Mexico Institute Research Articles

EP.14A.12 Impact of a Multidisciplinary Team on Overall Survival in Patients with Pleural Mesothelioma: Experience from a Single Institution in Mexico

EP.14A.12 Impact of a Multidisciplinary Team on Overall Survival in Patients with Pleural Mesothelioma: Experience from a Single Institution in Mexico

Towards the Adoption of A Novel More Integral Model for Teaching Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions

The “Radiography of the Teaching of University Entrepreneurship in Mexico” is situated within the context of the necessity to comprehend and enhance the pedagogical practices associated with entrepreneurship in Mexican universities. This context encompasses a global examination of entrepreneurship and its prevailing trends, as well as a detailed analysis of the entrepreneurial landscape in Mexico. The principal objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the pedagogical approaches employed in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Mexico with regard to the teaching of entrepreneurship. The objective is to establish a unified approach to entrepreneurship teaching, identify the most effective pedagogical tools for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and disseminate the requisite technical knowledge among educators to facilitate their integration into the classroom. The methodology employed begins with a review of secondary sources to provide a detailed overview of the global and Mexican entrepreneurship landscapes, as well as the current state of entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions (HEIs). In conclusion, the Delphi technique is employed to conduct interviews with experts directly involved in the teaching of entrepreneurship in various HEIs, with the objective of collecting and synthesizing their opinions on the subject matter. The research yielded a “Teaching Model of Entrepreneurship in the University,” which is based on the identified approaches, models, and methodologies. The teacher plays a pivotal role in the teaching of entrepreneurship in higher education institutions (HEIs). The findings indicate that in Mexico, the probability of success or opportunity for entrepreneurs is significantly influenced by the material conditions of the individual, which are shaped by their social stratum and geographical location. Furthermore, data indicates that all HEIs endeavor to impart instruction on entrepreneurship. However, due to significant disparities between private and public institutions, smaller or more remote ones may lack the capacity and resources to do so effectively. Therefore, this results in heterogeneity in the teaching of entrepreneurship, which could condition the chances of success for those wishing to become entrepreneurs. Consequently, the necessity was identified for all entrepreneurship teachers in HEIs in Mexico to be able to achieve a robust and comprehensive process of teaching entrepreneurship, whereby students can develop their entrepreneurial skills at an early stage, as well as the creation of companies at a later stage.

Learning styles and gamification in English classes at higher education

Student learning styles and gamification benefit academic performance. This case study aimed to identify the language learning experiences of students with different learning styles in a gamified learning class. Nine participants between 19 and 32 years old were interviewed in an English II semi-school course at the Faculty of Administration of a higher education institution in central Mexico. The results indicated a high preference for the visual and dependent styles, positive perceptions towards gamification, a change of attitude towards learning English, and improvement in vocabulary, listening comprehension, and pronunciation. It is concluded that gamification and students' learning styles increase their inclination to learn English.

A multicentric outbreak of Candida auris in Mexico: 2020 to 2023

Candida auris, an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast, has become a global concern due to its association with nosocomial outbreaks and resistance to antifungal medications. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with several outbreaks reported worldwide, including in Mexico. We describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of a multicentric outbreak in private institutions in Mexico. A retrospective observational study was conducted across 4 Christus Muguerza Hospital Health Care System facilities in Monterrey, Mexico, where simultaneous outbreaks of C auris occurred. Patients with colonization or infection with C auris between September 2020 and December 2023 were included. Analysis revealed 37 cases, predominantly male (median age, 55.8years). While most cases were initially colonization, a significant proportion progressed to infection (32.4%). Patients with documented infection had longer intensive care unit and hospital stays, often requiring mechanical ventilation. Antifungal treatment varied, with empirical fluconazole being the first drug in most cases, followed by anidulafungin and caspofungin. Resistance to fluconazole was widespread, but susceptibility to other antifungals varied. The overall mortality rates were high (40.5%), with no significant difference in median survival between colonized and infected patients. We reported a high rate of infection in previously colonized cases associated with longer hospital lenght stay, and a high susceptibility to echinocandins.

LMIC-18. RESOURCES FOR THE PRACTICE OF PEDIATRIC NEURO-ONCOLOGYIN MEXICO: A CROSS-SECTIONAL EVALUATION

Abstract BACKGROUND The evaluation of existing resources and services is key to identify gaps and prioritize interventions to expand care capacity for children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We sought to evaluate the resources for pediatrc neuro-oncology (PNO) in Mexico. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey with 35 items was designed to assess PNO resources and services. The survey was distributed to the members of the Mexican Association of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (AMOHP). RESULTS Overall, responses from 33 institutions were obtained. Responding institutions covered 9 healths systems in Mexico, including private and public institutions. Most of the participating centers have at least 2 pediatric oncologists, so in up to 42% of cases, the approach to children with brain tumors is initiated by a pediatric oncologist. Only half of the responding centers have complete chemotherapy treatments. Only 18% of the centers had access to targeted therapy. The majority (88%) of institutions had a blood bank, but 4 of the participating centers did not have a PICU. All centers have a pathologist but only perform basic immunohistochemistry techniques and have an average diagnostic timeframe of 2 weeks. Surgical treatment is usually available 8 to 14 days after the patient is admitted in 45% of centers. Some centers have radiotherapy available at the facility, others must be sent to other hospitals, but most (42%) can start radiotherapy within the first week after treatment is requested. Infectious processes are a common cause of death in children with brain tumors and only the centers have a half-integrated palliative care team. CONCLUSIONS This is the first situational overview of the resources available in Mexico, showing disparities in resource capacity and lack of a specific and efficient diagnosis that allow early initiation of treatmen. These data will allow for the prioritization of interventions.

EE446 Economic Burden of Mild or Moderate Asthma in Pediatric Patients from the Perspective of Public Health Institutions in Mexico

EE446 Economic Burden of Mild or Moderate Asthma in Pediatric Patients from the Perspective of Public Health Institutions in Mexico

Genomic profile in Mexican women with early-stage breast cancer using Mammaprint+Blueprint assay: A retrospective study.

e12541 Background: Genomic assays have facilitated the decision-making of using chemotherapy and hormone therapy when incorporated into the care of patients with early-stage breast cancer. Mammaprint+Blueprint have been validated as a prognostic tool in cohorts around the world. However, to date, there hasn’t been a study that addresses the use of these assays on a large Mexican population and the description of clinical characteristics associated with genomic risk. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study from 2012 to 2023, including women who underwent surgery, aged ≥ 18 years with tumor size less than 5 cm, hormone receptor-positive evaluated through immunochemistry (IHC), 0 to 1-3 positive lymph nodes, in early stages (I-II), who underwent the Mammaprint+Blueprint at 20 institutions in Mexico. The primary goal was to describe the clinical and genomic characteristics of these patients and calculate the discordance rate between clinical risk and genomic risk. Results: This study included 1,673 patients, with a mean age of 57 ± 11 years. Of these, 649 (39%) were classified as high-risk, and 1,024 (61%) as low-risk through MammaPrint. A discordance rate of 49% was observed in the initially clinically classified high-risk group, which was reclassified as genomic low-risk through MammaPrint. On the other hand, 33% of patients in the clinically low-risk group were reclassified as genomic high-risk. The most common molecular subtype identified through Blueprint was Luminal A (61%), and the most prevalent histologic type was ductal (79%). The predominant tumor size stage was T1 (70%), with the majority presenting with no infiltrating lymph nodes at the testing time (N0, 88%). The most common tumor grade was 2 (65%) and the proliferation rate, assessed through Ki-67, was ≥ 20% in 43% of the patients. Conclusions: Our study showed a high rate of discordance between clinical and genomic risk, a rate of 49% between clinical high-risk and genomic high-risk patients, highlighting the importance of these assays in the decision-making of breast cancer patients. This represents the first cohort to evaluate MammaPrint+BluePrint in a Latin American population. A noteworthy result was identifying a significant proportion of our cohort as low-risk through genomic assay, sparing them from the toxic effects and expenses associated with chemotherapy. Using the combined insights from MammaPrint+BluePrint along with clinical factors provides a more complete basis for predicting prognosis and benefit from specific treatments. Finally, these assays emerge as a valuable tool, particularly in middle-income countries, offering a means to improve the accurate allocation of resources in the care of their population. Due to the retrospective nature of our study, its limitations are being addressed prospectively to evaluate survival rates, distant metastasis, and recurrent cancer.

Level of sedentary lifestyle of workers in a higher education institution in Mexico

Currently, the workload and strict schedules lead employees to neglect their physical and mental health, which leads them to have a more sedentary life, which can become a risk factor for work-related diseases and mortality. The objective of this research is to determine the level of sedentary lifestyle by analyzing the variables associated with this behavior, in administrative and academic workers of a higher education institution in Mexico. The research followed a descriptive design and correlational, applying the Deming cycle methodology, for which information was collected through a direct survey and data analysis with a statistical program, on physical activity and sedentary lifestyle, in the in which a total of 108 respondents participated. A high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was observed, present in 66.6% of the population studied and it was verified that 47,2% of the workers did not comply with the minimum recommendations for physical activity. The study revealed a high prevalence of sedentary behavior in workers. In addition, a dependency relationship of sedentary lifestyle with physical activity, gender and glucose levels was identified, these being the variables that explain this behavior in a significant way.

Inclusion applied in Higher Education Institutions in Mexico

Inclusion applied in Higher Education Institutions in Mexico

Bibliometric characterization of Revista Alergia Mexico

To characterize the scientific production of the Revista Alergia Mexico. A descriptive study was carried out that took into consideration the bibliometric information of the Revista Alergia México hosted in PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. The total number of articles published during 1991 to 2021 according to Pubmed was 1,115 (annual mean: 37.2 ± 12.3). Scopus registered 1,541 articles during 1972 to 2021 (annual mean: 30.8 ± 14.9); in both sources, original articles (49 and 78%, respectively) and review articles (21 and 12%, respectively) were the most published document modalities; the most relevant topics included asthma (32%), allergic rhinitis (16%) and drug allergy (9%). Public institutions in Mexico were the institutions with the highest number of published articles. The country with the highest number of published papers was Mexico (54%), followed by Colombia (5%) and Spain (4%). The 2020 citation index according to Scopus was 0.9; an H-index of 15; and an impact factor of 0.150. During the period 2016 - 2020, the annual rejection rate ranged from 7% to 30%. Promoting the internationalization of the journal, publishing articles in the English language and achieving the impact factor are among some of the main needs of the Revista Alergia Mexico.

The importance of basic and translational research in caring for children with malignant solid tumors in Latin America.

Basic and translational research in pediatric cancer are essential to improve patient care. To critically assess the developments achieved in these areas in Latin America, we systematically reviewed information published between 2013 and 2023. Studies of basic and translational research performed by investigators in Latin America evaluating pediatric malignant solid and central nervous system tumors were retrieved from PubMed. Original articles published in English between 2013 and 2023 were included. Collaborations among Latin American authors or among Latin American authors working with researchers from other continents were also included. Studies were excluded if they focused only on adults or on basic research in tumor biology not specifically related to the tumor types analyzed in this review. A total of 550 articles were retrieved, but after removal of duplicates, 514 articles were included in the analysis, the majority of which were authored by researchers affiliated with institutions in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. These countries also had the highest number of collaborations on original articles published with authors from Europe and North America. Argentina had the highest number of collaborations on original publications, with coauthors from Brazil and Uruguay. The median impact factor of the 244 journals in which articles were published was 3.5. The most commonly studied tumors were osteosarcomas, neuroblastomas and medulloblastomas; the most commonly studied areas were molecular analysis, tumor cell biology and biomarkers. In Latin America, research in pediatric oncology is on the agenda, despite a notable disparity in publication rates and frequency of collaboration between countries. There is a need to strengthen scientific collaboration within Latin America and with countries from other continents to promote research and to develop novel treatment strategies that reflect the local needs of children in Latin America who have solid tumors and brain cancer.

Expanding horizons for the future with an open educational model for complex thinking: external and internal validation

PurposeThe challenges facing 21st-century society are becoming increasingly complex, requiring the development of new citizen competencies. This study aims to validate an educational model focused on developing complex thinking in higher education students. Current educational models lack future-ready competencies, necessitating the emergence of new models to guide future generations toward the common good.Design/methodology/approachThis was an adaptation of the causal-layered analysis (CLA) applied to 415 participants from higher education institutions in Mexico, Panama and Spain. Sessions were designed to present the proposed educational model and explore participants’ perceptions of its significance and contributions to future education.FindingsKey findings include the following: participants perceived complexity as difficult and challenging; causes of problems were linked to outdated educational models requiring replacement by those that develop students’ competencies; participants envisioned changes that would develop individuals capable of understanding and transforming society; and participants recognized the model’s transformative potential, offering a novel proposal for 21st-century education.Originality/valueThis research sought to gather opinions from different stakeholders using the CLA methodology, providing a deep understanding of participants’ perspectives on the proposed solution.

Public cultural institutions in Mexico and precarisation of creative labour

The Mexican state has been an active agent in the construction of cultural institutions and infrastructure for more than a century. But the symbolic and political currency of the cultural sector is not reflected in stable conditions for creative workers who exist precariously. In this article, we explore a manifestation of the simultaneous state of prominence and precarity in procurement regimes implemented by federal government agencies before the Covid-19 crisis, and support programmes from the federal and local government of Mexico City to employ creative workers during the early phases of the pandemic. We examine the content and arguments of these programmes to highlight how cultural policies and institutional structures developed by the government are a continuation, and even a deepening, of the already precarious work opportunities in the cultural sector. Through policy analysis and qualitative interviews, we contrast the officially stated goals of government institutions with the lived experiences of creative workers.

How the support that students receive during online learning influences their academic performance

AbstractIn recent years educational institutions are increasingly using online learning and because of this trend it is necessary to investigate its impact on student academic performance. Although this topic has been addressed in different educational fields before, there is an objective justification for our approach. Thus, the reasoning behind this particular research is the fact that recent findings have shown that the academic performance of students using online education is affected by a series of motivating factors which can have an impact on their performance. The main goal of this paper is to highlight and analyze the mediating effect of intrinsic student motivation and student academic engagement and how they affect the relationship between the range of support, which students receive during their online learning and thus their academic performance. This study was conducted in two higher educational institutions in Mexico and Romania, with a sample of 822 students. The data was analyzed using a second generational PLS-SEM technique. The results confirm that the support students enjoy during online learning has no direct impact on their academic performance, unless it is fully mediated by their own intrinsic motivation and academic engagement. The influence of Gender was also analyzed, but it was not found to be a determining factor of academic performance in both higher educational institutions. These findings not only have theoretical and practical implications for students, teachers and education authorities, they also help us to broaden the field of knowledge in the e-learning environment.

Aseguramiento de la calidad y evaluación de programas y cursos en línea

The objective of this work is to explore the categories, criteria and indicators necessary to evaluate the quality of the educational programs and the instructional design of their courses on e-learning. This is, with the intention of generating indicators and/or instruments for quality assurance and its evaluation that serve intrinsic purposes to the instructional design, to the operation of the courses object of the design and the educational programs in this modality, as well as to administrative purposes in higher education institutions. For this, different models are examined, and the context of the official Mexican evaluation models is reviewed. Finally, recommendations are integrated according to the situation of Higher Education Institutions in Mexico.

Perspectives and Opportunities for Learning Analytics Integration

The adoption of learning analytics (LA) in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Mexico is still at an early stage despite increasing global interest and advances in the field. The use of educational data remains a challenging puzzle for many universities, which strive to provide students, teachers, and institutional administrators with information and insights to better understand their performance. The objective of this study was to identify the perspectives of teachers, students, and administrators about the use of educational data to explore opportunities for the adoption and integration of LA in three different Mexican universities. A qualitative approach was used, adopting instruments and guidelines previously developed in the framework of Learning Analytics for Latin America (LALA) project, adapting them to the Mexican context. Methods included 1) structured interviews with high-level institutional administrators and 2) focus groups with students, teachers, and other educational administrators. Results showed that perceptions are oriented toward improving school performance through data-based feedback, with ethical responsibility. Emergent categories were physical and mental health, development of healthy relationships and well-being, feedback style, and governance in a bureaucratic setting. The specific modern construct of LA still needs to be internalized and disseminated to Mexican universities’ educational stakeholders to increase the likelihood of successful adoption.

Molecular Characterization of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli: Insights into the O25b-ST131 Clone in Mexican Urinary Tract Infections

Background: The urgent need for antimicrobial research to address the escalating global challenge of β-lactam antibiotic resistance, particularly in Escherichia coli-induced urinary tract infections (UTI), is underscored by the increasing resistance to ciprofloxacin in Latin America. This issue has led to a heightened dependence on alternative therapeutics, such as cephalosporins. The identification of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli, notably the O25b-ST131 clone, adds complexity to UTI management. The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli varies globally due to factors including regional antimicrobial usage practices. Objectives: The goal of this study was to identify and molecularly characterize ESBL-producing E. coli isolates to identify the pandemic O25b-ST131 clone related to UTIs in one healthcare institution in Mexico. Methods: Bacterial species identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using the VITEK 2. The ESBL genes were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The E. coli genotyping was carried out by the phylogenetic group analysis and the O25b-ST131 identification. Results: A total of 86 unique E. coli isolates were confirmed as ESBL, and 75% were obtained from UTIs. The most prevalent β-lactamase genes were blaCTX-M (66%), blaTEM (8.1%), blaCTX-M/SHV (5.8%), blaCTX-M/TEM (4.6%), and blaSHV (2.3%). The B2 phylogroup was most prominent (54.4%), with 46.5% identified as a globally pandemic O25b-ST131 clone. No evident relationship was observed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) between nosocomial and community-acquired infections in ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. Conclusions: The obtained findings highlight the significance of monitoring molecular epidemiology in antibiotic resistance profiles of the O25b-ST131 E. coli clone.

Personality and leadership style in generation z: A quantitative study in a higher education institution in Mexico

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discern the combination of personality traits that most contribute to effective leadership styles in individuals belonging to Generation Z.Design/methodology/approach: We utilized a structural equation model to analyze data from 244 higher education students in Mexico. This approach allowed us to examine the relationship between personality traits, leadership styles, and perceived effectiveness.Findings: Our findings indicate that the transformational leadership style is the most impactful among Generation Z individuals. Furthermore, the personality traits of openness and conscientiousness emerged as the most influential in relation to effective leadership styles.Research limitations/implications: Despite valuable insights, limitations exist due to small sample size (n=244) from one institution, restricting generalizability. The cross-sectional nature provides a snapshot, not accounting for societal/technological shifts affecting Generation Z over time. Self-reported data may suffer from biases. The cultural context focuses solely on a Mexican educational setting. Future research calls for larger, more diverse samples across institutions/countries with longitudinal data to offer enhanced, nuanced understanding of evolving leadership and personality traits within Generation Z.Practical implications: Organizations could enhance effectiveness by fostering transformational leadership among Generation Z employees through coaching/training programs tailored for this cohort. Academically, business curricula would benefit from integrating insights on aligning leadership styles with inherent personality traits.Social Implications: Transformational leadership emergence within Generation Z may propagate leaders equipped to drive innovation, convey visionary goals, and evoke follower commitment to address pressing societal issues.Originality/value: To our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation within the Mexican context examining the interplay of personality traits, leadership styles, and effectiveness among Generation Z individuals.

[Artículo traducido] Lesiones vertebrales por proyectil de arma de fuego: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, multicéntrico

Introduction and objectiveTo describe the demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with spinal gunshot wounds across Latin America. Material and methodsRetrospective, multicenter cohort study of patients treated for gunshot wounds to the spine spanning 12 institutions across Latin America between January 2015 and January 2022. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, including the time of injury, initial assessment, characteristics of the vertebral gunshot injury, and treatment. ResultsData on 423 patients with spinal gunshot injuries were extracted from institutions in Mexico (82%), Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Patients were predominantly male civilians in low-risk-of-violence professions, and of lower/middle social status, and a sizeable majority of gunshots were from low-energy firearms. Vertebral injuries mainly affected the thoracic and lumbar spine. Neurological injury was documented in 320 (76%) patients, with spinal cord injuries in 269 (63%). Treatment was largely conservative, with just 90 (21%) patients treated surgically, principally using posterior open midline approach to the spine (79; 87%). Injury features distinguishing surgical from non-surgical cases were neurological compromise (P = 0.004), canal compromise (P < 0.001), dirty wounds (P < 0.001), bullet or bone fragment remains in the spinal canal (P < 0.001) and injury pattern (P < 0.001). After a multivariate analysis through a binary logistic regression model, the aforementioned variables remained statistically significant except neurological compromise. ConclusionsIn this multicenter study of spinal gunshot victims, most were treated non-surgically, despite neurological injury in 76% and spinal injury in 63% of patients.

Viscoelasticity summer workshop for middle and high school students at a Hispanic-serving institution in southern New Mexico

Viscoelasticity summer workshop for middle and high school students at a Hispanic-serving institution in southern New Mexico