Havana syndrome: Overview for otolaryngologists.

Havana Syndrome is used to describe the array of deficits seen in diplomats stationed in Cuba from August 2016 to September 2017.1 Patients from this cohort were clinically studied, investigating their symptoms, audition and vestibular deficits, and imaging abnormalities seen on MRI.1-3 The primary studies were retrospective, looking at how these symptoms could be classified or fit into diagnostic criteria. The cohort had many similarities: a sound at the onset of symptoms, a mix of neurologic and otologic symptoms, and persistent symptoms that lasted for months.1-3 Theories of the cause of Havana Syndrome have led to no conclusive answer. Potential viral etiologies, mass psychogenic illness, and head trauma were examined as causes.1-5 Diseases with established diagnostic criteria were used to compare the patients' symptoms to try to find a disease that fits Havana Syndrome.3 Recent information from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence suggested the most likely cause to be mass psychogenic illness. With the cause of Havana Syndrome still unknown, a review of reported cases and reports helps otolaryngologists understand Havana Syndrome so they diagnose it only when appropriate and do not miss other conditions that may present with similar symptoms and that might respond well to targeted treatment.

Lycopene ß-cyclase expression influences plant physiology, development, and metabolism in tobacco plants.

Carotenoids are important isoprenoids produced in the plastids of photosynthetic organisms that play key roles in photoprotection and antioxidative processes. ß-Carotene is generated from lycopene by lycopene ß-cyclase (LCYB). Previously, we demonstrated that the introduction of the Daucus carota (carrot) DcLCYB1 gene into tobacco (cv. Xanthi) resulted in increased levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and especially gibberellins (GAs), resulting in increased plant yield. In order to understand this phenomenon prior to exporting this genetic strategy to crops, we generated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Petit Havana) mutants that exhibited a wide range of LCYB expression. Transplastomic plants expressing DcLCYB1 at high levels showed a wild-type-like growth, even though their pigment content was increased and their leaf GA1 content was reduced. RNA interference (RNAi) NtLCYB lines showed different reductions in NtLCYB transcript abundance, correlating with reduced pigment content and plant variegation. Photosynthesis (leaf absorptance, Fv/Fm, and light-saturated capacity of linear electron transport) and plant growth were impaired. Remarkably, drastic changes in phytohormone content also occurred in the RNAi lines. However, external application of phytohormones was not sufficient to rescue these phenotypes, suggesting that altered photosynthetic efficiency might be another important factor explaining their reduced biomass. These results show that LCYB expression influences plant biomass by different mechanisms and suggests thresholds for LCYB expression levels that might be beneficial or detrimental for plant growth.

Molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in Havana, Cuba, 2009.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of tuberculosis cases attributable to recent transmission and the risk factors possibly associated with tuberculosis clustering. METHODS: Population-based study combining information from epidemiological investigation of tuberculosis cases notified to the National Tuberculosis Control Program in Havana, Cuba, in 2009 with the results of genotyping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates with variable number tandem repeat of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU-VNTR) typing. RESULTS: Of 186 cases, 61 were genotyped: 33 patterns and five clusters with 19, 7, 3, 2 and 2 cases were found. The proportion of cases due to recent transmission was 45% (95% confidence interval 33-58%). Routine contact investigation failed to identify a substantial number of epidemiological links. A history of living in a closed setting was strongly associated with clustering. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of cases due to recent transmission in Havana in 2009 is high. The existing control measures in closed settings should be strengthened. A study on a larger number of cases and for a longer time period should be carried out to obtain more precise estimates. Further studies on the utility and cost-effectiveness of the addition of molecular epidemiology techniques to support the progress towards tuberculosis elimination in Cuba, a low-incidence resource-limited setting, are also needed.

A Brief Primer on the Concept of the Neuroweapon for U.S. Military Medical Personnel.

The malevolent application of neuroscience is an emerging threat to the U.S. military. At present, U.S. military medical personnel are not capable of adequately diagnosing or treating the injuries and illnesses that may result from exposure to potential neuroweapons. This fact was illustrated in 2016 when U.S. diplomats serving in Havana, Cuba reported hearing strange noises accompanied by a constellation of unexplained health effects. Similar incidents have been reported in China and Russia. Although various hypotheses have been put forward to explain these symptoms, none of them have been verified. The reported symptoms were analogous to the physiological responses that have been produced in the laboratory by exposing volunteers to pulsed microwave energy. However, these incidents of undetermined origin demonstrate that widespread neurological illness can be disruptive to U.S. government operations and that it is currently not possible to identify the cause, determine the correct treatment, or ascribe attribution to potential neuroweapon use in an overseas setting. Since it is likely that Special Operations medical personnel will be among the first to respond to neuroweapon attacks in the deployed environment, it is essential that they be made aware of this emerging threat and that efforts be made to incorporate potential directed energy neuroweapons and other neuroweapon configurations into future Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives (CBRN-E) training modules. The intention of this article is to introduce the concept of the neuroweapon to military medical personnel and to provide a brief review of the relevant literature.

Havana syndrome: a scoping review of the existing literature.

Since 2016, numerous American and Canadian diplomats and secret (intelligence) agents in Cuba, China, and other places in the world have experienced an abrupt onset of unusual clinical symptoms including, tinnitus, visual problems, vertigo, and cognitive difficulties, after they encountered strange sounds; this has been called "Havana syndrome" (HS). MEDLINE, Scopus, and Ovid databases from 2016 until 24 September 2021 were systematically searched for the related published manuscripts. The following search strategy was implemented: "Havana syndrome" OR "Neurological Symptoms and US Diplomats". The primary search yielded 120 publications. Only five original studies and 18 non-original articles were considered to be relevant. While these studies provided a constellation of signs and symptoms for HS, none provided a good level of evidence. In conclusion, Havana syndrome is a nonspecific neurological illness with an unidentified causative factor(s), an acute phase of auditory-vestibular symptoms and a chronic phase of nonspecific neurobehavioral symptoms. This syndrome should be considered and investigated as a health concern, and not as a political issue.

A regulatory pathway model of neuropsychological disruption in Havana syndrome.

Introduction: In 2016 diplomatic personnel serving in Havana, Cuba, began reporting audible sensory phenomena paired with onset of complex and persistent neurological symptoms consistent with brain injury. The etiology of these Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) and subsequent symptoms remains unknown. This report investigates putative exposure-symptom pathology by assembling a network model of published bio-behavioral pathways and assessing how dysregulation of such pathways might explain loss of function in these subjects using data available in the published literature. Given similarities in presentation with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), we used the latter as a clinically relevant means of evaluating if the neuropsychological profiles observed in Havana Syndrome Havana Syndrome might be explained at least in part by a dysregulation of neurotransmission, neuro-inflammation, or both. Method: Automated text-mining of >9,000 publications produced a network consisting of 273 documented regulatory interactions linking 29 neuro-chemical markers with 9 neuropsychological constructs from the Brief Mood Survey, PTSD Checklist, and the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale. Analysis of information flow through this network produced a set of regulatory rules reconciling to within a 6% departure known mechanistic pathways with neuropsychological profiles in N = 6 subjects. Results: Predicted expression of neuro-chemical markers that jointly satisfy documented pathways and observed symptom profiles display characteristically elevated IL-1B, IL-10, NGF, and norepinephrine levels in the context of depressed BDNF, GDNF, IGF1, and glutamate expression (FDR < 5%). Elevations in CRH and IL-6 were also predicted unanimously across all subjects. Furthermore, simulations of neurological regulatory dynamics reveal subjects do not appear to be "locked in" persistent illness but rather appear to be engaged in a slow recovery trajectory. Discussion: This computational analysis of measured neuropsychological symptoms in Havana-based diplomats proposes that these AHI symptoms may be supported in part by disruption of known neuroimmune and neurotransmission regulatory mechanisms also associated with mTBI.

Symptoms reported by Canadians posted in Havana are linked with reduced white matter fibre density.

Diplomats representing the USA have reported with unusual neurologic symptoms and MRI changes after being posted in Havana, Cuba between late 2016 and 2018. Here, we examined white matter microstructure and network connectivity of individuals stationed in Havana, using diffusion-weighted MRI, fixel-based analysis and structural connectomics as implemented in MRtrix3. MRI data acquisition and clinical assessments were done in a total of 24 diplomats and their family members and 40 healthy controls. The diplomat data were grouped into an exposed cohort (n = 16) and an unexposed cohort (n = 10), and among these, two individuals were assessed before and after potential exposure. Fixel-based analysis revealed a reduction in fibre density in two specific regions: the fornix and the splenium, in exposed individuals, relative to unexposed individuals and healthy controls. Post hoc analyses showed the effect remained present (P < 0.05) in both regions when comparing exposed and unexposed diplomats; and reduced fibre density was correlated with longer time period stationed in Cuba after age correction. Reduction of fibre density was also found to be linked with clinical symptoms of persistent migraine, tinnitus, sound sensitivity and fatigue. Network statistical comparisons revealed decreased structural connectivity in two distinct networks, comprising subcortical and cortical systems in exposed individuals, relative to unexposed and normative data. While the cause for the differences between the groups remains unknown, our results reveal region-specific white matter injury, that is, significantly correlated with clinical symptoms.

Proposal for a new diagnosis for U.S. diplomats in Havana, Cuba, experiencing vestibular and neurological symptoms.

Between 2016 and 2017, several U.S. Diplomats in Havana, Cuba, experienced perplexing vestibular and neurological symptoms attributed to an unknown source. They presented with significant vestibular and headache symptoms similar to individuals who experience vestibular migraine (VM). As such, we hypothesize that VM may be a possible explanation for the Havana cohort's presenting symptoms. To evaluate this hypothesis, we compared symptoms reported by the affected individuals in Havana, Cuba, to symptoms reported by corresponding patients from a tertiary academic neurotology clinic with a chief complaint of vertigo or disequilibrium, who met the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for VM. The prevalence of the Havana subjects experiencing various symptomatic domains was compared with the VM cohort, leading to 26 unique domains and statistical comparisons between the cohorts. Of the 26 domains compared between the two cohorts, 18 were not significantly different. This included the two most important components of meeting criteria for VM, namely the co-existence of headache and vestibular symptoms. On regression analysis, the only feature which kept its significant difference between the two cohorts was acute intense head pressure (P = 0.007). The domains with similar occurrence ratios included dizziness, headache, light sensitivity, hearing reduction, and tinnitus. In other words, multiple headache and vestibular symptoms, consistent with VM criteria, were similar between the two cohorts. The considerable similarities across various domains between VM patients and Havana subjects could be due to migraine as a possible common etiology for both groups. We propose VM as a potential etiology for the symptomatology in the U.S. diplomats in Cuba.

Characterization of recombinant MSP5 Anaplasma marginale Havana isolate.

Anaplasma marginale is the causative agent of bovine anaplasmosis, a disease of worldwide economic importance. Major surface proteins (MSPs) are involved in host-pathogen and tick-pathogen interactions and they have been used as markers for the genetic characterization of A. marginale strains and phylogenetic studies. The major surface protein 5 (MSP5) is highly conserved in the genus Anaplasma and in all isolates of A. marginale. The aim of the present work was to carry out the cloning, sequencing and characterization of the recombinant MSP5 Anaplasma marginale Havana isolate. The sequence of the msp5 gene of Anaplasma marginale Havana isolate with a size of 633 pb was determined (Acc. No. AY527217). This gene was cloned into pRSETB vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. The MSP5 protein was recognized by the monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1 and it showed a high similitude percent with the gene sequence described for other Anaplasma marginale isolates. These data are very important for the development of a diagnostic test for A. marginale using the MSP5 recombinant protein.

An outbreak and case-control study of Salmonella Havana linked to alfalfa sprouts in South Australia, 2018.

An epidemiological investigation and a retrospective case-control study were conducted into an outbreak of Salmonella Havana in alfalfa sprouts, in Adelaide, Australia. In total, 31 cases of S. Havana were notified during June and July 2018 and linked to the outbreak. Eighteen cases and 54 unmatched controls were included in a case-control study. Results from the case-control study indicated an increased risk of illness linked to the consumption of alfalfa sprouts; this was supported by trace-back, sampling and environmental investigations. This outbreak of S. Havana was caused by consumption of alfalfa sprouts from one local sprouts producer. It is unclear as to when in the production of alfalfa sprouts the contamination occurred. However, contaminated seeds and poor pest control are the most likely causes. This investigation highlights the importance of ensuring that producers take appropriate action to minimise the likelihood of contamination and to comply with legislation and standards for primary production and food safety.

New findings of airborne fungal spores in the atmosphere of Havana, Cuba, using aerobiological non-viable methodology.

INTRODUCTION: Although airborne fungal diversity in tropical countries is known to be considerable, aerobiological research to-date has identified only a part of the fungal mycobiota that may have an impact both on human health and on crops. Previous studies in Havana city identified only 30 genera and 5 spore types; therefore,new research is required in these latitudes. This study sought to investigate airborne spore levels in Havana, with a view to learning more about local fungal diversity and assessing its influence in quantitative terms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Hirst type volumetric sampler was located on the rooftop of a building 35 meters above ground level, in a busy area of the city. Sampling was carried out continuously (operating 24hours/day), at 10 L per minute during the year 2015. The fungal spores were collected on a Melinex tape coated with a 2% silicone solution. The results were expressed as spores per cubic meter (spores/m3) of air when to referring to daily values, and spores count if referring to annual value. RESULTS: Fourteen new genera were identified in the course of volumetric sampling: six produce ascospores and eight conidia. Morphobiometric characteristics were noted for all genera, and airborne concentrations were calculated. These genera accounted for 56.4% of relative fungal frequency over the study year. CONCLUSIONS: Many airbone fungi are primary causes of both respiratory disease and crop damage. These new findings constitute a major contribution to Cuba's aerobiological database.

Brote de transmisión comunitaria de COVID-19 en un municipio de La Habana (marzo-abril, 2021)

Introducción: Una oportuna investigación de los eventos epidemiológicos de la COVID-19 garantiza minimizar la propagación de la enfermedad en la población. Objetivos: Caracterizar el brote de transmisión comunitaria de COVID-19 en un municipio de La Habana. Métodos: Estudio transversal de casos positivos de infección por SARS-CoV-2 del brote Catedral en La Habana Vieja, en 2021. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, manzana de residencia, fecha de inicio de síntomas, fecha de diagnóstico, forma clínica, tipo de caso. Se utilizó la metodología para el estudio de brotes. Se calcularon porcentajes, diferencias de proporciones, tasas, número reproductivo efectivo y parámetro de dispersión con intervalos de confianza de 95 %. Resultados: Se notificó el brote el 23 de marzo y se cerró el 22 de abril con 106 casos (tasa de ataque 4,51 %), el pico en la notificación se produjo el 29 de marzo con 40 casos (37,73 %). La edad media fue de 43 años. Resultaron más afectados los adultos de 60 y más años (30,18 %), las mujeres (58,49 %) y la manzana 0024 (45,28 % de los casos). El 77,3 % no presentó síntomas, entre ellos dos superdispersores; los sintomáticos fueron leves y no hubo fallecidos. El número reproductivo efectivo global fue de 0,94 (IC: 0,70-1,21); superior en los asintomáticos (11,43 versus 4,00); y el parámetro de dispersión de 0,89 (IC: 0,51-2,09), superior en los sintomáticos (1,06 versus 0,69). Conclusiones: El control epidemiológico oportuno ante cada caso permitió la corta duración del brote y que no hubiesen fallecidos.

Introduction: A timely investigation of COVID-19 epidemiological events guarantees to minimize the spread of the disease in the population. Objective: To characterize the COVID-19 outbreak of community transmission in a municipality in Havana. Methods: Cross-sectional study of positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection of the "Cathedral" outbreak in Old Havana in 2021. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, city block of residence, date of symptom onset, date of diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and type of case. The methodology for the study of outbreaks was used. Percentages, differences in proportions, rates, effective reproductive number, and dispersion parameter with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: The outbreak was reported on March 23 and closed on April 22 with 106 cases (attack rate of 4.51%). The peak was notified on March 29 with 40 cases (37.73%). The mean age was 43 years. Adults aged 60 years and older (30.18%), women (58.49%), and block 0024 (45.28% of cases) were most affected. A total of 77.3% were asymptomatic, including two superspreaders; symptomatic cases were mild and there were no deaths. The overall effective reproductive number was 0.94 (CI: 0.70-1.21); higher in asymptomatic cases (11.43 versus 4.00); and the dispersion parameter was 0.89 (CI: 0.51-2.09), higher in symptomatic cases (1.06 versus 0.69). Conclusions: Timely epidemiological control of each case ensured the short duration of the outbreak and no deaths.

Epidemia de COVID-19 en La Habana, Cuba

Introducción: A finales de diciembre del 2019 comenzaron a ser reportados en la región asiática de Wuhan pacientes con una infección respiratoria aguda, de origen desconocido. Cuba no está exenta de esta situación. Los primeros casos de COVID-19 se diagnosticaron en el país el 11 de marzo del 2020. A partir de entonces se reportaron casos de la enfermedad en gran parte del país, La Habana fue una de las provincias más afectadas. Objetivo: Analizar la distribución geoespacial de la COVID-19 en La Habana. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en la provincia La Habana en el período marzo-julio del 2020. Resultados: Con la aparición de los primeros casos se observó un comportamiento homogéneo en todos los municipios de la capital, con mayor concentración en la zona central, siguió un patrón de distribución radial, respondiendo a dos variables que juegan un papel fundamental en el contexto actual: la densidad poblacional y el uso del suelo. Conclusiones: La vulnerabilidad al contagio en un territorio está dada por un grupo de variables y su interrelación, que hacen favorable a un territorio para la propagación y el contagio.

Introduction: At the end of December 2019, patients with an acute respiratory infection, of unknown origin, began to be reported in the Asian region of Wuhan. Cuba was not exempt from this situation. The first cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the country on March 11, 2020. Since then, cases of the disease were reported in much of the country, with Havana being one of the hardest hit provinces. Objective: To analyze the geospatial distribution of COVID-19 in Havana. Method: A descriptive study was conducted in the province of Havana in the period March-July 2020. Results: With the appearance of the first cases, a homogeneous behavior was observed in all the municipalities of the capital, with a greater concentration in the central area, and it followed a radial distribution pattern, responding to two variables that play a fundamental role in the current context: population density and land use. Conclusions: The vulnerability to contagion in a territory is given by a group of variables and their interrelation, which make a territory favorable for the spread and contagion.

Contribución de la Facultad de Biología de la Universidad de La Habana en el diagnóstico molecular del SARS-CoV-2 en el IPK / Contribution of the School of Biology of the University of Havana in the molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 at IPK

RESUMEN A finales del año 2019 el mundo conoció de la existencia y propagación de un nuevo coronavirus denominado SARS-CoV-2, capaz de provocar la enfermedad COVID-19. Las autoridades gubernamentales y de salud cubanas trazaron desde el principio estrategias de control epidemiológico, y fue el diagnóstico molecular por PCR en tiempo real una tarea de suma importancia para el control de la enfermedad en nuestro país. Un gran número de jóvenes profesionales y estudiantes de la Facultad de Biología de la Universidad de La Habana se sumaron a esta tarea. El presente trabajo aborda las principales actividades desarrolladas por estos últimos durante el diagnóstico molecular del SARS-CoV-2 en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí (IPK) en los primeros meses de la pandemia en nuestro país. El ejercicio de la profesión a partir de la puesta en práctica de habilidades y conocimientos teórico-prácticos, la adquisición de nuevos conocimientos, así como el fomento de valores éticos y morales como la solidaridad, el compañerismo y el trabajo mancomunado en colectivo, caracterizaron esta experiencia llena de desafíos y logros.

ABSTRACT At the end of 2019, the existence and spread of a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, responsible of the disease COVID-19 was known worldwide. From the beginning, the Cuban governmental and health authorities drawn up epidemiological control strategies, in which the molecular diagnosis by real-time PCR was of paramount importance for the control of the disease in our country. A large number of young professionals and students from the School of Biology of the University of Havana joined this task. This paper deals with the main activities performed by the students related to the molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 at the "Pedro Kourí" Institute of Tropical Medicine (IPK) in the first months of the pandemic in our country. The exercise of the profession in the implementation of the skills, and theoretical and practical knowledge; the acquisition of new knowledge; and the promotion of ethical and moral values such as solidarity, companionship, and joint work characterized this experience full of challenges and achievements.

Tobacco as platform for a commercial production of cyanophycin.

Cyanophycin (CP) is a proteinogenic polymer that can be substituted for petroleum in the production of plastic compounds and can also serve as a source of valuable dietary supplements. However, because there is no economically feasible system for large-scale industrial production, its application is limited. In order to develop a low-input system, CP-synthesis was established in the two commercial Nicotiana tabacum (N. tabacum) cultivars 'Badischer Geudertheimer' (BG) and 'Virginia Golta' (VG), by introducing the cyanophycin-synthetase gene from Thermosynecchococcus elongatus BP-1 (CphATe) either via crossbreeding with transgenic N. tabacum cv. Petit Havana SR1 (PH) T2 individual 51-3-2 or by agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Both in F1 hybrids (max. 9.4% CP/DW) and T0 transformants (max. 8.8% CP/DW), a substantial increase in CP content was achieved in leaf tissue, compared to a maximum of 1.7% CP/DW in PH T0 transformants of Hühns et al. (2008). In BG CP, yields were homogenous and there was no substantial difference in the variation of the CP content between primary transformants (T0), clones of T0 individuals, T1 siblings and F1 siblings of hybrids. Therefore, BG meets the requirements for establishing a master seed bank for continuous and reliable CP-production. In addition, it was shown that the polymer is not only stable in planta but also during silage, which simplifies storage of the harvest prior to isolation of CP.

Estomatología 2020, un congreso en tiempos de la pandemia de COVID-19 / Dentistry 2020, a congress in the time of COVID-19

Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 introdujo un cambio en la realización del Congreso Internacional en conmemoración el 120 aniversario de la fundación de la Facultad de Estomatología de La Habana, efectuándose de manera virtual en noviembre del 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar el Congreso Internacional de carácter virtual Estomatología 2020, realizado en tiempos de COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva, con la aplicación del método histórico-lógico y el de revisión documental, utilizándose los reportes estadísticos finales que brindó el sitio del cónclave. Resultados: En la página del congreso se inscribieron 970 usuarios, de ellos, 899 cubanos y 71 de otros países; todas las provincias estuvieron representadas. El 81 por ciento de los usuarios fueron profesionales y el 16,8 por ciento, estudiantes. Fueron aprobados y publicados 391 trabajos, para un 82,8 por ciento, 373 trabajos eran de autores cubanos y 18 de autores extranjeros. El 18 por ciento de los trabajos correspondieron a estomatología general integral en la atención primaria de salud, seguida de ortodoncia (14,3 por ciento). Se realizaron 2405 comentarios en total, el 92,3 por ciento de los trabajos publicados recibieron comentarios, figuran en las Actas del Congreso 354 trabajos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los usuarios inscritos fueron cubanos, del sexo femenino y profesionales. Todas las provincias tuvieron representación. La mayoría de los trabajos recibidos reunieron los requisitos para ser publicados y, prácticamente, la quinta parte correspondió a la estomatología general integral en la atención primaria de salud. Fue destacada para participación de estudiantes(AU)

Introduction : Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Congress programmed to mark the 120th anniversary of the Dental School of Havana had to change its format and was held virtually in November 2020. Objective: Characterize the virtual International Congress Dentistry 2020, held in the time of COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted based on the final statistical reports provided by the Congress website and applying historical-logical and document review methods. Results: A total 970 users were registered in the Congress page. Of these, 899 were Cuban and 71 were foreign. All the provinces were represented. 81 percent of the users were professionals and 16.8 percent were students. 391 papers were accepted and published, for 82.8 percent; 373 papers were written by Cuban authors and 18 by foreign authors. 18 percent of the papers dealt with general comprehensive dentistry in primary health care, followed by orthodontics (14.3 percent). 2 405 comments were made, with 92.3 percent of the published papers receiving comments. 354 papers were recorded in the Congress Proceedings. Conclusions: Most of the users registered were Cuban, female and professionals. All the provinces were represented. Most of the papers received met the publication requirements and almost one fifth dealt with general comprehensive dentistry in primary health care. Students had an outstanding participation(AU)

Análisis de los patrones de colaboración del Programa de Doctorado en Documentación e Información Científica / Analysis of collaboration patterns in the Documentation and Scientific Information doctoral training program

El propósito del presente artículo fue analizar los patrones de colaboración del programa de formación doctoral en Bibliotecología y Documentación Científica desarrollado entre la Universidad de La Habana y la Universidad de Granada en el período 2007-2017. Para esto se creó una base de datos en EndNote® x.9, con 396 documentos. Se crearon listados de frecuencia de acuerdo con los indicadores analizados, los cuales se procesaron con los programas Excel y Tableau Public 2020.3 para generar tablas y gráficos. Se utilizó Bibexcel (Olle Persson, Universidad de Umeå, Suecia) para realizar los conteos de frecuencia generales, la generación de matrices y el análisis de las redes de coautoría, cotutoría y de colaboración entre instituciones, en aras de procesarlas con UCINET 6.175. Para su representación reticular se utilizaron NetDraw 2.38 y VOSviewer 1.6.16. La colaboración fue analizada de manera global, por grupos y por tipología documental. Se valoraron las relaciones establecidas para el desarrollo de las investigaciones y para la dirección de las tesis. Para los artículos se analizaron las redes de coautoría y los nexos interinstitucionales. En las tesis se analizaron las relaciones establecidas para la tutoría. Se identificó un predominio de autoría múltiple, mayoritariamente en los artículos científicos. Se aprecian nexos relativamente importantes en la tutoría a partir del establecimiento de relaciones entre los tutores más productivos del programa. A nivel institucional se aprecia un protagonismo de la Universidad de Granada y la Universidad de La Habana por ser las coordinadoras del programa. No obstante, se aprecia una amplia gama de instituciones nacionales. Se reflejan los participantes y tutores más representados(AU)

The purpose of the study was to analyze the collaboration patterns in the Library Science and Scientific Documentation doctoral training program conducted jointly by the University of Havana and the University of Granada in the period 2007-2017. To achieve this end, a database of 396 documents was created on EndNote® x.9. Frequency lists were developed for the indicators analyzed, which were processed with the software Excel and Tableau Public 2020.3 to generate tables and charts. Bibexcel (Olle Persson, Umeå University, Sweden) was used to carry out overall frequency counts, generate matrices, and analyze co-authorship, co-tutorship and collaboration networks between institutions, with a view to processing them with UCINET 6.175. NetDraw 2.38 and VOSviewer 1.6.16 were used for their reticular representation. Collaboration was analyzed globally, by group and by document typology. An assessment was made of the relationships established for research development and thesis guidance. Analysis of papers included co-authorship networks and interinstitutional links, whereas the analysis of theses included the tutoring relationships established. A predominance was found of multiple authorship, mainly in scientific papers. Relatively important links were found in tutoring based on the establishment of relationships between the most productive authors in the program. On an institutional level, leadership by the University of Granada and the University of Havana was observed, being as they are the program coordinators. However, a wide range of national institutions was also found. Reference is made to the best represented participants and tutors(AU)

Propuesta de requisitos generales para el sistema de gestión documental de la Universidad de La Habana / Proposal of general requirements for the document management system at the University of Havana

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue proponer una especificación de requisitos generales para el sistema de gestión documental de la Universidad de La Habana consecuente con un ejercicio de gobierno más responsable, abierto, transparente e inclusivo, con un enfoque orientado a la rendición de cuentas y a un mayor control social. La investigación presentó un diseño descriptivo y un enfoque mixto, con predominio cualitativo. Para contribuir al desarrollo de un sistema de información que creara capacidades sobre la base de información de calidad en esta institución, el estudio se basó en la triangulación de dos metodologías: una desde el dominio de la gestión documental y otra desde la ingeniería de requisitos. Como resultado, se presentaron 22 elementos y 201 requisitos, entre funcionales y no funcionales, con un carácter flexible y modular, que deben ser establecidos para el funcionamiento efectivo del sistema de gestión documental de esta Universidad(AU)

The purpose of the study was to propose a general requirements specification for the document management system at the University of Havana, in keeping with more responsible, open, transparent and inclusive governance, an accountability-oriented approach and greater social control. The research had a descriptive design, a mixed approach and qualitative predominance. To contribute to the development of an information system which would build capacities on the basis of quality information in this institution, the study was based on the triangulation of two methodologies: one from the document management domain and the other from requirements engineering. As a result, 22 items and 201 requirements were presented, both functional and non-functional, of a flexible and modular nature, which should be established for the effective operation of the document management system at this university(AU)