La escritura en el curso de Patología General Veterinaria

La formación universitaria es un camino de incorporación en comunidades especializadas, por lo tanto, es un proceso, donde además de adquirir conocimientos se llega a “ser como” (Feldman, 2013). El ingreso a la universidad implica el ingreso a una nueva cultura que requiere un trayecto de afiliación. La afiliación es el proceso por el cual un ingresante aprende el oficio de ser estudiante, es un tránsito de un estatus social a otro, de una cultura a otra. Este pasaje es complejo dado que la mayoría de las reglas no están explícitas, sino que son implícitas, y deben aprenderse en el “hacer”. A pesar de que el curso de Patología General Veterinaria (PGV) transcurre ya avanzado el segundo año de la carrera, algunas características de los estudiantes hacen pensar que el proceso de afiliación intelectual aún no se ha completado. Como consecuencia, los estudiantes llegan al curso de PGV sin haber completado dicho proceso debido a la adopción de estrategias que les permitieron subsistir en el sistema universitario sin comprender las reglas del trabajo intelectual ni comprometerse con su propio aprendizaje. Es evidente que, como plantea Ortega (1997), han adquirido ciertas habilidades que les permiten acreditar (salvar obstáculos) y avanzar en la carrera, lo cual se evidencia en el bajo rendimiento en las evaluaciones finales, con un elevado porcentaje que sólo alcanza la nota mínima 4(cuatro). Este trabajo refleja la búsqueda de los docentes del curso por diseñar e implementar estrategias de enseñanza que logren favorecer la afiliación intelectual de sus estudiantes. Considerando la transición que representa el ingreso a una nueva cultura, y la responsabilidad que corresponde a los docentes de cada disciplina, de acuerdo a lo que sugiere Paula Carlino (2005), se propuso trabajar en relación a la alfabetización académica.Eje 1: La enseñanza universitaria en el contexto actual: transformaciones y propuestas. Reflexiones y experiencias en la enseñanza de la Medicina Veterinaria y la Agronomía.Secretaría de Asuntos Académico

Academic literacy study at the School of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata

Cuando nos referimos a alfabetización académica, hacemos referencia a los conocimientos necesarios para aprender en la universidad. Habiéndose realizado una evaluación diagnóstica en el curso de Patología General Veterinaria, se estudió esta problemática en los cursos de segundo año de la carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la UNLP. Los objetivos del estudio incluyeron conocer qué importancia se da en los cursos de segundo año a la lectura y a la escritura, indagar en las ideas de los docentes al respecto, analizar las actividades de lectoescritura propuestas a los estudiantes y conocer las dificultades que éstos enfrentan ante la lectura y escritura de textos académicos. Para ello se analizaron las planificaciones y evaluaciones curriculares de cada curso, relatos de clases y textos escritos por estudiantes. Se realizaron observaciones de clase y se encuestó a docentes y estudiantes de segundo año. Los resultados muestran qué actividades de lectura y escritura están presentes, tanto en el curriculum práctico como en el formal, hallándose las actividades de escritura preponderantemente en la instancia de evaluación. Las encuestas docentes revelan ideas en transición entre la postura que no reconoce responsabilidad de la universidad en la alfabetización académica y la que sí lo hace. Las encuestas a estudiantes revelaron múltiples dificultades en la lectura, mientras que el análisis de sus escritos mostró dificultades en la escritura. El conocimiento de la situación actual permitirá diseñar proyectos de intervención tendientes a mejorarla, facilitando el proceso de incorporación de los estudiantes a la cultura académica.Academic literacy refers to the knowledge required for learning in college. Taken into account a previous diagnostic study in the Veterinary General Pathology course, in the present work we performed an evaluation of the academic literacy in the remaining courses of second year of the Veterinary Medicine Career, School of Veterinary Sciences, UNLP. Our objectives were to know the relevance given in the courses to reading and writing, to inquire into the teacher conceptions about the academic literacy, to analyze the literacy activities proposed, and to know the challenges they should go through during reading and writing academic texts. Here we analyze planning and evaluation of each course, class descriptions and texts written by students. Class observations and surveys directed to teachers and second-year students were made. The results showed that reading and writing activities are present in the practical curriculum as in the formal one. The writing activities are predominantly present in the evaluations. Surveys directed to teachers reveal teachers that recognize responsibility of the university in the academic literacy and teachers who do not. In addition, surveys directed to students revealed many difficulties in reading, while the analysis of writing showed some difficulties. Knowledge of the current situation will allow designing intervention projects aimed to facilitating the process of incorporation of students to the academic culture.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Academic literacy study at the School of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata

Cuando nos referimos a alfabetización académica, hacemos referencia a los conocimientos necesarios para aprender en la universidad. Habiéndose realizado una evaluación diagnóstica en el curso de Patología General Veterinaria, se estudió esta problemática en los cursos de segundo año de la carrera de Medicina Veterinaria de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la UNLP. Los objetivos del estudio incluyeron conocer qué importancia se da en los cursos de segundo año a la lectura y a la escritura, indagar en las ideas de los docentes al respecto, analizar las actividades de lectoescritura propuestas a los estudiantes y conocer las dificultades que éstos enfrentan ante la lectura y escritura de textos académicos. Para ello se analizaron las planificaciones y evaluaciones curriculares de cada curso, relatos de clases y textos escritos por estudiantes. Se realizaron observaciones de clase y se encuestó a docentes y estudiantes de segundo año. Los resultados muestran qué actividades de lectura y escritura están presentes, tanto en el curriculum práctico como en el formal, hallándose las actividades de escritura preponderantemente en la instancia de evaluación. Las encuestas docentes revelan ideas en transición entre la postura que no reconoce responsabilidad de la universidad en la alfabetización académica y la que sí lo hace. Las encuestas a estudiantes revelaron múltiples dificultades en la lectura, mientras que el análisis de sus escritos mostró dificultades en la escritura. El conocimiento de la situación actual permitirá diseñar proyectos de intervención tendientes a mejorarla, facilitando el proceso de incorporación de los estudiantes a la cultura académica.Academic literacy refers to the knowledge required for learning in college. Taken into account a previous diagnostic study in the Veterinary General Pathology course, in the present work we performed an evaluation of the academic literacy in the remaining courses of second year of the Veterinary Medicine Career, School of Veterinary Sciences, UNLP. Our objectives were to know the relevance given in the courses to reading and writing, to inquire into the teacher conceptions about the academic literacy, to analyze the literacy activities proposed, and to know the challenges they should go through during reading and writing academic texts. Here we analyze planning and evaluation of each course, class descriptions and texts written by students. Class observations and surveys directed to teachers and second-year students were made. The results showed that reading and writing activities are present in the practical curriculum as in the formal one. The writing activities are predominantly present in the evaluations. Surveys directed to teachers reveal teachers that recognize responsibility of the university in the academic literacy and teachers who do not. In addition, surveys directed to students revealed many difficulties in reading, while the analysis of writing showed some difficulties. Knowledge of the current situation will allow designing intervention projects aimed to facilitating the process of incorporation of students to the academic culture.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Higher COVID-19 pneumonia risk associated with anti-IFN-α than with anti-IFN-ω auto-Abs in children

We found that 19 (10.4%) of 183 unvaccinated children hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia had autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs (IFN-alpha 2 in 10 patients: IFN-alpha 2 only in three, IFN-alpha 2 plus IFN-omega in five, and IFN-alpha 2, IFN-omega plus IFN-beta in two; IFN-omega only in nine patients). Seven children (3.8%) had Abs neutralizing at least 10 ng/ml of one IFN, whereas the other 12 (6.6%) had Abs neutralizing only 100 pg/ml. The auto-Abs neutralized both unglycosylated and glycosylated IFNs. We also detected auto-Abs neutralizing 100 pg/ml IFN-alpha 2 in 4 of 2,267 uninfected children (0.2%) and auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-omega in 45 children (2%). The odds ratios (ORs) for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia were, therefore, higher for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-alpha 2 only (OR [95% CI] = 67.6 [5.7-9,196.6]) than for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-. only (OR [95% CI] = 2.6 [1.2-5.3]). ORs were also higher for auto-Abs neutralizing high concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 12.9 [4.6-35.9]) than for those neutralizing low concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 5.5 [3.1-9.6]) of IFN-omega and/or IFN-alpha 2

A cardiotoxicity dataset for breast cancer patients

Abstract This dataset is a result of the collaboration between the University of A Coruña and the University Hospital of A Coruña. It contains information about 531 women diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, treated with potentially cardiotoxic oncologic therapies. These treatments can cause cardiovascular adverse events, including cardiac systolic dysfunction, the development of which has important clinical and prognostic implications. The availability of good predictors may enable early detection of these cardiac problems. Variables such as age, weight and height are available for each patient, as well as some measures obtained from echocardiography, a technique used prior and during the treatment to check the structure and function of the heart. Among them, there is a functional variable that measures the myocardial velocity during the cardiac cycle. For patients that experienced cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction during the treatment period, time until its appearance is known. This dataset aims to enable the scientific community in conducting new research on this cardiovascular side effect

Assessing effectiveness of heart rate variability biofeedback to mitigate mental health symptoms : a pilot study

Introduction: The increasing burden on mental health has become a worldwide concern especially due to its substantial negative social and economic impact. The implementation of prevention actions and psychological interventions is crucial to mitigate these consequences, and evidence supporting its effectiveness would facilitate a more assertive response. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) has been proposed as a potential intervention to improve mental wellbeing through mechanisms in autonomic functioning. The aim of this study is to propose and evaluate the validity of an objective procedure to assess the effectiveness of a HRV-BF protocol in mitigating mental health symptoms in a sample of frontline HCWs (healthcare workers) who worked in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A prospective experimental study applying a HRV-BF protocol was conducted with 21 frontline healthcare workers in 5 weekly sessions. For PRE-POST intervention comparisons, two different approaches were used to evaluate mental health status: applying (a) gold-standard psychometric questionnaires and (b) electrophysiological multiparametric models for chronic and acute stress assessment. Results: After HRV-BF intervention, psychometric questionnaires showed a reduction in mental health symptoms and stress perception. The electrophysiological multiparametric also showed a reduction in chronic stress levels, while the acute stress levels were similar in PRE and POST conditions. A significant reduction in respiratory rate and an increase in some heart rate variability parameters, such as SDNN, LFn, and LF/HF ratio, were also observed after intervention. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a 5-session HRV-BF protocol is an effective intervention for reducing stress and other mental health symptoms among frontline HCWs who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The electrophysiological multiparametric models provide relevant information about the current mental health state, being useful for objectively evaluating the effectiveness of stress-reducing interventions. Further research could replicate the proposed procedure to confirm its feasibility for different samples and specific interventions

BC_cardiotox: A cardiotoxicity dataset for breast cancer patients

The BC_cardiotox database is a result of the collaboration between the University of A Coruña and the University Hospital of A Coruña. It contains information about 531 breast cancer patients and aims to enable the scientific community in conducting new research on cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The development of this side effect has important clinical and prognostic implications, and the availability of good predictors may allow its early detection. Although some risk factors are known, they are not sufficient to predict which patients will develop CTRCD during treatment. Therefore, in clinical practice it is recommended to monitor the appearance of CTRCD through blood laboratory tests and cardiac imaging tests. The echocardiogram, which allows to assess various parameters of the structure and function of the heart, is the main diagnostic tool. The Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI), which shows the velocity of contraction and relaxation of the cardiac muscle, can be obtained by using this technique. This information, measured before treatment, may help in the early identification of CTRCD. Since the TDI shows a velocity as a function of time, it can be preprocessed to obtain a functional datum. For each patient, baseline clinical variables related to anthropometric and heart measures are available, as well as the preprocessed baseline TDI. The code for the preprocessing of image data is also provided, together with two TDI images for reproducibility issues. The code is implemented in the statistical software R. Corresponding author: Beatriz Piñeiro-Lamas ([email protected] / [email protected])</p

Mental health assessment of spanish healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is posing unprecedented care scenarios, increasing the psychological distress among healthcare workers while reducing the efficiency of health systems. This work evaluated the psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Spanish frontline healthcare workers of two tertiary hospitals. Material and methods: Healthcare workers were recruited from the medical units designated for the care of Covid-19 patients. The psychological assessment consisted of an individual, face-to-face session where gold-standard psychometric tests were administered to assess stress (VASS & PSS-10), anxiety (STAI), depression (PHQ-2) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL-5). Regression models were also fitted to identify predictors of psychological distress. Results: Overall, almost 13% of healthcare workers showed severe anxiety, while more than 26% had high levels of perceived stress. More than 23% presented severe posttraumatic stress symptoms, and another 13% had PHQ-2 scores equal to or above 3, compatible with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) diagnosis, respectively. Women, stress-related medication, overworking, performing in Covid-19 wards, and substance abuse were risk factors for increased psychological distress. Instead, practising exercise reduced the burden. Conclusion: This study outlines the severe psychological impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Spanish frontline healthcare workers. The stress, depression and anxiety levels found were similar to those reported in similar works but much higher than in Wuhan healthcare workers. Knowledge of risk factors for increased psychological distress may help to develop comprehensive intervention strategies to prevent, control and reduce the mental health exacerbation of healthcare workers, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of health systems in critical scenarios

Análisis de la salud mental de trabajadores sanitarios españoles de primera línea durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2

Background and objective: The Covid-19 pandemic continues challenging health systems globally, exposing healthcare workers to constant physical and psychological stressors. To date, several studies have already shown the catastrophic impact on the mental health of medical personnel during the early period of the pandemic. Nevertheless, literature evidences the dearth of works that evaluate the effect over time, understanding the pandemic as a sustained extreme stressor. The present study examines the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of Covid-19 frontline healthcare workers at six months follow-up. Material and methods: A total of 141 frontline healthcare workers from two tertiary hospitals were recruited between July and November 2020. Healthcare workers were evaluated psychologically at baseline and six months follow-up (January to May 2021) using psychometric tests for the assessment of acute stress (VASS, PSS-10, PCL-5), anxiety (STAI) and depression (PHQ-2) RESULTS: Overall, there was a general worsening of the mental health between the two psychological assessments, especially regarding depression and predisposition to perceiving the situations as a threat. Nurses and nurse aides showed poorer mental health while physicians improved over time. Reduced working hours and higher physical exercise resulted in better mental health among healthcare workers. Women and nursing staff were the most affected by psychological distress at baseline and six months follow-up. Conclusion: Reduced working hours, adequate resting periods, physical exercise, and efficient intervention strategies are of utmost importance in preventing, controlling, and reducing psychological distress among healthcare workers when coping with critical scenarios such as the current pandemic.Antecedentes y objetivo: La pandemia Covid-19 sigue desafiando a los sistemas sanitarios, exponiendo al personal asistencial a estresores físicos y psicológicos. Actualmente, varios estudios han demostrado el impacto catastrófico en la salud mental del personal asistencial durante la primera etapa de la pandemia, pero pocos han considerado el seguimiento de los síntomas. El presente estudio examina el efecto de la pandemia en la salud mental del personal sanitario de primera línea a los 6 meses de seguimiento. Material y métodos: Se evaluó psicológicamente a 141 trabajadores sanitarios de primera línea de 2 hospitales terciarios al inicio del estudio (julio-noviembre, 2020) y a los 6 meses (enero-mayo, 2021) mediante pruebas psicométricas para el estrés agudo (VASS, PSS-10, PCL-5), la ansiedad (STAI) y la depresión (PHQ-2). Resultados: En general, se observó un empeoramiento de la salud mental entre las 2 evaluaciones psicológicas, especialmente en depresión y predisposición a percibir las situaciones como una amenaza. La salud mental del personal de enfermería empeoró con el tiempo, mientras que los médicos mejoraron. La reducción de la jornada laboral y el aumento del ejercicio físico mejoraron la salud mental. Las mujeres y el personal de enfermería fueron los más afectados por el malestar psicológico al inicio y a los 6 meses de seguimiento. Conclusión: Jornadas laborales reducidas, períodos de descanso adecuados, ejercicio físico y estrategias de intervención eficientes son de suma importancia para prevenir, controlar y reducir el malestar psicológico entre el personal sanitario ante escenarios críticos como la pandemia actual

Influence of previous coronary artery bypass grafting in the difficulty of acute coronary syndrome diagnosis

To investigate whether the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients with chest pain (CP) is more difficult based on the initial clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.; We included consecutive CP patients attended at a single emergency department (ED) during a 10-year period. CABG status and the final diagnosis of ACS were considered as stated in the ED discharge report. We evaluated the frequency of 21 CP characteristics (CPC) and four ECG signatures, their individual and collective association with ACS, and ED length of stay (LOS) in CABG and non-CABG patients.; We included 34 429 patients [median age: 61 years; female: 41.8%; CABG: 2204 patients (6.4%)], and ACS was diagnosed in 6727 (19.5%; CABG/non-CABG 37.2%/18.3%; P < 0.001). CABG patients more frequently had CPC and ECG findings typically associated with ACS, but their final association with ACS was weaker than in non-CABG patients (only significant after adjustment for attendant diaphoresis, throat irradiation, ST-segment elevation and T-wave inversion). The collective discriminative capacity was significantly lower in CABG patients (area under the curve 0.710 vs. 0.793; P < 0.001), even after adjustment (0.708 vs. 0.790; P < 0.001). ED LOS was longer for CABG patients, overall (P < 0.001) and for patients diagnosed with ACS (P = 0.008) and non-ACS (P < 0.001), but these differences disappeared after adjustment.; CABG substantially reduces the diagnostic performance of CPC and ECG findings to suggest ACS. A longer LOS in the ED in CABG patients is more related to their baseline characteristics than to CABG itself