Search

Gastric cancer (GC), a significant cause of mortality globally, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Latin American men. GC is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage; therefore, therapeutic options are limited, and prognosis is poor. Helicobacter pylori infection remains the primary risk factor for GC; therefore, primary prevention directed toward diagnosis and treatment (“test-and-treat” strategy) is important. Western medicine guidelines recommend esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for at-risk individuals aged >40 years with regular surveillance in patients with gastric premalignant conditions (GPMC). However, limited availability of EGD in Latin America necessitates development of risk stratification tools to minimize the endoscopic burden. Results from the Chilean “Endoscopic Cohort and Histological Operative Link on Gastric Assessment (OLGA) Staging” (ECHOS study), propose endoscopic surveillance of advanced GPMC (OLGA/Operative Link for Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia [OLGIM] stages III–IV) with reliable risk stratification to facilitate early GC detection. Ensuring high-quality EGD and enhanced diagnostic yield of GPMC is essential. GPMC grading tools, such as the Kimura-Takemoto or Endoscopic Grading of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia classification, should be incorporated into the regular risk assessment protocol. However, obtaining mapping gastric biopsies using standardized methods such as the updated Sydney System biopsy protocol, followed by grading of chronic atrophic gastritis with or without intestinal metaplasia using the OLGA and OLGIM staging systems are preferred for GC risk stratification. Recent GC prevention strategies recommended in Chile include a “test-and-treat” approach for H. pylori in individuals aged 35–44 years and combined H. pylori/pepsinogen I–II serology and EGD evaluation in patients aged >45 years to optimize the limited preventive resources available in the region.

Abstract Background Feedback processes are crucial for learning, guiding improvement, and enhancing performance. In workplace-based learning settings, diverse teaching and assessment activities are advocated to be designed and implemented, generating feedback that students use, with proper guidance, to close the gap between current and desired performance levels. Since productive feedback processes rely on observed information regarding a student's performance, it is imperative to establish structured feedback activities within undergraduate workplace-based learning settings. However, these settings are characterized by their unpredictable nature, which can either promote learning or present challenges in offering structured learning opportunities for students. This scoping review maps literature on how feedback processes are organised in undergraduate clinical workplace-based learning settings, providing insight into the design and use of feedback. Methods A scoping review was conducted. Studies were identified from seven databases and ten relevant journals in medical education. The screening process was performed independently in duplicate with the support of the StArt program. Data were organized in a data chart and analyzed using thematic analysis. The feedback loop with a sociocultural perspective was used as a theoretical framework. Results The search yielded 4,877 papers, and 61 were included in the review. Two themes were identified in the qualitative analysis: (1) The organization of the feedback processes in workplace-based learning settings, and (2) Sociocultural factors influencing the organization of feedback processes. The literature describes multiple teaching and assessment activities that generate feedback information. Most papers described experiences and perceptions of diverse teaching and assessment feedback activities. Few studies described how feedback processes improve performance. Sociocultural factors such as establishing a feedback culture, enabling stable and trustworthy relationships, and enhancing student feedback agency are crucial for productive feedback processes. Conclusions This review identified concrete ideas regarding how feedback could be organized within the clinical workplace to promote feedback processes. The feedback encounter should be organized to allow follow-up of the feedback, i.e., working on required learning and performance goals at the next occasion. The educational programs should design feedback processes by appropriately planning subsequent tasks and activities. More insight is needed in designing a full-loop feedback process, in which specific attention is needed in effective feedforward practices.

Clinical workplace-based learning is essential for undergraduate health professions, requiring adequate training and timely feedback. While the Mini-CEX is a well-known tool for workplace-based learning, its written paper assessment can be cumbersome in a clinical setting. We conducted a utility analysis to assess the effectiveness of an adapted Mini-CEX implemented as a mobile device WebApp for clinical practice assessment. We included 24 clinical teachers from 11 different clinical placements and 95 undergraduate physical therapy students. The adapted Mini-CEX was tailored to align with the learning outcomes of clinical practice requirements and made accessible through a WebApp for mobile devices. To ensure the validity of the content, we conducted a Delphi panel. Throughout the semester, the students were assessed four times while interacting with patients. We evaluated the utility of the adapted Mini-CEX based on validity, reliability, acceptability, cost, and educational impact. We performed factor analysis and assessed the psychometric properties of the adapted tool. Additionally, we conducted two focus groups and analyzed the themes from the discussions to explore acceptability and educational impact. The adapted Mini-CEX consisted of eight validated items. Our analysis revealed that the tool was unidimensional and exhibited acceptable reliability (0.78). The focus groups highlighted two main themes: improving learning assessment and the perceived impact on learning. Overall, the eight-item Mini-CEX WebApp proved to be a valid, acceptable, and reliable instrument for clinical practice assessment in workplace-based learning settings for undergraduate physiotherapy students. We anticipate that our adapted Mini-CEX WebApp can be easily implemented across various clinical courses and disciplines.

Abstract Background Gastric Cancer (GC) is the fourth most deadly cancer worldwide. Enhanced understanding of its key epidemiological and molecular drivers is urgently needed to lower the incidence and improve outcomes. Furthermore, tumor biology in European (EU) and Latin American (LATAM) countries is understudied. The LEGACy study is a Horizon 2020 funded multi-institutional research approach to 1) detail the epidemiological features including risk factors of GC in current time and 2) develop cost-effective methods to identify and integrate biological biomarkers needed to guide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with the aim of filling the knowledge gap on GC in these areas. Methods This observational study has three parts that are conducted in parallel during 2019–2023 across recruiting centers from four EU and four LATAM countries: Part 1) A case-control study (800 cases and 800 controls) using questionnaires on candidate risk factors for GC, which will be correlated with clinical, demographic and epidemiological parameters. Part 2) A case-control tissue sampling study (400 cases and 400 controls) using proteome, genome, microbiome and immune analyses to characterize advanced (stage III and IV) GC. Patients in this part of the study will be followed over time to observe clinical outcomes. The first half of samples will be used as training cohort to identify the most relevant risk factors and biomarkers, which will be selected to propose cost-effective diagnostic and predictive methods that will be validated with the second half of samples. Part 3) An educational study, as part of our prevention strategy (subjects recruited from the general public) to test and disseminate knowledge on GC risk factors and symptoms by a questionnaire and informative video. Patients could be recruited for more than one of the three LEGACy studies. Discussion The LEGACy study aims to generate novel, in-depth knowledge on the tumor biological characteristics through integrating epidemiological, multi-omics and clinical data from GC patients at an EU-LATAM partnership. During the study, cost-effective panels with potential use in clinical decision making will be developed and validated. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: Part 1: NCT03957031 . Part 2: NCT04015466 . Part 3: NCT04019808 .

Introduction and Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis requires a liver biopsy, which is inapplicable to large populations. Alternatively, NAFLD can be detected indirectly by non-invasive methods such as Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). Thus, the prevalence of NAFLD and its association with lifestyle habits (e.g., physical activity) can be studied within populations. This study aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of NAFLD by FLI and LAP in the adult Chilean population and (ii) determine the association between the presence of NAFLD and physical activity levels. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the National Health Survey of Chile 2016-2017. Individuals meeting these criteria were included: 21-75 years old; absence of hepatitis B/C, HIV, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, syphilis, chancre, and gonorrhea; alcohol consumption

Introduction Research activities have a positive impact on the performance of residents. However, information on research conducted by residents from developing countries is scarce. Our study sought to identify the barriers and facilitators for developing research in medical residency programs in a Latin-American faculty of medicine. Methods A mixed methodology study design was carried out. We used a grounded theory approach for the qualitative phase, collecting data through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with faculty and residents. For the quantitative phase, surveys were administered to residents and teachers. We used factor analysis and scree plot (validity), Cronbach's alpha, and Intraclass correlation coefficient (reliability) to evaluate the surveys' psychometric properties. Results Focus groups involving ten faculty members and 15 residents were conducted, and the following domains were identified: a) facilitators for resident participation, b) barriers, c) strategies for introducing research into the curriculum, d) arguments supporting research activities throughout medical residency, and e) profile of research-motivated residents. Both residents and faculty members identified a lack of protected time and adequate mentoring as the major barriers. A gender gap was found related to international publications (34% vs. 66% women/men); women perceived that research activities 'compete with other activities' (OR: 2.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.07). Conclusions Research is highly valued by both residents and faculty members at a Latin-American university with a strong academic output. Major barriers to promoting research in this context include lack of protected time and effective mentoring, and gender gaps. Strategies proposed to improve research within medical residency programs include: establishing an interdisciplinary mentoring program between residents and researchers, promoting elective rotations, and rewarding proposals that consider gender equity.

Summary: Background: A major challenge of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is to better define “protective thresholds” to guide the global response. We aimed to characterize the longitudinal dynamics of the antibody responses in naturally infected individuals in Chile and compared them to humoral responses induced after immunization with CoronaVac-based on an inactivated whole virus -or the BNT162b2- based on mRNA-vaccines. We also contrasted them with the respective effectiveness and efficacy data available for both vaccines. Methods: We determined and compared the longitudinal neutralizing (nAb) and anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibody responses of 74 COVID-19 individuals (37 outpatient and 37 hospitalized) during the acute disease and convalescence. We also assessed the antibody boosting of 36 of these individuals who were immunized after convalescence with either the CoronaVac (n = 30) or the BNT162b2 (n = 6) vaccines. Antibody titres were also measured for 50 naïve individuals immunized with two doses of CoronaVac (n = 35) or BNT162b2 (n = 15) vaccines. The neutralizing level after vaccination was compared to those of convalescent individuals and the predicted efficacy was estimated. Findings: SARS-CoV-2 infection induced robust nAb and anti-N antibody responses lasting >9 months, but showing a rapid nAb decay. After convalescence, nAb titres were significantly boosted by vaccination with CoronaVac or BNT162b2. In naïve individuals, the calculated mean titre induced by two doses of CoronaVac or BNT162b2 was 0·2 times and 5.2 times, respectively, that of convalescent individuals, which has been proposed as threshold of protection. CoronaVac induced no or only modest anti-N antibody responses. Using two proposed logistic models, the predicted efficacy of BNT162b2 was estimated at 97%, in close agreement with phase 3 efficacy studies, while for CoronaVac it was ∼50% corresponding to the lowest range of clinical trials and below the real-life data from Chile (from February 2 through May 1, 2021 during the predominant circulation of the Gamma variant), where the estimated vaccine effectiveness to prevent COVID-19 was 62·8–64·6%. Interpretation: The decay of nAbs titres in previously infected individuals over time indicates that vaccination is needed to boost humoral memory responses. Immunization of naïve individuals with two doses of CoronaVac induced nAbs titres that were significantly lower to that of convalescent patients, and similar to vaccination with one dose of BTN162b2. The real life effectiveness for CoronaVac in Chile was higher than estimated; indicating that lower titres and additional cellular immune responses induced by CoronaVac might afford protection in a highly immunized population. Nevertheless, the lower nAb titre induced by two doses of CoronaVac as compared to the BTN162b2 vaccine in naïve individuals, highlights the need of booster immunizations over time to maintain protective levels of antibody, particularly with the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Funding: FONDECYT 1161971, 1212023, 1181799, FONDECYT Postdoctorado 3190706 and 3190648, ANID Becas/Doctorado Nacional 21212258, PIA ACT 1408, CONICYT REDES180170, Centro Ciencia & Vida, FB210008, Financiamiento Basal para Centros Científicos y Tecnológicos de Excelencia grants from the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID) of Chile; NIH-NIAD grants U19AI135972, R01AI132633 and contracts HHSN272201400008C and 75N93019C00051; the JPB Foundation, the Open Philanthropy Project grant 2020-215611 (5384); and by anonymous donors. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

PurposeThe global mobility of medical student and trainee populations has drawn researchers' attention to consider internationalization in medical education. Recently, researchers have focused on cultural diversity, predominately drawing on Hofstede's cross-cultural analysis of cultural dimensions from general population data to explain their findings. However, to date no research has been specifically undertaken to examine cultural dimensions within a medical student or trainee population. This is problematic as within-country differences between gender and professional groups have been identified within these dimensions. We address this gap by drawing on the theoretical concept of national context effects: specifically Hofstede's six-dimensional perspective. In doing so we examine medical students' and trainees' country profiles across dimensions, country-by-gender clustering, and differences between our data and Hofstede's general population data.MethodsWe undertook a cross-cultural online questionnaire study (eight languages) containing Hofstede's 2013 Values Survey. Our questionnaire was live between 1st March to 19th Aug 2018, and December 2018 to mitigate country holiday periods. We recruited undergraduate medical students and trainees with at least 6-months' clinical training using school-specific methods including emails, announcements, and snowballing.ResultsWe received 2,529 responses. Sixteen countries were retained for analyses (n = 2,307, 91%): Australia, Chile, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, South Korea, Sri-Lanka, Taiwan. Power distance and masculinity are homogenous across countries. Uncertainty avoidance shows the greatest diversity. We identified four country clusters. Masculinity and uncertainty are uncorrelated with Hofstede's general population data.ConclusionsOur medical student and trainee data provides medical education researchers with more appropriate cultural dimension profiles than those from general population data. Country cluster profiles stimulate useful hypotheses for further research, especially as patterning between clusters cuts across traditional Eastern-Western divides with national culture being stronger than gendered influences. The Uncertainty dimension with its complex pattern across clusters is a particularly fruitful avenue for further investigation.

Resumen: Antecedentes y objetivos: El ambiente educacional (AE) ha cobrado relevancia en las últimas décadas debido al impacto que produce en el proceso de aprendizaje, vida social y futuro laboral de los estudiantes. El objetivo de este proyecto es medir la percepción del AE en estudiantes de pregrado de la carrera de Kinesiología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Métodos: Se utilizó metodología mixta. Componente cuantitativo: se aplicó el cuestionario Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) del 1.er al 4.° año. Componente cualitativo: con base en el análisis de preguntas abiertas. Se describen los ítems, dominios y puntaje global del DREEM mediante promedios y desviación estándar. Análisis estadísticos con t de Student para muestras independientes y ANOVA (más de 2 cohortes). Los datos cuantitativos fueron analizados usando el software SPSS y los datos cualitativos (teoría fundada) mediante software Atlas.ti®. Por último, se procedió a la triangulación de la información de ambas fuentes. Resultados: Un total de 295 de un universo de estudiantes de 362 contestaron los cuestionarios (81%). El promedio global del cuestionario DREEM fue de 135,74 ± 19,15, lo que revela un AE «más positivo que negativo». La mayor fortaleza fue la percepción de la calidad de los docentes (73%) y el dominio con más baja percepción fue la atmósfera (63%). Los datos cualitativos permitieron complementar y enriquecer los resultados. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la percepción del AE entre hombres y mujeres. Conclusiones: La medición del AE permitió identificar las principales fortalezas y aspectos por mejorar, lo cual servirá de base para un futuro plan de mejoramiento, autoevaluación y proceso de acreditación. Abstract: Background and objectives: The educational environment (EE) has become relevant in the past decades, due to the impact it has on the learning process, social life, and future professional work of the students. The aim of this study is to measure the perception of the EE in undergraduate students of the Kinesiology course in the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Methods: Mix methodology was used. Quantitative component: the DREEM (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure) questionnaire was completed by 1st to 4th year students. Qualitative field: based on open question analysis. The items, domains and overall score of the DREEM are described by the mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student-t test for independent samples and ANOVA (more than 2 cohorts). The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS software, and the qualitative data (grounded theory) by Atlas.ti® software. The information from both sources was triangulated. Results: A total of 295 students out of 362 completed the questionnaires (81%). The overall mean of the DREEM questionnaire was 135.74±19.15, revealing a «more positive than negative» EE. The major strength was the perception of the teacher quality (73%), and the domain with the lowest perception was the atmosphere (63%). The qualitative data was used to complement and enrich the results. No significant difference was found in the perception of EE between men and women. Conclusions: EE measurement was able to identify the main strengths and aspects to improve. This could serve as the basis for a future improvement plan, self-evaluation, and accreditation process.

En este número de la Revista ARS Médica, queremos compartir la alegría de celebrar los 50 años de Educación Médica en la UC. En marzo del año 1971 comenzó a funcionar la oficina de Educación Médica UC y en agosto de ese mismo año, se publicó el primer número del Boletín del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica de Chile que más tarde se transformaría en la actual Revista ARS Médica. Ambas iniciativas representaron hitos muy importantes en la formación médica y de profesionales en salud. A lo largo de 50 años de educación médica en la UC hemos ido aprendiendo de profesionales clínicos, estudiantes, docentes y expertos de diversas partes del mundo cómo mejorar la formación de nuestros profesionales para que sirvan mejor a sus comunidades.

Introduction and Objectives: Nonalcoholic-fatty-liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation is associated with increased risk of MetS but few studies have assessed the role of liver MR on NAFLD. We aimed to evaluate the effect of MR modulation by sodium intake in liver injury in experimental models of NAFLD. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat-diet (HFD) or a choline/methionine deficient (MCD) diet with different sodium concentrations. Hepatic concentration of lipid species, serum aldosterone levels, expression of MR, proinflammatory and profibrotic markers and liver histology were assessed. Results: Mice fed with High-Na+/HFD showed a lower MR expression in liver (p = 0.01) and less steatosis on histology (p = 0.04). Consistently, animals from this group exhibited lower levels of serum aldosterone (p = 0.028) and lower hepatic triglyceride content (p = 0.008). This associated to a reduced expression of lipogenic genes, significant changes in lipid subspecies, lower HOMA-IR (p

Resumen: Objetivo: Se aplicó el Mini-CEX, que es un método de evaluación de habilidades clínicas, en un programa de residentado médico, para evaluar sus resultados en el tiempo y determinar su validez y confiabilidad. Material y métodos: Se estandarizó el sistema de evaluación con tres aplicaciones del Mini-CEX a lo largo de un año, en los médicos residentes del primer año de medicina interna y especialidades clínicas de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú. Se buscó diferencias entre las tres evaluaciones con la prueba Kruskall-Wallis. Se midió el grado de confiabilidad con la prueba alfa de Cronbach y la validez de constructo con análisis factorial. Se capacitó a 20 docentes. Se evaluaron 14 residentes y cada uno tuvo tres evaluaciones. Resultados: Las observaciones duraron 46,5 ± 26,1 min y el feedback 20,1 ± 11,1 min. El análisis factorial mediante la prueba de componentes principales encontró un solo factor. La prueba alfa de Cronbach global fue 0,92. Se observó una mejoría significativa de los residentes en examen físico 6 (5,8-7,0) a 7,5 (6,8-8,0) p = 0,028; juicio clínico 6 (6,0-7,2) a 8 (7,0-8,2) p = 0,021; y, valoración global 7 (6,0-7.6) a 8 (7,0-8,0) p = 0,043. Los niveles de satisfacción del residente y del docente con el método fueron 8/9 y 9/9. Conclusión: La prueba fue bien aceptada por residentes y docentes, tuvo un alto nivel de confiabilidad y validez de constructo por lo que se recomienda su uso en programas de residentado médico. Abstract: Objective: The Mini-CEX, which is an evaluation method of clinical skills, was used in a medical residency program for assessing its results over time and to determine its validity and reliability. Materials and methods: The evaluation system was standardised with three the Mini-CEX being applied over one year to first-year medical residents of internal medicine and sub-specialties in the Faculty of Medicine of Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú. Differences between the three evaluations were measured using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The degree of reliability was measured using the Cronbach alpha test, and construct validity with factor analysis. Twenty teachers were trained. Each one of fourteen residents was evaluated three times. Results: The observations lasted 46.5 ± 26.1 minutes and feedback 20.1 ± 11.1 minutes. The factor analysis found one dimension. The overall Cronbach alpha score was 0.92. A significant improvement was observed in the residents in Physical Examination, from 6 (5.8-7.0) to 7.5 (6.8-8.0) p=. 028, clinical judgment, from 6 (6.0-7.2) to 8 (7.0-8.2) p=.021, and overall rating, from 7 (6, 0-7.6) to 8 (7-8) p=. 043. The satisfaction levels of residents and teachers with the method were 8/9 and 9/9, respectively. Conclusion: The test was well accepted by residents and teachers, and as it had a high level of reliability and construct validity, its use is recommended in medical residency programs. Palabras clave: Evaluación, Métodos, Mini-clinical examination, Residentado médico, Medicina interna, Keywords: Assessment, Methods, Mini-clinical examination, Medical residency, Internal medicine

Introducción: la evaluación kinesiológica contempla la realización de una rigurosa historia clínica y examen físico que orientan a establecer un diagnóstico, un pronóstico funcional, y es la base del plan de intervención. Esta competencia requiere de experiencia y razonamiento clínico para la toma de buenas decisiones terapéuticas. Los resultados históricos de las evaluaciones de aprendizajes del internado, concluyen que esta competencia tiene bajo nivel de desempeño, por lo que se deben mejorar las estrategias utilizadas para su aprendizaje durante el internado. El mini-CEX, es un instrumento de evaluación para el aprendizaje, que promueve la observación y feedback en el sitio de trabajo. Objetivo: diseñar e implementar un instrumento de evaluación para el aprendizaje de la evaluación kinesiológica durante el internado profesional de la Carrera de Kinesiología de la PUC. Método: estudio prospectivo, utilizando la metodología de investigación acción, diseñado en 4 etapas. Resultados: se obtuvo un instrumento de evaluación para el aprendizaje, el mini-CEX, adaptado a las necesidades del internado profesional de kinesiología. El estudio piloto reportó buena aceptación entre estudiantes y docentes. La percepción de los internos es que son más observados y que las destrezas asociadas a la evaluación kinesiológica mejoraron luego del estudio. Conclusiones: el instrumento reportó un tiempo de aplicación bajo (35 min.), lo que beneficiaría instancias de observación directa y feedback dentro de los internados. Es necesaria una aplicación a gran escala, que contribuya a determinar su validez y confiabilidad. Se requiere una capacitación formal a los docentes evaluadores y ajustar la escala.

El aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Medicina de Pregrado en ambiente simulado constituye una alternativa en la obtención de competencias técnicas y no técnicas. Objetivo: Desarrollar un fantoma e implementar un taller modular de entrenamiento de paracentesis abdominal en ambiente simulado para estudiantes de Medicina. Métodos: Se diseñaron y desarrollaron modelos para la realización de paracentesis abdominal en la Escuela de Diseño de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) y se implementó un taller para alumnos de 4to año de Medicina de la PUC, utilizando un enfoque constructivista, sesiones de entrenamiento simulado con debriefing basadas en el modelo plus-delta y evaluación pre y post-procedimiento siguiendo los principios de evaluación para el aprendizaje. Resultados: Se desarrollaron 3 prototipos hasta llegar a un modelo definitivo de alta fidelidad basado en la percepción de 20 expertos. 237 alumnos asistieron a un taller de paracentesis abdominal en el Centro de Cirugía Experimental y Simulación Universidad Católica (UC). Este consistió en una actividad práctica grupal (7-8 alumnos por sesión) que incluyó: una evaluación pre-sesión, un vídeo instruccional, una demostración en tiempo real en el fantoma por parte de un docente, la realización guiada del procedimiento por parte de los alumnos, debriefing y cierre de la sesión. Conclusiones: Un modelo de enseñanza en ambiente simulado es posible de ser diseñado e implementado exitosamente en un centro educacional para estudiantes de Medicina de Pregrado. Este taller de paracentesis permite entrenar a los alumnos en la realización de paracentesis abdominal en un ambiente seguro para los alumnos y pacientes y puede ser implementado a bajo costo en otros centros o instituciones.

Introducción: El burnout es un síndrome caracterizado por agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y bajo sentido de logro personal. Los médicos residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad constituyen una población de riesgo por la alta carga laboral y la interferencia con su vida personal. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la prevalencia de burnout y su asociación con variables sociodemográficas, en residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad dela Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta electrónica a los residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la PUC, que incluyó el “Inventario de Burnout de Maslach” (22 preguntas divididas en 3 dimensiones). Se sumaron los puntos de cada dimensión y se clasificó a los residentes en riesgo de burnout al presentar altos índices de agotamiento emocional y/o despersonalización. El análisis estadístico incluyó un análisis univariado y multivariado. Resultados: 415 encuestas fueron contestadas (tasa de respuesta 86%). El 38,3% de los residentes cumplió criterios de burnout, con un 41,9% en residentes de especialidad y 24,1% en residentes de subespecialidad. En el análisis por subgrupos, la mayor prevalencia se encontró en especialidades quirúrgicas (55,3%). Los residentes extranjeros, los programas de especialidad (comparados con subespecialidad) y los programas de especialidades quirúrgicas se asociaron de manera independiente a burnout (OR 3,8 IC95% 1,4-10,5, p=0,01; OR 2,3 IC95% 1,3-4,1, p

Introducción: El proceso de enseñanza de la medicina ha cambiado a través de la historia en la medida que sus estudiantes cambian. Los profesores de medicina se adaptan con dificultades a los nuevos estudiantes y muchas veces no son capaces de reconocer los nuevos intereses de sus propios alumnos. En este contexto resulta importante analizar qué métodos de estudio utilizan los actuales alumnos durante los siete años de la carrera de Medicina. Métodos: Estudio basado en metodología mixta: cualitativa (grupales focales) y cuantitativa (encuestas) aplicadas a alumnos de quinto, sexto o séptimo año de la carrera, médicos recién egresados y docentes activos de la Escuela de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica. Resultados: Los resultados de nuestro estudio muestran que los métodos de estudio que más utilizan los estudiantes de medicina son: apuntes de clases (1-5 años) y los manuales (internado). Los encuestados creen que los manuales son muy importantes, que facilitan el aprendizaje, que deben estar actualizados y que de preferencia deben estar disponibles en formato digital. Los docentes usaron como método preferente de estudio, durante la carrera de medicina, los libros de texto. Conclusión: Los estudiantes de medicina han cambiado, y así han evolucionado sus técnicas de estudio/aprendizaje. Es indispensable que los métodos docentes se adapten a estas nuevas características; por lo que es indispensable ayudar a los profesores a modernizar sus técnicas docentes adaptándolas a las necesidades de los alumnos.

Introducción: La trombocitopenia inmune es una enfermedad caracterizada por destrucción plaquetaria mediada por anticuerpos. Se ha planteado que Helicobacter pylori podría actuar como gatillante y modulador de dicha enfermedad, por lo que el objetivo de esta revisión es evaluar si la erradicación de este agente podría constituir un tratamiento efectivo para la trombocitopenia inmune. Métodos: El protocolo fue diseñado, y será reportado, en línea con Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). Se realizará una búsqueda de estudios controlados aleatorizados, que incluyan pacientes con trombocitopenia inmune y que hayan recibido terapia de erradicación para Helicobacter pylori. Los desenlaces a evaluar serán el sangrado, la mortalidad, la necesidad de esplenectomía, el incremento en el recuento plaquetario, entre otros. Realizaremos búsquedas sensibles en MEDLINE, CENTRAL y EMBASE, sin restricción por lenguaje o publicación, las cuales serán complementadas con búsquedas en otras fuentes. Al menos dos investigadores realizarán de manera independiente la selección de los estudios y la extracción de los datos. Se evaluará el riesgo de sesgo utilizando la herramienta recomendada por la colaboración Cochrane. Se realizará metanálisis y se presentarán los datos mediante el método GRADE. Fortalezas y debilidades: Esta revisión sistemática entregará una síntesis rigurosa y actualizada de los efectos de la erradicación de Helicobacter pylori en la trombocitopenia inmune. La principal limitación podría provenir de la baja cantidad o calidad de los estudios primarios sobre este tema. Número de registro de revisión sistemática (PROSPERO): CRD42015022161

Reprimo-like (RPRML) is an uncharacterized member of the Reprimo gene family. Here, we evaluated the role of RPRML and whether its regulation by DNA methylation is a potential non-invasive biomarker of gastric cancer. RPRML expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 90 patients with gastric cancer and associated with clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes. The role of RPRML in cancer biology was investigated in vitro, through RPRML ectopic overexpression. Functional experiments included colony formation, soft agar, MTS, and Ki67 immunofluorescence assays. DNA methylation-mediated silencing was evaluated by the 5-azacytidine assay and direct bisulfite sequencing. Non-invasive detection of circulating methylated RPRML DNA was assessed in 25 gastric cancer cases and 25 age- and sex-balanced cancer-free controls by the MethyLight assay. Downregulation of RPRML protein expression was associated with poor overall survival in advanced gastric cancer. RPRML overexpression significantly inhibited clonogenic capacity, anchorage-independent growth, and proliferation in vitro. Circulating methylated RPRML DNA distinguished patients with gastric cancer from controls with an area under the curve of 0.726. The in vitro overexpression results and the poor patient survival associated with lower RPRML levels suggest that RPRML plays a tumor-suppressive role in the stomach. Circulating methylated RPRML DNA may serve as a biomarker for the non-invasive detection of gastric cancer.

Background. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at risk for developing end-stage liver disease due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the aggressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Data on prevalence of advanced fibrosis among T2DM patients is scarce. Aim. To evaluate prevalence of steatosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis using non-invasive methods in T2DM patients.Material and methods. 145 consecutive T2DM patients (> 55 years-old) were prospectively recruited. Presence of cirrhosis and advanced fibrosis was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) respectively. Exclusion criteria included significant alcohol consumption, markers of viral hepatitis infection or other liver diseases. Results are expressed in percentage or median (interquartile range).Results. 52.6% of patients were women, the median age was 60 years old (57-64), mean BMI was 29.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2 and diabetes duration was 7.6 ± 6.9 years. A high prevalence of liver steatosis (63.9%), advanced fibrosis assessed by NFS (12.8%) and evidence of liver cirrhosis in MRI (6.0%) was observed. In a multivariate analysis GGT > 82 IU/L (P = 0.004) and no alcohol intake (P = 0.032) were independently associated to advanced fibrosis.Conclusion. A high frequency of undiagnosed advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was observed in non-selected T2DM patients. Screening of these conditions may be warranted in this patient population.

Background and objectives: Students’ perceptions of their educational environment (EE) have been studied in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. The Ambulatory Care Learning Educational Environment Measure (ACLEEM) is an inventory that was recently developed to measure the EE in postgraduate ambulatory settings. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the inventory. Methods: A mixed methodology was used to develop the ACLEEM including: Grounded theory (8 focus groups); a two-round Delphi technique to identify consensus; and a pilot study. The inventory was refined to 50-items after the pilot study and it was prospectively administered to a large cohort of clerks and residents in Chile during 2010-2011. Psychometric measurements included factor analysis followed by Varimax rotation for construct validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficients for internal consistency and Generalizability theory for test reliability. Results: Four-hundred and eleven students responded: 151 clerks (83.9% of the target population) and 260 residents (74% of the target population) from 31 postgraduate programs. The factor analyses showed an eight factor instrument. ACLEEM was found highly reliable with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94 and D-study revealed a reliable outcome for residency programs with at least 15 respondents with a G coefficient of 0.831. The EE perceived by residents and clerks was positive without differences between groups: 152.52 ± 23.36 (76.26%) and 150.61 ± 24.62 (75.30%), respectively (p=0.761). Conclusions: The 50-item ACLEEM inventory is a multidimensional and valid instrument requiring only 15 respondents for reliable results. We recommend using it to measure the EE in the ambulatory postgraduate Spanish-speaking programs.

The first generation protease inhibitors has been the mainstay of hepatitis C treatment for the last couple of years, showing marked improvement in sustained virological response, but also increased side effects. Infection has emerged as a common complication of telaprevir and boceprevir in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, usually caused by common pathogens. We present the case of a 65 years old man who developed a Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection during treatment with telaprevir, peginterferon and ribavirin. The patient was successfully treated with amikacin, imipenem and chlarithro-mycin. The present case is relevant for increasing awareness for recognition of opportunistic infections and particularly nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in patients receiving triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C, especially in cirrhotic subjects who develop significant lymphopenia.

Background. Bile acid sequestration (BAS) with resins has shown antidiabetic effects in both humans and animals. Since hepatic steatosis is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the effects of BAS on steatosis have not been explored in detail, we evaluated the effects of cholestyramine (CTM) administration on fatty liver development in the leptin-deficient obese mice.Aim. To study the effects of BAS on fatty liver development in obese (ob/ob) mice.Material and methods. 4 week-old ob/ob mice (B6.V-Le-pob/J, n = 4-6 per group) were fed with or without CTM (control group) during 8 weeks. Serum and biliary parameters, glucose tolerance test (GTT), hepatic triglyceride content, liver histology and hepatic gene expression of relevant genes related to bile secretion, lipid and glucose metabolism were assessed.Results. Control 12-week-old mice exhibited marked obesity and hepatic steatosis. CTM administration expectedly determined a marked de-repression of 7-α-hydroxylase and decreased biliary bile acid secretion as well as improved GTT. CTM feeding showed no effects on hepatic triglyceride content or in the degree of steatosis on liver histology. CTM was associated with increased levels of serum alanine-aminotransferase.Conclusion. Although CTM administration positively affects glucose tolerance it does not prevent hepatic steatosis development in obese mice. Moreover, CTM feeding was associated to liver enzyme elevation in this model of NAFLD. Thus, the effects BAS on NAFLD need to be specifically addressed since this therapy might not be beneficial for this condition.

Introducción: La sobrecarga laboral horaria es un importante problema en los programas de especialización médica. Se asocia a mayor prevalencia de depresión, burnout, deserción, e impacta en la calidad de vida de los residentes. Nuestro objetivo fue cuantificar las horas semanales de carga laboral horaria en residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta electrónica a los residentes de especialidad y subespecialidad de la PUC (2013). Ésta incluyó autoreporte de horas semanales trabajadas (jornada habitual, turnos presenciales y turnos de llamada). Para el análisis se consideraron sólo las horas presenciales (jornada habitual y turnos presenciales). Resultados: Se obtuvo 415 respuestas (tasa de respuesta 86%). Los residentes de especialidad reportaron una jornada de 52,8 ± 20,3 horas semanales más un promedio de 22,6 ± 22,5 horas de turnos presenciales semanales. Los residentes de programas de subespecialidad reportaron una jornada de 55,9 ± 22,2 horas semanales más un promedio de 23 ± 3,9 horas de turnos presenciales semanales. De los 53 programas evaluados, el 22,6% sobrepasó el límite recomendado por la Dirección de Postgrado PUC (80 horas semanales). Cinco programas reportaron 90-100 horas semanales (todas especialidades o subespecialidades quirúrgicas) y 7 programas reportaron 80-90 horas semanales (3 subespecialidades médicas, 1 subespecialidad quirúrgica, 2 especialidades médicas y 1 especialidad quirúrgica). Conclusión: Los residentes de especialidades y subespecialidades médicas en la PUC están sometidos a una carga horaria significativa. Los programas quirúrgicos presentaron la mayor sobrecarga horaria presencial, con un promedio mayor al recomendado a nivel internacional.

Background. The plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) has been implicated in the regulation of fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix components. The single base pair guanine insertion/deletion polymorphism (4G/5G) within the promoter region of the PAI-1 gene influences PAI-1 synthesis and may modulate hepatic fibrogenesis.Aim. To evaluate the influence of PAI-1 serum levels and 4G/5G polymorphism on the risk of liver fibrosis associated to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in morbidly obese patients.Material and methods. Case-control study of 50 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and 71 non-obese subjects matched by age and sex. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed, including PAI-1 serum levels. Genomic DNA was obtained to assess the presence of 4G/5G polymorphism.Results. BMI, insulinemia, triglycerides, HOMA-IR, hypertension and diabetes were significantly higher in obese patients compared to control subjects. PAI-1 serum levels observed in obese patients were significantly lower (10.63 ± 4.82) compared to controls (14.26 ± 11.4; p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the PAI-1 4G/5G promoter genotypes frequencies (p = 0.12). No differences were observed in PAI-1 plasma levels among obese patients with liver fibrosis (10.64 ± 4.35) compared to patients without liver fibrosis (10.61 ± 5.2; p = 0.985). PAI-1 4G/5G promoter genotypes frequencies were similar in patients with or without liver fibrosis associated to NASH (p = 0.6).Conclusions. Morbidly obese patients had significantly lower PAI-1 serum levels with similar PAI-1 4G/5G genotypes frequencies compared to non-obese subjects. The frequency of 4G/5G genotypes in Chilean Hispanic healthy subjects was similar to that described in other populations. No association was found between PAI-1 serum levels or 4G/5G genotype with liver fi-brosis in obese patients.

Background: Somatotropic axis dysfunction associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has potential multisystemic detrimental effects. Here, we analysed the effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) supplementation on liver histology, adipokine profile and muscle function in an NAFLD model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and were separated into three groups treated for 4 weeks with: (1) High fat diet (HFD) (n = 10); (2) HFD + GH 9 μg/g/d (n = 10); (3) HFD + IGF-1 0.02 µg/g/d (n = 9). A control group fed a chow diet was included (n = 6). Liver histology, liver triglycerides content, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, adiponectin and leptin serum levels, in vivo muscle strength, tetanic force and muscle fibre cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. Results: HFD + GH and HFD + IGF-1 groups showed significantly lower ALT activity compared to HFD (p < 0.01). Liver triglyceride content in HFD + GH was decreased compared to HFD (p < 0.01). Histologic steatosis score was increased in HFD and HFD + GH group (p < 0.01), whereas HFD + IGF-1 presented no difference compared to the chow group (p = 0.3). HFD + GH group presented lower serum leptin and adiponectin levels compared to HFD. GH and IGF-1 supplementation therapy reverted HFD-induced reduction in muscle strength and CSA (sarcopenia). Conclusions: GH and IGF-1 supplementation induced significant improvement in liver steatosis, aminotransferases and sarcopenia in a diet-induced NAFLD model.

Background. Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is a common complication of portal hypertension. Current guidelines recommend β-blockers for primary prophylaxis. However, evidence suggests that endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) reduce bleeding episodes.Aims. To compare endoscopic EVL with propranolol (PPL) for primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding.Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial. Over a 9-year period, 75 patients with cirrhosis and high-risk esophageal varices (HREV) were recruited and allocated to EVL (n=39) or PPL (n=36). Primary outcome was variceal bleeding. Secondary outcomes were survival, source of bleeding and serious adverse events. Analyses were made by intention-to-treat.Results. Baseline characteristics were similar. Medium follow-up was 1647±1096 days. Complete follow-up was achieved in 85% of patients. Variceal bleeding occurred in 12% of EVL and in 25% of PPL group (p=0.17). The actuarial risks of bleeding after 2 years were similar in both groups. Overall mortality was 51% in EVL and 33% in PPL group (p=0.17). Patients in the EVL group showed a lower rate of esophageal variceal bleeding (5.1% v/s 25%, p=0.027) and a higher rate of subcardial variceal bleeding compared with PPL group (7.7% v/s 0%, p=0.027). Serious adverse events related to EVL occurred in 2 patients, including 1 death.Conclusions. The present study supports that PPL should be considered the first choice in primary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding offering similar effects and lower severe adverse events compared with EVL.

Background and objective. Prophylaxis therapy is indicated in cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices or small varices with red wale signs (high risk esophageal varices; HREV). Endoscopic surveillance to detect HREV is currently recommended. The objective of this study is to identify non-invasive predictors of HREV in cirrhotic patients.Design and methods. Adult cirrhotic patients without previous variceal bleeding were prospectively included. All patients underwent a complete biochemical workup, upper digestive endoscopy, and ultrasonographic measurement of spleen bipolar diameter. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD) was calculated for all patients. The association of these variables with the presence of HREV in upper endoscopy was tested using univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for variables associated with HREV.Results. Sixty-seven patients were included. The prevalence rate of HREV was 50%. Age, gender (female), platelet count, spleen diameter, PC/ SD ratio, total bilirrubin, prothrombin activity (INR), Child-Pugh score, clinical and ultrasonographic ascites were significantly associated with presence of HREV in univariate analysis. Age and PC/SD ratio were the parameters independently associated with HREV in a multivariate analysis, with OR 8.81 (CI 95%: 1.7-44.9) and OR 11.21 (CI 95%: 2.8-44.6) respectively. A PC/SD ratio cut-off value under 830.8 predicted HREV with 76.9% sensitivity, 74.2% specificity and 77.8% negative predictive value (ROC curve area: 0.78).Conclusions. The PC/SD ratio was significantly associated with HREV, but with suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the results of this study do not support the routine clinical use of PC/SD ratio for screening of HREV.

Background/Objective. Inchin-ko-to (ICKT) is an herbal medicine used in Japan to treat jaundice and liver fibrosis. We investigated the effect of oral ICKT supplementation on endotoxin-induced cholestasis in the rat.Material and methods.Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection (1 mg/kg body weight i.p.) was used as a model of sepsis-induced cholestasis. Bile flow, biliary bile salt secretion, biliary glutathione secretion and protein expression of the main hepatobiliary transporters Na(+)-taurocholate-cotransporting peptide (Ntcp), multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) and bile salt export pump (Bsep) were analyzed by conventional techniques in ICKT treated and non-treated animals.Results.Injection of LPS induced a significant decrease of bile flow (-24%), biliary bile salts (-40%) and glutathione excretion (-70%) as well as a significant decrease in Ntcp (-90%) and Mrp2 (-80%) protein levels. ICKT supplementation partially prevented the effects of LPS determining a less intense reduction in bile flow (-10%), a normalization of glutathione excretion as well as a significant increase in Mrp2 protein levels to 60% of the levels observed in control animals. ICKT administration did not modify the effects of LPS on BS secretion or Ntcp protein levels.Conclusion.Our data show that oral supplementation of ICKT partially prevents LPS-induced cholestasis by increasing Mrp2 protein levels and biliary glutathione excretion thus increasing bile salt-independent flow.

HCV is primarily hepatotropic, but there is mounting evidence pointing to infection and replication of extrahepatic sites. Here we evaluated the occurrence of HCV infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and explored the possible association between viral extrahepatic infection and the natural history of the disease. Forty seven Chilean, HCV infected, treatment naïve patients were included in the study. HCV RNA was isolated from plasma and PBMC and subsequently reverse transcribed, amplified and sequenced. Most patients harbored HCV 1b genotype and the most common route of infection showed to be blood transfusion. HCV RNA was readily detected in PBMCs of 34 out of the 47 patients (72%). We report that HCV sequences found in PBMC differ from those in plasma of the same subjects strongly suggesting HCV compartmentalization. In addition, we found that patients with detectable HCV RNA in PBMC had a tendency for being more likely cirrhotic [OR 3.8 (95% CI: 0.98 to 14)]. In conclusion, this study provides further arguments for the existence of HCV infection of extrahepatic sites and suggests that extrahepatic infection could be a factor influencing the natural history of the disease.

Background: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a metabolic disorder of the liver, which may evolve to fibrosis or cirrhosis. Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been postulated to act as an antifibrogenic agent able to inhibit hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in vitro. Short-term studies suggest beneficial effects of PTX in experimental models of NASH.Aim: To study whether PTX can influence liver fibrogenesis in an animal model of NASH.Methods: To induce NASH, a choline-deficient diet (CDD) was given to Sprague-Dawley rats for 8 weeks. Rats were allocated to two experimental groups one receiving PTX (9 mg/kg/day) in drinking water. Control rats received a choline-supplemented diet. Biochemical and histological evaluation of fatty liver was performed by conventional techniques. In addition, mRNA levels of Pro-collagen I and transforming growth factor beta-1 were assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and stellate cell activation by α-actin immunofluorescence stain.Results: After 8 weeks CDD induced a marked elevation of serum aminotransferases, a marked decrease in both hepatic and biliary glutathione and a severe fatty liver infiltration with mild histological inflammation and fibrosis. A significant increase in mRNA levels of both Pro-collagen I and TGFβ-1 was seen after CDD feeding. No differences were seen between rats receiving PTX and rats on CDD diet alone with regard to the biochemical, morphological or molecular alterations induced by the CDD.Conclusion: PTX does influence neither liver injury nor early profibrogenic events in the CDD model of NASH.

Chronic hepatitis C is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological data regarding this infection in developing countries is scanty. Methods: Prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) infection was investigated in a random sample of Chilean general adult population older than 20 years of age. Additionally, frequency of HCV infection was assessed in group of native Chilean Amerindians (Mapuche Indians) living in an isolated locality of the Southern Chile. Incidence of HCV infection was estimated using serum samples separated by 7 years (1993-2000). Results: Among 959 subjects, prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 1.15% (95% CI 0.48-1.82%) and 0.83% when only RIBA-confirmed cases were considered. Among these subjects, 62.5% had detectable HCV RNA in serum and 40% of them had a history of blood transfusion. Age distribution of cases showed a steadily increasing prevalence with age. Estimated incidence of new HCV infections was 15 per 100,000 subjects per year in the period 1993-2000. No cases were detected among the 145 Mapuche subjects studied. Conclusions: HCV infection is a prevalent disease in the Hispanic population of Chile with a low incidence in the last decade, whereas it was not detected in an isolated Mapuche Indian community. Age distribution of prevalence suggests that the peak of infection in Chile occurred 30 to 50 years ago.

Prevalence, modes of transmission, clinical characteristics and outcomes of hepatitis C (HCV) infection vary in different geographical areas. We aim to describe clinical and epidemiological features of Chilean patients infected with hepatitis C virus. An analysis of demographic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of patients referred to a liver clinic and blood donors with chronic hepatitis C was carried out. 147 patients were evaluated, 68 (46%) were male. Median age was 56 years, median infection age was 27 years and median duration of infection was 27 years. 52.5% of the patients were cirrhotic, and estimated risk of progression to cirrhosis was 16% at 20 years from infection. Risk factors for acquisition of the disease among patients were: Blood transfusion 54%, injection drug use 5%, and risky sexual behavior 2%. No factor was identified in 43% of the patients. Twelve of 64 (18.8%) family members tested positive for HCV antibodies. Genotype 1b was predominant (82%), and 52% of patients had high viral load (>850.000 IU/ mL). Liver biopsy was available in 50 patients, showing advanced fibrosis in 54%. These patients were in average 10 years older and tended to have longer duration of infection. Hepatocellular carcinoma was present at the moment of enrollment in 7 patients and developed in 4 more patients during follow up (2.4 years). In conclusion, the natural history and clinical characteristics of HCV infection in Chilean patients is similar to that described elsewhere. The main risk factor was blood transfusion. A significant proportion of patients had advanced liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma at time of diagnosis.

Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in Latin America. It is essential to understand the different mechanisms of transmission of the infection in order to design control measures. The pattern of transmission of the infection in our region suggests that the peak of the infection occurred 30 to 50 years ago. While most infections in Latin America seem to be the result of blood transfusion and unsafe therapeutic injection practices in the past, there is still a need to identify and notify infected blood donors. Intravenous drug use and sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients are current problems that need to be addressed.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a common pathophysiological condition where higher-than-normal concentrations of insulin are needed to maintain a normal glycemia and adequate glucose utilization in insulin target tissues. A high proportion (50-80%) of patients chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibit evidence of IR. Basic and clinical studies have disclosed a complex bidirectional relationship between IR and HCV infection that has important clinical implications. HCV infection may promote IR through direct viral-dependent mechanisms or due to activation of the inflammatory response resulting in increased production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and other cytokine-related molecules. These abnormalities may act synergistically with pre-existing metabolic risk factors and result in the development of hepatic steatosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which are frequently found in the setting of HCV infection. Moreover, in addition to underlying metabolic abnormalities leading to its development hepatic steatosis also exhibit genotype-specific pathogenic mechanisms. A number of studies have shown that hepatic steatosis is associated to fibrosis progression in patients with HCV and that IR has a negative impact on the response rates to interferon-a-based therapy. Thus, modification of these factors through life-style changes or pharmacological agents may represent an undervalued specific target of therapy aiming to improve sustained virolo-gical response rates and reduce HCV related-morbidity and mortality.

El ambiente educacional es un concepto que cada vez cobra mayor relevancia en la educación médica por su impacto en el proceso de enseñanza, aprendizaje y posterior vida laboral. Existen numerosos instrumentos para evaluar el ambiente, según el ciclo de formación o el tipo de rotación. En la Escuela de Medicina de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile se han utilizado las encuestas DREEM y PHEEM, que se complementan con otros instrumentos aplicados a los estudiantes, generados por el Centro de Educación Médica y la American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) en el contexto del proceso de la evaluación de la Escuela de Medicina. Todos estos confirman que el ambiente educacional en general es adecuado. Las fortalezas detectadas están relacionadas con el ambiente académico y la calidad de los profesores. Los aspectos deficitarios están relacionados con la retroalimentación, el proceso de evaluación y áreas de desarrollo social. La constante medición del ambiente educacional dentro de la Escuela de Medicina nos permitirá a futuro detectar las fortalezas, mejorar las áreas deficitarias y evaluar el impacto de las modificaciones curriculares.

El objetivo de este estudio es desarrollar y validar una pauta para la evaluación del proceso de enseñanza clínica en radiología; Medicina Universidad Católica, Radiología 32 ítems (MEDUC-RX32). Se utilizó metodología mixta para el desarrollo del instrumento: dos entrevistas grupales (residentes y docentes) y una individual a un jefe de programa de radiología. Utilizando técnica Delfi modificada para lograr acuerdo, un panel de validez nacional evaluó la importancia de cada ítem. El panel Delfi refinó el instrumento de 88 a 32 ítems luego de dos rondas. La pauta final fue piloteada en 55 residentes del programa. El instrumento definitivo presenta alta confiabilidad (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,957). El promedio de las evaluaciones del desempeño de los docentes fue de 6,23±0,8 (escala Likert 0 a 7) constituyéndose en una pauta válida y confiable para la evaluación de docentes de programas de la especialidad de radiología en países de habla hispana.