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Cassava is a cultivation of marked importance at global level and it constitutes the nutritious base of more than 500 million people. In Cuba, it is cultivated in all the provinces of the country with significant production volumes, however, technologies that favor the presence of processes of degradation of the soils and limit their productive potentialities persist. The yields reached in Calixto García Municipality oscillate around 15 t.ha-1, very below the national average. This investigation was developed with the objective of calibrating the CSM-MANIHOT-Cassava of the DSSAT v4.6 and validating the genetic coefficients in function of the yields for the clone "Señorita" under the conditions of Holguín Province. The experiments were carried out in two properties of the CCS "Julio Sanguily" in different plantation dates and using three space arrangements. For the validation, yields reached by producers in the study area in different campaigns were used and the values of the RMSEn were determined. The results of the validation showed values of RMSEn of 9.8% and 11.2% for the 2 campaigns used, it demonstrates the appropriate adjustment of the model and the feasibility of its utilization for cassava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change significantly affects the socioeconomic and environmental dynamics of coastal zones. This article is a partial result of a master's degree research developed within the framework of the project "Adaptive governance to climate change in coastal municipalities of Cuba". The main objective of this work is to contribute to the analysis of the theoretical foundations that allow advancing from social participation towards an adaptive governance in the face of current and future challenges in the context of climate change. Our methodological framework is based on the conceptions of Integrated Management as a continuous, dynamic and adaptive process, which allows the compatibility of socio-environmental interests in the coastal zone. The main result of this article is to provide a theoretically grounded tool on essential aspects of the processes of social participation and adaptive governance, from an integrated management perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused notable changes in all areas of our lives. Pandemic-coping strategies include attention and care at various levels, for different people and in various scenarios. Death is one of the most feared consequences of COVID-19 for both patients and their families; for the latter, the grief and adaptation processes to loss require that care for grievers be an important part of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grief from losses due to COVID-19 has distinctive features: it is not anticipatory (with virtually no time or progressive stages to facilitate adaptation to loss); closure or goodbyes are not possible (in-person social support decreases due to distancing to minimize risk of infection); it may affect various close relationships (a relevant predictor of complicated grief); it may imply stigmatization by peers, friends and neighbors; it is preceded by a period of absence of fluid and in-person communication between family members and the hospitalized patient; and those who break the news of the death are often professionals in red zones who are stressed and do not always have the skills or the ability to properly communicate bad news. The death of a family member from COVID-19 generally causes an unexpected crisis in the family, which is already affected by the pandemic and its daily consequences. This has prompted an analysis of COVID-19 loss on family life and how best to mitigate its consequences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, care and monitoring of the grief of family members and those who were close to the deceased require psychological action within a framework of comprehensive care, which demands preparation of healthcare professionals. Experiences described are taken from some actions developed in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southeastern part of Cuba is considered to be the area of greatest seismic hazard in the country, due to its proximity to the Bartlett-Cayman fault zone, therefore a moderate to high intensity seismic activity can induce geological hazards in this region and impact the environment. The main objective is to propose a methodology that allows to evaluate the susceptibility to landslides and the liquefaction of soils induced by earthquakes for southeast Cuba through the geological characterization, identification of anthropized factors; morphotectonic characterization and seismological evaluation. New maps of landslide susceptibility and liquefaction induced by earthquakes are obtained as results; as well as the direct verification in the terrain of landslides; the main faults that cut the study area are identified; and the morphotectonic blocks and the relative movement between them are established and characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION With a global adult prevalence of 24%, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a global health problem that parallels the worldwide increase of obesity. Its frequency, clinical characteristics and related diseases in Cuba remain unknown. OBJECTIVE Describe the clinical characteristics, comorbidities and personal habits of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who are being treated in secondary and tertiary health facilities in seven Cuban provinces. METHODS A cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out in 6601 adults seen at gastroenterology outpatient clinics of nine hospitals in seven Cuban provinces from September 2018 through May 2019. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. The study included 1070 patients who met the diagnostic and study criteria and agreed to participate. Their personal habits and anthropometric and clinical characteristics, comorbidities and other aspects of their medical histories were recorded. RESULTS Of the 1070 participants, 60.7% (649) were women. Participants' average age was 54.5 years and average body mass index was 30.5 kg/m2. A total of 397 (37.1%) were overweight and 574 (53.6%) were obese, 945 (88.3%) led a sedentary lifestyle, 564 (52.7%) had high blood pressure, 406 (37.9%) had lipid disorders and 301 (28.1%) were diabetic. While 484 (45.2%) of patients were asymptomatic, the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms were fatigue (262; 24.5%), dyspepsia (209; 19.5%), abdominal pain (306; 28.5%) and hepatomegaly (189; 17.7%). Liver cirrhosis was present in 37 (3.5%) patients at the time of diagnosis. Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity were identified in 391 (36.5%) and 279 (26.1%) of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in these Cuban patients coincides with that reported in the Caribbean region, which has high levels of obesity, overweight and sedentary lifestyles. Most were asymptomatic, female or had metabolism-related comorbidities such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. [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.)

Describes a student-run radio station within the Cuban Victoria de Giron (VDG) educational system. VDG is an agricultural work-study program for secondary vocational and pre-university students. Using circles of interest, primary and secondary students are brought together for training in broadcasting skills. (AM)

Copyright of Dilemas Contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores is the property of Dilemas Contemporaneos: Educacion, Politica y Valores 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.)

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most frequent inherited-metabolic diseases in the world, and the main cause of treatable mental retardation in children. Because signs and symptoms of this disease are often scarce and not easily recognizable, newborns are screened for the early CH detection at birth. The Center of Immunoassay (CIE) has developed the UMELISA® TSH Neonatal and UMELISA® TSH to determine neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in dried blood and serum samples. Both reagent kits use the same polystyrene plates coated with anti-β-TSH monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), but one of these is commercially acquired. Obtaining appropriate anti-TSH MAbs at the CIE would guarantee economic independence and security in the production of these kits. Immunization of mice with TSH led to the generation of 7G11E3, an anti-β-TSH IgG1-secreting hybridoma. The high affinity of 7G11E3 MAb and its characteristic epitopic recognition explain its better performance when adsorbed to UMELISA® plates for capturing low amounts of TSH in comparison with the studied MAbs. Performance of assays using polystyrene plates coated with 7G11E3 MAb was studied. Recovery percentages (100.0–106.7% for UMELISA® TSH NEONATAL and 97.3–99.0% for UMELISA® TSH) and intra (5.2–7.9% for UMELISA® TSH NEONATAL and 3.2–5.3% for UMELISA® TSH) and inter (6.6–7.7% for UMELISA® TSH NEONATAL and 5.2–8.0% for UMELISA® TSH) coefficients of variation were similar to the ones described for the commercial kits. Limits of detection and quantification were 1.0 and 3.8 mIU/L for UMELISA® TSH NEONATAL, and 0.3 and 0.6 mIU/L for UMELISA® TSH, respectively. The results also showed high overall concordance between assays (n = 2 019, ρc = 0.90 for UMELISA® TSH NEONATAL and n = 200, ρc = 0.94 for UMELISA® TSH). The 7G11E3 MAb meets the requirements for its use in the plates of UMELISA® TSH kits for CH newborn screening in Cuba. Abbreviations: CECMED, Center for the State Control of Medicaments and Medical Equipment and Devices; CH, congenital hypothyroidism; CIE, Center of Immunoassay; CLSI, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; CV coefficient of variation; DBS, dried blood spots; LOB, limit of blank; LOD, limit of detection; LOQ, limit of quantitation; SD, standard deviation; Sr, repeatability standard deviation; SUMA, Ultra Micro Analytic System; UMELISA, ultramicro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastroenterology, hepatology and liver transplant exchanges between the USA and Cuba have mainly consisted of scientific events and short visits. This has facilitated Cuba's inclusion in recognized scientific organizations, familiarity with Cuba's biotech products for treatment of liver disease, and access by Cuban professionals to the highest level of scientific information for clinical practice. It has also given health professionals in the US a more accurate picture of Cuba's health sector. The results of the Global Alcoholic Liver Disease Survey, which included Cuba and was designed and coordinated in the USA, opened doors to joint research and scientific publications. Until now, there have been no protocols for ongoing cooperation to enable bilateral clinical trials or continuing professional development in diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical techniques for hepatology and liver transplantation. There are many mutually beneficial research prospects in these areas. What has been accomplished to date, described in this article, is encouraging and sets the stage for future collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Low birthweight is associated with a decreased risk of childhood leukemia and an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in adult life. Possible biological mediators include systemic innate immunity and inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that birthweight was inversely associated with serum high sensitivity C reactive protein assay (hsCRP), a measure of both innate immunity and systemic inflammation. Methods Data on birthweight and current anthropometric measures along with a range of exposures were collected at 1 and 3 years of age in a population-based cohort study of young children living in Havana, Cuba. A total of 986 children aged 3-years-old provided blood samples that were analyzed for serum hsCRP levels. Results Nearly 49% of children had detectable hsCRP levels in their serum. Lower birthweight was linearly associated with the natural log of hsCRP levels (beta coefficient −0.70 mg L−1 per kg increase in birthweight, 95% CI: −1.34 to −0.06). This was attenuated but still present after adjustment for the child's sex and municipality (−0.65 mg L−1 per kg birthweight; 95% CI: −1.38 to +0.08). There were no associations between growth from birth or anthropometric measures at 3 years and systemic inflammation. Conclusions Birthweight was inversely associated with serum hsCRP levels in children aged 3 years living in Cuba. These observations provide a potential mechanism that is present at the age of 3 years to explain the association between low birthweight and both decreased childhood leukemia and increased cardiovascular disease in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River networks were studied applying the fractal systems approach and based on morphometric parameters. Procedures are applied to Cangre, Los Pozos, Paso Viejo, San Diego, Los Palacios, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal river basins (Pinar del Río, Cuba). Drainage areas were extracted taking into account isolevel lines configurations and river lengths. For every stream the Euclidian length was also estimated, to calculate the river network fractal dimension. It seems that Takayasu approach is the most appropriate to describe basins with the geological characteristics like those included in this study. The shift of order 2 streams with respect to order 1 streams is explained by the presence of drainage zones where streams have short lengths, typically in tectonically active areas. The lithologic factor seems to have influenced the drainage characteristics of Cangre basin, although, in general, the numerous faults and fractures exert a major control on every basin, which is supported by the high fractal values of Cangre, San Diego and Los Palacios basins. The Hurst coefficients of these basins are close to one, revealing a self-similar behavior of the river network. For the remaining basins it is no possible to assume a typical behavior because of the Hurst values are greater than one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphological and environmental modifications that originate the dredging of carbonated mud in Cayo Moa bay were analyzed. Bathymetric data of different dates (1972, 2001 and 2010) were compared to evaluate the geomorphological changes in the bottom of the bay; also were determined elements as Fe, Ca, K, Al and Si in sediment samples. The Ratio Matching method was applied to determine the predominant orientation of the flows and their possible nexus with the background transformations. It was verified that dredging transforms the sedimentation medium into its geometry, the available sedimentary load and the energy involved in the sedimentation process. From the ecological point of view, dredging in the Cayo Moa bay of has contributed to the deterioration of life forms, impacting the marine environment through the increase of suspended and dissolved solids, changes in the morphology of the bottom, erosive and sedimentary dynamics and the loss of natural structure and floristic biodiversity in areas affected by extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article characterizes the processes of the technological surveillance and its tendency towards technological intelligence. The usefulness of technological observatories in a Cuban university of technical sciences is demonstrated. Such observatories allow the identification of strategic programs of investigation, tendencies in the engineering and architecture teaching, as well as leaders in technical sciences and themes published in journals of the Web of Science. The systematic implementation of the technological surveillance and the design of new services with mining and discovery of knowledge allow guiding the strategic lines of investigation toward a pertinent innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using morphometric, such as the route of the river network, the erosion base level to the third order, analysis of slopes and vertical dissection methods were identified and characterized the major tectonic structures, morphotectonic blocks and recent fault, the latter was assessed for active status. As a result, the morphotectonic scheme of the Verraco-Punta Barlovento sector is obtained at scale 1: 25000, which contains the possible phenomena induced by high intensity earthquakes; as well as the presence of simple faults and sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports and scientific publications about the ferronickel ore bodies located to the northeast of the western region of Cuba indicate the presence of a lateritic crust developed by weathering processes occurring in ultramaphic serpentinized rocks. However, the geological investigations of the ophiolitic massif of Moa-Baracoa have revealed the presence of different sequences or lithological groups while more recent exploration projects have allowed a better characterization of the weathering crust of several ore bodies of the region based on the petrological, mineralogical and geochemical results. In view of these results, this article presents the description of several types of weathering crust profiles that are common in the area to subsequently characterize each profile from the mineralogical phases that make up the profile horizon and the content of deleterious and useful materials. Four types of lateritic crust profiles have been therefore identified; which are as follows: 1) Weathering profile over mantelic rocks; 2) Weathering profile over oceanic rocks; 3) Weathering profile over rocks of the mantle-oceanic crust transition area and 4) Mixed and Complex weathering profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios y Perspectivas en Turismo is the property of Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Turisticos 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 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.)

Copyright of Tropical Medicine & International Health is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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: Cuba is a unique country, and despite limited economic development, has an excellent health system. However, the prevalence of asthma symptoms in children in Havana, Cuba, is unusually high.Aim: As early life exposures are critical to the aetiology of asthma, we have studied environmental influences on the risk of wheezing in Cuban infants.Design: Cross-sectional study.Methods: A random sample of 2032 children aged 12–15 months living in Havana was selected for inclusion in the cohort. Data were collected using questionnaires administered by researchers.Results: Of 2032 infants invited to participate, 1956 (96%) infants provided data. The prevalence of any wheeze was 45%, severe wheeze requiring use of emergency services was 30% and recurrent wheeze on three or more occasions was 20%. The largest adjusted risk factors for any wheeze were presence of eczema [odds ratio (OR) 2.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48–2.94], family history of asthma (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.60–2.62), poor ventilation in the house (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.48–2.67), attendance at nursery (OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.24–2.57), male sex (OR1.52; 95% CI 1.19–1.96) and the number of smokers in the house (P < 0.03 for trend), OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.17–2.31) for three or more smokers in the house compared to no smokers in the household.Conclusion: We have identified several risk factors for any wheeze in young infants living in modern day Cuba. As the prevalence of smoking in the house is high (51%), intervention studies are required to determine effective strategies to improve infant health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Panamericana de Infectología is the property of Asociacion Panamericana de Infectologia 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 objective of this work was to evaluate the compatibility of some herbicides used to control the arvenses in the rice crop with three strains (T.17, T.75 and T.78) of Trichoderma asperellum Samuels. The technique used was that of poisoned cultures at different herbicide concentrations. Three herbicides of frequent use in the crop (fenoxaprop-p-ethyl; bispiribac-sodium; 2,4D amina salt) were tested starting from the field dose (0,1D = 10 times lower, D = recommended dose and 10D = 10 times higher). After 72 hours, the effect of the concentrations of the products on the mycelial growth, sporulation and germination 12 hours after the trial setting was determined. The residual effect of the product was evaluated in malt agar on day 7. The results showed that the concentrations of D and 10D of the fenoxaprop-p-ethyl products and 2,4D amina salt affected the mycelial growth of the strains T.17 and T.75; however, germination at the 0,1D concentration was not affected. None of the strains evaluated were affected by bispiribac - sodium. Even on day 7, the fenoxaprop-p-ethyl products and 2,4D amina salt at the concentrations of 10D showed residual effects on the strains T.17 and T.75. The herbicide bispiribac - sodium turned out to be compatible with the three strains of T. asperellum evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of plant diseases caused by fungal agents increases every year at worldwide scale making necessary the search and introduction of new control alternatives. Trichoderma is a most widely applied microorganisms as an agent of biological control (BCA), for its different mechanisms of action (l.e., competition for the substrate, antibiosis and/or mycoparasitism). The present work was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of twelve strains of Trichoderma asperellum on three phytopathogens artificially inoculated under field conditions. The efficacy of T. asperellum was evaluated on Bipolaris oryzae (Breda de Haan) Shoemaker, Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijny and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) W.C. Snyder and H.N. Hans. The number of colonies/gram of soil was calculated, as well as the efficacy of T. asperellum isolates using Abbott's formula, from the total number of colonies growing on the plate. Eleven of the isolates of T. asperellum shower a technical efficiency over 80% on at least two of the pathogens. T.1 and T.90 stood out with a technical efficiency over 90% on the three pathogens. This effect was not evident for isolating T. 25, showed control only on C. lunata, since the assessment only took into account effective technique over 80%. These results show that the strain selection is an important element in the management and control of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the measurement of the scientific impact of doctoral theses in Education from Cuba. The authors assess the quality of the scientific contribution of these dissertations based on factors which include socio-economic impact, citation indexing and author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Copyright of Innovación Tecnológica 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 Biomedica is the property of Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi; Facultad de Medicina, UADY 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.)

Some lithological and structural singularities of relief and natural resources in Moa region deserve to be negotiated because of its patrimonial value. As a result of an investigation carried out in this region eleven patrimonial places are proposed, characterized and documented by means of a record that picks up their intrinsic and extrinsic values, such as geographical situation, viability, access, rarity, representativeness, conservation state, beauty, didactic qualities and historical-cultural importance. Supported on diagnosis, it is proposed an administration model of the geologic and geomorphologic patrimony with as central points, its conservation, appreciation, study and spreading within the setting of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most economically important fruit in Myrtaceae. Cuban breeding program has been limited to the selection and introduction of genotypes with promising agronomic characteristics, but studies focussed on genetic diversity organization has not been made, which is very important for the identification of potential parents for breeding program. The utilization of microsatellite markers for guava accession identification and germplasm characterization was the main objective of this work. A total of 34 different alleles ranging from three to seven were detected and the average number of putative alleles per locus was 4.57. Heterozygosity values ranged from 0.08 to 0.54 with 0.38 as the total average for this parameter. Except two genotypes, all the accessions were differentiated as a result of the molecular analysis and six diversity groups were detected, showing an acceptable level of genetic variability in the collection assayed. The high number of common alleles detected suggests that most of the analyzed plant material shares a common genetic ancestry. The microsatellites evaluated will play an important role in the identification of guava accessions representing an essential genepool for ex situ maintenance. Furthermore, molecular genotyping detected here will allow the efficient selection of parents for future guava breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baracoa-Yamanigüey coastline zone is characterized by high geologic and tectonic complexity. Active seismicity is reflected by the still on-going deformation on this part of Cuba as witnessed by recent neotectonic movements and geomorphologic features. The present work is based on the application of geomorphologic methods and photo interpretation, that includes profiles and Digital Elevation Model analysis based on topographic maps. The mapping and testing field work has been carried out using topographic maps and high-resolution orthorectified satellites data in order to understand the major variations in morphology. Morphological analysis, drainage network and topography, reveal important details of the landscape structures as well as the recent tectonic movements. The quantitative analysis of the drainage system, topographic and river profiles was also carried out. We identified and characterized four morphological lineaments systems in this zone. The principal directions of the lineaments systems are NE-SW, NNW-SE, N-S and E-W. These systems are related with tectonic structures generated by geotectonical evolution of the Eastern part of Cuba (Orient block). The geomorphologic features and pattern drainage indicate the oscillating uplift of the Baracoa-Yamanigüey coastal zone. This zone is marked by the development of peneplains, coral reef terraces and anomalous position of the fluvial deposits. This analysis shows the recent neotectonic movements in the Baracoa-Yamaniguey coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-clinical toxicity tests in single dose and repeated doses give valuable information on the safety of the product, since they include the pathological and histopathological study of important organs, as well as the evaluation of the administration route and the dosage regime. At present, Cuba is developing a polyvalent vaccine (vax-SPIRAL®) from chemically inactivated cells, with an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant. This vaccine has advantages vis a vis other vaccines, as for example, the vaccine from the former Soviet Union. The vaccination schedule for humans consists in two doses of 0.5 mL, separated by an optimal interval of six weeks. The objective of this toxicity study in Sprague Dawley rats was to determine the potential toxicity, lethality, susceptible organs and other adverse events, as well as toxicity in the inoculation site after administering one dose of the vaccine under study. The results indicated that, under the conditions of the study and according to the established criteria for evaluating the data obtained, the antileptospirosic trivalent vaccine dose did not produce toxic effects in the animal model used. The only alterations found were granuloma formations at the inoculation site. These formations have been reported as belonging to the deposit adjuvant (aluminum hydroxide), also used in the other parenteral vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the homage given to U.S. writer Ernest Hemingway in the gardens of the Cervecería Model in Cotorro, Cuba. The homage was given by the Cuban cultural institutions and was organized by Cuban intellectual Fernando G. Campoamor. Information is presented on how admirers of Hemingway greeted him when he arrived at the venue for the homage. It offers an overview of the signs that show how Cubans appreciate Hemingway who lived in Cuba for many years. It relates how Hemingway patiently signed autographs for his admirers.

Tectonic studies carried out on the Eastern Cuban Block, specially in its northern zone, have stated the existence of vertical neotectonic movements which started in the Middle Miocene during the Cuban territory up lifting. Such movements have led to the formation of gravity faults that limit the horst and grabens system and that characterized the regional morphology and tectonic. However, recent researches have identified strike slip movements that have increased the complexity of tectonic style. The article demonstrates the existence of strike slip active structures that reflect the existence of compression strengths that push the eastern Cuban block toward the north-northeast, originating complex movements of the rocky blocks that conform it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A blue pigment frequently found in Cuban colonial decorative wall paintings from about 1750 to 1860 has been identified with the aid of thin-layer chromatography, IR spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis as 'Maya blue'. This is the first reported occurrence of Maya blue from a period after the conquest and in a non-Mayan cultural area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnesium leaching was studied experimentally in ammoniacal carbonate solution, of the lateritic ore processed in the reduction furnaces of the nickel-producing plant in Nicaro, Cuba, in order to determine the effect of ammonia concentration, ammonia - carbon dioxide ratio, temperature and the free magnesium content, over reaction kinetics and liquor supersaturation concentration. The ore was taken in the discharge of the rotary coolers in an inert atmosphere; and the liquor was prepared with distilled water, NH4OH solution and ammoniacal-carbonate Fresh Liquor. It was obtained that by increasing the concentration of ammonia from 60 to 80 g/L and decreasing the NH3/CO2 ratio from 2,0 to 1,5 in the leaching liquor, at the temperature of 42 ° C, the magnesium supersaturation concentration decreased because of the zero-order leaching resulting rate increased, leading nucleation, and in turn the first-order precipitation rate increased; while increasing the temperature from 42 to 54 °C, to 60 g/L of NH3 and NH3/CO2 ratio equal to 1,8, there was an adverse effect to the process, the leaching rate increased, the precipitation rate decreased and augmented supersaturation concentration from 409 to 600 mg/L. The lower the free magnesium content in the reduced mineral, the lower the magnesium dissolved concentration in the leaching liquor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuba is among the few countries that have developed its own soil classification system, the latest version, 21 years ago, so it is necessary to review and update it. This update should be on the basis of the new results in soil classification in the world. So that, in our paper we are taking in account the historical principle (that is the name of the soils, and the genetic geographic basis) and with the information available, try to improve the soil classification with the establishment of diagnostics profile. In our soil classification system for Alitic, Ferritic, Ferralític Ferralic and Histosol is prepare dagnostic soil profile until soil subtypes. In the case of Fersiallitic, Siallític Brown, Siallitic Humic, Vertisols, Fluvisols, Halomorphic and Few Developed Soils Groups, diagnosis profile is stablished until genus level. This classification results a Soil Taxonomy until soil subtypes or soil genus, unlike the previous classifications. We are applying also the anthropic influence in the change of soil properties, with new agrogenic and erogenic soil subtypes. In the Group of Anthrosol there are new soil types and there is a new soil group named Tecnosol with two soil types. The name of Hydromorphic soil group is changed by Gleysol and there is a new soil subtype named slitic. This version has 15 groupings, 39 genetic types and 197 subtypes of soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the prophecies of the Santeros about the future of Cuban President Fidel Castro' regime. Background on the religion Santeria; Information on the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre; Description of the fate of Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez under Castro's regime; Criticisms faced by Castro.

The investigation is to evaluate the accumulation of ten elements (Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, As, Cu, Pb and Zn) in surface sediments from the urban and industrial coastal area of Moa. Human activity has influenced the region, which has been developing in one of the most important mining regions of Cuba since the middle of the past century. Two methods were used to assess the contamination of the sediments: the estimation of metal enrichment by calculating the index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) and the interpretation of the data obtained based on quality criteria. The overall range of concentrations is 15.7 - 83.5 mg g-1 for aluminum, 1.4 - 17.9 mg g-1 for chromium, 22.8 - 379.5 mg g-1 for iron, 1.5 - 56.2 mg g-1 for manganese, 0.9 - 6.2 mg g-1 for nickel, 56 - 1094μg g-1 for cobalt, 6 - 126μg g-1 for arsenic, 17 to 146μg g-1 for copper, 6 - 66μg g-1 for lead, and 64 - 576μg g-1 for zinc. The results obtained from the studied coastal zone show a high level of pollution in surface sediments. The spatial distribution of the elements varied according to the analyzed elements: Al, Cr, Fe and Ni showed high levels of concentration throughout the studied zone; Mn, Co, Cu, As and Zn are in a higher proportion in Moa Bay Cay. In the case of As and Pb, higher concentrations were located at the deltas of Moa and Cayo Guam rivers and also in some areas in the west of the bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of major allergens of House Dust Mites has been widely associated with the onset and development of allergic respiratory diseases, and particularly asthma. In Cuba, the most important mite species are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and Dermatophagoides siboney (Ds). The aim of this work was to study the content of major allergens Der p1 and Der p2 (from Dp), and Der s1 (from Ds) in the domestic environment of allergic patients. Twenty-seven children, ages 2-14 years, with rhinitis or asthma were selected. Skin Prick Test (SPT) was performed using standardized VALERGEN allergen extracts (BIOCEN, Cuba). House dust was collected, and the content of Der p1, Der p2 and Der s1, was determined using Mab-ELISA'(INDOOR Biotech, USA for Dp, and BIOCEN, for Der s1). Most patients (82%) showed positive SPT to Dp or Ds. The severity of asthma was correlated with the size of skin response. In 100% of dust samples, it was detected a Der p1 level higher than 2µg/g, which is considered the sensitization threshold. It was found also, that Der p2 and Der s1 content was higher than 2µg/g in 89% and 79% of houses, respectively. Mean levels of major allergens were: 66.7µg/g of Der p1, 5.4µg/g of Der p2, and 4.0µg/g of Der s1. The mean Der p1 level was significantly higher than the previously reported values for other countries. High levels of allergen contamination in houses could be an important etiological factor for the high prevalence of allergic diseases and asthma in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FINLAY-FR-2 conjugate vaccine is safe and immunogenic in children 3-18 years old. • The third dose with FINLAY-FR-1A (dimer receptor binding domain vaccine) increases the immune response. • The heterologous three-dose schedule elicited specific T-cell response. • This vaccination elicits neutralizing antibodies vs the Delta and Omicron variants of concern. • Immune response in children is non-inferior to young adults. To evaluate a heterologous vaccination scheme in children 3-18 years old (y/o) combining two SARS-CoV-2r- receptor binding domain (RBD)protein vaccines. A phase I/II open-label, adaptive, and multicenter trial evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of two doses of FINLAY-FR-2 (subsequently called SOBERANA 02) and the third heterologous dose of FINLAY-FR-1A (subsequently called SOBERANA Plus) in 350 children 3-18 y/o in Havana Cuba. Primary outcomes were safety (phase I) and safety/immunogenicity (phase II) measured by anti-RBD immunoglobulin (Ig)G enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), molecular and live-virus neutralization titers, and specific T-cells response. A comparison with adult immunogenicity and predictions of efficacy were made based on immunological results. Local pain was the unique adverse event with frequency >10%, and none was serious neither severe. Two doses of FINLAY-FR-2 elicited a humoral immune response similar to natural infection; the third dose with FINLAY-FR-1A increased the response in all children, similar to that achieved in vaccinated young adults. The geometric mean (GMT) neutralizing titer was 173.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 131.7; 229.5) vs Alpha, 142 (95% CI 101.3; 198.9) vs Delta, 24.8 (95% CI 16.8; 36.6) vs Beta and 99.2 (95% CI 67.8; 145.4) vs Omicron. The heterologous scheme was safe and immunogenic in children 3-18 y/o. https://rpcec.sld.cu/trials/RPCEC00000374 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching, research and extension are the three major functions of contemporary universities. It is unanimously recognized that the teaching staff must play a growing leading role in order to meet the institutional and social priorities which promote a professors´ leadership of the teaching-learning process, in the university extension to the community, and in scientific research. This latter is not a frequently undertaken topic, and although there is international consensus in considering scientific leadership as an impact indicator, there are just a few arguments about it, due to the fact that it is an issue which has been insufficiently investigated. The aim of this article is to assess the importance of the scientific leader, the theoretical and methodological elements that contribute to its definition, its identification and development in the University of Holguin (Cuba). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The university is responsible for training software professionals entering industry. Therefore, it has the duty to impart knowledge and develop the necessary skills for students to be able to work individually and in teams, so that they are disciplined and produces quality work. In this sense, to meet the expectations of the software industry, we must continually improve the process of the formation of roles in computer engineering career. This paper refers specifically to the curriculum to train software engineers in Cuban universities. Although, it is the opinion to the authors that the problems identified and its possible solution is applicable to other contexts. The article sets out a strategy for the creation of roles and disciplined work habits, implemented for four academic years and proposes actions to improve the training process, based on analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laterite ore bodies in the northeast of Holguín are impacted by disjunctive tectonic structures that are required to be considered in the mining plan. A characterization of the faults present in the mining concession areas La Delta, Cantarrana and Santa Teresita in Moa Níkel S. A.-Pedro Sotto Alba site was carried out. Geological and geo-morphological aerial photo-interpretation methods and morphometric analysis were conducted taking topographical mapping and digital terrain model (DTM) as a basis. This provided the mapping of the disjunctive structures of the areas associated to the various tectonic phenomena that occurred in the region; including the Arco Norte and Arco Sur faults, low angle structures, Teresa, Potosí and La Caoba, which are associated to the collision of the Cretacic Volcanic Arc with Bahamas paleo-margin, and Yamanigüey structure caused by the process of relaxation of tectonic blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sheath blight or blot easterly is considered the second important disease on rice in Cuba and worldwide. The methods used to control this disease have not been effective and, at present, there is a tendency to use the biological control. Trichoderma is recognized as a potential antagonist of soil pathogens, with positive results as an antagonist to Rhizoctonia. The objective of this work was to select promising strains of Trichoderma spp. according to their in vitro antagonism and effectiveness to control Rhizoctonia sp. under semicontrolled conditions. Antagonism was evaluated using the dual culture method, where the competition for the substrate, mycoparasitism and antibiosis could be observed. The colony radial growth was measured with a graduated ruler and the inhibition percentage was calculated after 96 hours. Micoparasitism was also observed using an optic microscope with 400x magnification, where the interaction between strains was evaluated. Strains showing a radial growth inhibition higher than 50 % and at least two types of hyphae interaction were selected to be tested under semicontrolled conditions for evaluating the technical effectiveness on the pathogen in stainless steel trays of 0,30cm². The 100 % of the strains had high antagonism capabilities with different types of hyphal interactions, lysis, vacuolization, rolling, and penetration. Five strains were selected, three of them showing a technical effectiveness of 50% under semicontrolled conditions. Strains 39, 56 and 78 resulted promising to control the disease under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is considered the second important disease on rice in Cuba and the world. Trichoderma potentiality as antagonist of soil pathogen is recognized with positive results on R. solani. The present work had as objective to select the best Trichoderma isolates according to their in vitro antagonism and efficacy in the control of Rhizoctonia sp. in greenhouse and in the field. Antagonism was evaluated by the dual culture method, where the competition by the substrate, mycoparasitism and antibiosis were observed. The inhibition percentage of radial growth (IPRG) was calculated at 72 hours. The isolates with more than 60 PICR and at least two types of hyphal interaction were selected for being tested under greenhouse conditions, where the selection criterion was the technical efficacy (TE) under these conditions. Isolates with a TE higher than 80% were selected for field screening. The results showed that the 98,31% of the isolates had high antagonist capacity. They presented several hyphal interaction types such as lyses, vacuolization, coiling and penetration. Eleven Trichoderma isolates were selected in vitro. Of them, seven showed a TE higher than 80% in greenhouse. As promissories for the disease control in the field, isolates: 17, 75 and 78 with a TE higher than 90% were those highlighted under these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anti-typhoid vaccine vax-TyVi® consists in the Vi capsular polysaccharide of Salmonella typhi, which is diluted in an isotonic buffer solution with phenol as a preservative. Each dose of 0,5 mL contains 25 µg of polysaccharide as an active component. The vaccination schedule in Cuba against typhoid fever includes the application of vax-TyVi® to 9-10 year-old students (5th grade, primary school), a second dose for 12-15 year-olds (8th grade, secondary school) and the third dose for 16-17 year-olds (11th grade). The high-risk population is additionally immunized. The present work describes the local tolerance assay undertaken for vax-TyVi® as part of its preclinical safety studies. A total of 170 rats were treated with either the vaccine, the placebo (all components, but the active ingredient) or were not treated and served as controls. Clinical observations were made daily during the whole study. Water and food intakes were measured and anatomopathological studies were conducted on animals that were sacrificed 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after the inoculation. No animal died or showed symptoms of toxicity. Body weight and the intakes of food and water were statistically similar in the three experimental groups and there were no tissue changes indicative of local or systemic toxicity. Results suggest that vax-TyVi® is potentially innocuous at the inoculation site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ODOO Enterprise Resources Planification (ERP) system has a functional integration model that can be used as a reference for redesigning business process. However, explicit workflows have not been identified that have embedded this knowledge that ODOO offers. In this sense, the following article is oriented to propose a method to redesign business processes based on ODOO functional reference flows. The method is applied in one of the key processes of the small TostoneT business, called Computer Equipment Repair Management. As a result, a chain of technological capabilities of ODOO demands for this process is identified, four functional reference flows that detail the functionalities embedded in said technological capabilities and the redesigned process, where 80% of the identified problems in the design of the current process are resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Calixto García municipality presents constraints on agricultural production related to environmental and socioeconomic factors. During the period 2012-2016 came true five workshops as part of a project, in the ones that the treated subject matters were: 1) Sensitization for the Agrarian Extension from the university; 2) Identification of themes of investigation action; 3) Preparation of multi-actor collaboration; 4) Performance Appraisal and elaboration of project VLIR of continuation; and 5) Integration of actors to municipal level. The principal lessons learned at the workshops constitute the priority to consider the farmers' knowledge and the interchange with them, the use of the methodologies of investigation relevantly action, collaboration multi-actors and social actors' integration for the step of projects and execution of actions in te rms of the Local development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]