Aplicación móvil para el análisis estadístico en Android / Mobile application for statistics analysis on Android

El uso de dispositivos móviles en la vida moderna es imprescindible debido a las ventajas que brindan al ofrecer nuevas posibilidades e implementar de manera virtual servicios ya establecidos. La mayor existencia de móviles que computadoras en los estudiantes de Cuba nos motivó a la realización de esta aplicación. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la aplicación nombrada Cálculos estadísticos y tasas en salud (Calc. Tasas versión 1.7) construida para realizar cálculos en un curso de Bioestadística, cubriendo gran parte del contenido de esta asignatura en la enseñanza de pregrado de las universidades médicas, así como otros contenidos de interés en esta materia. También incorpora una base de datos con información demográfica y sanitaria de Cuba y sus provincias en el período 2013-2020. Como resultado se logró independencia tecnológica al dejar de usar programas foráneos y se logró una mayor portabilidad pues funciona tanto en móviles como en computadoras utilizando un emulador de Android(AU)

The use of mobile devices in modern life is essential due to the advantages they provide, offering new possibilities and implementing virtual services. The existence of greater number of mobiles phones than computers in Cuban students motivated the realization of this application. The objective of the article is to describe the application Statistical calculations and rates in health (Calc. Rates version 1.7) built to perform calculations in a Biostatistics course, covering a large part of the content of this subject in the undergraduate teaching of medical universities, as well as other content related with this topic. It also incorporates a database with demographic and health information on Cuba and its provinces in the period 2013-2020. As a result, technological independence was achieved by stopping using foreign programs and a greater portability, since it works on both mobile phones and computers through an Android emulator(AU)

Uso de Moodle para la formación de especialistas en Bioestadística en tiempos de COVID-19 / Usage of Moodle for training Biostatistics Specialists during COVID-19 times

Introducción: La Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública es el centro coordinador y rector de la formación de especialistas en Bioestadística del país. A partir de la emergencia generada por la COVID-19, el proceso formativo de esta especialidad se vio interrumpido. La educación a distancia a través de entornos de enseñanza-aprendizaje resultó la única opción posible para reanudar el proceso. Objetivo: Exponer la experiencia de uso de Moodle en la formación de especialistas en Bioestadística a partir de la epidemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio de caso descriptivo, realizado entre septiembre de 2020 y febrero de 2021. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por los dos estudiantes matriculados en el primer año del curso académico 2020-2021. Se aplicó una encuesta estructurada a los alumnos sobre aspectos del curso 1 y 2 del programa y se realizó consulta a expertos para la evaluación. Resultados: Se identificaron las carencias para reorientar el proceso. La selección de las actividades prácticas y evaluativas estuvo guiada por el análisis de los objetivos temáticos y la naturaleza de los contenidos. La evaluación de los resultados y el análisis de la encuesta permitió conocer en profundidad aspectos a perfeccionar en futuras ediciones. Conclusiones: El estudio evidenció que la modalidad virtual constituía una vía factible para la formación de posgrado en salud, particularmente durante la COVID-19. Con el análisis de las cuatro condiciones contempladas para los sistemas de instrucción se reconoció la importancia de la etapa de planificación previa y su perfeccionamiento para alcanzar mejores resultados(AU)

Introduction: The National School of Public Health is the center that coordinates and guides the training of Biostatistics specialists in Cuba. Since the emergency caused by COVID-19, the training process of this specialty was interrupted. Distance education through teaching-learning environments was the only possible option to resume the process. Objective: To expose the experience of using Moodle in the training of Biostatistics specialists during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: Descriptive case study carried out between September 2020 and February 2021. The study universe consisted of the two first-year students enrolled for the 2020-2021 academic year. A structured survey was applied to the students regarding aspects of the first two courses the program; expert consultation was carried out for the evaluation. Results: Shortcomings were identified as affecting the reorientation of the process. The selection of practical and evaluative activities was guided by the analysis of the thematic objectives and the nature of the contents. The assessment of the results and the analysis of the survey provided in-depth knowledge of aspects to be improved in future editions. Conclusions: The study evidenced that the virtual modality was a feasible way for postgraduate training in health, particularly during the COVID-19. With the analysis of the four conditions that should be present in instructional systems, the pre-planning stage and its improvement was recognized as important to achieve better results(AU)

Curriculum design of incorporating labor education into biostatistics teaching / 生物工程学报

The current implementation of labor education in college is insufficient and does not match its importance. The main reasons lie in outdated conceptual understanding, monotonic implementing form and lack of teaching resources for labor education. This status quo does not meet the requirements for professional and creative labor works in modern society. In order to address this challenge, we propose to incorporate labor education into professional education. Such incorporation not only mutually promotes both labor and professional education, but also integrates professional knowledge and labor skills during the teaching process, thus combining the elements of traditional labor education with timely requirement for creative labor works. This article introduced a way to incorporate labor education into biostatistics courses, and analyzed the mutually beneficial effect of such approaches.

Nivel y accesibilidad estadística en artículos originales publicados en una revista de pediatría / Statistical level and accessibility in original articles published in a pediatric journal

Describir las herramientas estadísticas las herramientas estadísticas empleadas para la presentación de resultados de investigación en los artículos publicados en la revista Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría a fin de evaluar el nivel y accesibilidad de aquéllas. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se analizaron las publicaciones del período 2015-2019. Aplicando la escala de Mora Ripoll adaptada por Praena Fernández, fueron revisados 236 trabajos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión en la sección Artículos originales de la revista Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría. El 14,4% de los artículos correspondió al nivel I, 22,9% al nivel II y 62,7% al nivel III. Así, un lector cuyo repertorio de conocimientos estadísticos equivaliera al nivel I accedería al 14,4% de los artículos mientras que quien contara con un nivel II elevaría la accesibilidad al 37,3%. Del análisis de los artículos originales publicados en los AAP, resulta evidente que quien desee realizar un análisis crítico de la totalidad de los hallazgos presentados en la revista, deberá contar con un apropiado nivel de conocimiento que, lamentablemente, no suele alcanzarse en la carrera de grado de Medicina.

Describes the statistical tools used to present research results in articles published in the Argentine Archives of Pediatrics to assess their level and accessibility. Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. Publications for the period 2015-2019 were analyzed. Applying the Mora Ripoll scale, adapted by Praena Fernández, 236 papers satisfying the inclusion criteria were reviewed in its original articles section. 14.4% of the articles corresponded to level I, 22.9% to level II and 62.7% to level III. Thus, a reader whose repertoire of statistical knowledge equals level I would access 14.4% of the articles, while a reader with a level II would increase accessibility to 37.3%. From the analysis of the original articles published in the AAP, it is evident that anyone who wishes to carry out a critical analysis of all the findings presented in the journal, must have an appropriate level of knowledge that, unfortunately, it is not usually achieved in the undergraduate degree of Medicine.

Tradução, adaptação cultural e validação da Sickle Cell Self-efficacy Scale (SCSES) / Translation, Cultural Adaption and Validation of the Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES)

A validação de instrumentos específicos em doença falciforme são uma importante estratégia em saúde e, podem subsidiar e avaliar práticas e intervenções educativas que tem o intuito de melhorar a autoeficácia e habilidades no manejo da doença. Objetivo: Realizar a tradução, adaptação e validação do instrumento The Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) para aplicação no contexto cultural brasileiro. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico realizado em 6 etapas: 1- Tradução inicial; 2- Síntese da tradução; 3- Retrotradução (back-translation); 4- Avaliação pelo comitê de juízes, com cálculo de Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC); 5- Adequação cultural (pré-teste); 6- Reprodutibilidade. A etapa de tradução foi realizada em parceria com o Laboratório Experimental de Tradução da Faculdade de Letras e o Laboratório de Bioestatística da UFMG. Na etapa de adaptação cultural, as versões original e traduzida foram submetidas à análise por um Comitê de Juízes composto por cinco profissionais da área de saúde. A partir da avaliação obtida foi calculado o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) e a porcentagem de aceitação dos juízes em relação à adequação dos itens avaliados. Com o objetivo de avaliar a confiabilidade do instrumento adaptado culturalmente, este foi aplicado no pré-teste com a participação de um total de 10 adolescentes e jovens adultos com doença falciforme através de ligação telefônica e as respostas obtidas foram registradas na plataforma web e-Surv. Após realização do pré-teste, foi realizada a validação do instrumento com 55 adolescentes e jovens adultos com doença falciforme e destes, 43 participaram do reteste. O intervalo médio entre as aplicações foi de 17 dias. As análises da consistência interna e reprodutibilidade calculadas através do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC) foram realizadas no ambiente de programação estatística R. Resultados: O instrumento traduzido apresentou boa aceitação entre os juízes, atingindo Índice de Validade de Conteúdo médio igual a 1,0. Na avaliação da confiabilidade, a escala apresentou consistência interna aceitável, com alfa de Cronbach igual a 0,84. Na análise de concordância, o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi de 0,923 (IC 95%: 0.857 a 0.958), o que indica boa reprodutibilidade temporal. Conclusões: O processo de tradução, adaptação cultural e validação gerou a versão brasileira da Escala de Autoeficácia em Doença Falciforme (EADF) considerada válida e confiável para ser aplicada em adolescentes e jovens adultos com doença falciforme.

The validation of specific instruments in sickle cell disease is an important health strategy that can support and evaluate educational practices and interventions aimed at improving self-efficacy and skills in disease management. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate The Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) for application in the Brazilian cultural context. Methods: This is a methodological study carried out in 6 stages: 1- Initial translation; 2- Translation synthesis; 3- Back-translation; 4- Evaluation by the judges committee, with calculation of the Content Validity Index (CVI); 5- Cultural adequacy (pre-test); 6- Reproducibility. The translation stage was carried out in partnership with the Experimental Translation Laboratory of the School of Languages and the Biostatistics Laboratory of UFMG. In the cultural adaptation stage, the original and translated versions were submitted to analysis by a Committee of Judges composed of five health professionals. From the evaluation obtained the Content Validity Index (CVI) and the percentage of acceptance of the judges in relation to the adequacy of the items evaluated were calculated. Aiming to assess the reliability of the culturally adapted instrument, it was applied in pre-test with the participation of a total of 10 adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease by telephone call and the responses obtained were recorded on the web platform e-Surv. After the pre-test, the instrument was validated with 55 adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease, and of these, 43 participated in the retest. The average interval between applications was 17 days. The analyses of internal consistency and reproducibility calculated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were performed in the R statistical programming environment. Results: The translated instrument presented good acceptance among the judges, reaching an average Content Validity Index equal to 1.0. In assessing reliability, the scale showed acceptable internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha equal to 0.84. In the agreement analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.923 (95% CI: 0.857 to 0.958), indicating good temporal reproducibility. Conclusions: The process of translation, cultural adaptation and validation generated the Brazilian version of the Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) considered valid and reliable to be applied in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease.

Introdução à inferência causal em epidemiologia: uma abordagem gráfica e contrafatual / Introduction to causal inference in epidemiology: a graphic and counterfactual approach

Apresenta o desenvolvimento mais recente dos métodos de inferência causal utilizados em epidemiologia, em especial as abordagens contrafatual e gráfica, abordando temas como modelo de respostas potenciais para estimativas de efeitos causais via escore de propensão, gráficos acíclicos direcionados, computação G e análise de sensibilidade

Revisiones rápidas: definiciones y usos / Rapid reviews: definitions and uses

Este artículo es el primero de una serie metodológica colaborativa de revisiones narrativas sobre temáticas de bioestadística y epidemiología clínica. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar las revisiones rápidas, compararlas con las revisiones sistemáticas y mencionar su uso actual. Las revisiones rápidas utilizan una metodología similar a las revisiones sistemáticas, pero mediante atajos utilizados en su desarrollo; permiten alcanzar respuestas en menos de seis meses y con menos recursos, por lo que son utilizadas por tomadores de decisiones tanto en América como Europa. No existe consenso sobre cuáles atajos tienen menor impacto en la confiabilidad de las conclusiones, por lo que las revisiones rápidas son heterogéneas entre sí. Los consumidores deben identificar estos atajos en la metodología y ser precavidos en la interpretación de las conclusiones, aunque generalmente alcanzan respuestas concordantes con las obtenidas mediante una revisión sistemática tradicional. Su principal atractivo es ajustarse a las necesidades de los tomadores de decisiones en salud, cuando el contexto exige respuestas en plazos de tiempo acotados.

This article is the first in a collaborative methodological series of narrative reviews on biostatistics and clinical epidemiology. This review aims to present rapid reviews, compare them with systematic reviews, and mention how they can be used. Rapid reviews use a methodology like systematic reviews, but through shortcuts applied, they can attain answers in less than six months and with fewer resources. Decision-makers use them in both America and Europe. There is no consensus on which shortcuts have the least impact on the reliability of conclusions, so rapid reviews are heterogeneous. Users of rapid reviews should identify these shortcuts in the methodology and be cautious when interpreting the conclusions, although they generally reach answers concordant with those obtained through a formal systematic review. The principal value of rapid reviews is to respond to health decision-makers' needs when the context demands answers in limited time frames.

Biostatistics: essential concepts for the clinician

ABSTRACT Introduction: The efficiency of clinical procedures is based on practical and theoretical knowledge. Countless daily information is available to the orthodontist, but it is up to this professional to know how to select what really has an impact on clinical practice. Evidence-based orthodontics ends up requiring the clinician to know the basics of biostatistics to understand the results of scientific publications. Such concepts are also important for researchers, for correct data planning and analysis. Objective: This article aims to present, in a clear way, some essential concepts of biostatistics that assist the clinical orthodontist in understanding scientific research, for an evidence-based clinical practice. In addition, an updated version of the tutorial to assist in choosing the appropriate statistical test will be presented. This PowerPoint® tool can be used to assist the user in finding answers to common questions about biostatistics, such as the most appropriate statistical test for comparing groups, choosing graphs, performing correlations and regressions, analyzing casual, random or systematic errors. Conclusion: Researchers and clinicians must acquire or recall essential concepts to understand and apply an appropriate statistical analysis. It is important that journal readers and reviewers can identify when statistical analyzes are being inappropriately used.

RESUMO Introdução: A eficiência dos procedimentos clínicos é baseada em conhecimentos práticos e teóricos. Inúmeras informações diárias estão ao alcance do ortodontista; porém cabe a esse profissional saber selecionar o que realmente tem impacto na prática clínica. A Ortodontia baseada em evidências acaba exigindo que o clínico conheça os fundamentos da bioestatística para compreender os resultados das publicações científicas. Tais conceitos também são importantes aos pesquisadores para um correto planejamento e análise dos dados. Objetivo: O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar, de forma clara, alguns conceitos essenciais da bioestatística que auxiliem o ortodontista clínico na compreensão da pesquisa científica para uma prática clínica baseada em evidências. Além disso, será apresentada uma versão atualizada do tutorial para auxílio na escolha do teste estatístico adequado. Essa ferramenta em PowerPoint® pode ser empregada para auxiliar o usuário a encontrar respostas para dúvidas comuns sobre bioestatística, como o teste estatístico mais adequado para comparar grupos, escolha de gráficos, realizar correlações e regressões, análises de sobrevivência e dos erros aleatório e sistemático. Conclusão: Pesquisadores e clínicos devem adquirir ou relembrar conceitos essenciais para compreender e aplicar uma análise estatística apropriada. É importante que os leitores e revisores de periódicos possam identificar quando análises estatísticas estão sendo utilizadas de forma inadequada.

Metodología del estudio piloto / Methodology of the pilot studies

Resumen: La enseñanza de la investigación debe abarcar todos los aspectos de su proceso, involucrando los estudios piloto. En la investigación biomédica, el primer paso en la ejecución de un proyecto es la realización de un estudio o prueba piloto, que busca probar en menor escala aspectos logísticos de la ejecución del estudio, lo que evitará cometer errores en los estudios posteriores y de mayor envergadura. La presente revisión pretende exponer aspectos fundamentales en la utilización y planeación de los estudios piloto, lo que servirá para optimizar los procesos de investigación en las áreas de la salud.

Abstract: The teaching of research covers all aspects of the research process, involving pilot studies. In biomedical research, the first step in the execution of a project is the realization of a pilot study, with the objective of testing on smaller scale logistic aspects of the execution of the study, which will avoid making mistakes in the larger studies. This review aims to expose fundamental aspects in the use and planning of pilot studies, which will serve to optimize research processes in the areas of health.

Competencia estadística en tesis de grado de medicina y enfermería de universidades ecuatorianas / Statistical competence in medical and nursing diploma papers at ecuadorian universities

Introducción: La competencia estadística en los profesionales de la salud continúa siendo una materia pendiente a la que se le presta poca atención a nivel nacional. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de competencia estadística mostrado en tesis de grado de las carreras de medicina y enfermería de universidades ecuatorianas, así como su relación con la categoría, el ranking y el tipo de financiamiento universitario. Métodos: Estudio bibliométrico descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se revisaron los procedimientos y las técnicas estadísticas presentadas en las tesis de grado de medicina y enfermería de 18 universidades de Ecuador, publicadas en 2017. Se analizaron 275 y 254 tesis de grado de medicina y enfermería, respectivamente. El nivel de competencia estadística se evaluó sobre la base de la revisión del currículo nacional de matemáticas de la Enseñanza General Básica y Bachillerato, el de estudios matemáticos del Bachillerato Internacional, y el pénsum de grado y posgrado de las asignaturas Estadística, Bioestadística y Epidemiología de cuatro universidades. Resultados: El nivel de competencia estadística mostrado en la mayoría de los trabajos resultó el de Enseñanza General Básica y Bachillerato, y los métodos descriptivos fueron los más utilizados, especialmente en la carrera de enfermería. Entre los test estadísticos resaltaron la prueba Chi-cuadrado, las medidas de asociación epidemiológica (Odds Ratio) y el test de Student, especialmente en las tesis de medicina. El nivel de competencia estadística se asoció con la categoría, el ranking y el tipo de financiamiento de las universidades. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran un uso limitado de las técnicas estadísticas por parte de los graduados en carreras de enfermería y medicina en Ecuador, accesibles a un público general con niveles instruccionales de Básica y Bachillerato. Esto supone nuevas interrogantes dirigidas a evaluar la calidad estadística y metodológica de las tesis en estas y otras carreras(AU)

Introduction: Statistical competence in health professionals continues to be a pending matter that receives little attention at the national level. Objective: To determine the level of statistical competence shown in diploma papers of the medical and nursing majors at Ecuadorian universities, as well as its relationship with the category, ranking, and type of university funding. Methods: Descriptive bibliometric and cross-sectional study. The statistical procedures and techniques presented in the medical and nursing diploma papers of 18 Ecuadorian universities, published in 2017, were reviewed. 275 and 254 diploma papers from the medical and nursing majors, respectively, were analyzed. The level of statistical competence was evaluated on the basis of review of the national program of Mathematics in general basic education and senior high school, that of mathematical studies of Bachillerato Internacional [international senior high school], and the undergraduate and postgraduate syllabuses of the subjects Statistics, Biostatistics and Epidemiology at four universities. Results: The level of statistical competence shown in most of the papers was that of general basic education and senior high school. The descriptive methods were the most used, especially in the Nursing major. Among the statistical tests, the Chi-square test, the epidemiological association measures (odds ratio), and the Student-t test stood out, especially in diploma papers from the Medicine major. The level of statistical competence was associated with the universities' category, ranking, and type of funding. Conclusions: The results show a limited use of statistical techniques by graduates from the nursing and medical majors in Ecuador, which are accessible to general public with basic and senior high school levels. This results demand new questions aimed at evaluating the statistical and methodological quality of diploma papers in these and other majors(AU)

Determinación de límites de decisión clínica de ciclosporina en sangre en pacientes con trasplante renal / Determination of clinical decision limits of blood cyclosporine in patients with renal transplantation

INTRODUCCIÓN: los límites de decisión o valores de corte son alertas para el diagnóstico médico. Son obtenidos por estudios cuidadosamente diseñados para poder establecer un valor que permita una decisión médica para seguir un tratamiento. OBJETIVO: determinar los límites de decisión clínica de Ciclosporina A en sangre total de pacientes con trasplante renal. Método: para el tratamiento de datos y cálculo de límites de decisión se utilizó una metodología informática y bioestadística con software SPSS de IBM, realizando pruebas de normalidad, pruebas gráficas como Q-Q plots, test de Kolmogorov ­ Smirnov, test de Lillefors y prueba de Shapiro-Wilks. RESULTADOS: el grupo de estudio conformado por pacientes con trasplante renal atendidos durante 2016 a 2019, clasificados por el tiempo de trasplante. Los criterios de aceptación fueron: uso de control de calidad interno, con resultados satisfactorios utilizando cartas control y la detección de datos atípicos mediante la prueba de Grubbs. Obteniendo niveles basales de 0-3 meses 181-241 ng/ml; 3-12 meses 120-147 ng/ml y mayor a 12 meses de 81-119 ng/ml, y para concentración máxima de 1 mes 1193-2025 ng/ml; 2 meses 1379-1765 ng/ml; 3 meses 1060-1556 ng/ml; 4-6 meses 880-1293 ng/ml; 7-12 meses 735-1039 ng/ml y mayor a 12 meses 643-960 ng/ml. CONCLUSIÓN: los límites de decisión clínica obtenidos se ajustan perfectamente a los de la bibliografía con la ventaja de que ahora se tienen límites definidos para nuestra población, constituyéndose en alertas para el diagnóstico médico.

Introduction: decision limits or cut-off values are red flags for medical diagnosis. They are obtained by carefully designed studies to be able to establish a value that allows a medical decision to follow a treatment. OBJECTIVE: to determine the clinical decision limits of Cyclosporin A in whole blood of kidney transplant patients. METHODS: for data treatment and calculation of decision limits, a computer and biostatistical methodology was used with IBM SPSS software, performing normality tests, graphic tests such as QQ plots, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, lillefors test and Shapiro Test -Wilks. RESULTS: the study group made up of kidney transplant patients treated during 2016 to 2019, classified by transplant time. The acceptance criteria were: use of internal quality control, with satisfactory results using control charts and the detection of outliers using the Grubbs test. Obtaining basal levels of 0-3 months 181-241 ng / ml; 3-12 months 120-147 ng / ml and over 12 months of 81-119 ng / ml, and for a maximum concentration of 1 month 1193-2025 ng / ml; 2 months 1379-1765 ng / ml; 3 months 1060-1556 ng / ml; 4-6 months 880-1293 ng / ml; 7-12 mon-ths 735-1039 ng / ml and more than 12 months 643-960 ng / ml. CONCLUSION: the clinical decision limits obtained are perfectly in line with those of the bibliography with the advantage that now there are defined limits for our population, becoming alerts for medical diagnosis.

Análise de redes: uma abordagem de estatística multivariada para pesquisas em ciências da saúde / Network analysis: a multivariate statistical approach for health science research

A análise de redes é uma técnica estatística gráfica que permite a rápida visualização e interpretação de associações entre múltiplas variáveis. Ainda existem poucos estudos com conteúdo teórico sobre esse método, especialmente nas áreas de pesquisa da geriatria e gerontologia, as quais abrangem o estudo de diferentes variáveis sociais, clínicas ou de saúde física e mental. Os objetivos deste estudo foram apresentar os principais aspectos teóricos e demonstrar a aplicabilidade da análise de rede por meio de estudos que utilizaram essa técnica, oferecendo uma linguagem acessível para todos os níveis de conhecimento em estatística. Foram demonstrados as principais características dos gráficos, conceitos teóricos básicos e artigos científicos que utilizaram redes. O presente estudo metodológico pode auxiliar o leitor na compreensão desse método analítico, ainda pouco explorado no âmbito da pesquisa nacional. Nas áreas de geriatria e gerontologia há escassez de pesquisas que abordam essa temática, entretanto o avanço tecnológico, a disponibilidade de programas estatísticos com novos recursos de análise de dados e a divulgação de informações são fatores relevantes para a expansão do conhecimento e a utilização da análise de redes.

Network analysis is a graphical statistical technique that allows rapid visualization and interpretation of associations between multiple variables. There are still few theoretical studies on this method, especially in the areas of geriatrics and gerontology research, which cover the study of different social, clinical, or physical and mental health variables. The objectives of this study were to present the main theoretical aspects of network analysis and demonstrate its applicability by analyzing studies that used this technique, offering an accessible language for all levels of knowledge in statistics. The main characteristics of the graphs, basic theoretical concepts, and scientific articles that used networks were demonstrated. This methodological study can help the reader to understand this analytical method, which is still little explored in national research. There is a scarcity of research on this subject in the areas of geriatrics and gerontology; however, technological advances, the availability of statistical programs with new data analysis resources, and the dissemination of information are relevant factors for the expansion of knowledge and the use of network analysis in this context.

Género, mujeres e investigación científica / Gender, women and scientific research

El género es una construcción psicosocial referida a los roles, comportamientos, expresiones e identidades socialmente construidos de niñas, mujeres, niños, hombres y personas con diversidad de género, mientras que el sexo se relaciona con los atributos biológicos de una mujer o un hombre. Aun cuando los términos "sexo" y "género" suelen utilizarse de forma binaria, existe una diversidad considerable en la forma en que los individuos y los grupos los entienden, experimentan y expresan. En esta revisión narrativa se describen algunos aspectos relevantes acerca de la diferencia subjetiva que existe y favorece a los hombres frente a las mujeres en el ámbito de las ciencias e investigación, iniciando desde una perspectiva histórica a la luz de los movimientos feministas. En particular, se describe a la mujer en cuanto investigadora y creadora de conocimiento científico, como también en su calidad de sujeto de análisis. Se analizan además algunos conflictos derivados del sesgo de sexo aplicados a la investigación biomédica, y se entregan casos que ejemplifican el desmedro que ha acompañado históricamente al género femenino en este ámbito, su desconocimiento y poco reconocimiento cultural. Esta revisión es la última entrega de una serie metodológica sobre conceptos generales en bioestadística y epidemiología clínica desarrollada por la Cátedra de Metodología de la Investigación Científica de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile, que pretende abordar una temática contingente y transversal a toda la investigación científica.

Gender is a psychosocial construct referring to the socially built roles, behaviors, expressions and identities of girls, women, boys, men and people with gender diversity, while sex is related to the biological attributes of a woman or a man. Even though the terms "sex" and "gender" are often used in a binary way, there is considerable diversity in the way individuals and groups understand, experiment and express them. This narrative review describes some relevant aspects of the subjective difference that exists and favors men over women in the fields of sciences and research, starting from a historical perspective in the light of feminist movements. In particular, women are described as researchers - crea-tors of scientific knowledge, as well as the subjects of analysis. Some conflicts arising from sex bias, applied to biomedical research, are also analyzed, and cases are delivered that exemplify the disarray that has historically accompanied the female gender in this area, its ignorance and little cultural recognition. This review is the last article in a methodological series on general concepts in biostatistics and clinical epidemiology developed by the Chair of Methodology of Scientific Research of the School of Medicine of the Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile, which aims to address a contingent and cross-cutting theme to all scientific research.

Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of Asthma through Transcriptomics

The transcriptome represents the complete set of RNA transcripts that are produced by the genome under a specific circumstance or in a specific cell. High-throughput methods, including microarray and bulk RNA sequencing, as well as recent advances in biostatistics based on machine learning approaches provides a quick and effective way of identifying novel genes and pathways related to asthma, which is a heterogeneous disease with diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. In this manuscript, we briefly review how to analyze transcriptome data and then provide a summary of recent transcriptome studies focusing on asthma pathogenesis and asthma drug responses. Studies reviewed here are classified into 2 classes based on the tissues utilized: blood and airway cells.

Hipótesis: un paso central en el pensamiento clínico y la generación de evidencia científica / Hypothesis: an important step in the clinical thinking and the development of scientific evidence

Resumen: El entrenamiento en metodologías de la investigación refuerza diversas habilidades críticas para los profesionales de la salud. El planteamiento de hipótesis, lejos de ser un proceso trivial, constituye un paso fundamental para adquirir un adecuado razonamiento clínico. En el presente artículo, los conceptos de conjetura, hipótesis, teorías y pregunta de investigación son revisados y se enfatiza la importancia del criterio científico en la formación de las escuelas de salud.

Abstract: The training in research methods enhance several abilities that are critical for the health professionals. The adequate proposition of hypothesis, far from being a trivial process, constitutes a fundamental step for acquiring an adequate clinical reasoning. In this article, the concepts of conjecture, hypothesis theories and research question are reviewed and the relevance of the scientific criteria for health professionals is emphasized.

Flipped learning for teaching biostatistics to peruvian dental students / Flipped learning para el aprendizaje de bioestadística en estudiantes de odontología peruanos

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the application of a flipped learning model for teaching biostatistics to dental students in a Peruvian public university. Methodology: A quasi-experimental, crossover, longitudinal and prospective design was used. A non-probability sampling technique was employed. The sample consisted of 63 students that enrolled in the Biostatistics course at the School of Dentistry at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Students were divided into two groups according to their designated training schedule. The contents of two units were assessed. For the first unit (descriptive statistics), the first group was taught using the flipped learning model and the second group with the master class model. For the second unit (inferential statistics), groups were crossed over. At both periods of the study, cognitive, procedural and attitudinal skills were assessed through previously validated questionnaires. Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen is d and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results: the mean total score for the second unit was higher (p<0.001) in the flipped learning group (32.58) compared to the master class guided training group (27.94), presenting a Cohen's d=0.97. Procedural (9.23 versus 7.80) and attitudinal (15.63 versus 12.90) skills were on average higher in the flipped learning group. Regression analysis resulted in R2=0.245, p=0.003. Conclusion: the flipped learning method achieved a higher content learning in the second unit, compared to the master class model.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la experiencia de aplicación del modelo flipped learning para el aprendizaje de bioestadística en estudiantes de odontología de una universidad pública peruana. Metodología: Se realizó un diseño cuasi experimental de secuencia cruzada, longitudinal, prospectivo. La muestra se obtuvo de manera no probabilística y estuvo conformada por 63 estudiantes que cursaron la asignatura de Bioestadística en la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Se conformaron dos grupos de acuerdo al horario de práctica designado y se evaluaron los contenidos de dos unidades de la asignatura. En la primera unidad (estadística descriptiva) el primer grupo fue sometido al modelo flipped learning y el segundo sometido al modelo presencial clase magistral. En la segunda unidad del curso (estadística inferencial) los grupos se cruzaron. En ambos momentos se evaluaron las capacidades cognitivas, procedimentales y actitudinales a través de cuestionarios previamente validados para el estudio. Se aplicó la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, la d de Cohen y la regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: En la segunda unidad la puntuación media total fue mayor (p<0,001) en el grupo flipped learning (32,58) en comparación al de clase magistral-práctica dirigida (27,94) con un efecto alto d Cohen= 0,97. Las capacidades procedimentales (9,23 versus7,80) y actitudinales (15,63 versus 12,90) fueron en promedios mayores en el grupo flipped learning. Al aplicarse la regresión se halló un R2= 0,245 p=0,003. Conclusión: La aplicación del modelo flipped learning logró un mayor aprendizaje en contenidos de la segunda unidad, en comparación con el modelo presencial clase magistral en los estudiantes.

Metodologia para realizar e interpretar uma revisão sistemática e metanálise individual de dados de participantes / Methodology to perform and interpret a systematic review and individual meta-analysis of participants' data

Metanálise é o método estatístico utilizado na revisão sistemática para integrar os resultados dos estudos incluídos e aumentar o poder estatístico da pesquisa primária.Estudos de metanálise, decorrentes de uma revisão sistemática, envolvem a combinação e a análise de evidências, que são utilizadas para produzir resultados baseados em conjunto de pesquisas prévias. Métodos tradicionais de metanálise sintetizam os dados agregados obtidos de publicações de estudo, como estimativa de efeito de tratamento (odds ratio, risco relativo) e sua incerteza associada (erro padrão ou intervalo de confiança). Uma abordagem alternativa é a metanálise individual de dados de participantes ou de pacientes, nos quais os dados de nível individual bruto para cada estudo são obtidos e utilizados para síntese. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar, de forma metodológica, como realizar e interpretar uma revisão sistemática e uma metanálise individual de dados de participantes. (AU)

A meta-analysisis the statistical method used in the systematic review to integrate the result sof includeds tudies, and to increase the statistical power of primary research. Meta-analysis studies, stemming from a systematic review, involve the combination and analysis of evidence that are used to produce results based on a set of previous research. Traditional meta-analysis methods synthesize aggreg ate data obtained from study publications, such as anestimate of treatment effect (odds ratio, relative risk) and the ir associated uncertainty (standard error or confidence interval). An alternative approach isthe individual meta-analysis of participants' or patients' data, in whichgross individual-level data for eachstudy are obtained and used for synthesis. The objective of this articleis to present a method o logical way of performing and in ter preting a systematic review and individual meta-analysisof the participants' data. (AU)