Asociación de la salud cardiometabólica de preescolares y sus padres con características nutricionales y sociodemográficas familiares / Association of cardiometabolic health of preschoolers and their parents with family sociodemographic characteristics

Introducción: Existe escaso conocimiento sobre la asociación entre marcadores cardiometabólicos en preescolares con características nutricionales y sociodemográficos familiares. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre marcadores cardiometabólicos de preescolares y sus padres con las características nutricionales y sociodemográficas familiares. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, de asociación y correlación entre variables Padre-Hijo/a de carácter multicéntrico, en el cual participaron 140 sujetos (70 preescolares y su respectivo padre o madre). Las variables fueron estado nutricional, composición corporal, fuerza prensil y presión arterial de padres/madres y sus hijos/as preescolares y variables sociodemográficas de las familias. Resultados: Existió diferencia significativa al 5% respecto de la obesidad de los padres con la de los hijos/as, se presentó correlación positiva (0,397) entre las variables "porcentaje de grasa" padres e hijos/as. En relación al "nivel de escolaridad de la madre" hubo diferencia significativa con el "porcentaje de grasa" de los hijos/as (p<0,011). Existió similarmente diferencia significativa (p=0,033) entre la variable "tener hermanos" respecto a la variable "porcentaje de grasa" de los hijos/as. Finalmente se presentó asociación entre "usa Tablet" (dispositivo audiovisual) y "presión arterial" de los hijos/as (p=0,030). La variable "usa Tablet" se asoció significativamente con la "fuerza prensil" de los hijos/as (p=0,044). Conclusiones: Padres obesos con alto porcentaje de grasa tienen hijos/as preescolares con bajo perfil cardiometabólico; las variables nivel educacional inferior de la madre y tener hermanos se asociaron a un mayor porcentaje de grasa en los hijos/as, conjuntamente el uso de Tablet en preescolares mostró mayores niveles de presión arterial y menor fuerza prensil(AU)

Introduction: Little is known about the association between cardiometabolic markers in preschoolers with family nutritional and socio- demographic characteristics. Objective: To determine the association between cardiometabolic markers in preschoolers and their parents with family nutritional and sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study of association and correlation between parent-child variables, multicenter, 140 subjects participated (70 preschoolers and their respective parents). The variables were nutritional status, body composition, prehensile strength and blood pressure of parents and their preschool children and sociodemographic variables of the families. Results: There was a significant difference at 5% between parents' obesity and children's obesity, with a positive correlation (0.397) between the variable "percentage of fat" parents/children. In relation to the "mother's level of schooling" there was a significant difference with the "percentage of fat" of the children (p<0.011). Similarly, there was a significant difference (p=0.033) between the variable "Having siblings" with respect to the variable "percentage of fat" of the children. Finally, there was an association between "Tablet use" (audiovisual device) and "blood pressure" of the children (p=0.030). The variable "Tablet use" was significantly associated with the "prehensile strength" of the children (p=0.044). Conclusions: Obese parents with a high percentage of fat have preschool children with a low cardiometabolic profile; the variables lower educational level of the mother and having siblings were associated with a higher percentage of fatness in children; together, the use of Tablet in preschoolers showed higher levels of blood pressure and lower prehensile strength(AU)

Enuresi: del ritual màgic fins als tractaments actuals / Enuresis: desde el ritual mágico hasta los tratamientos actuales / Enuresis: From magic rituals to current treatments

Introducció. L’enuresi és un trastorn greu, per la gran prevalença i la repercussió que té sobre la qualitat de vida dels pacients i les seves famílies. Al llarg de la història s’han emprat diferents teràpies, i fins avui no es disposa d’una solució definitiva. Objectiu. Examinar l’evolució del concepte d’enuresi, les causes atribuïdes i els tractaments aplicats des de les primeres referències fins a l’actualitat. Mètode. Revisió bibliogràfica del concepte, les causes atribuïdes i els tractaments aplicats contra l’enuresi, estructurada en etapes històriques. Resultats. Al llarg de la història s’han donat diferents explicacions sobre l’origen de l’enuresi, des de la invasió del cos per animals fins a càstigs divins o debilitat de l’individu. La ciència ha descartat diferents teories fins a conèixer els veritables mecanismes fisiopatològics, dels quals encara queden molts aspectes per aclarir. Al llarg dels segles s’han aplicat càstigs, s’han elaborat pocions màgiques, dispositius complexos que inhibeixen la micció, teràpies conductuals, intervencions quirúrgiques i tractaments tòpics i sistèmics. També les alarmes d’enuresi evolucionen, des de les que aplicaven descàrregues elèctriques fins a les actuals que desperten el pacient mitjançant senyals acústics o vibratoris. Conclusions. Els tractaments aplicats per a l’enuresi al llarg de la història han estat relacionats amb el concepte de malaltia de cada època. Conèixer els mecanismes fisiopatològics ha permès trobar tractaments efectius que han millorat la qualitat de vida dels enurètics. Avançar en aquest coneixement és clau per trobar la solució definitiva. (AU)

Introducción. La enuresis es un trastorno grave por su gran prevalencia y repercusión sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus familias. A lo largo de la historia se han utilizado diferentes terapias y, hasta hoy, no se dispone de solución definitiva. Objetivo. Examinar la evolución del concepto, causas atribuidas y tratamientos aplicados para la enuresis, desde las primeras referencias hasta la actualidad. Método. Revisión bibliográfica del concepto, las causas atribuidas y tratamientos aplicados contra la enuresis, estructurada en etapas históricas. Resultados. A lo largo de la historia se han dado diferentes explicaciones sobre el origen de la enuresis, desde la invasión del cuerpo por animales hasta castigos divinos o debilidad del individuo. Diferentes teorías han sido descartadas por la ciencia hasta el conocimiento de los verdaderos mecanismos fisiopatológicos, de los cuales aún quedan muchos aspectos por aclarar. A lo largo de los siglos se han aplicado castigos, se han elaborado pociones mágicas, complejos dispositivos que inhiben la micción, terapias conductuales, intervenciones quirúrgicas y tratamientos tópicos y sistémicos. También las alarmas de enuresis evolucionan, desde las que aplicaban descargas eléctricas hasta las actuales que despiertan al paciente mediante señales acústicas o vibratorias. Conclusiones. Los tratamientos aplicados para la enuresis a lo largo de la historia se han relacionado con el concepto de enfermedad de cada época. Conocer los mecanismos fisiopatológicos ha permitido encontrar tratamientos efectivos que han mejorado la calidad de vida de los enuréticos. Avanzar en este conocimiento es clave para hallar la solución definitiva. (AU)

Background. Enuresis is a severe disorder because of its high frequency and impact on the quality of life of affected children and their families. Although until today there is no established treatment for enuresis, diverse therapies have been applied over history. Objective. To examine the historic evolution of the concept, presumed causes, and treatments of enuresis from first references until today. Method. Bibliographical review of presumed causes and treatments applied in the treatment of enuresis, structured in historical stages. Results. Throughout history, enuresis has been considered as the invasion of human body by animals, divine punishments, or weakness. Different theories have been rejected by science until the knowledge of the true pathophysiological mechanisms. Punishments, potions and magic, complex devices inhibiting the urination, behavioral therapies, surgical trials, and topical and systemic treatments have been applied throughout history. In addition, different “alarm systems” have been used, evolving from applying electric shocks to wake patients by acoustic or vibrating signals. Conclusions. Treatments applied in the management of enuresis throughout the centuries have been closely related to the understanding of its cause over time. Knowing the pathophysiological mechanisms has made it possible to find effective treatments that have improved the quality of life of affected children. However, to establish a definitive treatment for enuresis, it is necessary to advance in the understanding the diverse mechanisms involved in its etiopathogenesis. (AU)

Association between the Sociodemographic Characteristics of Parents with Health-Related and Lifestyle Markers of Children in Three Different Spanish-Speaking Countries: An Inter-Continental Study at OECD Country Level.

The purpose of this cross-cultural study was to determine the association between the sociodemographic background of a child's parents (i.e., their socioeconomic level, marital status, and educational level) with the child's lifestyle (i.e., Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST)), and health markers. Material: This cross-sectional study included 1273 children, from Chile (n = 496), Colombia (n = 340), and Spain (n = 437). The sociodemographic information together with the lifestyle and health markers of the children were measured. There was an inverse association between a low or medium-low socioeconomic level for the parents of Chilean children and handgrip strength (ß -0.61, p < 0.001); meanwhile, for Spanish children, an inverse association between a low or medium-low socioeconomic level and PA after school (ß -0.58, p = 0.016), lifestyle (ß -0.74, p = 0.015), and with MD adherence (ß -0.86, p = 0.004) was found. The risk (i.e., by odd ratios (OR)) of being divorced/separated parents marital status showed an inverse association with abdominal obesity (OR 0.21, p = 0.045) in Spanish children; however, the parent's marital status and a low educational level were risk factors for the suffering of a low nutritional level in Colombian children (OR 2.02, p = 0.048; OR 2.49, p < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, a low educational level for parents reported for Chilean children had a positive association with ST of ≥4 h per day (OR 1.82, p = 0.020). In conclusion, in Spanish-speaking children, the lifestyle and health markers of the children are affected by the sociodemographic background of their parents; however, these effects could be moderated by the socio-cultural and economic status of their countries as members of the OCDE; therefore, it is essential to develop policies that decrease these gaps, so that children who are under-resourced can reach their full potential.

Asociación entre el tiempo de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos y los niveles de adiposidad de preescolares chilenos / Association between parents-children verbal communication time and the adiposity levels of chilean pre-schoolchildren

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar la asociación entre el tiempo de comunicación verbal de padres e hijos en etapa preescolar y sus niveles de adiposidad; en segundo lugar, se busca describir las variables sociodemográficas y de composición corporal de dichos preescolares en relación con la comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos. Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo, transversal y de carácter multicéntrico en el que participaron 70 preescolares. Las variables medidas fueron "niveles de adiposidad de los preescolares", variables sociodemográficas de padres y tiempo de comunicación verbal "entre padres e hijos". Resultados Con base en el tiempo de comunicación entre padres e hijos (se consideró como "bajo tiempo de comunicación" un tiempo de menos de 100 min/día y como "elevado tiempo de comunicación", uno que fuera mayor o igual a 100 min por día), se hallaron diferencias significativas en las variables peso en la clasificación nutricional de obesidad (TC<100 min/día 20.6±4 vs. TC≥100 min/día 18.4±3 kg, P=0.039), zpeso/talla (TC<100 min/día 1.791±8 vs. TC≥100 min/día 1.010±4, P=0.030), masa grasa en kg (TC<100 min/día 7.5±3 vs. TC≥100 min/día 6.3±2 kg, P=0.046), masa grasa en % (TC<100 min/día 36.3±2 vs. TC≥100 min/día 33.9±3%, P<0.05). La talla y la razón peso/talla no presentaron asociación significativa mediante el estado nutricional y las categorías de diferentes tiempos de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos por día. Además, la masa muscular fue asociada significativamente al tiempo de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos en las categorías de obesidad (TC<100 min/día 5.7±3 vs. TC≥100 min/día 5.1±3 kg, P=0.047) y masa magra del tronco (TC<100 min/día 5.2± 4 vs. 4.6±3 kg, P=0.039). Conclusiones El tiempo diario de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos se asocia significativamente a mayores niveles de adiposidad mediante el peso, zpeso/talla y masa grasa. Estos hallazgos requieren de mayor y más compleja investigación para corroborarse.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the association between the time of verbal communication parents-children with the adiposity levels of pre-schoolchildren, and secondly to describe the socio-demographic, and body composition outcomes of pre-schoolchildren by the verbal communication parents-children time. Materiales y Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study of multi-centric application, with participation of (n=70) pre-scholars. The outcomes described were the adiposity, socio-demographic data of parents and the time of verbal communication parents-children. Results Considering a low (<100 min/day) versus a high (≥100 min/day) time of verbal communication parents-children, there were significant differences in the weight of the obesity classification "total communication/day" [TC] (TC<100 min/day 20.6±4 vs. TC≥100 min/day 18.4±3 kg, P=0.039), zweight/height (TC<100 min/day 1.791±8 vs. TC≥100 min/day 1.010±4, P=0.030), lean mass in kg (TC<100 min/day 7.5±3 vs. TC≥100 min/day 6.3±2 kg, P=0.046), body fat in % (TC<100 min/day 36.3±2 vs. TC≥100 min/day 33.9±3%, P<0.05). The height and ratio weight/height do not showed significant association with the time of verbal communication parents-children. Additionally, muscle mass (TC<100 min/day 5.7±3 vs. TC≥100 min/day 5.1±3 kg, P=0.047), and trunk lean mass (TC<100 min/day 5.2± 4 vs. 4.6±3 kg, P=0.039) were significantly associated with the main outcome. Conclusions The daily time of verbal communication parents-children is significantly associated with higher levels of adiposity by the weight, zweight/height, and body fat in pre-schoolchildren. These findings require major and more complex research for corroborating.

[Association between parents-children verbal communication time and the adiposity levels of chilean pre-schoolchildren]. / Asociación entre el tiempo de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos y los niveles de adiposidad de preescolares chilenos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the time of verbal communication parents-children with the adiposity levels of pre-schoolchildren, and secondly to describe the socio-demographic, and body composition outcomes of pre-schoolchildren by the verbal communication parents-children time. MATERIALES Y METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of multi-centric application, with participation of (n=70) pre-scholars. The outcomes described were the adiposity, socio-demographic data of parents and the time of verbal communication parents-children. RESULTS: Considering a low (<100 min/day) versus a high (≥100 min/day) time of verbal communication parents-children, there were significant differences in the weight of the obesity classification "total communication/day" [TC] (TC<100 min/day 20.6±4 vs. TC≥100 min/day 18.4±3 kg, P=0.039), zweight/height (TC<100 min/day 1.791±8 vs. TC≥100 min/day 1.010±4, P=0.030), lean mass in kg (TC<100 min/day 7.5±3 vs. TC≥100 min/day 6.3±2 kg, P=0.046), body fat in % (TC<100 min/day 36.3±2 vs. TC≥100 min/day 33.9±3%, P<0.05). The height and ratio weight/height do not showed significant association with the time of verbal communication parents-children. Additionally, muscle mass (TC<100 min/day 5.7±3 vs. TC≥100 min/day 5.1±3 kg, P=0.047), and trunk lean mass (TC<100 min/day 5.2± 4 vs. 4.6±3 kg, P=0.039) were significantly associated with the main outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The daily time of verbal communication parents-children is significantly associated with higher levels of adiposity by the weight, zweight/height, and body fat in pre-schoolchildren. These findings require major and more complex research for corroborating.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la asociación entre el tiempo de comunicación verbal de padres e hijos en etapa preescolar y sus niveles de adiposidad; en segundo lugar, se busca describir las variables sociodemográficas y de composición corporal de dichos preescolares en relación con la comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y de carácter multicéntrico en el que participaron 70 preescolares. Las variables medidas fueron "niveles de adiposidad de los preescolares", variables sociodemográficas de padres y tiempo de comunicación verbal "entre padres e hijos". RESULTADOS: Con base en el tiempo de comunicación entre padres e hijos (se consideró como "bajo tiempo de comunicación" un tiempo de menos de 100 min/día y como "elevado tiempo de comunicación", uno que fuera mayor o igual a 100 min por día), se hallaron diferencias significativas en las variables peso en la clasificación nutricional de obesidad (TC<100 min/día 20.6±4 vs. TC≥100 min/día 18.4±3 kg, P=0.039), zpeso/talla (TC<100 min/día 1.791±8 vs. TC≥100 min/día 1.010±4, P=0.030), masa grasa en kg (TC<100 min/día 7.5±3 vs. TC≥100 min/día 6.3±2 kg, P=0.046), masa grasa en % (TC<100 min/día 36.3±2 vs. TC≥100 min/día 33.9±3%, P<0.05). La talla y la razón peso/talla no presentaron asociación significativa mediante el estado nutricional y las categorías de diferentes tiempos de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos por día. Además, la masa muscular fue asociada significativamente al tiempo de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos en las categorías de obesidad (TC<100 min/día 5.7±3 vs. TC≥100 min/día 5.1±3 kg, P=0.047) y masa magra del tronco (TC<100 min/día 5.2± 4 vs. 4.6±3 kg, P=0.039). CONCLUSIONES: El tiempo diario de comunicación verbal entre padres e hijos se asocia significativamente a mayores niveles de adiposidad mediante el peso, zpeso/talla y masa grasa. Estos hallazgos requieren de mayor y más compleja investigación para corroborarse.

Feeding patterns of molestus and pipiens forms of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) in a region of high hybridization.

BACKGROUND: Two biological forms of the mosquito Culex pipiens s.s., denoted pipiens and molestus, display behavioural differences that may affect their role as vectors of arboviruses. In this study, the feeding patterns of molestus and pipiens forms were investigated in Comporta (Portugal), where high levels of inter-form admixture have been recorded. METHODS: Indoor and outdoor mosquito collections were performed in the summer of 2010. Collected Cx. pipiens s.l. females were molecularly identified to species and form by PCR and genotyped for six microsatellites. The source of the blood meal in post-fed females was determined by ELISA and mitochondrial DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The distribution of the forms differed according to the collection method. The molestus form was present only in indoor collections, whereas pipiens and admixed individuals were sampled both indoors and outdoors. In both forms, over 90% of blood meals were made on avian hosts. These included blood meals taken from Passeriformes (Passer domesticus and Turdus merula) by females caught resting inside domestic shelters. CONCLUSION: Genetic structure and blood meal analyses suggest the presence of a bird biting molestus population in the study area. Both forms were found to rest indoors, mainly in avian shelters, but at least a proportion of females of the pipiens form may bite outdoors in sylvan habitats and then search for anthropogenic resting sites to complete their gonotrophic cycle. This behaviour may potentiate the accidental transmission of arboviruses to humans in the region.

Interrupciones de embarazo por causa genética / Interruptions of pregnancy through genetic

Introducción: las malformaciones congénitas incrementan notablemente las tasas de mortalidad infantil y comprometen la calidad de vida del infante. Objetivo: cuantificar las Interrupciones de causa genética y conocer las malformaciones congénitas más frecuentes en la población. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en el Hospital Docente Provincial "Ana Betancourt de Mora" de Camagüey, en el período comprendido del 1ro. de enero de 2004 al 31 de diciembre de 2011. El universo y la muestra estuvieron constituidos por 511 gestantes con el diagnóstico de alguna malformación congénita, a las que se les realizó la interrupción de la gestación por causa genética. El dato fue obtenido de los certificados expedidos por genética y se llevaron a una encuesta confeccionada con las variables objetos de estudio. Resultados: se encontró que el 46,38 por ciento de las pacientes tenían entre 20 y 35 años de edad y que en un 44,51 por ciento se interrumpió su embarazo entre las semanas 24 y la 26 de edad gestacional, con un producto cuyo peso fue igual o inferior a 500 g en el 53,23 por ciento, del sexo masculino el 49,32 por ciento de ellos. Conclusiones: se realizaron 511 interrupciones de embarazo, predominaron las malformaciones del sistema nervioso en el 40,50 por ciento, seguidas de las renales con 18,13 por ciento(AU)

Introduction: congenital malformations significantly increase infant mortality rates and jeopardize the quality of infant life. Objective: to quantify the genetic-caused interruptions and to know the most common birth defects in the population. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in Ana Betancourt de Mora Provincial Teaching Hospital, in Camaguey, from January 1st 2004 to December 31st 2011. 511 pregnant women were the universe and the sample of this study. These subjects were diagnosed with congenital malformation, and they underwent termination of pregnancy due to genetic causes. The data was gathered from genetic records and a survey was applied for the variables under study. Results: 46.38 percent of these patients were 20-35 years old and 44.51 percent stopped pregnancy in 24-26 weeks of pregnancy, with a product weighted ú 500 g (53.23 percent) 49.32 percent of these products were male. Conclusions: there were 511 interruptions of pregnancy. 40.50 percent were due to nervous system malformations and 18.13 percent due to kidney malformation(AU)

Eficacia del sulfato de magnesio en el tratamiento de la preeclampsia / Effectiveness of magnesium sulfate in pre-eclampsia treatment

Introducción: la eclampsia es una enfermedad propia de la gestación humana, responsable de un notable incremento en las tasas de morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Objetivo: estudiar la eficacia del empleo del sulfato de magnesio en el tratamiento de la preeclampsia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención y evaluación en servicios de salud del 1ro. de junio al 31 de diciembre de 2011. El universo y la muestra estuvieron constituidos por las 98 gestantes que ingresaron en el servicio de Cuidados Perinatales y clasificaron como preeclámpticas. Resultados: el 68,36 por ciento de las mujeres tenían entre 20 y 34 años de edad; un 75,51 por ciento de ellas eran nulíparas; se presentó la oligoanuria como reacción al medicamento en el 2,04 por ciento. El 100 por ciento de las pacientes empleó hipotensores y el fármaco más usado fue la hidralazina (63,25 por ciento). El parto se produjo al término de la gestación en más del 50 por ciento de las embarazadas, con un peso adecuado del producto, el 76,50 por ciento de los nacimientos se produjo por cesárea. La complicación materna más frecuente fue la hipertensión, y la neonatal fue la depresión al nacer en el 7,14 por ciento. Conclusiones: fue efectivo el tratamiento con sulfato de magnesio pues se logró disminuir el número de gestantes con eclampsia, cuando se usó el sulfato de magnesio de forma profiláctica(AU)

Introduction: eclampsia is a disease of human pregnancy, responsible for a significant increase in the rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: to study the effectiveness of the use of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of pre-eclampsia. Methods: an intervention and evaluation study in health services was conducted from June 1st to December 31st, 2011. 98 pregnant women admitted to the Perinatal Care unit were the universe and sample of this study. They had been classified as pre-eclamptic. Results: 68.36 percent of these women were 20-34 years old, 75.51 percent were nulliparous. 2.04 percent had oligoanuria as response to the drug. 100 percent of these patients used hypotensive drugs and hydralazine was mostly used (63.25 percent). More than 50 percent delivered at the end of pregnancy with healthy weight of the product. 76.50 percent of births occurred by cesarean. The most common maternal complication was hypertension, and neonatal depression at birth was present in 7.14 percent. Conclusions: magnesium sulfate treatment was effective because it was able to reduce the number of pregnant women with eclampsia, when using prophylactically(AU)

Interrupciones de embarazo por causa genética / Interruptions of pregnancy through genetic

Introducción: las malformaciones congénitas incrementan notablemente las tasas de mortalidad infantil y comprometen la calidad de vida del infante. Objetivo: cuantificar las Interrupciones de causa genética y conocer las malformaciones congénitas más frecuentes en la población. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo en el Hospital Docente Provincial "Ana Betancourt de Mora" de Camagüey, en el período comprendido del 1ro. de enero de 2004 al 31 de diciembre de 2011. El universo y la muestra estuvieron constituidos por 511 gestantes con el diagnóstico de alguna malformación congénita, a las que se les realizó la interrupción de la gestación por causa genética. El dato fue obtenido de los certificados expedidos por genética y se llevaron a una encuesta confeccionada con las variables objetos de estudio. Resultados: se encontró que el 46,38 % de las pacientes tenían entre 20 y 35 años de edad y que en un 44,51 % se interrumpió su embarazo entre las semanas 24 y la 26 de edad gestacional, con un producto cuyo peso fue igual o inferior a 500 g en el 53,23 %, del sexo masculino el 49,32 % de ellos. Conclusiones: se realizaron 511 interrupciones de embarazo, predominaron las malformaciones del sistema nervioso en el 40,50 %, seguidas de las renales con 18,13 %.

Introduction: congenital malformations significantly increase infant mortality rates and jeopardize the quality of infant life. Objective: to quantify the genetic-caused interruptions and to know the most common birth defects in the population. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in Ana Betancourt de Mora Provincial Teaching Hospital, in Camaguey, from January 1st 2004 to December 31st 2011. 511 pregnant women were the universe and the sample of this study. These subjects were diagnosed with congenital malformation, and they underwent termination of pregnancy due to genetic causes. The data was gathered from genetic records and a survey was applied for the variables under study. Results: 46.38 % of these patients were 20-35 years old and 44.51 % stopped pregnancy in 24-26 weeks of pregnancy, with a product weighted £ 500 g (53.23 %) 49.32 % of these products were male. Conclusions: there were 511 interruptions of pregnancy. 40.50% were due to nervous system malformations and 18.13% due to kidney malformation.

Eficacia del sulfato de magnesio en el tratamiento de la preeclampsia / Effectiveness of magnesium sulfate in pre-eclampsia treatment

Introducción: la eclampsia es una enfermedad propia de la gestación humana, responsable de un notable incremento en las tasas de morbimortalidad materna y perinatal. Objetivo: estudiar la eficacia del empleo del sulfato de magnesio en el tratamiento de la preeclampsia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención y evaluación en servicios de salud del 1ro. de junio al 31 de diciembre de 2011. El universo y la muestra estuvieron constituidos por las 98 gestantes que ingresaron en el servicio de Cuidados Perinatales y clasificaron como preeclámpticas. Resultados: el 68,36 % de las mujeres tenían entre 20 y 34 años de edad; un 75,51 % de ellas eran nulíparas; se presentó la oligoanuria como reacción al medicamento en el 2,04 %. El 100 % de las pacientes empleó hipotensores y el fármaco más usado fue la hidralazina (63,25 %). El parto se produjo al término de la gestación en más del 50 % de las embarazadas, con un peso adecuado del producto, el 76,50 % de los nacimientos se produjo por cesárea. La complicación materna más frecuente fue la hipertensión, y la neonatal fue la depresión al nacer en el 7,14 %. Conclusiones: fue efectivo el tratamiento con sulfato de magnesio pues se logró disminuir el número de gestantes con eclampsia, cuando se usó el sulfato de magnesio de forma profiláctica.

Introduction: eclampsia is a disease of human pregnancy, responsible for a significant increase in the rates of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: to study the effectiveness of the use of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of pre-eclampsia. Methods: an intervention and evaluation study in health services was conducted from June 1st to December 31st, 2011. 98 pregnant women admitted to the Perinatal Care unit were the universe and sample of this study. They had been classified as pre-eclamptic. Results: 68.36 % of these women were 20-34 years old, 75.51 % were nulliparous. 2.04 % had oligoanuria as response to the drug. 100 % of these patients used hypotensive drugs and hydralazine was mostly used (63.25 %). More than 50 % delivered at the end of pregnancy with healthy weight of the product. 76.50 % of births occurred by cesarean. The most common maternal complication was hypertension, and neonatal depression at birth was present in 7.14 %. Conclusions: magnesium sulfate treatment was effective because it was able to reduce the number of pregnant women with eclampsia, when using prophylactically.

Effect of the use of commercial Saccharomyces strains in a newly established winery in Ronda (Málaga, Spain).

An ecological study of the yeasts present in a spontaneous and an inoculated fermentation in red wine was carried out in 2005 vintage in a winery located in the Denomination of Origin "Sierras de Málaga" (Málaga, southern of Spain). The winery operated by the first time with the 2003 vintage and since then, has used commercial yeast inocula to start alcoholic fermentation. Yeast isolates were identified by PCR-RFLP analysis of the 5.8S-ITS region from the ribosomal DNA and by mitochondrial DNA RFLP analysis. Except for non-Saccharomyces yeasts found in the fresh must before fermentation, all the isolates were found to be commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains employed by the winery during the successive vintages; thus, no indigenous Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated during fermentation. The same four restriction patterns were found in non inoculated and inoculated vats, although with different frequencies. The use of commercial yeast starter in a new established winery seems to have prevented the development of a resident indigenous Saccharomyces flora.

Diversity of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts in three red grape varieties cultured in the Serranía de Ronda (Spain) vine-growing region.

For the first time, an ecological survey of wine yeasts present in grapes growing in two vineyards located in the region of "Serranía de Ronda" (Málaga, southern Spain) has been carried out. During the 2006 and 2007 vintages, grapes from different varieties were aseptically collected and allowed to ferment spontaneously in the laboratory. From a total of 1586 colonies isolated from microvinifications, 1281 were identified according to ITS polymorphisms and their identity confirmed by sequencing of the D1/D2 region of 26S rDNA. Most of the isolates (84%) corresponded to thirteen different non-Saccharomyces species with Kluyveromyces thermotolerans, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii, Hanseniaspora uvarum and Issatchenkia orientalis accounting for 42.7% of the total. Mitochondrial DNA restriction analysis from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates revealed a low diversity since only eleven different profiles were found, nine of them corresponding to local strains and two to commercial ones that had been used in different campaigns and that very likely were disseminated from the winery to the adjacent vineyard. A different distribution of strains was found in the three grape varieties studied.

Characterization of the sperm molecule bindin in the sea urchin genus Paracentrotus.

Bindin is a sea urchin gamete-recognition protein that plays an essential role in the specificity of egg-sperm interactions and thus may be evolving under sexual selection and be related to speciation. Bindin has been found to evolve under strong selection in some sea urchin genera and neutrally in others. In this study, we characterized bindin in the two extant species of the genus Paracentrotus: P. lividus from the Atlanto-Mediterranean region and P. gaimardi from Brazil. The structure of the bindin molecule in Paracentrotus is similar to that of other genera studied thus far, consisting of a conserved core flanked by two variable regions and an intron of variable length located at the same conserved position as in other genera. Polymorphism in P. lividus is caused mainly by point substitutions and insertions/deletions, and length variations are caused mainly by the number of repeated motifs in the flanking regions. There is no evidence of recombination. Positive selection is acting on amino acid sites located in two regions flanking the conserved core.

Finding the relevant scale: clonality and genetic structure in a marine invertebrate (Crambe crambe, Porifera).

Important changes in genetic relatedness may occur at extremely small scales in benthic invertebrates, providing key information about structuring processes in populations of these organisms. We performed a small-scale study of the population structure of the sponge Crambe crambe, in which 177 individuals from the same rocky wall (interindividual distances from 0 to 7 m) were genotyped using six microsatellite markers. 101 sponges had unique genotypes and the remaining 76 individuals formed 24 groups of sponges sharing genotypes (clones). Mean intraclone distances were found to be c. 20 cm. Spatial autocorrelation analyses showed a drastic decrease in genetic relatedness over the first 100 cm of distance. If the contribution of clonality to this pattern was eliminated, the trend was attenuated, but remained a marked one and was still significant within the first distance classes (30-40 cm). Estimated mean dispersal distances per generation were c. 35 cm, and neighbourhood sizes were estimated at c. 33 sponges. Genetic similarities with sponges of the same locality, or from other Mediterranean localities, were within the same range as those found in sponges 2-7 m apart. It is concluded that asexual reproduction plays an important role in structuring populations in this species. However, over and above the effects of clonality, a strong fine-scale genetic structure was present at distances in the range of tens of centimetres, probably as a result of short dispersal of larvae. This fine-scale genetic structure may be common in invertebrates with lecitotrophic larvae.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Aqr1 is an internal-membrane transporter involved in excretion of amino acids.

Excretion of amino acids by yeast cells was reported long ago but has not been characterized in molecular terms. It is typically favored by overproduction of the amino acid and/or impairment of its uptake. Here we describe the construction of a yeast strain excreting threonine and homoserine. Using this excretor strain, we then applied a reverse-genetics approach and found that the transporter encoded by the YNL065w/AQR1 gene, a protein thought to mediate H(+) antiport, is involved in homoserine and threonine excretion. Furthermore, overexpression of AQR1 led to increased excretion of several amino acids (alanine, aspartate, and glutamate) known to be relatively abundant in the cytosol. Transcription of the AQR1 gene is induced severalfold by a number of amino acids and appears to be under the negative control of Gcn4. An Aqr1-green fluorescent protein fusion protein is located in multiple internal membrane structures and appears to cycle continuously between these compartments and the plasma membrane. The Aqr1 sequence is significantly similar to the vesicular amine transporters of secretory vesicles of neuronal cells. We propose that Aqr1 catalyzes transport of excess amino acids into vesicles, which then release them in the extracellular space by exocytosis.

Characterization of the aspartate kinase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and of its interaction with threonine.

Aspartate kinase (AK) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been characterized to elucidate its quaternary structure and the effect of the allosteric inhibitor threonine on the enzyme conformation. The homogeneously purified enzyme was inhibited by threonine (K(i) 1.4 mM) and was found to bind this compound (K(d) 0.97 mM) in a hyperbolic manner. Gel filtration and native gel electrophoresis indicated that yeast AK is a homohexamer of 346 kDa composed by 58 kDa subunits. Threonine caused a decrease in the apparent molecular mass of AK as evidenced by size-exclusion chromatography (from 345 to 280 kDa) and blue native gel electrophoresis (from 346 to 297 kDa); no other molecular species were detected. This shift in the hydrodynamic size was threonine-specific and was reversed by rechromatography in the absence of threonine. No change in the apparent molecular mass was induced by threonine in an AK mutant insensitive to inhibition by this amino acid, which was observed to be unable to bind threonine. These results indicate that the allosteric transition elicited by binding of threonine to yeast AK involves a large conformational change of the protein that isomerizes from a relaxed active conformation to a more compact inactive one of smaller molecular dimensions.

Riesgo intraparto y algunas condiciones obstétricas prenatales / Intrapartum Risk

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo de gestantes con riesgo intraparto en el Hospital Docente Ginecobstétrico Provincial de Camagüey " Ana Betancourt de Mora" en el año 1996 para conocer la relación entre riesgo intraparto y algunas condiciones obstétricas prenatales. Las historias clínicas fueron la fuente de datos, aplicándoles una encuesta que se procesó por computación en el Sistema Microstat, utilizando por cientos y test de hipótesis de proporciones. Se evaluaron 176 gestantes según clasificación de riesgo vigente a nivel nacional, el 74,13 por ciento se clasificó en el nivel III y 23,86 por ciento en el nivel II, de ellas 104 eran nulíparas. El 48 por ciento fueron evaluadas de alto riesgo prenatal y la ganancia de peso fue insuficiente en la mayoría de las estudiadas. Las condiciones de riesgo intraparto más frecuentes fueron el uso de oxitocina y el líquido meconial, predominaron los embarazos a término con recién nacidos normopeso, encontrando como morbilidad neonatal la depresión al nacer, hubo cuatro muertes fetales y una neonatal precoz. Como morbilidad materna se encontró el desgarro de cuello en el 15,90 por ciento(AU)