ABSTRACT Musical illiteracy is a global issue that focuses on the appreciation of musical works. Among musical genres, popular music is most preferred by the public, making it a challenge for Arts Education to enhance its appreciation. The objective was to propose a didactic approach for developing the process of appreciating Cuban popular music within the Arts Education program at the University of Pinar del Río. A combination of theoretical methods (historical-logical and modeling) and empirical methods (document analysis, observation, and surveys) were employed. These, along with pedagogical testing, helped assess the state of popular music appreciation among Arts Education students. The main outcome is a Didactic Concept that emphasizes essential principles and introduces three scientific ideas. These ideas offer a fresh perspective on the teaching and learning process in the course "Artistic Expressions I," specifically for appreciating Cuban popular music.

RESUMEN El analfabetismo musical es una problemática a nivel mundial que centra su atención en la apreciación de la obra musical. Dentro de las tipologías musicales, es la música popular la de mayor preferencia por parte del público, de manera que constituye un reto para la Educación Artística contribuir a su apreciación. El objetivo estuvo dirigido a proponer una concepción didáctica para el desarrollo del proceso de apreciación de la música popular cubana en la carrera Educación Artística de la Universidad de Pinar del Río. Se emplearon un grupo de métodos, teóricos como el histórico-lógico y la modelación, así como empíricos como el análisis de documentos la observación y la encuesta, que junto al empleo de la prueba pedagógica posibilitaron determinar el estado en que se encontraba el desarrollo del proceso de apreciación de la música popular en los estudiantes de la carrera Educación Artística. Como principal resultado se presenta una Concepción Didáctica en la que se destacan principios imprescindibles y, en su epicentro, tres ideas científicas, que exhiben una nueva mirada del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Expresiones Artísticas I, para la apreciación de la música popular cubana.

RESUMO O analfabetismo musical é um problema global que se concentra na apreciação de obras musicais. Entre os gêneros musicais, a música popular é a mais preferida pelo público, tornando-se um desafio para a Educação Artística aprimorar sua apreciação. O objetivo foi propor uma abordagem didática para desenvolver o processo de apreciação da música popular cubana no programa de Educação Artística da Universidade de Pinar del Río. Foram empregados métodos teóricos (histórico-lógico e modelagem) e métodos empíricos (análise de documentos, observação e pesquisas). Esses métodos, juntamente com testes pedagógicos, ajudaram a avaliar o estado da apreciação da música popular entre os estudantes de Educação Artística. O principal resultado é um Conceito Didático que enfatiza princípios essenciais e introduz três ideias científicas. Essas ideias oferecem uma nova perspectiva sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem no curso "Expressões Artísticas I", especificamente para a apreciação da música popular cubana.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory tract infections in humans and, less frequently, extrapulmonary infections are described. In Cuba, the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is only done in the National Reference Laboratory of Mycoplasmas (NRL-M) at IPK and, until 2012, this species had only been detected in 2 studies. Methods. Methods were implemented for the Mycoplasma pneumoniae diagnosis, the antimicrobial susceptibility determination, and the antimicrobial resistance molecular detection. Descriptive studies were conducted for the Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection in patients with respiratory symptomatology, for the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates, the macrolide resistance detection in positive clinical samples, and the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae genotypes. Results and Discussion. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was detected in 5.2 % (96/1836) of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections and Influenza-like illness, all negative to respiratory virus. Mycoplasma pneumonia was demonstrated in 25.8 % (31/120) of children with coqueluchoid syndrome, 23 % (17/74) of children with interstitial pneumonia, and 60% (9/15) of children with non-controlled asthma. The macrolide resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae was showed in Cuba for the first time, detected in a 22.5%, and confirmed by the demonstration of the associated molecular mechanisms. The Mycoplasma pneumoniae genotypes circulating in the country were described and 5 new sequence types were identified. It was concluded that these pieces of scientific evidence support the pathogenic role of this species and suggest the necessity of an active surveillance.

RESUMEN Introducción. Mycoplasma pneumoniae constituye una causa frecuente de infecciones del tracto respiratorio en humanos, y en menor frecuencia, se describen infecciones extrapulmonares. En Cuba el diagnóstico de Mycoplasma pneumoniae solo se realiza en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Micoplasmas (LNR-M) del IPK, y hasta el año 2012 solo se habían realizado 2 estudios donde se detectó esta especie. Métodos. Se implementaron métodos para el diagnóstico de Mycoplasma pneumoniae, la determinación de la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana, así como para la detección molecular de resistencia antimicrobiana. Se realizaron estudios descriptivos para la detección de Mycoplasma pneumoniae en pacientes con sintomatología respiratoria, de los patrones de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de aislados clínicos, la detección de resistencia a macrólidos a partir de muestras clínicas positivas, y la detección de genotipos de Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Resultados y Discusión. Se detectó Mycoplasma pneumoniae en el 5,2 % de pacientes con Infección Respiratoria Aguda Grave y Enfermedad Tipo Influenza, todos negativos a virus respiratorios. Se demostró Mycoplasma pneumoniae en el 25,8 % de niños con síndrome coqueluchoide, el 23 % de niños con neumonía intersticial y el 60 % de niños con asma no controlada. Se demostró por primera vez en Cuba la resistencia a macrólidos en Mycoplasma pneumoniae, detectándose en un 22,5 %, y se confirmó mediante la demostración de los mecanismos moleculares asociados. Se describieron los genotipos de Mycoplasma pneumoniae circulantes en el país, identificándose 5 secuencias tipo nuevas. Se concluyó que estas evidencias científicas confirman el papel patogénico de esta especie y sugieren la necesidad de una vigilancia activa.

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Cuba, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the sixth leading cause of death. There is insufficient knowledge concerning its scope. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of the disease in Havana (2017-2018). Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study coordinated by Iniciative Burden of Lung Disease. It included 349 non-hospitalized people aged 40 and over from four family doctor´s offices (random selection). A questionnaire with sociodemographic variables on previous medical diagnosis and smoking was applied. A spirometric study was conducted before and after salbutamol administration to determine airflow limitations, and the disease was classified as mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. Results: Overall prevalence was 20.9% (95 % CI: 16.6-25.2); with males accounting for 25.3%; and females for 17.7%. It increased with age. Mild forms of the disease affected 60% of the population; they were more common in females (67%) than in males (severe forms, 22%). Previous spirometry was performed in 15% of respondents. Fourteen people (19.1%) had previously been diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking prevalence was 36%, with a higher percentage in the severe forms of the disease. One-third (31.7%) were exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke at home or at work, with a daily average exposure of 5 hours. Conclusions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health problem in Havana due to its high prevalence and underdiagnosis. An increase in prevalence is predicted given the demographic dynamics in the country and the high level of tobacco consumption among the population. Therefore, more comprehensive management of this preventable disease is required.

RESUMEN Introducción: En Cuba la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica es sexta causa de mortalidad general. Existe insuficiente conocimiento sobre su magnitud. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y características de la enfermedad en La Habana (2017-2018). Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico transversal, coordinado por Iniciative Burden of Lung Disease, incluyó 349 personas no institucionalizadas de 40 años y más de cuatro consultorios médicos (selección aleatoria). Se aplicó cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas relacionadas con diagnóstico médico previo y tabaquismo. Se realizó estudio de espirometría, pre-pos aplicación de salbutamol para determinar limitación del flujo aéreo y clasificó severidad de la enfermedad en leve, moderada, severa y muy severa. Resultados: Prevalencia global 20,9 % (IC 95 %:16,6-25,2); en hombres 25,3 %, en mujeres 17,7 %. Se incrementó con la edad. Formas leves 60 %, más frecuentes en mujeres 67 % vs. severas en hombres, 22 %. Espirometría previa 15 % de encuestados. Catorce encuestados (19,1 %) tenían el diagnóstico médico previo de enfisema pulmonar, bronquitis crónica o enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Prevalencia de tabaquismo 36,0 %, mayor porcentaje en formas severas. La tercera parte (31,7 %), expuestos al humo de tabaco ajeno, en hogar o trabajo; media de exposición diaria 5 h. Conclusiones: La alta prevalencia y subdiagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica la convierten en un importante problema de salud en La Habana. Se pronostica incremento de la prevalencia relacionado con la dinámica poblacional en el país y el alto consumo de tabaco en la población. Se requiere un manejo más integral de esta enfermedad prevenible.

INTRODUCTION:Antenatal cytogenetic testing was started in Havana in 1984, as a diagnostic option for fetal chromosome complement. The techniques applied are amniocyte culture, chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis and fluorescence in situ hybridization in interphase cells. OBJECTIVE: Describe the results of antenatal cytogenetic testing in the cytogenetic laboratory of the Cuba's National Medical Genetics Center in Havana, from 1984 through 2012. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out of the 22,928 pregnant women who had antenatal testing with conclusive results during the period 1984-2012. Information was obtained from laboratory databases for four antenatal diagnostic techniques. Variables studied were: antenatal diagnostic method, indications for genetic testing, type of chromosomal abnormality detected and couple's decision concerning pregnancy continuation if hereditary disease was diagnosed. Results were reported in absolute numbers and percentages. RESULTS: Overall positivity was 2.8% (641 cases). Of the total, 20,565 samples were from amniocyte culture (558 positive cases, 2.7%); 1785 chorionic villus sampling (38 positive, 2.1%); 407 cord blood culture (28 positive, 6.9%); and 171 fluorescence in situ hybridization in interphase cells (17 positive, 9.9%). Advanced maternal age was the predominant indication for amniocyte culture and chorionic villus sampling. Positivity was higher for the two less frequently used methods, cordocentesis (6.9% positivity) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (9.9%). The predominant chromosomal abnormality was Down syndrome, with 45.4% of cases detected (291/641; 279 pure lines and 12 mosaic trisomies), followed by Edward syndrome with 12% (77/641, 71 pure lines and 6 mosaics) and Patau syndrome 4.7% (30/641, 27 pure lines and 3 mosaics). Sexual aneuploidy with pure lines affected 6.9% of cases (44/641) and with mosaicism 4.7% (30/641). Structural chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 22.5% of cases (144/641); of these, 70.8% (102/144) were balanced and 29.2% (42/144) unbalanced. In 78.6% of cases (504/641) with chromosomal abnormalities, whether mosaic or pure, the couple opted to terminate pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal cytogenetic testing has helped reduce chromosomal abnormalities, mainly in Havana, and has provided reassurance of chromosomally normal children for couples at high genetic risk. The percentage of continuing pregnancies after a diagnosis of major chromosomal abnormality has been low, supporting evidence of broad population acceptance of abortion as an option when severe genetic abnormalities are present.

ABSTRACT The control of the sputum smear test quality is a system designed to improve the ability, efficiency and usage of the sputum smear test, as a diagnosis option and a monitoring, guarantying that the generated information is exact, reliable and reproducible. The objective of the current study was assessing the sputum smear test quality indicators in the laboratories of tuberculosis diagnosis at the municipal centers of hygiene and epidemiologic, of Matanzas, according to the parameters established in the program for controlling tuberculosis in Cuba. We took 100 % of the slides of the cases diagnosed with tuberculosis and 10 % of the negative slides in all the health institutions of the province where sputum smear tests are made. We carried out the quality control of 27 481 slides in the period from January 1997 to December 2009, according to the Handbook of procedures, of the National Program of Tuberculosis Control. Of the assessed slides, 27 444 (99.9 %) had concordant codifications, 3 slides (0.01) discrepant and 34 (0.12) discordant ones. The fault rate for all the false negative was 0,12 %; no false negative results were identified. These results suggest the quality of the staff making the tuberculosis sputum smear tests in the laboratories and we recommend do not neglect the continual supervision and maintaining a program of technicians constant training to continue improving the quality of the sputum smear test diagnosis in the province of Matanzas.

El control de calidad de la baciloscopía, es un sistema diseñado para mejorar la habilidad, eficiencia y el uso de la microscopía, como opción de diagnóstico y monitoreo, asegurando que la información generada por el mismo, sea exacta, fiable y reproducible. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar los indicadores de calidad de la baciloscopía, según lo establecido en el programa de control de la tuberculosis en Cuba en los laboratorios de diagnóstico de tuberculosis de los centros municipales de higiene y epidemiología, de Matanzas. Se tomaron el 100 % de las láminas de los casos de tuberculosis diagnosticados y el 10 % de las láminas negativas de todos los centros de salud de la provincia donde se realiza baciloscopia de esputo. Se realizó el control de calidad a 27 481 láminas en el período de enero de 1997 hasta diciembre de 2009, según lo establecido en el Manual de procedimientos, del Programa Nacional de Control de Tuberculosis. De las láminas evaluadas, presentaron codificaciones concordantes 27 444 (99,9 %); codificaciones discrepantes, 3 láminas (0,01 %) y discordantes, 34 (0,12 %). La tasa de error para todos falsos positivos fue de 0,12 %; no se identificaron resultados falsos negativos. Estos resultados sugieren la calidad del personal que realiza la baciloscopía de tuberculosis en los laboratorios y recomendamos no descuidar las continuas supervisiones y mantener un programa de entrenamiento constante de los técnicos para continuar mejorando la calidad del diagnóstico baciloscópico en la provincia de Matanzas.