The scientific production of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana published in student scientific journals

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 %). 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. © 2023, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.

Implications of smoking in the context of COVID-19

Introduction: With the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), questions about the risk factors that influence the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have emerged. A widely debated issue has been the potential effect of smoking on SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and the clinical consequences of COVID-19. Objective: To elucidate the implications of smoking in the context of COVID-19. Development: In the literature consulted, several pathophysiological mechanisms that support the deleterious effect of smoking in the context of COVID-19 were identified: upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2;increased expression/activity of transmembrane serine protease 2, cathepsin B/L and furin;immunoinflammation and immunosuppression;upregulation of phosphodiesterase 4;encephalic hemovascular alterations;and morphofunctional modifications of the lung parenchyma. Conclusions: Smoking has a deleterious effect on patients bearing COVID-19. In this harmful association, there are pathophysiological mechanisms that may make smokers —active or passive ones— more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection or more likely to present with an unfavorable evolution once they have developed COVID-19. © 2022, Editorial Ciencias Medicas. All rights reserved.