SERCA-1 conformational change exerted by the Ca2+-channel blocker diltiazem affects mammalian skeletal muscle function.

In skeletal muscle (SM), inward Ca2+-currents have no apparent role in excitation-contraction coupling (e-c coupling), however the Ca2+-channel blocker can affect twitch and tetanic muscle in mammalian SM. Experiments were conducted to study how diltiazem (DLZ) facilitates e-c coupling and inhibits contraction. 1) In complete Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscle and single intact fibres, 0.03 mM DLZ causes twitch potentiation and decreases force during tetanic activity, with increased fatigue. 2) In split open fibres isolated from EDL fibres, DLZ inhibits sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-loading in a dose-dependent manner and has a potentiating effect on caffeine-induced SR Ca2+-release. 3) In isolated light SR (LSR) vesicles, SERCA1 hydrolytic activity is not affected by DLZ up to 0.2 mM. However, ATP-dependent Ca2+-uptake was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner at a concentration where e-c coupling is changed. 4) The passive Ca2+-efflux from LSR was reduced by half with 0.03 mM diltiazem, indicating that SR leaking does not account for the decreased Ca2+-uptake. 5) The denaturation profile of the SERCA Ca2+-binding domain has lower thermal stability in the presence of DLZ in a concentration-dependent manner, having no effect on the nucleotide-binding domain. We conclude that the effect of DLZ on SM is exerted by crossing the sarcolemma and interacting directly with the SERCA Ca2+-binding domain, affecting SR Ca2+-loading during relaxation, which has a consequence on SM contractility. Diltiazem effect on SM could be utilized as a tool to understand SM e-c coupling and muscle fatigue.

Microbe-Mineral Interactions between Asbestos and Thermophilic Chemolithoautotrophic Anaerobes.

The Fe content and the morphometry of asbestos are two major factors linked to its toxicity. This study explored the use of microbe-mineral interactions between asbestos (and asbestos-like) minerals and thermophilic chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms as possible mineral dissolution treatments targeting their toxic properties. The removal of Fe from crocidolite was tested through chemolithoautotrophic Fe(III) reduction activities at 60°C. Chrysotile and tremolite-actinolite were tested for dissolution and potential release of elements like Si and Mg through biosilicification processes at 75°C. Our results show that chemolithoautotrophic Fe(III) reduction activities by Deferrisoma palaeochoriense were supported with crocidolite as the sole source of Fe(III) used as a terminal electron acceptor during respiration. Microbial Fe(III) reduction activities resulted in higher Fe release rates from crocidolite in comparison to previous studies on Fe leaching from crocidolite through Fe assimilation activities by soil fungi. Evidence of biosilicification in Thermovibrio ammonificans did not correspond with increased Si and Mg release from chrysotile or tremolite-actinolite dissolution. However, overall Si and Mg release from chrysotile into our experimental medium outmatched previously reported capabilities for Si and Mg release from chrysotile by fungi. Differences in the profiles of elements released from chrysotile and tremolite-actinolite during microbe-mineral experiments with T. ammonificans underscored the relevance of underlying crystallochemical differences in driving mineral dissolution and elemental bioavailability. Experimental studies targeting the interactions between chemolithoautotrophs and asbestos (or asbestos-like) minerals offer new access to the mechanisms behind crystallochemical mineral alterations and their role in the development of tailored asbestos treatments. IMPORTANCE We explored the potential of chemosynthetic microorganisms growing at high temperatures to induce the release of key elements (mainly iron, silicon, and magnesium) involved in the known toxic properties (iron content and fibrous mineral shapes) of asbestos minerals. We show for the first time that the microbial respiration of iron from amphibole asbestos releases some of the iron contained in the mineral while supporting microbial growth. Another microorganism imposed on the two main types of asbestos minerals (serpentines and amphiboles) resulted in distinct elemental release profiles for each type of asbestos during mineral dissolution. Despite evidence of microbially mediated dissolution in all minerals, none of the microorganisms tested disrupted the structure of the asbestos mineral fibers. Further constraints on the relationships between elemental release rates, amount of starting asbestos, reaction volumes, and incubation times will be required to better compare asbestos dissolution treatments studied to date.

Isolation, Structural Analysis and Biological Activity Assays of Biselisabethoxanes A and B: Two Dissymmetric Bis-Diterpenes from the Southwestern Caribbean Sea Gorgonian Coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae.

Two novel dissymmetric diterpenoids, biselisabethoxanes A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the hexane extracts of the gorgonian coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. Biselisabethoxane A (1) represents the first example of a marine-derived C40 dimer made of two distinct diterpene fragments, whereas biselisabethoxane B (2) is a fused heterodimer stemming from coupling of two amphilectane-based fragments. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated based on 1D and 2D NMR spectral data analysis. The molecular structure of 1 was subsequently confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. When evaluated for their inhibitory effects in a series of well-established biological activity assays the isolated compounds were shown to moderately inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Serum Levels of Galectin-9 are Increased in Cervical Cancer Patients and are Higher in Advanced Clinical Stages.

Purpose: Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most frequent cancer in undeveloped countries. Serum biomarkers could be useful for evaluation of the treatment response and as a complementary means to improve diagnosis. The expression of galectin-9 is altered in cancer tissue, and higher concentrations are found in the serum of cancer patients. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the serum galectin-9 concentration in patients with intraepithelial lesions and CC, (b) to determine if the concentration was related to the clinicopathological characteristics and (c) to determine if the galectin-9 concentration was related to its expression level in tumour tissue. Patients and Methods: In all, 222 serum samples from women with different diagnoses, including premalignant lesions and CC, as well as samples from women with normal cytology were included in the study. The serum galectin-9 concentration was determined by ELISA. To evaluate the expression level of galectin-9 in CC tissue, immunohistochemistry was performed in 34 CC biopsy specimens. Results: The galectin-9 concentration in the serum of CC patients (8.171 ng/mL) was increased compared with serum from women with normal epithelia (4.654 ng/mL) and those with low-grade (4.806 ng/mL) and high-grade (5.354 ng/mL) intraepithelial lesions (p value < 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve considering the CC group and the control group was 0.882. The optimal cut-off value was ≥6.88 ng/mL, the specificity obtained was 100%, and the sensitivity was 68.2%. In the CC group, the analysis of the clinical stage showed an increase of galectin-9 in the advanced stage IV group. Serum galectin-9 was not related to the level of galectin-9 expression in tissue, which suggests that galectin-9 is not secreted by tumour cells. Conclusion: The serum galectin-9 concentration is related to cancer progression, as the level of this protein is higher in patients with advanced-stage disease.

Physiological and metabolic responses of chemolithoautotrophic NO 3 - reducers to high hydrostatic pressure.

We investigated the impact of pressure on thermophilic, chemolithoautotrophic NO 3 - reducing bacteria of the phyla Campylobacterota and Aquificota isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Batch incubations at 5 and 20 MPa resulted in decreased NO 3 - consumption, lower cell concentrations, and overall slower growth in Caminibacter mediatlanticus (Campylobacterota) and Thermovibrio ammonificans (Aquificota), relative to batch incubations near standard pressure (0.2 MPa) conditions. Nitrogen isotope fractionation effects from chemolithoautotrophic NO 3 - reduction by both microorganisms were, on the contrary, maintained under all pressure conditions. Comparable chemolithoautotrophic NO 3 - reducing activities between previously reported natural hydrothermal vent fluid microbial communities dominated by Campylobacterota at 25 MPa and Campylobacterota laboratory isolates at 0.2 MPa, suggest robust similarities in cell-specific NO 3 - reduction rates and doubling times between microbial populations and communities growing maximally under similar temperature conditions. Physiological and metabolic comparisons of our results with other studies of pressure effects on anaerobic chemolithoautotrophic processes (i.e., microbial S0 -oxidation coupled to Fe(III) reduction and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis) suggest that anaerobic chemolithoautotrophs relying on oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions that yield higher Gibbs energies experience larger shifts in cell-specific respiration rates and doubling times at increased pressures. Overall, our results advance understanding of the role of pressure, its relationship with temperature and redox conditions, and their effects on seafloor chemolithoautotrophic NO 3 - reduction and other anaerobic chemolithoautotrophic processes.

Cutis verticis gyrata. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura

RESUMEN La cutis verticis gyrata es una patología poco frecuente del cuero cabelludo caracterizada por la proliferación del tejido celular subcutáneo e hipertrofia que produce pliegues y surcos que le dan aspecto cerebriforme. Aunque su etiología es aún desconocida, la condición no es exclusivamente congénita, se ha propuesto como teoría la presencia de mutaciones autosómicas dominantes en el receptor de factor de crecimiento de fibroblastos 2. Esta patología es extremadamente rara en pediatría. Se divide en primaria y secundaria. Se presenta el caso de un adolescente de 15 años, de sexo masculino con presencia de cutis verticis gyrata primaria esencial, donde la principal preocupación fue el prurito y la presencia de fetidez. Teniendo en cuenta el carácter benigno de esta condición, se decidió solo manejo sintomático. El caso que se presenta es el primero reportado en la provincia Cienfuegos en edad pediátrica, lo que reafirma la importancia de reconocer esta entidad y su abordaje adecuado para distinguir las formas clínicas de presentación para su mejor tratamiento terapéutico. Dada la rareza de la entidad en edad pediátrica se decide presentar este caso, además de una revisión de la literatura.

ABSTRACT Cutis verticis gyrata is a rare pathology of the scalp characterized by the proliferation of subcutaneous cellular tissue and hypertrophy that produces folds and furrows that give it a cerebriform appearance. Although its etiology is still unknown, the condition is not exclusively congenital, the presence of autosomal dominant mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 has been proposed as a theory. This pathology is extremely rare in pediatrics. It is divided into primary and secondary. The case of a 15-year-old male adolescent with the presence of essential primary cutis verticis gyrata, where the main concern was pruritus and the presence of fetidity is presented. Taking into account the benign nature of this condition, only symptomatic management was decided. The case presented is the first reported in Cienfuegos province in pediatric age, which reaffirms the importance of recognizing this entity and its adequate approach to distinguish the clinical forms of presentation for its best therapeutic treatment. Once the oddity of the entity in pediatric age was given this case, in addition to a revision of literature decides to show up.

Antología didáctica para el proceso Enseñanza Aprendizaje de la Cirugía General de cuello electiva en afecciones quirúrgicas de la glándula tiroides / Didactic Anthology for the Teaching and Learning Process of General Elective Neck Surgery in Surgical Conditions of the Thyroid Gland

RESUMEN Introducción: el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la cirugía electiva en afecciones quirúrgicas de la glándula tiroides, necesita orientación desde un accionar metodológico específico, debido al reducido tiempo en el programa de la especialidad para su desarrollo, condición que demanda medios de enseñanza que faciliten la asimilación, apropiación y autoaprendizaje de los contenidos. Objetivo: elaborar una antología didáctica para el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la cirugía general de cuello electiva en afecciones quirúrgicas de la glándula tiroides, en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente "León Cuervo Rubio" de Pinar del Río. Métodos: la investigación se sustentó en el enfoque dialéctico materialista que permitió profundizar en el conocimiento del proceso y sus interrelaciones en las condiciones históricas sociales de la educación de postgrado en el especialista en Cirugía General. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos como el análisis documental, histórico lógico, modelación y criterio de expertos. Resultados: se presentan la antología didáctica para el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la Cirugía General de cuello electiva en afecciones quirúrgicas de la glándula tiroides. Se definen las esencialidades del conocimiento y de la propia antología, sus fundamentos desde diferentes áreas del conocimiento, las funciones y los componentes que estructuran la propuesta al posibilitar interacciones dinámicas entre los sujetos del proceso en estudio y su validación teórica. Conclusiones: en la antología didáctica se concretan esencialidades teórico prácticas que propician su proyección sistemática para la autogestión del conocimiento. Se aprovecha la experiencia de los participantes y se perfecciona el trabajo metodológico en la formación de especialistas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the teaching-learning process of elective surgery in surgical affections of the thyroid gland needs orientation from a specific methodological action, due to the reduced time in the program of the specialty for its development, condition that demands teaching means that facilitate the assimilation, appropriation and self-learning of the contents. Objective: to elaborate a didactic anthology for the teaching-learning process of elective general neck surgery in surgical affections of the thyroid gland, in the Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital "León Cuervo Rubio" of Pinar del Río. Methods: the research was based on the dialectic materialist approach that allowed deepening the knowledge of the process and its interrelations in the social historical conditions of postgraduate education in the specialist in General Surgery. Theoretical methods such as documentary analysis, historical logic, modeling and experts' criteria were used. Results: the didactic anthology for the teaching-learning process of elective General Neck Surgery in surgical affections of the thyroid gland is presented. The essentials of knowledge and of the anthology itself, its foundations from different areas of knowledge, the functions and components that structure the proposal by enabling dynamic interactions among the subjects of the process under study and its theoretical validation are defined. Conclusions: in the didactic anthology, theoretical and practical essentialities are concretized that propitiate its systematic projection for the self-management of knowledge. The experience of the participants is taken advantage of and the methodological work in the training of specialists is improved.

Atención al niño con bronquiolitis: consideraciones clínico-terapéuticas generales

RESUMEN La bronquiolitis aguda supone una importante demanda asistencial, no sólo en el ámbito de la atención primaria, sino también a nivel hospitalario, con grandes requerimientos de asistencia en el área de urgencias e importante número de ingresos en época epidémica, lo que ocasiona grandes costos económicos. Se presentan consideraciones generales, elaboradas por consenso, que resaltan los aspectos clínico-terapéuticos de la enfermedad y facilitarán el manejo de esta afección a nivel primario y hospitalario.

ABSTRACT Acute bronchiolitis represents a significant demand for care, not only in primary care, but also at the hospital level, with high assistance requirements in the emergency area and a significant number of admissions in epidemic times, which causes great economic costs . General considerations, drawn up by consensus, are presented that highlight the clinical-therapeutic aspects of the disease and will facilitate the management of this condition at the primary and hospital level.

Incidence of congenital and postnatal cytomegalovirus infection during the first year of life in Mexican preterm infants.

Cytomegalovirus infection occurs commonly during infancy. Postnatal infection in term infants is usually asymptomatic; however, infection in preterm infants can be associated with clinical manifestations during the neonatal period. Nevertheless, few studies to assess the frequency of cytomegalovirus infection in preterm infants have been performed outside of high-income countries. We analyzed the incidence of congenital and postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in a cohort of preterm infants. Cytomegalovirus infection was detected during the neonatal period in four of 178 infants; in three of them, the virus was detected during the first 3 weeks of life and, therefore, congenital infection was confirmed (1.7% incidence). Postnatal infection was detected in 44 (36.4%) of 121 infants who were assessed after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. Cytomegalovirus infection was significantly associated with the duration of breastfeeding. In addition, we characterized cytomegalovirus strains detected in infants together with sequences available at GenBank, based on sequences of the UL18 gene. Cytomegalovirus UL18-sequences clustered in five distinct clades (A-E), and sequences obtained from infants in our study were distributed in four of the five clades; 44.4% of these sequences were included in clade E. Breastfeeding duration was shorter on average (5.6 months) in infants with sequences in clade E compared to infants with sequences in the other three clades (8.2 months; p = .07). In conclusion, we provide information regarding the high incidence of cytomegalovirus infection in preterm infants. Further studies are warranted to assess if cytomegalovirus strain characteristics are associated with the risk of infection acquisition during infancy.

Estrategia de superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular contextualizada en la Atención Primaria de Salud / A strategy for the professional training related to atrial fibrillation contextualized to the Primary Health Care settings

RESUMEN Introducción: la solución de los problemas de salud que afectan a la población constituye punto de partida para el diseño de la superación profesional, proceso que posibilita la actualización, ampliación y perfeccionamiento continuo de los conocimientos, habilidades básicas y especializadas de los profesionales que laboran en el nivel de atención primaria de salud. Objetivo: diseñar una estrategia de superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular contextualizada en la atención primaria de salud en el Policlínico Universitario "Luis Augusto Turcios Lima" de Pinar del Río. Métodos: la investigación se sustentó en el enfoque Dialéctico Materialista que permitió profundizar en el conocimiento del proceso y sus interrelaciones en las condiciones históricas sociales de la educación de postgrado en el especialista en MGI. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos como el análisis documental, histórico lógico, de modelación y criterio de expertos. Resultados: se presenta la estrategia de superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular contextualizada en la atención primaria de salud con base en las derivaciones teóricas y empíricas del proceso investigativo y a partir de fundamentos sustentados en diferentes áreas del conocimiento, se proponen la estructura, características, componentes y relaciones para el proceso en estudio y su validación teórica. Conclusiones: en la estrategia de superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular contextualizada en la atención primaria de salud se concretaron los propósitos para lograr un desempeño eficiente del mismo en la transformación de la realidad en el área de salud del Policlínico Universitario "Luis Augusto Turcios Lima" de Pinar del Río.

ABSTRACT Introduction: solving the problems of health that influence on the population constitutes the starting point for the design of professional training, a process that makes possible the update, widening and continuous improvement of knowledge, including the basic and specialized skills of healthcare professionals working in Primary Health Care level. Objective: to design a strategy for the professional training related to atrial fibrillation contextualized to the Primary Health Care settings at Luis Augusto Turcios Lima University Polyclinic, Pinar del Rio. Methods: the research was supported on the Dialectic-Materialistic approach which allowed deepening on the knowledge of the process and its interrelation in the historical and social conditions of postgraduate education for the Comprehensive Medicine Specialists. Theoretical methods were mainly used, such as the documentary analysis, historical-logical, modeling and the criteria of experts. Results: the strategy for professional training related to atrial fibrillation contextualized to the Primary Health Care settings was presented and based on theoretical and empirical derivations of the research process and from the foundations supported on the different areas of knowledge, the structure, characteristics, components and relations toward the process in study and its theoretical validation. Conclusions: the strategy for the professional training related to atrial fibrillation contextualized to the Primary Health Care setting, defined the purposes for the achievement of an efficient performance along with the transformation of the reality in the healthcare area of Luis Augusto Turcios Lima University Polyclinic, Pinar del Rio.

The Campaign for Universal Free Lunch in New York City: Lessons Learned.

The New York City (NYC) Department of Education is the largest public school system in the United States, with an enrollment of >1.1 million students. Students who participate in school meal programs can have higher dietary quality than nonparticipating students. Historically, family income documentation qualifying students in the NYC Department of Education for free or reduced-price meals reimbursed by the National School Lunch Program perpetuated poverty stigma. Additionally, National School Lunch Program qualification paperwork was a deterrent to many vulnerable families to participate and impeded all eligible children's access to nutritious meals, potentially magnifying food insecurity. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 provided a viable option for schools to serve free meals to all students, regardless of income status, as a universal free lunch (UFL) through a Community Eligibility Provision if ≥40% of students already participated in another means-based program, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In this case study, we describe the processes of (1) strategic coalition building of the Lunch 4 Learning campaign (a coalition of students, parents, school-based unions, teachers, pediatricians, community leaders, and children's advocacy organizations) to bring UFL to all NYC public schools, (2) building political support, (3) developing a media strategy, and (4) using an evidence-based strategy to overcome political, administrative, and procedural challenges. The Lunch 4 Learning campaign successfully brought UFL to all NYC public schools in 2017. This case study informs further advocacy efforts to expand UFL in other school districts across the country and national UFL advocacy.

Geothermobacter hydrogeniphilus sp. nov., a mesophilic, iron(III)-reducing bacterium from seafloor/subseafloor environments in the Pacific Ocean, and emended description of the genus Geothermobacter.

A novel mesophilic, anaerobic, mixotrophic bacterium, with designated strains EPR-MT and HR-1, was isolated from a semi-extinct hydrothermal vent at the East Pacific Rise and from an Fe-mat at Lo'ihi Seamount, respectively. The cells were Gram-negative, pleomorphic rods of about 2.0 µm in length and 0.5 µm in width. Strain EPR-MT grew between 25 and 45 °C (optimum, 37.5-40 °C), 10 and 50 g l-1 NaCl (optimum, 15-20 g l-1) and pH 5.5 and 8.6 (optimum, pH 6.4). Strain HR-1 grew between 20 and 45 °C (optimum, 37.5-40 °C), 10 and 50 g l-1 NaCl (optimum, 15-25 g l-1) and pH 5.5 and 8.6 (optimum, pH 6.4). Shortest generation times with H2 as the primary electron donor, CO2 as the carbon source and ferric citrate as terminal electron acceptor were 6.7 and 5.5 h for EPR-MT and HR-1, respectively. Fe(OH)3, MnO2, AsO4 3-, SO4 2-, SeO4 2-, S2O3 2-, S0 and NO3 - were also used as terminal electron acceptors. Acetate, yeast extract, formate, lactate, tryptone and Casamino acids also served as both electron donors and carbon sources. G+C content of the genomic DNA was 59.4 mol% for strain EPR-MT and 59.2 mol% for strain HR-1. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses indicated that both strains were closely related to each other and to Geothermobacter ehrlichii, within the class δ-Proteobacteria (now within the class Desulfuromonadia). Based on phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses in addition to physiological and biochemical characteristics, both strains were found to represent a novel species within the genus Geothermobacter, for which the name Geothermobacter hydrogeniphilus sp. nov. is proposed. Geothermobacter hydrogeniphilus is represented by type strain EPR-MT (=JCM 32109T=KCTC 15831T=ATCC TSD-173T) and strain HR-1 (=JCM 32110=KCTC 15832).

La tuberculosis, desde un problema de salud hasta un arma biológica / Tuberculosis from a health problem to a biological weapon

La tuberculosis es el principal asesino infeccioso del mundo, sin embargo, no constituye una prioridad política. Con el conocimiento que se tiene de la tuberculosis, se está en capacidad de controlarla y erradicarla, pues se cuenta con métodos probados de diagnóstico y esquemas terapéuticos efectivos. Pero existen factores que perpetúan el problema, como la inequidad social, la pandemia del VIH/ sida, el incremento de las poblaciones de riesgo, la inexistencia de una vacuna protectora, las deficiencias en los programas de control y la drogo resistencia. El desarrollo de la tuberculosis resistente a múltiples drogas revela debilitamiento de los servicios asistenciales, se considera un indicador de negligencia en salud pública. En la actualidad solo se logra curación en el 52 por ciento de los pacientes, con regímenes de 21-24 meses y un costo por paciente de 50 000 a 100 000 dólares estadounidenses. El incremento de la resistencia y la capacidad que tiene la tuberculosis para aprovechar y acentuar las desigualdades socioeconómicas en una población, aumenta la desestabilización de un área o país, lo cual ha llevado a que esta enfermedad sea incluida en la lista de posibles armas biológicas. En este trabajo se analizan los factores que hacen de la tuberculosis una enfermedad social, las acciones necesarias para su control, así como su papel como arma bioterrorista(AU)

Tuberculosis remains as the world's leading infectious killer, but it is not a political priority. With the knowledge of Tuberculosis, it is able to control and eradicate it, as there are proven methods of diagnosis and effective therapeutic schemes. But there are factors that perpetuate the problem, such as social inequality, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the increase in risk populations, the absence of a protective vaccine, deficiencies in Tuberculosis control programs and drug resistance. The development of multi-drug resistant and extremely resistant Tuberculosis reveals a weakening of care services, so Tuberculosis from being a preventable and curable disease, is becoming a virtually incurable disease is considered an indicator of public health negligence. At present, healing is only achieved in 52 percent of patients with 21-24-month regimens and a cost per patient of 50,000 to 100,000 US dollars. The increase in multi-resistance and the ability of Tuberculosis to take advantage of and accentuate socioeconomic inequalities in a population, increasing the destabilization of an area or country has led to this disease being included in the list of possible biological weapons. Taking into account the importance of this disease, the factors that can influence its control and its role as a bioterrorist weapon, it was decided to analyze the elements that make Tuberculosis a social disease and a health emergency are analyzed(AU)

Child Health Behaviour and Parent Priorities for a School-Based Healthy Lifestyle Programme.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterise parents' concerns for their children's health behaviours and perceptions of motivators and barriers to positive child health behaviour change, and to determine associations between motivators and barriers and parents' priorities for a school-based healthy lifestyle programme. Design: Cross-sectional study of 46 parents who had completed an un-validated survey distributed during school-wide events. Setting: School for children aged 5-14 years in The Bronx, New York City, USA. Methods: Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests compared motivators and barriers to positive child health behaviour change by heath behaviour concern; Spearman's correlation measured associations between motivators and barriers and programme priorities. Results: Parents concerned about child weight significantly ranked keeping up with others and decreasing clothing size as motivators, while parents concerned about child food choices significantly ranked improving food choices and decreasing BMI and clothing size as motivators. Food-, play-, and self-esteem-related motivators were associated with nutrition education (rs ≥ .41, p ≤ .01), physical activity classes (rs ≥ .29, p ≤ .04) and child involvement in programme decision-making (rs ≥ .43, p ≤ .01) priorities. Consistency-, child resistance-, and home rules-related barriers were associated with nutrition education (rs ≥ .37, p=.02), physical activity classes (rs ≥ .32, p = .02), and child involvement (rs ≥ .40, p ≤ .02) priorities. Conclusions: Despite the study sample size, selection bias, and generalisability limitations, prioritising nutrition, physical activity and child involvement in programme decision-making may enhance parent support for school-based healthy lifestyle programmes.

Regularidades de la superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular en la Atención Primaria de Salud / Regularities of professional development on atrial fibrillation in Primary Health Care

RESUMEN Fundamento: en Cuba es prioritaria la Atención Primaria de Salud, lo que requiere de un sistema de superación permanente dirigido a los profesionales para garantizar la calidad del servicio de salud. Objetivo: identificar las regularidades de la superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular en el Policlínico Turcios Lima de Pinar del Río. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal realizado de diciembre de 2019 a febrero del 2020. Se emplearon métodos teóricos y empíricos tales como el histórico-lógico, sistémico-estructural, la revisión documental, encuestas y entrevista, respectivamente. Además métodos estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales, en un universo de médicos generales integrales(N=90). La muestra fue 60 médicos generales integrales una vez aplicados los criterios de inclusión. La variable estudiada fue la superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular. Resultados: se constataron limitadas acciones para el desarrollo de los contenidos acerca de la fibrilación auricular en la Atención Primaria de Salud; además de debilidades en la integración de los conocimientos, habilidades y valores sobre dicha entidad, para un adecuado diagnóstico y estratificación de riesgos tromboembólicos y hemorrágicos. Las acciones de superación profesional planificadas no posibilitan la actualización y profundización en los contenidos sobre la enfermedad, necesarios para transformar la realidad del área de salud. Conclusiones: la superación profesional sobre fibrilación auricular en el Policlínico Turcios Lima posee limitaciones para integrar sus contenidos a un adecuado diagnóstico y estratificación de riesgos tromboembólicos y hemorrágicos, lo que dificulta el desempeño eficiente del Médico General Integral en la Atención Primaria de Salud.

ABSTRACT Background: Primary Health Care is a priority in Cuba, requires a permanent improvement system aimed at professionals to guarantee the quality of the health service. Objective: to identify the regularities of professional improvement on atrial fibrillation at the Turcios Lima Polyclinic in Pinar del Río. Methods: descriptive cross-sectional study carried out from December 2019 to February 2020. Theoretical and empirical methods were used, such as historical-logical, systemic-structural, documentary review, surveys, and interviews, respectively. In addition, descriptive and inferential statistical methods, in a universe of comprehensive general practitioners (N = 90). The sample was 60 comprehensive general practitioners once the inclusion criteria were applied. The variable studied was professional improvement over atrial fibrillation. Results: there were limited actions for the development of content about atrial fibrillation in Primary Health Care; in addition to weaknesses in the integration of knowledge, skills and values about said entity, for an adequate diagnosis and stratification of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks. The planned professional improvement actions do not make it possible to update and deepen the content on the disease, necessary to transform the reality of the health area. Conclusions: the professional improvement on atrial fibrillation at the Turcios Lima Polyclinic has limitations to integrate its contents to an adequate diagnosis and stratification of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks, which make difficult the efficient performance of the Comprehensive General Physician in Primary Health Care.

Histone H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation at the promoter of the LGALS9 gene is associated with mRNA levels in cervical cancer cells.

Galectin-9 levels have been reported to be altered in several cancer types, but the mechanism that regulates the expression of Galectin-9 has not been clarified. Galectin-9 is encoded by the LGALS9 gene, which gives rise to eight mRNA variants. The aims of this study were: (a) to identify the mRNA variants of LGALS9, (b) to characterize CpG methylation and H3K9 and H3K14 histone acetylation at the promoter of the LGALS9 gene, and (c) to characterize the relationship between these modifications and LGALS9 expression level in cervical cancer cells. All mRNA variants were detected in HaCaT (nontumoural keratinocytes) and SiHa cells, and seven were observed in HeLa cells. The promoter region of LGALS9 contains eight CpG dinucleotides. No hypermethylation pattern related to low LGALS9 expression was identified in tumour cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated higher acetylation of H3K9ac and H3K14ac in HaCaT cells, which was related to higher mRNA levels. The presence of the mRNA variants suggests that alternative splicing may regulate the expression of galectin-9 isoforms. The results of this study suggest that histone acetylation, but not promoter CpG methylation, may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of the LGALS9 gene.

Características clínicas, epidemiológicas y terapéuticas de los pacientes que ingresan por crisis de asma bronquial / Clinical, Epidemiological and Therapeutic Characteristics of Patients Admitted for a Bronchial Asthma Attack

RESUMEN Fundamento: el asma bronquial es una de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles más prevalentes en la infancia, en su evolución presenta crisis desencadenadas por múltiples factores, relacionados al huésped y a factores ambientales. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y terapéuticas de las crisis de asma bronquial en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos, durante los años 2015 y 2016. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y correlacional sobre una serie de casos en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos en el periodo comprendido desde el 1ero de enero 2015 hasta el 31 diciembre del 2016 en el que fueron incluidos los pacientes que egresaron con el diagnóstico de crisis de asma bronquial. Los datos fueron obtenidos de la historia clínica de los pacientes. Se analizaron las variables: edad, sexo, color de la piel, clasificación de la enfermedad asmática, severidad de la crisis en el ingreso y forma de distribución del medicamento. Se aplicaron los procedimientos de la estadística descriptiva como son la determinación de la frecuencia de ocurrencia y los porcientos. Resultados: el grupo etáreo más afectado fue el menor de 3 años (35,8 %), con ligero predominio del sexo masculino (55 %) y el color de piel blanca (57 %), el mayor número de ingreso correspondió a los meses de alza epidémica, predominó la forma leve persistente (53,6 %) y las crisis moderadas (94,6 %), 64,4 % no tenía tratamiento de control. Conclusiones: la mayor parte de los pacientes recibieron un tratamiento inadecuado para la crisis en cuerpo de guardia y la sala, además el tratamiento de control fue inadecuado en casi la mitad de los pacientes o inexistente.

ABSTRACT Background: bronchial asthma is the prevalent chronic non-communicable disease in childhood, in its evolution it presents crises triggered by multiple factors, related to the host and the environment. Objective: to describe the clinical, epidemiological and therapeutic characteristics of bronchial asthma crises at the Paquito González Cueto University Pediatric Hospital in Cienfuegos, during 2015 and 2016. Method: a descriptive, and correlational study was carried out on a series of cases at the Paquito González Cueto University Pediatric Hospital in Cienfuegos in the period from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st 2016, in which were included the patients who leave with the diagnosis of a bronchial asthma crisis. The data were obtained from the clinical history of the patients. The variables were analyzed: age, sex, skin color, classification of the asthmatic disease, severity of the crisis on admission, and form of drug distribution. Descriptive statistics procedures were applied, such as the determination of the frequency of occurrence and the percentages. Results: the most affected age group was under 3 years old (35.8 %), with a slight predominance of males (55 %) and white skin color (57 %), the highest number of admission corresponded to the months of epidemic rise, the minor persistent form (53.6 %) and the moderate seizures (94.6 %) predominated, the 64.4 % had no control treatment. Conclusions: most of the patients received inadequate treatment for the crisis in the emergency room and the ward; in addition, the control treatment was inadequate or non-existent in almost half of the patients.

Inversión económica versus control de las buenas prácticas de manipulación / Economic investment versus control of good handling practices

Una buena higiene requiere de un lugar estructuralmente placentero y la aplicación de las Buenas Practicas de manipulación (BPM). Identificar que ocurre con las BPM en un centro de elaboración de alimentos en La Habana después de una cuantiosa inversión y cuál es la opinión de los manipuladores es el propósito del trabajo. Se aplicó la guía de Evaluación Sanitaria de Hoteles, elaborada por el Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba determinándose los aspectos deficientes. Se encuestaron los manipuladores y se evaluó el control de las BPM. Se realizaron 2 inspecciones una inicial anterior a la reparación y una posterior, se comprobó que existió mejoría de las condiciones higiénico sanitario pero las deficiencias entrenamiento/procedimiento se mantenían en el segundo lugar lo que apunta a la falta de sensibilización de los manipuladores y la administración. Los trabajadores plantean varios factores como elementos desfavorables como la no exigencia y control, la inestabilidad de la dirección entre otros. Además realizaron propuestas como poner carteles para enfatizar conductas, reconocimiento al manipulador que cumple con las BPM, apoyo y exigencia administrativa. En este centro cuando se valoró el control de la dirección se comprobó que no era sistemático que existían pocas evidencias y no se había diseñado un plan de mejoras.

We think that a nice, shining place, which is attractive to us, assures the correct hygiene. It is indisputable that a good hygiene needs of a place structurally pleasant to our senses but that also it agree with the hygiene norms, if this exists an excellent base is created for the application of the good practices of manipulation. To identify what is happen in a center of food elaboration in Havana after a large investment and what the opinion about the manipulators is to increase the employment of the good practices of manipulation. Two examinations were realized an initial previous to the repair and a later one, it was proved that improvement of the conditions increase hygienic sanitarily but the shortcomings training / procedure were supported in the second place what points at the absence of sensitization of the manipulators and the administration. The workers raise several factors as unfavorable elements: as not demand and control, the instability of the direction between others. Also they realized proposals like putting cartels to emphasize conducts, stimulation of the out-standing manipulator, support and administrative demand. In this center when the control of the direction was valued it was proved that it was not systematical that few evidences existed and a progress plan had not been designed.

Inversión económica versus control de las buenas prácticas de manipulación / ECONOMIC INVESTMENT VERSUS CONTROL OF GOOD HANDLING PRACTICES

Una buena higiene requiere de un lugar estructuralmente placentero y la aplicación de las Buenas Practicas de manipulación (BPM). Identificar que ocurre con las BPM en un centro de elaboración de alimentos en La Habana después de una cuantiosa inversión y cuál es la opinión de los manipuladores es el propósito del trabajo. Se aplicó la guía de Evaluación Sanitaria de Hoteles, elaborada por el Ministerio de Salud Pública de Cuba determinándose los aspectos deficientes. Se encuestaron los manipuladores y se evaluó el control de las BPM. Se realizaron 2 inspecciones una inicial anterior a la reparación y una posterior, se comprobó que existió mejoría de las condiciones higiénico sanitario pero las deficiencias entrenamiento/procedimiento se mantenían en el segundo lugar lo que apunta a la falta de sensibilización de los manipuladores y la administración. Los trabajadores plantean varios factores como elementos desfavorables como la no exigencia y control, la inestabilidad de la dirección entre otros. Además realizaron propuestas como poner carteles para enfatizar conductas, reconocimiento al manipulador que cumple con las BPM, apoyo y exigencia administrativa. En este centro cuando se valoró el control de la dirección se comprobó que no era sistemático que existían pocas evidencias y no se había diseñado un plan de mejoras

We think that a nice, shining place, which is attractive to us, assures the correct hygiene. It is indisputable that a good hygiene needs of a place structurally pleasant to our senses but that also it agree with the hygiene norms, if this exists an excellent base is created for the application of the good practices of manipulation. To identify what is happen in a center of food elaboration in Havana after a large investment and what the opinion about the manipulators is to increase the employment of the good practices of manipulation. Two examinations were realized an initial previous to the repair and a later one, it was proved that improvement of the conditions increase hygienic sanitarily but the shortcomings training / procedure were supported in the second place what points at the absence of sensitization of the manipulators and the administration. The workers raise several factors as unfavorable elements: as not demand and control, the instability of the direction between others. Also they realized proposals like putting cartels to emphasize conducts, stimulation of the out-standing manipulator, support and administrative demand. In this center when the control of the direction was valued it was proved that it was not systematical that few evidences existed and a progress plan had not been designed