RECORD, a high-throughput, customizable system that unveils behavioral strategies leveraged by rodents during foraging-like decision-making.

Translational studies benefit from experimental designs where laboratory organisms use human-relevant behaviors. One such behavior is decision-making, however studying complex decision-making in rodents is labor-intensive and typically restricted to two levels of cost/reward. We design a fully automated, inexpensive, high-throughput framework to study decision-making across multiple levels of rewards and costs: the REward-COst in Rodent Decision-making (RECORD) system. RECORD integrates three components: 1) 3D-printed arenas, 2) custom electronic hardware, and 3) software. We validated four behavioral protocols without employing any food or water restriction, highlighting the versatility of our system. RECORD data exposes heterogeneity in decision-making both within and across individuals that is quantifiably constrained. Using oxycodone self-administration and alcohol-consumption as test cases, we reveal how analytic approaches that incorporate behavioral heterogeneity are sensitive to detecting perturbations in decision-making. RECORD is a powerful approach to studying decision-making in rodents, with features that facilitate translational studies of decision-making in psychiatric disorders.

Perioperative Care of Patients Using Wearable Diabetes Devices.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been accompanied by a rapid expansion in wearable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and insulin pumps. Systems combining these components in a "closed loop," where interstitial glucose measurement guides automated insulin delivery (AID, or closed loop) based on sophisticated algorithms, are increasingly common. While these devices' efficacy in achieving near-normoglycemia is contributing to increasing usage among patients with diabetes, the management of these patients in operative and procedural environments remains understudied with limited published guidance available, particularly regarding AID systems. With their growing prevalence, practical management advice is needed for their utilization, or for the rational temporary substitution of alternative diabetes monitoring and treatments, during surgical care. CGM devices monitor interstitial glucose in real time; however, there are potential limitations to use and accuracy in the perioperative period, and, at the present time, their use should not replace regular point-of-care glucose monitoring. Avoiding perioperative removal of CGMs when possible is important, as removal of these prescribed devices can result in prolonged interruptions in CGM-informed treatments during and after procedures, particularly AID system use. Standalone insulin pumps provide continuous subcutaneous insulin delivery without automated adjustments for glucose concentrations and can be continued during some procedures. The safe intraoperative use of AID devices in their hybrid closed-loop mode (AID mode) requires the CGM component of the system to continue to communicate valid blood glucose data, and thus introduces the additional need to ensure this portion of the system is functioning appropriately to enable intraprocedural use. AID devices revert to non-AID insulin therapy modes when paired CGMs are disconnected or when the closed-loop mode is intentionally disabled. For patients using insulin pumps, we describe procedural factors that may compromise CGM, insulin pump, and AID use, necessitating a proactive transition to an alternative insulin regimen. Procedure duration and invasiveness is an important factor as longer procedures increase the risk of stress hyperglycemia, tissue malperfusion, and device malfunction. Whether insulin pumps should be continued through procedures, or substituted by alternative insulin delivery methods, is a complex decision that requires all parties to understand potential risks and contingency plans relating to patient and procedural factors. Currently available CGMs and insulin pumps are reviewed, and practical recommendations for safe glycemic management during the phases of perioperative care are provided.

Características de la descendencia de gestantes diabéticas atendidas en el Hospital "Comandante Ciro Redondo García", Artemisa / Characteristics of the Offspring of Pregnant Women Who Received Attention in the Hospital Comandante Ciro Redondo García, of Artemisa

Introducción: Múltiples investigaciones demuestran el efecto teratogénico de la diabetes mellitus durante el embarazo, considerada causa frecuente de morbilidad fetal. Objetivo: Describir las características del producto de la concepción de mujeres con diabetes pregestacional o gestacional, atendidas en el Hospital Provincial Comandante Ciro Redondo García, de Artemisa. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en la Provincia Artemisa, Cuba, en el período de febrero 2016 a febrero 2018, en 316 mujeres con diabetes mellitus durante su gestación. La información se obtuvo mediante revisión documental y entrevista, conservando los datos en hoja de cálculo Excel. Resultados: El 69,9 por ciento de las pacientes diabéticas estudiadas presentaron morbilidades en su descendencia, entre las que predominaron los defectos congénitos en 139 casos; 34 neonatos macrosómicos; 21 pretérminos; 9 con retardo del crecimiento intrauterino y 5 fallecidos antes del año de vida. La diabetes, tanto pregestacional como gestacional, se relacionó con afecciones en la descendencia; sin embargo, un control preconcepcional adecuado de la enfermedad redujo el riesgo de tener hijos afectados. Los defectos congénitos fueron la alteración más frecuente cuando la madre padecía diabetes pregestacional. Si la diabetes materna era gestacional los hijos presentaron con frecuencia macrosomía y otras anomalías asociadas. Conclusiones: Alrededor de 70 de cada 100 mujeres diabéticas presentan morbilidades en su descendencia. Si la diabetes materna no es controlada antes de la concepción, estas morbilidades en sus hijos son predominantemente defectos congénitos con posible origen disruptivo, mientras que la diabetes gestacional se relaciona más con recién nacidos macrosómicos(AU)

Introduction: Multiple investigations show the teratogenic effect of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy, being considered a frequent cause of fetal morbidity. Objective: To describe the characteristics of the offspring of women with pregestacional or gestational diabetes who received attention at the Hospital Provincial Comandante Ciro Redondo García of Artemisa. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in Artemisa Province, Cuba, in the period from February 2016 to February 2018, with 316 pregnant women with diabetes mellitus. The information was obtained through documentary review and interview; the data were kept in an Excel spreadsheet. Results: 69.9 percent of the studied diabetic patients presented morbidities in their offspring, among which congenital defects predominated, accounting for 139 cases; 34 were macrosomic neonates; 21 were preterm; 9 presented intrauterine growth retardation; and 5 died within one year of life. Diabetes, both pregestational and gestational, was associated with conditions in the offspring; however, adequate preconception control of the disease reduced the risk for having affected children. Congenital defects were the most frequent alteration when the mother had pregestational diabetes. If maternal diabetes was gestational, the offspring frequently presented macrosomia and other associated anomalies. Conclusions: About 70 out of 100 diabetic women present morbidities in their offspring. If maternal diabetes is not controlled before conception, these morbidities in their offspring are predominantly congenital defects with a possible disruptive origin, while gestational diabetes is more related to macrosomic newborns(AU)

Developing Priorities to Alleviate the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women Engaged in Diabetes Research, Education, and Care: A Concept Mapping Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop priorities through stakeholder engagement to alleviate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the professional careers of women engaged in diabetes research, education, and care. Research Design and Methods: This study used concept mapping, a mixed-methods, multistep process, to generate a conceptual map of recommendations through the following steps: 1) identify stakeholders and develop the focus prompt, 2) generate ideas through brainstorming, 3) structure ideas through sorting and rating on priority and likelihood, 4) analyze the data and create a cluster map, and 5) interpret and use results. Results: Fifty-two participants completed the brainstorming phase, and 24 participated in sorting and rating. The final concept map included seven clusters. Those rated as highest priority were to ensure supportive workplace culture (µ = 4.43); promote practices to achieve gender parity in hiring, workload, and promotion (µ = 4.37); and increase funding opportunities and allow extensions (µ = 4.36). Conclusion: This study identified recommendations for institutions to better support women engaged in diabetes-related work to alleviate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their careers. Some areas were rated as high in priority and high in likelihood, such as ensuring a supportive workplace culture. In contrast, family-friendly benefits and policies were rated as high in priority but low in likelihood of being implemented; these may take more effort to address, including coordinated efforts within institutions (e.g., women's academic networks) and professional societies to promote standards and programs that advance gender equity in medicine.

Estrategia para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en investigaciones científicas de la maestría en genética médica / Estrategia para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en investigaciones científicas de la maestría en genética médica

Introducción: La bioestadística en las investigaciones científicas constituye el curso ocho de la maestría de genética médica. La experiencia empírica alcanzada demuestra que los cursistas no logran las competencias y habilidades necesarias para adquirir soberanía estadística y enfrentar los desafíos investigativos de la especialidad. Objetivo: Exponer la efectividad de una estrategia didáctica basada en métodos activos para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en las investigaciones científicas en la maestría de genética médica en la edición del período lectivo 2022-2023. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental de estrategia longitudinal de mediciones antes-después. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado por un comité de expertos a 19 maestrandos que consintieron en participar en la investigación. La estrategia docente se basó en la enseñanza por proyectos, y aplicó un paquete estadístico, cuyo programa analítico se contextualizó a los intereses y móviles profesionales. Resultados: El 52,6 por ciento de los maestrandos emplearon los métodos estadísticos; el 57,9 por ciento, las estadísticas descriptivas; y una minoría (21,1 por ciento), la estadística inferencial. El 26,3 por ciento de los casos utilizaron un paquete estadístico y un porcentaje aún más bajo (15,8 por ciento) poseyó autonomía en los análisis estadísticos. Al inicio del curso predominó en la totalidad de los ítems el nivel bajo de conocimientos; y, después de la intervención, el nivel alto y moderado. Conclusiones: Se demostró la efectividad de la estrategia didáctica empleada para la enseñanza de la Bioestadística en las investigaciones científicas en la maestría de genética médica en la edición desarrollada durante el curso 2022-2023(AU)

Introduction: Biostatistics in scientific research is course number eight within the master's degree program in medical genetics. The current empirical experience shows that the students do not achieve the necessary competences and skills to acquire statistical sovereignty or face the research challenges of the specialty. Objective: To expose the effectiveness of a didactic strategy based on active methods for teaching biostatistics in scientific research within the master's degree program in medical genetics during the 2022-2023 academic year. Methods: A quasiexperimental study with a longitudinal strategy of before-after measurements was carried out. A questionnaire validated by an expert committee was applied to nineteen master's degree students who consented to participate in the research. The teaching strategy used a project-based dynamics and applied a statistical package, whose analytical program was contextualized according to professional interests and motivations. Results: 52.6 percent of the students used statistical methods, 57.9 percent used descriptive statistics, and a minority (21.1 percent) used inferential statistics. A statistical package was used in 26.3 percent of the cases and an even lower percentage (15.8 percent ) had some statistical analysis autonomy. At the beginning of the course, the low level of knowledge predominated for all items; after the intervention, the high and moderate levels predominated. Conclusions: This research showed the effectiveness of the didactic strategy used for the teaching of biostatistics in scientific research as part of the master's degree program in medical genetics for the edition developed during the 2022-2023 academic year (AU)

Factores de riesgos heredofamiliares, prenatales y perinatales en niños cubanos con autismo primario / Family inherited, prenatal and perinatal risk factors in Cuban children with primary autism

Introducción: El autismo primario es una heterogénea alteración neuroconductual, de causa no precisa, en la que tanto los genes como el ambiente contribuyen a la patogenia del trastorno. Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgos heredofamiliares, prenatales y perinatales en niños cubanos con autismo primario. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional tipo casos y controles (1:1) en niños con autismo primario, atendidos en el Hospital Pediátrico "Juan Manuel Márquez", La Habana; en el período de octubre de 2014 a septiembre de 2019. La muestra quedó conformada por 126 casos y 126 controles. Se recolectaron los datos sobre la historia de enfermedades neuropsiquiátricas de tres generaciones, antecedentes prenatales y perinatales. Se realizó una regresión logística multivariada para identificar factores de riesgos relacionados con el autismo primario. Resultados: El odds de presentar autismo primario fue aproximadamente siete y cuatro veces superior en hijos de madres y padres con edad avanzada, respectivamente. Los antecedentes de trastornos del lenguaje y epilepsia en familiares de primer grado, confirió un odds de presentar autismo 27 y 24 veces mayor, respectivamente. El odds de presentar autismo fue aproximadamente diez veces mayor en los hijos de gestantes con anemia, ocho veces en hijos de gestantes que tuvieron gestorragias y 18 veces para los nacidos de madres con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus pregestacional. Conclusiones: Los antecedentes de enfermedades heredofamiliares neuropsiquiátricas y de factores ambientales prenatales y perinatales relacionados con eventos hipoxémicos constituyen factores de riesgo para el autismo primario en la muestra de niños cubanos estudiados(AU)

Introduction: Primary autism is a heterogeneous neurobehavioral disorder of uncertain etiology in which both genes and the environment contribute to the pathogenesis of the disorder. Objective: To identify family inherited, prenatal and perinatal risk factors in Cuban children with primary autism. Material and Methods: An observational case-control study (1:1) was carried out in children with primary autism, treated at "Juan Manuel Márquez" Pediatric Hospital, Havana, in the period from October of 2014 to September of 2019. The sample was made up of 126 cases and 126 controls. Data on neuropsychiatric diseases, prenatal and perinatal history of three generations were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors related to primary autism. Results: The odds of presenting primary autism were approximately seven and four times higher in children of mothers and fathers of advanced ages, respectively. A history of language disorders and epilepsy in first-degree relatives conferred 27- and 24-fold higher odds of presenting with autism, respectively. The odds of presenting autism were approximately ten times greater in children born to pregnant women with anemia, eight times in children born to pregnant women who had bleeding during pregnancy, and 18 times in those born to mothers with a history of pregestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The history of inherited neuropsychiatric diseases and prenatal and perinatal environmental factors related to hypoxemic events are risk factors for primary autism in the sample of Cuban children studied(AU)

Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency in Cuba.

BACKGROUND: There are several studies that show a good genotype-phenotype correlation in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). However, there is well-documented evidence of inconsistency in some cases. OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a correlation between the identified mutations and the clinical manifestations of 21OHD in the Cuban population. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of all patients referred for a molecular diagnosis of 21OHD in Cuba from January 2000 to December 2018. The clinical manifestations of each patient were identified and classified according to the phenotype. The CYP21A2 gene was analyzed for the presence of 5 point mutations involved in the pathogenesis of 21OHD (intron 2, deletion of 8bp, I172N, P30L, and Q318X); correlation was sought between the phenotypic characteristics and the frequencies of point mutations in the patients using the Spearman test. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients underwent direct analysis of the CYP21A2 gene in order to determine the presence of the 5 point mutations. Point mutations were identified in 31 patients, which corresponded to 56%. A statistically significant genotype-phenotype correlation was found. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between the detected molecular defect and the clinical expression of 21OHD was reasonable in the Cuban population, which could allow phenotypic predictions to be made from the genotype.

Influencia del desarrollo tecnológico en el diagnóstico y manejo del autismo infantil / Influence of the technological development in the diagnosis and management of autism in childhood

Introducción: El autismo es un trastorno grave e incapacitante que afecta las funciones del desarrollo psicológico; el progreso tecnológico influye tanto en su diagnóstico como en la atenciónmédica y educativa. Objetivo: Valorar la influencia del desarrollo tecnológico en el diagnóstico y atención médica -pedagógica del autismo en la edad pediátrica. Método: Se realizaron búsquedas en SciELO, IMBIOMED, PubMed, MEDLINE y Google de publicacionesde los últimos diez años. Conclusiones: La estigmatización del autismo, hace que el proceso de diagnóstico resulte difícil y requierade equipos multidisciplinarios para su definición. Los avances científico–tecnológicoscontribuyen a la generación de nuevos estudios que complementan el diagnósticoneuropsiquiátrico. Las tecnologías pueden influir en la aparición de síntomas de esta anomalíasi los niños son expuestos a medios audiovisuales en edades muy tempranas, sin embargo,estas demuestran ser una herramienta capaz de modificar la conducta y la intención comunicativa en estos casos.(AU)

Introduction: Autism is a critical and incapacitate disorder that affects multiple functions of thepsychological development; in which the technological progress influences directly in itsdiagnosis and its medical and educative care. Objective: To evaluate the influence of the technological development in the diagnosis and medicalpedagogical care of autism in pediatric age. Method: Searches in SciELO, IMBIOMED, PubMed, MEDLINE and Google were performed related to thelast ten years publication. Conclusions: Autism stigma by the society has contributed that the process diagnosis has been moredifficult and it has required multidisciplinary teams for its definition. The Scientific andtechnological advances have contributed to the neuro-psychiatric diagnosis. Technologies caninfluence in the appearance of symptoms of autism when children; however, they prove tobe a tool capable of modifying behavior and communicative intention in these cases.(AU)

Molecular diagnosis of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive group of diseases. 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) accounts for between 95 and 99% of all CAH cases. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the genotype of patients clinically diagnosed with 21OHD and to identify the most frequent mutations in the Cuban population. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study that included all patients diagnosed with 21OHD from January 2000 to December 2018. For the molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene, a protocol was used that used the polymerase chain reaction in 2 stages; in the first stage genomic DNA was amplified and 5 point mutations were detected in the second stage (Intron 2, Deletion of 8 bp, G318X, I172N and P30L). RESULTS: The 5 point mutations were identified in 31 of the 55 (56%) studied patients, 16/21 (76%) in the salt-wasting, 12/18 (67%) in the simple virilizing and 3/16 (19%) in the nonclassical form. The Intron 2 mutation was the most frequent, followed by G318X and 8 bp deletion. Compound heterozygotes were found in 10 patients, all corresponded to classic forms of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The causal CYP21A2 gene mutation was detected in 56% (72% in classic CAH), which makes the method encouraging. The most frequent mutations observed were Intron 2 and G318X. The detection of mutations offers confirmation of diagnosis, prediction of phenotype and genetic counseling.

Nanocarriers as Potential Drug Delivery Candidates for Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier: Challenges and Possibilities.

The design of a drug that successfully overcomes the constraints imposed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB, which acts as a gatekeeper to the entry of substances into the brain) requires an understanding of the biological firewall. It is also of utmost importance to understand the physicochemical properties of the said drug and how it engages the BBB to avoid undesired side effects. Since fewer than 5% of the tested molecules can pass through the BBB, drug development pertaining to brain-related disorders takes inordinately long to develop. Furthermore, in most cases it is also unsuccessful for allied reasons. Several drug delivery systems (DDSs) have shown excellent potential in drug delivery across the BBB while demonstrating minimal side effects. This mini-review summarizes key features of the BBB, recapitulates recent advances in our understanding of the BBB, and highlights existing strategies for the delivery of drug to the brain parenchyma.

Inpatient Hypoglycemia: The Challenge Remains.

Hypoglycemia in inpatients with diabetes remains the most common complication of diabetes therapies. Hypoglycemia is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality, increased length of stay, increased readmission rate, and increased cost. This review describes the importance of reporting and addressing inpatient hypoglycemia; it further summarizes eight strategies that aid clinicians in the prevention of inpatient hypoglycemia: auditing the electronic medical record, formulary restrictions and dose-limiting strategies, hyperkalemia order sets, electronic glucose management systems, prediction tools, diabetes self-management, remote surveillance, and noninsulin medications.

Detección de la mutación I172N en pacientes cubanos con hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por insuficiencia de 21 hidroxilasa / Detection of the I172N Mutation in Cuban Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21 Hydroxylase Insufficiency

Resumen Fundamento: la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita constituye la causa más frecuente de ambigüedad sexual en la infancia y aproximadamente el 95 % de los casos son producto de mutaciones que ocurren en el gen que codifica la enzima 21α-hidroxilasa. El diagnóstico molecular constituye un elemento a considerar para el manejo y asesoramiento genético a pacientes y familiares en riesgo. Objetivo: identificar la mutación I172N, determinar su frecuencia en la población estudiada y su posible relación con los fenotipos clínicos encontrados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, durante el período 2014-2016 a pacientes cubanos con diagnóstico de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por insuficiencia de 21-OH atendidos en el Instituto de Endocrinología de La Habana. El universo de estudio quedó constituido por 32 pacientes. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas o gráficos según fue más factible mostrar la información. Resultados: la mutación I172N fue identificada en individuos de ambos sexos y se estableció su relación con las formas clásicas de la enfermedad. En la población estudiada, se ubicó dentro de las tres mutaciones más frecuentes de las pesquisadas hasta el momento en el Centro Nacional de Genética Médica de la Habana a pacientes con hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por insuficiencia de 21 OH. Conclusiones: el método estandarizado demostró ser reproducible y confiable para el diagnóstico molecular de los individuos con hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita por insuficiencia de 21-OH. La mutación I172N se ubica dentro de las tres más frecuentes en la población cubana estudiada y se relaciona con las formas clásicas de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Background: congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most frequent cause of sexual ambiguity in childhood. Molecular diagnosis is an element to be considered for the management and genetic counseling of patients and relatives at risk. Objective: to identify the I172N mutation, to determine its frequency in the studied population and its possible relationship with the clinical phenotypes found. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2014-2016 period for Cuban patients diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-OH insufficiency treated at the Institute of Endocrinology of Havana. The universe consisted of 32 patients. The variables analyzed were: age, social sex, age at diagnosis, clinical form of hyperplasia, diagnosis by screening program, family history, consanguinity, nonspecific neonatal death, genital crisis of the newborn, previous molecular diagnosis, mutations studied previously, mutation I172N gene CYP21A. The results were presented in tables or graphs as it was more feasible to show the information. Results: the I172N mutation was identified in individuals of both sexes and its relation with the classic forms of the disease was established. In the studied population the three most frequent mutations of the researched ones, so far in the National Center of Medical Genetics of Havana to patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 OH insufficiency. Conclusions: the standardized method proved to be reproducible and reliable for the molecular diagnosis of individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-OH insufficiency. The I172N mutation is among the three most frequent in the studied Cuban population and is related to the classic forms of the disease.

Type 2 Diabetes in Latino Youth: A Clinical Update and Current Challenges.

Latino youth have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among all ethnic groups and are disproportionally affected by pre diabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Interventions that effectively reduce the risk of pre diabetes and T2DM in this population are urgently needed. Studies have shown that without any change, 50% of Latino children and adolescents will develop T2DM. This has important public health implications. Few pharmacologic options are approved for use in the pediatric population. The largest clinical trial to date did include a significant sample of Latinos, however the intervention used metformin or rosiglitazone in addition to lifestyle management and did not show meaningful weight loss, with around half of the participants meeting criteria for treatment failure. On the other hand, a smaller trial on surgical treatment of adolescents with severe obesity and T2DM resulted in superior glycemic control, reduced weight, and improvement of other co-morbidities of T2DM in youth. Lastly, culturally tailored programs that focus on building healthy communities appear to be a promising intervention to reduce diabetes risk in Latino youth. This review provides an update on the clinical aspects of T2DM in Latino youth and focuses on management and prevention strategies.

The Global State of the Genetic Counseling Profession.

The profession of genetic counseling (also called genetic counselling in many countries) began nearly 50 years ago in the United States, and has grown internationally in the past 30 years. While there have been many papers describing the profession of genetic counseling in individual countries or regions, data remains incomplete and has been published in diverse journals with limited access. As a result of the 2016 Transnational Alliance of Genetic Counseling (TAGC) conference in Barcelona, Spain, and the 2017 World Congress of Genetic Counselling in the UK, we endeavor to describe as fully as possible the global state of genetic counseling as a profession. We estimate that in 2018 there are nearly 7000 genetic counselors with the profession established or developing in no less than 28 countries.

Comportamiento epidemiológico del síndrome de Usher en Holguín, Cuba / Usher syndrome epidemiological behavior in Holguín, Cuba

Introducción: el síndrome de Usher es una enfermedad genética con un patrón de herencia autosómico recesivo. Se caracteriza por hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral, de moderada a profunda, y retinosis pigmentaria progresiva acompañada de disfunción auditiva, en algunos casos. Es la segunda causa de discapacidad visual y auditiva en el mundo. En Cuba, presenta una alta prevalencia en la provincia de Holguín. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento epidemiológico del síndrome de Usher en la provincia de Holguín. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de una serie de casos. El universo fue de 53 afectados, con diagnóstico clínico de Síndrome de Usher, los que fueron atendidos en el Centro Provincial de Retinosis Pigmentaria de Holguín, desde enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2016. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, grupo de edades, cantidad de familias afectadas, matrimonios consanguíneos y municipio a los que pertenecen. Resultados: el 60,4% de los casos se presentó en el sexo masculino, y el 30,2% de estos, entre los 50 y 59 años de edad. Los municipios con un mayor número de matrimonios consanguíneos afectados fueron Holguín y Mayarí, con un 23 % y 21% respectivamente. Conclusiones: la práctica social de la endogamia en estos municipios, justifica la frecuencia de esta dolencia en la provincia Holguín. Al realizar estudios posteriores, la caracterización clínica y molecular con un diagnóstico precoz, nos permite detectar posibles individuos heterocigotos, para un adecuado asesoramiento genético a las familias en riesgo. En el municipio Holguín, el sexo masculino mostró mayor número de afectados en la quinta década de vida.

Introduction: Usher syndrome is a genetic disease. Nowadays, is the second visual and hearing impairment in the world. Among population from Holguín, Cuba, prevails a high autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, characterized by moderate to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, progressive retinitis pigmentosa, and dysfunction, in some cases. Objective: to determine epidemiological behavior of Usher syndrome in Holguin, Cuba. Method: a retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Universe was formed by 53 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Usher syndrome. Variables studied were: sex, age, affected families, consanguineous marriages and municipality. Results: 60.4% of cases were males, with 30.2% between 50 and 59 years old. The municipalities of Holguín and Mayarí were the most affected, with 23% and 21% of consanguineous marriages each. Conclusions: a greater number of affected people were males in their fifties, from Holguín municipality. Inbreeding social practice in these areas shows the increasing frequency of this disease in Holguín province. Clinical and molecular characterization studies will allow an early diagnosis, detection of possible heterozygous individuals and provide adequate genetic counseling to families at risk.

Comportamiento epidemiológico del síndrome de Usher en Holguín, Cuba / Usher syndrome epidemiological behavior in Holguín, Cuba

Introducción: el síndrome de Usher es una enfermedad genética con un patrón de herencia autosómico recesivo. Se caracteriza por hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral, de moderada a profunda, y retinosis pigmentaria progresiva acompañada de disfunción auditiva, en algunos casos. Es la segunda causa de discapacidad visual y auditiva en el mundo. En Cuba, presenta una alta prevalencia en la provincia de Holguín.Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento epidemiológico del síndrome de Usher en la provincia de Holguín. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de una serie de casos. El universo fue de 53 afectados, con diagnóstico clínico de Síndrome de Usher, los que fueron atendidos en el Centro Provincial de Retinosis Pigmentaria de Holguín, desde enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2016. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, grupo de edades, cantidad de familias afectadas, matrimonios consanguíneos y municipio a los que pertenecen.Resultados: el 60,4 por ciento de los casos se presentó en el sexo masculino, y el 30,2 por ciento de estos, entre los 50 y 59 años de edad. Los municipios con un mayor número de matrimonios consanguíneos afectados fueron Holguín y Mayarí, con un 23 por ciento y 21 por ciento respectivamente.Conclusiones: la práctica social de la endogamia en estos municipios, justifica la frecuencia de esta dolencia en la provincia Holguín. Al realizar estudios posteriores, la caracterización clínica y molecular con un diagnóstico precoz, nos permite detectar posibles individuos heterocigotos, para un adecuado asesoramiento genético a las familias en riesgo. En el municipio Holguín, el sexo masculino mostró mayor número de afectados en la quinta década de vida.(AU)

Introduction: Usher syndrome is a genetic disease. Nowadays, is the second visual and hearing impairment in the world. Among population from Holguín, Cuba, prevails a high autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, characterized by moderate to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, progressive retinitis pigmentosa, and dysfunction, in some cases.Objective: to determine epidemiological behavior of Usher syndrome in Holguin, Cuba. Method: a retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Universe was formed by 53 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Usher syndrome. Variables studied were: sex, age, affected families, consanguineous marriages and municipality. Results: 60.4 percent of cases were males, with 30.2 percent between 50 and 59 years old. The municipalities of Holguín and Mayarí were the most affected, with 23% and 21 percent of consanguineous marriages each. Conclusions: a greater number of affected people were males in their fifties, from Holguín municipality. Inbreeding social practice in these areas shows the increasing frequency of this disease in Holguín province. Clinical and molecular characterization studies will allow an early diagnosis, detection of possible heterozygous individuals and provide adequate genetic counseling to families at risk.(AU)

Nueva mutación en GPR98 en familia holguinera con Síndrome Usher tipo II / New mutation in GPR98 in Holguin family with Usher Syndrome type II

El síndrome Usher tipo II es una enfermedad genética caracterizada porhipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral congénita de moderada a severa, inicio pospuberal de la retinosis pigmentaria y función vestibular normal. Con un patrón de transmisión autosómico recesivo, se presenta con gran heterogeneidad clínica y genética. El tipo II es el más frecuente en todas las regiones.Objetivo: Caracterizar molecularmente a enfermos de una familia en la provincia de Holguín con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome Usher tipo II.Métodos: Se realizó estudio molecular mediante un panel de genes de secuenciación de nueva generación, que incluye todas las regiones codificantes de los 11 genes responsables de síndrome de Usher descritos hasta la fecha. La presencia de las mutaciones detectadas mediante esta tecnología, se confirmó mediante secuenciación directa por el método Sanger…(AU)