Producción científica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana en revistas estudiantiles cubanas / The scientific production of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana published in student scientific journals

Introducción: Se desconocen las características de la ciencia generada por la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, publicada en revistas científicas estudiantiles nacionales. Los estudios métricos constituyen herramientas idóneas para abordar problemáticas de esta naturaleza. Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana en revistas estudiantiles cubanas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio métrico, descriptivo y transversal en 121 artículos publicados en 12 revistas entre 2017 y 2021. Resultados: Los artículos alcanzaron 149 citas y 65,8 citas corregidas. Hubo un alto índice de Subramanyan (0,76) y un bajo índice de colaboración entre facultades (0,16). Se registraron 207 autores; 2 de ellos fueron líderes. Predominaron los artículos originales (38,8 por ciento). HolCien ostentó el mayor índice de Price (0,87), mientras que 16 de abril y Universidad Médica Pinareña lideraron, respectivamente, en cuanto a número de citas (71) y de citas corregidas (32,5). La Facultad Manuel Fajardo resultó la más productiva (n = 29); y la Facultad Calixto García, la más citada (54 citas). En 2020 se alcanzó el mayor número de publicaciones (n = 51) y de citas (88), probablemente como consecuencia de la COVID-19, que constituyó el principal foco temático emergente de investigación. Conclusiones: La producción se caracterizó por ser baja, mostrar una tendencia al ascenso cuantitativo, ostentar altos índices de coautoría y originalidad científica, y contar con autores líderes. Fue débil en cuanto a la colaboración entre facultades, la publicación en inglés y la actualización de las referencias bibliográficas (AU)

Introduction: The characteristics of the science produced by the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, published in national student scientific journals, are unknown. Metric studies are ideal tools for approaching problem situations of this nature. Objective: To characterize the scientific production of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana published in Cuban student journals. Methods: A metric, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with 121 articles published in twelve journals between 2017 and 2021. Results: The articles reached 149 citations and 65.8 corrected citations. There was a high Subramanyan index (0.76) and a low index of collaboration between schools (0.16). There were 207 reported authors; two of them were leaders. Original articles predominated (38.8 percent). HolCien had the highest Price index (0.87), while the journals 16 de Abril and Universidad Médica Pinareña led, respectively, in number of citations (71) and corrected citations (32.5). The Manuel Fajardo Medical School was the most productive (n=29), while the Calixto García Medical School was the most cited (54 citations). In 2020, the highest number of publications (n=51) and citations (88) was reached, probably as a consequence of COVID-19, which became the main emerging thematic focus of research. Conclusions: The production was characterized by being low, showing a quantitative upward trend, as well as high rates of coauthorship and scientific originality, and by having leading authors. It was weak in terms of collaboration between schools, publication in English and updating of bibliographic references(AU)

Crossing the Death Valley of publication process in cornea and ocular surface diseases: from abstracts presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting to full-text manuscripts / Atravessando o Vale da Morte do processo de publicação sobre doenças da córnea e da superfície ocular: de resumos apresentados no Encontro Anual da Associação de Pesquisa em Visão e Oftalmologia até artigos completos

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze the profile and publication rate of abstracts in indexed journals presented in the cornea section at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Annual Meeting and to further identify potential predictive factors for better outcomes. Methods: Abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2013 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in the cornea section were sought via PubMed and Scopus to identify whether they had been published as full-text manuscripts. First author's name, time of publication, journal's name, and impact factor were recorded. A multivariate regression was performed to explore the association between variables and both the likelihood of publication and the journal's impact factor. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the time course of publication of abstracts. Results: Of the 939 analyzed abstracts, 360 (38.3%) were published in journals with a median impact factor of 3.4. The median time interval between abstract submission and article publication was 22 months. The multivariate analysis revealed that abstracts were more likely to be published if they were funded (OR=1.482, p=0.005), had a control group (OR=1.511, p=0.016), and had a basic science research scope (OR=1.388, p=0.020). The journal's impact factor was higher in funded studies (β=0.163, p=0.002) but lower in multicenter studies (β=-0.170, p=0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed significant differences in the publication time distribution for basic science vs clinical abstracts (χ2=7.636), controlled vs uncontrolled studies (χ2=6.921), and funded vs unfunded research (χ2=13.892) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Almost 40% of Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology abstracts were published within 5 years from submission. Funding support, basic research scope, and controlled design were the determinants of better outcomes of publication.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil e a taxa de publicação em periódicos indexados de resumos apresentados na seção de córnea da reunião anual da Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology - ARVO, para identificar potenciais fatores preditivos com objetivo de obter melhores resultados. Métodos: Artigos que foram aceitos para apresentação no encontro anual da Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology - ARVO 2013 na seção de córnea foram pesquisados via PubMed e Scopus para identificar se haviam sido publicados como manuscritos com texto integral. Nome do primeiro autor, data de publicação, nome da revista e fator de impacto foram registrados. Foi feita uma regressão multivariada para estabelecer uma associação entre as variáveis e a chance de publicação e o fator de impacto da revista. Foi utilizado o método Kaplan-Meier para analisar o tempo da apresentação até a publicação dos artigos. Resultados: Dos 939 artigos analisados, 360 (38.3%) foram publicados em revistas com um fator de impacto médio de 3.4. O intervalo de tempo entre a submissão do resumo e a publicação do artigo teve como mediana 22 meses. Na análise multivariada, resumos tinham mais chance de publicação se tinham algum tipo de financiamento (OR=1.482, p=0.005), tinham grupo controle (OR=1.511, p=0.016) e estavam no âmbito da pesquisa científica básica (OR+1.388, p=0.020). O fator de impacto da revista era maior em estudos financiados (β=0.163, p=0.002) e mais baixo naqueles multicêntricos (β=-0.170, p=0.001). A análise Kaplan-Meier mostrou diferenças significativas na distribuição de tempo até a publicação de resumos de ciência básica vs clínicos (χ2=7.636), com grupo controle vs sem grupo controle (χ2=6.921) e financiados vs não financiados (χ2=13.892) (p<0.05). Conclusão: Aproximadamente 40% dos resumos apresentados no encontro da Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology - ARVO foram publicados dentro de 5 anos da submissão. Financiamento, pesquisa no âmbito da ciência básica e presença de grupo controle foram fatores determinantes para melhores resultados em relação à chance de publicação.(AU)

Analysis of the technical-scientific production of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) productivity fellows in Pediatrics / Análise da produção técnico-científica de bolsistas de produtividade do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) na área da Pediatria

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the technical-scientific production of research productivity fellows of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, in Pediatrics, from 2013 to 2016. Methods: First, data were obtained identifying fellowship researchers using the Lattes Platform, and subsequently calculating the indicators present in their Lattes curricula using scriptLattes software v8.10. Results: In the period studied, 17 fellowship researchers were identified. They published a total of 524 articles in journals, most of them ranked as high and intermediate Qualis. In addition, fellowship researchers conducted 158 supervisions during the period, published 119 books or chapters and 465 papers in conference proceedings. Conclusion: The Brazilian scientific production in Pediatrics has shown to be significant and of good impact, both nationally and internationally. However, the distribution of research groups is concentrated in specific regions of Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a produção técnico-científica de bolsistas de produtividade em pesquisa do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, na área de Pediatria, no período de 2013 a 2016. Métodos: Os dados foram obtidos identificando-se os bolsistas, por meio da Plataforma Lattes, e, posteriormente, contabilizando-se os indicadores presentes em seus currículos Lattes, pelo software scriptLattes v8.10. Resultados: No período, foram identificados 17 pesquisadores bolsistas, os quais publicaram 524 artigos em periódicos, em sua maioria classificados com Qualis elevado/intermediário. Ainda, os pesquisadores realizaram, no período, 158 orientações, publicaram 119 livros/capítulos e 465 trabalhos em anais de congressos. Conclusão: A produção científica brasileira na área de Pediatria mostrou-se expressiva e de impacto, em âmbito nacional e internacional. Entretanto, a distribuição dos grupos é concentrada em regiões específicas do Brasil.

Análisis crítico de un ensayo clínico de no-inferioridad / Critical analysis of a noninferiority trial

In the era of diseases with highly efficacious treatments, the publication of randomized noninferiority clinical trials is increasingly frequent. However, users of medical literature are less familiar with this type of studies. The aim of this article is to give an introduction to the critical assessment of noninferiority clinical trials, through the solving of a therapeutic dilemma, which will be addressed through the analysis of a recently published trial of this type.

Congenital Chagas disease: alert of research negligence

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD), a neglected endemic disease in Latin America, has acquired new epidemiological characteristics with an increase in the importance of alternative transmission routes such as congenital transmission. We evaluated the scientific research on this subject. METHODS: We searched the Scielo, BVS, and PubMed databases from 2006 to 2017. RESULTS: We identified a small number of published articles, mostly in journals with an impact factor less than 3.0. Studies on human congenital transmission of CD were carried out in only seven different countries. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the lack of research on congenital CD.

Morphological differentiation between seven Brazilian populations of Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys (Diptera: Culicidae) using geometric morphometry of the wings

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Haemagogus capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females are considered morphologically indistinguishable. We analyzed morphometric variability between Brazilian populations of these species using wing geometric morphometry. METHODS: Size and shape at intra- and interspecific levels were analyzed in 108 Hg. capricornii and Hg. janthinomys females. RESULTS: Geometric morphometry indicated size and shape variables can differentiate these species at interspecific level. However, at intraspecific level, results show relative differentiation. Two populations of Hg. capricornii had a smaller centroid size with no significant differences between them, whereas all Hg. janthinomys populations showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Both species were correctly identified by geometric morphometry.

The presentation of the mind-brain problem in leading psychiatry journals

Objective: The mind-brain problem (MBP) has marked implications for psychiatry, but has been poorly discussed in the psychiatric literature. This paper evaluates the presentation of the MBP in the three leading general psychiatry journals during the last 20 years. Methods: Systematic review of articles on the MBP published in the three general psychiatry journals with the highest impact factor from 1995 to 2015. The content of these articles was analyzed and discussed in the light of contemporary debates on the MBP. Results: Twenty-three papers, usually written by prestigious authors, explicitly discussed the MBP and received many citations (mean = 130). The two main categories were critiques of dualism and defenses of physicalism (mind as a brain product). These papers revealed several misrepresentations of theoretical positions and lacked relevant contemporary literature. Without further discussion or evidence, they presented the MBP as solved, dualism as an old-fashioned or superstitious idea, and physicalism as the only rational and empirically confirmed option. Conclusion: The MBP has not been properly presented and discussed in the three leading psychiatric journals in the last 20 years. The few articles on the topic have been highly cited, but reveal misrepresentations and lack of careful philosophical discussion, as well as a strong bias against dualism and toward a materialist/physicalist approach to psychiatry.

Mapeamento de pesquisadores precursores da área de prevenção de drogas em contextos educacionais no Brasil / Mapping precursors researchers of the area of drug prevention in educational contexts in Brazil / Mapeo de investigadores precursores del área de prevención de drogas em contextos educacionales en Brasil

Apesar do crescente interesse de pesquisadores pela implantação e execução de projetos de prevenção de drogas em contextos educacionais, pouco se conhece sobre a efetividade das ações e projetos desenvolvidos, bem como sobre os pesquisadores que desenvolvem essa temática. Este artigo visou agrupar informações em âmbito nacional dos pesquisadores precursores da área de estudos e conhecimento sobre prevenção de drogas em contextos educacionais e apresentar um método para o mapeamento sistemático para identificação destes pesquisadores. Por meio da análise cientométrica realizada no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES e na Plataforma Lattes, com utilização do software ScriptLattes, foram identificadas as produções bibliográficas, orientações, rede de colaboração e mapa de geolocalização de um conjunto de 61 pesquisadores brasileiros. Conclui-se que estratégias para identificação de pesquisadores e sua produção científica auxiliam na integralização e no compartilhamento de informações, ampliam a troca de conhecimentos e experiências, e evidenciam um mapeamento nacional de pesquisadores de determinadas áreas. (AU)

Even with the growing interest of researchers in the implementation and execution of drug prevention projects in educational contexts, little is known about the effectiveness of the actions and projects developed, as well as the researchers that develop this theme. This article aimed to group information at the national level of precursors researchers the area of studies and knowledge about drug prevention in educational contexts and to present a method for the systematic mapping that identify these researchers. Using the scientometric analysis in the Bank of Thesis and Dissertations of CAPES and in the Lattes Platform, using the ScriptLattes software, the bibliographic productions, orientations, collaboration network and geolocation map of a group of 61 Brazilian researchers were identified. It is concluded that strategies for the identification of researchers and their scientific production help in the integration and sharing of information, increase the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and evidence a national mapping of researchers in certain areas. (AU)

A pesar del creciente interés de los investigadores acerca de la implantación y ejecución de proyectos de prevención de drogas en contextos educativos, poco se conoce sobre la efectividad de las acciones y proyectos desarrollados, así como sobre los investigadores que desarrollan esa temática. Este artículo buscó agrupar informaciones a nivel nacional de los investigadores precursores del área de estudios y conocimiento sobre la prevención de drogas en contextos educativos y presentar un método para el mapeo sistemático para la identificación de estos investigadores. A través del análisis cientométrico realizado en el Banco de Tesis y Disertaciones de la CAPES y en la Plataforma Lattes, con utilización del software ScriptLattes, se identificaron las producciones bibliográficas, orientaciones, red de colaboración y mapa de geolocalización de un conjunto de 61 investigadores brasileños. Se concluye que estrategias para identificación de investigadores y su producción científica auxilian en la integralización y en el intercambio de informaciones, amplían el intercambio de conocimientos y experiencias, y evidencian un mapeo nacional de investigadores de determinadas áreas. (AU)

Uncited articles in Brazilian public health journals / Artigos não citados nas revistas brasileiras em saúde pública

ABSTRACT Here, we describe the percentage of non-citation in Brazilian public health journals, a field that, until now, had not been investigated nationally or internationally. We analyzed articles, published between 2008 and 2012, of eight public health journals indexed in the scopus database. The percentage of non-citation differs between journals (from 5.7% to 58.1%). We identified four statistically distinct groups: História, Ciência, Saúde - Manguinhos (58% uncited articles); Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva, Interface, and Saúde e Sociedade (32% to 37%); Ciência & Saúde Coletiva and Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (16% to 17%); and Cadernos de Saúde Pública and Revista de Saúde Pública (6%). The non-citation in the first three years post-publication also varies according to journal. Four journals have shown a clear decline of non-citation: Cadernos de Saúde Pública, Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia, and Physis. Another three (Revista de Saúde Pública, Saúde e Sociedade, and Interface) presented an oscillation in non-citation, but the rates of 2008 and 2012 are similar, with different magnitudes. In turn, the journal História, Ciência, Saúde - Manguinhos maintains high rates of non-citation. Multidisciplinary journals attract more citation, but a comprehensive citation model still needs to be formulated and tested.

RESUMO Aqui, descrevemos o percentual de não citação em revistas brasileiras de saúde pública, campo até agora não investigado nacional ou internacionalmente. Analisamos artigos, publicados entre 2008 e 2012, de oito revistas de saúde pública indexadas na base Scopus. O percentual de não citação difere entre as revistas (de 5,7% a 58,1%). Identificamos quatro grupos estatisticamente distintos: História, Ciência, Saúde - Manguinhos (58% de artigos não citados); Physis: Revista de Saúde Coletiva, Interface, e Saúde e Sociedade (32% a 37%); Ciência & Saúde Coletiva e Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (16% a 17%); e Cadernos de Saúde Pública e Revista de Saúde Pública (6%). A não citação nos primeiros três anos pós-publicação também varia segundo revista. Quatro revistas mostraram claro declínio da não citação: Cadernos de Saúde Pública, Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia e Physis. Outras três (Revista de Saúde Pública, Saúde e Sociedade e Interface) apresentaram oscilação na não citação, mas as taxas de 2008 e 2012 são similares, com magnitudes diferentes. Por sua vez, a revista História, Ciência, Saúde - Manguinhos mantém taxas elevadas de não citação. Revistas multidisciplinares atraem mais citação, mas um modelo compreensivo de citações ainda precisa ser formulado e testado.

Scientific production of Brazilian dermatology: analysis of abstracts submitted at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (2005 to 2013) and those eventually published

Abstract In the last decade the presence of Brazilian physicians in International Meetings of Dermatology has been expressive. In parallel it has also been expressive the submission of poster abstracts in those Meetings. Considering the meetings from 2005 to 2013, 379 posters were presented in meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology. Brazilian universities were the origin of 59.9%. The Brazilian Society of Dermatology's recognized residency programs were the origin of 69.9% of the presented posters. Considering the period from 2005 to 2010 (n = 165 posters) the papers effectively published were 19 (11.5%).

Initial results of a doctorate in medical sciences program at a regional university / Resultados iniciales de un programa de doctorado en ciencias médicas de una universidad

The number of doctoral programs in the biomedical field has risen in recent decades, but with a concentration in Santiago and little expansion into the provinces. The aim of this article is to describe the initial results obtained by the Doctorate in Medical Sciences program of the Universidad de La Frontera, Chile. Observational study, conducted in the Department of Surgery at the Universidad de La Frontera, Chile. All cohorts in the program from 2008 to 2015 were included. The outcome variables were: Graduation rate and scientific productivity of the graduates (WoS and SciELO publications). Other variables of interest were: academic faculty productivity (WoS and SciELO publications), and characteristics of students who entered the program (age, sex, origin, profession, previous graduate training and number of years of formal university education). Descriptive statistics were applied. During the evaluation period, of a total of 17 qualified, 8 doctorates have been granted (1.6 per year), a graduation rate of 47.1 %. The research productivity for 2010-2015 was 14.1 publications per graduate (8.4 WoS and 5.7 SciELO) and 43.8 publications per academic (41.2 WoS and 2.6 SciELO). In the period, 55 professionals applied and 27 were accepted (49.1 % rate acceptance). Initial results of the Doctorate in Medical Sciences program of the Universidad de La Frontera, Chile are presented.

El número de programas de doctorado en el área biomédica ha crecido en las últimas décadas, aunque la mayoría se concentra en Santiago, con un escaso desarrollo en regiones. El objetivo de este artículo es describir los resultados iniciales obtenidos por el programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de La Frontera. Estudio observacional, descriptivo; realizado en el Departamento de Cirugía de la Universidad de La Frontera. Se incluyeron la totalidad de las cohortes que han ingresado al programa, desde 2008 a 2015. Las variables de los resultados fueron: Tasa de graduación y productividad de los graduados (publicaciones WoS y SciELO). Otras variables de interés fueron: productividad del Claustro (publicaciones WoS y SciELO); y características de los alumnos que ingresaron al programa (edad, sexo, origen, profesión, formación de postgrado previa y número de años de formación universitaria formal). Se aplicó estadística descriptiva. Durante el período evaluado, de un total de 17 habilitados, se graduaron 8 doctores (1,6 por año), tasa de graduación de 47,1 %. La productividad para el período 2010-2015 fue de 14,1 publicaciones por graduado (8,4 WoS y 5,7 SciELO); y 43,8 publicaciones por miembro del Claustro (41,2 WoS y 2,6 SciELO). En el período analizado postularon 55 profesionales, siendo aceptados un total de 27 (49,1 % de aceptación). Se presentan los resultados iniciales del programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de La Frontera.

The h-Index in academic morphology / El Índice h en la morfología académica

The h-index is an objective and easily calculable measure that can be used to evaluate both the relevance and amount of scientific contributions of an individual author and field. The aim was to examine how the h-index of academic morphologists in Chile relates with academic rank. A descriptive and correlational study was design. We accessed the Chilean Society of Anatomy professor list in January of 2015, for analysis of academic morphologists' h-indexes using the Scopus database, and data was organized by academic rank. Also, m-Quotient was calculated. Institutional productivity was measured, and institutions were ranked on the basis of cumulative h-index, m-Quotient and the total number of publications and citations. For all morphologists analyzed, the mean h-index was 2.9±2.94 (range 0­12). The mean h-indexes were 1.9±2.135 for instructors, 2.5±2.54 for assistant, 5.1±2.89 for associate and 4.7±3.92 for professors. There was a significant relationship between h-index and academic rank (P<0.001). The m-Quotient were significantly different between assistant/associate and professors (P<0.001). By academic degree, the mean h-indexes were 1.0±1.92 for Bachelor, 1.6±2.0 for specialists, 2.3±2.26 for masters and 4.9±3.4 for Ph.D. The total number of publications for Chilean morphologist was 1343 publications (13.85±18.392), with 5321 citations (54.86±106.392). The top 3 institutions were Universidad de La Frontera, Universidad de Chile and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that h-index (P<0.001) and number of publications (P<0.001) were the best predictors of academic rank. There exists a significant relationship between h-index and academic rank, with h-index increasing with academic rank. It is a reliable tool for quantifying academic productivity within morphology, easily calculable and may be useful when evaluating decisions regarding advancement within academic morphology departments. These results should serve as benchmarks for future studies.

El índice h es una medida objetiva y fácilmente calculable que se puede utilizar para evaluar la importancia y cantidad de contribuciones científicas de un autor y área del conocimiento. El objetivo fue evaluar el índice h de morfólogos académicos en Chile, y su relación con la jerarquía académica. Se diseño un estudio descriptivo correlacional. Se accedido a la lista de profesores de la Sociedad Chilena de Anatomía en enero del 2015; para el análisis del índice h de los académicos morfólogos se utilizó la base de datos Scopus, y los datos fueron organizados por jerarquía académica. Además, se calculó cociente m. Se midió la productividad institucional clasificándose sobre la base de índice h y cociente m acumulados, y el número total de publicaciones y citaciones. Para todos morfólogos analizados, la Media del índice h fue de 2,9±2,94 (rango 0­12). Según jerarquía académica, se observaron índices h de 1,9±2,135 para instructores, 2,5±2,54 para asistentes, 5,1±2,89 para asociados y 4,7±3,92 para profesores titulares. Hubo una relación significativa entre el índice h y jerarquía (P<0,001). Los Cocientes m fueron significativamente diferentes entre los profesores asistente/asociado (mayor) y titulares (P<0,001). Según el grado académico, la Media de los índices h fueron 1,0±1,92 para licenciados, 1,6±2,0 para especialistas, 2,3±2,26 para magíster y 4,9±3,4 para los Ph.D. El número total de publicaciones para los morfólogos chilenos fue 1.343 (13,85±18,392), con 5.321 citas (54,86±106.392). Las 3 mejores instituciones fueron Universidad de La Frontera, Universidad de Chile y Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. El análisis de regresión logística multivariante demostró que el índice h (P<0,001) y el número de publicaciones (P<0,001) fueron los mejores predictores de jerarquía académica. Existe una relación significativa entre el índice h y jerarquía, al aumentar el índice h aumenta la jerarquía. El índice h es una herramienta fiable para cuantificar la productividad académica dentro de la morfología, fácilmente calculable y puede ser útil en la evaluación de las decisiones relativas a la promoción dentro de los departamentos académicos en el área morfológica. Estos resultados deben servir como puntos de referencia para futuros estudios.

Description of color/race in Brazilian biomedical research / Descrição de cor/raça em pesquisas biomédicas brasileiras

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Over recent years, the terms race and ethnicity have been used to ascertain inequities in public health. However, this use depends on the quality of the data available. This study aimed to investigate the description of color/race in Brazilian scientific journals within the field of biomedicine. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study with systematic search for scientific articles in the SciELO Brazil database. METHODS: A wide-ranging systematic search for original articles involving humans, published in 32 Brazilian biomedical scientific journals in the SciELO Brazil database between January and December 2008, was performed. Articles in which the race/ethnicity of the participants was identified were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 1,180 articles were analyzed. The terms for describing race or ethnicity were often ambiguous and vague. Descriptions of race or ethnicity occurred in 159 articles (13.4%), but only in 42 (26.4%) was there a description of how individuals were identified. In these, race and ethnicity were used almost interchangeably and definition was according to skin color (71.4%), ancestry (19.0%) and self-definition (9.6%). Twenty-two races or ethnicities were cited, and the most common were white (37.3%), black (19.7%), mixed (12.9%), nonwhite (8.1%) and yellow (8.1%). CONCLUSION: The absence of descriptions of parameters for defining race, as well as the use of vague and ambiguous terms, may hamper and even prevent comparisons between human groups and the use of these data to ascertain inequities in healthcare.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Nos últimos anos os termos raça e etnia têm sido usados para verificar iniquidades em saúde pública. Entretanto, o uso dos termos depende da qualidade dos dados disponíveis. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a descrição de cor/raça em revistas científicas brasileiras da área biomédica. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo descritivo com busca sistemática de artigos científicos da base de dados SciELO Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma ampla busca sistemática de artigos originais envolvendo seres humanos, publicados em 32 revistas científicas biomédicas brasileiras da base de dados SciELO Brasil, publicados no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2008. Foram analisados artigos em que as raças/etnias dos participantes da pesquisa foram identificadas. RESULTADOS: Ao todo foram analisados 1.180 artigos. Os termos para descrever a raça ou etnia foram frequentemente ambíguos e vagos. A descrição da raça ou etnia ocorreu em 159 (13,4%) artigos, mas somente em 42 (26,4%) havia a descrição de como os indivíduos foram identificados. Nestes, raça e etnia foram usados praticamente como sinônimos e a definição ocorreu pela cor da pele (71,4%), ancestralidade (19,0%) e autodefinição (9,6%). Foram citadas 22 raças/etnias, sendo as mais comuns a branca (37,3%), a negra (19,7%), a parda (12,9%), a não-branca (8,1%) e a amarela (8,1%). CONCLUSÃO: A ausência de descrição de parâmetros para definir raça, bem como termos vagos e ambíguos, pode dificultar e mesmo inviabilizar a comparação de grupos humanos e a utilização desses dados para verificar iniquidades em saúde.

Research practices and publication obstacles among interns at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2011-2012

Background: Medical students can play a vital role in health research at any institute. Moreover, scientific publication by medical students is a strong indicator of students' knowledge, skills and attitudes towards scientific research. Very little information exists, however, on this matter in Saudi Arabia

Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the publication practices of medical interns who graduated from King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine and to investigate barriers to conducting and publishing research during their medical studies. A questionnaire was distributed to 394 interns and 249 [63.2%] responded

Results: About 31% of the responding interns started research during their undergraduate study years. About 12% discontinued their research, whereas only 7% submitted their research for publication. Only 3.2% of the interns had their research papers published and 3.2% had their research paper accepted for publication; 2% had research papers under revision. Interns had positive attitudes towards research, although only a few of them had submitted their papers for publication. Furthermore, interns expressed the need for training in research design, scientific paper writing and publication practice. They recommended devoting slots in medical school curriculum, in addition to other extracurricular training workshops, to teach and train students on such practices and also to provide more convenient opportunities for student participation in conferences

Conclusion and recommendations: Interns in King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Medicine have a positive attitude towards research; however, few students submit papers for publication. Lack of time and training in research methods were the main obstacles cited by the interns for conducting and publishing research. Interns welcome training in research, scientific writing and publication practice. These requirements will be issued to the main curriculum committee at the faculty of medicine and recommendations on possible actions will be discussed with the administration

Interventions for improving research productivity in clinical radiology

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of research promotion activities on overall quality and quantity of research output in a clinical department of a teaching tertiary care hospital. Simple research enhancing strategies including regular journal club, research hour, basic research skills training, hiring of research faculty, research awards, and annual research retreat and research board to increase research production were implemented in the Department of Radiology of a teaching hospital in Pakistan. A total of 77 papers were produced by the Department of Radiology before the intervention, which increased to 92 after the introduction of research initiatives. There was a significant increase in the overall proportion of publications in the international journals after the intervention [p < 0.001] with an increasing trend towards indexed journals [p < 0.001]. The research enhancing interventions had a positive effect on increasing clinical research output by the Department of Radiology. Such interventions can also be replicated in other clinical departments to increase their research productivity

Publicações em homeopatia veterinária no Brasil: a partir de 2006 / Publications in veterinary homeopathy in Brazil: from 2006

Neste artigo, as autoras dão continuidade ao trabalho publicado pela Nader (2007) sobre as publicações indexadas em Homeopatia Veterinária no Brasil a partir de 2006. Foi feito um estudo quantitativo e qualitativo das publicações encontradas através do buscador Google Acadêmico.

Doutorado em cardiologia no Instituto do Coração da FMUSP, de 1994 a 2004: defesa e publicação / Doctorate in cardiology at FM-USP heart institute from 1994 through 2004: defense and publication

FUNDAMENTO: Um estudo avaliou a relação entre defesas de tese e publicações no âmbito de toda a Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP). Questiona-se a existência de diferenças entre diferentes áreas do conhecimento e no domínio do tempo. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar as publicações relacionadas às teses defendidas na pós-graduação do Instituto do Coração (InCor) da FMUSP. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um levantamento retrospectivo junto à pós-graduação de cardiologia da FMUSP, no período de 1994 a 2004. Inicialmente foram coletados dados de alunos que defenderam teses nesse período, de seus orientadores e das próprias teses. A seguir, cruzando informações da Medline® e Web of Science®, localizaram-se publicações desses autores e dados referentes às respectivas publicações. RESULTADOS: Nesse período, foram defendidas 268 teses, que resultaram em 195 publicações, no período de até dez anos após a defesa. As publicações ocorreram com mediana de um ano e nove meses após a sua defesa, com fator impacto mediano de 2,1 e uma mediana de 4 citações por trabalho. Não houve correlação com significância estatística em nenhum dos dados estudados. CONCLUSÃO: Uma porcentagem importante das teses é publicada. A publicação tem ocorrido de maneira cada vez mais precoce após a defesa. Esse fato pode estar relacionado ao sucesso das políticas das comissões de pós-graduação e à importância com que esse tema já é debatido atualmente, contribuindo para a melhoria da qualidade da pós-graduação.

BACKGROUND: A study evaluated the relationship between the defense of dissertations and their publication within the realm of the entire Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FM-USP). The existence of differences among different areas of knowledge and the time between defense of dissertations and their publication is questioned. OBJECTIVE: To characterize publications related to dissertations defended in graduate courses of the Heart Institute (InCor) of the University of São Paulo Medical School (FM-USP). METHODS: A retrospective survey was carried out featuring graduate work at FM/USP for the 1994 - 2004 period. Initially, data were collected on students who defended dissertations during this period, on their advisors, and on the dissertations defended in the course of the period. Then, by crossing these data with data from Medline® and Web of Science®, publications by these authors and data were located that referred to the respective publications. RESULTS: During that period, 268 dissertations were defended, resulting in 195 publications within a period of up to 10 years after their defense. The median time for publication after defense was one year and nine months, with a median impact factor of 2.1, and a median of 4 citations per paper. There was no statistically significant correlation among any of the data studied. CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of the dissertations were published, and in the group studied, publication took place within increasingly short times after their defense. This fact may be related to the success of the graduate commissions' policies and to the importance currently lent to debates on this theme, all of which contribute to improvement in the quality of graduate studies.

An observational study of the proceedings of the All India Ophthalmological Conference, 2000 and subsequent publication in indexed journals.

AIMS: To determine the quality of reporting in the proceedings of the All India Ophthalmological Conference (AIOC) 2000, subsequent rate of publication in an indexed journal and differences between the proceedings and the journal version of these papers. DESIGN: Observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All papers presented at the AIOC 2000 were retrieved from the proceedings and assessed for completeness of reporting. To determine the subsequent full publication, a Medline search was performed as of January 2007; consistency between the proceedings paper and the final publication was evaluated. Statistical analysis: Chi square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare publication rates based on geographical location, subspecialty and study design; Student's t -test was used to compare differences based on the number of authors and sample size. RESULTS: Two hundred papers were retrieved; many failed to include study dates, design or statistical methods employed. Thirty-three (16.5%) papers were subsequently published in indexed journals by January 2007. The published version differed from the proceedings paper in 27 (81.8%) instances, mostly relating to changes in author name, number or sequence. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of reporting of scientific papers in the proceedings of the AIOC 2000 was inadequate and many did not result in publication in an indexed journal. Differences between the published paper in journals and in proceedings were seen in several instances. Ophthalmologists should be cautious about using the information provided in conference proceedings in their ophthalmic practice.

accuracy of references in manuscripts selected for publication in Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal [PAFMJ]

To assess the accuracy of references cited in manuscripts accepted for publication in an issue of a scientific journal and to categorize these errors. An observational study. The study was conducted in the library of Army Medical College, Rawalpindi during September 2007. A total of 288 references listed in the references section of twenty manuscripts were examined. Journal references were compared with either the original articles or [s] obtained through MEDLINE and Pakmedinet. Book references were checked against the original book or bibliographical information obtained through Publisher`s catalogues and online catalogues of libraries. The total number of errors in the references were counted and categorized. Seventy [24.3%] of the 288 assessed references had no errors, while a single error occurred in 51[17.7%] and more than six errors were found in 22[7.64%] references. The author element was the most frequent error category, where 103[43.64%] references from journal and 26[63.41%] references from books contained the errors The primary responsibility of ensuring accuracy of references lies with the authors. However the continuous process of removing errors by reviewers and editorial team can reduce the error rate in the references