Evaluación del desarrollo de la asignatura virtual Fisiología II en la especialidad Neurofisiología Clínica / Assessment of developing Physiology II as a virtual subject in the specialty of Clinical Neurophysiology

Introducción: La enseñanza mediante la modalidad virtual se adoptó como medida preventiva ante la propagación de la COVID-19. Para la educación médica cubana ha implicado un reto en cuanto a la reorganización de los programas de estudio. Con este propósito, se rediseño e implementó la asignatura Fisiología II en modalidad virtual, para garantizar la continuidad en la formación de residentes en Neurofisiología Clínica. Objetivo: Evaluar el desarrollo de la asignatura Fisiología II en su modalidad virtual desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes de la especialidad Neurofisiología Clínica. Métodos: Estudio exploratorio, no experimental y transversal. Mediante un cuestionario de preguntas cerradas y una abierta (aspectos positivos y negativos), se evaluó el desarrollo de la asignatura en modalidad virtual en relación con las variables: programa de la asignatura, desempeño de los profesores, escenario de las plataformas y soporte tecnológico. Resultados: La asignatura Fisiología II en modalidad virtual tuvo una alta aceptación por parte de los estudiantes. Los aspectos identificados como positivos fueron los relacionados con la gestión personal del tiempo, y la aplicabilidad y estructura de la asignatura; mientras que los negativos se orientaron hacia problemas de conectividad de internet y el entorno de estudio. Conclusiones: Las exitosas experiencias obtenidas en el desarrollo de la asignatura virtual Fisiología II sientan las bases para el empleo de este tipo de diseño en la especialidad de Neurofisiología Clínica y la posibilidad de extenderlo a otras asignaturas del plan de estudio(AU)

Introduction: Teaching through virtual modality was adopted as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 spread. For Cuban medical education, it has implied a challenge regarding the reorganization of study programs. For this purpose, the subject Physiology II was redesigned and implemented in virtual modality, in order to guarantee continuity in the training of Clinical Neurophysiology residents. Objective: To assess the development of the subject Physiology II in its virtual modality from the perspective of the students of the Clinical Neurophysiology specialty. Methods: Exploratory, nonexperimental and cross-sectional study. Through a questionnaire made up of closed questions and one open question (positive and negative aspects), the development of the subject in virtual modality was assessed in relation to the variables subject syllabus, professors' performance, platform scenario, and technological support. Results: The subject Physiology II in virtual modality had a high acceptance by the students. The aspects identified as positive were those related to individual time management, as well as the subject's applicability and structure; while the negative ones were oriented towards internet connectivity problems and the study environment. Conclusions: The successful experiences obtained in the development of Physiology II as a virtual subject lay the foundations for using this type of design in the specialty of Clinical Neurophysiology and the possibility of extending it to other subjects of the study plan(AU)

La neuroanatomía y neurofisiología en la comprensión de los trastornos del espectro autista / Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology in the study of autism spectrum disorders

Introducción: Los trastornos de espectro autista se caracterizan por presentar un déficit en la interacción y comunicación social con presencia de patrones repetitivos y restrictivos de comportamiento, intereses y actividades. En ellos estarían implicadas causas genéticas, ambientales y del desarrollo del sistema nervioso central. Un mayor conocimiento de la neuroanatomía y la neurofisiología ayudaría a comprender mejor este trastorno del neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: Profundizar en el conocimiento neuroanatómico y neurofisiológico de los trastornos del espectro autista. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica acerca del tema en las bases de datos LILACS, Scopus, SciELO, Pubmed, Medigraphic. Se escogieron 13 documentos, todos correspondientes a artículos originales que abordan el tema desde diferentes aristas. De los documentos, dos fueron localizados en Scopus, uno en Pubmed, cuatro en Medigrafhic, dos en LILACS y cuatro en SciELO. Resultados: Los trastornos de espectro autista se producen por una alteración estructural y funcional de la corteza cerebral. Los estudios de neuroimágenes han demostrado las alteraciones estructurales, fundamentalmente en la corteza prefrontal y sus conexiones, principal región encefálica implicada en la regulación de la conducta social. Las técnicas de secuenciación genómica de nueva generación muestran el origen genético en casos donde los estudios previamente señalados han resultado ser normales. Conclusiones: La profundización del conocimiento neuroanatómico y neurofisiológico de los trastornos de espectro autista permiten comprenderlos mejor(AU)

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by social deficits and communication difficulties, as well as restrictive, repetitive behavior patterns, interests and activities. Their causes may be genetic, environmental or related to the development of the central nervous system. Broader knowledge about neuroanatomy and neurophysiology could lead to a better understanding of this neurodevelopmental disorder. Objective: Gain insight into the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Methods: A bibliographic search about the topic was conducted in the databases LILACS, Scopus, SciELO, Pubmed and Medigraphic. A total 13 documents were selected, all of which were original papers approaching the topic from different perspectives. Two of the documents were obtained from Scopus, one from Pubmed, four from Medigraphic, two from LILACS and four from SciELO. Results: Autism spectrum disorders are caused by a structural and functional alteration of the cerebral cortex. Neuroimaging studies have shown the structural alterations, which mainly occur in the prefrontal cortex and its connections, the principal encephalic region involved in social behavior regulation. New generation genomic sequencing techniques reveal a genetic origin in cases where previous studies have been normal. Conclusions: Broader knowledge about the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of autism spectrum disorders lead to their better understanding(AU)

Propuesta de asignatura Generalidades de la Estimulación Magnética Transcraneal para técnicos superiores de Neurofisiología Clínica / Course proposal Generalities of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for senior technicians of Clinical Neurophysiology

Introducción: Recientemente se inició la formación de profesionales en una nueva modalidad de Programas Técnico Superior de Ciclo Corto, en la especialidad de Neurofisiología Clínica. Esto responde a la necesidad de la formación de profesionales de la salud en el estudio de las enfermedades neurológicas. La estimulación magnética transcraneal constituye una herramienta importante en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de estas enfermedades. Sin embargo, se carece de un programa para la formación de los estudiantes en el estudio y aplicación de esta técnica. Objetivo: Diseñar un programa de curso propio sobre generalidades de la estimulación magnética transcraneal, para estudiantes de primer año de Neurofisiología Clínica. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación didáctica metodológica utilizando los métodos empíricos y teóricos observación, histórico lógico, estudio documental y bibliográfico, dialéctico, análisis y síntesis, inducción y deducción. Resultados: Se propuso un programa para curso propio que se estructuró en siete temas, con carácter presencial y duración de 32 horas. Se presentaron los contenidos por temas, objetivos, conocimientos esenciales a adquirir, habilidades principales a dominar y sistema de evaluación. Conclusiones: La aplicación de este programa contribuye al desarrollo de habilidades y el desempeño exitoso de los profesionales en formación, en el campo del conocimiento de la técnica de estimulación magnética transcraneal para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades neurológicas(AU)

Introduction: Recently began the training of professionals in a new modality of short-cycle Higher Technical Programs, in the specialty of Clinical Neurophysiology. This responds to the need of training health professionals in the study of neurological diseases, whose incidence rates have increased in recent years. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. However, there is a lack of a program for the training of students in the study and application of this technique. Objective: Tto design an own course program on the generalities of transcranial magnetic stimulation, for first-year students of Clinical Neurophysiology. Method: A methodological didactic research was carried out using the empirical and theoretical methods, observation, logical historical, documentary and bibliographic study, dialectic, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction. Results: A program for the course was proposed, structured in seven topics, with a face-to-face character and a duration of 32 hours. The contents were presented by topics, objectives, essential knowledge to acquire, main skills to master and an evaluation system. Conclusions: The application of this program contributes to the development of skills and the successful performance of professionals in training, in the field of knowledge of the transcranial magnetic stimulation technique for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases(AU)

Introdução: Iniciou recentemente a formação de profissionais numa nova modalidade de Cursos Técnicos Superiores de Ciclo Curto, na especialidade de Neurofisiologia Clínica. Isso responde à necessidade de formação de profissionais de saúde no estudo das doenças neurológicas. A estimulação magnética transcraniana é uma ferramenta importante no diagnóstico e tratamento dessas doenças. No entanto, falta um programa de treinamento dos alunos no estudo e aplicação desta técnica. Objetivo: Desenhar um programa próprio sobre as generalidades da estimulação magnética transcraniana, para alunos do primeiro ano de Neurofisiologia Clínica. Método: Realizou-se uma investigação metodológica didática utilizando os métodos empírico e teórico de observação, histórico lógico, estudo documental e bibliográfico, dialética, análise e síntese, indução e dedução. Resultados: Foi proposto um programa de curso próprio, estruturado em sete temas, com caráter presencial e duração de 32 horas. Os conteúdos foram apresentados por tópicos, objetivos, conhecimentos essenciais a adquirir, competências principais a dominar e um sistema de avaliação. Conclusões: A aplicação deste programa contribui para o desenvolvimento de competências e o desempenho bem sucedido de profissionais em formação, no domínio do conhecimento da técnica de estimulação magnética transcraniana para o diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças neurológicas(AU)

Clinical Neurophysiology Training in a Developing Country: Institutional Resources and Profiles.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics and preferences of clinical neurophysiology (CN) fellows, as well as the resources available for their training, in a developing country such as Mexico. METHODS: An online survey (25 questions) was given to Mexican CN fellows from May to June 2017, covering their reasons for choosing the CN subspecialty, their activities, future plans, institutional resources, and administrative staff. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Total respondents: 20/22 (90%), 65% female from 7 CN centers (80% public and 20% private hospitals) in Mexico City. Seventy-five percent chose CN out of personal interest, and all were not unsatisfied with their academic program. Most plan to work in private practice (75%) and are interested in learning EEG (85%) and intraoperative monitoring (75%-85%). The highest-reported training time by CN area allocated by the programs was as follows: EEG (27%), electromyography (22%), and evoked potentials (16%). The average number of fellows per center was 4; 75% of the centers perform epilepsy surgery, of which 60% offer invasive intracranial studies for the evaluation of surgical candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Mexican CN fellows are satisfied with their choice and with the academic program. They are increasingly interested in intraoperative monitoring, which is not addressed in current Mexican CN Programs.

[French national survey on neurology resident training]. / Enquête nationale sur la formation des internes en neurologie en France.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, the neurology specialty has changed because of the explosion of information and new treatment modalities that became available, and has consequently become more complex and diversified. The satisfaction of residents concerning their training and the competencies that they acquire has never been thoroughly assessed in France. METHODS: We conducted a national survey in order to assess (1) the methods for training and validation; (2) the level of knowledge that residents perceived to have acquired in different domains; and (3) their satisfaction towards training and their wishes. RESULTS: One hundred and eight residents replied to the survey. The main sources of training were local teaching (74%), personal work (61%), scientific (57%) and didactic (54%) papers. Residents seemed unable to acquire knowledge on all domains of the curriculum established at a national level, particularly for neurophysiology, neuropsychology, comatose state and sleep disorders, oncology and psychiatry. Even postgraduate year four residents were not fully competent with several technical tools, particularly neurophysiological tests. Fifty eight percent of residents were satisfied with their training, but 16% were not and 26% were half-hearted. Overall the residents were in favor of more standardization in their training, national-level certification, and would be keen on having access to clinics and the use of a follow-up monitoring chart. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that it would be useful to better identify the competencies that every neurologist should acquire and to use appropriate tools to reach these objectives.

Demostracion de algunas funciones de las motoneuronas mediante microcomputadoras / Microcomputers simulations in some functions of the motoneurons

Se ha elaborado un programa aplicable a una microcomputadora con el propósito de facilitar el análisis y la interpretación de algunas propiedades electrofisiológicas de las motoneuronas, mediante gráficos que simulan la pantalla de un osciloscopio. Se muestra la introducción del microelectrodo, la medida del potencial de reposo, los fenómenos de facilitación e inhibición y la génesis de un potencial de espiga. El programa creado, que aparece en el texto, puede mostrarse también en las pantallas. Asimismo se hace un breve tratamiento teórico de los temas mostrados y se discute el trabajo