Biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis DS03: Properties and Application in Cleaning Out Place System in a Pilot Sausages Processing.

Biosurfactants (BS) are amphiphilic molecules that align at the interface reducing the surface tension. BS production is developed as an alternative to synthetic surfactants because they are biodegradable, with low toxicity and high specificity. BS are versatile, and this research proposes using a biosurfactant crude extract (BCE) as part of cleaning products. This paper reported the BCE production from Bacillus subtilis DS03 using a medium with molasses. The BCE product was characterized by different physical and chemical tests under a wide pH range, high temperatures, and emulsifying properties showing successful results. The water surface tension of 72 mN/m was reduced to 34 mN/m with BCE, achieving a critical micelle concentration at 24.66 ppm. BCE was also applied to polystyrene surface as pre-treatment to avoid microbial biofilm development, showing inhibition in more than 90% of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes above 2000 ppm BCE. The test continued using BCE as post-treatment to remove biofilms, reporting a significant reduction of 50.10% Escherichia coli, 55.77% Staphylococcus aureus, and 59.44% Listeria monocytogenes in a concentration higher than 250 ppm BCE. Finally, a comparison experiment was performed between sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and BCE (included in commercial formulation), reporting an efficient reduction with the mixtures. The results suggested that BCE is a promising ingredient for cleaning formulations with applications in industrial food applications.

Diferencia esperada de progenie para peso al destete en selección de vaquillas mestizas en Manabí / Expected progeny difference for the weaning weight in crossbred heifers selection in Manabí

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la diferencia esperada de la progenie (DEP) para el peso al destete ajustado a 205 días (PD) en hembras Brahman mestizas nacidas en el año 2016 como criterio de selección de futuras reproductoras. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 3467 registros generados entre 1983 y 2016 en la hacienda Napo (San Vicente, Manabí, Ecuador). El modelo estadístico y animal incluyó el efecto aleatorio del padre y como efectos fijos: composición racial, sexo y año de nacimiento. El análisis de la varianza fue realizado mediante el procedimiento GLM del paquete estadístico SAS. Los componentes de la varianza entre y dentro de padre para calcular la heredabilidad (h2) del PD y los valores de cría, se utilizó el software MTDFRELM, a través del sistema de evaluación del Mejor Predictor Lineal Insesgado (BLUP). Resultados. Para las 349 hembras nacidas en 2016 se encontró un promedio para PD de 173.67±34.23 kg. Se halló diferencia altamente significativa (p<0.01) para los efectos aleatorios y fijos, h2 para PD de 0.13 ± 0.04 y las DEP variaron entre -6.13 y +5.58 kg con rango entre los valores de cría de 11.71 kg y una exactitud entre 0.50 y 0.72. Conclusión. La baja h2 encontrada para PD manifiesta la alta influencia de los factores no genéticos, sin embargo las hembras con mayor valor DEP pueden mejorar el desempeno en este parámetro; se hace necesario identificar el mejor cruce racial que se adapte a la explotación con el fin de obtener crías con alto rendimiento en el PD.

ABSTRACT Objective. Determine the progeny difference expected (DEP) for the weaning weight adjusted to 205 days (PD) in crossbreed Brahman females born in 2016 as selection criteria for future breeders. Materials and methods. It is analyzed 3467 records generated between 1983 and 2016 in the Napo farm (San Vicente, Manabí, Ecuador). The statistical model included the random effect of the father and as fixed effects: breed composition, sex and year of birth. The variance analysis was performed using the GLM procedure of the SAS statistical package. The components of the variance between and within the father to calculate the heritability (h2) of the PD and the breeding values, the MTDFRELM software was used, applying the animal model, through the evaluation system of the Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (BLUP). Results. It was found that the PD average for the 349 females born in 2016 was 173.67±34.23 kg. A highly significant difference (p<0.01) was found for the random and fixed effects. The h2 for PD was 0.13±0.04. The DEP fluctuated between -6.13 and +5.58 kg with a range between the breeding values of 11.71 kg and an accuracy between 0.50 and 0.72. Conclusion. The low h2 found for PD shows the high influence of non-genetic factors; it is necessary to identify the best crossbreed that adapts to the livestock in order to obtain high performance products in the PD.

Revealing the Diversity of Introduced Coffea canephora Germplasm in Ecuador: Towards a National Strategy to Improve Robusta.

Genetic resources of Coffea canephora have been introduced in several tropical countries with potential for crop development. In Ecuador, the species has been cultivated since the mid-20th century. However, little is known about the diversity and genetic structure of introduced germplasm. This paper provides an overview of the genetic and phenotypic diversity of C. canephora in Ecuador and some proposals for implementing a breeding program. Twelve SSR markers were used to analyze 1491 plants of C. canephora grown in different living collections in Ecuador, compared to 29 genotypes representing the main genetic and geographic diversity groups identified within the species. Results indicated that most of the genotypes introduced are of Congolese origin, with accessions from both main subgroups, SG1 and SG2. Some genotypes were classed as hybrids between both subgroups. Substantial phenotypic diversity was also found, and correlations were observed with genetic diversity. Ecuadorian Robusta coffee displays wide genetic diversity and we propose some ways of improving Robusta in Ecuador. A breeding program could be based on three operations: the choice of elite clones, the introduction of new material from other countries (Ivory Coast, Uganda), and the creation of new hybrid material using genotypes from the different diversity groups.

La producción científica biomédica en español: situación y perspectivas / The biomedical scientific production in Spanish: actual situation and outlook

Este estudio analiza el uso del español como lengua de comunicación científica. Para ello se examina la producción científica en biomedicina y en medicina clínica, comparando el uso del español, del inglés y de otras lenguas en ambos ámbitos disciplinares, y se determina la evolución de la producción científica en español y en inglés durante el período 2005-2015. Los resultados obtenidos indican un predominio absoluto del inglés en ambos ámbitos. Complementariamente se ha analizado el uso del español y del inglés en revistas científicas clínicas y biomédicas editadas en España, y en estas se observa una tendencia a incrementar el número de trabajos publicados en inglés. En términos cuantitativos, España lidera la producción científica biomédica y clínica en lengua española. Pese a que los datos e indicadores obtenidos evidencian la escasa presencia del español en la producción científica biomédica a escala mundial, el estudio de las nuevas tendencias de la investigación biomédica y de la realidad de la ciencia en nuestro país permite argumentar la necesidad de establecer unas estrategias nacionales e institucionales de información científica, al amparo de las cuales se dé a l español el espacio y el valor que realmente le corresponden, en aspectos tales como la divulgación científica en distintos ámbitos y la formación de profesionales sanitarios de distintas especialidades, y en el logro de una mejor percepción y valoración social de la ciencia

This study examines the use of the Spanish as a language of scientific communication. At this aim we analyze the scientific output in biomedicine and clinical medicine, comparing the use of the Spanish, English and other languages in both disciplinary fields and determining the evolution of the scientific output in Spanish and English during the period 2005-2015. The results obtained indicate an absolute predominance of the English in both fields. Additionally, it has been analyzed the use of the Spanish and English in clinical and biomedical research journals published in Spain. As result, it can be observed a tendency to increase the number of papers published in English. In quantitative terms, Spain is leading the biomedical and clinical scientific output in Spanish language. While data and indicators obtained demonstrate the scarce presence of the Spanish in the worldwide biomedical scientific production, the study of the new trends of biomedical research and the reality of the science in our country allows us to argue the need for national and institutional strategies of scientific information. Under these strategies, the Spanish language can find the role and the value that really suits, mainly in aspects such as the scientific disclosure to different levels, the training of health specialists of different specialties and in the achievement of a better perception and social assessment of the science

Increased glycolipid storage produced by the inheritance of a complex intronic haplotype in the α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene.

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of galactosphingolipids is a general characteristic of Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficient activity of α-galactosidase A encoded by the GLA gene. Although many polymorphic GLA haplotypes have been described, it is still unclear whether some of these variants are causative of disease symptoms. We report the study of an inheritance of a complex intronic haplotype (CIH) (c.-10C > T, c.369 + 990C > A, c.370-81_370-77delCAGCC, c.640-16A > G, c.1000-22C > T) within the GLA gene associated with Fabry-like symptoms and galactosphingolipid accumulation. We analysed α-Gal A activity in plasma, leukocytes and skin fibroblasts in patients, and measured accumulation of galactosphingolipids by enzymatic methods and immunofluorescence techniques. Additionally, we evaluated GLA expression using quantitative PCR, EMSA, and cDNA cloning. RESULTS: CIH carriers had an altered GLA expression pattern, although most of the carriers had high residual enzyme activity in plasma, leukocytes and in skin fibroblasts. Nonetheless, CIH carriers had significant galactosphingolipid accumulation in fibroblasts in comparison with controls, and also glycolipid deposits in renal tubules and glomeruli. EMSA assays indicated that the c.-10C > T variant in the promoter affected a nuclear protein binding site. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, inheritance of the CIH caused an mRNA deregulation altering the GLA expression pattern, producing a tissue glycolipid storage.

Influence of chloroform on crystalline products yielded in reactions of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin with HCl and copper(II) salts.

Chloroform was found to occupy the lattice of the protonated porphyrin and to promote crystallization of a different polymorphic form of a metalloporphyrin. The structure of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin-21,23-diium dichloride chloroform octasolvate, C(44)H(32)N(4)(2+)·2Cl(-)·8CHCl(3), (I), in the solid state is described and compared with related solvates. The porphyrin macrocycle displays a distorted saddle shape, with chloride anions above and below the ring. Seven chloroform molecules are bound via C-H···Cl hydrogen bonds, while the link with the eighth solvent molecule is weaker. A new monoclinic polymorph of (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)copper(II), [Cu(C(44)H(28)N(4))], (II), crystallized from chloroform, is also presented.

Association of steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression with survival among patients with invasive bladder carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? SXR and MDR1 are known as responsible for chemo and radiotherapy resistance in some cancers, like kidney cancer (MDR1). Invasive bladder cancer is an aggressive disease, with different behaviour upon its tumoral stage, and also within the same tumoral stage, therefore molecular markers are sought. This study shows a new molecular marker, which has shown as a predictor for bad prognosis cancers, therefore, allowing us for a better patient selection for aggressive therapies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression in relation to survival among patients with invasive bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 67 patients diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer and treated with radical cystectomy at one of two institutions. SXR and MDR1 gene expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in tumoral and normal tissue from frozen surgical specimens. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 29 months; 31 patients (46%) had progression. In univariate analysis, significant predictors of overall survival (OS) were pathological stage, lymph node (LN) status, histological grade, vascular-lymphatic invasion, and SXR expression. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of OS were LN status (odds ratio [OR], 2.96; P=0.034), vascular-lymphatic invasion (OR, 2.50; P=0.029), and SXR expression (OR, 1.05, P=0.03). Among the 51 patients with negative LNs (pN0), univariate predictors of OS were SXR expression, MDR1 expression, and pathological stage. In multivariate analysis, SXR expression (OR, 1.06; P=0.01) and MDR1 expression (OR, 3.27; P=0.03) were independently associated with survival. Within the pN0 group, patients with SXR expression had shorter progression-free survival than did those without expression (P=0.004). This association persisted in the N0 subgroup with stage pT3-pT4 disease (P=0.028). However, in the pN1 group SXR expression did not have any influence. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with invasive bladder cancer, SXR expression has value as a predictor of survival independent of the standard pathological predictors. Its maximum importance appears to be in patients with stage pT3-pT4 pN0 disease.

[Progression factors in chronic kidney disease. Immunological mechanisms]. / Factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica. Mecanismos inmunológicos.

In kidney transplantation patient and graft survival are excellent in short-term and mid-term, although they remain stable in the long-term.The incidence of acute rejection has decreased to 8%-15%.Despite marked progress in understanding immunologic mechanisms involved in transplantation, new tools are required to detect early changes that could affect allograft function allowing us to anticipate histological lesions and providing a more accurate use of immunosuppressive drugs.From an immunologic point of view, efforts should be directed to avoid interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and to prevent antibody-mediated rejection.The most frequent cause of late graft loss is IF/TA.Improvement in kidney transplant results have been achieved with calcineurin inhibitors -CNI- (cyclosporin and tacrolimus), antiproliferative agents (mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolic acid) and T-cell depleting antibodies. The combination of tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil + steroids has been the gold standard in kidney transplant immunosuppression. An adequate balance in order to maintain the appropriate immune response is essential to the patient to avoid infections or neoplasias as well to prevent rejection.In renal transplant recipients with chronic kidney disease stage 4T in which renal function remains stable,immuno-suppressive drugs can be continued at the usual maintenance doses. As GFR declines, CNI and antiproliferative drugs should be reduced.

[Definitive removal of immunosuppressors]. / Retirada definitiva de la inmunosupresión.

There's no controlled and prospective studies which show the safest and most effective way to reduce or suspend immunosuppression drugs dosage, and only few groups have published their own protocols. There are reasons to discontinue the immunosuppression therapy; the high incidence of infections is the most important. However, a fast withdrawal is not free of problems, like are residual renal function decline and graft intolerance signs, which could take to nephrectomy, a high risk intervention. Most recommended guidelines for immunosuppression use are: - Antimetabolites immediately cancellation and corticoesteroids slow drop (level C recommendation). - Calcineurin inhibitors could be discontinued but if residual renal function is still significant, it is recommended to maintain a low dosage over three to six months; then, withdrawal may be done slowly (level C recommendation). We have not found information supporting the immunosuppression use beyond six months.

Factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica. Mecanísmos inmunológicos / Progression factors in chronic kidney disease. Immunological mechanisms

El trasplante renal ofrece excelentes resultados a corto y medio plazo, tanto en la supervivencia del paciente como del injerto. Permanecen estabilizados los resultados a largo plazo. Las tasas de rechazo agudo están situadas a niveles muy reducidos: 8-15%. A pesar de los avances en el conocimiento de los mecanismos de la respuesta inmune, queda por resolver la disponibilidad de una monitorización inmunológica precisa y a tiempo real, que permita anticiparse a la aparición de lesiones histológicas, a la alteración de la función renal y que facilite seleccionar la inmunosupresión más idónea en el momento adecuado. Desde el punto de vista inmunológico, queda por solventar la prevención de las lesiones crónicas del injerto (fibrosis intersticial y atrofia tubular [FI y AT]) y la aparición del rechazo mediado por anticuerpos. La FI/AT es la principal causa de pérdida del injerto renal. En los resultados del trasplante renal, han contribuido de manera indiscutible los inmunosupresores (IS) inhibidores de la calcineurina (ciclosporina y tacrolimus), los antiproliferativos (micofenolato mofetil y micofenolato sódico) y anticuerpos mono y policlonales. La combinación tacrolimus con micofenolato mofetil o micofenolato sódico y esteroides es la que ofrece mejores resultados. El mantenimiento del equilibrio de la respuesta inmune es fundamental tanto para el paciente (prevención de infecciones y neoplasias) como para el injerto (mantenimiento de su función). Inmunosupresión en los trasplantados renales con insuficiencia renal: - Estadio 4: si la función se mantiene estable, no modificar la pauta de IS. Si el filtrado glomerular disminuye progresivamente, reducir los inhibidores de la calcineurina y los antiproliferativos (AU)

In kidney transplantation patient and graft survival are excellent in short-term and mid-term, although they remain stable in the long-term. The incidence of acute rejection has decreased to 8%-15%. Despite marked progress in understanding immunologic mechanisms involved in transplantation, new tools are required to detect early changes that could affect allograft function allowing us to anticipate histological lesions and providing a more accurate use of immunosuppressive drugs. From an immunologic point of view, efforts should be directed to avoid interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and to prevent antibody-mediated rejection. The most frequent cause of late graft loss is IF/TA. Improvement in kidney transplant results have been achieved with calcineurin inhibitors -CNI- (cyclosporin and tacrolimus), antiproliferative agents (mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolic acid) and T-cell-depleting antibodies. The combination of tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil + steroids has been the gold standard in kidney transplant immunosuppression. An adequate balance in order to maintain the appropiate immune response is essential to the patient to avoid infections or neoplasias as well to prevent rejection. In renal transplant recipients with chronic kidney disease stage 4T in which renal function remains stable, immuno-suppressive drugs can be continued at the usual maintenance doses. As GFR declines, CNI and antiproliferative drugs should be reduced (AU)

Factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica. Mecanismos no inmunológicos / Progression factors in chronic kidney disease. Immunological mechanisms

Los factores no inmunológicos que parecen contribuir a la progresión del daño renal y, por consiguiente, a la pérdida de función son, entre otros: la hipertensión arterial (HTA), la proteinuria, la dislipemia, etc. 1. Tratamiento de la HTA: la presión arterial (PA) debe medirse periódicamente en todos los pacientes trasplantados. Igual que se ha descrito en los riñones propios, en los pacientes con trasplante renal, la HTA se muestra como factor de riesgo de progresión del deterioro de la función del injerto. La HTA representa un marcador clínico de la nefropatía crónica del injerto y contribuye a la pérdida del injerto y a la morbimortalidad de estos pacientes (grado de evidencia C). En los pacientes trasplantados renales, las cifras de PA recomendadas son <130/80 mmHg, bajando a niveles de la PA <125/75 mmHg si existe proteinuria >1 g/d. Dado que la HTA y la proteinuria se asocian frecuentemente en el curso de la nefropatía crónica, un abordaje terapéutico conjunto parece más racional cuando ambas situaciones concurren simultáneamente (grado de recomendación C). Para el control de la PA en el receptor de un trasplante renal, es muy importante iniciar medidas higiénicodietéticas junto con el tratamiento médico. Todos los agentes antihipertensivos son efectivos y aún no existe una preferencia clara en ninguna guía, y la mayoría de los pacientes necesitará dos o más fármacos antihipertensivos. Los IECA o ARA II son de elección en los pacientes con proteinuria. Al iniciar tratamiento con IECA o ARA II, o al aumentar dosis, es preciso monitorizar función renal y caliemia a las 1-2 semanas. Además, en los pacientes trasplantados con ERC estadio 4-5 y en tratamiento con IECA o ARA II se debe monitorizar periódicamente la caliemia. 2. Tratamiento de la proteinuria: conocido marcador de daño renal que contribuye a la progresión de la insuficiencia renal. La reducción a cifras <0,5 g/24 horas es el objetivo terapéutico. Tanto los IECA como los ARA II son los fármacos de elección en este tipo de paciente, pero con monitorización cuidadosa de función renal y del potasio, especialmente en el paciente trasplantado con ERC estadio 4-5. 3. Tratamiento de la dislipemia: en todo paciente trasplantado debe realizarse una evaluación periódica del perfil lipídico (colesterol total, HDL-c, LDL-c y triglicéridos). Además del impacto negativo en la enfermedad cardiovascular, la hiperlipemia también se ha relacionado con la nefropatía crónica del injerto. Los pacientes trasplantados deben considerarse de alto riesgo cardiovascular, considerándose el objetivo terapéutico un LDL-c <100 mg/dl (grado de recomendación C). 4. Otras medidas: control de la diabetes mellitus, manteniendo niveles de hemoglobina glucosilada <7%, cese del hábito tabaquico, evitar el sobrepeso, antiagregación individualizada, medidas especialmente destinadas a la protección cardiovascular y, por tanto, también a la protección del injerto renal (AU)

In kidney transplantation patient and graft survival are excellent in short-term and mid-term, although they remain stable in the long-term. The incidence of acute rejection has decreased to 8%-15%. Despite marked progress in understanding immunologic mechanisms involved in transplantation, new tools are required to detect early changes that could affect allograft function allowing us to anticipate histological lesions and providing a more accurate use of immunosuppressive drugs. From an immunologic point of view, efforts should be directed to avoid interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and to prevent antibody-mediated rejection. The most frequent cause of late graft loss is IF/TA. Improvement in kidney transplant results have been achieved with calcineurin inhibitors -CNI- (cyclosporin and tacrolimus), antiproliferative agents (mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolic acid) and T-celldepleting antibodies. The combination of tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil + steroids has been the gold standard in kidney transplant immunosuppression. An adequate balance in order to maintain the appropiate immune response is essential to the patient to avoid infections or neoplasias as well to prevent rejection. In renal transplant recipients with chronic kidney disease stage 4T in which renal function remains stable, immuno-suppressive drugs can be continued at the usual maintenance doses. As GFR declines, CNI and antiproliferative drugs should be reduced (AU)

Retirada definitiva de la inmunosupresión / Definitive removal of immunosuppressors

No existen estudios prospectivos y controlados que demuestren la manera más segura y eficaz de suspender o reducir las dosis de inmunosupresores, y sólo algunos centros han publicado sus propios protocolos. Existen razones de peso para suspender la inmunosupresión. La más importante es el aumento de incidencia de infecciones. Por el contrario, la rápida suspensión de la misma tampoco está libre de problemas, como son: la pérdida de la función renal residual y la aparición de signos de intolerancia, con posterior necesidad de nefrectomía, intervención de muy alto riesgo. Las pautas más recomendadas para el manejo de la inmunosupresión son: - Suspensión inmediata de los antimetabolitos y descenso lento de la prednisona (fuerza de recomendación C). - En cuanto a los inhibidores de la calcineurina, se pueden suspender o, en caso de función residual relevante y necesaria y a título individual, mantener a dosis más bajas durante 3-6 meses, para luego suspender de forma lenta (fuerza de recomendación C). No hemos encontrado datos que apoyen la prolongación de ningún tipo de inmunosupresión más allá de los seis meses (AU)

There´s no controlled and prospective studies which show te safest and most effective way to reduce or suspend immunosuppression drugs dosage, and only few groups have published their own protocols. There are reasons to discontinue the immunosuppression therapy; the high incidence of infections is the most important. However, a fast withdrawal is not free of problems, like are residual renal function decline and graft intolerance signs, which could take to nephrectomy, a high risk intervention. Most recommended guidelines for immunosuppression use are: - Antimetabolites immediately cancellation and corticoesteroids slow drop (level C recommendation). - Calcineurin inhibitors could be discontinued but if residual renal function is still significant, it is recommended to maintain a low dosage over three to six months; then, withdrawal may be done slowly (level C recommendation). We have not found information supporting the immunosuppression use beyond six months (AU)

Qué podemos aprender de la revisión de los trabajos libres enviados al XLI congreso venezolano de cardiología? / What can we learn from the rewiew of the abstracts submitted to the XLI venezuelan congress of cardiology?

Se estudió el proceso de revisión de 118 resúmenes de trabajos recibidos para el XLI Congreso Venezolano de Cardiología. Fueron evaluados independientemente por tres pares de revisores, quienes desconocían los autores y la institución de origen, usando 15 criterios ("ítem"). Expresaron su opinión sobre la aplicabilidad de cada ítem mediante una escala de Likert: totalmente en desacuerdo (TD), en desacuerdo (D), de acuerdo (A) y totalmente de acuerdo (TA). Fueron cuantificadas de 1 a 4 respectivamente, generando un puntaje por criterio, el cual fue multiplicado por un factor de proporcionalidad que asignó pesos diferentes a cada ítem. La suma de los puntajes de ítem (PIs) produjo un puntaje total (PTN) que fue normalizado como % del puntaje máximo posible. Se estudió la variabilidad entre los revisores mediante análisis de correlación / regresión (C / R) y cálculo de índice Kappa. PTN promedio (236 evaluaciones) fue 63,71 + 17% (D. S.) (mínimo 25% y máximo 92,3%). Un 20% con puntajes < 50%, y 11% obtuvieron PTN > 80%. Los resúmenes fueron clasificados en grupos I a IV mediante el promedio de los PTN asignados por los dos revisores. C / R mostró R = 0,35 y R2 = 0,12, m = 0,44 y b = 37% para todos los pares. El análisis por pares mostró valores más satisfactorios para algunos (par 2 y 3) que para otros (par 5 y 6) y 0,15 (par 1 - 4). Los resultados sugieren que el proceso de revisión de los ítem y consensuado su interpretación por los revisores.

A study was carried out of the review process applied to 118 abstracts received by the XLI Venezuelan Congress of Cardiology. Abstracts were assessed independently by pairs of reviewers, blinded as to authors and institutions of origin, using 15 criteria ("items"). Reviews expressed their option about the applicability of each item by means of a Likert scale: Total Disagreement (TD), Disagreement (D), Agreement (A) and Total Agreement (TA). Responses were graded to 1-4, generating a criterion score, which was multiplied by a Proportionality Factor (PF) to assign a weight to each criterion. The sum of item Scores generated a Total Score (NTS) which was normalized as percentage of the maximum possible score. Variability among reviewers was assessed by a correlation/regression analysis (C/R) and by calculating the Kappa index. Mean NTS for all 118 abstracts (236 assessments) was 63.71 + 17% (SD) (min. 25% and max. 92.3%). For 20% of abstracts the NTS < 50% whereas only 11% obtained a NTS > 80%. Abstracts were classified into Groups I to IV on the basis of the mean NTS assigned by two reviewers. C / R yielded R = 0.35 and R2 = 0.12, m = 0.44 and b = 37% for all pairs. Reviews pairs assigned more satisfactory results for some (Pairs 2 - 3) That for others (Pair 5 - 6). The mean Kappa for all pairs was 0.13, ranging from 0.008 (pair 5 - 6) to 0.15 (pair 1 - 4). Our results suggest that the reviews process can be improved by modifying the text of items and by building consensus on its interpretation by reviewers.