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Morera-Gómez Y, Armas-Camejo A, Santamaría JM, Alonso-Hernández CM, Lasheras E, Widory D, Elustondo D. Chemical and C and N stable isotope compositions of three species of epiphytic Tillandsia in a Caribbean coastal zone: air pollution sources and biomonitoring implications. Isotopes Environ Health Stud 2024; 60:141-161. [PMID: 38270129 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2024.2304756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
We characterized the elemental and C and N stable isotope compositions of Tillandsia fasciculata Sw., Tillandsia balbisiana Schult. & Schult.f. and Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L. samples collected in Cienfuegos (Cuba). Results showed high enrichment factors for S, Hg, Cd, Pb, P, Zn, Cu, Mo, Sb and Ca in all Tillandsia species, indicating inputs from local anthropogenic activities (road traffic, industries and cement production). Carbon concentrations and δ13C varied from 38.3-47.7 % and -20.4 to -13.4 ‰ within the three species, respectively. δ13C showed seasonal dependence with the dry and wet periods and more 13C-depleted values in urban/industrial areas, coherent with the input of anthropogenic emissions. Nitrogen concentrations (0.4-1.3 %) and δ15N values (-9.9-4.4 ‰) exhibit larger variations and are positively correlated in the three species. The most positive δ15N in T. recurvata (-0.2-4.4 ‰) are attributed to contributions from industrial activities and road traffic. In fact, both δ15N and total nitrogen (TN) values increase in sites with higher road traffic and show significant correlations with typical road traffic and industrial tracers. Finally, we calculate an average total nitrogen deposition rate of 4.4 ± 2.3 kg ha-1 a-1 from N content in T. recurvata, similar to the existing values determined in the region by field measurements, but higher than the global terrestrial average.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Morera-Gómez
- Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Medioambiente BIOMA, Pamplona, España
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos, Cuba
| | - Alejandro Armas-Camejo
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos, Cuba
- Research and Development Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Sancti Spíritus, Cuba
| | | | - Carlos Manuel Alonso-Hernández
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos, Cuba
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Environment Laboratories, Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Esther Lasheras
- Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Medioambiente BIOMA, Pamplona, España
| | - David Widory
- Geotop/Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Canada
| | - David Elustondo
- Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Biodiversidad y Medioambiente BIOMA, Pamplona, España
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Nodarse-Cuni H, Bravo O, Cañete R, Vázquez-Blomquist D, Quintana D, Aguilera-Barreto A, Guillen-Nieto G, Arteaga A, Morales I. Pharmacodynamic of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha-2b Nasal Drops and Effective Prophylaxis Against SARS-COV-2 Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024. [PMID: 38597374 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Nodarse-Cuni
- Clinical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Odalys Bravo
- National Science and Innovation Directorate, Ministry of Public Health, Havana, Cuba
| | - Roberto Cañete
- Research Department, Medical College of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba
| | - Dania Vázquez-Blomquist
- Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Diogenes Quintana
- Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Ana Aguilera-Barreto
- Technological Development Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillen-Nieto
- Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Amaylid Arteaga
- Research Department, National Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ileana Morales
- National Science and Innovation Directorate, Ministry of Public Health, Havana, Cuba
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Yoselin Benitez Alfonso. New Phytol 2024; 242:389-91. [PMID: 38363008 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
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4
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Cañete R, Navarro S, Alpízar J, Brito K. Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among schoolchildren from Unión de Reyes municipality, Matanzas Province, Cuba. Trop Doct 2024; 54:136-138. [PMID: 38123457 DOI: 10.1177/00494755231212692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal parasites are widely distributed around the world and children are the most common affected group. The prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors by a cross-sectional study among children at a primary school in the Union de Reyes municipality, Matanzas province, Cuba, was carried out during April-May, 2022. Blastocystis spp. and Giardia intestinalis were the most common parasites found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cañete
- Matanzas Office of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, University of Medical Sciences and Provincial Centre of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology, Matanzas City, Cuba
| | - Saylis Navarro
- Public Health Department, University of Medical Sciences, Matanzas City, Cuba
| | - Jackeline Alpízar
- Epidemiology Section, Provincial Centre of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology, Matanzas City, Cuba
| | - Katia Brito
- Public Health Department, University of Medical Sciences, Matanzas City, Cuba
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Salter JF, Brumfield RT, Faircloth BC. An island 'endemic' born out of hybridization between introduced lineages. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e16990. [PMID: 37208829 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Humans have profoundly impacted the distribution of plant and animal species over thousands of years. The most direct example of these effects is human-mediated movement of individuals, either through translocation of individuals within their range or through the introduction of species to new habitats. While human involvement may be suspected in species with obvious range disjunctions, it can be difficult to detect natural versus human-mediated dispersal events for populations at the edge of a species' range, and this uncertainty muddles how we understand the evolutionary history of populations and broad biogeographical patterns. Studies combining genetic data with archaeological, linguistic and historical evidence have confirmed prehistoric examples of human-mediated dispersal; however, it is unclear whether these methods can disentangle recent dispersal events, such as species translocated by European colonizers during the past 500 years. We use genomic DNA from historical museum specimens and historical records to evaluate three hypotheses regarding the timing and origin of Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in Cuba, whose status as an endemic or introduced population has long been debated. We discovered that bobwhites from southern Mexico arrived in Cuba between the 12th and 16th centuries, followed by the subsequent introduction of bobwhites from the southeastern USA to Cuba between the 18th and 20th centuries. These dates suggest the introduction of bobwhites to Cuba was human-mediated and concomitant with Spanish colonial shipping routes between Veracruz, Mexico and Havana, Cuba during this period. Our results identify endemic Cuban bobwhites as a genetically distinct population born of hybridization between divergent, introduced lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie F Salter
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, USA
| | - Robb T Brumfield
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, USA
| | - Brant C Faircloth
- Museum of Natural Science and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, USA
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Dar AA, Chen Z, Rodríguez-Rodríguez S, Haghighat F, González-Rosales B. Assessing greenhouse gas emissions in Cuban agricultural soils: Implications for climate change and rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. J Environ Manage 2024; 353:120088. [PMID: 38295640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Assessing the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on agricultural soils is crucial for ensuring food production sustainability in the global effort to combat climate change. The present study delves to comprehensively assess GHG emissions in Cuba's agricultural soil and analyze its implications for rice production and climate change because of its rich agriculture cultivation tradition and diverse agro-ecological zones from the period of 1990-2022. In this research, based on Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach the empirical findings depicts that in short run, a positive and significant impact of 1.60 percent % in Cuba's rice production. The higher amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels improves photosynthesis, and stimulates the growth of rice plants, resulting in greater grain yields. On the other hand, rice production index raising GHG emissions from agriculture by 0.35 % in the short run. Furthermore, a significant and positive impact on rice production is found in relation to the farm machinery i.e., 3.1 %. Conversely, an adverse and significant impact of land quality was observed on rice production i.e., -5.5 %. The reliability of models was confirmed by CUSUM and CUSUM square plot. Diagnostic tests ensure the absence of serial correlation and heteroscedasticity in the models. Additionally, the forecasting results are obtained from the three machine learning models i.e. feed forward neural network (FFNN), support vector machines (SVM) and adaptive boosting technique (Adaboost). Through the % MAPE criterion, it is evident that FFNN has achieved high precision (91 %). Based on the empirical findings, the study proposed the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and incentives should be given to the farmers so that future generations inherit a world that is sustainable, and healthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Ahmed Dar
- Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8.
| | | | - Fariborz Haghighat
- Department of Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8.
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Rodríguez-Ramos MA, Santos-Medina M, Dueñas-Herrera A, Prohías Martínez JA, Rivas-Estany E. A collaborative approach to develop indicators for quality of care for ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in networks without coronary intervention: A position paper. Int J Risk Saf Med 2024; 35:91-100. [PMID: 37599539 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-220057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data about performance measures (PM) in patients with ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries is really scarce. One of the reasons is the lack of appropriate measures for these scenarios where coronary intervention is not the standard treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a set of PM and quality markers for patients with STEMI in these countries. METHODS Two investigators systematically reviewed existing guidelines and scientific literature to identify potential PM by referring to documents searched through PubMed from 2010 through 2019, using terms "Myocardial Infarction", "STEMI", "quality indicator", and "performance measure". A modified Delphi technique, involving multidisciplinary panel interview, was used. A 15-member multidisciplinary expert panel individually rated each potential indicator on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) during three rounds. All indicators that received a median score ≥4.5, in final round without significant disagreement were included as PM. RESULTS Through the consensus-building process, 84 potential indicators were found, of which 10 were proposed as performance measures and 2 as quality metrics, as follows: Pre-Hospital Electrocardiogram; Patients with reperfusion therapy; Pre-hospital Reperfusion; Ischemic time less than 120 minutes; System delay time less than 90 minutes; In-hospital Mortality; Complete in-hospital Treatment; Complete in-hospital Treatment in patients with Heart Failure; 30 day-Re-admissions; 30 day-mortality; Patients with in-hospital stress test performed; and, Patients included in rehabilitation programs. CONCLUSION This document provides the official set of PM of attention in ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction of the Cuban Society of Cardiology and Cuban National Group of Cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alfredo Dueñas-Herrera
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Eduardo Rivas-Estany
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Havana, Cuba
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Perez Villanueva OE, Albizu-Campos Espiñeira JC. The Development of Cuba's Biotechnology: Mechanisms and Challenges. J Law Med Ethics 2023; 51:136-147. [PMID: 38156353 DOI: 10.1017/jme.2023.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Cuba faces a dilemma between continuing its current portfolio of biotechnology drugs and vaccines with lower profitability or renewing its product portfolio with the associated costs and risks.
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Soto Brito Y, Fonseca Castro DA, Guilarte Garcia E, Kouri Cardellá V, Ramirez Cardentey C, Mondeja Rodriguez BA, Concepción López JJ, Sánchez Alvarez MDL, López Pérez M, Gutierrez Coronado T, Torres Mosqueda K, Suárez Licor G. Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Cuban adolescent and young populations. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:1024-1033. [PMID: 37607391 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231191568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cuba, little is known regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in adolescents and young people. We study the frequency of CT infection in these populations, and its association with clinical-epidemiological variables. METHODS A total of 496 individuals aged 12 to 24 were recruited from November 2018 to November 2019. Of them, 302 were patients attending at sexually transmitted infections (STI) services and 194 were young volunteers. CT detections were carried out by real-time PCR and IgG serology. RESULTS The prevalence of CT using PCR was 9.1% (45/496); 12.3% (37/302) for subjects attending STI service and 4.1% (8/194) for young volunteers, being significantly higher in the first group (OR=3.25; p=.001). CT IgG antibodies was detected in 38.6% (81/210). Individuals from 12 to 17 years old were more likely infected with CT (OR=2.21; p=.010). Infection was associated with the early onset of sexual intercourse, the frequent changing of sexual partners and black ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that Cuban adolescents and young populations are at highest risk of acquiring CT infection and developing reproductive complications. The data obtained advise the needs of implementation of a routine CT screening strategy, for timely diagnosis, detection and treatment at the earliest ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudira Soto Brito
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Laboratory, Department of Virology, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Darien Alejandro Fonseca Castro
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Laboratory, Department of Virology, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Elias Guilarte Garcia
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Laboratory, Department of Virology, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Vivian Kouri Cardellá
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Laboratory, Department of Virology, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Celeste Ramirez Cardentey
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Laboratory, Department of Virology, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | | | - Maida López Pérez
- Mariana Grajales" Gyneco-obstetric University Hospital, Santa Clara, Cuba
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Roblejo-Arias L, Díaz-Corona C, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Moutailler S, Obregon D, Foucault-Simonin A, Corona-González B, Cabezas-Cruz A. First molecular characterization of Dirofilaria Immitis in Cuba. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:239. [PMID: 37978522 PMCID: PMC10655431 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03803-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. RESULTS Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisset Roblejo-Arias
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
| | - Cristian Díaz-Corona
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Benítez Fernández B, Nelson E, Crespo Morales A, Ortiz Pérez R, Acosta Roca R, Cárdenas Travieso RM. Transforming food systems: a gendered perspective on local agricultural innovation in Cuba. Front Sociol 2023; 8:1256379. [PMID: 37868090 PMCID: PMC10588689 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1256379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Compared to many countries, Cuba has made significant progress in advancing women's rights and gender equity; however, disparities remain. In the country's rural communities and agricultural sector, women continue to face barriers to equal participation and recognition for the value of their work. This case study shares the story of gender equity efforts that have been conducted within the framework of a broader development project-the Project to Strengthen a System of Innovation in Local Agricultural Development (PIAL, for its initials in Spanish). PIAL began in 2001 as a participatory plant-breeding initiative aimed at increasing the genetic diversity of key crops such as maize and beans. Over the course of two decades, the project's goals expanded to include an emphasis on increasing women's participation. In the beginning, those efforts focused on including women in the participatory plant-breeding activities, which enabled them to prioritize traits they cared about such as grain texture, cooking speed, and taste in the selection process. Over time, the participatory nature of the PIAL methodology empowered women to identify and pursue capacity-building in other areas of local agricultural innovation. While PPB remained central to PIAL, women also chose to pursue opportunities in seed bank management, leadership training, and small-scale farm-based entrepreneurship. The results of the PIAL work on gender have included not just more inclusive plant breeding, but also important economic improvements for rural women as they have been able to diversify their livelihoods, and social change as they have gained confidence and recognition as leaders in their households, communities, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Benítez Fernández
- Department of Sustainable Agroecosystem Management, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba
| | - Erin Nelson
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Anaisa Crespo Morales
- Psychology Department, University of Pinar del Río (UPR), Hermanos Saiz Montes de Oca, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Rodobaldo Ortiz Pérez
- Department of Sustainable Agroecosystem Management, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San Jose de las Lajas, Cuba
| | - Rosa Acosta Roca
- Department of Sustainable Agroecosystem Management, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San Jose de las Lajas, Cuba
| | - Regla María Cárdenas Travieso
- Department of Sustainable Agroecosystem Management, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San Jose de las Lajas, Cuba
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Caballero-Aragón H, Perera-Valderrama S, Cobián-Rojas D, Hernández Gonzalez Z, González Méndez J, De la Guardia E. A decade of study on the condition of western Cuban coral reefs, with low human impact. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15953. [PMID: 37667748 PMCID: PMC10475277 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The long-time study of coral reefs with low human impacts can provide information on the effects of regional pressures like climate change, and is an opportunity to document how these pressures are reflected in coral communities. An example of minimal local anthropogenic impacts are the Guanahacabibes coral reefs, located in the westernmost region of Cuba. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate the temporal variability of six benthic biological indicators of coral reefs, and to explore the possible relationship between predictive abiotic variables and biological response variables. Methods Four coral reef sites were sampled between 2008 and 2017, to analyze biological indicators (living coral cover, fleshy algae index, coral species richness, coral species abundance, coral trait groups species abundance, Functional Reef Index). Seven abiotic variables (wave exposure, sea surface temperature, degree heating week, chlorophyll-a concentration, particulate organic carbon, photosynthetically available radiation, and the diffuse attenuation coefficient) were compiled between 2007 and 2016, from remote sensing datasets, to analyze their relationship with the biological indicators. Permanova statistical analysis was used to evaluate trends in biological variables between sites and years, and Routine Analysis Based on Linear Distances (DISTLM) was used to explore some dependencies between biotic and abiotic variables. Results We found significant variability in the temporal analysis, with a decrease in living coral cover, a decline in the predominance of the branching and massive framework reef-building species, a decline in Orbicella species abundance, and an increase in the fleshy algae index. Some abiotic variables (average of degree heating weeks, standard deviation of the diffuse attenuation coefficient, average of the sea surface temperature, among others) significantly explained the variability of biological indicators; however, determination coefficients were low. Conclusions Certain decrease in the functionality of the coral reef was appreciated, taking into account the predominance of secondary and nom-massive framework reef-building species in the last years. A weak association between abiotic and biological variables was found in the temporal analysis. The current scenario of the condition of the coral reefs seems to be regulated by the global effects of climate change, weakly associated effects, and in longer terms.
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Baldoquín Rodríguez W, Mirabal M, Van der Stuyft P, Gómez Padrón T, Fonseca V, Castillo RM, Monteagudo Díaz S, Baetens JM, De Baets B, Toledo Romaní ME, Vanlerberghe V. The Potential of Surveillance Data for Dengue Risk Mapping: An Evaluation of Different Approaches in Cuba. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040230. [PMID: 37104355 PMCID: PMC10143650 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To better guide dengue prevention and control efforts, the use of routinely collected data to develop risk maps is proposed. For this purpose, dengue experts identified indicators representative of entomological, epidemiological and demographic risks, hereafter called components, by using surveillance data aggregated at the level of Consejos Populares (CPs) in two municipalities of Cuba (Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos) in the period of 2010-2015. Two vulnerability models (one with equally weighted components and one with data-derived weights using Principal Component Analysis), and three incidence-based risk models were built to construct risk maps. The correlation between the two vulnerability models was high (tau > 0.89). The single-component and multicomponent incidence-based models were also highly correlated (tau ≥ 0.9). However, the agreement between the vulnerability- and the incidence-based risk maps was below 0.6 in the setting with a prolonged history of dengue transmission. This may suggest that an incidence-based approach does not fully reflect the complexity of vulnerability for future transmission. The small difference between single- and multicomponent incidence maps indicates that in a setting with a narrow availability of data, simpler models can be used. Nevertheless, the generalized linear mixed multicomponent model provides information of covariate-adjusted and spatially smoothed relative risks of disease transmission, which can be important for the prospective evaluation of an intervention strategy. In conclusion, caution is needed when interpreting risk maps, as the results vary depending on the importance given to the components involved in disease transmission. The multicomponent vulnerability mapping needs to be prospectively validated based on an intervention trial targeting high-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayelin Mirabal
- Unidad de Información y Biblioteca, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Tania Gómez Padrón
- Centro Provincial de Higiene Epidemiología y Microbiología, Dirección Provincial de Salud, Santiago de Cuba 90100, Cuba
| | - Viviana Fonseca
- Centro Provincial de Higiene Epidemiología y Microbiología, Dirección Provincial de Salud, Santiago de Cuba 90100, Cuba
| | - Rosa María Castillo
- Unidad Provincial de Vigilancia y Lucha Antivectorial, Dirección Provincial de Salud, Santiago de Cuba 90100, Cuba
| | - Sonia Monteagudo Díaz
- Centro Provincial de Higiene Epidemiología y Microbiología, Dirección Provincial de Salud, Cienfuegos 55100, Cuba
| | - Jan M Baetens
- KERMIT, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bernard De Baets
- KERMIT, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Veerle Vanlerberghe
- Public Health Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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Marquetti MDC, Castillo M, Peraza I, Milian M, Molina R, Leyva M, Bisset JA, Vanlerberghe V. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) dispersion in Havana City, Cuba, 1995-2018. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106839. [PMID: 36669694 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Various arboviruses are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two invasive and frequently sympatric species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dispersion and the behavior of Ae. albopictus in relation to houses and its association with other mosquitoes in the province of Havana, Cuba. All water-containing deposits in the houses or vacant lots in urban and peri‑urban municipalities of the province of Havana were sampled during the two study periods: 1995-1999 and 2010-2018. The following patterns in the presence of Ae. albopictus in the study area were observed: a persistent absence of Ae. albopictus in one of the municipalities; a rapid dispersion in the second period, staring from the absence of vector in the first period, in tow other municipalities; and a sustained decrease in the dispersion of Ae.albopictus in two other municipalities. The peripheral municipalities noted the highest presence of Ae. albopictus, but few associations with other mosquitoes. However, overall, we found an increase in this association when comparing the period 2010-2018 with the first period. Ae. albopictus was present in 8% (2016) to 21.5% (2013) inside the houses with an average of 15%, which evidences an initial domiciliation of the species. The results obtained in this work show an initiation of domiciliation of Ae. albopictus in the urban area of the province of Havana. This is important to alert the National Control Program to strengthen the entomological monitoring of Ae. albopictus, and not only Ae. aegypti. The follow-up of this domiciliation is important to guide control efforts, knowing its role as a vector of different arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magaly Castillo
- Entomology laboratory, Provincial Center of Hygiene Epidemiology and Microbiology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Iris Peraza
- Entomology laboratory, Provincial Center of Hygiene Epidemiology and Microbiology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Maricely Milian
- Entomology laboratory, Provincial Center of Hygiene Epidemiology and Microbiology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Roberto Molina
- Entomology laboratory, Provincial Center of Hygiene Epidemiology and Microbiology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Maureen Leyva
- Vector Control Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK) Havana, Cuba
| | - Juan A Bisset
- Vector Control Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine Pedro Kourí (IPK) Havana, Cuba
| | - Veerle Vanlerberghe
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
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15
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Domínguez-Mujica J, Rodríguez-Rodríguez MÁ. Older adult Cubans moving to the Canary Islands (Spain): Migrants' strategies in later life. J Aging Stud 2023; 64:101098. [PMID: 36868611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The research on migration to Spain of Cuban citizens in later life proposes to overcome the lack of academic knowledge from these analytical perspectives: migrations of older adult people beyond the issue of lifestyle mobility; the transnational diasporic nexus favoring migrations; and the Cuban community residing abroad, outside the United States of America. The combination of these elements in this case study shows the agency of older adult Cuban citizens who move to the Canary Islands, trying to achieve a greater level of material well-being and taking advantage of the diasporic ties between the Canary Islands and Cuba; but this is a process that brings out, simultaneously, feelings of dislocation and nostalgia in the stage of old age. The development of a mixed methodology and the focus on the life course of migrants offer an opportunity to reflect on the cultural and social construction of ageing in migration studies. Consequently, this research allows a deepening of knowledge on human mobility from the perspective of ageing in a counter-diasporic migration, showing the relationship between emigration and life cycle and demonstrating the strength and spirit of achievement of those individuals who decide to emigrate despite their advanced age.
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Castillo-Cuenca JC, Almería S, Calero-Bernal R, Fernández-Escobar M, Fraga J, Entrena-García A, Arias PC, Martínez-Moreno Á, García-Bocanegra I. Seroprevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic pigs intended for human consumption in Cuba. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:125-133. [PMID: 36416370 PMCID: PMC10100425 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Domestic pigs are considered as one of the main intermediate hosts in the zoonotic transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in many countries. Serological and molecular studies are warranted to better understand the epidemiology and transmission patterns of this parasite worldwide. To date, seroepidemiological information on T. gondii in domestic pigs in Cuba is very scarce and there are no reports of T. gondii genotypes circulating in this country. Here, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and provide genetic characterization of the strains circulating in slaughtered pigs intended for human consumption in Central Cuba. Seroprevalence was determined in 450 serum samples from slaughtered pigs in Villa Clara province using ELISA. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 100 animals (22.2%, 95% CI: 18.5-26.2). Conventional PCR of the 529-bp marker of T. gondii was performed in hearts and diaphragm tissues of all ELISA-seropositive pigs. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in four animals. Further genetic characterization of the positive DNA samples was performed by multilocus PCR-RFLP and PCR-sequencing typing tools. Molecular analysis revealed four different genetic profiles that were combinations of type I, II, III and u-1 alleles, suggesting the circulation of non-clonal genotypes of T. gondii in domestic pigs in Cuba. Our results indicate that T. gondii is widely distributed in slaughtered pigs in this country, which might have important implications for public health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on genetic characterization of T. gondii in Cuba. Although preliminary, the results suggest a high genetic diversity of T. gondii in the study region. Further studies based on parasite isolation are needed to definitively identify the genotypes circulating and characterize the virulence of strains detected in pigs in Cuba, and to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission from pork products in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Castillo-Cuenca
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Central "Marta Abreu" de Las Villas, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | - Sonia Almería
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Fraga
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Pedro Kourí", La Habana, Cuba
| | - Angel Entrena-García
- Departamento de Parasitología, Centro Nacional Para La Producción de Animales de Laboratorio (CENPALAB), La Habana, Cuba
| | - Pedro Casanova Arias
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Pedro Kourí", La Habana, Cuba
| | - Álvaro Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Unidad de Parasitología, UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Trepanowski N, Chen R, Kim DY, Fuxench ZCC, Huang L, Mattei J, Ahmad A, Hartman RI. Sun protective behaviors and exposure habits in diverse Hispanic nationalities: Data from the National Health Interview Survey 2005 to 2015. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:1206-1209. [PMID: 36732107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Trepanowski
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Daniel Y Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zelma C Chiesa Fuxench
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Linglin Huang
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Areebah Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas
| | - Rebecca I Hartman
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Dermatology, VA Integrated Service Network (VISN-1), Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
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Londoño Agudelo E, Battaglioli T, Díaz Piñera A, Rodríguez Salvá A, Smekens T, Achiong Estupiñán F, Carbonell García I, Van der Stuyft P. Effectiveness of a provider and patient-focused intervention to improve hypertension management and control in the primary health care setting in Cuba: a controlled before-after study. BMC Prim Care 2023; 24:10. [PMID: 36641434 PMCID: PMC9840256 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation research to improve hypertension control is scarce in Latin America. We assessed the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at primary care practitioners and hypertensive patients in a setting that provides integrated care through an accessible network of family practices. METHODS We conducted in Cardenas and Santiago, Cuba, a controlled before-after study in 122 family practices, which are staffed with a doctor and a nurse. The intervention comprised a control arm (usual care), an arm with a component targeting providers (hypertension management workshops), and an arm with, on top of the latter, a component targeting patients (hypertension schools). To evaluate the effect, we undertook a baseline survey before the intervention and an endline survey sixteen months after its start. In each survey, we randomly included 1400 hypertensive patients. Controlled hypertension, defined as a mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure below 140 and 90 mmHg, respectively, was the primary endpoint assessed. We performed linear and logistic regression with a Generalized Estimating Equations approach to determine if the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension changed following the intervention. RESULTS Seventy-three doctors, including substitutes, and 54 nurses from the 61 intervention family practices attended the provider workshops, and 3308 patients -51.6% of the eligible ones- participated in the hypertension schools. Adherence to anti-hypertensive medication improved from 42% at baseline to 63% at the endline in the intervention arms. Under the provider intervention, the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension increased by 18.9%, from 48.7% at baseline to 67.6% at endline. However, adding the component that targeted hypertensive patients did not augment the effect. Compared to patients in the control arm, the adjusted OR of having controlled hypertension was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.73-3.22) in the provider and 2.00 (95% CI, 1.68-2.37) in the provider plus patient intervention arm. CONCLUSIONS The intervention's patient component remains to be fine-tuned. Still, we demonstrate that it is feasible to substantially improve hypertension outcomes by intervention at the primary care level, despite an already relatively high control rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Londoño Agudelo
- grid.412881.60000 0000 8882 5269Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Grupo de Epidemiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 62 #52-59, Medellín, Colombia ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University. Campus UZ-Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium ,grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, St. Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.411140.10000 0001 0812 5789Facultad de Medicina, Universidad CES, Calle 10A #22-04, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Tullia Battaglioli
- grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, St. Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Addys Díaz Piñera
- grid.493388.d0000 0004 0461 1191Centro de Epidemiología y Salud Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología (INHEM), Infanta No. 1158 e/ Llinás y Clavel, Centro Habana, 10300 La Habana, Cuba
| | - Armando Rodríguez Salvá
- grid.493388.d0000 0004 0461 1191Centro de Epidemiología y Salud Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología (INHEM), Infanta No. 1158 e/ Llinás y Clavel, Centro Habana, 10300 La Habana, Cuba
| | - Tom Smekens
- grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, St. Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Isabel Carbonell García
- Centro Provincial de Higiene y Epidemiología, Calle J No. 1 entre 1ra y 2da Reparto Sueño, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Patrick Van der Stuyft
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University. Campus UZ-Ghent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Jerez Puebla LE, Núñez-Fernández FA, La Rosa Osoria E, Atencio Millán I, Cruz Rodríguez I, Rojas Rivero L, Fresco Sampedro Y, Rodríguez Moreno L, Robertson LJ. Is there added value from using three serial samples when surveying the occurrence of intestinal parasites in children? Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023:6986839. [PMID: 36637010 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveys for intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) often involve samples from three sampling dates analysed by various microscopy techniques. However, analysis of three samples per individual is a huge burden on time and resources. We compared the value from analysing three or fewer samples. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, three faecal samples were collected every other day from 332 children from two locations in Guantanamo province, Cuba. Samples were analysed by wet mount with Lugol stain, Willis flotation method and Kato-Katz thick smear. RESULTS Most parasites were detected by wet mount, although helminth eggs not found by wet smear were detected by the Willis flotation method (in particular) and Kato-Katz smear. Blastocystis spp. was the most commonly detected parasite (about 65%), then Giardia duodenalis and then Entamoeba spp. Although analysis of two stool samples significantly increased occurrence data for Blastocystis, this was not so for the other parasites. For none of the protozoan parasites were results from analysing three samples significantly higher than results from analysing just two samples. CONCLUSIONS Analysing two faecal samples by wet mount and the Willis flotation method provides useful data for estimating the prevalence of IPIs in relatively high prevalence settings. Analysing further samples provides limited additional information and adds an extra burden in terms of time and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Enrique Jerez Puebla
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba
| | - Fidel A Núñez-Fernández
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba.,Latin-American School of Medical Science. La Habana, Cuba
| | | | - Iraís Atencio Millán
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba
| | - Iredys Cruz Rodríguez
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba
| | - Lázara Rojas Rivero
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yanet Fresco Sampedro
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba
| | - Laura Rodríguez Moreno
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, Havana, Cuba
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Ostrega M, Adams AJ, Pina-Amargós F, Cooke SJ, Bailey M. A stakeholder-engaged approach to evaluating spawning aggregation management as a strategy for conserving bonefish ( Albula vulpes) in Cuba. Environ Biol Fishes 2023; 106:161-179. [PMID: 36310851 PMCID: PMC9589858 DOI: 10.1007/s10641-022-01355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Animals that congregate in large numbers to reproduce in spatially and temporally distinct locations are particularly susceptible to overexploitation. Many fishes form spawning aggregations that are intentionally targeted given ease of capture. Bonefish (Albula spp.) species aggregate to spawn and are culturally and economically important, but generally lack management such as spawning area protections to ensure that fisheries are sustainable. Here, we use Cuba as a case study to inform the development and refinement of management strategies for bonefish. Recommendations for the management of bonefish pre-spawning aggregations were based on international experiences, which have been adapted to the Cuban context from results of surveys and interviews with Cuban fisheries professionals and fishing guides. The achievability and feasibility of recommendations were further reviewed by additional experts in the field of fisheries, management and Cuban policy. The process revealed extensive data-limitations for bonefish fisheries and underscored the importance of including fishing guides, local ecological knowledge and the context of marine protected areas in Cuba for bonefish management. Recommendations include (1) initiating information exchange between Cuban management agencies and third-party institutions related to bonefish management; (2) utilizing local ecological knowledge to gather information, formulate management strategies and enforce regulations; (3) implementing spatial and temporal management measures for bonefish spawning sites; (4) using what is already in place, by protecting spawning sites in the context of existing marine protected areas; (5) collaborating with all stakeholders to manage bonefish spawning sites; and (6) reducing the commercial harvest of the species. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10641-022-01355-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ostrega
- Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
| | - Aaron J. Adams
- Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, 2937 SW 27th Avenue, #203, Miami, FL 33133 USA
- Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1, Fort Pierce, FL 33946 USA
| | - Fabián Pina-Amargós
- Blue Sanctuary, Jardines de la Reina, Avalon, Cuba
- Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de la Habana, Calle 16, Municipio Playa, Habana Cuba
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Megan Bailey
- Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2 Canada
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Morales A, Laird-Pérez RM, Capó V, Iglesias E, Fonte L, Plascencia-Hernández A, Calderón EJ, Eom KS, de Armas Y, Pérez-Gómez HR. Genetic and Morphological Identification of Spirometra decipiens in Snakes and Domestic Dog Found in Cuba. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121468. [PMID: 36558802 PMCID: PMC9780860 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirometra (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) affects humans and some species of domestic and wild animals which eventually interact with humans. In this article, we report three new cases of Spirometra decipiens (Diesing, 1850) infection observed in two intermediate hosts and one definitive host, in Cuba. Genetic and morphological identification of S. decipiens in two snakes and a domestic dog were carried out by molecular means and routine histological study using hematoxylin-eosin staining, respectively. Taken together, the anatomical location, the host species infected with the specimens and their morphological and genetic features, all the samples were identified as S. decipiens. In each of the three cases, PCR assays using specific primers amplified bands that corresponded to S. decipiens species. To our knowledge, this paper is the first report of S. decipiens in species of Cuban endemic fauna and in the Caribbean islands. These species constitute a real or potential risk of transmission of Spirometra to humans in Cuba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Morales
- Pathology Department, Hospital Center, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba
| | - Rebeca M. Laird-Pérez
- Teaching Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba
| | - Virginia Capó
- Pathology Department, Hospital Center, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba
| | - Enrique Iglesias
- Centro de Ingeniería Genética y Biotecnología, Habana 11400, Cuba
| | - Luis Fonte
- Parasitology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba
| | | | - Enrique J. Calderón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Keeseon S. Eom
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk 361-763, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Yaxsier de Armas
- Pathology Department, Hospital Center, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Diagnosis, Hospital Center, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba
| | - Héctor R. Pérez-Gómez
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44100, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-333-808-0396
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Más-Bermejo PI, Dickinson-Meneses FO, Almenares-Rodríguez K, Sánchez-Valdés L, Guinovart-Díaz R, Vidal-Ledo M, Galbán-García E, Olivera-Nodarse Y, Morgado-Vega I, Dueñas-Carrera S, Pujol M, Hernández-Bernal F, Limonta-Fernández M, Guillén-Nieto G, Muzio-González VL, Ayala-Ávila M. Cuban Abdala vaccine: Effectiveness in preventing severe disease and death from COVID-19 in Havana, Cuba; A cohort study. Lancet Reg Health Am 2022; 16:100366. [PMID: 36185968 PMCID: PMC9507841 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 vaccines have proven safe and efficacious in reducing severe illness and death. Cuban protein subunit vaccine Abdala has shown safety, tolerability and efficacy (92·3% [95% CI: 85·7‒95·8]) against SARS-CoV-2 in clinical trials. This study aimed to estimate Abdala's real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE). Methods This retrospective cohort study in Havana analyzed Cuban Ministry of Public Health databases (May 12-August 31, 2021) to assess VE in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 (primary outcomes). Cox models accounting for time-varying vaccination status and adjusting by demographics were used to estimate hazard ratios. A subgroup analysis by age group and a sensitivity analysis including a subgroup of tested persons (qRT-PCR) were conducted. Daily cases and deaths were modelled accounting for different VE. Findings The study included 1 355 638 persons (Mean age: 49·5 years [SD: 18·2]; 704 932 female [52·0%]; ethnicity data unavailable): 1 324 vaccinated (partially/fully) and 31 433 unvaccinated. Estimated VE against severe illness was 93·3% (95% CI: 92·1-94·3) in partially- vaccinated and 98·2% (95% CI: 97·9-98·5) in fully-vaccinated and against death was 94·1% (95% CI: 92·5-95·4) in partially-vaccinated and 98·7% (95% CI: 98·3-99·0) in fully-vaccinated. VE exceeded 92·0% in all age groups. Daily cases and deaths during the study period corresponded to a VE above 90%, as predicted by models. Interpretation The Cuban Abdala protein subunit vaccine was highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 under real-life conditions. Funding Cuban Ministry of Public Health. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Merardo Pujol
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre, Havana, Cuba
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Guzmán MG, Pérez L, Tejero Y, Mederos D, Aguado ME, Pintos Y, Valdes O, Álvarez M, de León LRP, Baldoquín W, Martínez Y, Figueredo C, Naranjo C, Nuñes L, López Almaguer Y, Fernández JRA, Portal Miranda JA, Kourí V. Emergence and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants during the Cuban epidemic. J Clin Virol Plus 2022; 2:100104. [PMID: 36034515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2022.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS CoV-2 D614G variant circulated in Cuba in 2020. New viral variants were detected after the opening of the border in November 2020. We show the results of the genomic surveillance in Cuba from December 28, 2020, to September 28, 2021 and their relationship to the epidemiological situation in the country. A total of 1,406 nasopharyngeal exudates from COVID-19 patients were processed for RNA extraction and the 1836 bp fragment of the spike gene was amplified and sequenced. The mutations present were determined using the GISAID database. Prevalence ratios were estimated by fitting Poisson univariate and multivariate regression models to investigate associations between SARS-CoV-2 variant group (VOC, non-VOC) and disease outcome. Seventeen genetic variants were detected including VOC Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta, one variant of interest (VOI) (Lambda) and two previous VOI (A.2.5.1 and Zeta/P.2). Beta (34.77%), Delta (24.89%) and D614G (19%) variants were the most frequently detected. By June, Delta increased in frequency, displacing Beta. Disease severity increased significantly with age and VOC (PR =1.98, IC 95%: 1.33-3.05, p <0.05). Genomic surveillance allowed us to identify the upsurge of novel variants. Coinciding with the higher epidemic period, multiple variants were co-circulating. Although we cannot rule out that failure in the transmission containment measures occurred, the increase in the number of cases associated with the circulation of several variants, particularly the Beta and Delta variants is highly suggestive. A greater association of Beta variant with clinical severity and Delta variant with a greater transmissibility was observed.
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Lugones-Ladrón de Guevara Y, Díaz-Reyes M, Cabrera-Muñoz A, Chang-Monteagudo A, Del Rivero-Antigua A, Blanco-Hidalgo O. Effect of Cuban Porcine Pulmonary Surfactant (Surfacen) and rCmPI-II Protease Inhibitor on Neutrophil Elastase Activity. MEDICC Rev 2022; 24:46-52. [PMID: 36417334 DOI: 10.37757/mr2022.v24.n3-4.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In inflammatory respiratory diseases, the imbalance between proteases and endogenous protease inhibitors leads to an exacerbated activity of human neutrophil elastase (a protease that destroys the extracellular matrix and stimulates proinflammatory cytokine release). Elastase is considered a target in the search for therapeutic treatments for inflammatory respiratory diseases. Pulmonary surfactant is a promising product for this purpose, because in addition to its biophysical function, it has anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE Evaluate effect of the Cuban porcine pulmonary surfactant (Surfacen), the rCmPI-II elastase inhibitor, and the Surfacen/rCmPI-II combination on activated neutrophil elastase activity in vitro, and determine if Surfacen's interface property changes in the presence of the inhibitor. METHODS The anti-elastase effect of Surfacen, rCmPI-II and the Surfacen/rCmPI-II combination was evaluated in an in vitro model of activated neutrophils, previously purified from the blood of healthy subjects. The cells were stimulated with LPS/fMLP and were incubated with different concentrations of Surfacen, rCmPI-II and the Surfacen/rCmPI-II combination. Elastase activity was measured. The interface property was determined on a Langmuir surface balance. The new index, called the abdominal adipose deposit index, was obtained by multiplying the subcutaneous fat thickness by visceral fat thickness, both measured by ultrasound. A cutoff point was established that facilitated discernment of an unhealthy phenotype: normal weight but metabolically obese, a cardiometabolic risk factor. RESULTS Surfacen at 10 mg/mL inhibited 71% of stimulated neutrophil elastase activity. rCmPI-II at 0.1 μM reduced 20% of elastase activity; at 200 μM-the maximum concentration evaluated-inhibition was 68%. Both products had a dose-dependent effect. The Surfacen/inhibitor combination (0.5 mg/mL/80 µM) did not affect the surfactant interface property or the inhibitory activity of rCmPI-II against human neutrophil elastase. CONCLUSIONS Surfacen and the rCmPI-II inhibitor have an anti-elastase effect on an activated neutrophil model. rCmPI-II does not affect Surfacen's interface property and, therefore, both can be evaluated for combined use in treating inflammatory lung diseases.
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Artiles-Santana A, Sarasa-Muñoz NL, Izaguirre-Castellanos E, Álvarez Guerra-González E, Cañizares-Luna O. Validation of a New Diagnostic Index to Determine Metabolic Obesity Phenotypes in Normal-Weight Women in Early Pregnancy. MEDICC Rev 2022; 24:30-35. [PMID: 36417332 DOI: 10.37757/mr2022.v24.n3-4.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
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Jonas P, Garbey Savigne E, Koster M, Choonara I. Lessons from Building a Sustainable Healthcare Exchange between the Netherlands and Cuba. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11742. [PMID: 36142015 PMCID: PMC9517359 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past ten years, seven Dutch Universities have built a sustainable exchange with seven institutes in Cuban healthcare. The exchange was initiated by the Leiden University Medical Centre and the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Cooperation with Cuba was chosen as Cuba has excellent primary healthcare and has a strong focus on prevention and public health. These were considered important due to the major contribution of non-communicable diseases to morbidity and mortality in the Netherlands. Exchanges have occurred with Dutch health professionals and students visiting Cuban healthcare institutions and Cuban postgraduate students studying in the Netherlands. There has been an increased awareness of the importance of public health and prevention in Dutch professional organizations following the exchange. The exchange has also helped to break the scientific and economic US blockade of Cuba and resulted in joint publications. In this review we described the process, key aspects, results and lessons learned in this process. Collaboration between Cuba (a middle income) and the Netherlands (a high-income country) is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Jonas
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Garbey Savigne
- International Relations Office, University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Mark Koster
- Department of Primary Care, Vrije Universiteit-Amsterdam Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Imti Choonara
- Department of Child Health, Derby Medical School, University of Nottingham, Derby DE22 3DT, UK
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Beltrán LF, Davis DA, Barrington C, Castro M, Pérez D. 'I did not get this disease on the street; it was brought home as a gift': Gender, violence and HIV vulnerability among Cuban women. Cult Health Sex 2022; 24:1107-1121. [PMID: 34254895 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1925744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are most affected by HIV in Cuba, infections among women have increased over time, but there has been little research to contextualise their vulnerability to HIV. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of gender and violence in shaping vulnerability to HIV among Cuban women. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with women living with HIV at an outpatient HIV clinic in Havana. Narrative and thematic technique were used to systematically analyse the data. Participants described negotiating sexual relationships in a context where traditional gender norms merge with the paradox of increasing professional opportunities for women alongside growing economic precarity. Interconnected economic and emotional dependence along with violence influenced the acceptance of certain behaviours that heightened vulnerability to HIV, including inconsistent condom use and infidelity. Gender transformative approaches that recognise the complex interplay between gender norms, economic precarity and violence are needed to address women's vulnerability to HIV in the Cuban context. Such efforts can reinforce existing strategies to promote behaviourally focused prevention while creating an enabling environment for the integration and expansion of biomedical innovation in HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisandra Fuentes Beltrán
- Department of Epidemiology, Centre of Research, Diagnosis and Reference, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Dirk A Davis
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Clare Barrington
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marta Castro
- Teaching Department, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Dennis Pérez
- Department of Epidemiology, Centre of Research, Diagnosis and Reference, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana, Cuba
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Yu H, Hernández González A, Estévez Torres G, González Molina MK, Hart Casares M, Han X, Baldoquín Rodríguez W, Quiñones Pérez D. A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors, Mortality, and Treatment Outcomes for Infections with Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales in a Tertiary Hospital in Havana, Cuba. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11. [PMID: 35884196 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in hospitals constitutes an important epidemiological and therapeutic problem that especially affects vulnerable patients such as perioperative patients. (2) Methods: We conducted a descriptive, observational, retrospective case-control study of patients infected with carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CP-CRE) and carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales during the perioperative period in a tertiary hospital. (3) Results: Metallo-β-lactamase was detected in all 124 CRE isolates, with NDM-type carbapenemase being dominant, while 3 isolates coproduced KPC-type enzyme and showed high resistance rates against all antibiotics except colistin (25.2%). By analyzing the risk factors for infection, steroid use (OR: 3.22, p < 0.01), prior use of two or more antibiotics (OR: 4.04, p = 0.01), prior use of broad-spectrum cephalosporins (OR: 2.40, p = 0.04), and prior use of carbapenem (OR: 4.77, p = 0.03) were found to be independent risk factors for CP-CRE infection. In addition, in this study, we observed that the clinical outcomes of bloodstream infections and pneumonia associated with CP-CRE posed higher mortality risks. However, by analyzing the associations between treatment options and mortality, it was found that, in bloodstream infections caused by CP-CRE, colistin-based regimens showed a significant advantage (PR = 0.40, p = 0.03). (4) Conclusions: High mortality is associated with nosocomial infections in the perioperative period caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, the dissemination of which in health care settings in Cuba remains a public health challenge.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The current practice of child neurology in Latin America has been impacted by the waves of sociopolitical unrest that in the last decades have swept the region. METHODS We searched the available literature referring to the situation of child neurology in Latin America and conditions that specifically impact the region. RESULTS In lower-middle-income countries, the number of child neurologists is inadequate. Child neurologists working in large public hospitals can only afford to do so on a part-time basis as these institutions are chronically underfunded. Several circumstances are particularly relevant to Latin America: Spanish is the main language spoken, something that limits the opportunity to keep local child neurologists up to date. The structure of health care systems in Latin America varies significantly. Some countries have fragmented systems with inadequate capacity to offer equitable access to medical care. Latin America has been impacted by epidemics of arthropod-borne viruses: zika, chikungunya, and dengue. It stands to reason that the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the distribution of resources for chronic neurological conditions. CONCLUSIONS The virtual platforms such as Zoom, expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, are useful not only to improve access to care through telemedicine but also for educational purposes. Collaborative efforts to support educational courses and symposia in Spanish are ongoing. It is necessary to set short- and long-term priorities to improve child neurology care in the region. Immediate priorities should focus on improving the diagnosis of neurological conditions, making emphasis on locally available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Vidaurre
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital - The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Pedro Weisleder
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital - The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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30
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Labrada-Aguilera PE, Guach-Hevia DA, Almira-Gómez CR, González-Lago DA. Type 1 neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2022; 16:217. [PMID: 35655240 PMCID: PMC9164527 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 1 neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation is a rare neurological disorder with estimated prevalence of one to two per million persons worldwide, characterized by progressive degeneration of basal ganglia, globus pallidus, and reticular part of substantia nigra, produced by brain iron accumulation due to a defect in the gene producing pantothenate kinase 2. Clinical presentations include dystonia, dysarthria, dysphagia, dementia, severe mental retardation, and severe movement disability at later stages. The characteristic pattern on brain magnetic resonance imaging shows the "eye of the tiger" sign. Treatment in late stages is mainly symptomatic. We report the case of a Cuban boy with high-severity brain iron accumulation, with positive clinical and imaging findings diagnosed in a late stage of the illness. This degree of severity has never been reported in Cuba and is rarely reported worldwide. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 19-year-old male white Cuban boy who presented to our department with features of spasticity, dystonia, gait difficulty, dysarthria, dysphagia, aggressiveness, and sleep disorders. He was diagnosed with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration on the basis of clinical findings and typical "eye of the tiger" pattern on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Detailed evaluation was carried out, and symptomatic treatment and physiotherapy were started with trihexyphenidyl, cabergoline, baclofen, and intramuscular botulinum neurotoxin as well as daily home sessions of passive stretching, weight bearing, and muscle massaging. At 3 months reevaluation, the patient showed a great improvement of motor function, with a decrease of dystonic symptoms, although language, cognition, and functional independence showed no improvement. The prognosis of the patient remains reserved. CONCLUSION The diagnosis can be made based on the presence of clinical and imaging features. The presence of "eye-of-the-tiger" sign on magnetic resonance imaging must be considered a nearly pathognomonic sign of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation presence. Treatment after high-severity presentation remains directed toward symptomatic findings. Both dopamine agonists and anticholinergic agents are useful to treat motor symptoms, but there is not yet an effective treatment to stop the underlying degeneration. New therapeutic approaches are needed to counteract late stages of the disease and improve prognosis.
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Sosa D, Hilber I, Buerge-Weirich D, Faure R, Escobar A, Bucheli TD. Heavy metals in soils of Mayabeque, Cuba: multifaceted and hardly discernable contributions from pedogenic and anthropogenic sources. Environ Monit Assess 2022; 194:441. [PMID: 35596091 PMCID: PMC9123067 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-10097-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cuba is a country with considerable potential for economic growth, and special efforts are made to increase the agricultural output. As food production depends on the quality of soils, heavy metal concentrations were measured in 39 soils in the province of Mayabeque, Cuba, and interpreted in light of anthropogenic activities and pedogenic conditions (soil type and properties). With median concentrations of 1.8 Cd, 60.3 Cr, 48.1 Cu, 36.2 Ni, 16.7 Pb, 55.0 Zn, and 0.1 mg/kg Hg, soils of Mayabeque were mostly below Cuban quality reference values (QRV) representing benchmarks of quality standards but no official threshold values. Only Cd concentrations were in many cases above the QRV of 0.6 mg/kg and some Cu concentrations above the one of 83 mg/kg. While Cd, Cr, and Ni concentrations were rather pedogenically driven, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Hg contents were rather anthropogenically influenced. When evaluated statistically, Cd and Cr showed most times a significant influence of both sources. In contrast, Ni and Zn could not be significantly related with the origins investigated in this study. Hence, the allocation of heavy metal concentrations to pedogenic or anthropogenic contamination or pollution sources is tentative and needs further investigations. Nevertheless, the present data adds information on soil heavy metal concentrations in the Caribbean region, serves as reference before further industrial development, and sets the ground for adaptation of the QRV for Cd and possibly future national environmental standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayana Sosa
- Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CENSA), Apartado 10, CP32700, San José de Las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Isabel Hilber
- Environmental Analytics, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, CH-8046, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Diane Buerge-Weirich
- Environmental Analytics, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, CH-8046, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Roberto Faure
- Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CENSA), Apartado 10, CP32700, San José de Las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba
| | - Arturo Escobar
- Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CENSA), Apartado 10, CP32700, San José de Las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba.
| | - Thomas D Bucheli
- Environmental Analytics, Agroscope, Reckenholzstrasse 191, CH-8046, Zurich, Switzerland
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Morera-Gómez Y, Alonso-Hernández CM, Cartas-Águila HA. 10-Years assessment of 7Be and 210Pb in atmospheric bulk depositions in Cienfuegos ( Cuba). J Environ Radioact 2022; 246:106831. [PMID: 35144201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
10-years records of monthly bulk atmospheric fluxes of 7Be and 210Pb (wet + dry, n = 119 samples) at a coastal station in Cienfuegos (Cuba) between 2010 and 2019 were reported and assessed in function of their temporal variability and meteorological influence. Fluxes of 7Be and 210Pb ranged from 120 to 15617 and from 29 to 911 mBq m-2 day-1, respectively. Both radionuclides exhibited a similar seasonal trend with highest values during wet months and minimum values during dry months. The removal of 7Be and 210Pb from the atmosphere was mainly controlled by wet depositions, while dry deposition was estimated to be more important for 210Pb (29% of the total bulk deposition) than for 7Be (12%). The 210Pb/7Be ratios (average of 0.10) showed low variability during wet months with abrupt peaks in the driest months with low temperatures and the highest wind speed and pressure, which was mainly attributed to contributions from soil resuspension. The calculated total deposition velocity of aerosols derived from 7Be (average of 0.48 cm s-1) and 210Pb (average of 0.47 cm s-1) was in agreement with values reported in the literature. Multiple linear regression models for the monthly fluxes of 7Be and 210Pb based on precipitation, temperature and pressure and explaining about 60% of their variances were derived, highlighting the preponderant role of the local and regional conditions on the variability of these radionuclides. The annual fluxes of 7Be (209-1901 Bq m-2 y-1) and 210Pb (35-123 Bq m-2 y-1) were in the range of variations observed in other coastal stations worldwide, showing fluctuations affected by changes in the amount of precipitation during the wet periods. 7Be annual variability also evidenced a significant modulation with the solar activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Morera-Gómez
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, AP 5. Ciudad Nuclear, CP 59350, Cienfuegos, Cuba.
| | - Carlos Manuel Alonso-Hernández
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, AP 5. Ciudad Nuclear, CP 59350, Cienfuegos, Cuba; International Atomic Energy Agency, Environment Laboratories, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco
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Oliva-Hernández R, Fariñas-Medina M, Hernández-Salazar T, Oyarzabal-Vera A, Infante-Bourzac JF, Rodríguez-Salgueiro S, Rodríguez-Noda LM, Arranguren-Masorra Y, Climent-Ruíz Y, Fernández-Castillo S, G-Rivera D, Santana-Mederos D, Sánchez-Ramírez B, García-Rivera D, Valdés-Barbín Y, Vérez-Bencomo V. Repeat-dose and local tolerance toxicity of SARS-CoV-2 FINLAY-FR-02 vaccine candidate in Sprague Dawley rats. Toxicology 2022; 471:153161. [PMID: 35364223 PMCID: PMC8961942 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates safety of FINLAY-FR-02, a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 based on the recombinant receptor binding domain conjugated to tetanus toxoid, in a preclinical, repeat-dose toxicity and local tolerance study. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to three experimental groups: control (receiving physiological saline solution); placebo (receiving all vaccine components except antigens) and vaccine group (receiving three doses of the vaccine candidate, 37.5 µg of RBD) administered intramuscularly in hind limbs at 24 h intervals during three days. We evaluated physiological condition, pain, food and water consumption, body temperature, dermal irritability, injection site temperature and inflammation, immunological response, blood chemistry, relative organ weight, histopathology and immunotoxicology. The product was well tolerated; no clinically relevant changes, pain, local effects or adverse systemic toxicological changes or deaths were observed. These preliminary results permitted the Cuban regulatory authorities to authorize clinical trials in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel G-Rivera
- Laboratory of Synthetic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata & G, Havana 10400, Cuba.
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Graber N. Vaccinal chronicity: immunotherapy, primary care, and the temporal remaking of lung cancer's patienthood in Cuba. Anthropol Med 2022; 29:45-60. [PMID: 35306938 DOI: 10.1080/13648470.2022.2041549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The Cuban biotechnology industry is producing cancer immunotherapy, in particular, therapeutic vaccines that actively stimulate the immune system to stabilise the tumour. These products aim to transform metastatic malignancies into a chronic disease. Since 2010, this therapeutic concept has been integrated within a public health experiment, consisting of the large distribution of immunotherapies, including in primary healthcare centres, to enhance access and assess its effectiveness on a wider population of patients. Such experimental intervention, consisting of post-marketing clinical trials, has focused only on lung cancer, one of the most widespread and lethal cancers on the island. Combining interviews with ethnographic observations focusing on care performed by professionals, patients, and their relatives, this paper analyses the experience of lung cancer chronicity under this type of immunotherapy in Cuba. It shows how a certain form of continuity is made between prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination to shape a new temporality of cancer care, through the integration within primary care, constant access to biotechnology, and multiple care practices directed to strengthen the immunotherapy's efficacy. If vaccinal chronicity remains fragile due to its experimental dimension and the fact that long-term survivorship is still an exceptional phenomenon, lung cancer patienthood is deeply transformed through a shared effort of the people and the state to provide more stable, meaningful, and inclusive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Graber
- STS Lab, University of Lausanne Institute of Social Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.,CERMES3, Villejuif, -France
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Peralta EM, Rosales YZ, Mesa TC, González ENS, Pérez YH, de los Ángeles González Torres M, Balbuena HR, Teruel BM. TaqI polymorphism of the VDR gene: aspects related to the clinical behavior of COVID-19 in Cuban patients. Egypt J Med Hum Genet 2021; 22:83. [PMID: 38624931 PMCID: PMC8629595 DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the relationship between the genotypes of the TaqI polymorphism of VDR gene and the clinical forms of COVID-19 in Cuban patients. Methods TaqI polymorphism was determined by the PCR in 104 Cuban patients, who suffered different clinical forms of COVID-19. Results There was a greater possibility of presenting symptomatic forms [OR = 2.081, 95% CI: 0.243-17.842], even severe [OR = 1.200, 95% CI: 0.217-6.638], related to the tt genotype. Conclusion There are signs of association between the risk of developing COVID-19 and the genotypes of the TaqI polymorphism of the VDR gene in the studied Cuban patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Morales Peralta
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas 10 de Octubre, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, 10 de Octubre CP 10500, Havana, Cuba
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Motala M, Van Wyk JM. Professional experiences in the transition of Cuban-trained South African medical graduates. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2021; 63:e1-e8. [PMID: 34879689 PMCID: PMC8661298 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v63i1.5390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical educators have been tasked to provide Cuban-trained Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) with adequate learning exposures to become integrated into the South African healthcare workforce. International research suggests that FMGs face multiple challenges during the transition from practising medicine in countries other than where they had been trained. The transitional experiences of international FMGs are well documented, but little is known about the challenges faced by Cuban-trained graduates upon reintegration into South Africa. An improved understanding of the challenges will provide insight into how medical educators can best support Cuban trained graduates in their final phase of training in the South African context.This study explored the challenges experienced during the professional transition of Cuban-trained FMGs with reference to Schlossberg's transitional theory. METHODS A qualitative case study was used to interview a purposive sample of 20 Cuban-trained FMGs who studied between January 1997 and December 2007. Data were collected through audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews, which were analysed thematically. RESULTS The findings indicate that FMGs' experienced educational and social stress, which was linked to the transitional situation itself. Challenges during reintegration included bias and discrimination, language, educational differences, and becoming familiar with patients from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. They drew on peer and institutional support that was mainly informal and varied across disciplines and the medical schools. CONCLUSION Recommendations include a national multidisciplinary consolidated approach to provide personal and professional support at national, institutional, and departmental levels. The creation of mentoring networks will optimise Cuban-trained FMGs' transitional experiences for returning students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munirah Motala
- Department of Clinical and Professional Practice, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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Monzote L, García J, González R, Scotti MT, Setzer WN. Bioactive Essential Oils from Cuban Plants: An Inspiration to Drug Development. Plants (Basel) 2021; 10:plants10112515. [PMID: 34834878 PMCID: PMC8620706 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Aromatic plants and essential oils are important agents as complementary and alternative medicines in many cultures and geographical locations. In this review, a literature search on essential oils from Cuba, their chemical compositions, and their pharmacological properties was carried out. Out of 171 published scientific articles on essential oils of Cuban plants, a total of 31 documents, focused on both chemical composition and pharmacological properties, were considered for this review. In general, an increase in articles published in the last decade was noted, particularly in recognized international journals in English. Myrtaceae and Piperaceae were the most representative families collected in the occidental area of the country. Leaves and aerial parts were predominantly used, while a wide and variable number of components were identified, including terpenes, aliphatic derivatives, sulfur-containing compounds, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and amine-type compounds. Finally, different biological activities were reported such as antiprotozoal, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, larvicidal and insecticidal. In conclusion, we encourage further studies that would promote the use of essential oils from Cuban plants in new pharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianet Monzote
- Department of Parasitology, Center of Research, Diagnostic and Reference, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kouri”, Havana 11400, Cuba
- Research Network Natural Products against Neglected Diseases (ResNetNPND), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (W.N.S.)
| | - Jesús García
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Oriente, Santiago de Cuba 90500, Cuba;
| | - Rosalia González
- Toxicology and Biomedicine Centre (TOXIMED), University of Medical Science, Santiago de Cuba 90400, Cuba;
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Research Network Natural Products against Neglected Diseases (ResNetNPND), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Post-Graduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | - William N. Setzer
- Research Network Natural Products against Neglected Diseases (ResNetNPND), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
- Aromatic Plant Research Center, 230 N 1200 E, Suite 100, Lehi, UT 84043, USA
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (W.N.S.)
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Jerez Puebla LE, Núñez Fernández FA, Fraga Nodarse J, Cordovi Prado R, Atencio Millán I, Cruz Rodríguez I, Fimia Duarte R, Sánchez Romero MDC, Ortega Medina SDLC, Del Risco U, Pérez Santos L, Robertson LJ. A retrospective study of Taenia spp. in Cuban patients: what does molecular analysis tell us? Food Waterborne Parasitol 2021; 25:e00136. [PMID: 34765755 PMCID: PMC8569478 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2021.e00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Taeniosis is a neglected disease, particularly in developing countries, and is caused by infection with the adult tapeworm of either Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica. Of these, T. solium is of primary concern due to the potential for cysticercosis should T. solium eggs be ingested. In Cuba, all cases of taeniosis are assumed to be caused by T. saginata, although some cases of cysticercosis have been documented. It is therefore important to gain further insights regarding the species causing taeniosis in Cuba, especially as diagnostic records indicate an increasing incidence, with the highest number of cases reported in 2020. In this study, we analysed 37 Taenia-positive faecal samples (or proglottids isolated from faecal samples) from the period 2001 until 2020 from all regions of the country. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples, which had been stored in 10% formalin, using the QIAamp Tissue Kit. Species identification was carried out by duplex real-time PCR targeting the mitochondrial DNA. All cases were found to be T. saginata, and sequence analysis of three isolates confirmed the identification of this species. Our data do not provide any evidence that T. solium currently occurs in Cuba. However, given the relatively low number of samples analysed here, that the parasite may be imported with visitors or travellers who have been in endemic countries, and that taeniosis has relatively mild symptoms and thus infected patients may not seek medical attention, we recommend species determination for all taeniosis cases reported in Cuba. The incidence of taeniosis cases in Cuba is rising, with 2020 being a peak year Although assumed to be Taenia saginata, this has not been confirmed We investigated 37 samples from 2001 until 2020 that had been stored in formalin Duplex real-time PCR indicated T. saginata; 3 cases were confirmed by sequencing
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Enrique Jerez Puebla
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Fidel A Núñez Fernández
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba.,Latin-American School of Medical Science, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Jorge Fraga Nodarse
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Raul Cordovi Prado
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Iraís Atencio Millán
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Iredys Cruz Rodríguez
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Rigoberto Fimia Duarte
- Faculty of Health Technology and Nursing, University of Medical Sciences of Villa Clara, Cuba
| | | | | | - Ubaldo Del Risco
- Hygiene Provincial Centre of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Camagüey Province, Cuba
| | - Lissette Pérez Santos
- Department of Virology, Tropical Medicine Institute "Pedro Kourí", Autopista Novia del Mediodía Km 6½ e/Autopista Nacional y Carretera Central, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Corrales-Reyes IE, Hernández-García F, Vitón-Castillo AA, Mejia CR. Visibility, collaboration and impact of the Cuban scientific output on COVID-19 in Scopus. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08258. [PMID: 34805561 PMCID: PMC8586785 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 is a disease with worldwide impact that has fully caught attention of researchers. The Cuban scientific output, after one year of confronting this pandemic, has not been studied from a bibliometric perspective. OBJECTIVE To characterize the output of original scientific articles and review articles on COVID-19 published by Cuban authors in the journals included in the Scopus bibliographic database, the collaborations in these publications and their impact, according to the citation of the research in the world literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive and observational study was performed, using a bibliometric approach. A search strategy was used to retrieve articles on the subject and bibliometric indicators of output, visibility, leadership, collaboration and impact were studied. RESULTS Cuba contributed 2.5% of the Latin American output and 0.2% of the world output. Of the national scientific output (133 articles, 111 original and 22 reviews), 84.2% were authored by a Cuban corresponding author (Cuban leadership). However, the majority (n = 20; 71.4%) of articles with international collaboration (n = 28; 21.1%) had foreign corresponding authors. Of the total, 33.8% (n = 45) corresponded to articles without collaboration. Only 13.5% of the articles (n = 18) were published in journals with high visibility (Q1). Of all the output, 68.4% (n = 91) was in Cuban journals. The output in English represented 29.3% (n = 39) and achieved greater impact than the articles in Spanish in terms of citations. As the visibility of the journals increased according to the quartiles where they are, the percentage of articles published in English and cited articles increased too, but Cuban scientific leadership decreased. CONCLUSIONS The greater the leadership in Cuban research, the lower its impact, and the lower the indexes of international collaboration. Cuban researchers are not yet able to systematically generate research that has a significant impact on the international scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes General University Hospital, Medical University of Granma. Granma, Cuba
| | - Frank Hernández-García
- Provincial Center for Diabetic Care and Education, Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial General University Hospital, Dr. José Assef Yara Faculty of Medical Science, Medical University of Ciego de Ávila. Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
| | | | - Christian R. Mejia
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Norbert Wiener University, Lima, Peru
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Borràs N, Castillo-González D, Comes N, Martin-Fernandez L, Rivero-Jiménez RA, Chang-Monteagudo A, Ruiz-Moleón V, Garrote-Santana H, Vidal F, Macías-Abraham C. Molecular study of a large cohort of 109 haemophilia patients from Cuba using a gene panel with next generation sequencing-based technology. Haemophilia 2021; 28:125-137. [PMID: 34708896 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In several countries, molecular diagnosis of haemophilia A (HA) and B (HB) is hampered by a lack of resources for DNA analysis. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled gene analysis at a reasonable cost. AIM Describe a collaboration between Cuban and Spanish researchers to identify candidate variants and investigate the molecular epidemiology of 106 Cuban haemophilia patients using NGS. PATIENTS/METHODS The molecular analysis protocol included well-established LR-PCR procedures to detect F8 inversions, NGS with a 30-gene panel to sequence F8 and F9, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to identify large structural variants. RESULTS One-hundred and thirty-one candidate variants were identified along F8, F9, and VWF; 72 were unique and 28 (39%) had not been previously recorded. Putative variants were identified in 105/106 patients. Molecular characterization enabled confirmation and reclassification of: 90 HA (85%), 15 HB (14%), and one type 2N VWD (1%). Null variants leading to non-production of FVIII or FIX were common in severe HA (64%), moderate HA (74%), and severe HB (60%), whereas missense variants were frequent in mild HA (57%) and moderate or mild HB (83%). Additional variants in VWF were identified in 16 patients. CONCLUSION This is the first description of the molecular epidemiology of HA and HB in Cuba. Variants identified in index cases will be of value for local implementation of familial studies and prenatal diagnosis using the molecular approaches available in Cuba. The results of this protocolled genetic study improved the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis and will facilitate management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Borràs
- Congenital Coagulopathies Laboratory, Blood and Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain.,Transfusion Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (VHIR-UAB), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Natalia Comes
- Congenital Coagulopathies Laboratory, Blood and Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain.,Transfusion Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (VHIR-UAB), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Martin-Fernandez
- Congenital Coagulopathies Laboratory, Blood and Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain.,Transfusion Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (VHIR-UAB), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Francisco Vidal
- Congenital Coagulopathies Laboratory, Blood and Tissue Bank, Barcelona, Spain.,Transfusion Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (VHIR-UAB), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Martínez-Montesinos Y, Kourí-Cordellá V, Pérez-Santos L, Han R, Pintos-Saavedra Y, Alemán-Campos Y, Soto-Brito Y, Baños-Morales Y, Caturla-Fernández Y. Subtype-Dependent Co-receptor Tropism in Cuban HIV-1-Infected Patients: Implications for Maraviroc Treatment. MEDICC Rev 2021; 23:29-36. [PMID: 34516534 DOI: 10.37757/mr2021.v23.n3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unlike most high-income countries where subtype B viruses predominate, the Cuban HIV-1 epidemic is characterized by a great diversity of subtypes and circulating recombinant forms. Some studies have shown that HIV variants exhibiting a preference for the CXCR4 co-receptor (X4-tropic) could have impacts on disease pathogenesis, with clinical implications for antiviral treatment plans. Determination of HIV co-receptor tropism is crucial for clinicians in deciding whether maraviroc is an appropriate antiviral. OBJECTIVE Characterize V3 sequence variability and its relation to viral tropism across different subtypes circulating in Cuba and explore how this may affect treatment success with maraviroc. METHODS We designed a cross-sectional study that included 72 plasma samples obtained at the Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute in Havana, Cuba. We sequenced the C2V3 env region and assessed subtype based both on env and pol sequences; tropism was predicted by Geno2pheno analysis. Additionally, 35 V3-loop Cuban sequences, obtained from a previous study, were incorporated into the analysis. Statistical associations among virological, clinical and epidemiological variables were assessed by a chi-square test. RESULTS Tropism prediction for 72 variants revealed that CRF19_cpx was associated with dual-tropic R5X4 viruses (p = 0.034). Moreover, when 35 sequences from a former study were added, the association was significant not only for R5X4 (p = 0.019) but also for X4-tropic variants (p = 0.044). Alignment of 107 V3-loop sequences showed wide diversity among the different HIV-1 subtypes circulating in Cuba. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with G2P, CRF19_cpx is a genetic variant with a high proportion of X4 and R5X4-tropic viruses. The results from the present study suggest that the Cuban recombinant could be a more pathogenic variant and that maraviroc may not be suitable for patients infected with CRF19_cpx.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lissette Pérez-Santos
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Laboratory, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rui Han
- Beijing Tianrun Fortune Center (TFC), China
| | | | - Yoan Alemán-Campos
- Virology Department, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Yudira Soto-Brito
- Virology Department, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
| | - Yoanna Baños-Morales
- Virology Department, Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute (IPK), Havana, Cuba
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Cáceres-Lavernia HH, Nenínger-Vinageras E, Varona-Rodríguez LM, Olivares-Romero YA, Sánchez-Rojas I, Mazorra-Herrera Z, Basanta-Bergolla D, Duvergel-Calderín D, Torres-Cuevas BL, Castillo-Carrillo C. Racotumomab in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer as Maintenance and Second-Line Treatment. MEDICC Rev 2021; 23:21-28. [PMID: 34516533 DOI: 10.37757/mr2021.v23.n3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Racotumomab is a therapeutic vaccine based on a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody developed by the Molecular Immunology Center in Havana, Cuba, that is registered in Cuba and Argentina for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It induces a specific humoral and cellular immune response against the N-glycolyl GM3 (NeuGcGM3) ganglioside present in tumor cells, thereby provoking the death of these cells. OBJECTIVE Evaluate racotumomab vaccine use as switch maintenance and second-line therapy for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer in routine clinical practice, outside the framework of clinical studies, and assess the overall survival, stage-specific survival and safety in these patients. METHODS A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer not suitable for surgical treatment, who received racotumomab as a part of switch maintenance or second-line treatments. Overall survival was defined from diagnosis and from the first immunization, until death. RESULTS We included 71 patients treated with racotumomab, 57.7% (41/71) of whom were in stages IIIB and IV of non-small cell lung cancer. Of the patients, 84.5% (60/71) had no adverse events, and 15.5% (11/71) had mild adverse reactions. The median overall survival was 24.5 months, calculated from the first immunization, 17.2 months for those who received racotumomab as switch maintenance and 6.8 months for patients who had progressed after the first line of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Racotumomab in routine clinical practice prolonged overall survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated in switch maintenance, and in stage IV patients who received the treatment as second-line therapy. The vaccine was well tolerated.
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Agüero-Martínez MO, Tapia-Figueroa VM, Hidalgo-Costa T. Improved Recovery Protocols in Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational and Quasi-Experimental Studies. MEDICC Rev 2021; 23:46-53. [PMID: 34516536 DOI: 10.37757/mr2021.v23.n3.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Improved recovery protocols were implemented in surgical specialties over the last decade, which decreased anesthetic and surgical stress and the incidence of perioperative complications. However, these recovery protocols were introduced more slowly for cardiac surgeries. The most frequent complications in cardiac surgery are related to patient clinical status and the characteristics of the surgical procedures involved, which are becoming more varied and complex every day. The first version of the enhanced recovery program for cardiac surgery was published in 2019, but its recommendations were based on only a few studies, and scant research has evaluated its implementation. Randomized and controlled clinical trials for these protocols are scarce, so research that summarizes the results of studies with other methodological designs are useful in demonstrating their benefits in cardiovascular surgery services in Cuba and in other limited-resource settings. OBJECTIVE Estimate the effectiveness of improved recovery protocols in the perioperative evolution of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the guidelines of manual 5.1.0 for reviews of the Cochrane library. We included observational and quasi-experimental studies published from January 2015 through May 2020 that compared enhanced recovery protocols with conventional treatments in patients older than 18 years, and used a quality score to evaluate them. We used the following sources: the Cochrane Library, PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, EBSCO, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Clinical Key, ResearchGate and HINARI. The following keywords were used for the database searches in English: ERAS, protocols and cardiac surgery, enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery, ERACS, clinical pathway recovery and cardiac surgery, perioperative care and cardiac surgery. We used the following search terms for databases in Spanish: protocolos de recuperación precoz and cirugía cardiaca, protocolos de recuperación mejorada and cirugía cardiaca, cuidados perioperatorios and cirugía cardiaca, programas de recuperación precoz and cirugía cardiovascular. Methodological quality of included investigations was evaluated using the surgical research methodology scale. Meta-analyses were performed for perioperative complications, intensive care unit and hospital stays, and hospital readmission within 30 days of surgery. We calculated effect sizes of the interventions and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. We used mean differences and confidence intervals for continuous variables, and for qualitative variables we calculated relative risk (RR). Random effects analysis was used. Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the Q statistic and the I2 statistic. RESULTS We selected 15 studies (a total of 5059 patients: study group, n = 1706; control group, n = 3353). The average quality score for the 15 articles included was 18.9 (out of a maximum of 36 according to the scale) and 66.6% had a score =18. With improved recovery protocols in cardiac surgery, the incidence of perioperative complications decreased (RR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.52-0.98) as did hospital readmission within 30 days after surgery (RR = 0.51; 95% CI 95% CI: 0.31-0.86). Differences in extubation time, hospital stay and length of stay in intensive care units were less marked, but always favored the group in which the enhanced protocols were implemented. CONCLUSIONS Improved recovery protocols in cardiac surgery increase quality of care evidenced by reductions in perioperative complications and decreased incidence of hospital readmission in the month following surgery.
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Pita-Rodríguez GM, Chávez-Chong C, Lambert-Lamazares B, Montero-Díaz M, Selgas-Lizano R, Basabe-Tuero B, Alfonso-Sagué K, Díaz-Sánchez ME. Influence of Inflammation on Assessing Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Cuban Preschool Children. MEDICC Rev 2021; 23:37-45. [PMID: 34516535 DOI: 10.37757/mr2021.v23.n3.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anemia is a public health problem worldwide and is most prevalent in preschool children, for whom it is the most frequent cause of nutritional deficits. In turn, iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia, affecting 43% of children globally. Previous studies in Cuba show rates of iron deficiency in preschool children between 38.6% and 57.6%, higher in infants (71.2% to 81.1%). WHO recommends using serum ferritin as an indicator of iron deficiency accompanied by acute (C-reactive protein) and chronic (a1-acid glycoprotein) inflammation biomarkers. OBJECTIVE Assess how inflammation affects measuring and reporting of iron-deficiency anemia rates in Cuban preschool children. METHODS Data were obtained from serum samples contained in the National Anemia and Iron Deficiency Survey, and included presumably healthy preschool Cuban children (aged 6-59 months). Serum samples were collected from 1375 children from randomly selected provinces in 4 regions of the country from 2014 through 2018. We examined the association between ferritin and two inflammatory biomarkers: C-reactive protein and a1-acid glycoprotein. Individual inflammation-adjusted ferritin concentrations were calculated using four approaches: 1) a higher ferritin cut-off point (⟨30 g/L); 2) exclusion of subjects showing inflammation (C-reactive protein ⟩5 mg/L or a1-acid glycoprotein ⟩1 g/L); 3) mathematical correction factor based on C-reactive protein or a1-acid glycoprotein; and 4) correction by regression with the method proposed by the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia Group. We estimated confidence intervals of differences between unadjusted prevalence and prevalence adjusted for inflammation by each method. RESULTS The proportion of children with inflammation according to C-reactive protein concentrations >5 mg/L was lower (11.1%, 153/1375) than the proportion measured according to the concentrations of a1-acid glycoprotein, at >1 g/L (30.8%, 424/1375). The percentage of children with high concentrations of at least one of the aforementioned biomarkers was 32.7% (450/1375). Thus, each correction method increased the observed prevalence of iron deficiency compared to unadjusted estimates (23%, 316/1375). This increase was more pronounced when using the internal regression correction method (based only on C-reactive protein) or the method based on a higher cut-off point. Adjustment using all four methods changed estimated iron deficiency prevalence, increasing it from 0.1% to 8.8%, compared to unadjusted values. CONCLUSIONS One-third of preschool children had biomarkers indicating elevated inflammation levels. Without adjusting for inflammation, iron deficiency prevalence was underestimated. The significant disparity between unadjusted and inflammation-adjusted ferritin when using some approaches highlights the importance of selecting the right approach for accurate, corrected measurement. The internal regression correction approach is appropriate for epidemiological studies because it takes into account inflammation severity. However, other models should be explored that account for inflammation and also provide better adjusted ferritin concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Alfonso-Sagué
- National Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology Institute (INHEM), Havana, Cuba
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Silva-Ayçaguer LC, Ponzo-Gómez J. A Year in the COVID-19 Epidemic: Cuba and Uruguay in the Latin American Context. MEDICC Rev 2021; 23:65-73. [PMID: 34516540 DOI: 10.37757/mr2021.v23.n3.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One year after WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, we found it useful to carry out a diagnosis of the situation in Latin America. OBJECTIVE Examine the prevailing epidemiological panorama in mid-March 2021 in 16 countries in Latin America and the performance, over time, in the two countries with the best responses to their respective epidemics. METHODS Using morbidity and mortality data, we compared the relative performance of each country under review and identified the two countries with the most successful responses to the pandemic. We used five indicators to analyze the course of each country's performance during the pandemic throughout 2020: prevalence of active cases per million population; cumulative incidence rate in 7 days per 100,000 population; positivity rate over a 7-day period; percentage of recovered patients and crude mortality rate per 1,000,000 population. RESULTS According to the performance indicators, Cuba was ranked highest, followed by Uruguay. Although figures remained within acceptable margins, both nations experienced notable setbacks in the first weeks of 2021, especially sharp in Uruguay. CONCLUSIONS Any characterization of the situation is condemned to be short-lived due to the emergence of mutational variants; however, this analysis identified favorable sociodemographic characteristics in both nations, and in their health systems, which may offer possible explanations for the results we obtained.
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Abstract
One of the most dreadful complications that can occur during the course of COVID-19 is the cytokine storm-also known as cytokine release syndrome-a form of systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cytokine storm is an activation cascade of auto-amplifying cytokines, which leads to excessive activation of immune cells and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It occurs when large numbers of white blood cells are activated and release inflammatory cytokines, in turn activating even more white blood cells, finally resulting in an exaggerated pro-inflammatory-mediated response and ineffective anti-inflammatory control, leading to tissue damage, multiorgan failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. Although cytokine storm pathogenesis is multifactorial, we hypothesize there is a close association between hypoxemia and cytokine storms in COVID-19, although it is difficult to establish the direction of this relationship. Most probably they coexist and, given enough time, one triggers the other in a chain reaction. Careful analysis of the day-to-day clinical evolution of COVID-19 indicates that there are short and slight periods of hypoxemia (confirmed by pulse oximetry and arterial gasometry), even on the day of the onset of persistent cough and/or shortness of breath. We propose the use of continuous positive airway pressure in early stages of COVID-19, at the onset of respiratory symptoms. This non-invasive ventilation method may be useful in individualized treatments to prevent early hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients and thus avoid triggering a cytokine storm. We believe such an approach is relevant everywhere, and in Cuba in particular, since the country has initiated national production of mechanical ventilation systems, including non-invasive ventilators. Moreover, as Cuba's COVID-19 protocols ensure early patient admission to isolation centers or hospitals, clinicians can prescribe the early use of continuous positive airway pressure as soon as respiratory symptoms begin, averting early hypoxemia and its triggering effect on cytokine storm development, and consequently, avoiding acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death.
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Encinosa Guzmán PE, Fernández Cuétara C, Cano Argüelles AL, Fuentes Castillo A, García Martínez Y, Rodríguez Fernández R, Fernández Afonso Y, Bello Soto Y, González Alfaro Y, Méndez L, Díaz García A, Estrada MP, Rodríguez-Mallon A. Characterization of two Cuban colonies of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 25:100591. [PMID: 34474784 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) is one of the species with medical and economic relevance that has been reported in the list of Cuban tick species. Some morphological characterizations about the R. microplus species in Cuba have been published; however, molecular studies are lacking. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have grouped R. annulatus, R. australis and three clades of R. microplus in a complex named R. microplus. The present study aimed to characterize two R. microplus tick isolates, established as colonies at the Cuban National Laboratory of Parasitology. Morphological characterization of adult specimens was carried out by using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The sequences of mitochondrial genes: 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and the subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase (coxI) and one nuclear sequence: internal transcribed spacer 2 (its2) were used for phylogenetic analyses. The life cycle under laboratory conditions for both isolates was also characterized. Tick specimens of both colonies showed morphological characteristics comparable with those distinctive for the R. microplus species. Phylogenies based on mitochondrial gene sequences identified congruently the Cuban tick colonies within the clade A of R. microplus. The life cycle of both isolates under laboratory conditions lasted 65 ± 5 days and the reproductive performance of female ticks of each colony also were similar with approximately 2500 larvae obtained from fully engorged female ticks. This study constitutes the first molecular characterization of ticks from the R. microplus species in Cuba.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro E Encinosa Guzmán
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Claudia Fernández Cuétara
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Ana Laura Cano Argüelles
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Alier Fuentes Castillo
- National Laboratory of Parasitology, Avenue San Antonio-Rincón, Km 1 1/2, Artemisa CP32500, Cuba
| | - Yuselys García Martínez
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | | | - Yilian Fernández Afonso
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Cuba, Km 1 1/2 Carretera de San Antonio, Valle Grande, La Lisa, Habana CP17100, Cuba
| | - Yami Bello Soto
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Yorexis González Alfaro
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Cuba, Km 1 1/2 Carretera de San Antonio, Valle Grande, La Lisa, Habana CP17100, Cuba
| | - Luis Méndez
- National Laboratory of Parasitology, Avenue San Antonio-Rincón, Km 1 1/2, Artemisa CP32500, Cuba
| | - Angelina Díaz García
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Cuba, Km 1 1/2 Carretera de San Antonio, Valle Grande, La Lisa, Habana CP17100, Cuba
| | - Mario Pablo Estrada
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Alina Rodríguez-Mallon
- Animal Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 31st Avenue and 190, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba.
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Corrales-Reyes IE, Hernández-García F, Pérez AP, Quintana PG, Pérez García ER, Lazo Herrera LA, White M. COVID-19 contagion concern scale (PRE-COVID-19): Validation in Cuban patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102245. [PMID: 34416467 PMCID: PMC8363424 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS It is important to have valid and reliable measures to determine the psychological impact of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes; however, few instruments have been developed and validated for this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the Scale of Worry for Contagion of COVID-19 (PRE-COVID-19) in a sample of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 219 patients (66.2% female, mean age 58.5 SD = 18.2) participated, selected through non-probabilistic sampling. The PRE-COVID-19 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 were applied. Reliability analysis was performed for internal consistency, structural equation modeling and item response theory modeling. RESULTS The results show that a unidimensional 5-item model presents satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices and excellent reliability values. Likewise, convergent validity between the PRE-COVID-19 and a measure of anxiety is evident. All items present adequate discrimination parameters, allowing for discerning between those patients with critical concern about COVID-19 contagion from those with severe concern. CONCLUSION It is concluded that the PRE-COVID-19 is an instrument with adequate psychometric properties to measure concern about COVID-19 infection and the emotional impact in patients with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
| | - Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Bayamo, Granma, Cuba
| | - Frank Hernández-García
- Centro Provincial de Atención y Educación al Paciente Diabético, Hospital Provincial General Docente "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. José Asse Yara", Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
| | - Antonio Pupo Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "General Calixto García", Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba
| | | | - Enrique Rolando Pérez García
- Policlínico Universitario Área Norte, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. José Assef Yara", Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
| | - Luis Alberto Lazo Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna" Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río Pinar del Río Cuba
| | - Michael White
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Perú
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Belloeil C, Jouannais P, Malfaisan C, Fernández RR, Lopez S, Gutierrez DMN, Maeder-Pras S, Villanueva P, Tisserand R, Gallopin M, Alfonso-Gonzalez D, Marrero IMF, Muller S, Invernon V, Pillon Y, Echevarria G, Iturralde RB, Merlot S. The X-ray fluorescence screening of multiple elements in herbarium specimens from the Neotropical region reveals new records of metal accumulation in plants. Metallomics 2021; 13:6329692. [PMID: 34320190 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Plants have developed a diversity of strategies to take up and store essential metals in order to colonize various types of soils including mineralized soils. Yet, our knowledge of the capacity of plant species to accumulate metals is still fragmentary across the plant kingdom. In this study, we have used the X-Ray Fluorescence technology to analyze metal concentration in a wide diversity of species of the Neotropical flora that was not extensively investigated so far. In total, we screened more than 11 000 specimens representing about 5000 species from herbaria in Paris and Cuba. Our study provides a large overview of the accumulation of metals such as manganese, zinc and nickel in the Neotropical flora. We report 30 new nickel hyperaccumulating species from Cuba, including the first records in the families Connaraceae, Melastomataceae, Polygonaceae, Santalaceae and Urticaceae. We also identified the first species from this region of the world that can be considered as manganese hyperaccumulators in the genera Lomatia (Proteaceae), Calycogonium (Melastomataceae), Ilex (Aquifoliaceae), Morella (Myricaceae) and Pimenta (Myrtaceae). Finally, we report the first zinc hyperaccumulator, Rinorea multivenosa (Violaceae), from the Amazonas region. The identification of species able to accumulate high amounts of metals will become instrumental to support the development of phytotechnologies in order to limit the impact of soil metal pollution in this region of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célestine Belloeil
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Pierre Jouannais
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Charles Malfaisan
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.,Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Rolando Reyes Fernández
- Universidad Agraria de La Habana (UNAH), Facultad de Agronomía, Laboratorio Biotecnología Vegetal, Mayabeque, Cuba, CP: 32700
| | | | - Dulce Montserrat Navarrete Gutierrez
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement (LSE), 54000 Nancy, France.,Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo, Texcoco de Mora, State of México, México
| | - Swann Maeder-Pras
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Paola Villanueva
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Romane Tisserand
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement (LSE), 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Melina Gallopin
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Ilsa M Fuentes Marrero
- Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática, Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente, La Habana, Cuba, C.P : 11900
| | - Serge Muller
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Vanessa Invernon
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Paris, France
| | - Yohan Pillon
- Laboratoire des Symbioses Tropicales et Méditerranéennes (LSTM), IRD, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Echevarria
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement (LSE), 54000 Nancy, France.,Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, SMI, University of Queensland, QLD 4072 St. Lucia, Australia
| | | | - Sylvain Merlot
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Castillo-Cuenca JC, Martínez-Moreno Á, Diaz-Cao JM, Entrena-García A, Fraga J, Arias PC, Almería S, García-Bocanegra I. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2897-903. [PMID: 34313806 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.
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