We aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with parents’ non-intention to vaccinate their children and adolescents against COVID-19 in Colombia and Peru. We performed a secondary analysis using a database generated by the University of Maryland and Facebook (Facebook, Inc). We included adult (18 and over) Facebook users residing in LAC who responded to the survey between May 20, and November 5, 2021. We included sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, mental health, economic and food insecurity, compliance with mitigation strategies against COVID-19, and practices related to vaccination against this disease. We estimated crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with their respective 95%CI. We analyzed a sample of 44,678 adults from Colombia and 24,302 from Peru. The prevalence of parents' non-intention to vaccinate their children and adolescents against COVID-19 was 7.41% (n=3,274) for Colombia and 6.64% (n=1,464) for Peru. In Colombia, age above 35 years old, compliance with physical distancing, use of masks, having economic insecurity, anxiety symptoms, having a chronic condition or more comorbidities, and being vaccinated were associated with a lower prevalence of non-intention to vaccinate children and adolescents against COVID-19. In Peru, gender, compliance with physical distancing, use of masks, having economic insecurity, anxiety symptoms, having a chronic condition or more comorbidities, having had COVID-19, and being vaccinated were associated with a higher probability of vaccinating children against COVID-19. Living in a town, a village, or a rural area was associated with a higher prevalence of non-intention to vaccinate children and adolescents against COVID-19. About 9 out of 10 parents in Colombia and Peru intend to vaccinate their children and adolescents against COVID-19. This intention is associated with some factors which are similar between the two countries, as well as other factors and variations among the different regions of each country.

Resumen Introducción: la falla cardiaca con fracción de eyección reducida dispone de un arsenal terapéutico cada vez más amplio por lo que se requiere refinar las indicaciones de cada una de ellas. Métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática siguiendo las directrices de Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), para actualizar la búsqueda sistemática realizada para el desarrollo de la "Guía de Practica Clínica para la prevención, diagnóstico, tratamiento y rehabilitación" (GPC) del Ministerio de Salud de Colombia. Resultados: se detectaron seis ensayos clínicos nuevos que modifican sustancialmente las recomendaciones principales de la GPC. Los antagonistas del receptor de angiotensina combinado con inhibidor de neprilisina (ARNI), los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio glucosa-2 (ISGLT-2), los betabloqueadores y los antagonistas mineralocorticoides (ARM) se convierten en el núcleo principal del tratamiento de los pacientes con falla cardiaca con fracción de eyección reducida. Otras opciones terapéuticas deben ser consideradas después de iniciar y titular las dosis de estos cuatro medicamentos. Discusión: el esquema práctico propuesto, como núcleo central con cuatro estrategias terapéuticas fundamentales, dada la robustez de los resultados de los ensayos en que fueron evaluados, permitirá mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con falla cardiaca e incluir en forma escalonada con el uso de otras alternativas, graficado como órbitas, para impactar otros desenlaces individuales. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2108).

Abstract Introduction: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction has a growing therapeutic arsenal. Thus, the indications for each therapy must be refined. Methods: a systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, to update the systematic search performed in the development of the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Rehabilitation" (CPG) of the Colombian Ministry of Health. Results: six new clinical trials were found which substantially modify the main recommendations of the CPG. Angiotensin receptor antagonists combined with neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, betablockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) are now the main core of treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Other therapeutic options should be considered after beginning and titrating the doses of these four medications. Discussion: given the robustness of the evaluating studies, the proposed practical scheme, as the central core with four fundamental therapeutic strategies, will improve the treatment of patients with heart failure and allow the stepwise inclusion of other alternatives, plotted as orbits, to impact on other individual outcomes. (Acta Med Colomb 2021; 46. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2021.2108).

Abstract Introduction: Maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity are serious public health problems, so it is essential to work on the identification, recognition and situation analysis of patients treated at high-risk pregnancy centers. Objectives: To characterize the pregnant women treated at the Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana (HUS), Bogotá, Colombia, from a demographic, social and clinical point of view in order to identify common factors that may be intervened and, thus, avoid adverse outcomes. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study. 785 medical records of patients with a gestational age >24 weeks treated at the HUS in 2016 were analyzed. Sociodemographic data were collected, as well as data on the following variables: history of diseases, antenatal care, biopsychosocial risk, and obstetric outcomes. A univariate analysis was performed for each variable; measures of central tendency and dispersion and absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. Maternal health indicators were also calculated. Results: 47.51% of the pregnant women had a low educational level, 34.39% were single mothers, 32.10% had a previous comorbidity, and 5.85% had insufficient antenatal care. The proportion of preterm births was 23.6 (95%CI: 20.63%-26.69%), the severe maternal morbidity ratio was 157.96/1 000 live births, and the maternal mortality rate was 246/100 000 live births. Conclusions: Pregnant women treated at the HUS are mainly young women from areas where the health system is not easily accessible, and who have insufficient antenatal care and a low schooling level. This population has a high rate of severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality compared to the national reference value, so they would benefit from educational interventions or risk approaches that prioritize these factors in order to prevent adverse maternal outcomes.

Resumen Introducción. La mortalidad materna y la morbilidad materna extrema son serios problema de salud pública, por lo que es fundamental trabajar en la identificación, reconocimiento y análisis situacional de las pacientes que acuden a los centros de alto riesgo obstétrico. Objetivos. Caracterizar las gestantes atendidas en el Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana (HUS), Bogotá, Colombia, desde el punto de vista demográfico, social y clínico con el fin de identificar factores en común potencialmente intervenibles y, de esta forma, evitar desenlaces adversos. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se analizaron 785 historias clínicas de pacientes con edad gestacional >24 semanas atendidas durante 2016 en el HUS. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos y sobre las siguientes variables: antecedentes patológicos, controles prenatales, riesgo biopsicosocial y desenlaces obstétricos. Se realizó análisis univariado de cada variable: para las variables cuantitativas se calcularon medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión, mientras que para las cualitativas, frecuencias absolutas y relativas. También se calcularon indicadores de salud materna. Resultados. 47.51% de las gestantes tenían un bajo nivel educativo, 34.39% eran madres solteras, 32.10% tenían comorbilidad previa y 5.85% no asistieron a ningún control prenatal. La proporción de parto pre-término fue de 23.6 (IC95%:20.63%-26.69%), la razón de morbilidad materna extrema fue 157.96/1 000 nacidos vivos y la tasa de mortalidad materna, 246/100 000 nacidos vivos. Conclusiones. Las gestantes atendidas en el HUS son predominantemente mujeres jóvenes, provenientes de áreas con difícil acceso al sistema de salud, con insuficiente atención prenatal y con bajo nivel educativo. Esta población presenta una alta razón de morbilidad materna extrema y mortalidad materna comparada con el valor de referencia nacional y se beneficiaría de intervenciones educativas o enfoques de riesgo que prioricen estos factores con el fin de prevenir desenlaces maternos adversos.

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 (α1-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 α1-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 α1-acid glycoprotein >1 g/L); 3) mathematical correction factor based on C-reactive protein or α1-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 α1-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. CONCLUSION 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.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The study of mortality is a fundamental tool for decision-marking in health. Gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumor in the world. Objective: To characterize gastric cancer mortality and determine changes in the mortality trends in Cuba between 2007 and 2017. Material and Methods: Cross-sectorial descriptive observational study conducted in Cuba in the period 2007-2017. Universe: total number of deaths in the country whose basic cause of death included in the death certificate was gastric cancer. The data were taken from the mortality database digitized by the Directorate of Medical Records and Statistics of the Ministry of Public Health. Joinpoint Regression Program version 4.7 was used for the analysis of temporary trends. Results: A total of 9 370 deaths were registered within the period; 79,6 % of them were adults over 60 years old, the male sex with 61,0 %. Specific mortality rates by age groups increased after the sixth decade of life. Mortality showed a tendency to increase in both sexes. Conclusions: Gastric cancer trends increased during the 16 years of study. They may be influenced by aging and other associated factors that are not considered in this study.

RESUMEN Introducción: El estudio de la mortalidad es una herramienta fundamental para la toma de decisiones en salud. El cáncer gástrico es el cuarto tumor maligno más frecuente en el mundo. Objetivo: Caracterizar la mortalidad por cáncer gástrico y determinar cambios en la tendencia de la mortalidad en Cuba entre 2007 y 2017. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en Cuba en el período 2007-2017. Universo: total de fallecidos en el país cuya causa básica de muerte recogida en el certificado de defunción fue el cáncer gástrico. Los datos procedieron de la base de datos de mortalidad, digitalizadas por la Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Para el estudio de la tendencia se utilizó la técnica estadística de regresión segmentada (jointpoint regression versión 4.7). Resultados: En el período se registraron 9 370 defunciones, 79,6 % eran adultos mayores de 60 años, el sexo masculino con 61,0 %. Las tasas específicas de mortalidad por grupos de edad aumentan después de la sexta década de la vida. Conclusiones: Se incrementa las tendencia del cáncer gástrico en los 16 años de estudio, lo que puede estar influenciado por el envejecimiento, y otros factores asociados no investigados en este estudio.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Epidemiological risk stratification is an integrated process of diagnosis, intervention and evaluation, used for decision-making. The risk of dying by suicide in those who make attempts is a hundred times higher than in the general population. Objective: To stratify suicide attempt epidemiologically, according to province of residence. Methods: A mixed ecological study was carried out. The universe was made up of the records of suicide attempts, accessed through the files of reportable diseases from the Medical Registries and Statistics of the Ministry of Public Health from 1990 to 2014. The variables were sex, age and provinces of residence. Cumulative gross, adjusted and specific morbidity rates per 100 000 inhabitants were calculated. The stratification was carried out taking the percentiles as cut-off point, leaving very high risk above the 75th percentile, high risk between the 50th and the 74th percentiles, moderate risk between the 25th and the 49th percentiles, and low risk below the 25th percentile. The relative change percentage of the series and the percentages were calculated, according to variables. Results: From 1990 to 2014, there were 291 524 suicide attempts (20 823 attempts per year), of which 71.5% corresponded to women. The provinces with very high risk in the period 1990-2014 were Cienfuegos, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba and Granma, accounting, respectively, for rates of 151.9, 135.2, 126.9 and 125.2 per 100 000 inhabitants; and during 2011-2014, Matanzas, Las Tunas, Cienfuegos and Holguín, accounting, respectively, for rates of 154.4, 154.3, 148.3 and 147.3 per 100 000 inhabitants. Conclusions: Risk stratification at the provincial level varied in the periods studied. The female sex and adolescents were the most at risk of suicide attempt.

RESUMEN Introducción: La estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo es un proceso integrado de diagnóstico-intervención-evaluación, que sirve para la toma de decisiones. El riesgo de morir por suicidio, en quienes hacen intentos es 100 veces superior a la población general. Objetivo: Estratificar epidemiológicamente el intento suicida según provincias de residencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico mixto. El universo fueron los registros de intento suicida, a través de las tarjetas de enfermedad de declaración obligatoria de los Registros Médicos y Estadísticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública desde 1990 hasta 2014. Las variables fueron: sexo, edad y provincias de residencia. Se calcularon las tasas de morbilidad acumuladas, brutas, ajustadas y específicas por 100 000 habitantes. La estratificación se realizó tomando como punto de corte los percentiles, quedando Muy alto riesgo por encima del 75 percentil, Alto riesgo entre 50-74; Moderado riesgo entre 25-49 y Bajo riesgo por debajo del 25 percentil. Se calculó el porcentaje de cambio relativo de la serie y los porcentajes, según variables. Resultados: Desde 1990-2014 se produjeron 291 524 intentos suicidas (20 823 intentos por año), de los cuales el 71,5 % fueron mujeres, Las provincias de Muy Alto Riesgo en el periodo 1990-2014 fueron: Cienfuegos (tasa 151,9), Holguín (135,2), Santiago de Cuba (126,9) y Granma (125,2) tasas por 100 000 habitantes; y durante 2011-2014: Matanzas (tasas de 154,4), Las Tunas (154,3), Cienfuegos (148,3) y Holguín (147,3) por 100 000 hab. Conclusiones: La estratificación de riesgo a nivel provincial varió en los periodos estudiados. El sexo femenino y los adolescentes fueron los de mayor riesgo en el intento suicida.

Abstract Infections by free-living amoebas cause cutaneous and neurological compromise. These conditions have a low frequency, but a high lethality more than 98%. Generally, the clinical picture is nonspecific; the laboratory tests dont help, so it represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In this report, we present the case of a 21-year-old patient, who was hospitalized for a convulsive syndrome with brain tumors, in addition to a cutaneous lesion on the right thigh. Histopathological analysis, PCR and the clinical picture allowed the diagnosis of granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Despite the treatment, the patient had a fatal outcome.

Resumen Las infecciones por amebas de vida libre causan compromiso cutáneo y neurológico. Estas afecciones presentan una baja frecuencia pero una alta letalidad, mayor al 98%. Gene ralmente el cuadro clínico es inespecífico y los exámenes de laboratorio no son de gran ayuda, por lo que representa un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. En este informe presentamos el caso de un paciente de 21 años que fue hospitalizado por un síndrome convulsivo con tumoraciones cerebrales, además de una lesión cutánea en el muslo derecho. El análisis histopatológico, PCR y el cuadro clínico permitieron el diagnóstico de encefalitis amebiana granulomatosa. A pesar del tratamiento, el paciente tuvo un desenlace fatal.

Resumen Introducción: La hiperplasia nodular linfoide del colon se define como > 10 nódulos linfoides visibles en colonoscopia. No existen estudios de su validez al compararlo con la histopatología. Objetivos: Determinar la validez del hallazgo de nódulos en colonoscopia para el diagnóstico de hiperplasia nodular linfoide. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de prueba diagnóstica. Se incluyeron colonoscopias realizadas consecutivamente de 2014 al 2018 con equipos Olympus PCFQ150AI y GIFXP150N con obtención de biopsias. El criterio endoscópico fue la presencia de > 10 nódulos de 2 a 10 mm y el criterio histológico fue hiperplasia de folículos linfoides y mantos de linfocitos en lámina propia o submucosa. Los datos se analizaron en Epidat3.1. Se obtuvo la sensibilidad (S), especificidad (E), valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN), y coeficientes de probabilidad positivo (LR+) y negativo (LR-) con sus intervalos de confianza. Resultados: Se incluyeron 327 colonoscopias, la mediana de edad fue de 84 meses. La principal indicación para la colonoscopia fue sangrado digestivo bajo (38,8%). El hallazgo de nódulos se encontró en el 21% y el sitio de mayor frecuencia fue el colon total (46%), mientras que por histopatología se encontró hiperplasia nodular linfoide en el 38%. El hallazgo de nódulos obtuvo una S de 32% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 24-140), E de 84% (IC 95%: 79-89), VPP de 56% (IC 95%: 44-68), VPN de 67% (IC 95%: 61-72), LR+ de 2,04 (IC 95%: 1,4-3) y LR- de 0,8 (IC 95%: 0,8-0,9). Conclusiones: La validez diagnóstica del hallazgo de nódulos en colonoscopia para hiperplasia nodular linfoide es pobre, por lo que la toma de biopsia debe recomendarse siempre.

Abstract Introduction: Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the colon is characterized by the presence of >10 lymphoid nodules visible in colonoscopy. There are no studies that confirm their validity when compared with histopathology. Objective: To determine the validity of nodules detected at colonoscopy for the diagnosis of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in children. Materials and methods: Prospective study of diagnostic test accuracy. Colonoscopies performed consecutively from 2014 to 2018 using Olympus PCFQ150AI and GIFXP150N biopsy machines were included. The endoscopic criterion was the presence of >10 nodules from 2 to 10mm of diameter, while the histological criterion was presence of follicular lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphocyte mantles in lamina propia or submucosa. Data were analyzed in Epidat3.1. Sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) were obtained with their corresponding confidence intervals. Results: 327 colonoscopies were included; the median age was 84 months. The main indication for colonoscopy was lower gastrointestinal bleeding (38.8 %). Nodules were found in 21 % of the patients, predominantly throughout the whole colon (46 %), whereas histopathology found nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in 38 %. SE for the finding of nodules was 32 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 24-140), SP was 84 % (95 % CI: 79-89), PPV was 56% (95 % CI: 44-68), NPV was 67 % (95 % CI: 61-72), LR+ was 2.04 (95 % CI: 1.4-3) and LR- was 0.8 (95 % CI: 0.8-0.9). Conclusions: The validity of the presence of nodules on colonoscopy for the diagnosis of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia is poor, so biopsy should always be performed.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The introduction of complementary feeding is an important moment in a child's growth. Food guides are the translation of nutritional goals into practical advice and take on fundamental value in the early stages of life. Objectives: Estimate food consumption in children under two years old in Las Tunas province. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with two-stage random sampling, was conducted in children aged from 6 to 23 months. The sample size was of 495 children. A food consumption by 24-hours reminder´s survey was applied and the adequacy of food portions ingested was estimated according to the recommendations of the children under 2 years´ food guides. The food diversity index was calculated. Results: Continued breastfeeding at 1 year of age was 34.5% in the group under one year and 10.6% in the 1 to 2 years group. Low consumption compliance with the portions of vegetables, fruits, fats and eggs recommended in food guides was observed. 84.5% of children under one-year-old and 42.1% of those in 1 to 2 years old exceeded the recommended daily energy consumption. Conclusions: The food portions recommended in the food guides for healthy eating in children under two years old are not met. The high percentage of children with excessive energy intakes is a factor that predispose to obesity in early stages of life.

RESUMEN Introducción: La introducción de la alimentación complementaria es un importante momento en el crecimiento de un niño. Las guías alimentarias constituyen la traducción de los objetivos nutricionales en consejos prácticos y cobran un valor fundamental en las primeras etapas de la vida. Objetivos: Estimar el consumo de alimentos en menores de dos años de edad de la provincia Las Tunas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, con muestreo aleatorio bietápico, en niños con edades entre 6 y 23 meses. El tamaño muestral fue de 495 niños. Se aplicó una encuesta de consumo de alimentos por recordatorio de 24 horas y se estimó la adecuación de las porciones de alimentos ingeridas según las recomendaciones de las guías alimentarias del menor de 2 años. Se calculó el índice de diversidad alimentaria. Resultados: La lactancia materna continuada al año de edad fue de un 34,5 % en el grupo menor de un año y de un 10,6 % en el grupo de 1 a 2 años. Se observó un bajo cumplimiento de consumo de las porciones de vegetales, frutas, grasas y huevo recomendadas en las guías alimentarias. El 84,5 % de los menores de un año y el 42,1 % de los de 1 a 2 años excedían el consumo diario recomendado de energía. Conclusiones: No se cumplen las porciones de alimentos recomendadas en las guías alimentarias para el logro de una alimentación saludable en menores de dos años. El alto porcentaje de niños con ingestas excesivas de energía constituye un factor predisponente a la obesidad desde las etapas tempranas de la vida.

Abstract Oxytetracycline (OTC) is an antibiotic frequently used in the control of diseases caused by Vibrio in Penaeus vannamei shrimp farms. The degradation of OTC was evaluated in samples of sediment and seawater (2:98 w/v), one with an OTC standard and another with OTC in shrimp feed, both at 10 μgmL-1. The tests lasted 40 days, and the abiotic factors were evaluated, such as the exposure to light, and the effect of the pH (7 and 8). The samples with OTC standard exposed to light, had a degradation of the antibiotic of 100% for both pH values; In the unexposed samples to light, the degradation was 88.33% at pH 7 and 90.90% at pH 8. In the samples with OTC in shrimp feed, the degradation was 100% at 40 days, with and without exposure to light, at different pH values. The half-life time of OTC degradation in shrimp feed was lower with due to the samples added with standard with and without exposure to light (P ≤ 0.05). OTC residues can be degraded by the effect of light and pH, reducing their permanence in aquaculture sediments.

Resumen La oxitetraciclina (OTC) es un antibiótico frecuentemente utilizado en el control de enfermedades provocadas por Vibrio en granjas de cultivo de camarón Penaeus vannamei. Se evaluó la degradación de la OTC en muestras de sedimento y agua marina (2:98 p/v), con OTC como estándar y OTC adicionada en alimento para camarón, en ambos casos a 10 μgmL-1. Los ensayos tuvieron una duración de 40 días, y se evaluaron factores abióticos como exposición a la luz y efecto del pH (7 y 8). Las muestras con estándar de OTC expuestas a la luz, tuvieron una degradación del antibiótico del 100% para ambos valores de pH; en las muestras no expuestas, la degradación fue de 88.33% a pH 7 y 90.90% a pH 8. En las muestras con OTC en alimento para camarón, la degradación fue del 100% a los 40 días, con y sin exposición a la luz y con los dos valores de pH. El tiempo de vida media de degradación de la OTC en el alimento, fue menor con respecto a las muestras adicionadas con estándar con y sin exposición a la luz (P ≤ 0.05). Los residuos de la OTC se degradan por efecto de la luz y pH, reduciendo su permanencia en los sedimentos acuícolas.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic disease that is widespread and irreversible. It represents the final stage of numerous diseases that affect the liver. By the end of 2017, it was the 11th most common cause of death, with a loss of 41.4 million years of disability-adjusted life years, which represent 2.1% of the total years of life lost in the global mortality burden. In Cuba, cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases have been among the top 10 causes of death for several decades, their rates consistently increasing, from 576 deaths in 1970 (6.7 per 100,000 population) to 1738 in 2017 (15.5 per 100,000 population), with a risk of death that is 4.6 times higher in men. OBJECTIVE Characterize deaths from cirrhosis of the liver in Cuba from 1987 to 2017. METHODS An ecological time-series study was conducted for 1987 to 2017 using information obtained from the mortality database of the Medical Records and Health Statistics Bureau of Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health. The study universe consisted of all deceased persons in the country whose underlying cause of death was cirrhosis of the liver. Both general mortality rates and specific mortality were calculated by age group, sex and etiological classification using adjusted and crude rates. Rates were age-adjusted using the direct method, and the population from the 2002 Census of Population and Housing was considered as the standard population. Percentages and means were also calculated according to selected variables and the relative risk of death due to the disease according to sex, age group and etiological classification. The trend and forecast for mortality rates were estimated for this disease. RESULTS The crude mortality rate from cirrhosis of the liver was 9.0 per 100,000 population for the period. Those aged ≥75 years had the highest risk of death (48.3 per 100,000 population). The crude and adjusted mortality rates were almost double for men (12.4 vs. 5.6 and 11.7 vs. 5.6 per 100,000 population, respectively), as was the total relative risk of death, which was 2.2 times higher. Nonalcoholic cirrhosis accounted for 71.6% of deaths. By the end of 2017, risk of death from cirrhosis had climbed to 14.8 per 100,000 population (adjusted rate: 10.6 per 100,000 population), a signal that mortality had progressively increased over the 31 years analyzed. In addition, forecasts predict that death rates will continue their gradual increase, reaching 19.2 per 100,000 population in 2025. CONCLUSIONS Deaths from cirrhosis of the liver constitute a substantial health burden in Cuba. The upward trend and forecast, in addition to increased risk of mortality in men and older adults, are similar to those reported internationally. The finding that most of these deaths result from nonalcoholic cirrhosis should be further studied, as formulation of effective public health strategies depends largely on attaining a better understanding of the etiology, progression and social determinants of the disease.

ABSTRACT Background: Bacteria of the genus Brucella yield the disease known as brucellosis (the most critical zoonosis in the world). Currently, 14 species are recognized, reported in marine mammals, amphibians, and commercial fish. In recent years, in the Eastern Basin, Brucella melitensis was detected in agricultural soil and the Crater Lakes’ water, so it was speculated whether B. melitensis could infect native ichthyofauna. Objective: Isolate and identify Brucella melitensis in the charal of La Preciosa Crater Lake (Poblana letholepis). Methods: The first isolation was carried out on agar-plate from soft tissues and identifying the microorganism through standard microbiological tests. Which was corroborated by PCR-PF, using reference strains, by amplifying the bp26 gene, specific for the genus Brucella. Results: B. melitensis was isolated in 66.66% of the samples studied n=60, the microbiological profiles were comparatively identical with the reference strains. The PCR test amplified the genus-specific gene bp26 with 1029 bp in 40% of the samples analyzed. Conclusions: The study generated the first isolation and identification report for Brucella melitensis in a native fish, which supports future studies to better understand this zoonotic disease and recognize the importance of native fauna in the transmission and permanence of brucellosis in natural aquatic environments.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Las bacterias del género Brucella producen la enfermedad conocida como brucelosis (la zoonosis más importante del orbe). Actualmente se reconocen 14 especies, reportadas en mamíferos marinos, anfibios y peces comerciales, En los últimos años, en la Cuenca Oriental se detectó a Brucella melitensis en suelo agrícola y en el agua de los Lagos Cráter, por lo que se especulaba si B. melitensis tenía la capacidad de infectar a la ictiofauna nativa. Objetivo: Aislar e identificar a Brucella melitensis en el charal Poblana letholepis del Lago Cráter La Preciosa. Métodos: El primoaislamiento se realizó en placa-Agar a partir de tejidos blandos y la identificación del microorganismo a través de pruebas microbiológicas estándar. La identificación se corroboró por PCR-PF, utilizando cepas de referencia, mediante la amplificación el gen bp26, específico para el género Brucella. Resultados: Se aisló a B. melitensis en 66.66% de las muestras estudiadas n=60, los perfiles microbiológicos resultaron comparativamente idénticos con las cepas de referencia. La prueba por PCR amplificó el gen específico del género bp26 con 1029 pb en 40% de las muestras analizadas. Conclusiones: El estudio generó el primer reporte de aislamiento e identificación para B. melitensis en un pez nativo, el cual da soporte a futuros estudios para comprender mejor esta enfermedad zoonotica y reconocer la importancia de la fauna nativa en la transmisión y permanencia de la brucelosis en ambientes acuáticos naturales.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Epidemiological risk stratification is a process that categorizes geo-ecological areas and population groups according to risks factors in a particular health problem. Suicide in Cuba is the tenth cause of death and the third one in the age group of 10 - 19 years. Objective: To present the epidemiological stratification of mortality by suicide in Cuba during the period between 2011 and 2016. Material and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out. The universe consisted of the records of death by suicide from the Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Cuba from 2011 to 2016. The variables studied were: sex, age, place of death, skin color, and provinces of residence. Cumulative, gross, adjusted and specific rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated. The percentage was calculated according to variables and the relative change of the series. Mortality was stratified by provinces of residence, in adolescents and for all age groups, using percentiles as a cut-off point. Results: It was identified that 79.9 % of the deceased were men. The ( 60 year- old-group had the highest average rate (26.8 per 100,000 inhabitants). Regarding place of death, residence predominated (57.1%). Provincial stratification in adolescents showed Very High Risk in Mayabeque (rate: 4.9), Cienfuegos (4.0), Granma (3.8) and Las Tunas (3.0) per 100,000 inhabitants; whereas in all ages, Very High Risk was present in: Villa Clara (rate: 17.9), Las Tunas (17.6), Holguín (17.1) and Mayabeque (16.7) per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusions: Suicide rates are lower among women. There are differences in the provincial risk stratification. The results contribute to the epidemiological update of suicide in Cuba.

RESUMEN Introducción: La estratificación epidemiológica de riesgo es un proceso que categoriza áreas geoecológicas y grupos poblacionales, de acuerdo con factores de riesgo de un determinado problema de salud. El suicidio en Cuba es la décima causa de muerte y la tercera en el grupo de 10 a 19 años. Objetivo: Estratificar epidemiológicamente la mortalidad por suicidio en Cuba, en el periodo comprendido entre 2011- 2016. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. El universo fueron los registros de fallecimiento por suicidio de la Dirección de Registros Médicos y Estadísticas de Cuba, desde 2011- 2016. Las variables estudiadas: sexo, edad, lugar de fallecimiento, color de la piel, y provincias de residencia. Se calcularon las tasas acumuladas, brutas, ajustadas y específicas por 100,000 habitantes. Se calculó el porcentaje según variables y el cambio relativo de la serie. Se estratificó la mortalidad por provincias de residencia, en adolescentes y para todos los grupos de edades, utilizando como punto de cortes los percentiles. Resultados: El 79,9% de los fallecidos fueron hombres. El grupo de ( 60 años tuvo la más alta tasa promedio (26,8 por 100,000 habitantes). Predominó según lugar de fallecimiento, el domicilio (57,1%). La estratificación provincial en adolescentes mostró; Muy Alto Riesgo: Mayabeque (tasa 4,9); Cienfuegos (4,0); Granma (3,8); Las Tunas (3,0) por 100,000 habitantes. En todas las edades; Muy Alto riesgo: Villa Clara (tasa 17,9); Las Tunas (17,6); Holguín (17,1); Mayabeque (16,7) por 100,000 habitantes. Conclusiones: Las tasas de suicidio son más bajas entre las mujeres. Existen diferencias en la estratificación de riesgo provincial. Los resultados contribuyen a la actualización epidemiológica del suicidio en Cuba.

Abstract The unknown female of Euplocania quinquedivisa Silva-Neto, García Aldrete & Rafael, is described and illustrated. Information on sexes known and distribution in Brazilian states is included for the known species of Brazilian Euplocania.