Health sciences graduates: perception of their professional training and job placement.

BACKGROUND: The follow-up of health sciences graduates is relevant due to the commitment of universities to train professionals who contribute to solve the country's health problems. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has health sciences graduates who join the workforce every year. OBJECTIVE: To identify the perception of health sciences graduates regarding the curriculum and their incorporation into the labor market from 1994 to 2015, and compare it according to the degree program and campus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, comparative, quantitative study. The sample of 26,866 graduates was obtained from information of three decades of the institutional questionnaire for graduates applied by the General Directorate of Planning of the UNAM. RESULTS: Most graduates were females (68.4%), with admission to the degree course at between 19 and 20 years of age (65.4%). At least 47% had a job; incorporation into the labor market depended on not having an income, a higher grade point average, not having presented extraordinary exams, or failed subjects, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate job insertion is associated with starting the degree course at age 18, having financial support, having an average of 8.1 or higher and perceiving low academic and teaching training.

ANTECEDENTES: El seguimiento de egresados en ciencias de la salud es de relevancia debido al compromiso de las universidades de formar profesionales que contribuyan a resolver los problemas de salud del país. La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM) cuenta con egresados en ciencias de la salud que cada año se incorporan al campo laboral. OBJETIVO: Identificar la percepción de los egresados de ciencias de la salud de 1994 a 2015 respecto su formación académica y su incorporación laboral, y compararla según licenciatura y plantel. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, transversal, comparativo y cuantitativo. La muestra de 26 866 graduados se obtuvo de la información de tres décadas del cuestionario institucional para egresados de la Dirección General de Planeación de la UNAM. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los egresados fue del sexo femenino (68.4 %), con ingreso a la licenciatura entre los 19 y 20 años (65.4 %). Al menos 47 % trabajaba; la incorporación laboral dependió de no contar con ingresos, mayor promedio, no haber presentado exámenes extraordinarios ni recursado materias, entre otros. CONCLUSIONES: La inserción laboral adecuada se asocia a iniciar la licenciatura a los 18 años, contar con apoyo económico, tener promedio de 8.1 o más y percibir la formación académica y docente baja.

Protocol for long-term treatment of lowly aggressive cancer cell lines with low concentrations of anti-tumor drugs.

The understanding of anti-tumor drug effects requires specific experimental settings which model clinical scenarios. We describe a protocol for 10-day treatment of lowly aggressive tumor cell lines with antineoplastic agents at concentrations which do not affect cell growth. We describe steps for seeding cells and treating cells with anti-tumor drugs. We then detail steps for cell sensitivity, cell proliferation, and mRNA and protein expression assays. We also detail assays to determine modifications in compound efflux. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rios Medrano et al.1.

Evaluation of an RBD-nucleocapsid fusion protein as a booster candidate for COVID-19 vaccine.

Despite successful vaccines and updates, constant mutations of SARS-CoV-2 makes necessary the search for new vaccines. We generated a chimeric protein that comprises the receptor-binding domain from spike and the nucleocapsid antigens (SpiN) from SARS-CoV-2. Once SpiN elicits a protective immune response in rodents, here we show that convalescent and previously vaccinated individuals respond to SpiN. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from these individuals produced greater amounts of IFN-γ when stimulated with SpiN, compared to SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Also, B cells from these individuals were able to secrete antibodies that recognize SpiN. When administered as a boost dose in mice previously immunized with CoronaVac, ChAdOx1-S or BNT162b2, SpiN was able to induce a greater or equivalent immune response to homologous prime/boost. Our data reveal the ability of SpiN to induce cellular and humoral responses in vaccinated human donors, rendering it a promising candidate.

Effects of Transition from Remote to In-Person Learning in University Students: A Longitudinal Study.

Previous studies have shown that the transition from the University environment to remote learning impacted student mental health. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of university environment on anxiety and depressive symptoms in health sciences students. Students at the Technical University of Manabí, Ecuador, with 6-10 in-person semesters, who shifted to remote learning and then returned to face-to-face learning were selected. Students responded to the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). In addition, questions regarding social interaction, physical exercise, mood and sleep habits were also asked. This longitudinal study tracked 323 students during the return to in-person classes and term end. The results showed similar rates of anxiety (GAD-7, p = 0.011-p = 0.002) and depression (PHQ-9 p = 0.001-p = 0.032) among students at week 1 and week 15. Previous diagnosis of depression (OR, 0.171; CI 0.050-0.579, p < 0.005) was shown to correlate with depression levels in week 1, with no changes seen at follow-up. Anxiety levels were shown to be associated with a previous diagnosis of the disorder at week 1, but not at follow-up (OR 0.233; CI 0.085-0.643, p < 0.005). The return to in-person learning among university students maintained levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, underscoring ongoing vulnerabilities to mental health disorders in this group.

Protocol to evaluate the antiviral effect of FDA-approved drugs against dengue virus in Huh7 cells and AG129 mice.

Finding an effective therapy against diseases caused by flaviviruses remains a challenge. Here, we present a protocol to test Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that inhibit host nuclear protein import, promoting a reduction of dengue infection. We describe steps for analyzing the drug effect on nuclear import inhibition of cellular and viral proteins by confocal microscopy or western blotting. We then describe procedures for measuring the antiviral drug effects on virus-infected cells by flow cytometry and testing drug efficacy in dengue-infected AG129 mice by survival assays. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Palacios-Rápalo et al.1.

Resultados del Programa Territorial "Desarrollo de productos y servicios de salud"

Un programa de ciencia, tecnología e innovación es un conjunto de actividades organizadas en proyectos que se relacionan entre sí, cuyo objetivo es resolver un problema identificado según las prioridades y dirigido a lograr resultados de impactos específicos. En la provincia Santiago de Cuba está en acción, desde el año 2020, el Programa Territorial "Desarrollo de productos y servicios de salud", que ha ejecutado 12 proyectos de investigación. En el presente artículo se identifican sus resultados científico-técnicos y, además, se plantea que estos responden a prioridades sectoriales y territoriales y se encuentran en correspondencia con las políticas del sector sanitario y de la educación superior en Cuba. Su introducción contribuye a resolver las problemáticas de salud en el territorio mediante la aplicación de la ciencia y la innovación tecnológica para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la rehabilitación de pobladores con enfermedades.

A science, technology and innovation program is a group of activities organized in projects that are related to each other, which objective is to solve a problem identified according to the priorities and directed to achieve results of specific impacts. In Santiago de Cuba province the Territorial Program "Development of products and health services" is in action since 2020, which has implemented 12 investigation projects. In this work the scientific-technical results are identified; also, it is considered that they respond to sectoral and territorial priorities and are in correspondence with the policy of the health sector and higher education in Cuba. Their introduction contributes to solve the health problems in the territory by means of the implementation of science and technological innovation for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with diseases.

An integrative multi-omics approach to characterize interactions between tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus.

Tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus (TB-DM) is linked to a distinct inflammatory profile, which can be assessed using multi-omics analyses. Here, a machine learning algorithm was applied to multi-platform data, including cytokines and gene expression in peripheral blood and eicosanoids in urine, in a Brazilian multi-center TB cohort. There were four clinical groups: TB-DM(n = 24), TB only(n = 28), DM(HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) only(n = 11), and a control group of close TB contacts who did not have TB or DM(n = 13). After cross-validation, baseline expression or abundance of MMP-28, LTE-4, 11-dTxB2, PGDM, FBXO6, SECTM1, and LINCO2009 differentiated the four patient groups. A distinct multi-omic-derived, dimensionally reduced, signature was associated with TB, regardless of glycemic status. SECTM1 and FBXO6 mRNA levels were positively correlated with sputum acid-fast bacilli grade in TB-DM. Values of the biomarkers decreased during the course of anti-TB therapy. Our study identified several markers associated with the pathophysiology of TB-DM that could be evaluated in future mechanistic investigations.

Características del perfil del investigador en ciencias médicas y de la salud categoría Monge Medrano, calificado por el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica de Perú, 2022 / Characteristics of the profile of medical and health sciences researchers belonging to the Carlos Monge Medrano group, qualified by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica, Peru, 2022

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar el perfil de los investigadores en ciencias médicas y de la salud de la categoría Monge Medrano, calificados por el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (CONCYTEC) y registrados en el Registro Nacional Científico, Tecnológico y de Innovación Tecnológica (RENACYT) en el año 2022. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, tipo descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se revisaron las Hojas de vida afines a la Ciencia y Tecnología (CTI Vitae) de 706 investigadores registrados en Renacyt durante el mes de setiembre del 2022. Se recopilaron las características demográficas, de formación académica, de actividad profesional y de producción científica mediante una ficha de recolección de datos y, a partir de esto, se elaboró una base de datos. Resultados: El 65,3 % de investigadores fueron de sexo masculino, un 80,0 % procedía de Perú y un 66, 7 % dominaba dos o tres idiomas; los más frecuentes eran español, inglés, portugués, francés, italiano, alemán y quechua. A nivel académico, el máximo grado académico obtenido fue el de doctor (71,2 %), la primera carrera profesional no siempre fue una carrera estrictamente de la salud, el 80,3 % reportó estudios de maestría y el 71,2 %, estudios de doctorado; además, el 75,5 % indicó una universidad como institución de primera filiación. A nivel profesional, el 38,2 % registró más de 20 años de experiencia laboral, el 84 % como docente y el 51,7 % tenían experiencia como evaluador o formulador de proyectos de investigación; el 74,8 % reportó haber recibido un premio o distinción en su carrera, asimismo, 133 investigadores contaban con un índice h entre 4 y 6. Adicionalmente, el 94,5 % (667 investigadores) tenía artículos de producción científica, y de estos, el 41,4 % había redactado entre uno y cinco artículos donde era primer autor; además, el 65,9 % de los investigadores reportó haber realizado asesoría de tesis en pregrado y posgrado. Conclusiones: El investigador en ciencias médicas y de la salud es predominantemente masculino, domina al menos dos idiomas, incluido el inglés, tiene grado de doctor y reporta tener producción científica. La universidad es la institución más frecuente de filiación de los investigadores.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the profile of medical and health sciences researchers belonging to the Carlos Monge Medrano group, qualified by Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (CONCYTEC National Council of Science, Technology and Technological Innovation) and registered in Registro Nacional Científico, Tecnológico y de Innovación Tecnológica (RENACYT National Scientific, Technological and Technological Innovation Registry) in 2022. Materials and methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. The CTI Vitae Hojas de vida afines a la Ciencia y Tecnología (CTI Vitae Résumés related to Science and Technology) data sheets of 706 researchers registered in Renacyt were reviewed during September 2022. Demographic characteristics, academic background, career and scientific output were collected in a data collection sheet, which was used to create a database. Results: Out of all researchers, 65.3 % were males, 80.0 % came from Peru, and 66.7 % were fluent in two or three languages, the most frequent being Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Quechua. As for their academic background, the highest degree was a doctorate (71.2 %), the first reported program was not always strictly a health sciences program, 80.3 % pursued master's studies and 71.2 % pursued doctoral studies. In addition, 75.5 % indicated a university as their primary affiliation. Regarding their career, 38.2 % had more than 20 years of work experience, 84 % served as educator, 51.7 % had experience as research project evaluator or developer and 74.8 % received an award or distinction during their career. Moreover, 133 researchers had an h-index between 4 and 6. Furthermore, 94.5 % (667 researchers) drafted scientific papers, out of whom 41.4 % were the lead author in one to five articles and 65.9 % served as undergraduate and graduate thesis advisor. Conclusions: Medical and health sciences researchers are mostly males, are fluent in at least two languages including English, have a doctorate degree and have scientific output. Universities are the most frequent institution of affiliation reported by researchers.

The sound of silent RNA in tuberculosis and the lncRNA role on infection.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and Diabetes Mellitus is one of the major comorbidities (TB/DM) associated with the disease. A total of 103 differentially expressed ncRNAs have been identified in the TB and TB/DM comparisons. A machine learning algorithm was employed to identify the most informative lncRNAs: ADM-DT, LINC02009, LINC02471, SOX2-OT, and GK-AS1. These lncRNAs presented substantial accuracy in classifying TB from HC (AUCs >0.85) and TB/DM from HC (AUCs >0.90) in the other three countries. Genes with significant correlations with the five lncRNAs enriched common pathways in Brazil and India for both TB and TB/DM. This suggests that lncRNAs play an important role in the regulation of genes related to the TB immune response.

Assessment of educational technology in lactation physiology by health students / Evaluación de tecnología educativa en fisiología de la lactancia por estudiantes de salud / Avaliação de tecnologia educacional de fisiologia da lactação por estudantes da saúde

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess the suitability, facilitators, and barriers of using a video clip for teaching lactation physiology to health students. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with online data collection at a higher education institution, using the Assistive Technology Assessment Instrument and open-ended questions. The sample consisted of 88 students. Results: the video clip was deemed suitable in all attributes. Facilitators identified included attractiveness, musicality, and ease of access. Barriers noted were the music's speed and the necessity for prior knowledge. The video clip achieved adequate scores for interactivity (1.71), purpose (1.77), relevance (1.64), and clarity (1.77). The overall average of the attributes was 1.72. Conclusions: the video clip can serve as an effective learning strategy to enhance hybrid education, potentially contributing to the promotion and support of breastfeeding. However, some barriers underscore the importance of prior knowledge for a complete understanding of the content.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar la idoneidad, los facilitadores y las barreras del uso de un videoclip para enseñar fisiologia de la lactancia a estudiantes de salud. Métodos: se realizo un estudio transversal con recopilación de datos en línea en una institución de educación superior, utilizando el Instrumento de Evaluación de Tecnologia Asistiva y preguntas abiertas. La muestra consistió en 88 estudiantes. Resultados: el videoclip fue considerado adecuado en todos los atributos. Los facilitadores identificados incluyeron atractivo, musicalidad y facilidad de acceso. Las barreras señaladas fueron la velocidad de la música y la necesidad de conocimientos previos. El videoclip obtuvo puntuaciones adecuadas en interactividad (1.71), propósito (1.77), relevancia (1.64) y claridad (1.77). El promedio general de los atributos fue de 1.72. Conclusiones: el videoclip puede servir como una estrategia de aprendizaje efectiva para mejorar la educación híbrida, potencialmente contribuyendo a la promoción y el apoyo de la lactancia materna. Sin embargo, algunas barreras subrayan la importancia del conocimiento previo para una comprensión completa del contenido.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a adequação, facilitadores e barreiras para o uso de um videoclipe para aprendizagem da fisiologia da lactação por estudantes da saúde. Métodos: estudo transversal com coleta de dados online em uma instituição de ensino superior, utilizando o Instrumento de Avaliação de Tecnologia Assistiva e questões abertas. A amostra incluiu 88 estudantes. Resultados: o videoclipe foi avaliado como adequado em todos os atributos. Facilitadores identificados incluíram atratividade, musicalidade e praticidade de acesso. Barreiras apontadas foram a velocidade da música e a necessidade de conhecimento prévio. O videoclipe obteve média adequada para interatividade (1,71), objetivo (1,77), relevância (1,64) e clareza (1,77). A média global dos atributos foi 1,72. Conclusões: o videoclipe pode ser utilizado como estratégia de aprendizagem que potencializa o ensino híbrido na formação, com potencial para contribuir com a promoção e apoio ao aleitamento materno. No entanto, algumas barreiras destacam a necessidade de conhecimento prévio para a compreensão total do conteúdo.

Using the Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer in academic writing in health: a scoping review / Uso del Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer en la escritura académica en salud: una revisión de alcance / Uso do Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer na escrita acadêmica em saúde: uma revisão do escopo

Objective: to map the scientific literature regarding the use of the Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, ChatGPT, in academic writing in health. Method: this was a scoping review, following the JBI methodology. Conventional databases and gray literature were included. The selection of studies was applied after removing duplicates and individual and paired evaluation. Data were extracted based on an elaborate script, and presented in a descriptive, tabular and graphical format. Results: the analysis of the 49 selected articles revealed that ChatGPT is a versatile tool, contributing to scientific production, description of medical procedures and preparation of summaries aligned with the standards of scientific journals. Its application has been shown to improve the clarity of writing and benefits areas such as innovation and automation. Risks were also observed, such as the possibility of lack of originality and ethical issues. Future perspectives highlight the need for adequate regulation, agile adaptation and the search for an ethical balance in incorporating ChatGPT into academic writing. Conclusion: ChatGPT presents transformative potential in academic writing in health. However, its adoption requires rigorous human supervision, solid regulation, and transparent guidelines to ensure its responsible and beneficial use by the scientific community.

Objetivo: mapear la literatura científica sobre el uso del Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer , ChatGPT, en la escritura académica en salud. Método: se trató de una revisión de alcance, siguiendo la metodología del JBI. Se incluyeron bases de datos convencionales y literatura gris. La selección de los estudios se realizó previa eliminación de duplicados y evaluación individual y en pares. Los datos se extrajeron basándose en un guión elaborado y se presentaron en un formato descriptivo, tabular y gráfico. Resultados: el análisis de los 49 artículos seleccionados reveló que ChatGPT es una herramienta versátil, que contribuye a la producción científica, descripción de procedimientos médicos y elaboración de resúmenes alineados con los estándares de las revistas científicas. Se ha demostrado que su aplicación mejora la claridad de la redacción y beneficia áreas como la innovación y la automatización. También se observaron riesgos, como la posibilidad de falta de originalidad y cuestiones éticas. Las perspectivas futuras resaltan la necesidad de una regulación adecuada, adaptación ágil y búsqueda de un equilibrio ético en la incorporación del ChatGPT a la escritura académica. Conclusión: ChatGPT presenta un potencial transformador en la escritura académica en el área de la salud. Sin embargo, su adopción requiere una supervisión humana rigurosa, una regulación sólida y directrices transparentes para garantizar su uso responsable y beneficioso por parte de la comunidad científica.

Objetivo: mapear a literatura científica referente ao uso do Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer , ChatGPT, na escrita acadêmica em saúde. Método: tratou-se de uma revisão de escopo, seguindo o método do JBI. Foram incluídas bases de dados convencionais e literatura cinzenta. A seleção dos estudos foi realizada após a remoção de duplicatas e avaliação individual e em pares. Os dados foram extraídos com base em um roteiro elaborado, e apresentados de forma descritiva, tabular e gráfica. Resultados: a análise dos 49 artigos selecionados mostrou que o ChatGPT é uma ferramenta versátil, que contribui para a produção científica, descrição de procedimentos médicos e elaboração de resumos alinhados aos padrões das revistas científicas. Sua aplicação melhorou a clareza da redação e beneficia áreas como inovação e automação. Também foram observados riscos, como a possibilidade de falta de originalidade e questões éticas. Perspectivas futuras destacam a necessidade de regulamentação adequada, adaptação ágil e busca por um equilíbrio ético na incorporação do ChatGPT na escrita acadêmica. Conclusão: o ChatGPT apresenta um potencial transformador na escrita acadêmica na área da saúde. Contudo, sua adoção requer supervisão humana rigorosa, regulamentação sólida e diretrizes transparentes para garantir seu uso responsável e benéfico pela comunidade científica.

Uso de estratégias inovadoras no ensino da Saúde Coletiva nas graduações da área da Saúde: uma revisão de escopo / Use of innovative strategies in teaching public health on health degree courses: a scoping review / Uso de estrategias innovadoras en la enseñanza de la Salud Colectiva en las graduaciones del área de la salud: una revisión del alcance

A Saúde Coletiva percebe a saúde como resultado de conjunturas sociopolíticas e econômicas. A aplicação de seus conceitos pelos estudantes dessa área pode ampliar a garantia de direitos fundamentais. Assim, o presente artigo objetiva mapear quais são as estratégias de ensino inovadoras que têm sido utilizadas no ensino da Saúde Coletiva em cursos de Graduação da área da Saúde. Trata-se de revisão de escopo realizada em setembro de 2022 em 12 fontes de pesquisa, que totalizou uma amostra de 37 publicações. Em número de publicações, o Brasil se destacou, seguido de países de língua inglesa, bem como os cursos Medicina, Enfermagem e Odontologia. Estratégias que valorizam a construção do conhecimento, a criticidade e a autonomia do aluno foram maioria, refletindo demandas contemporâneas e quebras de paradigmas nas últimas décadas na saúde.(AU)

In the public health approach, health is seen to be influenced by social, political and economic determinants. The application of the concepts of public health by students in this area can help guarantee basic human rights. The aim of the present study was to map innovative teaching strategies used to teach public health on health degree courses. We conducted a scoping review in September 2022 using 12 sources of research, resulting in a sample of 37 publications. The country that accounted for the largest number of publications was Brazil, followed by English-speaking countries, as well as Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry courses. Strategies that emphasize knowledge construction, critical thinking and student autonomy were the most common, reflecting contemporary demands and shifts in health paradigms over recent decades.(AU)

La Salud Colectiva percibe la salud como el resultado de coyunturas sociopolíticas y económicas. La aplicación de sus conceptos por parte de los estudiantes de esa área puede ampliar la garantía de derechos fundamentales. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este artículo es mapear cuáles son las estrategias de enseñanza innovadoras utilizadas en la enseñanza de la Salud Colectiva en los cursos de graduación del área de la salud. Se trata de una revisión de alcance realizada en septiembre de 2022 en 12 fuentes de investigación, totalizando una muestra de 37 publicaciones. Brasil se destacó en número de publicaciones, seguido por países de lengua inglesa, así como los cursos de Medicina, Enfermería y Odontología. Las estrategias que valoran la construcción del conocimiento, la criticidad y la autonomía del alumno fueron mayoría, reflejando demandas contemporáneas y rupturas de paradigmas en las últimas décadas en la salud.(AU)

Prolonged chronic academic stress and its relationship with cytokine dysregulation in health science students.

Academic stress is a problem that affects students due to a number of factors that are considered stressors. These include academic overload and completion of assignments and exams, exacerbated by such external conditions as family, social and economic problems. Together, these can affect emotional and physical health, which may lead in the long term to developing a number of pathologies, given the alteration of immunological homoeostasis with which they are related. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of academic stress on the production of cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10 in Morphology students in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universidad del Cauca during an academic period. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive longitudinal study was carried out with a population of 78 students studying Morphology, among the subjects with the highest academic load in the Physiotherapy, Medicine, Nursing and Phonoaudiology programs in the Faculty. Academic stress was assessed in the students by applying the Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), and through quantification of the IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10 cytokines using the ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) technique in three "moments" of the academic semester: Moment 1: beginning of the academic semester; Moment 2: week of evaluations of 70% of the semester; Moment 3: week of final exams. RESULTS: The students perceived stress as "normal" at Moment 1, while at Moments 2 and 3 it was perceived as "quite a lot", with percentages of 48.7% and 50%, respectively. The predominant stressors were: "methodological deficiencies", "academic overload", and "exams", for the three moments of the study. "Physical exhaustion" was the most prevalent stress response at all three moments, followed by "irascible behaviour" (Moment 2 and 3), and "sleep disturbances" (Moment 3). To cope with the stress, the students resorted mainly to "planning and management of personal resources" in the three moments of the study. A progressive increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and a decrease in IL-10 were observed at all three moments. A correlation was found between some questions belonging to the "methodological deficiencies", "beliefs about performance", "sleep disturbances", "physical exhaustion" and "irascible behaviour" dimensions with IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL. -10. CONCLUSION: The morphology students suffer increased stress indicators (perceived stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines) throughout the academic period. The "methodological deficiencies", "academic overload" and "exams" stressors, together with "physical exhaustion", "sleep disturbances" and "irascible behaviour", possibly influence the production of the IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines.

Una aplicación móvil de ayuda para estudiantes de epidemiología: evaluación preliminar de EpiApp

Introducción: Las aplicaciones móviles (Apps) están transformando las perspectivas de aprendizaje en entornos de salud. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad y usabilidad de EpiApp como herramienta de apoyo en la consulta y resolución de problemas de epidemiología comparada con métodos tradicionales (MT). Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó EpiApp usando una estructura metodológica. Se realizó un estudio experimental controlado y aleatorizado con dos grupos: EpiApp y MT. La fectividad se evaluó con un cuestionario estandarizado y la usabilida con la escala MARS. Resultados: Se aleatorizaron 176 estudiantes: EpiApp (n=88) y MT (n=88). El tiempo de respuesta fue menor para los usuarios de EpiApp (23,99 min [± DE 8,38] vs. 29,16 min [± DE 11,61], p = 0,005). No hubo diferencias en el número de respuestas correctas (p = 0,635), ni en la oportunidad de aprobar el cuestionario (p = 0,054). La usabilidad fue buena (MARS > 4). Discusión: Las Apps móviles tienen un gran potencial para ser útiles en la educación en salud y en la toma de decisiones en epidemiología, así como en la atención médica en general. No obstante, es esencial realizar estudios rigurosos para garantizar que estas aplicaciones sean efectivas, útiles, fáciles de usar y comprender. Conclusiones: EpiApp redujo el tiempo de respuesta en la resolución de problemas de epidemiología sin afectar el número de respuestas correctas. La usabilidad fue buena, aunque hay oportunidad de mejora en diversión, interés, adaptabilidad individual e interactividad. La efectividad y usabilidad de EpiApp requiere ser validada con estudios más rigurosos y en diferentes contextos.

Introduction: Mobile applications (Apps) are transforming learning perspectives in healthcare settings. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and usability of EpiApp as a support tool in the consultation and resolution of epidemiology problems, compared to traditional methods (TM). Methodology: EpiApp was designed using a methodological structure. A randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with two groups: EpiApp and TM. A standardized questionnaire and the MARS scale were used to evaluate effectiveness and usability, respectively. Results: A total of 176 students were randomized: EpiApp (n=88) and TM (n=88). Response time was shorter for EpiApp users (23.99 min [±SD 8.38] vs. 29.16 min [±SD 11.61], p=0.005). There were no differences in the number of correct responses (p=0.635) or the opportunity to pass the questionnaire (p=0.054). Usability was good (MARS>4). Discussion: Mobile Apps have great potential to be useful in healthcare education and decision-making in epidemiology, as well as in general medical care. However, it is essential to conduct rigorous studies to ensure that these applications are effective, useful, and easy to use and understand. Conclusions: EpiApp reduced response time in solving epidemiology problems without affecting the number of correct answers. The usability was good, although there is room for improvement in terms of enjoyment, interest, individual adaptability, and interactivity. The effectiveness and usability of EpiApp need to be validated through more rigorous studies in different contexts.

Effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom in Health Sciences University Programs: A Literature Review / Efectividad del Aula Invertida en carreras universitarias de Ciencias de la Salud: Revisión de literatura / Efetividade da sala de aula invertida nas carreiras universitárias de ciências da saúde: revisão de literatura

Introduction: Higher education institutions have implemented active learning approaches, such as the Flipped Classroom, to promote the education of their students. Nevertheless, there is conflicting evidence regarding the benefits derived from its implementation. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom application in the education of university students from Health Sciences undergraduate programs. Materials and methods: A systematized narrative review of the literature published between 2012 and 2022. Pubmed, SciELo, Scopus y Web of Science were used as sources of primary articles. A revised version of the Kirkpatrick model was used to assess the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom. Results: 34 out of the 1020 retrieved articles reached the quantitative synthesis phase. Students value positively this didactic model and acknowledge its contributions in the development of attitudes, knowledge and skills. In contrast, some studies show an increase in the workload and stress levels of students. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that Flipped Classroom is a valid didactic model for the education of Health Sciences students. Future studies should consider the effectiveness of its implementation at a long term organizational level.

Introduction: Higher education institutions have implemented active learning approaches, such as the Flipped Classroom, to promote the education of their students. Nevertheless, there is conflicting evidence regarding the benefits derived from its implementation. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom application in the education of university students from Health Sciences undergraduate programs. Materials and methods: A systematized narrative review of the literature published between 2012 and 2022. Pubmed, SciELo, Scopus y Web of Science were used as sources of primary articles. A revised version of the Kirkpatrick model was used to assess the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom. Results: 34 out of the 1020 retrieved articles reached the quantitative synthesis phase. Students value positively this didactic model and acknowledge its contributions in the development of attitudes, knowledge and skills. In contrast, some studies show an increase in the workload and stress levels of students. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that Flipped Classroom is a valid didactic model for the education of Health Sciences students. Future studies should consider the effectiveness of its implementation at a long term organizational level.

Introducción: Las instituciones de educación superior han implementado enfoques activos de aprendizaje como el Aula Invertida para favorecer la formación de sus estudiantes. Sin embargo, existe evidencia diversa respecto de los beneficios derivados de su implementación. Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de la aplicación del Aula Invertida en la formación de estudiantes universitarios de carreras de pregrado de las Ciencias de la Salud. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión narrativa sistematizada de la literatura publicada entre 2012 y 2022, utilizando Pubmed, SciELo, Scopus y Web of Science como fuentes de artículos primarios. Se utilizó la versión revisada del modelo de Kirkpatrick para valorar la efectividad del Aula Invertida. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 1020 artículos, 34 de ellos ingresaron a la fase de síntesis cuantitativa. Los estudiantes valoran positivamente este modelo didáctico y reconocen su aporte en el desarrollo de actitudes, conocimientos y habilidades. Algunos estudios mencionan un aumento de la carga de trabajo y niveles de estrés en los estudiantes. Conclusiones: La evidencia sugiere que Aula Invertida es un modelo didáctico válido para la formación de estudiantes de las Ciencias de la Salud. Futuros estudios deberían considerar la efectividad de su implementación a nivel organizacional y a largo plazo.

Development of multi-scale indices of human mobility restriction during the COVID-19 based on air quality from local and global NO2 concentration.

This study investigated whether variability in air quality, especially related to vehicular emissions, during the COVID-19 pandemic could indicate social distancing. Data from in situ measurements and satellite estimates were used. The study areas were São Paulo, Brazil, and Bologna, Italy. We focused our analysis on NO2, a combustion-derived pollutant, because of its availability in surface stations and satellite tracking, and because it has a short atmospheric lifetime. The analyses included graphical, statistical, and wavelet transform-based approaches to understand NO2 concentrations before and during the pandemic. After confirming the reduction in vehicular emissions during the pandemic, we created normalized indices to assess the social remoteness in 2020 in different locations, with a focus on São Paulo and Bologna. These indices were compared to existing indices based on cell phone mobility. The indices proposed in this study suffered high sensitivity to social distance compared to existing ones and helped to understand the actual application of social distance and contamination rates, considering the various dimensions of the problem.

Competencias digitales en profesionales de ciencias de la salud / Digital Competences in Health Sciences Professionals

Introducción: Los adelantos tecnológicos han democratizado el uso de internet, lo que ha ocasionado la necesidad de la competencia digital en los profesionales de la salud para potenciar sus capacidades y mejorar en todas las ramas los servicios sanitarios, la salud humana y el bienestar de la población, aspectos que deben considerarse en la formación profesional. Objetivo: Describir las competencias digitales de los profesionales de ciencias de la salud. Métodos: Revisión bibliográfica de tipo descriptiva, realizada en bases de datos bibliográficas especializadas (PubMed, Science Direct, Dialnet, SciELO, ProQuest, Latindex), en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud (BVS) y revistas científicas (Educación Médica Superior), desde abril de 2011 hasta diciembre de 2021. Resultados: De 1431 artículos, se seleccionaron 21 que dieron como resultado seis categorías: información y alfabetización informacional, comunicación y colaboración, uso técnico y seguridad, creación de contenido digital, resolución de problemas y factores relacionados con la competencia digital. Conclusiones: Los profesionales de ciencias de la salud presentan deficiencias en las competencias información y alfabetización informacional, comunicación y colaboración, creación de contenido digital y uso técnico y seguridad. Sin embargo, en resolución de problemas presentan más destrezas; a ellas se asocian factores donde los varones son más competentes que las mujeres y existe una correlación inversa en la que a mayor competencia menor edad tienen los profesionales de la salud(AU)

Introduction: Technological advances have democratized the use of the Internet, which has caused the need for digital competence in health professionals, in view of enhancing their capabilities and improving in all branches of health services, human health and population welfare, aspects that should be considered in professional training. Objective: To describe the digital competences of health sciences professionals. Methods: A descriptive literature review was conducted in specialized bibliographic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Dialnet, SciELO, ProQuest, Latindex), the Virtual Health Library (VHL), and scientific journals (Educación Médica Superior), from April 2011 to December 2021. Results: Out of 1431 articles, 21 were selected, which permitted to obtain six categories: information and information literacy, communication and collaboration, technical use and safety, digital content creation, problem solving, and factors related to digital competence. Conclusions: Health sciences professionals present deficiencies in the competences of information and information literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, as well as technical use and safety. However, they present more skills in problem solving; these are associated with factors in which males are more competent than females and there is an inverse correlation by which the greater the competence, the younger the health professionals are(AU)

Oligosymptomatic long-term carriers of SARS-CoV-2 display impaired innate resistance but increased high-affinity anti-spike antibodies.

The vast spectrum of clinical features of COVID-19 keeps challenging scientists and clinicians. Low resistance to infection might result in long-term viral persistence, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we studied the immune response of immunocompetent COVID-19 patients with prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection by immunophenotyping, cytokine and serological analysis. Despite viral loads and symptoms comparable to regular mildly symptomatic patients, long-term carriers displayed weaker systemic IFN-I responses and fewer circulating pDCs and NK cells at disease onset. Type 1 cytokines remained low, while type-3 cytokines were in turn enhanced. Of interest, we observed no defects in antigen-specific cytotoxic T cell responses, and circulating antibodies displayed higher affinity against different variants of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in these patients. The identification of distinct immune responses in long-term carriers adds up to our understanding of essential host protective mechanisms to ensure tissue damage control despite prolonged viral infection.

Health sciences undergraduate students academic track records.

BACKGROUND: Academic track record analysis is essential for evaluating the training of students and the structure of higher education study programs, which allows diagnosing and preventing educational lag and school dropout. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences in academic track records of UNAM health sciences undergraduate students from generations 2001 to 2016. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study of real cohorts; graduation and lag rates were calculated. ANOVA was used to contrast the graduation rates between campuses by undergraduate program and time. To identify critical periods, survival functions were used with Kaplan-Meier's method. RESULTS: The lowest percentages of lag were observed in nursing and medicine students; nursing students had the highest graduation rates, especially at Zaragoza campus; dentistry students had the lowest graduation rates and the highest dropout and lag rates. Women showed higher graduation rates and lower risk of dropout and lag. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing, medicine and psychology undergraduate students at Zaragoza and Iztacala campuses, with modular programs, achieved the highest graduation percentages and the lowest dropout and lag rates.

ANTECEDENTES: El análisis de las trayectorias académicas es fundamental para evaluar la formación de los estudiantes y la estructura de los programas de estudio de educación superior, lo que permite diagnosticar y prevenir el rezago y abandono escolar. OBJETIVO: Analizar las diferencias en las trayectorias académicas de los estudiantes de las licenciaturas en ciencias de la salud de la UNAM de las generaciones 2001 a 2016. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohortes reales; se calcularon tasas de egreso y rezago. Se realizó ANOVA para contrastar el egreso entre planteles por carrera y tiempo. Para identificar los períodos críticos se utilizaron funciones de supervivencia con el método de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: En las licenciaturas en enfermería y medicina se observaron los menores porcentajes de rezago; enfermería presentó los mayores porcentajes de egreso, sobre todo en la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza; odontología mostró los menores índices de egreso y mayores índices de abandono y rezago. Las mujeres mostraron mayor egreso y menor riesgo de abandono y rezago. CONCLUSIONES: Los estudiantes de las licenciaturas en enfermería, medicina y psicología de las facultades de estudios superiores Zaragoza e Iztacala, con programas modulares, alcanzaron los mayores porcentajes de egreso y menores índices de abandono y rezago.

Caracterización de la actividad investigativa de los alumnos ayudantes en la Facultad Victoria de Girón / Characterization of Research Activity by the Student Teachers at Facultad Victoria de Girón

Introducción: El Movimiento de Alumnos Ayudantes "Frank País" constituye una valiosa cantera de investigadores. Sin embargo, estas potencialidades no siempre generan tal resultado, lo cual torna necesario monitorizar sistemáticamente dicha actividad. Objetivo: Caracterizar la actividad investigativa de los alumnos ayudantes en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Victoria de Girón". Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, en una muestra probabilística estratificada de 131 sujetos. El análisis estadístico fue descriptivo. Se empleó la prueba ji al cuadrado de Pearson y el coeficiente V de Cramer. Resultados: Los estudiantes en el quinto año académico, de las 12 habilidades investigativas exploradas, en 8 alcanzaron las mayores cifras en cuanto a los que expresaron dominarlas. El área clínica fue la de principal interés investigativo (50,4 %); esta variable se asoció con el tipo de especialidad de la ayudantía (p < 0,001; V = 0,710). El 53,4 % de los educandos refirió estar vinculado a la investigación científica, lo cual presentó asociación estadística (p < 0,001; 0,6 ≤ V < 0,8) con las variables: antigüedad en el movimiento de alumnos ayudantes, autopercepción de su importancia en la formación profesional, la autoevaluación de la preparación en ella, incorporación a un proyecto de investigación, pertenencia al Grupo Científico Estudiantil e interés por practicarla en el posgrado. Pocos se encontraban vinculados a proyectos de investigación (n = 22), al Grupo Científico Estudiantil (n = 37) y a la publicación científica (n = 22). Conclusiones: En los alumnos ayudantes de esta facultad se observa una insuficiente actividad en investigación científica.

Introduction: "Frank País" Student Teachers Movement is a valuable pool of researchers. However, these potentialities do not always produce such outcomes; therefore, systematic monitoring of this activity is necessary. Objective: To characterize the research activity of student teachers at Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Victoria de Girón". Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with a stratified probabilistic sample of 131 subjects. The statistical analysis was descriptive. Pearson's chi-squared test and Cramer's V coefficient were used. Results: Of the 12 explored research skills, fifth academic year students expressed that they mastered 8 of them, in which they reached the highest figures. The clinical area received the main interest in research (50.4 %); this variable was associated with the type of specialty of the student teachers (p<0.001; V=0.710). 53.4 % of the students reported that they were involved in scientific research, a condition statistically associated (p<0.001; 0.6≤V<0.8) with the variables service time in the student teachers movement, perception of its importance in self-professional training, self-assessment of training for it, recent involvement into a research project, membership in the students' scientific group, and interest in practicing the specialty during the postgraduate stage. Few of them were involved in research projects (n=22), the students' scientific group (n=37), or participated in scientific publication (n=22). Conclusions: Insufficient activity in scientific research is observed among the student teachers of this medical school.