Opportunities for Continuing Education by Hematology Societies Available to International Trainees.

Continuing education in hematology is a key for stimulating the development around the world and improving patient outcomes. However, access to training and education is not equally distributed worldwide, and disparities in hematology exist for under-represented groups such as trainees living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To identify and review the different educational and career development opportunities offered by hematology-focused international academic societies directed at healthcare professionals in this field. We conducted an online search to screen the official websites of international hematology societies and extracted data regarding continuing education opportunities in hematology. Twenty hematology societies were identified with 850 continuing medical education opportunities extracted and reviewed. We recorded 55 grants and funding opportunities from 13 societies. More than half required a membership to apply, 9.1% were available globally, and 12.7% were designed for persons living in LMICs. The current state of continuing education in hematology offers numerous opportunities for healthcare trainees. However, disparities persist for LMICs.

Evaluating neural crest cell migration in a Col4a1 mutant mouse model of ocular anterior segment dysgenesis.

The periocular mesenchyme (POM) is a transient migratory embryonic tissue derived from neural crest cells (NCCs) and paraxial mesoderm that gives rise to most of the structures in front of the eye. Morphogenetic defects of these structures can impair aqueous humor outflow, leading to elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Mutations in collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) cause Gould syndrome - a multisystem disorder often characterized by variable cerebrovascular, ocular, renal, and neuromuscular manifestations. Approximately one-third of individuals with COL4A1 and COL4A2 mutations have ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD), including congenital glaucoma resulting from abnormalities of POM-derived structures. POM differentiation has been a major focus of ASD research, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are still unclear. Moreover, earlier events including NCC migration and survival defects have been implicated in ASD; however, their roles are not as well understood. Vascular defects are among the most common consequences of COL4A1 and COL4A2 mutations and can influence NCC survival and migration. We therefore hypothesized that NCC migration might be impaired by COL4A1 and COL4A2 mutations. In this study, we used 3D confocal microscopy, gross morphology, and quantitative analyses to test NCC migration in Col4a1 mutant mice. We show that homozygous Col4a1 mutant embryos have severe embryonic growth retardation and lethality, and we identified a potential maternal effect on embryo development. Cerebrovascular defects in heterozygous Col4a1 mutant embryos were present as early as E9.0, showing abnormal cerebral vasculature plexus remodeling compared to controls. We detected abnormal NCC migration within the diencephalic stream and the POM in heterozygous Col4a1 mutants whereby mutant NCCs formed smaller diencephalic migratory streams and POMs. In these settings, migratory NCCs within the diencephalic stream and POM localize farther away from the developing vasculature. Our results show for the first time that Col4a1 mutations lead to cranial NCCs migratory defects in the context of early onset defective angiogenesis without affecting cell numbers, possibly impacting the relation between NCCs and the blood vessels during ASD development.

Antenatal betamethasone has a sex-dependent effect on the in vivo response to endothelin in adult sheep.

Antenatal steroid administration is associated with multiple cardiometabolic alterations, including hypertension; however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear. The aim of the present study was to ascertain, in vivo, the contribution of the endothelin system to the development of hypertension in the adult offspring and the signaling pathway involved. Pregnant sheep were treated with two doses of betamethasone (n = 23) or vehicle (n = 22) at 80 days (~0.55) gestation and allowed to deliver at term. Adult sheep were chronically instrumented under general anesthesia to place vascular catheters and a femoral artery flow probe. Blood pressure and flow were recorded continuously, and femoral artery vascular resistance was calculated before and during administration of endothelin 1 (ET-1). Selective blockers (dantrolene, BQ123, niacinamide) or saline were administered simultaneously. Betamethasone-exposed animals exhibited a significant elevation in mean blood pressure (female: 98 ± 1.8 vs. 92 ± 2.1; males: 97 ± 3.4 vs. 90 ± 2.3; mmHg; P < 0.05). ET-1 elicited a significant increase in blood pressure (F = 56.4; P < 0.001) and in vascular resistance (F = 44.3; P < 0.001) in all groups. A betamethasone effect in the vascular resistance response to ET-1 (F = 25.7; P < 0.001) was present in females only, and the effect was partially blunted by niacinamide (F = 6.6; P < 0.01). Combined administration of niacinamide and BQ123, as well as of dantrolene abolished the betamethasone effect on vascular resistance. No significant differences in mRNA expression of ET(A) or ET(B) in endothelial or smooth muscle cells of resistance-size arteries were observed. We conclude that the betamethasone effect on vascular resistance is mediated by an enhanced response to ET-1 through ET(A) receptor via the cyclic ADPR/ryanodine pathway.

[Adjuvant chemo radiotherapy after gastrectomy and D2 lymphadenectomy in patients with gastric cancer in the National Institute of Cancer, Lima, Peru]. / Tratamiento adyuvante con quimioterapia y radioterapia luego de gastrectomía y disección ganglionar D2 en pacientes con cáncer gástrico en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Perú

INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant chemo radiotherapy is the standard treatment in Western countries in gastric cancer patients submitted to curative resection. INT0116 pivotal trial established adjuvant chemo radiation as the standard care for resected high risk adenocarcinoma of the stomach in US however was hampered by suboptimal surgery. There is controversial data about efficacy of this adjuvant therapy in patients who have undergone D2 lymphadenectomy predominantly. In our hospital D2 lymphadenectomy is standard surgery for gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: To prove that chemo and radio therapy post gastrectomy and D2 linphadenectomy in patients' with gastric cancer is effective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study with gastric adenocarcinoma patients stage II to IV M0 who underwent curative resection at INEN (Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas) Lima-Peru between 2001 and 2006. Standard treatment at institution is D2 lymphadenectomy. Chemo radiotherapy according to INT0116 was given like adjuvant therapy. Survivalcurves were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test. RESULTS: 84 patients were included 60.7% male and 39.3% female. Mean age was 49.5 years old. The pathologic stages were T1-T2 (15.5%), T3- T4 (84.5%), N0-N1 (10.7%), N2-N3 (89.3%). D2 lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients. The 3-year DFS was 17% and 3-year overall survival was 23.9%. However when we analyzed by subgroups the overall survival, was in group N1 (66.7%) and in group N2 (58.9%) and N3 (18.3%) and 3 years DFS by subgroups were N1 (100%), N2 (51.9%) and N3 (16.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemo radiotherapy decreased risk of death and relapse to three years mainly in patients with node positive N1-N2, who underwent curative resection with D2 lymphadenectomy, but recurrence was most frequent in N3 node positive, maybe is necessary improve the chemotherapy in this group of patients for decrease the rate of relapse.

Assessment of burnout syndrome and associated factors among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Overwhelming requirements, a high degree of work, and prolonged exposure to emotionally demanding circumstances in work and life settings can lead to burnout syndrome. The purpose of the study is to assess burnout syndrome and its associated factors among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive study was conducted in a Mexican medical school during the last week of the spring semester of 2021 using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) and an associated factors survey. Results: Based on the MBI-SS definition, most students (54.2%, n = 332) had burnout symptoms and high emotional exhaustion (79.6%, n = 448), high cynicism (57.3%, n = 351), and low academic effectiveness (36.4%, n = 223). After adjusting the associated factors, a significant correlation between the school year and the presence of burnout was identified (OR 1.127, 95% CI [1.023-1.241], p<0.05). Regarding the current pandemic, the death of a family member by COVID-19 also put students at risk of developing burnout (OR 1.598*, 95% CI [1.080-2.363, p<0.05]). Limitations: The main limitation of this study was the lack of a control group (before the pandemic); therefore, the high prevalence of burnout can only be hypothesized due to the pandemic but cannot be objectively evidenced. A prospective study after the pandemic is needed to resolve this question. Conclusion: The coronavirus pandemic represents a challenge to the academic and psychological stability of students. It essential to continue assessing burnout levels in medical students and the general population to treat them in time and improve mental health.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation activity in Mexico during the COVID19 pandemic: on the way to recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the number of HSCTs performed in 2019 vs. 2020 and report the status of transplant centers (TCs) during and a year after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive cross-sectional nationwide study including active TCs interrogating HSCT activity from 2019 through September 2021. An electronic survey was sent to TCs and consisted of items regarding the number and characteristics of procedures performed and were compared yearly. Changes to their institutions' transplant policies and practices during the COVID19 pandemic were also documented. Fifty centers were invited to participate, 33 responded. RESULTS: Most TCs were part of the public health system (63.7%). Almost half are in the country's capital, Mexico City (45.5%). Most centers performed <10 procedures per year. The number of HSCTs decreased from 835 in 2019-505 in 2020 (p < .001), representing a 40% reduction in transplant activity. The monthly transplant rate in 2021 increased to 58.3, compared to 42 in 2020 and close to 69.5 in 2019 (p < .001). All types of HSCTs decreased excluding haploidentical transplants. All institutions treated patients with COVID19, and over two-thirds experienced some form of hospital reconversion. Transplant activity stopped completely in 23 TCs (70%) during the pandemic with a median closure duration of 9.9 months (range, 1-21). In 2021, 9.1% of TCs remained closed, all of them in the public setting. CONCLUSION(S): The limited transplant activity in Mexico decreased significantly during the pandemic but is recovering and nearly in pre-pandemic levels.

[Kidney transplant program: Mexican Institute of Transplants. Model of synergy between private hospital and private assistance foundations]. / Programa de trasplante renal: Instituto Mexicano de Trasplantes. Modelo de sinergia entre hospital privado y fundaciones de asistencia privada.

INTRODUCTION: The Mexican Institute of Transplantation (IMT) was created in 1999 in response to the need to meet the demand for transplants in the south of the country for patients with limited resources. Thanks to the synergy with private assistance foundations this task has been accomplished. OBJECTIVE: To describe the IMT experience in kidney transplants. RESULTS: From November 1999 to May 23,2011, 754 kidney transplants were performed in the IMT, of which 733 were from living donors and only 21 from deceased donors. In our experience, the 10-year patient and graft survival were 84.4 and 72.4%, respectively. The average follow-up of patients was 44 months, it was during the first year after transplantation when most of patients were lost. More than 50% of patients have been supported by private assistance foundations. The IMT has participated in research protocols for phase II and phase III, for the development of new immunosuppressants. CONCLUSION: The synergy between our private medical institution and private assistance foundations has permitted to transplant low income patients, a similar association can be carried out in governmental health institutions that have overcharge in their transplant services.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Patients With End-Stage Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis in Guatemala.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is public health concern across the world. Data on the epidemiology among patients on hemodialysis in Latin America and low- and middle-income countries are limited. METHODS: Using electronic medical records from the second largest dialysis network in Guatemala, we performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients on hemodialysis with the diagnosis of COVID-19 to estimate incidence of infection and to describe the demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes. We stratified incidence rate by region. We reviewed data from May 1 to July 31, 2020, with outcome data ascertained up to August 28, 2020. RESULTS: Of 3201 patients undergoing hemodialysis, 325 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (incidence rate 102/1000 patients on hemodialysis, compared with 3/1000 in the general population). Incidence was higher in the Central region (207/1000) and lowest in the Southeast region (33/1000), and unlike in the general population, the incidence was lower in Guatemala City. The mean age of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was 51.1 years (standard deviation [SD] 14.8 years), and 84 (25.8%) were female. The median length of hospital stay was 12 days (interquartile range [IQR] 10-16 days). Two hundred twenty-nine (69.8%) of the patients recovered, 90 patients died (27.7%), and 6 (1.8%) patients were still in the hospital at the time of last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The incidence of diagnosed COVID-19 in Guatemalan patients on hemodialysis was much higher than reported in the general population, with outcomes similar to those described in high-income countries. Rural regions had higher incidence rates than the major metropolitan area.

Gestión departamental del conocimiento: una primera aproximación a la responsabilidad social universitaria

Fundamento: la responsabilidad social universitaria constituye un enfoque de gestión académica promotor del desarrollo social sostenible. Objetivo: analizar la gestión del conocimiento en el departamento de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas, de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende", durante los años 2018 al 2022, sobre la base de la responsabilidad social universitaria. Métodos: se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo, complementando las metodologías del estudio de caso y de la teoría fundamentada constructivista. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis, inducción-deducción, ascenso de lo abstracto a lo concreto e histórico lógico; y empíricos: revisión documental, análisis de contenido y grupo focal. Resultados: el análisis realizado evidenció que la gestión del conocimiento en el departamento de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas, de la referida facultad, ostenta un enfoque estratégico y ha tenido un impacto educativo positivo como resultado del aprendizaje organizacional, y está vinculado con la gestión académica. Conclusiones: la gestión del conocimiento departamental determinó una actualización de la cultura organizacional, causante de un impacto social favorable, mediado por una intervención educativa tributaria de una formación profesional pertinente.

Background: university social responsibility constitutes an academic management approach that promotes sustainable social development. Objective: to analyze knowledge management in the Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, of the "Salvador Allende" Faculty of Medical Sciences, from 2018 to 2022, based on university social responsibility. Methods: a descriptive investigation was developed, with a qualitative approach, complementing the methodologies of the case study and the constructivist grounded theory. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis, induction-deduction, ascent from the abstract to the concrete and historical logic; and empirical ones: documentary review, content analysis and focal group. Results: the analysis carried out showed that knowledge management in the Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, of the aforementioned faculty, has a strategic approach and has had a positive educational impact as a result of organizational learning, and it´s linked to academic management. Conclusions: the departmental knowledge management determined an update of the organizational culture, causing a favorable social impact, mediated by an educational intervention tributary of a relevant professional training.

Factores relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento de rehabilitación de los pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 con amputación de miembro inferior

Objetivo: Determinar los factores clínicos y sociodemográficos relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento de rehabilitación de los pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 con amputación de miembro inferior. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, comparativo y relacional; se incluyeron 113 pacientes con DM tipo 2 del Departamento de Investigación, Docencia y Rehabilitación Integral en Amputados, quemados y Trastornos Posturales del Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Dra. Adriana Rebaza Flores" AMISTAD PERÚ - JAPÓN, que ingresaron en el periodo 2016 al 2019. Se recolectaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas; y para la adherencia al tratamiento de rehabilitación se consideró la asistencia de los pacientes a 5 áreas de atención en salud, y el alta de prótesis de los pacientes. Resultados: El 75,52 % de pacientes fueron del sexo masculino, con edad media de 66,6 ± 12,1; y la media del tiempo de alta de prótesis fue 11,4 ± 6,75 meses. Se encontró diferencia significativa entre adherencia y no adherencia en la edad, nivel socioeconómico, estado civil y cobertura de atención (p < 0,05) Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes amputados con DM tipo 2 fueron del sexo masculino cuyo cumplimiento o adherencia a la rehabilitación se relacionó con factores sociodemográficos como la edad, estado civil, nivel socioeconómico y cobertura de salud.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine clinical and sociodemographic factors related to the adherence to rehabilitation treatment among type 2 diabetic patients who underwent lower limb amputation. Methods: An observational retrospective study that included 113 type 2 diabetic patients attended at the Departamento de Investigación, Docencia y Rehabilitación Integral en Amputados, quemados y Trastornos Posturales del Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación "Dra. Adriana Rebaza Flores" AMISTAD PERÚ - JAPÓN from 2016 to 2019. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were collected; to measure adherence patients had to attend five evaluations and the discharge visit after a prosthetic device had been inserted. Results: 75.52% were males; mean age was 66.6 ± 12.1 years, and mean time after insertion of the prosthetic device was 11.4 ± 6.75 months. Factors associated with no adherence were age, socioeconomic level, marital status and health care coverage (p<0.05). Conclusions: Most of the type 2 diabetic patients who underwent lower limb amputation were males, adherence to the rehabilitation treatment was related to sociodemographic factors.

Impacto de un curso electivo sobre ritmo circadiano y salud / Impact on an elective course on circadian rhythm and health

Fundamento: el análisis del impacto de la gestión docente es un requerimiento de la responsabilidad social universitaria. Objetivo: analizar el impacto del curso electivo Ritmo Circadiano y Salud, a través de la apreciación de los estudiantes, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende", durante el curso 2022-2023. Métodos: se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva, no experimental, con enfoque cualitativo, aplicando la metodología del estudio de caso. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inducción-deducción, y empíricos: revisión documental y entrevista grupal a estudiantes. Resultados: de manera unánime se manifestó por los estudiantes la adquisición de conocimientos nuevos, de importancia para la práctica profesional, mediante el asesoramiento en el procesamiento de información, para la participación en una actividad virtual no conocida, así como la posibilidad de vivenciar en su entorno una problemática de salud asociada al tema del curso. Conclusiones: la apreciación por los estudiantes participantes del curso electivo Ritmo Circadiano y Salud, indicó un impacto positivo desde los puntos de vista cognitivo, educativo y social.

Background: the analysis of the impact of teaching management is a requirement of university social responsibility. Objective: to analyze the impact of the elective course Circadian Rhythm and Health, through the appreciation of the students, in the "Salvador Allende" Faculty of Medical Sciences, during the 2022-2023 academic year. Method: a descriptive, non-experimental investigation was developed, with a qualitative approach, applying the case study methodology. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and induction-deduction, and empirical ones: documentary review and group interview with students. Results: the students unanimously expressed the acquisition of new important knowledge for professional practice, through advice on information processing, for participation in an unknown virtual activity, as well as the possibility of experiencing in their environment a health problem associated with the topic of the course. Conclusions: the appreciation by the participating students of the elective course Circadian Rhythm and Health, indicated a positive impact from the cognitive, educational and social points of view.

Autorregulación del aprendizaje: análisis de su apreciación por estudiantes de primer año de Medicina / Self-regulation of learning: analysis of its appreciation by first￾year medical students

Fundamento: la autorregulación del aprendizaje es un parámetro importante para tomar decisiones docente-metodológicas, promotoras de la autogestión del conocimiento. Objetivo: analizar la apreciación sobre su autorregulación del aprendizaje, por estudiantes de primer año de Medicina del curso 2021-2022, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende". Métodos: se realizó una investigación exploratoria, descriptiva, transversal y no experimental, con un enfoque mixto. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis, inductivo-deductivo y enfoque sistémico; empíricos: el instrumento de medición utilizado consistió en un cuestionario conformado a partir de una adaptación de la Escala de Autorregulación del Aprendizaje, con las dimensiones: actitud hacia el estudio, enfoque estratégico en el aprendizaje y regulación metacognitiva; y matemático-estadísticos para el procesamiento de los datos. Resultados: se determinó que la autorregulación del aprendizaje fue insatisfactoria, al presentarse deficiencias en dos de sus dimensiones: Enfoque estratégico en el aprendizaje y Regulación metacognitiva. La dimensión Actitud ante el estudio obtuvo una valoración satisfactoria; se apreció que el ítem correspondiente a la dedicación al trabajo con las tareas orientadas, tuvo una débil relación directa con el interés personal, las calificaciones obtenidas y el reconocimiento personal. De todos los ítems considerados en la encuesta, solamente hubo una relación débil e indirecta del sexo (p ˂ 0,01) con la solicitud de ayuda y el aprovechamiento de las explicaciones de los compañeros. Conclusiones: la percepción de la autorregulación del aprendizaje por la población objeto de estudio mostró dificultades en rasgos significativos de dicha conducta, lo que limita la disposición para el aprendizaje autónomo.

Background: self-regulation of learning is an important parameter for making teaching-methodological decisions, promoting self-management of knowledge. Objective: to analyze the appreciation of their self-regulation of learning, by first-year Medicine students of the 2021-2022 academic year, at the "Salvador Allende" Faculty of Medical Sciences. Methods: an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional and non-experimental investigation was carried out, with a mixed approach. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis, inductive-deductive and systemic approach; Empirical ones: the measurement instrument used consisted of a questionnaire made from an adaptation of the Self-regulation of Learning Scale, with the dimensions: attitude towards study, strategic approach to learning and metacognitive regulation; and mathematical-statisticalfor data processing. Results: it was determined that the self-regulation of learning was unsatisfactory, as there were deficiencies in two of its dimensions: strategic focus on learning and metacognitive regulation. The Attitude dimension towards the study obtained a satisfactory assessment, it was observed that the item corresponding to dedication to work with oriented tasks, had a weak direct relationship with personal interest, qualifications obtained and personal recognition. Of all the items considered in the survey, there was only a weak and indirect relationship between sex (p ˂ 0.01) with the request for help and taking advantage of the explanations of the classmates. Conclusions: the perception of self-regulation of learning by the study population showed difficulties in meaningful features of such behavior, which limits the willingness for autonomous learning.

Análisis reflexivo del trabajo científico-metodológico departamental con Moodle durante los años 2018 al 2021 / Reflective Analysis of Departmental Scientific-methodologicalJobwith Moodle since 2018 to 2020

Introducción: La sistematización de las experiencias facilita discernir sobre éstas para su perfeccionamiento. Objetivo: Analizar el trabajo científico-metodológico con Moodle informado por el departamento de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas, de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Salvador Allende, durante los años 2018-2021. Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo, basada en la sistematización de experiencias, utilizando métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis, deducción-inducción, histórico lógico y el ascenso de lo abstracto a lo concreto; además el método empírico de revisión documental. Resultados: El análisis realizado permitió determinar un salto cualitativo en el uso docente de Moodle por el departamento, yendo desde la utilización del cuestionario hasta la implementación de aulas virtuales para la formación docente y su proyección para avanzar hacia la utilización de la modalidad educativa hibrida con los estudiantes. Conclusiones: Existen pruebas explícitas de un trabajo innovador progresivo y debidamente evaluado, planteándose la necesidad de avanzar hacia una cultura institucional innovadora(AU)

Introduction: Systematization of the experiences facilitates discern about them for its improvement. Objective: Analyze the scientific-methodological job with Moodle reported by Basic Biomedical Science department from Salvador Allende Medical Faculty, during the years 2018 to 2021. Methods: It was developed a descriptive and qualitative research based on the experiences systematization, using theoretical methods: analysis-synthesis, deduction-induction, historic logic and rise from abstract to concrete; as well as the empiric method of document revision. Results: The analysis determined a qualitative change in the educational utilization of Moodle from the use of questionnaire recourse to the implementation of virtual classrooms for professor's education and its projection to advance toward the usage of hybrid education model with the students. Conclusion: There exist explicit proves of an evaluated and progressive innovative labor, and it is made the claim of progressing to an institutional innovative culture development(AU)

Aulas virtuales: cultura docente innovadora y nueva normalidad educativa por la COVID-19 / Virtual classrooms: innovative teaching culture and new educational normality due to COVID-19

RESUMEN La nueva normalidad impuesta por la pandemia de la COVID-19 establece la necesidad de incorporar el uso de la tecnología educativa en la gestión del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje universitario, determinando así la ineludible responsabilidad de revolucionar la actividad metodológica tradicional en las universidades presenciales. Esta comunicación tiene el objetivo de enfatizar algunas consideraciones generales respecto a la implementación de las aulas virtuales anexas a la docencia presencial como acción adaptativa a la nueva normalidad educativa por la COVID-19.

ABSTRACT The new normality imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic establishes the need to incorporate the use of educational technology in the management of the university teaching-learning process, thus determining the unavoidable responsibility of revolutionizing the traditional methodological activity in face-to-face teaching of universities. This research paper aims to emphasize some general considerations regarding the implementation of virtual classrooms attached to face-to-face teaching as an adaptive action to the new educational normality due to COVID-19.

Percepción profesoral sobre una innovación educativa para mejorar la gestión docente utilizando la plataforma Moodle / Teachers´ perception of an educational innovation to improve teaching management using the Moodle platform

RESUMEN Fundamento: la percepción de usuarios sobre los productos y servicios informáticos utilizados es un criterio útil para su perfeccionamiento. Objetivo: analizar la percepción de los profesores sobre un taller metodológico virtual para mejorar la gestión docente, como innovación educativa diseñada utilizando la plataforma Moodle. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva, con enfoque mixto, basada en un estudio de campo en el departamento de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende", durante el período abril-junio de 2020. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis y enfoque sistémico; empíricos: técnica de lo positivo, negativo e interesante (PNI) y cuestionario; y matemáticos estadísticos para el procesamiento de los datos. Resultados: la técnica del PNI destacó como positivo el tema tratado; negativo, la lenta velocidad de interacción; e interesante, la capacitación durante el aislamiento social por la COVID-19; mientras el cuestionario, conformado por 9 ítems, evidenció una percepción integral satisfactoria sobre el taller realizado. Conclusiones: el análisis determinó que la aplicación de la innovación fue percibida por los profesores como una experiencia satisfactoria en su formación, y reveló la necesidad de mejorar la orientación de las actividades, a partir del conocimiento de sus participantes sobre las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones.

ABSTRACT Background: the perception of users about computing products and services used is a useful criterion for their improvement. Objective: to analyze the teachers' perception of a virtual methodological workshop to improve teaching management, as an educational innovation designed using the Moodle platform. Methods: a descriptive research was carried out, with a mixed approach, based on a field study in the Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences of "Salvador Allende" Faculty of Medical Sciences, from April to June 2020. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and systemic approach; empirical ones: PNI technique and questionnaire; and statistical mathematics for data processing. Results: the PNI technique highlighted the topic as positive; negative, the slow speed of interaction; and interestingly, the training during social isolation by COVID-19; while the questionnaire, made up of 9 items, showed a satisfactory comprehensive perception of the workshop carried out. Conclusions: the analysis determined that the application of the innovation was perceived by the teachers as a satisfactory experience in their training, and revealed the need to improve the orientation of the activities, based on the knowledge of its participants about information and communication technologies.

Innovación emergente para la COVID-19: taller virtual sobre el uso educativo de la plataforma Moodle / COVID-19 Emergent Innovation: Virtual Workshop about Moodle Platform Educative Use

Introducción: se requiere el desarrollo de competencias docentes para programar soluciones significativas a los problemas educativos identificados. Objetivo: analizar una innovación para la capacitación profesoral en el uso educativo de la plataforma Moodle, como estrategia emergente durante el aislamiento social por la COVID-19. Metodología: se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo, aplicando la metodología de la sistematización de experiencias. Resultados: en la determinación de la situación a mejorarse se reconoció la escasa experiencia de los docentes del departamento con el uso de la plataforma Moodle; la elección de los contenidos, tecnología y actividades estuvo en función de organizar un aprendizaje gradual que contemplara el tratamiento de las esencialidades de las innovaciones educativas con las TICs, haciendo uso de recursos educativos disponibles en la plataforma Moodle. Conclusiones: la innovación desarrollada durante el aislamiento social por la COVID-19, puso de manifiesto su eficacia y transferibilidad(AU)

Introduction: it is required to develop professor's competences to program significant responses to identified educational problems. Objective: to analyze an innovation for instructing professors in the educative use of platform Moodle developed as an emergent strategy during social isolation due to the COVID-19. Methodology: it was developed a descriptive and qualitative investigation, applying the experience systematizing methodology. Results: the learning situation to activate was the departmental professor's experience with the Moodle platform use; the contents, technology and activities selection procured the use of Moodle recourses to organize a planned learning of educative innovation inner essentialities; to evaluate the innovation results there were considered its efficacy and transferability. Conclusions: the virtual methodological workshop developed during social isolation due to the COVID-19 evidenced its efficacy and transferability(AU)

Percepción estudiantil sobre una innovación evaluativa utilizando la plataforma Moodle / Student perception of an evaluative innovation using the Moodle platform

RESUMEN Fundamento: la introducción de innovaciones educativas en respuesta a la demanda social de integrar la tecnología digital en el proceso docente educativo precisa instrumentar la valoración de las nuevas ofertas educativas. Objetivo: analizar la percepción estudiantil sobre una innovación evaluativa utilizando Moodle, introducida en la asignatura Sistemas Nervioso, Endocrino y Reproductor, en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Salvador Allende" durante el curso 2018-2019. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva con enfoque mixto. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo; empíricos: prueba pedagógica a estudiantes, observación participativa y la encuesta en forma de cuestionario, y el foro; y matemático-estadísticos para el procesamiento de los datos. La innovación educativa fue valorada por criterios de especialistas. Resultados: la aplicación de la prueba pedagógica propició homogeneidad en los instrumentos evaluativos y la implementación de la evaluación formativa, la observación participativa evidenció el interés de los estudiantes en el desarrollo de las evaluaciones y la necesidad de asesorar el trabajo con la plataforma Moodle. Los datos obtenidos en las encuestas mostraron una percepción estudiantil satisfactoria sobre la innovación, aunque el diseño gráfico de las actividades fue apreciado como una debilidad. Conclusiones: la innovación evaluativa fue una experiencia estudiantil satisfactoria al dar respuestas a algunas de sus expectativas como participantes centrales del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje; los docentes de experiencia en la asignatura la valoraron como una alternativa didáctica factible de ser utilizada para lograr un enfoque más pertinente en la aprehensión del conocimiento.

ABSTRACT Background: the introduction of educational innovations in response to the social demand to integrate electronic technology in the teaching-learning process needs to implement the assessment of new educational offerings. Objective: to analyze the student's perception of an evaluative innovation using Moodle, introduced in the Nervous, Endocrine and Reproductive Systems subject, in the "Salvador Allende" School of Medical Sciences during the 2018-2019 academic year. Methods: a descriptive investigation with a mixed approach was carried out. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and inductive-deductive; empirical ones: pedagogical test to students, participatory observation and the survey in the form of a questionnaire, and the forum; and mathematical-statistic for data processing. Educational innovation was valued by criteria of specialists. Results: the application of the pedagogical test led to homogeneity in the evaluation instruments and the implementation of the formative evaluation, the participatory observation evidenced the interest of the students in the development of the evaluations and the need to advise the work with the Moodle platform. The data obtained with the surveys showed a satisfactory student perception of innovation, although the graphic design of the activities was considered as a weakness. Conclusions: the evaluative innovation was a satisfactory student experience in responding to some of their expectations as centered participants in the teaching-learning process; Teachers of experience in the subject valued it as a feasible didactic alternative to be used to achieve a more relevant approach in the apprehension of knowledge.

Fractal radar scattering from soil.

A general technique is developed to retrieve the fractal dimension of self-similar soils through microwave (radar) scattering. The technique is based on a mathematical model relating the fractal dimensions of the georadargram to that of the scattering structure. Clear and different fractal signatures have been observed over four geosystems (soils and sediments) compared in this work.