A thiourea derivative, N-[(phenylcarbonyl)carbamothioyl]benzamide, was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, spectroscopic methods (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis, Raman, matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)) and quantum-chemical calculations. The synthetic route was simple and efficient, conducted just by one-step and no purification step was needed. The compound crystallizes in a non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic crystal system with a P21 21 21 space group, with a= 5.06220(10) Å, b= 11.8623(3) Å, c= 21.9682(8) Å. The molecular conformation of the solid is stabilized by the N-H···O intramolecular hydrogen bond, which was present in the X-ray structure and was also found in the optimized geometry. The theoretical analysis showed that this strong interaction remains even when molecules are solvated, i.e., the rotation barrier and the hydrogen bond strength are greater than the solvent stabilization energy. In addition to this hydrogen bond effect, the relative position of phenyl groups has a certain influence on the chemical behavior of this thiourea and probably for other phenylthioureas.

Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la inoculación micorrízica arbuscular en la rehabilitación de un pastizal de guinea (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Likoni), se llevó a cabo un experimento sobre un suelo Ferralítico Rojo Lixiviado. Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado con seis tratamientos: control, la rehabilitación mecánica con arado y grada, sola y combinada con las aplicaciones de 25 t ha-1 de estiércol vacuno y 100 kg ha-1 de N; con la inoculación micorrízica de la especie Glomus cubense más la aplicación del 50 y el 70 % de las dosis de estiércol vacuno y N, respectivamente, y con la inoculación micorrízica más el 100 % de las dosis de ambos fertilizantes. Se evaluó el rendimiento de masa seca, altura de las plantas y el porcentaje de área cubierta por el pasto, así como las variables relacionadas con el funcionamiento micorrízico (frecuencia e intensidad de la colonización y contenido de esporas en la rizosfera) y los contenidos de proteína bruta (PB), fibra neutro detergente (FND) y digestibilidad de la materia orgánica (DMO). La inoculación con G. cubense se integró satisfactoriamente en las labores de rehabilitación. Los mayores beneficios se obtuvieron cuando se combinó con el 50 y el 70 % de la dosis del estiércol vacuno y fertilizante nitrogenado que, en ese orden, produjeron los mayores beneficios en la recuperación del pasto no inoculado. El efecto de G. cubense se mantuvo al menos hasta los 270 días después de su aplicación

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION:The availability of monoclonal antibodies in Cuba has facilitated development and application of innovative techniques (immunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy) for cancer diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: Review immunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy techniques and analyze their use in Cuba, based on the published literature. In this context, we describe the experience of Havana's Clinical Research Center with labeled monoclonal antibodies for cancer diagnosis and treatment during the period 1993-2013. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Basic concepts concerning cancer and monoclonal antibodies were reviewed, as well as relevant international and Cuban data. Forty-nine documents were reviewed, among them 2 textbooks, 34 articles by Cuban authors and 13 by international authors. All works published by the Clinical Research Center from 1993 through 2013 were included. Bibliography was obtained from the library of the Clinical Research Center and Infomed, Cuba's national health telematics network, using the following keywords: monoclonal antibodies, immunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy. RESULTS: Labeling the antibodies (ior t3, ior t1, ior cea 1, ior egf/ r3, ior c5, h-R3, 14F7 and rituximab) with radioactive isotopes was a basic line of research in Cuba and has fostered their use as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The studies conducted demonstrated the good sensitivity and diagnostic precision of immunoscintigraphy for detecting various types of tumors (head and neck, ovarian, colon, breast, lymphoma, brain). Obtaining different radioimmune conjugates with radioactive isotopes such as 99mTc and 188Re made it possible to administer radioimmunotherapy to patients with several types of cancer (brain, lymphoma, breast). The objective of 60% of the clinical trials was to determine pharmacokinetics, internal dosimetry and adverse effects of monoclonal antibodies, as well as tumor response; there were few adverse effects, no damage to vital organs, and a positive tumor response in a substantial percentage of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cuba has experience with production and radiolabeling of monoclonal antibodies, which facilitates use of these agents. Studies in Cuba conducted by the Clinical Research Center over the past 20 years have yielded satisfactory results. Evidence obtained suggests promising potential of monoclonal antibodies and nuclear medicine, with immunoscintigraphy and radioimmunotherapy techniques providing alternatives for cancer diagnosis and treatment in Cuba.

The paper is aimed at establishing the association of the dyslipidemia with the positive results of the myocardial perfusion SPECT, for the optimization of the use. 152 MPSPECT were analyzed, different day, for an average age: 58.32 years, 86 (56.6%), were males. Considerating the presence of dyslipidemia , the patients were divided into two groups: dyslipidemia n=37(24.3%) and not-dyslipidemia, n=115 (75.7%). No significant differences were present in the age average (59.59/57.90 p=0.284), in body mass index (24.85/25.03, p=0.739), nor in the frequency of mature. Therefore , only dyslipidemia contributes to therefore the additional risk. Result: 102 (67.1%) MPSPECT were positive. In the comparison among groups no significant difference in the incidence of positive results was observed (67.60/67.00, p=0.945) and the same situation remained when the groups were subdivided into symptomatic and asymptomatic: As a result of the study, it was concluded that dyslipidemia does not represent a significant risk of ischemic cardiopathy in patient within the ages of risk, therefore there is no significant association with the positive results of the SPECTPM, within patient in ages of risk.

El trabajo tuvo como objetivo conocer la asociación de la dislipidemia con los resultados positivos del SPECT de perfusión miocárdica para la optimización del uso. Se analizaron 152 SPECTPM, días diferentes; la media de edad de 58,32 años; 86 (56,6%) fueron masculinos. Se dividieron en dos grupos según la presencia de dislipidemia; dislipidémicos, n=37 (24,3%) y no dislipidémicos, n=115 (75,7%). No presentaron diferencias significativas en las medias de edad (59,59/57,90 p=0,284) e índice de masa corporal (24,85/25,03, p=0,739), ni de la frecuencia de maduro/ra; por tanto el riesgo adicional solo lo aporta la dislipidemia. Los resultados 102 (67,10%) SPECT fueron positivos; en la comparación íntergrupos no se observó diferencia significativa de resultados positivos (67,60/67,00, p=0,945), que se mantuvo cuando se subdividieron los grupos en sintomáticos y asintomáticos. Se concluyó que la dislipidemia no aporta riesgo significativo de cardiopatía isquémica en pacientes en edad de riesgo, por tanto no hay asociación significativa con resultados positivos del SPECTPM en pacientes en edad de riesgo.

INTRODUCTION Silent myocardial ischemia is frequent in type 2 diabetics, therefore, symptoms cannot be relied upon for diagnosis and followup in these patients. Various studies relate blood lipid levels to cardiovascular diseases, and several authors describe certain lipoproteins as independent predictors of ischemia. OBJECTIVE Identify blood lipid levels that predict silent myocardial ischemia in a type 2 diabetic population in Havana. METHODS From May 2005 through May 2009, assessment was done of 220 asymptomatic type 2 diabetics in ten polyclinics in Havana using laboratory tests and Single-Photon Emission-Computed Tomography, synchronized with electrocardiogram, known as gated SPECT (gSPECT). Coronary angiography was used for confirmation when gSPECT detected ischemia. Patients were classified into two groups: gSPECT positive and gSPECT negative. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were calculated for all variables and mean comparison tests were conducted. Classification trees were developed relating lipid values to gSPECT results, identifying optimal cutoff points for their use as indicators of silent myocardial ischemia in the total study population and for each sex separately. RESULTS GSPECT found silent myocardial ischemia in 29.1% of those examined, and 68.4% of angiograms found multivessel disease. gSPECT-positive diabetics had higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (p < 0.05). HDL levels were lower in this group (p < 0.05). Classification trees showed optimal cutoff points, indicators for silent ischemia, for: HDL <44 mg/dL, LDL >119.9 mg/dL, and triglycerides >107.2 mg/d; 80.4% of diabetics with these HDL and triglyceride values had ischemia. HDL was the most important normalized variable when the entire population was analyzed. Analysis by sex showed a greater percentage of silent ischemia in men (33.3%) than in women (24.8%). The most important normalized variables were LDL of >100.8 mg/dL for men and HDL of <44 mg/dL for women. CONCLUSIONS A considerable percentage of the study population had silent myocardial ischemia. Type 2 diabetics with ischemia had higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides. HDL levels were significantly lower in these patients. The association of low HDL with high triglycerides was a strong indicator of myocardial ischemia in type 2 diabetics without clinical cardiovascular signs.

35 adult patients with drepanocytic anemia were studied. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was composed of 24 patients without history of central nervous system crisis (15 males and 9 females), whereas group 2 included 11 cases with crisis history (6 males and 5 females). Average age was 31 years old for males and 29 for females. All the patients were under basal conditions. The time elapsed between the crisis and the study was 4.7 years. No significant differences were observed between the hemoglobin figures and the reticulocytes of both groups. A marked increase of the brain blood velocity was found in all the patients from group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05 y p < 0.001, respectively). In 13 patients from group 1 (54.1 %) the brain blood flow presented modifications, whereas it was altered in all patients from group 2. In 13 cases from group 1 (76.4 %) the electroencephalogram was normal, but it was altered in 87.5 % of the patients from group 2. In 4 patients from group 1 (23.5 %), the brain electrical activity showed some modification. Computerized axial tomography was normal in 19 patients from group 1. Some alteration was detected in 3 cases from group 2 (37.5 %).

Se estudiaron 35 pacientes adultos con anemia drepanocítica. Se establecieron 2 grupos: grupo 1: 24 enfermos sin antecedentes de crisis del sistema nervioso central (15 hombres; 9 mujeres) y grupo 2: 11 casos con antecedentes de crisis (6 hombres; 5 mujeres). El promedio de edad fue de 31 años en el sexo masculino y de 29 años en el femenino. Todos los enfermos estaban en condiciones basales. El tiempo transcurrido entre la crisis y el estudio fue de 4,7 años. No hubo diferencia significativa en las cifras de hemoglobina y los reticulocitos entre ambos grupos. Se encontró aumento significativo de la velocidad sanguínea cerebral en todos los pacientes del grupo 1 y del grupo 2 (p < 0,05 y p < 0,001, respectivamente). En 13 pacientes del grupo 1 (54,1 %) el flujo sanguíneo cerebral presentó modificación, mientras que en todos los pacientes del grupo 2 se encontró alterado. En 13 casos del grupo 1 (76,4 %) el electroencefalograma fue normal y en el 87,5 % de los enfermos del grupo 2 estaba alterado. En 4 pacientes del grupo 1 (23,5 %) la actividad eléctrica cerebral presentó alguna modificación. En 19 individuos del grupo 1 (95 %) la tomografía axial computarizada fue normal y en 3 casos del grupo 2 (37,5 %) se observó alguna alteración.

Hurricane Mitch affected Central America with vast flooding caused by rainfall resulting in leptospirosis outbreaks. Honduras was one of the most affected countries, where a group of researchers worked in the isolation and confirmation of this outbreak. 68 patients from different locations of Puerto Cortes Department with suspicious symptoms of Leptospirosis were studied. All of them were taken a blood samples for hemoculture and serum obtaining. Microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) was used to identify leptospira strains and to evaluate the protection conferred by vax-SPIRAL® (Cuban leptospiral vaccine) against challenge with the isolated strain and verify the prevalence of leptospira in kidneys and liver. A predominance of male patients was observed in a group between 15-49 years. Municipalities of this department with greater number of cases were San Pedro Sula, La Lima and Chamelecón. The most frequent symptoms were: fever, headache, myalgias, general discomfort among others. More than 80% of individuals manifested presence of rodents in their housing and had contact with accumulated water and domestic animals. The isolated strain of the positive hemoculture was from serogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae, very virulent in the animal model used. 100% protection of hamsters immunized with vax-SPIRAL® and challenged with the Honduras strain was evidenced while microscopic analysis of immunized animal organs which survived to the challenge at 100% revealed absence of signs characteristic of infection.

En Honduras, uno de los países de Centroamérica más afectados por el huracán Mitch, debido a las fuertes lluvias e inundaciones, se crearon las condiciones idóneas para el desarrollo de un brote de leptospirosis. Un grupo de especialistas cubanos realizamos un estudio a 68 pacientes con un cuadro clínico epidemiológico sospechoso de leptospirosis entre los pobladores del Departamento de Puerto Cortés, una las regiones más comprometidas. A todos los pacientes se les tomó una muestra de sangre para hemocultivo y obtención de suero. Se empleó la técnica de aglutinación microscópica (MAT) para la identificación de las cepas de leptospira y para evaluar la protección conferida por vax-SPIRAL® (vacuna antileptospirósica cubana) frente al reto con la cepa aislada y se verificó la prevalencia de leptospiras en los riñones e hígado. Se observó un predominio de pacientes del sexo masculino, en un grupo entre 15-49 años. Los municipios de este Departamento con un mayor número de casos fueron San Pedro Sula, La Lima y Chamelecón. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre, cefalea, mialgias, malestar general, entre otros. Más del 80% de los individuos manifestaron la presencia de roedores en sus viviendas y que tuvieron contacto con aguas estancadas y animales domésticos. La cepa aislada del hemocultivo positivo fue del serogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae, muy virulento en el modelo animal empleado. Se evidenció el 100% de protección de los hámsteres inmunizados con vax-SPIRAL® y retados con la cepa de Honduras. El análisis macroscópico de los órganos de los animales inmunizados que sobrevivieron al reto al 100%, reveló la ausencia de signos característicos de la infección.

Afin de déterminer l'efficacité de la 99mTc-cyprofloxazine cubaine dans la détection des infections bactériennes dans les prothèses de hanche, une étude expérimentale, de procédé, et analytique transversale auprès de 15 patients suspectés d'infection, envoyés au département de Médecine nucléaire du Service scientifique international d'orthopédie " Frank País " entre le 1e janvier 2003 et le 31 décembre 2004, est réalisée. Des scintigraphies osseuses à 99mTc-méthyldiphosphate et à 99mTc-cyprofloxazine à 1 h, à 4h, et à 24 h, après injection, ont été effectuées ; la culture/biopsie a été utilisée pour la confirmation. En examinant visuellement tous les patients, une sensibilité de 100%, une spécificité de 75%, une fiabilité diagnostique de 93.3%, une valeur prédictive positive de 91.6% et une valeur prédictive négative de 100%, ont été obtenues. La relation infection/santé a montré des différences significatives entre les patients avec et sans infection à différentes heures du prélèvement, avec un niveau de signification d'a = 0.05. L'efficacité de la formule cubaine de 99mTc-cyprofloxazine dans la détection des infections bactériennes des prothèses de hanche a été démontrée.

An experimental, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 patients with suspicion of infectious process that were referred to "Frank País" International Scientific Orthopedic Complex from January 1st, 2003 to December 31st, 2004, aimed at determining the efficacy of the Cuban 99mTc-ciprofloxacin in the evaluation of bacterial infections of the hip prostheses. Bone scintigraphies with 99mTc-methylendiphosphonate and 99mTc-ciprofloxacin were performed at 1, 4 and 24 hours after the injection. The culture/biopsy was used to confirm the criteria. On the visual analysis of the patients, sensitivity was obtained in 100 %, specificity in 75 %, diagnostic accuracy in 93.3 %, positive predictive value in 91.6 %, and negative predictive value in 100 %. The injured/healthy ratio showed significant differences between the patients with and without infection at the diverse hours of acquisition, with a level of significance of a = 0.05. The effectiveness of the Cuban formulation of 99mTc-ciprofloxacin in the evaluation of bacterial infections of the hip prostheses was proved.

Con el propósito de determinar la eficacia de la 99mTc-ciprofloxacina cubana en la evaluación de las infecciones bacterianas en las prótesis de cadera, se realizó un estudio de concordancia en 15 pacientes con sospecha de un proceso infeccioso; que se remitieron al departamento de Medicina Nuclear del Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional "Frank País", en un período comprendido entre el 1ro. de enero de 2003 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2004. Se emplearon gammagrafías óseas con 99mTc-metiléndifosfonato y 99mTc-ciprofloxacina a la hora, 4 y 24 h después de la inyección, el cultivo/biopsia se utilizó como criterio de confirmación. Al analizar visualmente todos los pacientes se obtuvo una sensibilidad en el 100 %, una especificidad en el 75 %, una exactitud diagnóstica en el 93,3 %, un valor predictivo positivo en el 91,6 % y un valor predictivo negativo en el 100 %. La relación lesión/sano mostró diferencias significativas entre los pacientes con y sin infección en las diferentes horas de adquisición, con un nivel de significación de a= 0,05. Se demostró la efectividad de la formulación cubana de 99mTc-ciprofloxacina en la evaluación de las infecciones bacterianas de las prótesis de cadera.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen that is angiogenic in vitro and in vivo. Several studies report on gene transfer of VEGF121 to promote angiogenesis in the ischemic myocardium of animals and patients. We hypothesized that intramyocardial administration of naked plasmid DNA encoding VEGF121 could improve myocardial perfusion and function in a porcine model of myocardial ischemia. Yorkshire swine underwent thoracotomy and placement of an ameroid constrictor on the circumflex coronary artery. Four weeks later, pVEGF121 plasmid was administered into the ischemic myocardium. Four weeks after gene transfer, SPECT imaging demonstrated significant reduction in the ischemic area in pVEGF121-treated animals compared with controls. In the pVEGF121 group, most of the animals evolved from light ischemia to a normal perfusion. In contrast, control animals exhibited similar or impaired ischemic conditions. Our results indicate that intramyocardial gene transfer of VEGF121 as naked plasmid DNA results in significant improvement in myocardial perfusion and function.

A brief report of more than 20 results from the main clinical trials performed from 1967 to 1995 is presented in this review. The above-mentioned clinical trials have resulted in the acquisition of the current knowledge about the scientific event related to the regression of atherosclerosis in the coronary vascular, femoral beds, and more recently in the carotid bed. The regression of this disease, measured by invasive, non-invasive, and clinical and epidemiological methods, is achieved with the use of antilipidemic drugs and measurements, as well as the action over other causal factors associated with the life-style. Also included in this report are the main ideas and databases available about this important achievement for human health worldwide, and the experience gained by the Center for Clinical Research during several years in the performance of pilot trials of clinical and functional regression of atherosclerosis which accounts for high mortality and morbidity rates within the population affecting the quality of life.

En esta revisión se expone una síntesis de más de 20 resultados de los principales ensayos clínicos realizados entre los años 1967 y 1995, que han propiciado los conocimientos actuales sobre el hecho científico de la regresión de la aterosclerosis en los lechos vasculares coronario, femoral y, más recientemente, carotídeo. En los mismos, la regresión de esta enfermedad, medida con métodos invasivos, no invasivos y clínico-epidemiológicos, es obtenida con el uso prolongado de drogas y medidas hipolipemiantes y la acción sobre otros factores causales relacionados con el estilo de vida. Se integran en la misma, lo fundamental de las bases de ideas y datos que existen sobre este importante logro para la salud humana en el mundo y la experiencia del Centro de Investigaciones Clínicas con varios años de trabajo en ensayos pilotos de regresión clínico-funcional de esta enfermedad de tan elevadas morbilidad y mortalidad de la población y afectación de la calidad de la vida del individuo.