Titanium scaffolds with multi-scale porosity obtained by controlled chemical and electrochemical treatments of porous solids from PM space holder technique

Junta de Andalucía (Spain) / FEDER (EU), through the project Ref. P12-TEP-140

Designing bioactive porous titanium interfaces to balance mechanical properties and in vitro cells behavior towards increased osseointegration

Titanium implant failures are mainly related to stress shielding phenomenon and the poor cell interaction with host bone tissue. The development of bioactive and biomimetic Ti scaffolds for bone regeneration remains a challenge which needs the design of Ti implants with enhanced osseointegration. In this context, 4 types of titanium samples were fabricated using conventional powder metallurgy, fully dense, dense etched, porous Ti, and porous etched Ti. Porous samples were manufactured by space holder technique, using ammonium bicarbonate particles as spacer in three different ranges of particle size (100–200 μm, 250–355 μm and 355–500 μm). Substrates were chemically etched by immersion in fluorhydric acid at different times (125 and 625 s) and subsequently, were characterized from a micro-structural, topographical and mechanical point of view. Etched surfaces showed an additional roughness preferentially located inside pores. In vitro tests showed that all substrates were biocompatible (80% of cell viability), confirming cell adhesion of premioblastic cells. Similarly, osteoblast showed similar cell proliferation rates at 4 days, however, higher cell metabolic activity was observed in fully dense and dense etched surfaces at 7 days. In contrast, a significant increase of alkaline phosphatase enzyme expression was observed in porous and porous etched samples compared to control surfaces (dense and dense etched), noticing the suitable surface modification parameters (porosity and roughness) to improve cell differentiation. Furthermore, the presence of pores and rough surfaces of porous Ti substrates remarkably decreased macrophage activation reducing the M1 phenotype polarization as well M1 cell marker expression. Thus, a successful surface modification of porous Ti scaffolds has been performed towards a reduction on stress shielding phenomenon and enhancement of bone osseointegration, achieving a biomechanical and biofunctional equilibrium.Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain grant MAT2015-71284-PJunta de Andalucía – FEDER (Spain) Project Ref. P12-TEP-140

Atherosclerosis - risk factors and its impact on the older smokers in Holguin province, Cuba

Introduction: atherosclerosis, its risk factors and associated diseases have been reviewed for decades. So, its multifactorial origin becomes it a continuing interest of study. Objective: characterization of the risk factors for atherosclerosis in the older smokers from the Hogar de Ancianos Pedro Vázquez Hidalgo, Holguín, in 2019. Method: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out, in which a total of 104 older smokers of 60 years old or older and both sex were involved. All variables studied were obtained from the medical records: age, sex, toxic habits associated with smoking (alcohol and/or coffee), nutritional evaluation, laboratory tests (blood glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) and cardiovascular diseases associated to the atherosclerosis (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease). Results: male sex predominated in the age group of 75 years old or older (56.6%), while the consumption of coffee and alcohol linked with smoking predominated in the female sex (61.9%). There was adequate nutrition in both sexes (29%). The HDL-cholesterol tests were elevated in 80.9% of the female sex and 94% of the male sex, in addition to an increasing triglycerides in 37.3% of the latter. Both hypertension (90.5%) and ischemic heart disease (66.6%) were most common risk factors observed in women. Conclusions: the study of risk factors for atherosclerosis in older smokers such as toxic habits, nutritional evaluation, among others, are very important for preventing related disease complications in in this population group

Adverse symptoms of the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 in Ecuadorian adults

El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la sintomatología adversa post vacuna de la primera dosis de AstraZeneca contra la COVID-19 en adultos ecuatorianos, es una investigación no experimental, descriptiva de corte transversal, la que se realizó, al mes de la aplicación de la primera dosis de la vacuna AstraZeneca a los servidores de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Ecuador. Se seleccionó una muestra de 640 individuos adultos mediante un procedimiento no probabilístico de sujetos voluntarios. Las variables de estudio se agruparon en dos categorías, sociodemográficas y clínicas. En la muestra de estudio predominaron los participantes que declararon sentir síntomas adversos post vacuna AstraZeneca en la primera dosis, siendo más frecuentes entre las mujeres, la mayoría de los síntomas fueron clasificados como leves y moderados, la sintomatología adversa más frecuente fue dolor en el brazo, malestar general y dolor de cabeza, que duraron en su mayoría entre uno a dos días, y en su mayoría no requirieron administrarse un tratamiento. En conclusión se confirma que las reacciones adversas tras la vacunación con la primera dosis de AstraZeneca son leves y moderadas y demuestran una baja incidencia de eventos adversos intensos, lo que está relacionado con un perfil de seguridad en adultos, resultados muy consistentes con los datos informados por el fabricante, no obstante, se debe continuar realizando estudios de la seguridad de la vacuna, para fortalecer la confianza de la población, así como proporcionar un mejor entendimiento sobre síntomas adversos post vacuna contra el Covid-19 y su relación causal.The study aimed to determine the post-vaccine adverse symptomatology of the first dose of AstraZeneca against COVID-19 in Ecuadorian adults. It was a non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional study. It was carried out a month after the application of the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the servers of the Higher Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, Ecuador. A sample of 640 adult individuals was selected through a non-probabilistic procedure of volunteer subjects. The study variables were grouped into two categories, sociodemographic and clinical. In the study sample, the participants who declared feeling adverse symptoms post AstraZeneca vaccine in the first dose predominated, being more frequent among women. Most of the symptoms were classified as mild and moderate, the most frequent adverse symptomatology was pain in the arm, malaise, and headache, most of the symptoms lasted one to two days, and most of them did not require treatment. In conclusion, it was confirmed that adverse reactions after vaccination with the first dose of AstraZeneca are mild and moderate and demonstrate a low incidence of severe adverse events, which is related to a safety profile in adults, these results are very consistent with the reported data by the manufacturer. However, studies on the safety of the vaccine should continue to strengthen the confidence of the population, as well as provide a better understanding of post-vaccine adverse symptoms against Covid-19 and their causal relationship

Risk factors associated with arterial hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Holguín, Cuba

Introduction: The presence of arterial hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus is a health problem that has not been studied in Holguín. Objective: To determine the cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The universe was composed of 193 patients with lupus who were treated in the Rheumatology Consultation of the Clinical-Surgical Hospital of Holguín from March 3, 2014 to January 1, 2015. The sample was made up of 81 patients who were randomly selected according to a 95 % confidence interval, a population size of 193, an estimated proportion of arterial hypertension of 0,20, a precision of a 7 %, and a design effect of 1.  The recommendations of the American College of Rheumatology were followed for the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus, and national guidelines were used for the diagnosis of hypertension.  Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory variables were determined. Odds Ratio (OR), and 95 % confidence intervals (IC95%) for risk determined factors were. Results: The risk factors associated with hypertension in patients with lupus erythematosus are: age (OR=1,04; IC95%:1,01-1,08), age of the lupus onset (OR=1,04; IC95%:1,01-1,08), diabetes mellitus (OR=8,50; IC95%:1,63-44,33), metabolic syndrome (OR=5,09; IC95%:1,87-13,84), hyperuricemia (OR=4,08; IC95%:1,07-15,44), and microalbuminuria (OR=19,81; IC95%:4,24-92,39). Conclusions: The patients with systemic lupus erythematosus presented cardiovascular risk factors associated with arterial hypertension, which are identifiable in the primary health care with variables of relatively easy realization. Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, risk factors, adults.</p

Risk factors associated with arterial hypertension in patients with Systemic lupus erythematous. Holguín, Cuba

Introduction: The presence of hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematous is a health problem that has not been studied in Holguín. Objective:To determine the cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematous. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The universe was composed of 193 patients with lupus who were treated in the Rheumatology consultation of the Clinical-Surgical Hospital of Holguín from March 3, 2014 to January 1, 2015.  The sample was made up of 81 patients who were randomly selected according to a 95 % confidence interval, a population size of 193, an estimated proportion of arterial hypertension of 0,20, a precision of a 7 %, and a design effect of 1.  The recommendations of the American College of Rheumatology were followed for the diagnosis of lupus erythematous, and national guidelines were used for the diagnosis of hypertension.  Clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory variables were determined.  Odds Ratio (OR), and 95 % (IC95%) confidence intervals for risk factors were determined. Results: The risk factors associated with hypertension in patients with lupus erythematous are: age (OR=1,04; IC95%:1,01-1,08), age of the lupus onset (OR=1,04; IC95%:1,01-1,08), diabetes mellitus (OR=8,50; IC95%:1,63-44,33), metabolic syndrome (OR=5,09; IC95%:1,87-13,84), hyperuricemia (OR=4,08; IC95%:1,07-15,44), and microalbuminuria (OR=19,81; IC95%:4,24-92,39). Conclusions:The patients with systemic lupus erythematous presented cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension, which are identifiable in the primary health care with variables of relatively easy realization. Keywords:systemic lupus erythematous, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, risk factors, adults.</p

Hacia un proceso de categorización tecnológica desde la perspectiva de una empresa de alta tecnología

Objetivo:  Proyectar  acciones  para  el  desarrollo  del  potencial  tecnológico  en  una empresa  de  alta  tecnología, sobre la base del análisis del comportamiento y de las limitantes en la categorización tecnológica, tomando como caso de estudio al Centro Nacional  de  Biopreparados,  de  la  Organización  Superior de  Dirección Empresarial BioCubaFarma. Métodos y técnicas: Se recopilaron las estadísticas de categorización y formación del potencial humano entre 2002 y 2020; se consultó la legislación vigente, la política de ciencia, tecnología e innovación y la bibliografía internacional. Además, se compilaron los criterios de expertos y fueron identificadas las debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades de la formación y categorización tecnológica. Principales  resultados:  Se  diseñaron las  acciones  para  la  captación, desarrollo  y renovación del potencial tecnológico, acelerar la formación doctoral, diversificar la formación en gerencia y economía de la producción, incrementar los incentivos morales y materiales con mira a lograr los requisitos para obtener las categorías. Conclusiones:  La concepción del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro de la formación integral del personal, su consagración, principios éticos y morales y de servir al pueblo, sentó las bases para la constitución de empresas de alta tecnología. La categorización tecnológica  es  clave  para  la  conversión de  resultados  de la ciencia en productos y servicios  con  alto  contenido  en  conocimientos  y  crecido  valor  agregado,  con gran impacto en salud y en la economía y para alcanzar la condición de empresa de alta tecnología. Organizaciones  de  este  tipo  deben dirigirse  a  la  captación, desarrollo  y renovación del capital tecnológico como vía principal para su ulterior desarrollo

Hacia un proceso de categorización tecnológica desde la perspectiva de una empresa de alta tecnología

Objetivo: Proyectar acciones para el desarrollo del potencial tecnológico en una empresa de alta tecnología, sobre la base del análisis del comportamiento y de las limitantes en la categorización tecnológica, tomando como caso de estudio al Centro Nacional de Biopreparados, de la Organización Superior de Dirección Empresarial BioCubaFarma. Métodos y técnicas: Se recopilaron las estadísticas de categorización y formación del potencial humano entre 2002 y 2020; se consultó la legislación vigente, la política de ciencia, tecnología e innovación y la bibliografía internacional. Además, se compilaron los criterios de expertos y fueron identificadas las debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades de la formación y categorización tecnológica. Principales resultados: Se diseñaron las acciones para la captación, desarrollo y renovación del potencial tecnológico, acelerar la formación doctoral, diversificar la formación en gerencia y economía de la producción, incrementar los incentivos morales y materiales con mira a lograr los requisitos para obtener las categorías. Conclusiones: La concepción del Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro de la formación integral del personal, su consagración, principios éticos y morales y de servir al pueblo, sentó las bases para la constitución de empresas de alta tecnología. La categorización tecnológica es clave para la conversión de resultados de la ciencia en productos y servicios con alto contenido en conocimientos y crecido valor agregado, con gran impacto en salud y en la economía y para alcanzar la condición de empresa de alta tecnología. Organizaciones de este tipo deben dirigirse a la captación, desarrollo y renovación del capital tecnológico como vía principal para su ulterior desarrollo. &nbsp

Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular risk factors in students from the University of Medical Sciences. Holguin, 2014-2015

Foundation: Detecting high plasma triglyceride concentrations in children, teenagers and young people is of great importance to prevent future cardiovascular events.Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and cardivascular risk factors associated to medical students.Methods: cross study, with a period of random sampling of 776 students registered during the academic course 2014-2015, in first year medical studies at the University of Medical Sciences Holguin, Cuba. In the sample of 242 students it was analyzed the presence of hypertriglyceridemia related to the variables: age, sex, arterial pressure, anthropometric measurements, laboratory measurements and associated risk factors. The Odd Ratios and the confidence intervals for risk factors were determined. The logistic regression analysis was done with EPIDAT 4,1 with a level of significance of 5 %.Results: The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 30.58%, without differences between sexes. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, weight excess, abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, high density lipoproteines- low cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome were  15,70 %, 4,13 %, 19,83 %, 22,31 %, 10,74 %, 3,31 %, 23,14 %, 8,26 % y 8,26 %, respectively. The associated significant risk factors metabolic syndrome, supraileac fold, high density lipoproteins- low cholesterol and glucemia.Conclusion: The prevalence rate of hypertriglyceridemia and associated risk factors were relatively high in university students apparently healthy.</p