Epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of S. aureus pediatric infections in Colombia 2018-2021, a national multicenter study (Staphylored Colombia).

Background: Staphylococcus aureus infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations worldwide. The Staphylo Research Network conducted an extensive study on pediatric patients across Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of S. aureus in this patient group. Methods: We analyzed S. aureus isolates from WHONET-reporting centers. An "event" was a positive culture isolation in a previously negative individual after 2 weeks. We studied center characteristics, age distribution, infection type, and antibiotic susceptibilities, comparing methicillin sensitive (MSSA) and resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Results: Isolates from 20 centers across 7 Colombian cities were included. Most centers (80%) served both adults and children, with 55% offering oncology services and 85% having a PICU. We registered 8,157 S. aureus culture isolations from 5,384 events (3,345 MSSA and 1,961 MRSA) in 4,821 patients, with a median age of 5 years. Blood (26.2%) and skin/soft tissue (18.6%) were the most common infection sources. Most isolates per event remained susceptible to oxacillin (63.2%), clindamycin (94.3%), and TMP-SMX (98.3%). MRSA prevalence varied by city (<0.001), with slightly higher rates observed in exclusively pediatric hospitals. In contrast, the MRSA rate was somewhat lower in centers with Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP). MRSA was predominantly isolated from osteoarticular infections and multiple foci, while MSSA was more frequently associated with recurrent infections compared to MRSA. Conclusions: This is the largest study of pediatric S. aureus infections in Colombia. We found MSSA predominance, but resistance have important regional variations. S. aureus remains susceptible to other commonly used antibiotics such as TMP-SMX and clindamycin. Ongoing monitoring of S. aureus infections is vital for understanding their behavior in children. Prospective studies within the Staphylored LATAM are underway for a more comprehensive clinical and genetic characterization.

Diagnóstico de la evaluación del desempeño profesional pedagógico del tutor de Medicina General Integral

Introducción: La evaluación del desempeño profesional pedagógico del tutor es vital para elevar la calidad del proceso educativo. Objetivo: Diagnosticar el estado actual de la evaluación del desempeño profesional pedagógico del tutor de Medicina General Integral. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva de corte transversal, con enfoque mixto, entre marzo y septiembre de 2022, en la Filial de Ciencias Médicas Dr. Eusebio Hernández Pérez, de Colón, en la provincia de Matanzas. Variable: el desempeño profesional pedagógico del tutor de Medicina General Integral. Unidades de estudio: 78 tutores, 275 residentes y 44 directivos. Dimensiones: cognoscitiva, procedimental y comportamental. Métodos: teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inducción-deducción; empíricos: análisis documental, encuesta, entrevista, observación; estadísticos: medidas de resumen para variables cualitativas y cuantitativas: frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Procedimientos: parametrización, triangulación metodológica. Resultados: Se identificaron problemas según las dimensiones cognoscitiva (poco dominio de las modalidades de educación en el trabajo y en la didáctica en la tutoría; poca preparación en metodología de la investigación y en buscadores de información científica en salud), procedimental (no correspondencia entre actividades presenciales y las de tutoría, poco nivel para planificar, ejecutar y controlar actividades), y comportamental (poca participación en superación relacionada con la tutoría, en eventos y poca producción científica). Las potencialidades se identificaron según las dimensiones procedimental (nivel de integración de conocimientos; promoción de cooperación y trabajo en equipo; relación entre temas de investigación y el banco de problemas del policlínico), y comportamental (nivel en que estimula el reforzamiento de valores y la ética médica; promoción de empatía y comunicación efectiva con el residente). Conclusiones: El diagnóstico permitió identificar problemas y potencialidades del objeto estudiado. Se propone una alternativa propia de las ciencias de la educación médica para resolver el problema científico, que es la elaboración de una metodología.

Introduction: The evaluation of the professional pedagogical performance of the tutor is vital to raise the quality of the educative process. Objective: To diagnose the current status of the professional pedagogical performance of the tutor of Comprehensive General Medicine. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional research, with mixed approach, was carried out between March and September 2022, in the Campus of Medical Sciences Dr. Eusebio Hernández Pérez, from Colon, in the province of Matanzas. Variable: professional pedagogical performance of the tutor of Comprehensive General Medicine. Units of study: 78 tutors, 275 residents and 44 members of the management staff. Dimensions: cognitive, procedural, and behavioral. Methods: theoretical methods: analysis-synthesis and induction-deduction; empirical methods: documentary analysis; surveys; interviews; observation. Statistical methods: summary measures for qualitative and quantitative variables; absolute and relative frequencies. Procedures: parameterization, methodological triangulation. Results: Problems were identified according to the cognitive dimensions (little mastery of the modalities of education at work and tutorship didactics; little training in research methodology and in search engines for scientific information in health); procedural dimension: no correspondence between face-to-face and tutoring activities, low level of planning, executing and controlling activities); and behavioral dimension (little participation in upgrading activities related to tutorship, in events, and little scientific production). Potentialities were identified according to procedural dimensions (level of knowledge integration; promotion of cooperation and teamwork promotion; relationship between research topics and policlinic's problem bank), and behavioral (level at which it stimulates the reinforcement values and medical ethics; promotion of empathy and effective communication with the resident). Conclusions: The diagnosis allowed the authors to identify problems and potentialities of the object studied. An alternative specific of the medical education sciences is proposed to solve the scientific problem, which is the elaboration of a methodology.

Construcción y validación de un instrumento para evaluar el desempeño pedagógico del tutor de Medicina General Integral

Introducción: Para evaluar resulta imprescindible la construcción de herramientas en función de establecer resultados medibles. Objetivo: Construir y validar un instrumento para evaluar el desempeño profesional pedagógico del tutor de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral. Materiales y métodos: Enfoque mixto, diseño transversal analítico. Métodos: teóricos: análisis y síntesis, inducción-deducción, enfoque sistémico; empíricos: análisis documental, encuesta a tutores y residentes, observación y criterio de expertos; estadísticos: estadística descriptiva (valores absolutos y porcentuales), coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, coeficiente W de Kendall. Procedimientos: parametrización y triangulación metodológica. Fases: revisión bibliográfica, parametrización, análisis de validez de contenido, confiabilidad y aplicabilidad. Resultados: Se elaboró un instrumento con tres dimensiones (cognoscitiva, procedimental y comportamental) y 19 indicadores. Se seleccionaron 15 expertos. Más del 70 % evaluaron los ítems según los criterios de Moriyama en la categoría Mucho. El cálculo del coeficiente W de Kendall sugirió una alta concordancia entre los jueces. El instrumento final contó con 18 ítems. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach resultó en 0,83 (alta confiabilidad). Con su aplicación se identificaron siete problemas y seis potencialidades, lo cual demostró su validez en la práctica para el diagnóstico. Conclusiones: El instrumento construido evidenció buenas condiciones de validez teórica y práctica, lo cual permitirá direccionar las acciones de superación para los tutores de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral. También puede complementar la evaluación profesoral, al particularizar en el cumplimiento de las funciones del tutor.

Introduction: To evaluate, the construction of tools able to establish measurable results is essential. Objective: To build and validate an instrument to evaluate the professional pedagogical performance of the tutor of the Comprehensive General Medicine specialist. Materials and methods: Mixed approach, cross-sectional, analytical design. Theoretical methods: analysis and synthesis; induction-deduction; systemic approach. Empirical methods: documentary analysis; survey to tutors and residents; observation, and experts' judgment. Statistical methods: descriptive statistics (absolute and percentage value), Cronbach Alpha coefficient; Kendall's W coefficient. Procedures: parametrization and methodological triangulation. Phases: bibliographic review; parametrization; analysis of content validity; reliability, and applicability. Results: An instrument was developed with three dimensions (cognitive, procedural and behavioral) and 19 indicators. 15 experts were chosen. More than 70% evaluated the items according to Moriyama criteria in the category A lot. The calculation of the Kendall's W coefficient suggested a high concordance between judges. The final instrument had 18 items. Cronbach Alpha coefficient resulted in 0.83 (high reliability). With its application, seven problems and six potentialities were identified, which demonstrated its validity in practice for diagnostic. Conclusions: The built document showed good conditions of theoretical and practical validity, which will allow directing the training actions for the tutors in the specialty of Comprehensive General Medicine. It can also complement the professorial evaluation, by particularizing in the fulfillment of the tutor's functions.

Importancia social de la preparación pedagógica del tutor en la formación del médico general integral

Introducción: la figura del tutor es de vital importancia en la formación del especialista en medicina general integral. Objetivo: fundamentar la importancia del desempeño profesional pedagógico del tutor en la formación del especialista en medicina general integral en la sociedad cubana. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un análisis documental a partir de una búsqueda sobre el tema, de enero de 2020 a agosto de 2022, en las bases de datos PubMed y SciELO, y en el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Se evaluaron artículos de revisión, de investigación y páginas web -en español, portugués e inglés- que hicieran referencia al tema a través del título. Fueron excluidos los artículos que no cumplieron con estas condiciones. Conclusiones: la medicina familiar es eminentemente social, por su objeto y misión en la comunidad, de ahí que garantizar la formación de profesionales integrales que involucren en su desarrollo los contenidos y habilidades de la especialidad, junto a valores y formas de actuación acorde con los principios de la sociedad socialista, supondrá una mayor resolutividad de los problemas de salud de la población y, por ende, una mayor calidad de vida.

Introduction: the figure of the tutor is of vital importance in the training of the specialist in comprehensive general medicine. Objective: to base the importance of the professional pedagogical performance in the training of the specialist in comprehensive general medicine in Cuban society. Materials and methods: a documental analysis was carried out froma search on the subject, from January 2020 to August in PubMed and SciELO databases and in the Google Scholar search engine. Review and research articles and web pages-in Spanish, Portuguese and English-that referred to the subject in the title were evaluated. Articles that did not meet this condition were excluded. Conclusions: family medicine is eminently social, due to its objective and mission in the community, hence guaranteeing the training of comprehensive professionals who involve the contents and skills of the specialty in their development, along with values and forms of action in accordance with the principles of the socialist society, will suppose a better resolution of the health problems of the population, and therefore, a better quality of life.

Propuesta de competencias profesionales específicas para la formación de los especialistas en gastroenterología / A proposal of specific professional competences for the training of gastroenterology specialists

Introducción: La formación con calidad del capital humano en el sector salud constituye un reto para la educación médica cubana contemporánea. La formación académica, en particular la especialidad, tiene el cometido de formar un profesional con alta competencia y avanzadas capacidades para el desempeño especializado, solidez de los principios ético-morales y elevada calificación científico-técnica, por lo que el desarrollo de competencias profesionales resulta una prioridad para la formación de los especialistas biomédicos. Objetivo: Elaborar una propuesta de competencias profesionales específicas para la formación de los especialistas en gastroenterología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio educacional, de investigación aplicativa, bajo el enfoque general dialéctico-materialista, con fundamento en teorías y enfoques filosóficos, psicológicos y legales de las leyes de la educación, y de la educación médica en particular. Asimismo, se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadístico-matemáticos. Resultados: Se elaboró una definición operativa de competencias profesionales específicas en gastroenterología, a partir del estudio del sistema de competencias y de la sistematización de los documentos rectores en dicha formación. También se identificaron y definieron las competencias profesionales específicas en las áreas asistencial, docente, investigativa y de dirección, que posibilitaron la mejora en el desempeño profesional de los futuros especialistas. Conclusiones: La formación basada en el desarrollo de competencias profesionales específicas constituye una prioridad para la educación médica y la salud pública cubana contemporánea, en aras de elevar la calidad del proceso formativo en la especialidad de gastroenterología y la atención médica que brindan estos galenos en los niveles de atención en salud(AU)

Introduction: The quality training of human capital in the health sector is a challenge for contemporary Cuban medical education. Academic training, particularly the residence, has the task of training a professional with high competence and advanced capabilities for specialized performance, solid ethical-moral principles and high scientific-technical qualification; therefore, the development of professional competences is a priority for the training of biomedical specialists. Objective: To elaborate a proposal of specific professional competences for the training of gastroenterology specialists. Methods: An educational study of applicative research was carried out under the general dialectical-materialistic approach and based on philosophical, psychological and legal theories and approaches of the laws of education and, particularly, of medical education. Theoretical, empirical and statistical-mathematical methods were also used. Results: An operational definition of specific professional competences in gastroenterology was elaborated, based on the study of the system of competences and the systematization of the guiding documents for such training. Specific professional competences were also identified and defined in the care, teaching, research and management areas, which allowed to improve the professional performance of future specialists. Conclusions: Training based on the development of specific professional competences is a priority for contemporary Cuban public health and medical education, in view of raising the quality of the training process in the specialty of gastroenterology and the medical care provided by these physicians at the levels of healthcare(AU)

Competencias profesionales específicas para la formación de los especialistas en Gastroenterología / Specific professional competencies for the training of specialists in gastroenterology

Introducción: La formación académica en Cuba se propone una formación con alta competencia profesional y avanzadas capacidades para el desempeño profesional especializado, por lo que constituye una prioridad para la Educación Médica cubana dar respuesta a dicha exigencia. Resulta esencial un modelo de competencias profesionales para la formación de los especialistas médicos, que permita el mejoramiento del desempeño profesional en respuesta a las exigencias del modelo del egresado. Objetivo: Diseñar un modelo de competencias profesionales específicas para la formación de los especialistas en Gastroenterología. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio educacional, prospectivo, de investigación aplicativa bajo el enfoque general dialéctico-materialista, con fundamento en teorías y enfoques filosóficos, psicológicos, legales, de las leyes de la Educación y la Educación Médica. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos, empíricos y estadístico-matemáticos. Se desarrolla en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas en el período 2019-2021. Resultados: El modelo de competencias profesionales específicas se estructura en el marco epistemológico, objetivos, contexto social, representación gráfica, forma de implementación, así como se identifican y definen las competencias profesionales específicas en las áreas: asistencial, docente, investigativa y de dirección que posibilitan la mejora en el desempeño profesional de los futuros especialistas. Se corrobora la viabilidad del modelo, a partir de los resultados obtenidos de la triangulación efectuada. Conclusiones: El modelo de competencias profesionales específicas diseñado es pertinente, en correspondencia con el perfil profesional y ocupacional de la especialidad, lo que enriquece las Ciencias de la Educación Médica en lo referido a la formación permanente y continuada(AU)

Introduction: Academic training in Cuba proposes training with high professional competence and advanced skills for specialized professional performance, which is why it is a priority for Cuban medical education to respond to this requirement. A model of professional skills is essential for the training of medical specialists, which allows the improvement of professional performance in response to the demands of the graduate model. Objective: To design a model of specific professional competencies for the training of specialists in Gastroenterology. Material and Methods: An educational, prospective, applicative research study was carried out under the general materialist dialectical approach, based on philosophical, psychological, legal theories and approaches of the laws of Education and Medical Education. Theoretical, empirical and statistical-mathematical methods were used. It is developed at the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas in the period 2019-2021. Results: The model of specific professional competencies is structured in the epistemological framework, objectives, social context, graphic representation, and form of implementation; additionally, specific professional competencies in the areas of care, teaching, research and management that enable improvement in the professional performance of future specialists are identified and defined. The viability of the model is corroborated, based on the results obtained from the triangulation carried out. Conclusions: The model of specific professional competencies designed is pertinent, in correspondence with the professional and occupational profile of the specialty, which enriches the Sciences of Medical Education in terms of permanent and continuing education(AU)

Association of Cancer Diagnosis and Therapeutic Stage With Mortality in Pediatric Patients With COVID-19, Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study From Latin America.

Background: Children with cancer are at risk of critical disease and mortality from COVID-19 infection. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with cancer and COVID-19 from multiple Latin American centers and risk factors associated with mortality in this population. Methods: This study is a multicenter, prospective cohort study conducted at 12 hospitals from 6 Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras and Peru) from April to November 2021. Patients younger than 14 years of age that had an oncological diagnosis and COVID-19 or multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) who were treated in the inpatient setting were included. The primary exposure was the diagnosis and treatment status, and the primary outcome was mortality. We defined "new diagnosis" as patients with no previous diagnosis of cancer, "established diagnosis" as patients with cancer and ongoing treatment and "relapse" as patients with cancer and ongoing treatment that had a prior cancer-free period. A frequentist analysis was performed including a multivariate logistic regression for mortality. Results: Two hundred and ten patients were included in the study; 30 (14%) died during the study period and 67% of patients who died were admitted to critical care. Demographics were similar in survivors and non-survivors. Patients with low weight for age (<-2SD) had higher mortality (28 vs. 3%, p = 0.019). There was statistically significant difference of mortality between patients with new diagnosis (36.7%), established diagnosis (1.4%) and relapse (60%), (p <0.001). Most patients had hematological cancers (69%) and they had higher mortality (18%) compared to solid tumors (6%, p= 0.032). Patients with concomitant bacterial infections had higher mortality (40%, p = 0.001). MIS-C, respiratory distress, cardiovascular symptoms, altered mental status and acute kidney injury on admission were associated with higher mortality. Acidosis, hypoxemia, lymphocytosis, severe neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia on admission were also associated with mortality. A multivariate logistic regression showed risk factors associated with mortality: concomitant bacterial infection OR 3 95%CI (1.1-8.5), respiratory symptoms OR 5.7 95%CI (1.7-19.4), cardiovascular OR 5.2 95%CI (1.2-14.2), new cancer diagnosis OR 12 95%CI (1.3-102) and relapse OR 25 95%CI (2.9-214). Conclusion: Our study shows that pediatric patients with new onset diagnosis of cancer and patients with relapse have higher odds of all-cause mortality in the setting of COVID-19. This information would help develop an early identification of patients with cancer and COVID-19 with higher risk of mortality.

Nasopharyngeal Codetection of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae Shapes Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Outcomes in Children.

BACKGROUND: The role of nasopharyngeal bacteria in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease has been underestimated. We measured the frequency and burden of respiratory bacteria in the upper respiratory tract of infants with RSV infection over 7 respiratory seasons, and their impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: Children <2 years old with mild (outpatients, n=115) or severe (inpatients, n=566) RSV infection, and matched healthy controls (n=161) were enrolled. Nasopharyngeal samples were obtained for RSV, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Haemophilus influenzae detection and quantitation by PCR. Multivariable models were constructed to identify variables predictive of severe disease. RESULTS: S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis, but not S. aureus, were detected more frequently in RSV-infected children (84%) than healthy controls (46%; P<.001). Detection of S. pneumoniae and/or H. influenzae was associated with fever, more frequent antibiotic treatment, worse radiologic findings, and higher neutrophil counts (P<.01). In adjusted analyses, S. pneumoniae/H. influenzae codetection was independentlyassociated with greater odds of hospitalization, higher disease severity scores, need for supplemental oxygen, and longer hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Nasopharyngeal codetection of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae in infants with RSV infection is associated with increased disease severity.

Introducción de resultados científicos: bases teórico-metodológicas para su mejora en la educación médica / Introduction of scientific results: theoretic-methodological bases for its improvement in medical education

RESUMEN En Cuba, la transformación de la realidad por medio de la introducción de resultados científicos -en aras del desarrollo sostenible-, es una alta prioridad por parte de las primeras instancias de dirección desde 1959. La introducción de resultados investigativos ha sido abordada por prestigiosos autores desde diferentes aristas y contextos, pero existen escasas referencias relacionadas con el tema en el ámbito de las ciencias de la educación médica. En consecuencia, este artículo presenta un análisis sobre las tendencias del proceso de introducción de resultados científicos en el ámbito académico, para luego delinear cuáles pudieran ser las bases teórico-metodológicas para la mejora del proceso en el ámbito de la educación médica (AU).

ABSTRACT In Cuba, the transformation of reality through the introduction of scientific results -for the sake of the sustainable development- is a high priority for the first instances of direction since 1959. The introduction of research results has been approached by prestigious authors from different edges and in different contexts, but there are few references related to the theme in the field of the medical education sciences. Consequently, this article presents an analysis on the tendencies of the process of introducing scientific results in the academic sphere, and then outlines the possible theoretic-methodological bases for improving the process in the field of medical education (AU).

Validez y fiabilidad de un cuestionario que evalúa competencias investigativas e innovativas / Validity and reliability of a questionnaire evaluating innovative and research competences

RESUMEN Introducción: el desarrollo de competencias investigativas e innovativas en los profesionales, es esencial para la aplicación de resultados generados por la investigación y por la innovación. Objetivos: evaluar la validez y fiabilidad de un cuestionario destinado a cuantificar el nivel de desarrollo de competencias investigativas e innovativas de profesores de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de tipo evaluativo, de enero a mayo del 2019. La validación del contenido se realizó aplicando los postulados de Moriyama. Su consistencia interna por el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y la validez de construcción lógica por análisis factorial de los componentes principales. Resultados: el Alfa de Cronbach obtenido fue de ,930. La validación de contenido permitió considerar que la formulación de los ítems, es razonable, justifican su presencia en el cuestionario. Las categorías propuestas para ser incluidas en la construcción del instrumento son adecuadas. Los resultados sugirieron la presencia de cuatro factores que explicaron el 71,16 % de la varianza acumulada por todos los factores. Conclusiones: los resultados de validez fueron favorables. Está disponible un instrumento con condiciones adecuadas y criterios válidos que justifican su uso y aplicación en el terreno investigativo (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: the development of research and innovative competences in the professionals is essential for the application of results generated by research and innovation. Objective: to assess the validity and reliability of a questionnaire designed to quantify the development level of research and innovative competences of professors of the University Of Medical Sciences Of Matanzas. Materials and methods: an evaluative-kind study was carried out from January to May 2019; the content validation was made applying Moriyama´s postulates, its internal consistence applying Chronbach´s alpha coefficient, and its logical construction validity applying the factorial analysis of the main components. Results: the obtained Chronbach´s alpha was ,930. The content validation allowed considering that items formulation is reasonable, justifying their presence in the questionnaire. The categories proposed to be included in the instrument construction are adequate. The results suggest the presence of four factors explaining 71.16 % of the variance accumulated by all the factors. Conclusions: the validity results are favorable. An instrument is available with adequate conditions and valid criteria justifying its use and application in the research field (AU).

Viral Bacterial Interactions in Children: Impact on Clinical Outcomes.

Respiratory viral infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children < 5 years of age worldwide. Among all respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the world's leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children. There are known populations at risk for severe disease but the majority of children who require hospitalization for RSV infection are previously healthy. Viral and host factors have been associated with the pathogenesis of RSV disease; however, the mechanisms that explain the wide variability in the clinical presentation are not completely understood. Recent studies suggest that the complex interaction between the respiratory microbiome, the host's immune response and the virus may have an impact on the pathogenesis and severity of RSV infection. In this review, we summarize the current evidence regarding the epidemiologic link, the mechanisms of viral-bacterial interactions, and the associations between the upper respiratory tract microbiome and RSV disease severity.