Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Introduction: Genetic alterations, including mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor, occur in lung cancer. Gefitinib and osimertinib are approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with this mutation; they demonstrate high response and survival rates compared to chemotherapy.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with lung adenocarcinoma with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor.Method: A prospective study was conducted in 29 patients with non-small cell lung cancer with adenocarcinoma histology, with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor, treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The variables studied were: response to treatment, adverse events, progression-free survival and overall survival. Descriptive statistics summary measures and survival estimates were used by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test in the comparison of the curves. Results: An objective response rate of 70.3% was achieved. The median overall survival and progression-free survival months were 19.9 (95% CI: 12.6-27.2) and 14.8 (95% CI: 3.6-25.9). Adverse events were classified as mild.Conclusions: Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor mutation is effective and safe in patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma with an epidermal growth factor receptor mutation.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years lost worldwide; however, the prevalence of these diseases in young people is difficult to establish with precision. Objective: To determine the risk factors related to acute myocardial infarction in patients under 45 years of age, as well as the risk of cardiovascular complications. Method: Analytical, cross-sectional study in 295 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction at the “Comandante Manuel Fajardo” Clinical and Surgical Teaching Hospital between 2016 and 2022. Two groups were formed: group 1 (patients aged 45 years or younger) and group 2 (patients over 45 years of age). The data were extracted from the registry of admitted patients and medical records. Continuous variables were expressed as mean with standard deviation or median, the chi-square test (χ2) and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical processing. Results: In group 1, the incidence of males was significantly higher than in group 2 (78.6% vs. 56.5%; p= 0.01), as was smoking (83.3% vs. 62.8%; p= 0.01). On the other hand, the occurrence of cardiovascular complications did not show significant statistical differences between the two study groups (14.5% vs. 23.3%; p= 0.19). Conclusions: Cardiovascular risk factors vary according to age; male sex and smoking are prevalent in young adults.

Introduction: Enteroparasites constitute a considerable challenge to public health, particularly in developing nations. These infections, which can cause serious problems in vulnerable groups, require accurate diagnoses. This study analyzes and contrasts diagnostic techniques that evaluate sensitivity and specificity, with the goal of discovering effective and affordable options in various contexts. Objective: To evaluate direct microscopic examination and compare with the sedimentation method for the detection of enteroparasites. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was carried out; 50 fecal samples were analyzed using direct microscopic examination and the sedimentation method. Data were analyzed in SPSS to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both methods, using the sedimentation method as a reference. Results: Direct microscopic examination detected parasites in 64,0% of the samples, while the sedimentation method identified 72,0%. Blastocystis hominis was the most frequent parasite in both techniques. The sensitivity of direct microscopic examination was 80,56% and its specificity was 78,57%. Conclusions: The sedimentation method presents greater sensitivity and specificity compared to direct microscopic examination, although the latter remains useful in contexts with limited resources. The choice of diagnostic technique should be based on the available resources and the needs of the clinical environment.

Introduction: Aflatoxin B1 is a toxic contaminant, a threat to human health. Its presence in food was common. Rapid and efficient determination of AFB1 in corn and rice is critical for food safety monitoring. Objectives: To develop a highly sensitive sandwich immunochromatographic assay for the detection of aflatoxin B1, with greater sensitivity than the strip test. Methods: During sample preparation, aflatoxin B1 bound to bovine serum albumin to form AFB1-BSA conjugates, captured by both the anti-BSA antibody on the conjugate pad and the anti-AFB1 antibody on the test line, forming a sandwich structure. Key parameters were optimized to achieve the highest sensitivity of the test strip. Optimal parameters include: saturation of the antibody coating on magnetic nanoparticles, suitable nitrocellulose membrane, and optimal antibody concentration on the test line. Results: Test strips were developed for the rapid detection of aflatoxin B1 in maize and rice. Detection limits: 1.0 µg/L for aflatoxin B1 in the assay buffer and 1.6 µg/L for aflatoxin B1 in spiked maize and rice samples. Repeatability: 5/5 for 5 aflatoxin B1 concentrations analyzed; test strip stability was 6 months when stored at 4°C and 25°C. Conclusion: The immunochromatographic assay provides an efficient and highly sensitive approach for the in situ detection of AFB1 in maize and rice.

Introduction: Head and neck cancer comprises a group of malignant tumors that primarily affect the upper respiratory tract, with a significant impact worldwide. Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological behavior of patients with head and neck cancer. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 56 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer, seen in the otorhinolaryngology clinic, between January 2022 and July 2024. The variables described were age, sex, anatomical location of the tumor, histological variant, neoplasia staging, and oncospecific treatment received. Frequency measures were used for data analysis. Results: Males predominated (85.71%), and the 60-69 age group (35.71%). The larynx was the most common site (42.85%), followed by the oral cavity (33.93%). Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histological variant (98.21%). Surgery was the most frequently used treatment (57.14%), and stage II was the most common at diagnosis (50%). Conclusions: Among patients treated at the “Dr. Mario Muñoz Monroy” Military Hospital, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological variant. The predominant histological variant was males, those aged 60 to 69 years, and the most common location was in the larynx. Stage II was the most common at diagnosis, and surgery was the most frequently used therapeutic option.

Introduction: One of the fundamental pillars to achieve active aging is to maintain a systematic physical activity regimen; its benefits have been related to the improvement of functional capacity, perception of quality of life and general health status of older adults. Objective: Obtain updated information on the benefits of physical activity on the perception of quality of life of older adults. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out focused on searching for updated information in databases such as Latindex, Scopus, PubMed, Dialnet, Scielo and the Google academic search engine. 31 documents were selected. Advanced search tools were used such as health descriptors in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and Boolean operators were used. Development: A synthesis is presented on the consequences of physical inactivity, as well as the characteristics, effects and benefits of physical activity programs on the perception of quality of life of older adults; The main exercises recommended in this population group are described and elements related to the frequency and time of completion, among others, are presented.  Conclusions: Physical activity improves the perception of quality of life of older adults by promoting mobility, maintaining muscle tone and trophism, minimizing the expression of geriatric syndromes and promoting the control of non-communicable diseases. Its benefits include improving physical and mental health, which favors people's social reintegration.

Introduction: The quality of health services determines user satisfaction; however, there are elements of the organizational structure that influence the quality of services. Health management includes adequate structural organization. Objective: Expose the elements of the organizational structure that influence the satisfaction of users of the public health system Development: The organizational structure of the health system in the Guano and Penipe cantons, composed of 21 health units, was analyzed. The main elements of the organizational structure and their implication in the quality of services and user satisfaction are identified. The problems of geographical accessibility, lack of resources, supplies and medicines and lack of specialized human talent are pointed out as the elements that negatively affect the quality of health care and the satisfaction of users. Conclusions: The organizational structure constitutes the starting point to guarantee the quality of the service, user satisfaction depends on this; Its main elements include accessibility of services, quality of care, availability of medical appointments, waiting time, availability of medications and supplies, and feedback system.

Introduction: Primary ovarian leiomyoma is a rare benign tumor, representing between 0.5% and 1% of all benign ovarian tumors. They are usually small and unilateral. Eighty-five percent are discovered in premenopausal women and are asymptomatic in most cases; they are usually detected by chance during routine gynecological examinations and surgeries. Objective: To present the case of a postmenopausal patient with primary ovarian leiomyoma. Clinical Case: A 63-year-old patient was seen in a gynecology clinic for abdominal enlargement and discomfort of several months' duration. A left ovarian tumor mass was detected. A laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and double adnexectomy was performed. The pathological and immunohistochemical studies revealed a primary ovarian leiomyoma. She progressed satisfactorily, without complications. Conclusions: Primary ovarian leiomyoma is a rare benign tumor that usually appears during reproductive age, although cases have been described in postmenopause. Therefore, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of adnexal tumors. Confirmatory diagnosis is based on anatomopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the surgical specimen.

Introduction: Polypharmacy can be observed in approximately 50 % of older adults. Delayed ejaculation usually increases with age and may be associated with polypharmacy. It is mandatory to review sexual health in patients taking multiple medications. Objective: To present a case of diagnosis and management of generalized delayed ejaculation induced by polypharmacy in an elderly patient with comorbidity. Clinical Case: An adult over 69 years of age with comorbidity of panic disorder in remission with alprazolam, arterial hypertension controlled with amlodipine and enalapril, dyslipidemia managed with atorvastatin and migraine managed with fluoxetine. Three years after starting fluoxetine and reducing alprazolam, limitations in achieving orgasm and ejaculation occurred. A diagnosis of generalized delayed ejaculation induced by polypharmacy (alprazolam, enalapril, and fluoxetine) was made. The symptom resolved completely one month after fluoxetine withdrawal. Conclusions: Polypharmacy can negatively affect sexual response in older adults. It is important to review sexual symptoms during the follow-up of this group of patients and consider drug interactions among the causes.

Introduction: Postoperative complications delay and worsen patient outcomes. Objective: To characterize patients with postoperative complications following emergency conventional abdominal surgery based on clinical, therapeutic, and outcome variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive study was conducted in a series of 240 cases with postoperative complications following emergency conventional abdominal surgery during the 2021-2023 periods in the General Surgery Department of the "Saturnino Lora" Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. Patients with complications up to 30 days after the initial operation were included; the variables studied were age, sex, comorbidity, diagnosis, complications, grade, and treatment; the primary data were taken from the patients' medical records. Summary measures were used for qualitative variables: absolute number and percentage. Results: 253 complications were reported. Females and patients aged 70 and over predominated. Comorbidities were present in 55.4% of cases. The most frequently diagnosed conditions were acute appendicitis and intestinal occlusion; the most common complications were surgical site infection and septic shock. All complications were categorized according to Clavien-Dindo classification; the most frequent were grades II and III; grade V accounted for 30 (12.5%) deaths, mainly due to septic shock. Conclusion: Most postoperative complications after emergency abdominal surgery are reversible, occur at advanced ages in both sexes, and are related to comorbidities in patients undergoing surgery for digestive tract conditions, with a predominance of surgical site infections. Major complications are less frequent but carry a higher risk of mortality.