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Oropouche virus is the aetiological agent of Oropouche fever. At present, this is currently considered one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Latin America. On 27 May 2024, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba reported the first ever outbreak of Oropouche fever. In this report, we describe three human cases of Oropouche virus infection with symptoms and signs of neurological disease and clinical diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This study offers insights regarding that Oropouche virus is a causal agent of neurological disorders and it could be involved in the etiology of the Guillain-Barré Syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the complex evolution of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) situation reflects a change in the eco-epidemiology of the causative agent which, among other demands, renews the need for better understanding of the connectivity between countries through the main virus reservoirs to improve prevention, early warning and mitigate the associated risks. Our objective was to determine migratory connectivity of Blue-winged Teal and evaluate the risk of AIV introduction to Cuba by this species. The stable hydrogen isotope (d2H) value in flight feathers was analyzed. Individuals were sampled during the migratory season of 2021 (N=126) and winter residence of 2020 (N=152), in western and central Cuba, respectively. Based on banding records from 1955 to 2018, the transition probabilities from 3 breeding areas in North America to 9 wintering areas was estimated with a Burnham's live-recapture dead-recovery modeling framework. A map of likely origin in North America of the individuals sampled for each season was generated, combining the isotopic information and transition probabilities. Evidence of an age-related and phenological pattern in migratory origins was identified. Individuals harvested in the migratory season in western Cuba were most likely from molt or natal areas in the prairies and forest regions from United States and southern Canada. Alternatively, individuals harvested in winter in the center of Cuba had the most likely origin in the U.S. prairie region. The spatial-temporal pattern of AIV prevalence in the estimated region was analyzed and suggestions are made to assist the Cuban system of active AIV surveillance of wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of antiretroviral-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 genetic variants in patients with late presentation to health care may impact the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), costs of care, and potential HIV transmission. Aim: To determine the prevalence of pre-treatment HIV-1 drug resistance to antiretrovirals (pre-treatment HIV-1 drug resistance (PDR)) in Cuban patients classified as late presenters (LPs). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on 255 HIV-positive Cubans classified as LP (CD4+ T cell count ≤ 350 cells/mm3) and included in PDR surveillance studies in Cuba during the period 2009--2020. The viral subtype and the genotypic profile of antiretroviral resistance were analyzed. Some clinical and epidemiological variables were evaluated. Results: 83.2% of the patients were male and 65.9% were men who had sex with other men. The average age was 31 years. 40% of the individuals studied had advanced disease (CD4+ T cell count ≤200 cells/mm3). The predominant genetic variants were subtype B (29.4%); CRF20, 23, 24_BG (24.3%), and CRF19_cpx (22.4%). The prevalence of pre-treatment HIV-1 drug resistance (PDR) was 21.2% (95%, CI 16.3-26.7). The prevalence was 8.2% (95%, CI 5.3-11.9) for any nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), 15.1% (95%, CI 11.2-19.7) for any non-NRTI (NNRTI), and 2.1% (95%, CI 0.75-4.41) for any protease inhibitor (PI). 9.25% of the LPs with PDR died a year after diagnosis of the HIV infection. The most frequent mutations were K103N (6.7%), G190A (4.7%), and M184V (4.3%). The treatment will not be effective in 17.3% of patients who start therapy with the NRTI + NNRTI combinations. Conclusion: The high PDR values in LPs show the need to enhance genotypic studies of HIV resistance in this population at the time of diagnosis of the infection, since the success of first-line ART may be compromised and influence compliance with the global goals set forth by United nations acquired immunodeficiency syndrome for the year 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper builds systematically on the research experiences of the author, involving the application of a Marxist focus in comparative education studies, in the Cuban and Latin American context. It reflects in a general way the importance of this focus and approach, and in turn the contradictions that occur between formal education policy and that which is achieved in practice. Highlighting this tension allows our research to be an instrument of critical analysis for educational transformation, involving the principal policy makers and actors, educators, and all participants in educational processes. The reflections and considerations put forward in this chapter stem from the author's formation and professional experience in Cuba as an educator, and through which the influence of Marxism-Leninism in Cuban education, and particularly in the field of comparative education, involves a certain subjectivity. Amongst other reasons, my research to develop this chapter draws on and values my professional practice and my research experience, which in turn situates me as both judge and jury with respect to understanding this reality in Cuba that, in my view, is little studied and highly complex.

Introduction: The extruded products in Cuba are produced from corn meal, a raw material obtained from imported corn grain. Extrusion technology allows the production of products from flour mixtures. Objective: To determine the adequate proportion of the corn and rice flour mixture and the extruder operating temperature. Materials and Methods: A granulometric analysis of both flours was made. Mixtures of corn flour (M) and rice four (A) were prepared. An industrial extruder with a capacity of 200 kg/h and a nozzle diameter of 4 mm was used. The experimental variables were M/A ratio (90 M/10 A, 75 M/25 A y 60 M/40 A) and temperature (190 y 210 °C). The investigated variables were expansion and humidity as well as those corresponding to the sensorial evaluation. Results and Discussion: Rice flour shows a finer granulometry than corn flour; this may limit its level of addition to the mixture. The investigated variables were found to be independent of temperature, but dependent on the proportion of the flours. From the desirability function, the best result was obtained for 60 M/40 A and 190 ºC. Conclusions: Corn and rice flours have similar starch content. The level of rice flour addition is determined by the incorporation of smaller particle sizes into the mixture. The overall sensory quality, according to the desirability function, was 7.4, equivalent to good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local-scale weather and climate modeling in mountains has been relevant for the study of agroforestry ecosystems and their future evolution. The study aimed to integrate a set of high-resolution spatial data to the WRF numerical meteorological prediction and research model, suitable for meteorological and local climate analysis in the mountains of Cuba. In the study, priority spatial data were defined as those referring to the relief, the land mask as the ocean-soil interface, the type of cover and type of soil. The national or global highresolution spatial databases of the best quality and most appropriate to the characteristics of the model were selected. The databases integrated into the WRF had spatial resolution between approximately 0.95 and 0.03 km in Ecuador. The increase and updating of spatial data strengthened the model's capacity for the analysis of the geographic factors that shape the local climate, promoting better performance in the mountains. The research results could contribute to meteorological and climate monitoring and forecasting at a local scale for the mountains of Cuba. Likewise, studies and risk management associated with forest fires, severe hydrometeorological events, climate variability, climate change, and other dangers related to the climate system that have affected Cuban agroforestry ecosystems would benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ixodid ticks, particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., are important vectors of various disease-causing agents in dogs and humans in Cuba. However, our understading of interactions among tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in infected dogs or the vector R. sanguineus s.l. remains limited. This study integrates microfluidic-based high-throughput real-time PCR data, Yule's Q statistic, and network analysis to elucidate pathogen-pathogen interactions in dogs and ticks in tropical western Cuba. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 46 client-owned dogs was conducted. Blood samples were collected from these dogs, and ticks infesting the same dogs were morphologically and molecularly identified. Nucleic acids were extracted from both canine blood and tick samples. Microfluidic-based high-throughput real-time PCR was employed to detect 25 bacterial species, 10 parasite species, 6 bacterial genera, and 4 parasite taxa, as well as to confirm the identity of the collected ticks. Validation was performed through end-point PCR assays and DNA sequencing analysis. Yule's Q statistic and network analysis were used to analyse the associations between different TBP species based on binary presence-absence data. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of TBPs in both dogs and R. sanguineus s.l., the only tick species found on the dogs. Hepatozoon canis and Ehrlichia canis were among the most common pathogens detected. Co-infections were observed, notably between E. canis and H. canis. Significant correlations were found between the presence of Anaplasma platys and H. canis in both dogs and ticks. A complex co-occurrence network among haemoparasite species was identified, highlighting potential facilitative and inhibitory roles. Notably, H. canis was found as a highly interconnected node, exhibiting significant positive associations with various taxa, including A. platys, and E. canis, suggesting facilitative interactions among these pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis showed genetic diversity in the detected TBPs. Conclusions: Overall, this research enhances our understanding of TBPs in Cuba, providing insights into their prevalence, associations, and genetic diversity, with implications for disease surveillance and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several scores stratify venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in solid tumors, hematologic malignancies (HM) are underrepresented. To develop an internal and external validation of a logistic regression model to predict VTE risk in hospitalized HM patients. Validation of the existing VTE predictive model was performed through a prospective case–control study in 496 hospitalized HM patients between December 2010 and 2020 at the Arnaldo Milián University Hospital, Cuba. The predictive model designed with data from 285 patients includes 5 predictive factors: hypercholesterolemia, tumoral activity, use of thrombogenic drugs, diabetes mellitus, and immobilization. The model was internally validated using bootstrap analysis. External validation was realized in a prospective cohort of 211 HM patients. The predictive model had a 76.4% negative predictive value (NPV) and an 81.7% positive predictive value (PPV) in the bootstrapping validation. The area under curve (AUC) in the bootstrapping set was 0.838. Accuracy was 80.1% and 82.9% in the internal and external validation, respectively. In the external validation, the model produced 89.7% of NPV, 67.7% of PPV, 74.6% of sensitivity, and 86.2% of specificity. The AUC in the external validation was 0.900. VTE predictive model is a reproducible and simple tool with good accuracy and discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. Results: Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. Conclusions: Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Food composition tables become obsolete due to new production practices, plant genetic research, changes in analytical methods, and the characterization and introduction of new foods. Therefore, it is necessary to update the existing Cuban tables. Aim. Implement a procedure that makes it possible to process data on foods, coming from the literature, with the interest of developing reliable tables of nutritional composition of foods for ruminant animals. Materials and Methods: AliCuba software was used to generate tables of nutritional composition of livestock foods, based on the compilation and processing of research results published in various bibliographic sources. A procedure was established that regulates the stages to be followed, with the help of this software, to obtain reliable tables of the nutritional composition of foods. Univariate techniques were used to determine outlier data. Missing values were estimated through equations. Bootstrap resampling was applied with a percentile confidence interval. The procedure was validated with information regarding Megathyrsus maximus cv. Likoni (leaves and stems, fresh, western region, without specifying time of year or irrigation, with fertilization and 30 to 60 days old). Results: The procedure implemented following its different stages was adequate to identify and adjust database anomalies, such as data entry errors, incorrect units of measurement, analytical errors, misidentification of foods, etc., demonstrating its validity. to ensure the quality of the information. Conclusion: A procedure was implemented that allows perfecting the process of preparing nutritional composition tables of foods for ruminant animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author tells the story of the 22-month program involving the political exodus of thousands of Cuban children to the United States in the early 1960s. Fearing communist indoctrination and the rumor of patria potestad--the government assuming legal guardianship of their children--Cuban parents sent their unaccompanied children to the United States with plans of reunification in the near future. In addition to providing a brief history of the program and the aftermath of the migration, Mario Minichino offers teaching strategies and resources for K-12 classrooms. (Contains 6 notes, 4 resources and 7 online resources.)

This study examines the validity of a proxy acculturation scale composed of four acculturation-related variables. The authors use data from a nationally representative sample of 1,437 U.S. Hispanics. Results indicate good internal scale reliability, a high degree of correlation between the proxy scale and the full acculturation measure, and substantial agreement between dichotomized versions of the two scales. Although reliability declines slightly, validity increases with removal of generational status from the scale. Validity is found to be high for the three largest subpopulations by country of ancestry (Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba). The proxy acculturation scale is a useful tool for the measurement of acculturation level among the majority of U.S. Hispanics when use of a more comprehensive acculturation scale is infeasible or impractical. (Contains 6 tables.)

Farmers in Cuba sow high doses of seeds to guarantee rice populations and therefore obtain better yields, however, this trend is counterproductive since production becomes more expensive due to seed costs, fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides and they are not always achieved the expected yields due to the inadequate development of plants and the high incidence of pests. Based on this problem, the objective of this work was to evaluate the interaction between four doses of cultivar LP-5 seed and the incidence and severity of fungal diseases on rice yield. For this, plots were made and sown with four doses of seeds (100, 120, 140, 160 kg ha-1). A randomized block design with five repetitions was carried out. In each of the variants, the incidence and severity of the main rice diseases were evaluated, and the theoretical yield and its components were also evaluated. Highest incidences and severity of diseases were observed when the highest doses of seeds were applied (160 and 140 kg ha-1), regardless of the disease and the evaluation time. It was found that it is not always that high planting densities lead to higher yields. As the seed dose increased, the distribution and incidence of diseases increased, fundamentally affecting the number of filled grains per panicle and the weight of one thousand grains. Highest yields were obtained at doses of 120 and 140 kg ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the work was to establish an approach to the characteristics of the outbound tourism market from Mexico to Cuba in the context of COVID-19; for which a market investigation was developed, using secondary sources of information and the analysis of behavioral data. From the study it turned out that market research as a scientific marketing method is useful in the study of tourism markets. On the other hand, the predominant Mexican tourist who has visited Cuba is usually flexible, characterized by preferring the individual organization of their trip using the services of an agency and relying on previous searches on the Internet. In the future, the Mexican issuing market with respect to Cuba, is available as a promising option based on at least eight essential events, five of them positive, which will influence Cuba's management towards its issuing country, Mexico, in the context of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Opuntia Brava is the property of Universidad de Ciencias Pedagogicas de Las Tunas, Centro de Documentacion e Informacion Pedagogica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mendive - Revista de Educacion is the property of Universidad de Pinar del Rio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Surveys for intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) often involve samples from three sampling dates analysed by various microscopy techniques. However, analysis of three samples per individual is a huge burden on time and resources. We compared the value from analysing three or fewer samples. Methods In this cross-sectional study, three faecal samples were collected every other day from 332 children from two locations in Guantanamo province, Cuba. Samples were analysed by wet mount with Lugol stain, Willis flotation method and Kato–Katz thick smear. Results Most parasites were detected by wet mount, although helminth eggs not found by wet smear were detected by the Willis flotation method (in particular) and Kato–Katz smear. Blastocystis spp. was the most commonly detected parasite (about 65%), then Giardia duodenalis and then Entamoeba spp. Although analysis of two stool samples significantly increased occurrence data for Blastocystis , this was not so for the other parasites. For none of the protozoan parasites were results from analysing three samples significantly higher than results from analysing just two samples. Conclusions Analysing two faecal samples by wet mount and the Willis flotation method provides useful data for estimating the prevalence of IPIs in relatively high prevalence settings. Analysing further samples provides limited additional information and adds an extra burden in terms of time and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Western world, the SO2 concentration in ambient air dropped to low levels, but some emission sources (e.g., merchant ships) and some regions (e.g., low-income countries) still emit substantial amounts of SO2. At those locations, SO2 monitoring is critical. However, low-income countries do not have much access to expensive reference instruments. Low-cost gas sensors might be an alternative, but it is unclear how reliable such measurements are. To evaluate the performance of the low-cost alternative, the same SO2 gas sensor has been subjected to three different calibration methods: (1) low-cost calibration performed in the tropical climate of Cuba; (2) high-end calibration performed in Belgium; (3) a field calibration at an air quality measuring station in Belgium. The first two methods showed similar trends, suggesting that the gas sensor can be calibrated with a low-cost method. The field calibration was hampered by the low SO2 concentrations. For the monitoring campaign in Cienfuegos, Cuba, the low-cost SO2 sensor calibrated by the low-cost method appeared to be sufficiently reliable. The reliability of the sensor increases with the increase in SO2 concentration, so it can be used in Cuba instead of Belgium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Salud Uninorte is the property of Fundacion Universidad del Norte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mining development in Cuba is of vital importance for the progress of the country, although it has generated environmental liabilities because of implementing the mine closure plan incorrectly. The lack of financing in order to face this process is one of the main causes. The purpose of this study was to develop an accounting policy for creating and using a provision for mine closure, which will guarantee, that companies have the necessary financing to execute the closure plan at the end of the life cycle of the mining project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

San Cayetano Formation, of Lower Jurassic?- Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) age, constitutes the oldest and most extensive stratigraphic unit in the Guaniguanico Mountain Range (western Cuba) and is part of: Alturas de Pizarra del Sur (APS) and Sierra del Rosario/Alturas de Pizarra del Norte/Esperanza (SR/APN/E), separated by carbonate sequences. Lithologically, it is composed by shale, siltstone and sandstone, in apparently monotonous and somewhat metamorphosed sections; towards the upper part limestone and conglomerate interbedding is reported. Information on mineralogical composition and sediments source area for sandstones has been limited. A review and reinterpretation of these rocks is carried out, with special attention to the petrographic characterization of quartz, lithoclasts, feldspars and zircon grains (with age reports from the Paleoproterozoic to early Devonian). As a result, it is found that the source area for these rocks classifies as from: internal craton and recycled orogens. Based on these results, and the report of a granitic intrusive recorded at site M0077A with an age of 326 ± 5 Ma (25 km from the Yucatan coastline), it is possible to specify some parts of the Maya block as the source area (northern part, currently under the Chicxulub impact structure and its coverage). It is also shown that the APS sequences resemble flood and shoreline sediments (predominance of pelites) while those of SR/APN/E are more varied: fan, slope and foot-slope sediments (sandstones predominate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic factors and human impact have a considerable influence on reef corals driving their dynamics and distribution. Most studies on coral reefs address only biological variables that cannot alone explain the predominant stressors and processes. For this work, we studied 46 shallow reefs and 48 deep reefs between 2010 and 2013 in the Cuban archipelago. Our aim was to understand how three coral community response variables (living coral cover, coral relative dominance, and habitat rugosity) were related to seven potential abiotic predictor variables (wave exposure, sea surface temperature, degree heating week, chlorophyll-a concentration, particulate organic carbon, photosynthetically available radiation, and the diffuse attenuation coefficient), measured from remote sensing from 2002 to 2013. A human impact index (Gravity) was also included as potential predictor. We applied a routine analysis based on linear distances to analyze the relationship between coral and abiotic variables/human impact index. The abiotic variables showed large spatial variability, explaining between 27 and 55% of the spatial variability in coral community structure supporting their strong predictive power. Wave exposure influenced all the coral metrics resulting in higher coral cover and rugosity in the less exposed sites. Average temperature had a positive effect on coral cover and rugosity, suggesting that warmer temperature promotes the coral calcification rates. Thermal anomalies and photosynthetically available radiation had a less important but negative effects. The human impact index indicated that reef sites close to Havana were subjected to highest impact. Acute stressors and stochastic events (e.g., diseases outbreak) have likely overshadowed the effect of other abiotic variables. Our study concludes that wave exposure and temperature were the main abiotic drivers of coral community structure in Cuba archipelago and likely in other reefs from the Caribbean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Avances is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Carbon stored in mangroves is valuable for climate change mitigation. Managing the carbon stored in the mangrove requires an adequate legal framework and an environmental policy. In Cuba, there is little research on the capacity of mangroves to retain carbon and its articulation in environmental policy and management. In the present study, the following research question is raised: Is there a favorable context in the environmental policy to manage the mangrove as a carbon reservoir in Cuba? The aim of this research is to identify aspects of environmental policy, legal and administrative frameworks related to managing mangroves as a carbon sink in Cuba. The qualitative method of social research, the content analysis technique, and the modified Ibero-American Network for Integrated Coastal Management (IBERMAR) decalogue were used to compile, understand, and discuss the potential for effective management of mangroves for carbon storage. One hundred and twenty-one articles published in WOS and Scopus databases between 2019 and 2022, as well as books and material reviewed on the official websites, were checked. Present policy in Cuba manages mangroves for coastal protection and other ecosystem services but lacks a developed plan for considering the role of this marine forest system as a carbon sink. Managing mangroves as a carbon reservoir will require vigorous efforts to measure and monitor the system. It is necessary to build a robust national political agenda and strengthen institutional and regulatory capacities. This research provides a systematization of environmental policy as a baseline for the management of carbon reservoirs in mangroves in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Avances is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of PODIUM- Revista de Ciencia y Tecnologia en la Cultura Física is the property of Universidad de Pinar del Rio and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work shows the contribution of the preparation of the education of nuclear professionals in Cuba and of the science and innovation activities to the development of nuclear sciences and technologies and to other knowledge fields. Some quality indicators of the education process, the women presence and the scientific results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is caused by the tick-borne pathogen Ehrlichia canis, an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium of the family Anaplasmataceae with tropism for canine monocytes and macrophages. The trp36 gene, which encodes for the major immunoreactive protein TRP36 in E. canis, has been successfully used to characterize the genetic diversity of this pathogen in different regions of the world. Based on trp36 sequence analysis, four E. canis genogroups, United States (US), Taiwan (TWN), Brazil (BR) and Costa Rica (CR), have been identified. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of E. canis in Cuba based on the trp36 gene. Methods: Whole blood samples (n = 8) were collected from dogs found to be infested with the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) and/or presenting clinical signs and symptoms of CME. Total DNA was extracted from the blood samples and trp36 fragments were amplified by PCR. Nucleotide and protein sequences were compared using alignments and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Four of the trp36 sequences obtained (n = 8) fall within the phylogenetic cluster grouping the US genogroup E. canis strains. The other E. canis trp36 sequences formed a separate and well-supported clade (94% bootstrap value) that is phylogenetically distant from the other major groups and thus represents a new genogroup, herein designated as the 'Cuba (CUB) genogroup'. Notably, dogs infected with the CUB genogroup presented frequent hemorrhagic lesions. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that genetic diversification of E. canis in Cuba is associated with the emergence of E. canis strains with increased virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify clinical phenotypes and biomarkers for best mortality prediction considering age, symptoms and comorbidities in COVID-19 patients with chronic neurological diseases in intensive care units (ICUs). Subjects and Methods: Data included 1252 COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs in Cuba between January and August 2021. A k-means algorithm based on unsupervised learning was used to identify clinical patterns related to symptoms, comorbidities and age. The Stable Sparse Classifiers procedure (SSC) was employed for predicting mortality. The classification performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). Results: Six phenotypes using a modified v-fold cross validation for the k-means algorithm were identified: phenotype class 1, mean age 72.3 years (ys)—hypertension and coronary artery disease, alongside typical COVID-19 symptoms; class 2, mean age 63 ys—asthma, cough and fever; class 3, mean age 74.5 ys—hypertension, diabetes and cough; class 4, mean age 67.8 ys—hypertension and no symptoms; class 5, mean age 53 ys—cough and no comorbidities; class 6, mean age 60 ys—without symptoms or comorbidities. The chronic neurological disease (CND) percentage was distributed in the six phenotypes, predominantly in phenotypes of classes 3 (24.72%) and 4 (35,39%); χ² (5) 11.0129 p = 0.051134. The cerebrovascular disease was concentrated in classes 3 and 4; χ² (5) = 36.63, p = 0.000001. The mortality rate totaled 325 (25.79%), of which 56 (17.23%) had chronic neurological diseases. The highest in-hospital mortality rates were found in phenotypes 1 (37.22%) and 3 (33.98%). The SSC revealed that a neurological symptom (ageusia), together with two neurological diseases (cerebrovascular disease and Parkinson's disease), and in addition to ICU days, age and specific symptoms (fever, cough, dyspnea and chilliness) as well as particular comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes and asthma) indicated the best prediction performance (AUC = 0.67). Conclusions: The identification of clinical phenotypes and mortality biomarkers using practical variables and robust statistical methodologies make several noteworthy contributions to basic and experimental investigations for distinguishing the COVID-19 clinical spectrum and predicting mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Armando Hart Dávalos was one of the intellectuals who legitimized the validity of the Marxist theory to interpret and project the future of the human society in function of the social justice. He carried out important reflections about this subject, specially to the materialistic conception of the history. The objective of this work is to reveal the methodological keys developed by him, necessary for the performance and the use of this theory in the current contexts. The hermeneutic paradigm, the analysis and synthesis, and the induction and deduction served as methods for the investigation. As keys of the research are recognized: the antidogmática essence of the Marxism; the electivismo as philosophical method; the Marxism as creative and open theory to the change; the defense of the cultural heritage of the human history; the role of the social utopias, and the objective value of the will of men. All these are considered theoretical tools to understand the social contemporary processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The intense and long-term exploitation of mining equipment causes wear, deterioration and breakdown of all its parts; Under Cuba's economic conditions, replacement by new equipment is not always feasible, that is why technical professionals Is requiered by the creative and inventive capacity. This work proposes a procedure for the replacement of damaged parts in transport front loaders dedicated to nickel mining. For this, actions of mechanical design and welding are interrelated. The floors and floors of the cubes of this equipment were replaced for their start-up in ore extraction and debris collection tasks, which contributes of obtaining favorable economic and import reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Sinergia Académica is the property of Editorial Tecnocientifica Americana (ETECAM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Investments increase in the coastal areas of the eastern north of Cuba demands assessing the aptitude of rock formations to hold constructions, based on design of foundations and location of construction objects. This article presents evaluation from the physical, mechanical and quality point of view of rocks from Jaimanitas formation, considering it is a wide extension of geological formation in this area and it has a great karst development. This study was based on field and office work, including drilling, and laboratory analysis. As a result, for plot 63 A of Baracutey hotel in El Ramón de Antilla peninsula, the karst zoning and constructive favorability map were obtained which allowed to choose the most favorable alternatives for the engineering project with less constructive and environmental costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The AWS E FeCr-A1 electrode does not guarantee deposits in a single layer that can counteract the wear of the shredder hammers. Microstructure in the first layer is primary austenite (ɣ- Fe) and an interdendritic eutectic network (austenite and carbide). The hardness is 50 HRC. Objective: To evaluate the preheat effect on the hardness and microstructure of deposits obtained with the AWS E FeCr-A1 electrode. Materials and Methods: The deposits were obtained on S275JR steel plates, using single and double layer of recharge at room temperature and at 200°C, with shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). The samples were trimmed, polished and etched with Murakami reagent. The microestructure was observed by optical microscope (OM). The Vickers microhardness was determined using a Shimatsu microdurometer. Results and Discussion: Microstructure of deposits obtained at room temperature using simple and double layer consist of primary grain of austenite (ɣ- Fe) and eutectic (ɣ- Fe and M7C3). The highest hardness was obtained in the sample with double layer (723 HV). Microstructure of deposit performed at 200°C is composed by large amount of austenite (ɣ- Fe) and lower fraction of eutectic (ɣ- Fe and M7C3). Conclusions: With a temperature increase (200°C), predominant microstructure is austenite (ɣ- Fe), and deposit reaches only a hardness of 572 HV, below that indicated for the consumable AWS EFeCr-A1 which is 650 HV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia en su PC is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)