Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of a Novel Conjugate Molecule with Dopaminergic and Neuroprotective Activities for Parkinson's Disease.

The escalating prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) underscores the need for innovative therapeutic interventions since current palliative measures, including the standard l-Dopa formulations, face challenges of tolerance and side effects while failing to address the underlying neurodegenerative processes. Here, we introduce DAD9, a novel conjugate molecule that aims to combine symptomatic relief with disease-modifying strategies for PD. Crafted through knowledge-guided chemistry, the molecule combines a nonantibiotic doxycycline derivative with dopamine, preserving neuroprotective attributes while maintaining dopaminergic agonism. This compound exhibited no off-target effects on PD-relevant cell functions and sustained antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the tetracycline precursor. Furthermore, it effectively interfered with the formation and seeding of toxic α-synuclein aggregates without producing detrimental oxidative species. In addition, DAD9 was able to activate dopamine receptors, and docking simulations shed light onto the molecular details of this interaction. These findings position DAD9 as a potential neuroprotective dopaminergic agonist, promising advancements in PD therapeutics.

Neuroanatomical correlates of musicianship in left-handers.

BACKGROUND: Left-handedness is a condition that reverses the typical left cerebral dominance of motor control to an atypical right dominance. The impact of this distinct control - and its associated neuroanatomical peculiarities - on other cognitive functions such as music processing or playing a musical instrument remains unexplored. Previous studies in right-handed population have linked musicianship to a larger volume in the (right) auditory cortex and a larger volume in the (right) arcuate fasciculus. RESULTS: In our study, we reveal that left-handed musicians (n = 55), in comparison to left-handed non-musicians (n = 75), exhibit a larger gray matter volume in both the left and right Heschl's gyrus, critical for auditory processing. They also present a higher number of streamlines across the anterior segment of the right arcuate fasciculus. Importantly, atypical hemispheric lateralization of speech (notably prevalent among left-handers) was associated to a rightward asymmetry of the AF, in contrast to the leftward asymmetry exhibited by the typically lateralized. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that left-handed musicians share similar neuroanatomical characteristics with their right-handed counterparts. However, atypical lateralization of speech might potentiate the right audiomotor pathway, which has been associated with musicianship and better musical skills. This may help explain why musicians are more prevalent among left-handers and shed light on their cognitive advantages.

Atypical lateralization of visuospatial attention can be associated with better or worse performance on line bisection.

The causal and statistical hypotheses diverge in determining whether the lateralization of language function in one cerebral hemisphere entails the lateralization of visuospatial function in the opposite hemisphere. Additionally, it remains unclear if the atypical segregation of these functions could influence cognitive performance. This study addresses these questions by examining the hemispheric lateralization of visuospatial attention during a line bisection judgement (landmark) task in three groups of healthy non-right-handed individuals with different language production segregations: left (typical), ambilateral (atypical), and right (atypical). Consistent with the causal hypothesis, results indicate that the groups with left and right language lateralization primarily utilize the opposite hemisphere for visuospatial attention. The ambilateral group, however, displays a pattern compatible with an independent segregation, supporting the statistical hypothesis. Behavioral analyses reveal that atypical lateralization of visuospatial attention (non-right) can lead to either better or worse performance during the landmark task, depending on the specific pattern. Bilateral organization is associated with reduced overall accuracy, whereas the left segregation results in improved performance during the most challenging trials. These findings suggest the existence of diverse pathways to lateralization, akin to either the causal or statistical hypothesis, which can result in cognitive advantages or disadvantages.

What happens to the inhibitory control functions of the right inferior frontal cortex when this area is dominant for language?

A low number of individuals show an atypical brain control of language functions that differs from the typical lateralization in the left cerebral hemisphere. In these cases, the neural distribution of other cognitive functions is not fully understood. Although there is a bias towards a mirrored brain organization consistent with the Causal hypothesis, some individuals are found to be exceptions to this rule. However, no study has focused on what happens to the homologous language areas in the right frontal inferior cortex. Using an fMRI-adapted stop-signal task in a healthy non right-handed sample (50 typically lateralized and 36 atypically lateralized for language production), our results show that atypical lateralization is associated with a mirrored brain organization of the inhibitory control network in the left hemisphere: inferior frontal cortex, presupplementary motor area, and subthalamic nucleus. However, the individual analyses revealed a large number of cases with a noteworthy overlap in the inferior frontal gyrus, which shared both inhibitory and language functions. Further analyses showed that atypical lateralization was associated with stronger functional interhemispheric connectivity and larger corpus callosum. Importantly, we did not find task performance differences as a function of lateralization, but there was an association between atypical dominance in the inferior frontal cortex and higher scores on schizotypy and autistic spectrum traits, as well as worse performance on a reading accuracy test. Together, these results partially support the Causal hypothesis of hemispheric specialization and provide further evidence of the link between atypical hemispheric lateralization and increased interhemispheric transfer through the corpus callosum.

Depression and Agitation Factors Are Related to Regional Brain Atrophy and Faster Longitudinal Cognitive Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a common aspect of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple studies have investigated its brain correlates, but it still remains unclear how they relate with brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate brain volume in MCI patients as a function of NPS. METHODS: We measured grey matter volume, neuropsychological status and NPS (Neuropsychiatric Inventory, NPI), in a sample of 81 MCI patients (43 females). Participants were divided in groups depending on presence (NPS+) or absence (NPS-) of NPS and on type of NPS. RESULTS: We found lower volume of left temporal pole in patients with depression compared to NPS- (p = 0.012), and in patients with agitation compared to NPS- in the right middle occipital gyrus (p = 0.003). We also found a significant correlation between volume of left temporal pole and MMSE (r (78) â€Š= 0.232, p = 0.019). Finally, NPS+ presented lower cross-sectional cognitive level than NPS- (t (79) â€Š= 1.79, p = 0.038), and faster cognitive decline (t (48) â€Š= -1.74, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the colocalization of structural damage as a possible mechanism underlying the relationship between MCI and depression and provide novel evidence regarding agitation. Moreover, our longitudinal evidence highlights the relevance of an adequate identification of NPS in MCI patients to identify those at risk of faster cognitive decline.

Relevance of the anterior cingulate cortex volume and personality in motivated physical activity behaviors.

Some recent theories about the origins and maintenance of regular physical activity focus on the rewards of the properties of practicing this activity. Animal and human studies have demonstrated that mesolimbic dopamine plays a crucial role in the involvement in voluntary physical activity. Here, we test this possible role in a sample of 66 right-handed healthy young adults by studying the influence of personality and the volume of reward-related brain areas on individual differences in voluntary physical activity, objectively measured by accelerometer and subjectively self-reported by questionnaire. Our results show that a smaller volume of the right anterior cingulate cortex and lower scores on reward sensitivity contributed to explaining low levels of daily physical activity. Moreover, the volume of the right anterior cingulate cortex correlates positively with self-reported total physical activity. Results are discussed by highlighting the need to use objective measures of daily physical activity, as well as the important role of the anterior cingulate cortex and personality in promoting effortful and invigorating actions to obtain rewards.

The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a type of kidney cancer that arises from the cells lining the tubes of the kidney. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of ccRCC is a complex interplay of various immune cells, cytokines, and signaling pathways. One of the critical features of the ccRCC TIME is the presence of infiltrating immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Among these cells, CD8+ T cells are particularly important in controlling tumor growth by recognizing and killing cancer cells. However, the TIME of ccRCC is also characterized by an immunosuppressive environment that hinders the function of immune cells. Several mechanisms contribute to the immunosuppressive nature of the ccRCC TIME. For instance, ccRCC cells produce cytokines such as interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), which suppress immune cell activation and promote the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs, in turn, dampen the activity of effector T cells and promote tumor growth. In addition, ccRCC cells can express programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which interacts with the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T cells to inhibit their function. In addition, other immune checkpoint proteins, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), also contribute to the immunosuppressive milieu of the ccRCC TIME. Finally, the hypoxic and nutrient-poor microenvironment of ccRCC can stimulate the production of immunosuppressive metabolites, such as adenosine and kynurenine, which further impair the function of immune cells. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system in the ccRCC TIME is crucial for developing effective immunotherapies to treat this disease.

Two different brain networks underlying picture naming with familiar pre-existing native words and new vocabulary.

The present research used fMRI to longitudinally investigate the impact of learning new vocabulary on the activation pattern of the language control network by measuring BOLD signal changes during picture naming tasks with familiar pre-existing native words (old words) and new vocabulary. Nineteen healthy participants successfully learned new synonyms for already known Spanish words, and they performed a picture naming task using the old words and the new words immediately after learning and two weeks after learning. The results showed that naming with old words, compared to naming with newly learned words, produced activations in a cortical network involving frontal and parietal regions, whereas the opposite contrast showed activation in a broader cortical/subcortical network, including the SMA/ACC, the hippocampus, and the midbrain. These two networks are maintained two weeks after learning. These results suggest that the language control network can be separated into two functional circuits for diverse cognitive purposes.

Underlying differences in resting-state activity metrics related to sensitivity to punishment.

Reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) of personality establishes the punishment sensitivity trait as a source of variation in defensive avoidance/approach behaviors. These individual differences reflect dissimilar sensitivity and reactivity of the fight-flight-freeze and behavioral inhibition systems (FFFS/BIS). The sensitivity to punishment (SP) scale has been widely used in personality research aimed at studying the activity of these systems. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies have confirmed the core biological correlates of FFFS/BIS in humans. Nonetheless, some brain functional features derived from resting-state blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) activity and its association with the punishment sensitivity dimension remain unclear. This relationship would shed light on stable neural activity patterns linked to anxiety-like behaviors and anxiety predisposition. In this study, we analyzed functional activity metrics "at rest" [e.g., regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF)] and their relationship with SP in key FFFS/BIS regions (e.g., amygdala, hippocampus, and periaqueductal gray) in a sample of 127 healthy adults. Our results revealed a significant negative correlation between the fALFF within all these regions and the scores on SP. Our findings suggest aberrant neural activity (lower fALFF) within the brain's defense system in participants with high trait anxiety, which in turn could reflect lower FFFS/BIS activation thresholds. These neurally-located differences could lead to pathological fear/anxiety behaviors arising from the FFFS and BIS.

Self-Report of the perception of stress and signs of bruxism generated during the pandemic in student of the health area / Autoinforme de la percepción de estrés y signos de bruxismo derivados de la pandemia en estudiantes del área de la salud

Abstract Bruxism is the repetitive muscle-mandibular behavior characterized by clenching and/or grinding of the teeth, which reflects the presence of one or more underlying conditions or factors. The objective of this descriptive study was to determine the association between bruxism and stress self-perceived during the pandemic, as well as their frequency by gender and academic area. An interrogation and self-perceived stress scale PSS-14 were applied to students from the different areas of the Institute of Health Sciences (ICSa) to determine the presence or absence of stress and bruxism symptom, a Chi-square was used for the comparison between variables, considering a value of p0.005. ICSa students between 18 and 24 age perceive symptoms of bruxism and high levels of stress caused during the pandemic.

Resumen El bruxismo es el comportamiento músculo-mandibular repetitivo caracterizado por apretamiento y/o rechinamiento de los dientes, que refleja la presencia de una o varias condiciones o factores subyacentes. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con el objetivo de determinar la asociación del nivel de estrés y síntomas de bruxismo autopercibidos durante la pandemia, así como su frecuencia por género y área académica. Se aplicó un interrogatorio y escala de estrés percibido PSS-14 a los estudiantes de las distintas áreas del Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud (ICSa) para determinar la presencia o ausencia de estrés y síntomas de bruxismo, se utilizó una Chi-cuadrada para la comparación entre variables, considerando significativo un valor de p0.0001. Los estudiantes de 18 a 24 años de edad del ICSa perciben síntomas de bruxismo y altos niveles de estrés originados durante la pandemia.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes con carcinoma basocelular pertenecientes al área norte de Ciego de Ávila

Introducción: El carcinoma basocelular es el tumor maligno más frecuente, representa aproximadamente entre el 75 y 80 % de todos los cánceres cutáneos no melanoma en la raza blanca. En el área norte de la provincia de Ciego de Ávila no se encuentran estudios sobre este tema. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente a los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular atendidos en el servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial del Hospital Provincial Docente "Roberto Rodríguez Fernández" del municipio Morón en la provincia Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, en el período comprendido de enero de 2019 a enero de 2020. Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en 118 pacientes con dicho diagnóstico, donde se estudió: edad, sexo, localización anatómica del tumor, factores predisponentes, formas clínicas de presentación del tumor y estadio clínico. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (60,2 %) y el grupo etario 60-74 años (51,7 %). El 44,1 % del total presentó la forma clínica nodular, con una mayor incidencia en la región nasal 39,8 %. El 97 % de los casos tenía como factor predisponente piel blanca o rosada. La población estudiada se encontró mayormente en estadio clínico II (43,2 %). Conclusiones: Los antecedentes patológicos familiares, exposición solar y piel blanca o rosada influyen marcadamente en la aparición del carcinoma basocelular, lo que permite un adecuado diagnóstico de la enfermedad, así como el desarrollo de actividades de promoción y prevención de salud de estos factores predisponentes.

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor, which accounts for approximately 75 or 80 % of all non-melanoma skin cancer in whites. Studies concerning this issue at the northern care area of Ciego de Avila are lacked. Objective: To characterize clinically and epidemiologically all patients with basal cell carcinoma attended in the maxillofacial surgery service at the Hospital Provincial Docente "Roberto Rodríguez Fernández", Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, from January 2019 to January 2020. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted in 118 patients with this diagnosis, where the variables studied were as follow: age, sex, the anatomical location of tumor, predisposing factors, clinical forms of tumor and its clinical stage. Results: Male sex (60.2%) and age group 60-74 years (51.7%) were predominant. Nodular clinical form was present in 44.1% of the total, with a higher incidence in the nasal region (39.8%). The predisposing factor in 97% of the cases was white or pink skin. The population studied was mostly in clinical stage II (43.2%). Conclusions: Family pathological history, sun exposure and white or pink skin have a marked influence on the appearance of basal cell carcinoma, which allows an adequate diagnosis of the disease, as well as the development of health promotion and prevention activities for these predisposing factors.

Introdução: O carcinoma basocelular é o tumor maligno mais comum, representando aproximadamente 75-80% de todos os cânceres de pele não melanoma na raça branca. Na zona norte da província de Ciego de Ávila não existem estudos sobre este assunto. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica e epidemiologicamente os pacientes com carcinoma basocelular atendidos no serviço de Cirurgia Bucomaxilofacial do Hospital Provincial Docente "Roberto Rodríguez Fernández" do município de Morón, província de Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, no período de janeiro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Método: Foi realizado um estudo observacional descritivo transversal em 118 pacientes com esse diagnóstico, onde foram estudados idade, sexo, localização anatômica do tumor, fatores predisponentes, formas clínicas de apresentação do tumor e estágio clínico. Resultados: Predominou o sexo masculino (60,2%) e a faixa etária de 60 a 74 anos (51,7%). 44,1% do total apresentaram a forma clínica nodular, com maior incidência na região nasal 39,8%. 97% dos casos tinham a pele branca ou rosada como fator predisponente. A população estudada encontrava-se em sua maioria no estágio clínico II (43,2%). Conclusões: A história patológica familiar, a exposição solar e a pele branca ou rosada têm uma influência marcante no aparecimento do carcinoma basocelular, o que permite um diagnóstico adequado da doença, bem como o desenvolvimento de ações de promoção da saúde e prevenção desses fatores predisponentes.

Humoral immunoresponse elicited against an adenoviral-based SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus vaccine in elderly patients.

The early sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome allowed for a speedy development of effective vaccines against the virus. Nevertheless, age-related immunosenescence, the inability to mount strong immune responses, still represents a major obstacle. Here, in a group of 149 elderly volunteers (70-96 years old), evolution of the humoral immune response over time to Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V), a vaccine based on heterologous recombinant adenovirus-26 (Ad26) and adenovirus-5 (Ad5) carrying the Spike genome, was analyzed by an anti-RBD ELISA. At 28 days post vaccination (dpv), a seroconversion rate of 91% was achieved, showing the importance of administering at least two doses of Gam-COVID-Vac to elicit a robust immune response, especially in elderly individuals without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, IgG specific antibodies that reached their highest titers around 28 dpv (median = 740), persisted without significant decrease after 60 dpv (median = 650). After 90 dpv, IgG titers began to drop, and at 180 dpv only 44.7% of the elderly individuals remained with detectable anti-RBD IgG antibodies. No significant differences were observed in specific humoral immune responses between genders at early times point. However, at 60 dpv anti-RBD titers were more persistent in elderly females, and only dropped at 90 dpv (p < 0.0001). As expected, the highest antibodies titers were elicited in the youngest subgroup (70-74 years). Our results show that Gam-COVID-Vac was able to deal with the ageing of the immune system, eliciting a robust immune response in an elderly cohort, which lasted approximately 90 dpv at high levels, and protected against COVID-19.

Neuroprotective Effects of a Novel Demeclocycline Derivative Lacking Antibiotic Activity: From a Hit to a Promising Lead Compound.

The antibiotic tetracycline demeclocycline (DMC) was recently reported to rescue α-synuclein (α-Syn) fibril-induced pathology. However, the antimicrobial activity of DMC precludes its potential use in long-term neuroprotective treatments. Here, we synthesized a doubly reduced DMC (DDMC) derivative with residual antibiotic activity and improved neuroprotective effects. The molecule was obtained by removal the dimethylamino substituent at position 4 and the reduction of the hydroxyl group at position 12a on ring A of DMC. The modifications strongly diminished its antibiotic activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, this compound preserved the low toxicity of DMC in dopaminergic cell lines while improving its ability to interfere with α-Syn amyloid-like aggregation, showing the highest effectiveness of all tetracyclines tested. Likewise, DDMC demonstrated the ability to reduce seeding induced by the exogenous addition of α-Syn preformed fibrils (α-SynPFF) in biophysical assays and in a SH-SY5Y-α-Syn-tRFP cell model. In addition, DDMC rendered α-SynPFF less inflammogenic. Our results suggest that DDMC may be a promising drug candidate for hit-to-lead development and preclinical studies in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies.

Whole Blood Storage Temperature Investigation in Austere Environments.

INTRODUCTION: Military medical research has affirmed that early administration of blood products and timely treatment save lives. The US Navy's Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System (ERSS) is a Role 2 Light Maneuver team that functions close to the point of injury, administering blood products and providing damage-control resuscitation and surgery. However, information is lacking on the logistical constraints regarding provisions for and the stability of blood products in austere environments. METHODS: ERSS conducted a study on the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) area of responsibility. Expired but properly stored units of stored whole blood (SWB) were subjected to five different storage conditions, including combinations of passive and active refrigeration. The SWB was monitored continuously, including for external ambient temperatures. The time for the SWB to rise above the threshold temperature was recorded. RESULTS: The main outcome of the study was the time for the SWB to rise above the recommended storage temperature. Average ambient temperature during the experiment involving conditions 1 through 4 was 25.6°C (78.08°F). Average ambient temperature during the experiment involving condition 5 was 34.8°C (94.64°F). Blood temperature reached the 6°C (42.8°F) threshold within 90 minutes in conditions 1 and 2, which included control and chemically activated ice packs in the thermal insulated chamber (TIC). Condition 2 included prechilling the TIC in a standard refrigerator to 4°C (39.2°F), which kept the units of SWB below the threshold temperature for 490 minutes (approximately 8 hours). Condition 4 entailed prechilling the TIC in a standard freezer to 0.4°C (32.72°F), thus keeping the units of SWB below threshold for 2,160 minutes (i.e., 36 hours). Condition 5 consisted of prechilling the TIC to 3.9°C (39.02°F) in the combat blood refrigerator, which kept the SWB units below the threshold for 780 minutes (i.e., 13 hours), despite a higher average ambient temperature of almost +10°C (50°F). CONCLUSION: Combining active and passive refrigeration methods will increase the time before SWB rises above the threshold temperature. We demonstrate an adaptable approach of preserving blood product temperature despite refrigeration power failure in austere settings, thereby maintaining mission readiness to increase the survival of potential casualties.

Dynamic Effects of Immersive Bilingualism on Cortical and Subcortical Grey Matter Volumes.

Bilingualism has been shown to induce neuroplasticity in the brain, but conflicting evidence regarding its specific effects in grey matter continues to emerge, probably due to methodological differences between studies, as well as approaches that may miss the variability and dynamicity of bilingual experience. In our study, we devised a continuous score of bilingual experiences and we investigated their non-linear effects on regional GM volume in a sample of young healthy participants from an immersive and naturalistic bilingual environment. We focused our analyses on cortical and subcortical regions that had been previously proposed as part of the bilingual speech pipeline and language control network. Our results showed a non-linear relationship between bilingualism score and grey matter volume of the inferior frontal gyrus. We also found linear increases in volumes of putamen and cerebellum as a function of bilingualism score. These results go in line with predictions for immersive and naturalistic bilingual environments with increased intensity and diversity of language use and provide further evidence supporting the dynamicity of bilingualism's effects on brain structure.

Antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNps) against Pectobacterium carotovorum.

In a bioprospecting study of paramo soils cultivated with potato (Solanum tuberosum), 50 fungal isolates were obtained and evaluated for their nitrate reductase (NR) activity, given the role played by this enzyme in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps). Five isolates strain with high NR activity belonging to Penicillium simplicissimum, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium oxysporum species were selected, verifying the presence of the NR enzyme in their enzymatic extract. Later, these strains showed the ability to biosynthesize AgNps with distorted spherical shapes and sizes ranging from 15 to 45 nm. Subsequently, an antibiosis test was carried out by the agar diffusion method using glass fiber disks against the phytopathogenic agent Pectobacterium carotovorum, finding halos of inhibition of bacterial growth up to 15.3 mm using a 100 ppm solution of the AgNps obtained from F. oxysporum. These results contribute to generating the basis of a new alternative for the control of this phytopathogenic agent of potato, challenging to manage by traditional methods and of relevance at the post-harvest level.

Programa de curso optativo sobre atención estomatológica integral en pacientes con trastornos de la coagulación / Elective course program on comprehensive dental care in patients with bleeding disorders

RESUMEN Introducción : Los trastornos de la coagulación surgen como consecuencia de un grupo de alteraciones que se desencadenan durante el proceso de coagulación, de ahí la necesidad que se impone en la capacitación profesional del estomatólogo para establecer una adecuada atención a los pacientes que comprenden este grupo poblacional. Objetivo : Elaborar un programa de curso optativo sobre atención estomatológica integral en pacientes con trastornos de la coagulación. Material y Métodos : Se realizó un estudio cualitativo y descriptivo, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, durante los meses de marzo a abril del 2021. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos, efectuándose un análisis de los documentos de los planes de estudio de la especialidad de Estomatología para la elaboración del programa. Resultados : El curso propuesto quedó estructurado en 60 horas, durante siete semanas, presencial y distribuido en cinco temas, posibilitando la formación general de los alumnos del pregrado de Estomatología, mediante el desarrollo de habilidades teóricas y asistenciales. Conclusiones : se elaboró un programa de curso optativo que favorece al potenciamiento de las acciones curriculares, contribuyendo al desarrollo docente-asistencial en los estudiantes del pregrado de Estomatología.

ABSTRACT Introduction : Coagulation disorders arise as a consequence of a group of alterations that are triggered during the coagulation process, hence the need imposed on the professional training of the dentist to establish adequate care for patients who comprise this population group. Objective : to develop an elective course program on comprehensive dental care in patients with coagulation disorders. Material and Methods : A qualitative and descriptive study was carried out at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Moron, Ciego de Avila, Cuba, during the months of March to April 2021. Theoretical and empirical methods were used, carrying out an analysis of the documents of the study plans of the Stomatology specialty for the elaboration of the program. Results : the proposed course was structured in 60 hours, for seven weeks, face-to-face and divided into five topics, enabling the general training of Stomatology undergraduate students, through the development of theoretical and care skills. Conclusions : an elective course program was developed that favors the enhancement of curricular actions, contributing to the teaching-care development of Stomatology undergraduate students.

Características maternas relacionadas con el abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva

RESUMEN Introducción: Existe un renovado interés por rescatar la cultura del amamantamiento, basado en los beneficios que confiere esta práctica. La identificación de características maternas que influyen en su abandono permite desarrollar actividades de promoción encaminadas a fomentarla. Objetivo: Describir las características maternas relacionadas con el abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal en 86 madres de niños de 6 a 12 meses de nacidos, durante el año 2020. Se analizaron las variables: características sociodemográficas, abandono de la lactancia materna exclusiva, motivo de abandono, morbilidades de los lactantes y nivel de conocimientos sobre los beneficios de la lactancia materna exclusiva. Resultados: El 48,8 % de las madres se encontraban en unión consensual, el 55,8 % eran trabajadoras y predominó el nivel de escolaridad preuniversitario (50 %). El 36,0 % de las madres abandonaron la lactancia materna exclusiva; de ellas el 11,6 % tenía entre 14 y 19 años. El 54,8 % refirió abandonar esta práctica porque el lactante no se llenaba. Las enfermedades respiratorias fueron las más observadas en quienes no recibieron leche materna (16,3 %). El 50 % de las madres poseían un nivel de conocimiento inadecuado sobre los beneficios de esta práctica. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las madres no abandonan la lactancia, trabajan, se encuentran en unión consensual, con nivel escolar preuniversitario y conocimientos inadecuados sobre los beneficios de la lactancia materna.

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is a renewed interest in rescuing the culture of breastfeeding based on the benefits that this practice confers. The identification of maternal characteristics that influence their abandonment makes it possible to develop promotional activities aimed at fostering it. Objective: To describe the maternal characteristics that influence the abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional study in 86 mothers of children between 6 and 12 months born during the year 2020, belonging to the Teaching Polyclinic "7 de Noviembre". The variables analyzed were: sociodemographic characteristics, abandonment of exclusive breastfeeding, reason for abandonment, infant morbidities, and level of knowledge about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Results: The 48,8 % of the mothers were in a consensual union, 55,8 % were workers, and the pre-university level of schooling prevailed (50 %). 36,0 % of the mothers abandoned exclusive breastfeeding; 11,6 % of them were between 14-19 years old. The 54,8 % reported abandoning this practice because the infant did not fill up. Respiratory diseases were the most observed in those who did not receive breastfeed (16,3 %); 50 % of the mothers had an inadequate level of knowledge about the benefits of this practice. Conclusions: Most of the mothers did not abandon breastfeeding, they work, are in a consensual union, with a pre-university school level and with inadequate knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Long-term analysis of antibodies elicited by SPUTNIK V: A prospective cohort study in Tucumán, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Gam-COVID-Vac (SPUTNIK V) has been granted emergency use authorization in 70 nations and has been administered to millions worldwide. However, there are very few peer-reviewed studies describing its effects. Independent reports regarding safety and effectiveness could accelerate the final approval by the WHO. We aimed to study the long-term humoral immune response in naïve and previously infected volunteers who received SPUTNIK V. METHODS: Humoral immune responses, assayed by anti-SARS-CoV-2-spike-RBD IgG ELISA and neutralization assays, were measured in 602 healthcare workers at 0, 14, 28, 60 and 180 days after receiving SPUTNIK V between December 2020 and July 2021 in Tucumán, Argentina. FINDINGS: Seroconversion was detected in 97% of individuals after 28 days post-vaccination (dpv) (N = 405). Anti-RBD titers began to decrease after 60 dpv (N = 328), but remained detectable in 94% at 90 dpv (N = 224). At 180 dpv, anti-RDB titers persisted in 31% (N = 146). Previous infection triggered an increased immune response to the first dose and increased neutralization activity against variants of concern (VOC). Second doses in previously infected individuals further increased titers, even 90 dpv (N = 75). Basal antibody titers had more influence on post-vaccination anti-RBD responses than the time elapsed between diagnosis and vaccination (N = 274). INTERPRETATION: Data presented herein provides essential knowledge regarding the kinetics of antibodies induced by SPUTNIK V up to six months after immunization, and suggests that when considering one-dose vaccination policies for individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, serological studies to determine basal titers may be important, independent of when diagnosis occurred. FUNDING: Tucumán Public Health System (SIPROSA), Argentinean National Research Council (CONICET), National University of Tucumán (UNT).

Características sociodemográficas que influyen en el embarazo en la adolescencia / Sociodemographic characteristics that influence pregnancy in adolescence

Introducción: el embarazo en la adolescencia constituye un alarmante problema de salud; describir las características que influyen en su aparición permite desarrollar actividades de promoción de salud encaminadas a mejorar dicha situación. Objetivo: describir las características sociodemográficas que influyen el embarazo en la adolescencia. Métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal en gestantes adolescentes pertenecientes al Policlínico Docente "7 de noviembre" del municipio Majibacoa durante el año 2020. El universo estuvo constituido por 34 gestantes adolescentes; se trabajó con la totalidad de estas. Se analizaron las variables: edad materna, características sociodemográficas, factores de riesgo familiares, factores de riesgo sociales y económicos y deserción escolar. Resultados: el 55,9% de las gestantes tenía entre 18 y 19 años. El 47% tenían nivel preuniversitario, el 52,9% eran estudiantes; el 67,6% se encontraban en unión y la mayoría tuvo su primera relación sexual después de los 14 años (58,8%). El 32,4% de las gestantes adolescentes eran hijas de madres con algún embarazo en la adolescencia. Se observó con mayor preponderancia el per cápita familiar bajo como factor de riesgo socioeconómico (43,8%). El 58,8% abandonaron sus estudios. Conclusiones: el inicio precoz de las relaciones sexuales, el antecedente de madres con embarazos en la adolescencia, el per cápita familiar bajo favorecen la aparición de una gestación en la adolescencia, donde la mayoría de las veces estas deciden abandonar sus estudios.

Introduction: teenage pregnancy constitutes an alarming health problem; Describing the characteristics that influence its appearance allows the development of health promotion activities aimed at improving this situation. Objective: to describe the sociodemographic characteristics that influence pregnancy in adolescence. Methods:observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study in pregnant teenagers belonging to the Teaching Polyclinic "7 de Noviembre" of the Majibacoa municipality during the year 2020. The universe consisted of 34 pregnant teenagers; all of these were worked on. The variables were analyzed: maternal age, sociodemographic characteristics, family risk factors, social and economic risk factors, and school dropout. Results: 55,9% of the pregnant women were between 18 and 19 years old. 47% had a pre-university level, 52,9% were students; 67,6% were in union and the majority had their first sexual intercourse after the age of 14 (58,8%). 32,4% of the adolescent pregnant women were the daughters of mothers with some pregnancy in adolescence. Low family per capita is exhibited with greater preponderance as a socio-economic risk factor (43,8%). 58,8% dropped out of their studies. Conclusions: the early initiation of sexual relations, the antecedent of mothers with teenage pregnancies, the low family per capita favor the appearance of a pregnancy in adolescence, where most of the time they decide to abandon their studies