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Resumen Introducción: En el hábitat natural, el estado nutricional insatisfactorio de un número elevado de ejemplares es expresión de la influencia de factores desfavorables. Objetivo: Determinar variaciones espacio-temporales en el estado nutricional de langostas Panulirus argus, relacionarlas con variaciones reportadas en la comunidad bentónica y demostrar, mediante la aplicación de indicadores analíticos y morfométricos, que la variación de factores ambientales afecta a ambos grupos de índices; y que no todos los índices de condición nutricional evidencian por igual el impacto generalizado del proceso de deterioro ambiental en este golfo. Métodos: Las langostas se capturaron en seis áreas de pesca. La condición nutricional se estimó mediante tres índices no destructivos, poco costosos y de fácil y rápida aplicación (extensivos): índice de refracción de la hemolinfa (IRH), relación peso total / largo total = Klt, y factor de condición (FCA). Las variaciones a largo plazo (60 años) se determinaron mediante índices morfométricos (Klt y FCA). Se analizaron datos de los períodos 1963-1964 (N = 29 001), 1983-1993 (N = 3 123) y 2011-2017 (N = 3 600), separándolos en épocas de Lluvia y Seca. Resultados: En todos los períodos la condición nutricional varió significativamente entre áreas, pero sin similitudes entre períodos. Esto indica que los factores que impactan en el estado nutricional tienen una influencia estocástica más característica de factores ambientales. Aunque los tres índices fueron menores en 2017, sólo IRH disminuyó gradualmente entre 2011 y 2017, lo que sugiere que este índice, y los morfométricos, expresan diferente información. Todas las correlaciones fueron estadísticamente significativas, los coeficientes más altos se establecieron entre los índices morfométricos. El peso total y el Klt no mostraron diferencias entre Seca y Lluvia. Sin embargo, IRH y FCA resultaron mayores en Seca, hecho que se constató para cada sexo. FCA y Klt no presentaron diferencias entre el período 1963-1964 y el período 1983-1993, pero aumentaron (P < 0.05) en el período 2011-2017, lo que, dado el carácter morfométrico de estos índices, se atribuye a la presencia de langostas de mayor peso en las áreas de pesca. Conclusiones: Los menores valores en 2017 y la tendencia gradual al decrecimiento de IRH, corroboran el carácter generalizado del deterioro ambiental en el golfo de Batabanó, lo cual no fue igualmente expresado por los tres índices.

Abstract Introduction: Nutritional condition indices are morphophysiological estimators that quantify the nutritional status of organisms. In the natural habitat, unsatisfactory nutritional stage of numerous individuals is an expression of unfavorable factors. Objectives: Determine spatio-temporal variations in the nutritional condition of lobsters Panulirus argus, relate them to variations reported in the benthic community, and to demonstrate, through the application of analytical and morphometric indices, that variations of environmental factors affects both groups of indices due to its potential magnitude and its generalized nature. Methods: Lobsters were captured at six sites. Nutritional condition was estimated by three non-destructive, inexpensive and quick indices also easy to apply, which it means extensive indices: blood refractive index (BRI), relationship between total weight and total length (K), and condition factor (CFA). Because there are no historical records of BRI, long-term variations (60 years) were determined using morphometric indices (Klt and CFA). Data from the periods 1963-1964 (N = 29 001), 1983-1993 (N = 3 123) and 2011-2017 (N = 3 600) were analyzed, separating them in the rainy and dry seasons. Results: In all the periods the nutritional condition varied significantly between sites, but without similarities between periods. Despite this, it increased progressively in three sites. This indicates that factors impacting nutritional condition have a stochastic influence that is constantly changing, which is more characteristic of environmental factors than anthropogenic factors. Although the three indices showed a lower nutritional condition in 2017, only BRI gradually decreased between 2011 (16.6) and 2017 (14.2), which suggests that this index, and the morphometrics (Klt and CFA), express different information. All correlations were statistically significant but greatest coefficients were established between morphometric indices. The total weight and the Klt index did not show differences between rainy and dry seasons. However, BRI and CFA were statistically greater in dry season, a fact that was found for each sex. Both CFA and Klt decreased slightly (P > 0.05) between the first (1963-1964) and the second (1983-1993) period and then increased (P < 0.05) in the current period (2011-2017). Because they both are morphometric indices, this was attributed to the presence of greater weight lobsters. Conclusions: The lowest values in 2017 and gradually decreasing trend in BRI, corroborate the generalized nature of the environmental deterioration in the Gulf of Batabanó, but this was not equally expressed by the three indices.

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Corynespora cassiicola (Burk. & M.A. Curtis) C.T. Wei. is an anamorphic fungus that affects more than 530 plant species, including economically important crops. Several lineages of this pathogen have been recognized, but the classification of isolates into clades is time-consuming and still sometimes leads to unclear results. In this work, eight major phylogenetic clades (PhL1-PhL8) including 245 isolates of C. cassiicola from 44 plant species were established based on a Bayesian inference analysis of four combined C. cassiicola genomic loci retrieved from GenBank, i.e., rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), actin-1,ga4, and caa5. The existence of PhL1-PhL5 and PhL7 as clonal lineages was further confirmed through the analysis of full-genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms of 39 isolates. Haplotypes of the caa5 locus were PhL specific and encode isoforms of the LDB19 domain of a putative α-arrestin N-terminal-like protein. Evolution of the Caa5 arrestin is in correspondence with the PhLs. ga4 and caa5 PhL consensus sequences and a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) procedure were generated based on the conserved nucleotide sequences and enzyme restriction patterns observed among isolates from the same lineage, respectively. The CAPS method was validated in silico, and its practical use allowed us to differentiate between tomato and papaya isolates, as well as to reveal the prevalence of PhL1 among isolates infecting soybean in Brazil. This novel approach could be useful in the efforts to control the diseases associated with C. cassiicola.

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Introducción: El bentos constituye un eficiente indicador de disturbios ambientales, de biodiversidad y de dinámica trófica. En Cuba, los moluscos bentónicos han sido reportados como el principal alimento de la langosta Panulirus argus. Objetivos: Estimar variaciones espacio-temporales en la comunidad bentónica de fondos blandos del golfo de Batabanó, e inferir, haciendo énfasis en los moluscos, el efecto de tales variaciones en la disponibilidad de alimento para las langostas. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis histórico de las variaciones en la densidad y biomasa de megazoobentos (organismos ≥ 4 mm) y particularmente de moluscos megazoobentónicos, tomando como referencia los estudios realizados desde 1990 (muestreos del año 1983) y datos actuales (2007-2018) registrados in situ mediante metodologías comparables. Resultados: Se encontró que tanto la densidad como la biomasa eran significativamente mayores al final del pasado siglo y muestran tendencia a disminuir gradualmente hacia la actualidad. Respecto a los valores reportados en 1983, la densidad de organismos mostró un decrecimiento del 73 %, sin embargo, la biomasa experimentó una disminución aún mayor (86 %). Las áreas de mayor densidad y biomasa, tanto de bentos como de moluscos, han variado respecto a lo reportado para 1983 y actualmente se ubican hacia el centro del golfo. A pesar de ello, los bivalvos continúan estando mejor representados que los gastrópodos. En general, los moluscos mostraron un significativo decrecimiento (55 % y 88 % respectivamente). Conclusiones: Se corroboró el deterioro de la comunidad bentónica en las áreas pesqueras del golfo de Batabanó y se demostró, basado en el megazoobentos, que la malacofauna puede utilizarse como un indicador fiable de los parámetros generales de la comunidad bentónica de fondos blandos. Se estimó que la disponibilidad de alimento para las langostas ha disminuido en un 55.6 % respecto a 1983, lo cual, unido a las variaciones espaciales del megazoobentos, puede contribuir a explicar los actuales cambios en la abundancia y distribución de las langostas.

Introduction: Benthos is an efficient indicator of environmental disturbances, biodiversity and trophic dynamics. In Cuba, benthic mollusks have been reported as the main food for the lobster Panulirus argus. Objectives: To estimate spatio-temporal variations in the soft-bottom benthic community of the Gulf of Batabanó, and to infer, with emphasis on mollusks, the effect of such variations on the availability of food for spiny lobsters. Methods: A historical analysis of the variations in the density and biomass of megazoobenthos (organisms ≥ 4 mm) and particularly of megazoobenthic mollusks was carried out, taking as a reference the studies published in 1990 (with samples from 1983) and recent data (2007-2018) recorded on site using comparable methodologies based on sediment drags. Abundance was given as density (ind/m2) and biomass in g/m2. Results: It was found that both the density and the biomass were significantly higher at the end of the last century and show a tendency to gradually decrease towards recent times. Regarding the values reported in 1983, the density of organisms showed a decrease of 73 %, however, the biomass experienced an even greater decrease (86 %). The areas with the highest density and biomass, both benthos and mollusks, have varied from 1983 and are currently located towards the center of the gulf. Despite this, bivalves continue to be better represented than gastropods. In general, mollusks showed a significant decrease (55 % and 88 % respectively). Conclusions: The deterioration of the benthic community in the fishing areas of the Gulf of Batabanó was corroborated and it was demonstrated, based on megazoobenthos, that malacofauna can be used as a reliable indicator of the general parameters of the soft-bottom benthic community. The availability of food for lobsters have decreased 55.6 % compared to 1983. This could help to explain the current changes in the abundance, distribution and nutritional condition of lobsters, which could also be related to the recent megazoobenthos variations.

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The genus Dichorhavirus includes plant-infecting rhabdoviruses with bisegmented genomes that are horizontally transmitted by false spider mites of the genus Brevipalpus. The complete genome sequences of three isolates of the putative dichorhavirus clerodendrum chlorotic spot virus were determined using next-generation sequencing (Illumina) and traditional RT-PCR. Their genome organization, sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationship to other viruses, and transmissibility by Brevipalpus yothersi mites support the assignment of these viruses to a new species of dichorhavirus, as suggested previously. New data are discussed stressing the reliability of the current rules for species demarcation and taxonomic status criteria within the genus Dichorhavirus.

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La valoración del pronóstico es una parte esencial en la evaluación de todo paciente con cirrosis hepática. En la actualidad se sigue desarrollando nuevos modelos para optimizar la precisión del pronóstico de mortalidad que se calcula mediante el score Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) y el modelo para la enfermedad hepática en etapa terminal (MELD). Objetivo: Comparar la precisión pronóstica de mortalidad hospitalaria y mortalidad a corto plazo del CTP, MELD y demás modelos en pacientes con cirrosis hepática descompensada. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo, el cual incluyó 84 pacientes. El score CTP, MELD y demás modelos fueron calculados en el primer día de hospitalización. La precisión pronóstica de mortalidad se evaluó mediante el área bajo la curva ROC (AUROCs) del score CTP, MELD y los demás modelos. Resultados: La mortalidad hospitalaria y la mortalidad en el seguimiento a corto plazo fue de 20 (23,8%) y 44 (52,4%), respectivamente. Los AUROCs del CTP, MELD, MELD Na, MESO, iMELD, RefitMELD y RefitMELD Na para predecir mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 0,4488, 0,5645, 0,5426, 0,5578, 0,5719, 0,5598 y 0,5754; y para predecir mortalidad a corto plazo fue de 0,5386, 0,5747, 0,5770, 0,5781, 0,5631, 0,5881 y 0,5693, respectivamente. Al comparar entre si los AUROCs del score CTP, MELD y demás modelos ninguno mostró ser mejor que el otro (p>0,05). Conclusiones: El presente estudio no ha demostrado la utilidad predictiva del score CTP, MELD y los otros modelos (MELD Na, MESO, iMELD, Refit MELD y Refit MELD Na) para la evaluar la mortalidad hospitalaria o mortalidad a corto plazo en una muestra de pacientes con cirrosis hepática descompensada del Hospital Cayetano Heredia...

Introduction: The assessment of prognosis is an essential part of the evaluation of all patients with liver cirrhosis. Currently continues to develop new models to optimize forecast accuracy mortality score is calculated by the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). Objective: Compare the prognostic accuracy of hospital mortality and short-term mortality CTP, MELD and other models in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. Material and Methods: Prospective descriptive study, comparison type of diagnostic test that included 84 patients. The score CTP, MELD and other models were calculated on the first day of hospitalization. The prognostic accuracy of mortality was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUROCs) of score CTP, MELD and other models. Results: Hospital mortality and mortality in the short-term monitoring was 20 (23.8%) and 44 (52.4%), respectively. The AUROCs CTP, MELD, MELD Na, MESO, iMELD, RefitMELD and RefitMELD Na to predict hospital mortality was 0.4488, 0.5645, 0.5426, 0.5578, 0.5719, 0.5598 and 0.5754; and to predict short-term mortality was 0.5386, 0.5747, 0.5770, 0.5781, 0.5631, 0.5881 and 0.5693, respectively. By comparing each AUROCs of the CTP score, MELD and other models proved to be no better than the other (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study has not shown the predictive utility of the CTP score, MELD and other models (MELD Na, MESO, iMELD, Refit Refit MELD and MELD Na) to evaluate hospital mortality or short-term mortality in a sample of patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the Hospital Cayetano Heredia...

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INTRODUCTION: The assessment of prognosis is an essential part of the evaluation of all patients with liver cirrhosis. Currently continues to develop new models to optimize forecast accuracy mortality score is calculated by the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). OBJECTIVE: Compare the prognostic accuracy of hospital mortality and short-term mortality CTP, MELD and other models in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective descriptive study, comparison type of diagnostic test that included 84 patients. The score CTP, MELD and other models were calculated on the first day of hospitalization. The prognostic accuracy of mortality was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUROCs) of score CTP, MELD and other models. RESULTS: Hospital mortality and mortality in the short-term monitoring was 20 (23.8%) and 44 (52.4%), respectively. The AUROCs CTP, MELD, MELD Na, MESO, iMELD, RefitMELD and RefitMELD Na to predict hospital mortality was 0.4488, 0.5645, 0.5426, 0.5578, 0.5719, 0.5598 and 0.5754; and to predict short-term mortality was 0.5386, 0.5747, 0.5770, 0.5781, 0.5631, 0.5881 and 0.5693, respectively. By comparing each AUROCs of the CTP score, MELD and other models proved to be no better than the other (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study has not shown the predictive utility of the CTP score, MELD and other models (MELD Na, MESO, iMELD, Refit Refit MELD and MELD Na) to evaluate hospital mortality or short-term mortality in a sample of patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the Hospital Cayetano Heredia.

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A partir de una mancha de enmohecido de un libro del Archivo "Coronado" con valor patrimonial, se obtuvo una cepa fúngica mediante aislamiento en medio de cultivo micológico. La cepa fué Aspergillus sclerotiorum y se identificó por secuenciación de ADN ribosomal. Se evaluó y confirmó su capacidad deteriorante sobre el papel, al determinar cualitativamente las actividades enzimáticas celulolítica, proteolítica y amilolítica, así como la producción de pigmentos y ácidos. Se evaluaron cuantitativamente sus actividades enzimáticas celulasa total sobre papel de filtro (FPasa) y &beta-endoglucanasa, FPasa y &beta-endoglucanasa; confirmando actividades bajas. Aunque su capacidad deteriorante es discreta, resulta ser amenza para la conservación del documento y potencialmente peligroso para la salud de las personas que consultan y archivan.

By performing a mycological culture, we isolated a fungal strain from a mold patch in a book of great heritage value from the "Coronado" archives. Ribosomal DNA sequencing identified the strain as Aspergillus sclerotiorum. By qualitatively determining its cellulolytic, proteolytic and amylolytic and enzymatic activities, as well as the production of pigments and acids, we confirmed its paper deteriorating abilities. Quantitatively, we evaluated its total cellulase enzyme activities on filter paper (FPase) and &beta-endoglucanase, and FPase and &beta-endoglucanase; confirming low activities. Although its deteriorating abilities are weak, it poses a threat to the preservation of the document and is a potential health hazard to the people who refer to and archive these books.

A partir de uma mancha de bolor de um livro do Arquivo "Coronado" com valor patrimonial, obteve-se uma cepa fúngica mediante isolamento em meio de cultura micologica. A cepa foi Aspergillus sclerotiorum e identificou-se por sequenciação de ADN ribossomal. Avaliou-se e confirmou-se a sua capacidade deteriorantesobre o papel, ao determinar qualitativamente as atividades enzimáticas celulósica, proteolitica e amiolitica, assim como a produção de epigmentos e ácidos. Avaliaram-se quantitativamente as suas atividades enzimáticas celulase toral sobre o papel de filtro (FPasa) e &beta-endoglucanasa, FPasa e &beta-endoglucanasa; confirmando atividades baixas. Apesar da sua capacidade deteriorante ser discreta, resulta ser ameaçante para a conservação do documento e potencialmente perigoso para a saúde das pessoas que consultam e arquivam.

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Miconia calvescens de Candolle (Melastomataceae) is an invasive tree considered the most serious threat to natural ecosystems of Hawaii and other Pacific islands. The success of M. calvescens as an invasive species is greatly owing to its shade tolerance and the shaded habitat it creates, where many native plant species that are light-demanding cannot survive. Salbia lotanalis Druce (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a neotropical leaf roller attacking M. calvescens, was evaluated for two mechanisms by which it reduces leaf area of its host plant: feeding (defoliation), which removes leaf tissue, and tying leaf rolls, which reduces exposed area of leaves. These impacts were quantified over a 1-yr period at a field site in Costa Rica, where densities of S. lotanalis larvae attacking M. calvescens peaked at the end of the rainy season and declined in the dry season. Up to 47.5% of leaves were attacked by S. lotanalis, with cumulative defoliation by an undetermined number of larvae removing an average of ≍30% (253 cm(2)) of each leaf attacked. Defoliation and leaf rolling were compared in a greenhouse experiment in which individual S. lotanalis larvae defoliated an average of 3.7% (17.8 cm(2)) of each attacked leaf, and reduced exposed leaf area as a result of leaf rolling by an average of 12.8% (66.2 cm(2)). Our results complement the findings of previous studies of S. lotanalis and confirm its potential as a biological control agent of M. calvescens.

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La cirrosis hepática es un problema de salud pública. En el Perú, es la primera causa de muerte dentro de las enfermedades hepáticas. Además, los pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica y cirrosis tienen mayor riesgo para readmisión. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de mortalidad y readmisión a los 3 meses, así como las características epidemiológicas-clínicas de los pacientes cirróticos hospitalizados en un hospital general. Materiales y métodos: Se recolectaron prospectivamente los datos de los pacientes cirróticos hospitalizados en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú, desde octubre 2011 a octubre 2012, el seguimiento fue vía telefónica a los 3 meses luego del alta hospitalaria. Resultados: El estudio incluyó 96 pacientes. La edad media fue 59,2 años. La etiología de cirrosis más frecuente fue alcohol (45,8%) y el principal motivo de hospitalización fue hemorragia digestiva alta (29,2%). La mortalidad total fue 39,6% (n: 38), de la cual 63,2% (24/38) fue hospitalaria, siendo la causa principal el choque séptico con 31,5% (12/38). De los fallecidos 44,7% presentó infección como complicación. La readmisión hospitalaria fue 42,8% (33/77) y de ellos, falleció el 36,3 % (12/33). Conclusión: Los pacientes cirróticos hospitalizados presentaron una alta mortalidad a los 3 meses; estos pacientes al alta hospitalaria revelaron una elevada readmisión en los 3 meses de seguimiento...

Liver cirrhosis is a public health problem. In Peru, is the leading cause of death in liver diseases. In addition, patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are at increased risk for readmission. Objectives: To determine the frequency of mortality and readmission at 3 months, and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized cirrhotic patients in a general hospital. Materials and methods: Data were collected prospectively of hospitalized cirrhotic patients in the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru, from October 2011 to October 2012; telephone follow-up was at 3 months after hospital discharge. Results: The study included 96 patients. The mean age was 59.2 years. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol (45.8%) and the main reason for hospitalization was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (29.2%). Global mortality was 39.6% (38 patients), from them, 63.2% (24/38) were inpatients, its main cause was septic shock 31.5% (12/38). Forty-four percent of the deceased had infection as complication. Hospital readmission was 42.8% (33/77) and 36.3% of them died. Conclusions: Hospitalized cirrhotic patients showed high mortality at 3 months, these patients at discharge revealed a high readmission within 3 months of follow up...

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UNLABELLED: Liver cirrhosis is a public health problem. In Peru, is the leading cause of death in liver diseases. In addition, patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are at increased risk for readmission. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of mortality and readmission at 3 months, and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized cirrhotic patients in a general hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected prospectively of hospitalized cirrhotic patients in the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia,Lima,Peru, from October 2011 to October 2012; telephone follow-up was at 3 months after hospital discharge. RESULTS: The study included 96 patients. The mean age was 59.2 years. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol (45.8%) and the main reason for hospitalization was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (29.2%). Global mortality was 39.6% (38 patients), from them, 63.2% (24/38) were inpatients, its main cause was septic shock 31.5% (12/38). Forty-four percent of the deceased had infection as complication. Hospital readmission was 42.8% (33/77) and 36.3% of them died. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized cirrhotic patients showed high mortality at 3 months, these patients at discharge revealed a high readmission within 3 months of follow up.

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The effect of pollution on coral recruitment has been insufficiently studied. This research deals with coral recruitment in coastal areas and aimed to determine the variations of density and dominant species of corals recruits in sites at different distances from pollution sources. The composition and structure of stony coral (scleractinian and milleporids) recruit associations were characterized in the fringing reef of Western Havana, Cuba. This reef is influenced by urban pollution from the Almendares River and a sewage outlet located at its mouth. Four sites were sampled on the upper fore reef escarpment at 10m deep every three months between July 2007 and May 2008. A 25cm side quadrat was used to determine the density and taxonomic composition of recruits smaller than 3cm in diameter. Sampling units were placed following a random-systematic pattern. The mean density of recruits was determined both at assemble and species level. Bifactoral ANOVA tests were applied to compare mean densities at both sampling sites and dates. Student-Newman-Keuls test was applied to compare pairs of means. Cluster and nMDS analyses were applied to evaluate between site similarities. The predominant species was Siderastrea siderea followed by S. radians and Porites astreoides. Recruit densities were similar among La Puntilla, Calle 16 and Acuario sites. Lower densities were always found in Malec6n. Significant differences in mean stony recruit densities were found both between sites and sampling dates. The statistic analysis did not show significant spatial-temporal interactions. Malec6n, the most polluted site, showed the lowest recruit density and the greater presence of species considered as indicators of organic pollution, sedimentation and abrasion. The density of recruit species was higher in October 2007 and lower in May 2008, and it was apparently influenced by reproduction and cold front seasons, respectively. The higher dominance and abundance of S. siderea, S. radians and P. astreoides recruits were apparently due to their high reproductive potential and resistance to disturbances. The identity of dominant species was apparently related to distance from major pollution sources. We highly recommended the replication of this research in other areas of the greater Caribbean region to test the generality of present results and to compare among areas. Future research should take into account the influence of other environmental factors, along with an appraisal of recruit species tolerance to these factors, to better ponder the effect of urban pollution on recruitment. Areas with well assessed pollution regimes are recommended for research.

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The effect of pollution on coral recruitment has been insufficiently studied. This research deals with coral recruitment in coastal areas and aimed to determine the variations of density and dominant species of corals recruits in sites at different distances from pollution sources. The composition and structure of stony coral (scleractinian and milleporids) recruit associations were characterized in the fringing reef of Western Havana, Cuba. This reef is influenced by urban pollution from the Almendares River and a sewage outlet located at its mouth. Four sites were sampled on the upper fore reef escarpment at 10m deep every three months between July 2007 and May 2008. A 25cm side quadrat was used to determine the density and taxonomic composition of recruits smaller than 3cm in diameter. Sampling units were placed following a random-systematic pattern. The mean density of recruits was determined both at assemble and species level. Bifactoral ANOVA tests were applied to compare mean densities at both sampling sites and dates. Student-Newman-Keuls test was applied to compare pairs of means. Cluster and nMDS analyses were applied to evaluate between site similarities. The predominant species was Siderastrea siderea followed by S. radians and Porites astreoides. Recruit densities were similar among La Puntilla, Calle 16 and Acuario sites. Lower densities were always found in Malecón. Significant differences in mean stony recruit densities were found both between sites and sampling dates. The statistic analysis did not show significant spatial-temporal interactions. Malecón, the most polluted site, showed the lowest recruit density and the greater presence of species considered as indicators of organic pollution, sedimentation and abrasion. The density of recruit species was higher in October 2007 and lower in May 2008, and it was apparently influenced by reproduction and cold front seasons, respectively. The higher dominance and abundance of S. siderea, S. radians and P. astreoides recruits were apparently due to their high reproductive potential and resistance to disturbances. The identity of dominant species was apparently related to distance from major pollution sources. We highly recommended the replication of this research in other areas of the greater Caribbean region to test the generality of present results and to compare among areas. Future research should take into account the influence of other environmental factors, along with an appraisal of recruit species tolerance to these factors, to better ponder the effect of urban pollution on recruitment. Areas with well assessed pollution regimes are recommended for research.

El efecto de la contaminación sobre el reclutamiento ha sido insuficientemente estudiado. Este trabajo trata el tema del reclutamiento en sitios ubicados a diferentes distancias de dos importantes fuentes de contaminación. Se caracterizó la composición y estructura de las asociaciones de reclutas de corales pétreos (escleractinios y milepóridos) al oeste de la Ciudad de La Habana, Cuba. Esta área está influenciada por la contaminación urbana del río Almendares y del emisario submarino construido en su desembocadura. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las variaciones en la densidad y predominio de las especies de reclutas, en sitios ubicados a diferentes distancias de fuentes de contaminación, en distintas épocas de un año. Se muestreó cada tres meses entre julio 2007- mayo 2008. Se escogieron cuatro sitios de muestreo cerca del borde superior del escarpe del arrecife frontal a 10m de profundidad. Se utilizó un marco cuadrado de 25cm de lado de forma aleatoria-sistémica para determinar la densidad y composición taxonómica de reclutas de corales pétreos (colonias menores de 3cm). Para comparar las densidades medias entre sitios y fechas de muestreo se aplicó un análisis de varianza bifactorial. Para comparar los pares de densidades medias se empleó la prueba de Student-Newman-Keuls. La aplicación de un análisis Clasificación Numérica Jerárquica Aglomerativa (Cluster Analysis) y uno de ordenamiento por Escalado Multidimensional no Métrico (nMDS) mostró una distribución en la que los sitios quedaron agrupados en función de sus distancias de las fuentes contaminantes. Predominó Siderastrea sidérea seguida por Siderastrea radians y Porites asteroides. Durante el año de muestreo, las densidades de reclutas fueron similares entre La Puntilla, Calle 16 y Acuario. Las menores densidades se observaron siempre en Malecón. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las densidades medias de los sitios, así como entre de las distintas fechas de muestreo. El análisis de variancia bifactorial no mostró interacción significativa espacio-tiemporal. Malecón, sitio más contaminado, presentó menor reclutamiento y mayor presencia de especies consideradas indicadoras de contaminación orgánica, sedimentación y abrasión. Las densidades fueron mayores en Octubre 2007 y menores en Mayo 2008, al parecer influenciados por las épocas de reproducción y la acción de los frentes fríos respectivamente. El mayor predominio y abundancia de reclutas de S. siderea, S. radians y P. astreoides parece responder a sus elevados potenciales reproductivos y altas resistencias a disturbios. La identidad de las especies dominantes estuvo relacionada aparentemente con las distancias de las principales fuentes de contaminación. Se recomienda replicar esta investigación en otros lugares de la región del Caribe para probar la generalidad de estos resultados. Estudios futuros debieran tener en cuenta la influencia de otros factores ambientales, junto con una valoración de la tolerancia de las especies de reclutas a estos factores, para ponderar mejor el efecto de la contaminación urbana sobre el reclutamiento.

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Nutritional condition can affect survival and growth rate of crustaceans, and this is mostly affected by habitat conditions. This study describes the space-temporary nutritional changes in this commercially important species. With this aim, the variations in the nutritional condition (K) of lobsters from four zones (1, 2, 4 and 5) in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba, were determined. For this, the weight/length ratio (K=Pt/Lt) was calculated using animals captured in 1981 and 2010. The nutritional condition between areas and sexes, and years and sexes, was contrasted by a bifactorial ANOVA, and the overall length and weight of lobsters were compared using a t-Test for independent samples and unifactorial ANOVA. It was found that the nutritional condition was significantly greater in males than in females. In addition, significant variations between zones were detected for both years. Nutritional condition of lobsters from Zone five was the highest for 1981, while it was Zone two for 2010. Lobsters nutritional state showed significant variations between years, being greater in 1981 (2.34 +/- 0.84g/mm) than in 2010 (1.96 +/- 0.49g/mm). The inter-zones variations as well as the inter-annual ones seem to be related to the reported variations of the bottom type and the vegetation cover. Seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of benthic organisms, that constitute food for lobsters, could also be influencing. The differences between sexes, however, were assumed as a consequence of the methodology used and the sexual dimorphism of the species. Due to other K estimation methods, that do not include morphometric measurements, these differences were not detected. We suggested that the P. argus nutritional condition is a good estimator of the habitat condition. Besides, according to the applied K estimation methodology, it was found that different groups of lobsters that have resemblant nutritional condition, did not necessarily observe similarities in the overall mean length or weight, so they could exist under different habitat conditions.

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Variations of the nutritional condition of lobsters Panulirus argus (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in Eastern region of the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba. Nutritional condition can affect survival and growth rate of crustaceans, and this is mostly affected by habitat conditions. This study describes the space-temporary nutritional changes in this commercially important species. With this aim, the variations in the nutritional condition (K) of lobsters from four zones (1, 2, 4 and 5) in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba, were determined. For this, the weight/length ratio (K=Pt/Lt) was calculated using animals captured in 1981 and 2010. The nutritional condition between areas and sexes, and years and sexes, was contrasted by a bifactorial ANOVA, and the overall length and weight of lobsters were compared using a t-Test for independent samples and unifactorial ANOVA. It was found that the nutritional condition was significantly greater in males than in females. In addition, significant variations between zones were detected for both years. Nutritional condition of lobsters from Zone five was the highest for 1981, while it was Zone two for 2010. Lobsters nutritional state showed significant variations between years, being greater in 1981 (2.34±0.84g/mm) than in 2010 (1.96±0.49g/mm). The inter-zones variations as well as the inter-annual ones seem to be related to the reported variations of the bottom type and the vegetation cover. Seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of benthic organisms, that constitute food for lobsters, could also be influencing. The differences between sexes, however, were assumed as a consequence of the methodology used and the sexual dimorphism of the species. Due to other K estimation methods, that do not include morphometric measurements, these differences were not detected. We suggested that the P. argus nutritional condition is a good estimator of the habitat condition. Besides, according to the applied K estimation methodology, it was found that different groups of lobsters that have resemblant nutritional condition, did not necessarily observe similarities in the overall mean length or weight, so they could exist under different habitat conditions.

En Cuba, la región del Golfo de Batabanó es la más importante zona de pesca de langosta debido a que de ella se extrae anualmente alrededor del 70% de la captura nacional. Con el objetivo de determinar variaciones espacio-temporales en la condición nutricional (K) de langostas Panulirus argus del Golfo de Batabanó, Cuba, se calculó dicha condición mediante una relación pesolargo (K=Pt/Lt), para lo que se utilizaron ejemplares de cuatro zonas (uno, dos, cuatro y cinco) del este del golfo, capturados en los años 1981 y 2010. Se encontró que en todos los casos analizados la condición nutricional fue significativamente mayor en machos que en hembras. Se detectaron variaciones significativas entre zonas en 1981 y 2010. También entre años el estado nutricional de las langostas presenta variaciones significativas, de manera que en 1981 (2.34±0.84g/mm) fue mayor que en 2010 (1.96±0.49g/mm). Tanto las variaciones interzonales como las interanuales parecen estar relacionadas con variaciones reportadas en el tipo de fondo y la cobertura vegetal. Variaciones estacionales en la abundancia y distribución de organismos bentónicos que constituyen alimento para las langostas también podrían estar influyendo. Las diferencias entre sexos en cambio, se suponen consecuencia de la metodología utilizada y del dimorfismo sexual característico de esta especie, por cuanto otros métodos de estimación de K que no involucran mediciones morfométricas, no detectan estas diferencias.

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The influence of N-glycosylation on the kinetic and catalytical properties of a bacterial fructosyltransferase (LsdA) produced in Pichia pastoris was studied. The glycosylated enzyme behaved similarly to non-glycosylated LsdA when substrate specificity, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) production, sucrose hydrolysis or levan formation reactions were carried out under different experimental conditions. The kinetic parameters for native or yeast-expressed LsdA determined at 60ºC, condition for the highest hydrolytic activity, followed a conventional Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Synthase activity of this levansucrase increased in water-restricted environments by addition of salt or organic solvent to the reaction mixtures.

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La presencia de un caso de Síndrome de Fitz Hugh Curtis en el Servicio de Sepsis del Hospital Ginecobstétrico Materno Norte del municipio Santiago de Cuba nos motivó a revisar sobre esta enfermedad y su diagnóstico por su baja frecuencia en nuestro medio y porque puede pasar inadvertido. Para esto se consultó literatura actualizada y la historia clínica del mismo. El diagnóstico de esta afección se logró con la correcta confección de la historia clínica y el uso adecuado de los exámenes complementarios.Atendiendo al cuadro clínico presentado por la paciente le fueron indicados entre otros USD abdominal y ginecológico, así como una laparoscopía que fueron de vital importancia en el diagnóstico definitivo así como a la hora de imponer el tratamiento. La evolución de la paciente fue satisfactoria y no tuvo otras complicaciones(AU)

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