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

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Also, 90 % of them are derived from cardiovascular risk factors. Predicting cardiovascular risk is essential to direct preventive actions.Objective: To validate the new scale, designed for predicting cardiovascular risk, by evaluating endothelial dysfunction.Material and Method: A sample nested in a cohort of patients exposed to classic cardiovascular risk factors was used.  It was different from the one used to build the model, but defined by the same inclusion criteria. Validation by content and presentation was carried out by means of a survey applied to experts. In the validity by construction, it was taken into account that the largest number of patients with cardiovascular disease were classified in the highest risk category, determining the Eta coefficient of association. To determine the internal consistency of the proposed scale, the general Cronbach alpha coefficient (α) was used.Results: The results show that 84,62 % of the experts considered that the content of the proposed scale was very reasonable and understandable, with justifiable basic assumptions and clearly defined components. In addition, 78,57 % of the patients who developed cardiovascular disease were classified as high risk, with an Eta correlation coefficient of 0.722. The model showed adequate predictive capacity.Conclusions: A scale with adequate performance, which can be used in clinical practice to predict cardiovascular risk by evaluating underlying endothelial dysfunction, is validated.

Introduction: In 1992, Dr. Carlos M. Miyares Cao, director of the Placental Histotherapy Center (CHP), asked the dean of the Faculty of Biology for collaboration in certain branches of Biochemistry and Biology, necessary to support some findings in the treatment of dermatological diseases. Objective: To show the results achieved from the scientific, teaching and economic point of view between both centers in the period 1992- 1996. Material and Method: The historical method was used through the search for reliable sources and open interviews with the protagonists of this stage, review of documents published in scientific journals, presentations at events and official documents. Development: The document was organized by themes: creation of a multidisciplinary group with professionals from the Faculty of Biology; melanocytic and melanogenic action; isolation and quantification of collagen extracted from human amniotic membranes; postgraduate courses; tutoring for diploma projects; methodology for the evaluation of the melanogenesis process and quality control of Melagenina; statistical studies; evaluation of the nutritional value of BIOPLA and recognitions. Conclusions: Scientific achievements were obtained from the clinical and exact sciences point of view; the postgraduate courses on the biochemistry of the skin to doctors from different countries, constituted an income of foreign currency to the center and therefore to our country; scientific publications and presentations at events contributed to the increased visibility of the CHP's achievements.

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic disease that exacerbates ophthalmologic conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, loss of visual focus, and diplopia. Approaches to the appropriate time to perform cataract surgery in diabetic patients have been a matter of debate among ophthalmologists.Objective: To present important aspects to consider for the surgical management of cataract in diabetic patients.Material and method: A bibliographic review was conducted based on documentary and content analysis. The information search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, using key terms such as “cataract - diabetes,” “diabetic retinopathy,” and “cataract surgery.” From the initial 797 results, inclusion criteria (Spanish and English languages, recent original articles, empirical research) and exclusion criteria (different languages, reviews, or complex methodologies) were applied, finally selecting 18 relevant articles for the review. Development: Diabetic patients face unique challenges in cataract surgery, highlighting the importance of rigorous metabolic control and ophthalmologic surveillance. Early intervention, supported by recent evidence, improves visual outcomes and reduces postoperative complications by timely addressing lens opacities.Conclusions: Patients with diabetes mellitus face specific risks that require careful assessment when planning surgery. Factors such as metabolic control, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema should be considered. A multidisciplinary approach is key to determining the optimal timing of intervention, balancing the benefits of early surgery with potential risks, to maximize visual outcomes and minimize complications.

Introduction: Virtual teaching is a cost-effective alternative, however, it had no precedent in the teaching of Medical Physics in Cuba until the COVID-19 pandemic imposed the challenge of managing its introduction. Objectives: To evaluate the first results of the management of digital transformation in the teaching of Medical Physics. Material and Methods: The management strategy deployed to manage institutional knowledge of Medical Physics and the transformation of the teaching-learning process from face-to-face to virtual learning, which promoted the accelerated use of Information and Communication Technologies and the Moodle platform by the teachers and, later, by the students was critically analyzed. The teaching results and quality surveys of the first courses were considered.   Results: Seven completely virtual courses were developed, four corresponding to the Introduction to undergraduate Medical Physics subjects taught in nuclear specialties, and postgraduate courses. The courses underwent comprehensive quality evaluation, including comprehensive student surveys. The students fulfilled the objectives and demonstrated the knowledge acquired in the different evaluations, as well as their ability to develop skills and apply them satisfactorily in each topic. The system for evaluating the quality of teaching activities implemented showed satisfactory results and pointed out some aspects to improve. Conclusions: The digitalization of the teaching of Medical Physics proved to be an effective alternative, and constitutes an opportunity for the management and optimal use of resources.

Introduction: Oral health during pregnancy is essential to prevent maternal and perinatal complications such as low birth weight and premature birth. Periodontal disease, influenced by hormonal factors and inadequate habits, affects a significant proportion of pregnant women, which underlines the need for contextualized research.Objective: To determine the factors associated with the appearance of periodontal disease in pregnant women from Canton Vela, Tungurahua, Ecuador. Material and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in 62 pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, selected by intentional sampling in a type II health center. Sociodemographic, dietary and oral hygiene habits data were collected. Statistical tests (Chi square and Fisher's exact test) were applied with a significance level of 95% (p < 0.05). Results: The results show that 77.4% of the participants had periodontal disease. Pregnant women with a higher consumption of sugary drinks (≥3 times/week; OR=8.45; p<0.05) and a lower frequency of brushing (2-3 times/day; OR=3.75; p<0.05) had a higher risk of periodontal disease. Living in rural areas was also a relevant factor (OR=2.34; p<0.05). On the other hand, educational level, monthly income and use of dental floss did not show significant associations. Conclusions: Periodontal disease is highly prevalent in pregnant women and is associated with inadequate oral hygiene habits and sugar consumption. It is crucial to implement education and prevention programs to reduce these risk factors, especially in rural areas.

Introduction: The relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases, with common risk factors, has been documented and supported by biological mechanisms. It is not yet known whether the relationship between these two diseases is direct or indirect. Objective: To analyze the relationship between risk factors common to periodontal and cardiovascular diseases in patients diagnosed with periodontitis. Material and Methods: Exploratory, descriptive and correlational study. The universe was 1,485 patients who attended the Dentistry consultation at clinics in Riobamba, Ecuador, between January 2022 and January 2024. The sample consisted of 681 patients diagnosed with periodontitis. Risk factors for periodontal and cardiovascular disease were used to establish the relationship between both diseases. The statistical representativeness of each of the risks was evaluated. Results: The prevalence of periodontitis was higher in patients aged 30 to 39 years (30,54%) and there was a lower presence in the 20 to 29 age group (17,47%). The risk factors identified in the incidence of periodontal disease are smoking and poor oral hygiene. Patients over 49 years of age, men, smokers, and those who suffer from obesity and chronic diseases are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: The study confirms a significant association between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases, linked to shared bacterial and inflammatory factors. Age, smoking habit, and chronic diseases are the common risk factors, with people over 49 years of age being the most vulnerable. Integrating preventive dental and medical strategies aimed at reducing its impact on vulnerable populations is recommended.

Introduction: Music therapy is a scientific discipline that can influence the decrease of anxiety during medical procedures. Objective: To describe the effects of music therapy on anxiety in Cuban patients undergoing tooth extraction treatment.Material and Methods: A quasi-experimental parallel-group study was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (receiving music therapy and not receiving it during tooth extraction treatment). The Cuban version of the Modified Stomatological Treatment Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety before and after tooth extraction. Variables such as age, sex, presence of anxiety before and after tooth extraction, and decrease in anxiety were registered. The data were processed in RStudio, applying inferential and Bayesian statistics. Results: In this study, 155 (38.6%) participants were men and 247 (61.4%) were women, for a total of 402 patients. In addition, 93.5% had anxiety before extraction and 73.6% remained anxious after treatment. The odds ratio (1.55) indicates that those who received music therapy have 1.55 times higher odds of experiencing a decrease in anxiety. Bayesian analysis found insufficient evidence to conclude that music therapy reduces anxiety. Conclusions: It cannot be categorically concluded that music therapy decreases anxiety levels during tooth extraction. However, in the group that received music therapy, the majority of participants experienced a percentage reduction in anxiety.

Introduction: Nanoparticles offer several advantages including specifically targeted drug delivery to improve stability and eradication of toxicity; active and passive drug targeting can be achieved by size reduction, controlled release drug delivery, and a best diagnostic imaging tool for earlier detection of cancer cells. Objective: To provide researchers with an overview of the current research and technological development of the use of nanoparticles for lung cancer therapy. Material and Methods: A bibliographic revision study was performed using a methodological design that included the search, selection, synthesis and analysis of articles on the effectiveness of the use of nanoparticles in the administration of drugs against lung cancer. A protocol was developed with methodological guidelines and a bibliographic record for the registration and content analysis of each article. The protocol and the sheet were submitted to validation by five experts selected for their expertise and training in research in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Oncology and Pneumopathology. Results: The growing importance of nanotechnology in the field of biomedical applications has encouraged the development of new nanomaterials with multiple functions. There is a set of notable features of nanoparticle-based detection systems that support their usefulness in the treatment of lung cancer. Conclusions: Despite the advantages, many challenges remain unresolved, including scale-up issues, economical production, drug pharmacokinetics, and image construction. Issues with nanotoxicity and regulatory guidelines and obstacles need to be resolved.

Introduction: The municipality of Plato, is located on the right bank of the Magdalena River (Colombia), where erosive processes generated by high deforestation and climatic variation have occurred. Objective: Analyze multitemporally the affected areas, monitor them and estimate the degree of vulnerability they present by erosion and flooding. Method: In order to carry out the research, it was necessary to make maps and process satellite images (Landsat) to obtain the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) and digitalization of water courses, establishing deforested and flooded areas, soil cover behavior, vulnerability map of the area and prospective (statistical) of possible scenarios and behaviors of vegetation cover. Results: Five (5) zones susceptible to potential threats were delimited based on factors that cause erosion, modify, and affect the properties and conditions of the banks or orrillars. The zone susceptible to low erosion comprises an approximate area of 55,811,511 m2 equivalent to approximately 50% of the study area, covering part of the northern and northeastern sector, it presents a varied and changing vegetation that allows a greater resistance or a better response to erosive agents; and the zone susceptible to high flooding comprises an area of 25,901,750 m2 equivalent to approximately 23% of the evaluated sector, located between the Magdalena River, municipality of Plato and the water bodies of the Zarate swamp. Conclusions: The multitemporal correlation presents patterns for the rainy season with greater vegetation, soil resistance to erosive processes and flooded areas; contrary to the dry season, showing a significant decrease in the different types of vegetation, exposure and soil erosion.

This work characterizes the biodiesel supply chain at a strategic level, describing the economic, social and environmental features that are close to its profitability and sustainability and that provide the necessary basis to develop future planning and decision-making processes. The methodology describes its stages, agents, roles and interactions, related products, among other relevant aspects. The results show the economic evolution of the market and present a diagnosis of the chain that shows competitive difficulties due to the increase in the supply of increasingly cleaner energy that requires the development of strategies focused on its sustainability.