación. Él sostuvo que la enfermedad es producto del desequilibrio entre la mente y el cuerpo, que altera el campo energético del ser vivo. El organismo se enferma ante el padecer psicológico y el desorden emocional, y expresó: “La enfermedad no es un mal a suprimir sino un beneficio a comprender.” Se seleccionaron de forma aleatoria a 100 niños de dicha escuela, constituyéndose un grupo estudio y otro control. Se revisaron sus expedientes y se realizó historia clínica floral. Se realizaron entrevistas a padres y maestros para confrontar resultados. Se aplicaron remedios florales y se arribaron a conclusiones como que la aplicación de estos remedios facilita el tránsito de escuela especial a enseñanza general(AU)

Aplicación de la terapia floral de Bach en niños con retardo del desarrollo psíquico / Application of Bach´s flower therapy in children with psychical development retardation

Se realizó un trabajo investigativo, prospectivo, transversal, con 100 alumnos de la Escuela Especial de Retardo del Desarrollo Psíquico ôTurcios Limaö, situada en el consejo popular de Cayo Hueso en el municipio Centro Habana, con el objetivo de evaluar los resultados de la aplicación de la terapia floral de Bach en el aprendizaje de estos niños diagnosticados como retardados. A principios del siglo xx el doctor Edward Bach (1886-1936), médico de origen galés, desarrollo un original y eficaz sistema de curación. Él sostuvo que la enfermedad es producto del desequilibrio entre la mente y el cuerpo, que altera el campo energético del ser vivo. El organismo se enferma ante el padecer psicológico y el desorden emocional, y expresó: ôLa enfermedad no es un mal a suprimir sino un beneficio a comprender.ö Se seleccionaron de forma aleatoria a 100 niños de dicha escuela, constituyéndose un grupo estudio y otro control. Se revisaron sus expedientes y se realizó historia clínica floral. Se realizaron entrevistas a padres y maestros para confrontar resultados. Se aplicaron remedios florales y se arribaron a conclusiones como que la aplicación de estos remedios facilita el tránsito de escuela especial a enseñanza general

Alternativas no farmacológicas en pacientes comunitarios / Non-pharmacological alternatives for community-based patients

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio, prospectivo y longitudinal con 8 adolescentes de la Escuela Especial ôMártires del Corynthiaö, del consejo popular Cayo Hueso en el municipio Centro Habana, con diagnóstico de retraso mental ligero, con el objetivo de determinar cómo se comportan estos adolescentes, dadas sus características, en una psicoterapia de grupo. Los problemas psicológicos son frecuentes en la población infantil y adolescente. Cada año 1 de cada 10 niños presenta un problema de salud mental importante (trastornos psiquiátricos o anormalidades de las emociones, la conducta o las relaciones). como metodología investigativa se utilizó la técnica cualitativa de entrevista individual a fondo, por tratarse de una técnica que se realiza de forma semiestructurada, más informal, pero más profunda, que mide factores como la comprensión, las motivaciones, la subjetividad, los criterios, etc. En los resultados obtenidos encontramos que, tanto padres como maestros, manifestaron cambios favorables en la conducta de estos adolescentes una vez incorporados al grupo

¿Por qué no aprendemos? / Why don't we learn?

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal con 20 niños entre 1ro. y 4to. grado de la Escuela Primaria "José Joaquín Palma", del Consejo Popular Pueblo Nuevo, en el municipio Centro Habana, cuyas maestras plantearon dificultades en el aprendizaje durante el curso escolar 1999-2000. Nos propusimos como objetivo determinar en qué porcentaje de la muestra se asocia el aprendizaje lento con el cociente intelectual normal, para así dar una mejor orientación a las familias de los que presentan esta dificultad. Se aplicó un pequeño cuestionario validado a criterio de jueces. En los resultados se muestra que el 75 por ciento de los niños tienen un cociente intelectual normal(AU)

¿Por qué no aprendemos? / Why don't we learn?

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal con 20 niños entre 1ro. y 4to. grado de la Escuela Primaria "José Joaquín Palma", del Consejo Popular Pueblo Nuevo, en el municipio Centro Habana, cuyas maestras plantearon dificultades en el aprendizaje durante el curso escolar 1999-2000. Nos propusimos como objetivo determinar en qué porcentaje de la muestra se asocia el aprendizaje lento con el cociente intelectual normal, para así dar una mejor orientación a las familias de los que presentan esta dificultad. Se aplicó un pequeño cuestionario validado a criterio de jueces. En los resultados se muestra que el 75 por ciento de los niños tienen un cociente intelectual normal