RESUMEN En el comienzo de la historia del grafeno, el óxido de grafeno representaba únicamente un paso intermedio en la metodología para la obtención de láminas de grafeno. Sin embargo, resultados posteriores en la investigación de este material mostraron que el óxido de grafeno exhibe una estructura con defectos y grupos funcionales que le confieren propiedades únicas. Dada la versatilidad de su superficie, se han propuesto distintas vías de funcionalización que han resultado en la obtención de gran variedad de materiales híbridos. En este trabajo, presentamos la obtención y caracterización de tres materiales funcionalizados basados en láminas de óxido de grafeno decoradas con nanopartículas de plata, dióxido de titanio e hidroxiapatita. Estas nanoestructuras fueron caracterizadas mediante difracción de rayos X, espectroscopía Raman y microscopía electrónica de transmisión. De forma particular se estudió la mejora en las propiedades térmicas del grafeno oxidadonanopartículas de plata mediante análisis termogravimétrico (TGA), la mejora de las señales Raman mediante el mecanismo químico de SERS en el material decorado con dióxido de titanio y se realizó un ensayo de viabilidad celular MTT, en el que se observó que no presentaba citotoxicidad el grafeno oxidado decorado con hidroxiapatita obtenido al usar urea para la precipitación del biocerámico.

ABSTRACT In the early history of graphene, graphene oxide represented only an intermediate step in the methodology for obtaining graphene sheets. However, subsequent results of the investigation of this material showed that graphene oxide exhibits a structure with defects and functional groups that give it unique properties. Given the versatility of its surface, different functionalization routes have been proposed that have resulted in obtaining a wide variety of hybrid materials. In this work, we present the obtaining and characterization of three functionalized materials based on graphene oxide sheets decorated with nanoparticles of silver, titanium dioxide and hydroxyapatite. These nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In particular, the improvement in the thermal properties of oxidized graphene-silver nanoparticles was studied through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the improvement of Raman signals through the chemical mechanism of SERS in the material decorated with titanium dioxide and a MTT cell viability assay, in which it was observed that the oxidized graphene decorated with hydroxyapatite obtained using urea did not present cytotoxicity.

ABSTRACT The deep crises that threaten well-being and existence could raise people's awareness and lead them to develop more supportive behaviors, especially towards nature. During the COVID-19 quarantine, remote education promoted the rapprochement of teachers and students by sharing personal spaces through video calls. Hence, this research aimed to determine the influence that the pro-environmental behaviors of the teacher as a model influence their students after an online education approach in environmental psychology. For this purpose, a quantitative, cross-sectional study of correlational scope was conducted with 33 college students aged between 19 and 24 years (M=21.69; SD=1.70), 19 women and 14 men, chosen at convenience, to whom the instruments: General Ecological Behavior and Scale Expectation of Environmental Behavior of Others, were applied. Obtained data indicate high pro-environmental behavior and intermediate values for the expectation of the teacher's pro-environmental behavior. In addition, a significant positive correlation between both variables (p < 0.001, rs = 0.54) was found. In conclusion, it can be stated that the higher the expectation of pro-environmental behavior of professors as perceived by students, the higher is their acquired pro-environmental behavior, which could mean a challenge for university institutions, and a commitment to achieve that indirect environmental education shows the expected results for the fulfillment of the environmental goals of the public agenda.

RESUMEN Las crisis profundas que amenazan el bienestar y la existencia, podrían sensibilizar a las personas y conducirlas al desarrollo de comportamientos más solidarios, especialmente con la naturaleza. Durante la cuarentena por COVID-19, la educación remota favoreció el acercamiento de profesores y alumnos, al compartir espacios personales a través de las videollamadas. Derivado de lo anterior, la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la influencia que tienen los comportamientos proambientales del profesor como modelo, sobre sus alumnos después de una capacitación en línea de psicología ambiental. Para ello se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, transeccional de alcance correlacional con 33 estudiantes universitarios con edades entre 19 y 24 años (M=21.69; SD=1.70), 19 mujeres y 14 hombres, elegidos a conveniencia, a quienes se les aplicaron los instrumentos: Conducta Ecológica General y Escala Expectativa de Comportamiento Ambiental de Otros. Los resultados indican valores altos de conducta proambiental propia e intermedios en las expectativas de comportamiento proambiental del docente. Además, se encontró una correlación significativa de tipo positiva entre ambas variables (p < 0.001, rs = 0.54). Como conclusión, se puede afirmar que, a mayor expectativa de comportamiento proambiental de los profesores desde la percepción de los estudiantes, mayor es su conducta proambiental adquirida, lo que podría significar un desafío para las instituciones universitarias y un compromiso para lograr que la educación ambiental indirecta muestre los resultados esperados para el cumplimiento de las metas ambientales de la agenda pública.

Resumo Os povoamentos nativos de candeia (Eremanthus erythropappus) vêm sendo explorados por planos de manejo devido ao potencial econômico do óleo essencial. O resgate de árvores adultas, bem como a aplicação de técnicas silviculturais que favoreçam o restabelecimento do povoamento podem contribuir para a conservação genética dessa espécie. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de técnicas de propagação para o resgate de 26 matrizes de candeia em um povoamento natural manejado e discutir sobre a rizogênese. Em agosto de 2017, as árvores foram induzidas à rebrota por meio da decepa, seguida da exposição e escarificação das raízes. A emissão brotações e morfologia foram avaliadas de acordo com a origem (toco ou raiz). Após esse período, 19 matrizes tiveram as brotações recolhidas para o preparo de estacas apicais, que foram tratadas com ácido indolbutírico (AIB). A sobrevivência das estacas na saída da casa de vegetação (SCV), o enraizamento na saída da casa de sombra (SCS), a morfologia e a anatomia da raiz foram avaliados. Aos 189 dias, a escarificação das raízes resultou em 76,92% de emissão de brotos. O percentual de matrizes brotadas, número de brotos por matriz, comprimento, diâmetro e relação comprimento/diâmetro dos brotos aumentaram ao longo do período avaliado. Somente 12,2% das estacas sobreviveram na SCV e 7,9% enraizaram na SCS. A estaquia resultou na formação de um minijardim clonal de candeia com sete das dezenove matrizes submetidas à propagação. As análises anatômicas mostraram a diferenciação das células na região do parênquima floemático e a presença de cristais de inulina nas paredes dos elementos de vaso do xilema secundário. A indução de brotos radiculares pode ser usada como prática silvicultural visando o restabelecimento de fragmentos nativos manejados.

Abstract The native stands of ‘candeia’ (Eremanthus erythropappus) have been explored through management plans due to the economic potential of essential oil. The rescue of adult trees, as well as the application of silvicultural techniques that favor the restoration of the stand, can contribute to the genetic conservation of this species. This study’s objective was to assess the efficiency of propagation techniques for the rescue of 26 matrices of ‘candeia’ in a natural managed stand and discussion about the rhizogenesis. In August 2017, trees were induced to regrowth by coppice, followed by exposure and scarification of roots. The emergence of shoots and morphology were evaluated according to the origin (i.e., stump or root). After that period, 19 matrices had their sprouts collected for the preparation of apical cuttings. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was applied at the base of the cuttings. Cutting survival at greenhouse exit (GE), rooting at shade house exit (SHE), morphology and root anatomy were evaluated. In 189 days, the scarification of roots promoted 76.92% of budding. The percentage of sprouted matrices, number of shoots per matrice, length, diameter, and shoot length/diameter ratio increased over time. Only 12.2% of the cuttings survived in GE, and of these, 7.9% rooted in SHE. The cutting resulted in the formation of a clonal mini-garden of ‘candeia’, with seven of the 19 matrices submitted to propagation. The anatomical analyses showed that bud formation occurs from cell redifferentiation in the phloem parenchyma, and presence of crystals on the walls of the vessel elements of the secondary xylem. The shoots induction from scarification of roots could be used as a silvicultural practice for the reestablishment of the native fragments handle.

ABSTRACT Background: Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) has been studied and implemented through physical activity in different backgrounds for over three decades. However, there is no systematized review in the literature concerning the after-school context. Aim: Conducting a systematic review of literature on after-school interventions based on the TPSR model. Methods: This study was driven by the following research questions: Which were the conclusions regarding the implementation of TPSR in after-school settings? Which research methodologies have been used to assess TPSR in after-school time settings? Which results related to TPSR were reported in after-school time settings? Cochrane protocol guidelines were followed. Papers were selected by two independent researchers, with Cohen's Kappa value of 81%. Results and discussion: Twenty-seven papers were selected, thirteen of which were reported with high scores. Most interventions were conducted in the USA on community-based after-school programs, lasting more than nine sessions, and led by school staff who prepared physical activities for youngsters from disadvantaged communities. Most of the reported studies resorted to qualitative methodologies. Some gaps were detected, such as lack of systematization of methods, lack of validity and reliability. Personal and social benefits were found. Other results were grouped into leadership, staff-youngsters relationship, values, transference, and impact on staff lives. We recommend future studies in the after-school context extend to extend to other countries, with more detailed descriptions of the specific used methods.

RESUMO Contexto: Há mais de três décadas, o Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) tem sido estudado e implementado, através da atividade física, em diferentes contextos. No entanto, não há nenhuma revisão sistematizada na literatura em contexto extracurricular. Propósito: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre intervenções extracurriculares baseadas no modelo TPSR Métodos: As perguntas de pesquisa que conduziram este estudo foram: quais as conclusões relacionadas à implementação do TPSR em contextos extracurriculares? Que metodologias de investigação têm sido utilizadas para examinar o TPSR em contextos extracurriculares? Que resultados relacionados com o TPSR foram reportados em contextos extracurriculares? Foram seguidas as orientações do protocolo de Cochrane. A seleção dos artigos foi feita por dois pesquisadores independentes, com valor de Kappa de Cohen de 81%. Resultados e discussão: Foram selecionados vinte e sete artigos, treze dos quais foram relatados com elevada pontuação. A maioria das intervenções foi realizada nos EUA, em programas extracurriculares para a comunidade, com uma duração superior a nove sessões, lideradas por staff da escola que preparou atividades físicas para jovens de comunidades desfavorecidas. Os estudos relatados recorreram, na sua maioria, a metodologias qualitativas. Algumas lacunas foram detetadas como a falta de sistematização dos métodos, a falta de validade e confiabilidade. Foram encontrados benefícios pessoais e sociais. Outros resultados foram agrupados em liderança, relacionamento entre staff e jovens, valores, transferência e impacto na vida pessoal. Recomenda-se que estudos futuros no contexto extracurricular se estendam para outros países, com descrições mais detalhadas dos métodos usados e precisos.

RESUMEN Contexto: Hace más de tres décadas, el Teaching Personal and Social Responsability (TPSR) ha sido estudiado e implementado, a través de la actividad física, en distintos contextos. No obstante, no ha ninguna revisión sistematizada en literatura en un contexto extracurricular. Objetivo: Llevar a una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre intervenciones extracurriculares basadas en el modelo TPSR Métodos: Las preguntas de búsqueda que llevaron a este estudio fueron: ¿Cuáles las conclusiones relacionadas a la implementación del TPSR en contexto extracurricular? ¿Qué metodologías de investigación han sido utilizadas para examinar el TPSR en contexto extracurricular? ¿Qué resultados relacionados con el TPSR fueron presentados en contexto extracurricular? Han sido seguidas las orientaciones del protocolo de Cochrane. La selección de los artículos ha sido hecha por dos investigadores independientes, con valor de Kappa de Cohen de 81%. Resultados y discusión: Han sido seleccionados veintisiete artículos, trece de los cuales han sido relatados con elevada puntuación. La mayoría de las intervenciones han sido hechas en los EEUU, en programas extracurriculares para la comunidad, con una duración superior a nueve sesiones, encabezadas por staff de la escuela prepararon actividades físicas para jóvenes de comunidades desfavorecidas. Los estudios relatados apelaron, en su mayoría, a metodologías cualitativas. Algunos errores han sido detectados como la falta de sistematización de los métodos, la falta de validez y fiabilidad. Han sido encontrados beneficios personales y sociales. Otros resultados han sido agrupados en liderazgo, relaciones entre staff y jóvenes, valores, transferencia e impacto en la vida de las personas. Se recomienda que estudios futuros en el contexto extracurricular se extendan a otros países, con descripciones más detalladas de los métodos utilizados y exactos.

ABSTRACT Introduction A fungus ball (FB) is a non-invasive fungal sinusitis, consisting of extramucosal accumulation of dense fungal hyphae conglomerates, located in paranasal sinuses. It generally affects immunocompetent women. Aim To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment in a series of patients diagnosed with FB of paranasal sinuses. Material and method Retrospective descriptive study regarding all patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of FB, who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in our institution between 2010 and 2016. Results Twenty patients (15 women, 5 men) were included, with a mean age at diagnosis of 64 years (35-86 years). Most were immunocompetent (85%). Facial pain was the most frequent symptom (8/20). All patients were studied with a sinus CT, finding paranasal calcifications in 70%. It predominantly involved the maxillary (12/20), and sphenoid sinus (6/20). All patients were treated with ESS, with a combined Caldwell Luc approach in only 3 of them. Intraoperative cultures were negative in 75% of patients. Conclusions Sinus FB has a non-specific clinical presentation. CT findings help suspect it, and it is confirmed with a histopathological study, given the poor efficiency of cultures. ESS is the diagnostic-therapeutic procedure of choice, with a low local recurrence rate.

RESUMEN Introducción La bola fúngica (BF) es una sinusitis fúngica no invasiva, con acumulación extramucosa de conglomerados densos de hifas de hongos en cavidades paranasales (CPN), afectando generalmente a mujeres inmunocompetentes. Objetivo Describir la presentación cínica, diagnóstico y tratamiento de una serie de pacientes con diagnóstico de BF de CPN. Material y método Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes con diagnóstico histopatológico de BF sometidos a cirugía endoscópica nasal (CEN) en nuestra institución entre 2010 y 2016. Resultados Se incluyeron 20 pacientes (15 mujeres, 5 hombres), con edad promedio al diagnóstico de 64 años (35-86 años), la mayoría inmunocompetente (85%). El síntoma más frecuente fue dolor facial (8/20). Todos los pacientes fueron estudiados con tomografia computarizada (TC) de CPN, presentando calcificaciones en 70%. La ubicación más frecuente fue el seno maxilar (12/20) y luego esfenoidal (6/20). Se realizó CEN en todos los pacientes, combinándolo con Caldwell Luc en 3 de ellos. Los cultivos intraoperatorios resultaron negativos en el 75% de los pacientes. Conclusión La BF tiene presentación cínica inespecifica. Se sospecha en base a hallazgos imagenológicos en la TC de CPN y se confirma histopatológicamente, dado el bajo rendimiento de los cultivos. La CEN es la herramienta diagnóstico-terapéutica de elección, con baja tasa de recidiva local.

RESUMEN (150 palabras) (mismo orden que títulos) El deporte aunque el potencial de fomentar el desarrollo positivo de la juventud (DPJ) no siempre se utiliza para este propósito. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar componentes de la filosofía de entrenamiento y las estrategias utilizadas por los entrenadores jóvenes en riesgo de exclusión social, así como los retos que se enfrentan en la enseñanza del DPJ. Participaron en entrevistas semiestructuradas 10 entrenadores de los jóvenes adolescentes en riesgo de exclusión social. Los entrenadores han argumentado la necesidad de crear un clima positivo de apoyo, relaciones significativas con sus atletas y desarrollar el esfuerzo y respeto. Sin embargo, indicaron un conjunto limitado de habilidades que podrían desarrollarse a través del deporte, centrándose en las necesidades inmediatas de los jóvenes en el seguimiento de las reglas y participar en las actividades promovidas por los entrenadores, lo que nos permite pensar que es necesario abordar estas cuestiones en profundidad en los cursos de entrenadores.

ABSTRACT (150 words) (same order that title) It seems that sport has the potential to foster positive youth development (PYD) if it is used with this purpose. This study aimed to analyze the strategies used by coaches who work with at risk youth and their coaching philosophies as well as the challenges faced while promoting PYD and life skills development. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 coaches who worked with at risk youth. Coaches argued the need to foster a positive environment, establish meaningful relationships and develop only respect and effort. However, coaches articulated few competencies that could be developed through sport and focused only on the competencies needed to participate in sport activities like for example respecting rules which allows us to think that it is necessary to address these issues in depth in coach education courses.

RESUMO O desporto, embora tenha o potencial necessário para fomentar o desenvolvimento positivo dos jovens (DPJ), nem sempre é usado com este propósito. Deste modo, este estudo teve objetivo analisar componentes da filosofia de treino e as estratégias utilizadas por treinadores de jovens em risco de exclusão social, assim como os desafios encontrados por estes agentes no domínio do DPJ. Participaram em entrevistas semi-estruturadas 10 treinadores de jovens em risco de exclusão social. Os participantes neste estudo mencionaram a necessidade de criar um clima de suporte positivo, manter relações significativas com os seus atletas, e desenvolver o respeito e o esforço. Contudo, referiram um conjunto limitado de competências para a vida que podiam ser desenvolvidas através do desporto, centrando-se nas necessidades imediatas dos jovens em cumprirem regras e envolver-se nas atividades promovidas pelos treinadores, o que nos permite pensar que é necessário abordar estas temáticas com profundidade nos cursos de treinadores.

We evaluate the use of a portable and non-invasive technology based on visible and near infrared (vis/NIR) spectroscopy (Cherry-Meter) for monitoring fruit maturity parameters and anthocyanins in two highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars (Misty and Sharpblue). This device measures an Index of Absorbance Difference (I AD), which showed high correlations with fruit quality parameters in other fruit crops. We found positive but differential correlations between I AD values and fruit anthocyanins, which was higher for Misty (r = 0.970, p≤0.01) than for Sharpblue (r = 0.714, p>0.05). Interestingly, Cherry-Meter measurements were also correlated with solid soluble concentrations (r = 0.685, p≤0.01) and fruit firmness (r = -0.714, p≤0.01), but only in Sharpblue. For both cultivars, I AD values were also significantly (p≤0.01) related with fruit FW (0.447 for Sharpblue and 0.559 for Misty). The High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) data indicated that I AD variations were associated with significant changes in single berry anthocyanidins levels. These findings are the first approach, highlighting the potentialities of Cherry-Meter for the non-destructive assessment of fruit maturity and anthocyanidin profile in blueberries.

Deficiency or excess of nitrogen (N) supply can promote formation of reactive oxygen species in plants, inducing oxidative stress. Otherwise, plants may enhance phenolics biosynthesis and antioxidant capacity under N deficiency, but this effect is plant species-dependent. There is no information about influence on phenolics and antioxidant activity in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), in which quality and commercial importance depend on high phenolics concentration. We studied the effect of variable N supply (0 to 38 mM) on N uptake and antioxidant responses in two highbush blueberry cultivars (Legacy and Bluegold) hydroponically grown at the long-term. Nitrogen leaves concentration was enhanced for both cultivars at increasing N supply. Bluegold decreased CO2 assimilation at 0 N treatment, possibly due to both, insufficient N concentration and a decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In contrast, SOD was activated in Legacy at 0 N, and interestingly only this cultivar maintained CO2 assimilation rates across all N treatments. Both cultivars showed higher phenolics and antioxidant activity levels at 9 mM. Despite the differential responses among the cultivars, we propose a threshold of 15 g N kg-1 DW to ensure high antioxidant activity and quality in blueberry leaves.

Objective: To assess the test-retest reliability of a questionnaire to determine nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) and its characteristics in schoolchildren aged 7 to 12 years. Metodology: An evaluation of diagnostic technologies was done in 84 schoolchildren (9.2 ± 1.6 years), 50 % girls, selected for convenience. The questionnaire was administered by individual interview, twice, with an interval of 2 to 4 days. We calculated the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (CCI 2.1) to quantitative variables and Cohen's and Weighted Kappa Index to qualitative variables with their respective confidence intervals at 95 % (CI95 %). Results: The prevalence was 20.2 % and 17.9 % in the first and second evaluation, respectively. The reliability of the questions that determine prevalence of NLBP was very good (k = 0.85, 95 % CI 0.69 - 1.00, n = 84); The number of days with NLBP in the last month got a fair reliability (CCI = 0.36; 95 % CI -0.009-0.70), while the duration asked by four categories of response was very good (k = 1.00; IC95 % 1.00-1.00), the intensity assessed by Wong-Baker F aces Pain Rating Scale was very good (ICC = 0.82, 95 % CI 0.54 - 0.93). In relation to consult a professional for back pain, Kappa indices ranged from k = 0.46 and k = 1.0. In the second evaluation, the children showed shorter duration of pain (3.9 days) and lower intensity (2.0). Discussion: The importance of reliability evaluation of the questionnaire to determine DLI and its characteristics is that there can be a valid measure unless the measure has some degree of reliability. The questionnaire to determine NLBP and their characteristics in schoolchildren aged 7 to 12 years is sufficiently reproducible for use in population studies.

Objetivo: Evaluar la reproducibilidad prueba-reprueba del cuestionario para determinar dolor lumbar inespecífico (DLI) y sus características en escolares de 7 a 12 años. Metodología: Estudio de evaluación de pruebas diagnósticas realizado en 84 escolares (9,2 ± 1,6 años), 50 % niñas, seleccionados por conveniencia. El cuestionario se aplicó mediante entrevista individual, en dos oportunidades, con un intervalo entre pruebas de 2 a 4 días. Se calculó el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (CCI (2.1)) para las variables cuantitativas y el Índice Kappa de Cohen o ponderado (k) para las variables cualitativas con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 % (IC95 %). Resultados: La prevalencia de DLI fue de 20,2 % y 17,9 % en la primera y segunda evaluación, respectivamente. La reproducibilidad de las preguntas que determinan prevalencia de DLI fue muy buena (k = 0,85; IC95 % 0,69-1,00; n = 84). El número de días con DLI en el último mes obtuvo una reproducibilidad aceptable (CCI = 0,36; IC95 % -0,09-0,70), mientras que la duración teniendo en cuenta 4 categorías fue muy buena (k = 1,00; IC95 % 1,00-1,00), la presencia de dolor irradiado obtuvo una reproducibilidad muy buena (k = 1,00; 1,00-1,00); la intensidad evaluada con la escala Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale fue muy buena (k = 0,82 IC95 % 0,54-0,93). En relación con la consulta a un profesional por dolor, los índices Kappa oscilaron entre k = 0,46 y k = 1,0. En la segunda evaluación, los niños registraron menor duración del dolor (3,9 días) y menor intensidad (2,0). Discusión: La importancia de la evaluación de la reproducibilidad del cuestionario para determinar DLI y sus características radica en que no puede existir una medición válida a menos que la medición tenga algún grado de reproducibilidad. Según los resultados, el cuestionario para determinar DLI y sus características en escolares de 7 a 12 años es lo suficientemente reproducible para ser utilizado en estudios poblacionales.

The objective of this work was to determine if water buffaloes from the western region of Cuba are carrier of Babesia bovis infection, using a nested PCR (nPCR) test. Two hundred twenty two DNA samples, extracted from buffalo blood at different ages, from six farms in the western region of Cuba were processed. Visualization of blood smear in the optical microcopy was previously carried out. The results showed that all the samples were negative to blood smear; however, 94 (42.1%) samples were positive in the nPCR, visualizing bands of 298 pb. Infection was present in animals from all farms and categories studied. A positive nPCR sample was sequenced and such sequence was deposited in the GenBank, comparing it with others available in diverse databases. Its high identity was verified with several geographical isolates of B. bovis. It is concluded that water buffaloes in the western region of Cuba are carrier of Babesia bovis infection.

Este trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de determinar si los búfalos en el Occidente de Cuba son portadores de la infección por Babesia bovis, empleando un ensayo de PCR Anidada (nPCR). Se procesaron 222 muestras de ADN, extraído de sangre de búfalos, de diferentes edades, procedentes de siete granjas de la región occidental de Cuba, a los que también se les realizó frotis sanguíneo. Como resultado encontramos que todas las muestras resultaron negativas al frotis sanguíneo. Sin embargo, 94 de ellas (42,1%) resultaron positivas en el nPCR, visualizándose bandas de 298pb. La infección estuvo presente en animales de todas las granjas y de las cuatro categorías estudiadas. Se secuenció el producto del nPCR de una muestra positiva. La secuencia obtenida se depositó en el GenBank y se comparó con otras secuencias disponibles en diversas bases de datos, verificándose elevada identidad con respecto a aislados geográficos de B. bovis. Se concluye que los búfalos en Cuba son portadores de la infección por Babesia bovis.

The buffalo species was recently introduced in Cuba, showing excellent productive and reproductive performance. Their health situation has been little studied, although their natural resistance to various diseases reported in the country, including haemoparasitosis has been recognized. Buffaloes are also susceptible to infection with Anaplasma marginale, but hardly present clinical anaplasmosis, remaining asymptomatic carriers, which facilitates transmission to cattle. This study is aimed at determining the presence of A. marginale in buffaloes of the western region of Cuba. For this purpose, an nPCR test, based on msp5 gene amplification of this hemoparasites, was developep. Fifty-two DNA samples, extracted from animal blood, randomly selected from 6 farms in western Cuba, which underwent blood smear were analized. From the total samples analyzed, 47 (90.4%) were positive by nPCR, visualizing in all cases a band of 345 bp, while only 5 animals (9.6%) were positive in blood smear. One of the fragment amplified was sequenced and the sequence obtained was deposited in GenBank under Accession Number JF270381, showing a high percentage of identity with Anaplasma marginale deposited sequences in different regions of the world.

La especie bubalina, introducida en Cuba, ha mostrando excelentes resultados productivos y reproductivos. La situación de salud en ellos ha estudiado poco, aunque se reconoce su resistencia natural a varias enfermedades informadas en el país, incluidas las hemoparasitosis. Los búfalos también son susceptibles a la infección por Anaplasma marginale, pero la anaplasmosis clínica difícilmente se presenta, permaneciendo como portadores asintomáticos, lo que facilita la transmisión a los bovinos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar la presencia de A. marginale en búfalos de la región occidental de Cuba. Para ello se desarrolló un ensayo de nPCR, a partir de la amplificación del gen msp5 de este hemoparásito. Se analizaron 52 muestras de ADN, extraído de sangre de animales seleccionados al azar en seis granjas del occidente de Cuba, a los que se les realizó Frotis Sanguíneo. Del total de muestras analizadas, 47 muestras (90,4%) resultaron positivas por el nPCR, visualizándose en todos los casos una banda de 345 pb, mientras que sólo cinco animales (9,6%) fueron positivos en el Frotis Sanguíneo. Uno de los fragmentos amplificados fue secuenciado y la secuencia obtenida fue depositada en el GenBank con Número de Acceso JF270381, mostrando un alto por ciento de identidad con secuencias depositadas de Anaplasma marginale de diferentes regiones del mundo.

Background: Swallowing disorders are common in hospitalized patients. Functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a simple, safe and effective test for the diagnosis and monitoring of these disorders. Aim: To report the results of functional endoscopic swallowing evaluation. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of all records of functional swallowing evaluation procedures performed in a 6 months period. Results: A total of 327 evaluations were analyzed. Sixty seven percent were performed for the first time in a patient and 32.4% were follow-up evaluations. Mean age of patients was 73 ± 17 (SD) years and 56% were male. Twenty nine percent had prolonged orotracheal intubation (> 48 hours). Swallowing was evaluated as normal, mildly, moderately and severely altered in 8.2, 27, 27 and 38% of cases, respectively. Age (> 50 years) and orotracheal intubation were the most important predictors of severity (p = 0,01). Oral feeding was achieved during hospital stay in 78 and 55 % of patients with moderate or severe swallowing disorders, respectively, after a delay of 8.7 and 14.3 days, respectively. Having a severe swallowing disorder during the first evaluation, increased fourfold the risk of gastrostomy. Conclusions: Most hospitalized patients with swallowing disorders achieve oral feeding before leaving hospital. Safe oral feeding is delayed as swallowing disorder is of greater severity.

Primary cilliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an heterogeneous genetic disease caused by a structural and/or functional alteration of the ciliary skeleton. It is a diagnostic challenge due to its protean clinical presentation and to the complexity of screening and diagnostic methods. The method hitherto regarded as the gold standard is the analysis of ciliary structure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This presents limitations because analyzes a limited number of ciliary axonemes, and may exclude cases with typical functional and clinical presentation. In recent years new diagnostic methods have been developed based on novel knowledge of the structural ciliary proteins, the genes encoding these proteins and mutations associated to DCP. These new methods include genetic analysis and the study of protein expression in cilia of the affected patients. This paper reviews DCP pathophysiology, the current diagnostic methods applied, and summarizes the international literature regarding the diagnosis of DCP based on genetic screening.

La disquinesia ciliar primaria (DCP) corresponde a una enfermedad genética heterogénea, que se produce por una alteración estructural o funcional de los cilios. Es de difícil diagnóstico tanto por su variada sintomatología como por la existencia de métodos de screening y diagnóstico complejos. El método que hasta ahora ha sido considerado como gold standard es el análisis de la estructura ciliar por medio de la microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET). Esta técnica tiene limitaciones porque permite analizar un número limitado de axonemas ciliares y puede excluir del diagnóstico a pacientes con axonema normal pero con alteración funcional y clínica clásicas. En los últimos años se han desarrollado métodos diagnósticos sobre la base de un mejor conocimiento de la estructura proteica de los cilios, de los genes que codifican estas proteínas y de las mutaciones asociadas a DCP. Estos nuevos métodos consisten en un análisis genético y un estudio de la expresión de proteínas ciliares en los pacientes afectados. Esta publicación tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión de la fisiopatología de la DCP, los métodos diagnósticos actuales y resumir el desarrollo del diagnóstico genético en la literatura internacional y su posible aplicación en nuestro medio.

Introduction: Pathologic sin onasal secretions and elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) have been in oted in sin us mucosa ofpatients with chronic sinusitis. Respiratory ciliated cells have a functional reserve that allows them to autoregulate their ciliary beat in response to the changesin viscosity, modify in g intraacellular calcium levels [Ca+²]ic. Aim: Our goal was to determinate if TNFα affect this autoregulation to viscosity and calcium homeostasis. Material and Method: Primary cultures from adenoid tissue expiants. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was recorded usin g microphotodensitometry Cultures viere treated with TNFα (10 ng/ml) or control during 24 and 48 hours. Viscosity wasincreased by add in g dextran 500 10% and 20%. [Ca+²]ic was determined in cells loaded with Fura-2AM. Results: 48 hours treatment with TNFα produced a significant decrease in CBF at low viscosity significant increase in [Ca+²]ic and greater decrese in CBF in cultures treated with thapsigargin (endoplasmic calcium-ATPase pump blocker). Conclusions: After 48 hours ofexposure to TNFα a negative effect in the adaptation mechanism to a low viscous media is observed in ciliated cells, probably secondary to changesin homeostasis of [Ca+²]ic.

Introducción: Secreciones sinonasales patológicas y elevados niveles de factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNFα) se han encontrado en mucosa sin usal de pacientes con sinusitis crónica. Las células ciliadas respiratorias tienen una reserva funcional que les permite autorregular su frecuencia de batido ciliar (FBC) en respuesta a cambios en la viscosidad, modificando los niveles de calcio intraacelular [Ca+²]ic. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es determinóar si TNFα afecta el mecanismo de autorregulación y la homeostasis del calcio intraacelular frente a cambios en la viscosidad. Material y método: Cultivos primarios de explantes de tejido adenoideo. Registro de FBC mediante microfotodensitometría. Cultivos tratados con TNFα (10 ng/ml) o control durante 24 y 48 horas. Se in crementó la viscosidad agregando dextrano 500 al 10% y 20%. Se midió [Ca+²]ic en células cargadas con Fura 2AM. Resultados: El tratamiento con TNFα por 48 horas produjo una significativa disminución de la FBC a baja viscosidad, aumento significativo de [Ca+²]ic y caída mayor de FBC en cultivos tratados con tapsigargina (bloqueador bomba calcio-ATPasa retículo). in o se encontró diferencia a alta viscosidad. Conclusión: Después de 48 horas de exposición a TNFα se observa un efecto negativo en el mecanismo de adaptación de las células ciliadas a un medio con baja viscosidad, probablemente secundario a cambios en la homeostasis del [Ca+²]ic.