El lenguaje de la insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección preservada en los últimos treinta años: un análisis bibliométrico / The language of heart failure with ejection fraction preserved in the last thirty years: a bibliometric analysis

Resumen Introducción: Los estudios bibliométricos permiten realizar un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de la producción científica en un campo determinado. En el área de la cardiología, la producción científica ha crecido sustancialmente durante las últimas décadas; sin embargo, existe poca información acerca del manejo integral de la insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección preservada (ICFEp). Objetivo: Realizar un análisis bibliométrico que proporcione una evaluación detallada del nivel de producción científica de la ICFEp. Método: Estudio bibliométrico descriptivo en el que se realizó una búsqueda en la literatura científica en los últimos 30 años respecto a la ICFEp, para lo cual se utilizó la estrategia de búsqueda "heart failure" AND "preserved ejection fraction" entre 1988 y 2018 en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus y Medline a partir de FABUMED y PubReMiner. Resultados: Se encontraron 2830, 4136 y 7943 publicaciones en las bases de datos Medline, Scopus y Web of Science, respectivamente. Los países destacados por su volumen de publicación fueron los Estados Unidos, el Reino Unido y Alemania. En Latinoamérica, los países más productivos fueron Brasil, Argentina y Chile, mientras que Colombia solo tuvo una publicación. Conclusiones: Este análisis bibliométrico es pionero en señalar la evolución de la investigación científica de la ICFEp en los últimos 30 años. Los resultados obtenidos representan un incentivo a la comunidad científica para priorizar la investigación sobre la ICFEp con el fin de mejorar el abordaje integral de los pacientes y, con ello, su calidad de vida.

Abstract Introduction: Bibliometric studies are defined as the quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific production in each field. The scientific production in the area of cardiology has had a substantial growth during the last decades. Despite this, there is currently little information about heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Objective: To provide a detailed assessment of the current status and level of scientific production of HFpEF over the past 30 years. Method: Bibliometric study based in scientific literature concerning HFpEF for the period of 1988 - 2018 using the terms "heart failure" AND "preserved ejection fraction" in the databases of the Web of Science, Scopus and Medline using FABUMED and PubReMiner. Results: We found 2830, 4136 and 7943 publications in Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases, respectively. The countries with higher scientific production in general were: United States, United Kingdom and Germany. In Latin America, the most productive countries were Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Colombia only had one publication. Conclusions: This is the first bibliometric analysis to highlight the production, evolution and current situation of scientific research about the HFpEF in the last 30 years, a call is made to the scientific community worldwide and especially in our country, Colombia, to focus in the scientific production on this subject. The above mentioned, in order to clarify the pathophysiology, reduce morbidity, mortality and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from HFpEF.

Protein disulfide isomerase ERp57 protects early muscle denervation in experimental ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects motoneurons. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) have been described as a causative genetic factor for ALS. Mice overexpressing ALS-linked mutant SOD1 develop ALS symptoms accompanied by histopathological alterations and protein aggregation. The protein disulfide isomerase family member ERp57 is one of the main up-regulated proteins in tissue of ALS patients and mutant SOD1 mice, whereas point mutations in ERp57 were described as possible risk factors to develop the disease. ERp57 catalyzes disulfide bond formation and isomerization in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), constituting a central component of protein quality control mechanisms. However, the actual contribution of ERp57 to ALS pathogenesis remained to be defined. Here, we studied the consequences of overexpressing ERp57 in experimental ALS using mutant SOD1 mice. Double transgenic SOD1G93A/ERp57WT animals presented delayed deterioration of electrophysiological activity and maintained muscle innervation compared to single transgenic SOD1G93A littermates at early-symptomatic stage, along with improved motor performance without affecting survival. The overexpression of ERp57 reduced mutant SOD1 aggregation, but only at disease end-stage, dissociating its role as an anti-aggregation factor from the protection of neuromuscular junctions. Instead, proteomic analysis revealed that the neuroprotective effects of ERp57 overexpression correlated with increased levels of synaptic and actin cytoskeleton proteins in the spinal cord. Taken together, our results suggest that ERp57 operates as a disease modifier at early stages by maintaining motoneuron connectivity.

El rendimiento académico de estudiantes de odontología en la asignatura de morfología como predictor del tiempo real de titulación y rendimiento académico en asignaturas de alto crédito / Academic performance of dental students in the subject of morphology as a predictor of their actual graduation time and academic performance in high credit subjects

RESUMEN: La relevancia de las ciencias básicas como predictor de rendimiento académico presenta gran importancia en el área de la salud. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el rol predictivo del desempeño de los estudiantes de Odontología en la asignatura de Morfología sobre las asignaturas de alto crédito en la fase preclínica y clínica, y sobre el tiempo real de titulación. Se llevó a cabo un estudio correlacional retrospectivo, con 672 estudiantes de Odontología (2002 a 2012) de la Universidad de los Andes, Chile. Las variables estudiadas fueron sexo, año de ingreso y de titulación, y rendimiento académico en las asignaturas de Morfología (primer año), Preclínico del Adulto (tercer año), y Clínica Integral del Adulto de cuarto y quinto año. El rol predictivo se analizó mediante pruebas de correlaciones de Pearson y análisis de ecuaciones estructurales. Se observó que el rendimiento académico de Morfología se asocia y predice de forma significativamente positiva el rendimiento académico en Preclínico del Adulto (r=0,25 p<,01, b=0,250 p<,001), Clínica del Adulto de cuarto año (r=0,20 p<,01, b=0,198 p<,001) y Clínica del Adulto de quinto año (r=0,14 p<,01, b=0,138 p<,001), y se asoció y predijo de forma significativamente negativa el tiempo real de Titulación (r=-0,48 p<,01, b=-0,258 p<,001). El modelo de rendimiento académico de la asignatura de Morfología y su influencia sobre las otras asignaturas explicó un 68,5 % de varianza en el tiempo real de titulación. Los resultados de este estudio contribuyen a robustecer la evidencia disponible en relación a la relevancia del estudio y buen desempeño en Morfología para el desarrollo y formación de los estudiantes a lo largo del currículo Odontológico, además de justificar la identificación oportuna y apoyo para aquellos estudiantes que estén experimentando dificultades en esta asignatura.

SUMMARY: The relevance of basic sciences as predictors of students' academic performance has great impact in healthcare education. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the predictive role of dental students' academic performance in the subject of Morphology on high credit subjects in the preclinical and clinical phase, and on real time of graduation. A retrospective correlational study was conducted with 672 dental students (2002 to 2012) at the Universidad de los Andes, Chile. The variables studied were sex, year of admission and graduation, and academic performance in the subjects of Morphology (first year), Preclinics (third year), and Integral Adult Clinics of fourth and fifth year. Data analysis were conducted by means of Pearson's correlation tests and structural equation modeling. Morphology academic performance was significantly associated, and predicted the academic performance in Adult Preclinical (r=0.25 p<.01, b=0.250 p<.001), fourth-year Adult Clinic (r=0.20 p<.01, b=0.198 p<.001) and fifth-year Adult Clinic (r=0.14 p<.01, b=0.138 p<.001), and was negatively with real graduation time. The model analyzed explained a 68.5 % variance in real time of the graduation. The results of this study contribute to strengthening the available evidence in relation to the relevance of students' performance in the subject of Morphology for their development and training throughout the dental curriculum, as well as justifying the timely identification and support for those students experiencing difficulties in this subject.

Contribution of NKT cells to the immune response and pathogenesis triggered by respiratory viruses.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cause acute respiratory tract infections in children worldwide. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are unconventional T lymphocytes, and their TCRs recognize glycolipids bound to the MHC-I-like molecule, CD1d. These cells modulate the inflammatory response in viral infections. Here, we evaluated the contribution of NKT cells in both hRSV and hMPV infections. A significant decrease in the number of neutrophils, eosinophils, and CD103+DCs infiltrating to the lungs, as well as an increased production of IFN-γ, were observed upon hRSV-infection in CD1d-deficient BALB/c mice, as compared to wild-type control mice. However, this effect was not observed in the CD1d-deficient BALB/c group, upon infection with hMPV. Importantly, reduced expression of CD1d in CD11b+ DCs and epithelial cells was found in hRSV -but not hMPV-infected mice. Besides, a reduction in the expression of CD1d in alveolar macrophages of lungs from hRSV- and hMPV-infected mice was found. Such reduction of CD1d expression interfered with NKT cells activation, and consequently IL-2 secretion, as characterized by in vitro experiments for both hRSV and hMPV infections. Furthermore, increased numbers of NKT cells recruited to the lungs in response to hRSV- but not hMPV-infection was detected, resulting in a reduction in the expression of IFN-γ and IL-2 by these cells. In conclusion, both hRSV and hMPV might be differently impairing NKT cells function and contributing to the immune response triggered by these viruses.

Weekly quizzes as a predictive factor of final academic performance in morphology / Controles semanales como factor predictor del rendimiento académico final en morfología

SUMMARY: Academic performance has been defined as the achievement of goals, results or objectives established in the subject program that the student is taking and it is important to study the factors that can predict it. The objective of this study is to establish the correlation between performance in weekly quizzes with performance in global tests and the final exam of first year Odontology students at the Universidad de los Andes. We measured 737 observations corresponding to the average of weekly morphology quizzes with the average of the semestral morphology global tests and the final exam, taken by 370 students admitted in first year of Odontology at the Universidad de los Andes between the years 2011 to 2014 included. The data was analyzed with Student's T test and Pearson's correlation. Continuous variables were described with measures of central tendency and dispersion. There is a significant positive correlation (p value <0.001), between the average of the morphology weekly control grades and the averages of global test grades of 0.736; between the average of the weekly control grades and the final exam grade of 0.577 and between the average of global test grades and the exam grades of 0.763. According to our observations, the results of the weekly control grades correlate positively with the results of the global tests and the final exam, so it could be considered as one of the measurable predictors of academic performance.

RESUMEN: El rendimiento académico ha sido definido como el cumplimiento de las metas, logros u objetivos establecidos en el programa o asignatura que está cursando un alumno y resulta importante estudiar aquellos factores que lo puedan predecir. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la correlación entre el rendimiento en controles semanales con el rendimiento de las pruebas globales y del examen final en alumnos de primer año de Odontología de la Universidad de los Andes. Se midieron 737 observaciones correspondiente a los valores de los promedios de controles semanales de morfología con el promedio de las pruebas globales semestrales de morfología y el examen final del semestre, rendidas por 370 estudiantes admitidos en el primer año de la carrera de odontología en la Universidad de los Andes entre los años 2011 al 2014 incluidos. Se analizaron los datos con test T student y Correlación de Pearson. Las variables continuas se describieron con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Existe una correlación positiva con un nivel de significancia de (p value < 0,001) de los promedios de los controles de morfología con los promedios de las pruebas globales de 0,736; el promedio de los controles con el examen final de 0,577 y el promedio de pruebas globales con el examen de 0,763. De acuerdo con nuestras observaciones el resultado de los controles semanales se correlaciona positivamente con el resultado de las pruebas globales y el examen final, lo cual podría considerarse como uno de los factores predictores medibles del rendimiento académico.

Academic achievement and perception of two teaching methods in histology: light and digital microscopy: pilot study / Rendimiento académico y percepción de dos métodos de enseñanza en histología: microscopio de luz y microscopio digital: estudio piloto

With new digital systems, the role of the microscope as an irreplaceable instrument in the teaching of histology has been called into question. In this study academic performance and student perception for two learning methods were compared: digital and light microscopy, in the muscle tissue unit of the morphology course for first-year undergraduate dentistry at Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile. 92 students were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: light microscopy and Group 2: digital microscope in a web application. All participants observed the same striate muscle, cardiac striated muscle, and smooth muscle samples. An academic performance test was applied (diagnostic and individual structures identify ability). A perception test was conducted after everyone had learned with both systems. For data analysis the T student test and central tendency with their standard deviation was used. In the cognitive evaluation, the median grades were 5.4 for group 1 and 5.7 for group 2. In the perception survey, 73.24 % considered the virtual microscope evaluation more fair. It was concluded that the use of virtual microscope tends to have better results than light microscopy. Further investigation is needed to evaluate this new teaching instrument.

Los sistemas digitales han puesto en tela de juicio el rol del microscopio óptico como instrumento insustituible para la enseñanza práctica de la histología. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el rendimiento académico y la percepción de los alumnos utilizando microscopía óptica y microscopía virtual en base a una aplicación web, utilizada por primera vez. Se dividieron 92 alumnos de primer año de Odontología en 2 grupos: 1: microscopía óptica, 2: microscopía digital. Todos observaron los mismos preparados de músculo estriado esquelético, estriado cardíaco y liso. Al finalizar, rindieron una evaluación formativa para medir conocimientos y luego se invertieron los grupos. Una vez que todos aprendieron con ambos sistemas se aplicó un test de percepción. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó el Test-t de student, medidas de tendencia central y desviación estandar. En la evaluación cognitiva se obtuvo un promedio de 5,4 en el grupo 1 y 5,7 el grupo 2. Respecto a la percepción, un 73,24 % consideró que la evaluación con microscopia virtual es más justa. La microscopía vitual tiene una mejor percepción por parte de los alumnos y tiende a mejorar el rendimiento académico. Nuevas investigaciones serán necesarias para evaluar esta herramienta de enseñanza.

Inflammatory damage on respiratory and nervous systems due to hRSV infection.

The exacerbated inflammatory response elicited by human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) in the lungs of infected patients causes a major health burden in the pediatric and elderly population. Since the discovery of hRSV, the exacerbated host immune-inflammatory response triggered by this virus has been extensively studied. In this article, we review the effects on the airways caused by immune cells and cytokines/chemokines secreted during hRSV infection. While molecules such as interferons contribute at controlling viral infection, IL-17 and others produce damage to the hRSV-infected lung. In addition to affecting the airways, hRSV infection can cause significant neurologic abnormalities in the host, such as seizures and encephalopathy. Although the origin of these symptoms remains unclear, studies from patients suffering neurological alteration suggest an involvement of the inflammatory response against hRSV.

Morphological effects of mesenchymal stem cells and pulsed ultrasound on condylar growth in rats: a pilot study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess and describe the morphological effects of an intra-articular iniection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and/or Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation on the mandibular condyles of growing rats, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and histology. METHODS: Twenty-six young (23-day-old) rats were divided into 5 groups identified as LIPUS-stimulated (20 minutes daily using 50 mW/cm2, 1MHz, 0.2 millisecond pulses), MSCs injected (1 x 10(5) cells/kg), LIPUS + MSCs, medium inlected, and untreated controls. All treatments were performed in the left temporomandibular joint of each rat (TMJs). At day 21, CBCTs were obtained for cephalometric analysis and 3D reconstructions. After animal sacrifice, left and right TMJ sections were histologically prepared and examined. The Wilcoxon sign rank test and the Kruskal-Wallis 2 test were applied for statistical comparison. RESULTS: Imaging results showed that left condyles were wider in all LIPUS-treated groups (p < 0.05), while the LIPUS-only group had a greater left sagittal condylar length. LIPUS-treated groups displayed a lower midline shift to the right (p < 0.02). No significant differences were observed in the MSC group. Bone marrow morphology and vascularity differed between the groups as LIPUS-treated groups exhibited increased vascularity in the erosive cartilage zone. CONCLUSION: It was established that LIPUS and MSC application to the TMJ region of growing rats favoured transverse condylar growth, while LIPUS application alone may enhance sagittal condylar development.The MSC injection model had little effect on sagittal condylar growth.

[Fish in renal patient's diet: phosphorus: n-3 fatty acids ratio]. / El pescado en la dieta del paciente renal: relación fósforo:ácidos grasos n-3.

OBJECTIVE: To identify between 24 marine fish species the most beneficial to renal patient evaluating its phosphorus:n-3 fatty acids ratio. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 fishes of each specie were randomly selected; they were filleted and homogenized to take 100 g to carry out the chemical analysis by triplicate. Crude protein (Pr) was analyzed in kjeltec equipment. Potassium and calcium was detected by atomic absorption and phosphorus (P) in an UV/ Visible spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Crude protein (g/100 g) values varied from 15 (pompano) up to 28.2 (big head tile-fish). The fishes with highest (P) (mg/100 g) content were pompano (287), Spanish mackerel (274), king mackerel (257), big head tile-fish (255) and pacific barracuda (252). The specie with the lowest ratio (P): n-3 PUFA was slender frostfish (0.09), followed by albacore (0.17), king mackerel (0.40) and Spanish mackerel; the highest was blue bobo (45.20). Fishes with a high n-3 PUFA/g Pr content were albacore (71.20), king mackerel (35.96), Spanish mackerel (32.50) and rooster hind (2.76). Differences were significant (p < 0.05), in (P) content, in fishes classified by the fat content in muscle (mg P/100 g): lean fishes (193), semi fatty fishes (235) and fatty fishes (244). CONCLUSIONS: None of the following fishes are recommended in renal patient's diet by it lowest contribution of n-3PUFA/g of Pr: blue bobo, yellowedge grouper, parrot sandbass. It is suggested to include chilhuil sea catfish, broomtail grouper, yellow tail snapper, southern flounder, parrot sand bass and big head tilefish by their low content of P/g Pr. The following species included regularly in the diet at least thrice a week could be considered beneficial to the general health status of patients.

Evaluation of phosphorus, protein, and n-3 fatty-acid content in 15 marine fish species identifies the species most beneficial to renal patients.

OBJECTIVE: Among 15 marine fish species, we sought to identify those most beneficial to renal patients by evaluating their phosphorus (P), protein (PC), and n-3 fatty-acid (n-3 PUFA) content. DESIGN: These 15 species are all edible. They were obtained and sampled randomly, and were filleted to obtain 100g, enabling us to perform the analysis in triplicate. Crude protein was analyzed with a Kjeltec, and minerals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The PC values (g/100g) ranged from 14.3 (blue runner; BR) to 22.8 (California butterfly ray). The fish with the highest P (mg/100g) content were spotted sea trout (ST), gafftopsail fish (CF) (289), and BR (274), followed by smalltail shark (272). The species with the lowest ratio of P:n-3 PUFA was dollar fish (DF) (0.28), followed by BR, ST, and vermilion snapper (range, 0.28 to 0.67). The highest ratio of P:n-3 PUFA was found in the small-tail shark (11.6). Fish with a high n-3 PUFA/g PC content were DF (41.7), BR (38.05), ST (34.8), and CF (22.5). There was a tendency of P to increase as muscle fat increased (mg P/100g), i.e., lean fish (194), semifatty fish (239), and fatty fish (262). CONCLUSIONS: The regular inclusion in the diet, at least three times a week, of the species DF, BR, CF, ST, caitipa mojarra, vermillion snapper, and pot snapper can be considered beneficial to the general health status of renal patients.