Socioeconomic Inequalities and Factors Associated with the Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods in Women of Childbearing Age in Ecuador, 2018.

The objective of this study was to determine the socioeconomic inequalities and factors associated with the use of modern contraceptive methods (MCM) in the population of sexually active women of childbearing age in Ecuador. This was an analytical observational study, based on a secondary data analysis of the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Information on 19,106 sexually active, married, or cohabiting women between the ages of 15 and 49 were included. Concentration curves (CC) and Erreygers concentration indices (ECI) were calculated, taking into account the use of MCM as the dependent variable and the wealth index as the independent variable. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using generalized linear models of the Poisson family. We found that 92.8% of the women surveyed used some type of MCM in the last month. A higher educational level presented a significant pro-rich concentration in the use of MCM (EIC: 0.05; p = 0.004). On the other hand, women belonging to the age group of 20 to 29 years (ECI: -0.027; p = 0.027), women with no job (ECI: -0.025; p = 0.004), and non-indigenous women (EIC: -0.031; p < 0.001), presented a pro-poor concentration. Factors significantly associated with MCM use were age, marital status, occupation, parity, ethnicity, area of residence, and living on the coast. In Ecuador, there are socioeconomic inequalities at different levels of population subgroups in women of childbearing age. Measures to promote the use of MCM are required, focusing on groups that present inequality, taking into account the factors associated with their use.

Impact of a 1-Year Pediatric Emergency Medicine Training Program for International Medical Graduates.

OBJECTIVES: The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has offered a 1-year subspecialty residency training program in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) to Canadian and internationally trained pediatricians and emergency physicians since 1993. The program is intended to support clinical service delivery while simultaneously offering a unique educational opportunity to Canadian and international physicians who desire 1 year of clinically focused training. We describe the experiences and career outcomes of participants who completed this program. METHODS: Two surveys were sent to the 68 individuals who completed the clinical fellowship program from its inception in 1993 until 2014. A blinded survey focused on the fellowship experience and subsequent career activities. A nonblinded survey subsequently determined whether participants had served as a medical director or training program director. RESULTS: Sixty of the 68 participants (88%) completed the blinded survey. Ninety-one percent were in practice in emergency medicine. Twenty-five percent of the participants were living in Canada, compared with 17% before completing the program. This net migration of 8% was not significant (P = 0.26). Thirty-six of the 50 participants (72%) who applied from outside Canada responded to the nonanonymous survey; 18 (50%) had served as an emergency department medical director, and 18 (50%) reported serving as a PEM training program director. CONCLUSIONS: Many participants attained leadership positions in PEM in countries outside of North America and/or participated in training program development. There was no significant change in the proportion of participants living in North America at the time of application compared with the time of survey completion.

Risk factor for breast cancer development under exposure to bovine leukemia virus in Colombian women: A case-control study.

Viruses have been implicated in cancer development in both humans and animals. The role of viruses in cancer is typically to initiate cellular transformation through cellular DNA damage, although specific mechanisms remain unknown. Silent and long-term viral infections need to be present, in order to initiate cancer disease. In efforts to establish a causative role of viruses, first is needed to demonstrate the strength and consistency of associations in different populations. The aim of this study was to determine the association of bovine leukemia virus (BLV), a causative agent of leukemia in cattle, with breast cancer and its biomarkers used as prognosis of the severity of the disease (Ki67, HER2, hormonal receptors) in Colombian women. An unmatched, observational case-control study was conducted among women undergoing breast surgery between 2016-2018. Malignant samples (n = 75) were considered as cases and benign samples (n = 83) as controls. Nested-liquid PCR, in-situ PCR and immunohistochemistry were used for viral detection in blood and breast tissues. For the risk assessment, only BLV positive samples from breast tissues were included in the analysis. BLV was higher in cases group (61.3%) compared with controls (48.2%), with a statistically significant association between the virus and breast cancer in the unconditional logistic regression (adjusted-OR = 2.450,95%CI:1.088-5.517, p = 0.031). In this study, BLV was found in both blood and breast tissues of participants and an association between breast cancer and the virus was confirmed in Colombia, as an intermediate risk factor.

Co-Circulation of Bovine Leukemia Virus Haplotypes among Humans, Animals, and Food Products: New Insights of Its Zoonotic Potential.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of leukemia/lymphoma in cattle. It has been found in humans and cattle-derived food products. In humans, it is described as a potential risk factor for breast cancer development. However, the transmission path remains unclear. Here, a molecular epidemiology analysis was performed to identify signatures of genetic flux of BLV among humans, animals, and food products. Sequences obtained from these sources in Colombia were used (n = 183) and compared with reference sequences available in GenBank. Phylogenetic reconstruction was performed in IQ-TREE software with the maximum likelihood algorithm. Haplotype (hap) distribution among the population was carried out with a median-joining model in Network5.0. Recombination events were inferred using SplitsTree4 software. In the phylogenetic analysis, no specific branches were identified for the Colombian sequences or for the different sources. A total of 31 haps were found, with Hap 1, 4, 5 and 7 being shared among the three sources of the study. Reticulation events among the different sources were also detected during the recombination analysis. These results show new insights about the zoonotic potential of BLV, showing evidence of genetic flux between cattle and humans. Prevention and control strategies should be considered to avoid viral dissemination as part of the One Health program policies.

Evaluation of a multidisciplinary global health online course in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Global Health Education (GHE) focuses on training proactive global citizens to tackle health challenges in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world. Studies show that health professionals in training have reported that GHE has improved their teamwork, responsiveness to contextual factors that impact health, and understanding of health systems; however, there is little research on the impact of GHE courses in undergraduate settings, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: Our study analyzes a multidisciplinary online global health course at Tecnologico de Monterrey, México. We conducted a cross-sectional study with pre- and post-design. Students who took the multidisciplinary course of Global Health for Leaders in the Fall of 2019 (n = 153) and Spring of 2020 (n = 348) were selected for this study. Using a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree), the survey assessed seven competencies as well as questions about course expectations, takeaways, and recommendations to improve the course. We performed descriptive statistical analyses comparing the combined pre-tests (from Fall and Spring cohorts) to the combined post-tests. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the samples. RESULTS: Of the 501 pre-course surveys administered, 456 responses were completed in the pre-course and 435 in the post-course (91% overall response rate). Only 8.7% of the respondents in the pre-course survey strongly agreed that they could describe fundamental aspects of global health such as the Millennium Development Goals or Sustainable Development Goals, in contrast to a 56% of the students who strongly agreed in the post-course survey (p < 0.001). Similar differences were captured in understanding the global burden of disease, social determinants of health, the effects of globalization in health, health systems' goals and functions, and human rights. 38% felt that the course helped them develop a more empathetic perception of the suffering of others experiencing global health-related issues. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have presented our experience in teaching an online global health course for multidisciplinary undergraduates in a LMIC. The competencies reported by our students indicate that the course prepared them to confront complex global health issues.

The Use of Statistical Process Control Charts to Evaluate Interprofessional Education Sessions Embedded Into a Pediatric Emergency In situ Resuscitation Program.

STATEMENT: The rigorous evaluation of simulation in healthcare to improve resuscitations and team functioning can be challenging. Statistical process control (SPC) charts present a unique methodology to enable statistical rigor when evaluating simulation. This article presents a brief overview of SPC charts and its advantages over traditional before and after methodologies, followed by an exemplar using SPC to evaluate an in situ team training program with embedded interprofessional education sessions.

Decreased rotavirus infection of MA104 cells via probiotic extract binding to Hsc70 and ß3 integrin receptors / Disminución de la infección por rotavirus en células MA104 por la unión de proteínas de extractos probióticos a receptores celulares integrina ß3 y Hsc70 / Diminuição da infecção por rotavírus em células MA104 pela união de proteínas de extratos probióticos a receptores integrina ß3 e Hsc70

Abstract Probiotic bacteria are microorganisms beneficial to human health, useful to improving biological conditions. Thanks to probiotic bacteria the symptoms of viral infections can be alleviated. Different mechanisms whereby probiotic bacteria exert they antiviral effect have been proposed. The aim of this study was to determine whether probiotic bacteria extracts bind to receptors of host cells susceptible of rotavirus (RV) infection. To accomplish this objective, four probiotic bacterial strains of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were tested. Probiotic extracts were obtained after bacterial growth, cell lysis and centrifugation. Obtained probiotic extracts were used in assays to interfere with adhesion and penetration of a RV strain in the mammal cell line MA104. Furthermore, the interaction between probiotic extracts and MA104 cell receptors was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation assays using anti-β3-integrins and anti-Hsc70 antibodies. All four probiotic, protein-rich, extracts reduced RV infections in MA104 cells, suggesting a successful antiviral activity mediated by these probiotic extracts. All probiotic extracts significantly exerted their antiviral activity by interfering with RV adhesion on MA104 cell receptors, with proteins in probiotic extracts competitively interacting with cell surface receptors necessary to RV infection. Co-immunoprecipitation assay results showed that proteins in probiotic extracts were able to bind to β3-integrinsand Hsc70, which are two cellular receptors required to viral infection. The most significant contribution of this study is an insight into the mechanisms of probiotic antiviral activity, thus expanding current probiotics fundamental knowledge.

Resumen Las bacterias probióticas son microorganismos con efectos positivos en la salud humana, gracias a las bacterias probióticas los síntomas de infecciones virales pueden mitigarse. Al respecto, varios mecanismos antivirales de las bacterias probióticas han sido propuestos. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar, de manera experimental, si extractos de bacterias probióticas reducen la infección rotavírica al interferir con la unión entre el rotavirus y sus receptores celulares blanco. Extractos de cuatro cepas probióticas de Lactobacillus spp. y Bifidobacterium spp. fueron obtenidos a partir de cultivos bacterianos lisados y centrifugados. Cada uno de los extractos fue usado en experimentos para determinar si estos interfieren con la adhesión y penetración del rotavirus en células de mamífero MA104. Además, la interacción entre extractos probióticos y receptores de las células MA104 fue evaluada con ensayos de co-inmunoprecipitación, usando anticuerpos anti-integrina β3 y anti-Hsc70. Se observó que los cuatro extractos probióticos, ricos en proteínas, redujeron significativamente la infección de rotavirus en las células MA104. También se estableció que la que la actividad antiviral de los extractos probióticos es mediada por la interacción competitiva de sus proteínas con los receptores integrina β3 y Hsc70 de las células MA104, necesarios para iniciar la infección por rotavirus. Estos hallazgos constituyen un aporte al conocimiento de los mecanismos básicos de acción antiviral de las bacterias probióticas.

Resumo Bactérias probióticas são microrganismos com efeitos positivos na saúde humana, úteis na melhora de certas condições biológicas. Gracas a bactérias probióticas os sintomas de uma infecção viral podem ser aliviados. Diferentes mecanismos pelos quais as bactérias probióticas exercem seus efeitos antivirales têm sido propostos. O objetivo de este estudo foi determinar se extratos de bactérias probióticas reduzem a infecção de rotavírus (RV) ao interferir com a união entre o RV e seus receptores celulares alvo. Quatro cepas probióticas de Lactobacillus spp. e Bifidobacterium spp. foram testadas. Os extratos probióticos foram obtidos após o crescimento bacteriano, lise celular e centrifugação. Os extratos probióticos obtidos foram utilizados em ensaios para determinar se interferem com a adesão e penetração de uma cepa de RV em células de mamífero MA104. Adicionalmente, a interação entre os extratos probióticos e os receptores das células MA104 foi avaliada por ensaios de co-imunoprecipitação usando anticorpos anti-integrina β3 e anti- Hsc70. Os quatro extratos probióticos, ricos em proteínas, reduziram as infecções por RV em células MA104, sugerindo uma atividade antiviral mediada por estes extratos. Todos os extratos interferiram na adesão do RV aos receptores de células MA104, sendo que as proteínas presentes nos extratos mostraram uma interação competitiva com os receptores integrina β3 e Hsc70 das células MA104, necessários para iniciar a infecção por RV. Estes resultados contribuem para o conhecimento dos mecanismos básicos de ação antiviral de bactérias probióticas.

Bifidobacterium adolescentis (DSM 20083) and Lactobacillus casei (Lafti L26-DSL): Probiotics Able to Block the In Vitro Adherence of Rotavirus in MA104 Cells.

Rotavirus is the leading worldwide cause of gastroenteritis in children under five years of age. Even though there are some available vaccines to prevent the disease, there are limited strategies for challenging diarrhea induced by rotavirus infection. For this reason, researchers are constantly searching for other approaches to control diarrhea by means of probiotics. In order to demonstrate the ability of some probiotic bacteria to interfere with the in vitro rotavirus infection in MA104 cells, strains of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. were tested in MA104 cells before the viral infection. As a preliminary assay, a blocking effect treatment was performed with viable bacteria. In this screening assay, four of initial ten bacteria showed a slight reduction of the viral infection (measured by percentage of infection). L. casei (Lafti L26-DSL), L. fermentum(ATCC 9338), B. adolescentis (DSM 20083), and B. bifidum (ATCC 11863) were used in further experiments. Three different treatments were tested in order to evaluate protein-based metabolites obtained from mentioned bacteria: (i) cell exposure to the protein-based metabolites before viral infection, (ii) exposure to protein-based metabolites after viral infection, and (iii) co-incubation of the virus and protein-based metabolites before viral infection to the cell culture. The best effect performed by protein-based metabolites was observed during the co-incubation assay of the virus and protein-based metabolites before adding them into the cell culture. The results showed 25 and 37% of infection in the presence of L. casei and B. adolescentis respectively. These results suggest that the antiviral effect may be occurring directly with the viral particle instead of making a blocking effect of the cellular receptors that are needed for the viral entrance.

High levels of pretreatment CA125 are associated to improved survival in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Serum levels of CA125 measured before any treatment have been evaluated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) as a predictor of patient survival; however, results in survival index are controversial, as CA125 levels are influenced by several variables. Taking this into consideration, the present study evaluated the association of pretreatment levels of CA125 serum with the clinical stage, histology and differentiation grade of the tumor and the survival rate in a group of patients from an oncology referral center in Mexico, all of them diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma. This retrospective study consisted of 1009 patients with EOC, diagnosed between 2006 and 2013 at the National Cancerology Institute (Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-INCan), considering only those with CA125 measurements before any chemotherapy or surgical cytoreduction. Patients with three years of medical follow-up having pretreatment CA125 value and simultaneous diagnoses of histological subtype, clinical stage and differentiation grade of the tumor (n = 656) were studied in order to determine their survival rate. RESULTS: The abnormal level (>35 U/mL) of CA125 was observed in 99 % of serous carcinoma cases rated I to IV in the FIGO stages. Abnormal CA125 proportions were 89 % in endometrioid subtype and 69 % in mucinous tumors, with the highest absolute value of CA125 observed in serous carcinoma surpassing any other histological subtype. Clinical stages III and IV displayed increased CA125 values compared to stages I and II. Undifferentiated carcinomas show the highest level of this indicator compared with those of low and moderate differentiated grade. Survival evaluation by Kaplan-Meier analysis including only high grade serous carcinoma at FIGO stage III (n = 57) demonstrated 57.1 % chances of survival in patients with CA125 pretreatment levels higher than 500 U/mL. Survival was 26.7 % in patients with CA125 lower than 500 U/mL and the hazard ratio for CA125 ≤ 500 U/mL was 2.28, 95 % CI 1.08-4.84, P = 0.032. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical stage associated with pretreatment absolute values of CA125 should be considered as prognostic factor in EOC patients. Values of CA125 higher than 500 U/mL in high grade serous carcinoma with FIGO stage III resulted in an enhanced survival rate of the patients.

[Pilot study about the effectivity of an intervention based on games in nutritional status and muscle strength on children]. / Estudio piloto de la efectividad de una intervención basada en juegos sobre el estado nutricional y la fuerza muscular en niños.

INTRODUCTION: The overnutrition is a constant on developing countries; Chile is not an exception because it has a marked tendency to overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. The muscular strength has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health status in scholars. Effective interventions using games are needed to improve the nutritional status and physical fitness in school children. OBJECTIVE: To assess the intervention effectiveness based on games played at school time to improve the nutritional status and physical fitness in schoolchildren. METHOD: 156 students aged between 7 to 15 years, attending to two public schools with full school day, to which a pilot program was applied. This pilot program was based on dynamic recreational games during 45 minutes from monday to friday for 3 months in the largest playtime of the school day. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, we observed a significant modification on children nutritional status, which highlights an increase in the number of children that reached the normal nutritional status (p < 0.001). We also observed a significant number of obese children who reached overweight nutritional status (p < 0.001). We also observed a decrease of leg muscular strength at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive effect of a program based on dynamic recreational games in the largest school playtime, improving nutritional status. However, we didn't observed modifications in the muscular strength.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La malnutrición por exceso es una constante en países en vías de desarrollo, Chile no es una excepción ya que existe una marcada tendencia hacia el sobrepeso y obesidad en la población escolar. La fuerza muscular ha sido asociada con un adecuado estado de salud cardiovascular y metabólica en la población escolar. Se necesitan intervenciones efectivas, que utilicen herramientas lúdicas y que permitan mejorar el estado nutricional y la capacidad física de los escolares. OBJETIVO: Valorar la efectividad de una intervención basada en juegos realizados dentro de la jornada escolar de los niños para mejorar el estado nutricional y la fuerza muscular. MÉTODO: 156 escolares de 7 a 15 años, pertenecientes a dos colegios municipalizados con jornada escolar completa, participaron de un programa piloto basado en juegos recreativos dinámico durante 45 minutos de lunes a viernes durante 3 meses, en el recreo más extenso de la jornada escolar. RESULTADOS: Al finalizar la intervención se observó una modificación estadísticamente significativa en el estado nutricional, donde destaca un aumento de niños que alcanza el estado nutricional normal. En aquellos que fueron clasificados previamente como obesos se logra modificar su estado nutricional hacia sobrepeso (p < 0,001). Se observó una disminución de la fuerza muscular del tren inferior al término del estudio (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: Se demostró el impacto positivo de una intervención basada en juegos recreativos dinámicos durante los recreos escolares, con modificación positiva en el estado nutricional, pero sin mejoría de la fuerza muscular de los escolares.

Estudio piloto de la efectividad de una intervención basada en juegos sobre el estado nutricional y la fuerza muscular en niños / Pilot study about the effectivity of an intervention based on games in nutritional status and muscle strength on children

Introducción: La malnutrición por exceso es una constante en países en vías de desarrollo, Chile no es una excepción ya que existe una marcada tendencia hacia el sobrepeso y obesidad en la población escolar. La fuerza muscular ha sido asociada con un adecuado estado de salud cardiovascular y metabólica en la población escolar. Se necesitan intervenciones efectivas, que utilicen herramientas lúdicas y que permitan mejorar el estado nutricional y la capacidad física de los escolares. Objetivo: Valorar la efectividad de una intervención basada en juegos realizados dentro de la jornada escolar de los niños para mejorar el estado nutricional y la fuerza muscular. Método: 156 escolares de 7 a 15 años, pertenecientes a dos colegios municipalizados con jornada escolar completa, participaron de un programa piloto basado en juegos recreativos dinámico durante 45 minutos de lunes a viernes durante 3 meses, en el recreo más extenso de la jornada escolar. Resultados: Al finalizar la intervención se observó una modificación estadísticamente significativa en el estado nutricional, donde destaca un aumento de niños que alcanza el estado nutricional normal. En aquellos que fueron clasificados previamente como obesos se logra modificar su estado nutricional hacia sobrepeso (p < 0,001). Se observó una disminución de la fuerza muscular del tren inferior al término del estudio (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Se demostró el impacto positivo de una intervención basada en juegos recreativos dinámicos durante los recreos escolares, con modificación positiva en el estado nutricional, pero sin mejoría de la fuerza muscular de los escolares (AU)

Introduction: The overnutrition is a constant on developing countries; Chile is not an exception because it has a marked tendency to overweight and obesity in schoolchildren. The muscular strength has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health status in scholars. Effective interventions using games are needed to improve the nutritional status and physical fitness in school children. Objective: To assess the intervention effectiveness based on games played at school time to improve the nutritional status and physical fitness in schoolchildren. Method: 156 students aged between 7 to 15 years, attending to two public schools with full school day, to which a pilot program was applied. This pilot program was based on dynamic recreational games during 45 minutes from monday to friday for 3 months in the largest playtime of the school day. Results: At the end of the intervention, we observed a significant modification on children nutritional status, which highlights an increase in the number of children that reached the normal nutritional status (p < 0.001). We also observed a significant number of obese children who reached overweight nutritional status (p < 0.001). We also observed a decrease of leg muscular strength at the end of the study. Conclusions: We found a positive effect of a program based on dynamic recreational games in the largest school playtime, improving nutritional status. However, we didn’t observed modifications in the muscular strength (AU)

Caracterización del modelo pedagógico desarrollado por los docentes de la facultad de instrumentación quirúrgica de la FUCS / Description of the pedagogical model developed by teachers of the FUCS surgical instrument technology program

La ley 784 del 23 de diciembre de 2002 reglamentó el ejercicio de la instrumentación quirúrgica profesional, lo cual exigió que la educación en este programa asegurara una sólida formación del estudiante siguiendo los lineamientos pedagógicos establecidos en el proyecto educativo institucional de la FUCS. Objetivo: caracterizar el modelo pedagógico aplicado por los docentes de la facultad entre 2006 y 2008. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Se construyó un instrumento de recolección de datos y se aplicó a 42 docentes de la facultad, recolectando la información correspondiente a la metodología de enseñanza desarrollada durante la clase. Resultados: la metodología más frecuente es la clase magistral con apoyo audiovisual 43% y los talleres de reconocimiento basados en los temas de la asignatura 38%. Conclusiones: la orientación del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje desarrollada por los docentes de la facultad corresponde al modelo pedagógico establecido en el PEI de la institución, pero es importante revisar la metodología didáctica desarrollada durante la clase...

Law 784 of December 23 2002 regulated professional surgical instrument technology practice requiring this program to guarantee a sound training of the student following the pedagogical guidelines established by the FUCS Institutional Education Program (IEP). Objective: to describe the pedagogical model used by teachers of this program between 2006 and 2008. Methods: an observational descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A data collection instrument was designed and used to survey 42 teachers of the program. Information on the teaching methodology developed during a class was gathered. Results: the most frequent methodologies used are lectures with audio visual aids (43%) and hands-on workshops based on course topics (38%). Conclusions: the teaching-learning process developed by faculty members of the program corresponds to the pedagogical framework established by the FUCS´s IEP, however, it is important to review the didactic methodology developed during a class...

Análisis de las pruebas de estado y el desempeño académico estudiantes de instrumentación quirúrgica de la FUCS / Analysis of state achievement tests and academic performance - FUCS surgical instrument tecnician program

El examen de calidad de la educación superior (ECAES) intenta evaluar la calidad educativa, pero suele utilizarse como factor de jerarquía entre universidades. Se requiere un análisis de los resultados obtenidos por los estudiantes como lo establece el Ministerio de Educación Nacional. Objetivo: determinar la correlación entre los puntajes del ICFES, el promedio académico obtenido durante el pregrado y el ECAES, en los estudiantes de último año del programa de instrumentación quirúrgica de la FUCS entre 2006 y 2009. Métodos: diseño de correlación recolectando los datos correspondientes a los resultados obtenidos en el ICFES, el ECAES y el promedio académico de estudiantes que presentaron el ECAES de 2006 a 2009. Se calculó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y el círculo de correlaciones de análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre promedio académico y resultado del ECAES fue 0.64, 0.25 0.39 y 0.36 para los años 2006, 2007 2008 y 2009; entre el ICFES y el promedio académico obtenido durante la carrera fue de 0.54, 0.37, 0.47 y 0.16 para el mismo período. Conclusiones: existe correlación moderada entre el promedio académico y los puntajes del ECAES. Entre los puntajes del ICFES y las asignaturas homólogas de la carrera, solo se observa correlación importante en la prueba de química...

The ECAES (evaluation on higher education) test attempts to evaluate educational quality, but is often used as a hierarchical factor among universities. An analysis of results obtained by students is required as set forth by the National Ministry of Education. Objective: to determine the correlation between the ICFES scores, academic average during the undergraduate program and ECAES scores obtained by students in their last year at the FUCS surgical instrument technician program between 2006 and 2009. Methods: a correlation design to compile the ICFES and ECAES data and the academic average obtained by students who took the ECAES from 2006 to 2009 was used. The Pearson correlation coefficient and a principal component analysis within the correlation circle were calculated. Results: the Pearson correlation coefficient between the academic average and the ECAES results was 0.64, 0.25 0.39 and 0.36 for years 2006, 2007 2008 and 2009; and, between the ICFES test and the academic average obtained during the career was 0.54, 0.37, 0.47 and 0.16 for the same period. Conclusions: there is a moderate correlation between the academic average and the ECAES scores. An important correlation is only evidenced in the chemistry test when comparing the ICFES scores and other similar subjects of the career...

Incidence of aplastic anemia in a defined subpopulation from Mexico City.

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a hematological disease characterized by the deficient production of blood cells. The incidence of AA worldwide is low (1-5 new cases per 10(6) individuals per year). In contrast to other countries, no current reports exist on the incidence of this disorder in Mexico. In the present study, we have determined the incidence of AA in a defined subpopulation from Mexico City during the period 1996-2000. For the purpose of this study, we focused on the experience from a single medical institution: the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), which covers around 50% of Mexico's population. The incidence of AA was determined based on the actual number of patients diagnosed with this disease at the IMSS in Mexico City in a given year and the total number of individuals registered at the IMSS in Mexico City in the same year. Considering the IMSS population as a whole, the annual incidence of AA was 3.9 new cases per 10(6) individuals per year. In the pediatric population, the annual incidence was 4.2 new cases per 10(6) individuals per year, whereas in people 15-years-old and older the incidence was 3.8 new cases per 10(6) individuals per year. These incidences were higher than those reported in most studies from the USA, Europe and Israel. Compared to the incidence in Thailand, the incidence we observed in children was considerably higher, whereas the one in adults was similar to the one in that country. The results of the present study suggest that the incidence of AA in Mexico City is one of the highest worldwide, particularly in terms of the pediatric population; however, these results must be taken with caution since this study comprises only a subpopulation from Mexico City and not the entire population. Thus, further studies including a broader population, both in Mexico City and other urban and rural areas of this country, will be necessary in order to obtain better and more complete estimates of the actual incidence of AA in Mexico.