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Abstract Background Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is still one of the most economically important viral diseases of pigs. In endemic countries, the disease is controlled mostly through vaccination; hence, the availability of safe and effective vaccines is of utmost importance. Vaccines intended for application in developing countries must also be thermally stable, since the infrastructure needed to maintain a cold chain in those countries is usually lacking. Porvac® is a second-generation subunit marker vaccine against CSF that has demonstrates to be safe and protective. Previous studies have also shown that the vaccine is stable for 1 week at 37 oC and have a shelf life of at least 36 months at 2–8 oC. The aim of this work was to further explore the accelerated stability of Porvac® by assessing the physicochemical properties of the emulsion, and the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine subjected to more drastic conditions of thermal stress: (1) 25 oC for 12 months; (2) 30oC and 37 oC for one month and (3) 15 days at 37 °C after the cap of the vials had been needle-punctured. Results The vaccine subjected to all these conditions did not show significant changes in the physicochemical properties of the emulsion; did not produce local or systemic adverse reactions in pigs, and the chromatographic profile of the recovered antigen was preserved. All vaccinated swine developed neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 1:1000 at 28 days post vaccination. Conclusions Porvac® is stable in all the experimental conditions tested, even after cap puncture, and retains the capacity to induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies, well above the threshold of protection. These results reinforce the robustness of the vaccine, and support its use as a very attractive alternative to modified live vaccines in developing countries endemic for CSF.

One‐dimensional zinc oxide nanomaterials (1DZnO) have emerged as promising, cost‐effective nanoplatforms with adjustable properties suitable for electrochemical and optical biosensing applications. In this work, modifications in the inherent photoluminescent response of 1DZnO are harnessed to develop a novel immunosensor tailored for detecting enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. This nanobiosensor demonstrates a modulation in photoluminescence signal, effectively responsive to analyte concentrations ranging from 1 × 102 to 1 × 108 CFU mL−1, with direct visualization of targeted bacterial cells over 1DZnO structures through scanning electron microscopy. The conceptualization of this nanobiosensor is focused on a real‐time contact strategy that can significantly reduce processing and response times for pathogen detection, prospected for emergency scenarios. With this aim, the detection process unfolds in real time, with a mere 5–10 s interaction time, corroborated by the standard polymerase chain reaction approach. This synergistic validation underscores the reliability and precision of the developed biosensor. Notably, the utility of 1DZnO nanoplatforms extends beyond the realm of enteropathogenic E. coli, as the biosensing performance exhibited here holds promise for analogous applications involving other medically pertinent pathogens. This study paves the way for the broader implementation of 1DZnO‐based biosensors in medical diagnostics, offering rapid, sensitive, and real‐time detection capabilities.

Marine pollution poses significant threats to ecosystems by contaminating habitats and degrading marine life. This involves the need to develop efficient methodologies to evaluate the compounds that affect marine organisms, such as steroid hormones. The study of the presence of these compounds in marine organisms like sea urchins is very interesting given their role as bioindicators because they feed on algae and are constantly in contact with sediments. Given the low concentrations of steroid hormones in marine environments, it is necessary to develop extraction procedures that allow these pollutants to be extracted and preconcentrated before chemical analyses. Of all the extraction methods, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has been used for its many advantages compared to traditional extraction techniques, such as easy sample handling or scarce organic solvents use, and for providing very selective extractions. This study presents the novel MAE optimisation for the extraction of 15 hormones, including five oestrogens, three androgens, four progestogens and three glucocorticoids from sea urchin tissues. The extracted hormones were subsequently determined by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this approach has not been previously developed. To perform extraction optimisation, different variables were studied following factorial experimental designs. The optimised extraction method showed very appropriate analytical parameters, with limits of detection between 0.21 and 20.4 ng·g-1 for the four families of studied steroid hormones, and recovery extractions over 60 % for most target compounds. After optimisation, the analytical methodology was applied to samples of three different sea urchins species (Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus, Sphaerechinus granularis) caught in different locations around the Gran Canaria island (Canary Islands, Spain). The results showed the great applicability of the optimised methodology and two target hormones, boldenone and prednisolone, which were quantified in different samples and locations. This indicates the potential of sea urchins as bioindicators of the health of marine ecosystems and of anthropogenic contamination.

This article presents a response to the harsh criticism expressed against E. L. James’s Fifty Shades. Accusations have been made from many sides that it encourages gender-based violence within a romantic relationship, unjustly stereotyping the female character Anastasia (Ana) as a battered, submissive, weak woman and a “sex slave.” However, as this thorough analysis will argue, Anastasia does not fit the profile of a victim of gender-based violence. Rather, she embodies the traits of an empowered woman. From this viewpoint, it is unfair to consider Fifty Shades as promoting violence against women.

Degradation of water quality is an emerging issue in many developing countries. In this context, industrial and domestic effluents heavily contaminate the coast of Moknine Continental Sebkha in Tunisia. The present study aimed to biomonitor the seawater quality of the Moknine Continental Sebkha coast using physicochemical and ecotoxicological approaches. The ecotoxicological assessment was performed using three species representing different trophic levels, namely Vibrio fischeri, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Lepidium sativum. In the physicochemical analysis such as BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), COD (chemical oxygen demand), TSS (total suspended solids), TOC (total organic carbon), NO3− (nitrate), AOX (adsorbable organic halogen), the recorded levels of pH and total suspended solids did not comply with the Tunisian standard (NT.09.11/1983). The ecotoxicological data confirmed that the tested water samples displayed toxicity to two test indicators L. sativum and S. capricornutum. A targeted chemical screening of the Moknine Continental Sebkha coast previously performed revealed the presence of total mercury, four phthalate acid esters, and one non-phthalate plasticizer, a fact that could explain the observed ecotoxicological effects and therefore might harm the biotic area and the health of the surrounding population. HIGHLIGHTS Water quality biomonitoring of the coast of Moknine Continental Sebkha in Tunisia, which is heavily contaminated by industrial and domestic effluents.; Water quality assessment included physicochemical and ecotoxicological approaches.; Ecotoxicity for two target organisms (Selenastrum capricornutum and Lepidium sativum) was detected.; Industrial output affects the water quality and biodiversity.;

Cape Verde, a West Africa Island country, is exposed to climate change effect. An effective way of reducing its poverty and achieving food security is to provide its agricultural sector with water. The purpose of this study is to monitor treated water quality to ensure that any pollutants are below the limits set to ensure the safety and sustainability of reuse because only 10% of its treated wastewater is reused. For the first time on Cape Verde islands, besides chemical quality, the occurrence of 11 pharmaceutical compounds (PhC) in the influent and effluent of two natural wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was monitored to assess the effectiveness of the treatment technologies and removal efficiencies of these pollutants. Of the 11 target PhC, nine were detected in influent samples within the ng·L−1 to μg·L−1 range. Lower concentrations were detected in one WWTP vs. the other. Nevertheless, the removal efficiencies for most compounds were similar in both WWTPs: within the ranges of 82–92% for beta-blockers, 48–99% for stimulants and 44–95% for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, while carbamazepine (anticonvulsant) concentrations increased in effluents. WWTPs produce water that meets water quality standards for irrigation if a properly designed and managed reusing system is adopted. HIGHLIGHTS Pharmaceuticals in influent/effluent from two WWTPs were first studied in Cape Verde.; Nine pharmaceuticals were detected in influent samples of WWTP (ng·L−1–μ·L−1 range).; Erythromycin was detected in the WWTP which receives hospital sewage.; Achieved removals are similar to analogous systems located on semi-arid islands.; Proper water management assures negligible risk for pharmaceutical uptake by plants.;

Levrier Bay, located in the western part of Mauritanian Cost, has a strategic position in Mauritania’s fish economy and reproduction environment. Recently, fishmeal factories have multiplied in the bay. This study was carried out in Levrier Bay. It is the first one in this area which is interested in assessing the environmental impact of fishmeal factory discharges by measuring several parameters such as suspended matter, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), conductivity, turbidity, and salinity. A total of 27 samples were collected at 9 sites distributed on the link between effluents from factories and the Atlantic Ocean (discharge site). Results show that some parameters are over permissible values, like suspended matter content (SS), which reached 2020 mg. L.-1 level. The turbidity measure shows excessively high values (50 to 961 mg.L.-1); impacted by effluents at the reject point, the seawater conductivity and salinity are particularly low (4.53 to 188.2 and 13 to 56.4, respectively). The total organic carbon (TOC) values ranged from 200 to 780 mg/L, whereas the highest measured level of chemical oxygen demand was 4010 mg.L.-1 Biochemical oxygen demand content ranged from 685 to 961 mg/L. The biodegradability index (COD/BOD) shows that these effluents are not easily biodegradable because the index > 3.

One‐dimensional zinc oxide nanomaterials (1DZnO) have emerged as promising, cost‐effective nanoplatforms with adjustable properties suitable for electrochemical and optical biosensing applications. In this work, modifications in the inherent photoluminescent response of 1DZnO are harnessed to develop a novel immunosensor tailored for detecting enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. This nanobiosensor demonstrates a modulation in photoluminescence signal, effectively responsive to analyte concentrations ranging from 1 × 102 to 1 × 108 CFU mL−1, with direct visualization of targeted bacterial cells over 1DZnO structures through scanning electron microscopy. The conceptualization of this nanobiosensor is focused on a real‐time contact strategy that can significantly reduce processing and response times for pathogen detection, prospected for emergency scenarios. With this aim, the detection process unfolds in real time, with a mere 5–10 s interaction time, corroborated by the standard polymerase chain reaction approach. This synergistic validation underscores the reliability and precision of the developed biosensor. Notably, the utility of 1DZnO nanoplatforms extends beyond the realm of enteropathogenic E. coli, as the biosensing performance exhibited here holds promise for analogous applications involving other medically pertinent pathogens. This study paves the way for the broader implementation of 1DZnO‐based biosensors in medical diagnostics, offering rapid, sensitive, and real‐time detection capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fundamento: el cáncer de ovario constituye un problema de salud pública en Cuba y en el mundo por su elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo: caracterizar las pacientes diagnosticadas con cáncer de ovario atendidas en el Servicio de Ginecología Oncológica del Hospital Universitario Docente Celestino Hernández Robau en el periodo 2015 - 2018. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra de 71 pacientes diagnosticadas de cáncer de ovario en el Hospital Universitario Docente Celestino Hernández Robau. Se consideraron las variables: edad, nivel de escolaridad, hábito de fumar, obesidad, antecedentes patológicos familiares de cáncer de ovario, antecedentes ginecostétricos, clasificación histológica, estadio clínico, tratamiento monoespecífico y respuesta al tratamiento primario. Se determinaron frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: predominaron las pacientes entre 50-59 años (36,6 %), las multíparas (92 %), en etapa clínica IIIC con un 35,22 %, los adenocarcinomas serosos representaron el tipo histológico más frecuente (64,79 %). La cirugía subóptima se practicó al 52,11 % y la quimioterapia adyuvante al 45,07 %. El 35 % de las pacientes alcanzaron respuesta completa al tratamiento inicial. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos se comportan, en general, de acuerdo a patrones epidemiológicos reportados internacionalmente. Las pacientes entre 50-59 años, multíparas, en etapa clínica IIIC y con adenocarcinomas serosos, son prevalentes. La cirugía y la quimioterapia fueron los tratamientos estándar. Se obtuvo respuesta completa en la mayoría de las pacientes después del tratamiento inicial.

Background: ovarian cancer constitutes a public health problem in Cuba and the world due to its high morbidity and mortality. Objective: to characterize the patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer treated at the Gynecol Oncology Service of the Celestino Hernández Robau Teaching University Hospital in the period 2015 - 2018. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 71 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the Celestino Hernández Robau Teaching University Hospital. Variables were considered: age, level of education, smoking, obesity, family pathological history of ovarian cancer, gynecostal history, histological classification, clinical stage, monospecific treatment and response to primary treatment. Absolute and relative frequencies were determined. Results: patients between 50-59 years (36.6 %), multiparous (92 %), in clinical stage IIIC with 35.22 %, serous adenocarcinomas represented the most frequent histological type (64.79 %). Suboptimal surgery was performed in 52.11 % and adjuvant chemotherapy in 45.07 %. 35 % of the patients achieved a complete response to the initial treatment. Conclusions: the results obtained behave, in general, according to epidemiological patterns reported internationally. Patients between 50-59 years of age, multiparous, in clinical stage IIIC and with serous adenocarcinomas are prevalent. Surgery and chemotherapy are standard treatments. Complete response was obtained in most patients after initial treatment.

Introducción: los niveles de aceptación de la vacuna de COVID-19 varían a nivel mundial y es necesario tomar en cuenta los clientes priorizados, definidos como la población con poco acceso a salud por sus características sociodemográficas, migrantes haitianos y sus descendientes, con alta tasa de movilidad, escaso recursos económicos y un alto porcentaje sin documentos que avalen su estatus migratorio en República Dominicana. Esta población no se ve reflejada en ningún estudio encontrado hasta el momento. Material y métodos: el estudio se realizó usando la encuesta de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas (CAP) más creencias. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Resultados: sobre la intención de vacunarse, comparando si habría una diferencia según la condición serológica de los pacientes no se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa, al realizar el test chi-cuadrado se obtuvo un p-value de 0.080. Mientras que al comparar si había alguna diferencia con las personas iletradas no se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, dado que el p-value fue de 0.664. Tampoco hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa al comparar los participantes según sexo, ya que el p-value fue de 0.664. Al realizar la prueba de T desapareadas con un intervalo de confianza de 95 % debido a que se estaba comparando sí o no los pacientes se vacunarían, con la edad sí se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pues el p-value fue de 0.001. Conclusiones: la aceptación de la vacuna puede estar determinada por la edad y por el nivel educativo de la población migrante. Por lo que habría que realizar más estudios sobre qué otros factores pudieran afectar la intención y percepción de la efectividad de la vacuna. Además de hacer campañas específicas para esta población.

Resumen: Introducción: El hiperinsulinismo congénito (HC) es una patología seria caracterizada por la aparición de hipoglucemias graves. Las mutaciones patogénicas en los genes ABCC8 y KCNJ11 son la causa más frecuente, aunque también se han descrito en otros (GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, SLC16A1, UCP2, HK1) y asociado a diferentes síndromes. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes con diagnóstico de HC en nuestra unidad durante los últimos 18 años (2001-2018). El análisis genético incluyó un cribado de 11 genes en ADN genómico a partir de sangre periférica (ABCC8, GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, INSR, KCNJ11, SLC16A1, UCP2, SLC25A15). Objetivos: Realizar una caracterización clínica y genética de los casos diagnosticados de HC en nuestro medio. Resultados: Desde 2001 hemos tenido 10 casos de HC persistente. Siete presentaron mutaciones en el gen ABCC8, uno en el gen HNF4α y en dos pacientes no se encontraron mutaciones patogénicas en los genes analizados. Cuatro pacientes presentaron mutaciones no descritas previamente. Se recurrió a la pancreatectomía en dos de los casos. El valor mínimo de insulina detectado en hipoglucemia fue de 6,81 μUI/ml. La incidencia de HC persistente para Gran Canaria y Lanzarote es de 1/15.614. Conclusiones: Cuatro pacientes presentaron mutaciones no descritas. El gen más frecuentemente afectado fue ABCC8. El 20% de los pacientes requirieron pancreatectomía. En todos los pacientes se objetivó un valor de insulina ≥ 6,81 μUI/ml en el momento del diagnóstico. La incidencia de HC en Gran Canaria es elevada. Abstract: Introduction: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CH) is a severe disorder characterised by the appearance of severe hypoglycaemia. Pathogenic mutations in the ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes are the most frequent cause, although its appearance also been associated to mutations in other genes (GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, SLC16A1, UCP2, HK1), and with different syndromes. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with CH in this unit during the last 18 years (2001-2018). Genetic analysis included screening for 11 genes in genomic DNA from peripheral blood (ABCC8, GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, INSR, KCNJ11, SLC16A1, UCP2, and SLC25A15). Objective: To carry out a clinical and genetic characterisation of the diagnosed cases of CH in Gran Canaria. Results: There have been 10 cases of persistent CH since 2001. Seven of them had mutations in the ABCC8 gene, one in the HNF4α gene, and in two patients, no pathogenic mutations were found in the analysed genes. Four patients presented with previously undescribed mutations. Pancreatectomy was performed in two of the cases. The minimum insulin value detected in hypoglycaemia was 6.81 μIU/ml. The incidence of persistent CH for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote is 1/15,614. Conclusions: Four patients had previously undescribed mutations. The most frequently affected gene was ABCC8. Pancreatectomy was required in 20% of the patients. An insulin value of ≥ 6.81 μIU/ml was observed in all patients at the time of diagnosis. The incidence of CH in Gran Canaria is high.

Introduction: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CH) is a severe disorder characterised by the appearance of severe hypoglycaemia. Pathogenic mutations in the ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes are the most frequent cause, although its appearance also been associated to mutations in other genes (GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, SLC16A1, UCP2, HK1), and with different syndromes. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with CH in this unit during the last 18 years (2001–2018). Genetic analysis included screening for 11 genes in genomic DNA from peripheral blood (ABCC8, GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, INSR, KCNJ11, SLC16A1, UCP2, and SLC25A15). Objective: To carry out a clinical and genetic characterisation of the diagnosed cases of CH in Gran Canaria. Results: There have been 10 cases of persistent HC since 2001. Seven of them had mutations in the ABCC8 gene, one in the HNF4α gene, and in two patients, no pathogenic mutations were found in the analysed genes. Four patients presented with previously undescribed mutations. Pancreatectomy was performed in two of the cases. The minimum insulin value detected in hypoglycaemia was 6.81 µIU/mL. The incidence of persistent CH for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote is 1/15,614. Conclusions: Four patients had previously undescribed mutations. The most frequently affected gene was ABCC8. Pancreatectomy was required in 20% of the patients. An insulin value of ≥6.81 µIU/mL was observed in all patients at the time of diagnosis. The incidence of CH in Gran Canaria is high. Resumen: Introducción: El hiperinsulinismo congénito (HC) es una patología severa caracterizada por la aparición de hipoglucemias graves. Las mutaciones patogénicas en los genes ABCC8 y KCNJ11 son la causa más frecuente, aunque también se han descrito en otros (GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, SLC16A1, UCP2, HK1) y asociado a diferentes síndromes. Material, pacientes y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes con diagnóstico de HC en nuestra unidad durante los últimos 18 años (2001–2018). El análisis genético incluyó un cribado de 11 genes en ADN genómico a partir de sangre periférica (ABCC8, GCK, GLUD1, HADH, HNF1A, HNF4A, INSR, KCNJ11, SLC16A1, UCP2, SLC25A15). Objetivos: Realizar una caracterización clínica y genética de los casos diagnosticados de HC en nuestro medio. Resultados: Desde 2001 hemos tenido 10 casos de HC persistente. Siete presentaron mutaciones en el gen ABCC8, uno en el gen HNF4α y en dos pacientes no se encontraron mutaciones patogénicas en los genes analizados. Cuatro pacientes presentaron mutaciones no descritas previamente. Se recurrió a la pancreatectomía en 2 de los casos. El valor mínimo de insulina detectado en hipoglucemia fue de 6,81 µUI/mL. La incidencia de HC persistente para Gran Canaria y Lanzarote es de 1/15.614. Conclusiones: Cuatro pacientes presentaron mutaciones no descritas. El gen más frecuentemente afectado fue ABCC8. Un 20% de los pacientes requirieron pancreatectomía. En todos los pacientes se objetivó un valor de insulina ≥6,81 µUI/mL en el momento del diagnóstico. La incidencia de HC en Gran Canaria es elevada.

Introducción. Porvac es una vacuna de subunidad contra la peste porcina clásica, cuyo principio activo es la proteína quimérica entre el antígeno E2 y el adyuvante mo- lecular CD154. Se ha demostrado su capacidad para evitar la transmisión transpla- centaria y proteger 7 días después de una dosis. El presente trabajo ha resumido los estudios de seguridad y eficacia de esta vacuna en diferentes edades y condiciones de manejo. Métodos. La vacuna se produjo en condiciones de BPM. Para los ensayos clínicos se emplearon cerdos Dubroc x Yorkshire. Por lo general, se empleó un esquema de 2 dosis los días 0 y 21 y se administraron 2 mL por vía intramuscular. La respuesta de anticuerpos neutralizantes se midió por NPLA. Los ensayos de desafío viral se realiza- ron en áreas controladas. Resultados. Se demostró la seguridad de Porvac en crías y en cerdas gestantes. No se observaron reacciones locales ni sistémicas. El número de crías, su peso y sobrevida fue similar en las cerdas vacunadas y sus controles. Se evidenció la capacidad de Porvac al inducir títulos de anticuerpos neutralizantes (AcN) protectores con diferentes esquemas. Los títulos de AcN calostrales (AcNC) en las crías de madres vacunadas con Porvac® o con VVA y Porvac fueron superiores a 1:200 hasta al menos 8 semanas. Los AcNC fueron suficientes para proteger a las crías frente al reto viral letal. Se demostró que los AcNC no interferían en la vacunación con Porvac en crías a partir de 15 días de nacidas. Finamente, los títulos de AcN inducidos por Porvac persistieron durante 9 meses por encima de 1:2000 y protegieron frente al retoviral. Conclusiones. Los resultados evidenciaron la seguridad de Porvac y su capacidad para inducir una inmunidad robusta y sostenida en los animales desde su nacimiento hasta la muerte, sin ventanas inmunológicas durante todo el ciclo productivo.

Las poblaciones de razas bovinas criollas son valiosos reservorios de diversidad y esta es importante para la formación y diferenciación de las razas. Las poblaciones aisladas son de gran interés porque las frecuencias génicas dependen del ambiente en que se desenvuelven, ya que el aislamiento les ha impedido tener intercambio genético con otras poblaciones. El objetivo de la investigación fue realizar el estudio de la herencia del color del pelaje en el ganado criollo Romosinuano, a partir de la población de animales pertenecientes al hato de conservación del Centro de Investigación Turipaná, Cereté, Córdoba, Colombia. El color se determinó con la ayuda de los parámetros zootécnicos para la raza. Se aplicaron bases de la genética Mendeliana para el estudio de la herencia del color de la capa del ganado criollo Romosinuano respecto a los fenotipos bayo, hosco, rojo cereza y mono, a partir de la población compuesta por 325 ejemplares pertenecientes al hato de conservación de dicha raza. Se encontró que el 49% eran de color bayo, el 25% hosco, 15% rojo cereza y 11% mono y se concluyó que el tipo de acción génica que gobierna la herencia del color del pelo en la raza Romosinuano es de alelos múltiples; siendo el grado de dominancia de los fenotipos: bayo > hosco > rojo cereza > mono.

Foundation: active research is a tool that facilitates the detection of relevant diseases in the epidemiological profile.Objective: to describe the experiences in the implementation of a municipal community active research system for COVID-19. Methods: prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in the municipality of Cumanayagua, Cienfuegos province, Cuba, between March 19 and April 17, 2020. The universe was all the inhabitants (48,412) and researchers ( 627) in that period. Medical records, municipal statistics were reviewed and participatory observation was used.Results: active research structure, its basis from the family doctor-nurse's office and its form are described by interviewing the residents in their homes. A total of 627 researchers, mainly health professionals (43.38%) and medical students (33.33%), evaluated daily up to 88.88% of all residents and 95.28% of all homes dispensed in the territory. The research system allowed detecting 97, 08% of the acute respiratory infections diagnosed in the municipality.Conclusions: massive community active research carried out by the basic health team, medical sciences students and professionals from various sectors, has allowed: access to all the communities, daily research of the majority of the inhabitants and respiratory infection accuracy incidence in the municipality. The implemented system was properly articulated to the family physician-nurse program at the primary care level.

Los variados elementos de la arquitectura troglodita de la isla de La Palma se han ido abandonando gradualmente por sus usuarios en busca de unas mejores condiciones de vida. La falta de uso, el aislamiento geográfico, las elevadas pendientes de los caminos de acceso, así como la escasa protección de estos ante los desprendimientos del terreno han propiciado que no se realicen las debidas tareas de mantenimiento y, por tanto, el estado de conservación es deficiente. Ante la inevitable degradación que presenta la arquitectura excavada de la Isla se plantea la necesidad de revitalizar dicho Patrimonio Cultural mediante la incorporación de nuevos usos que sean compatibles con estos espacios excavados con la finalidad de devolverles algunos de los valores que han perdido con el paso del tiempo y para que puedan convertirse en un reclamo tanto para los lugareños como para los visitantes. Por lo tanto, es necesario encontrar un equilibrio entre el aprovechamiento social y económico incorporando medidas orientadas a la mejora de la calidad de vida de las personas que nos permitan recuperar un modo de vida sostenible y compatible con la naturaleza aprovechando los recursos naturales presentes en cada localidad.