ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In a virtual setting at a private university in Lima, Peru, 277 medical students participated in a study in 2021 during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate how information and communication technologies (ICTs) were utilized as educational aids in their field. RESULTS: The findings showed a high level of satisfaction with ICT resources, especially among female students (54%). However, challenges were present: 64% faced technical issues during virtual classes, while 60% saw information availability and internet access as major advantages. Despite connectivity problems affecting 83% of students, 55% believed ICTs supported collaborative learning. Interestingly, while 64% found ICT use distracting, 52% found it easy to use. CONCLUSION: ICTs played a significant role in medical education, introducing new methods and tools despite obstacles and providing a dynamic and adaptable e-learning environment.
ABSTRACT
Plexiform neurofibromas are benign tumors that arise from neuronal cells and are commonly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. However, the occurrence of plexiform neurofibromas in the pharyngeal region is extremely rare. In this particular case, we report the successful diagnosis of a retropharyngeal plexiform neurofibroma in an adult male patient without a history of neurofibromatosis. The diagnosis was made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and confirmed by a biopsy. Following the diagnosis, the tumor was surgically excised, resulting in a successful removal of the neurofibroma.
ABSTRACT
The rapid melting of glacier cover is one of the most obvious impacts of climate change on alpine ecosystems and biodiversity. Our understanding of the impact of a decrease in glacier runoff on aquatic biodiversity is currently based on the 'glacier-heterogeneity-diversity' paradigm, according to which there is high α-diversity at intermediate levels of glacial influence due to the high degree of environmental heterogeneity caused by glacier water. This α-diversity pattern generates high levels of between-site aquatic community variation (high ß diversity) and increases regional diversity (γ-diversity). There is a rich conceptual background in favor of this paradigm, but empirical data supporting it are scarce. We investigated this paradigm by analyzing the different diversity patterns (α, ß and γ-diversity) of four aquatic groups (zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, algae and macrophytes) living in high-elevation peatlands (>4500 m above sea level). We sampled 200 pools from 20 peatlands along a glacier gradient in the Cordillera Real of Bolivia. We performed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the potential mechanisms underlying the observed diversity patterns. Intermediate levels of glacial influence (15-20% cover) resulted in high heterogeneity, but α-diversity responded to glacial influence only for the zooplankton group (Cladocera). Our SEM analysis did not identify environmental heterogeneity as a significant variable explaining the relationship between glacier and α-diversity. Peatland area had a strong positive effect on heterogeneity and diversity. ß-diversity was significantly associated with glacier gradient, and 12.9% of the total regional diversity (γ-diversity) was restricted to peatlands with a high degree of glacial influence. These species might be lost in a context of glacial retreat. These findings provide new insight into the potential effects of glacial retreat on the aquatic environment and biodiversity in the peatlands of the tropical Andes.
