Pontificia Universidad Catolica De Chile Research Articles

Analyzing the Association between Lean Design Management Practices and BIM Uses in the Design of Construction Projects

The authors acknowledge the help and support provided by GEPUC, which provided access to data collection for this study. In addition, the authors acknowledge financial support from FONDECYT (1181648) and the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Rodrigo Herrera acknowledges financial support for Ph.D. studies from Vicerrectoria de Investigacion (VRI) of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC) and CONICYT-PCHA/National Doctorate/2018 -21180884.

Medullary Astrocytes Mediate Irregular Breathing Patterns Generation in Chronic Heart Failure Through Purinergic P2X7 Receptor Signalling

Background: Breathing disorders (BD) are highly prevalent in chronic heart failure (CHF) and are associated with altered central respiratory control. Ample evidence identifies the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) as an important chemosensitivity region for ventilatory control and generation of BD in CHF, however little is known about the cellular mechanisms underlying the RTN/BD relationship. Within the RTN, astrocyte‐mediated purinergic signalling modulates respiration, but the potential contribution of RTN astrocytes to BD in CHF has not been explored. Methods: Selective neuron and/or astrocyte-targeted interventions using either optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations in the RTN of CHF rats were used to unveil the contribution of the RTN on the development/maintenance of BD, the role played by astrocytes in BD and the molecular mechanism underpinning these alterations. Findings: We showed that episodic photo-stimulation of RTN neurons triggered BD in healthy rats, and that RTN neurons ablation in CHF animals eliminates BD. Also, we found a reduction in astrocytes activity and ATP bioavailability within the RTN of CHF rats, and that chemogenetic restoration of normal RTN astrocyte activity and ATP levels improved breathing regularity in CHF. Importantly, P2X7 receptor (P2X7r) expression was reduced in RTN astrocytes from CHF rats and viral vector-mediated delivery of human P2X7r into astrocytes increases ATP bioavailability and abolished BD. Interpretation: Our results support that RTN astrocytes play a pivotal role on BD generation and maintenance in the setting CHF by a mechanism encompassing P2X7r signalling. Funding: This study was funded in part by the National Research and Development Agency of Chile and the Basal Centre of Excellence in Aging and Regeneration Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: All experiments were performed in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals published by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH Publication eighth edition, update 2011). All experimental protocols were approved by the IACUC from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (protocol ID #170710022).

Achievement of effective cardiopulmonary trauma surgical skills training throughout the incorporation of a low-cost and easy to implement pulsatile simulation model

. In the last decade, concern regarding the preparedness of general surgery graduates to effectively manage thoracic trauma cases has been raised. However, due to limited availability and elevated costs, access to cardiopulmonary trauma simulation models is limited. This article describes our experience implementing a low-cost blended ex vivo tissue-based simulation model using animal by-products that incorporates pump perfusion and ventilation. . Firstly, for validation purposes 8 junior residents, 8 recently graduated general surgeons, and 3 cardiothoracic surgery attendings from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Clinical Hospital were recruited. Proficiency in performing a pulmonary tractotomy and a myocardial injury repair was assessed with global and specific rating scales. Secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of the model as a learning tool, 16 general surgery residents from different programs across the country were recruited receiving intensive, personalized training on the models. Proficiency was measured before and after the training. . For the validation phase, significant differences among groups according to the previous level of expertise were shown, and therefore construct validity was established. The results of the second phase showed a significant overall improvement in participant's performance. . Effective training and assessment for advanced surgical skills in cardiothoracic trauma can be achieved using a low-cost pulsatile simulation model.

Teaching innovation in an undergraduate theoretical medicine course

The School of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile implemented diverse curricular changes addressing teaching challenges, including those related to generational diversity. To describe the implementation and results of curricular innovation in the Theoretic Gastroenterology Course (CTG) imparted between 2008 and 2020. The new teaching methods consisted in the implementation of interactive sessions, research conferences, video-recorded classes, and a learning management/assessment platform. An assessment of the learning model was implemented. As bibliographic material we incorporated self-instructive material and the CTG manual was re-edited. We registered the course syllabi, evaluation surveys, and final grades. Students dedicated more time to attend the course, from 12.2 hours before to 18 hours after the implementation of video lessons (p < 0.05). They reported improvements in the areas "Feedback" (from 6.2 to 6.6, on a scale of 1 to 7; p < 0.05) and "Grades" (from 6.3 to 6.4; p < 0.05), after implementing a learning model assessment. The score for "Information sources" increased from 6.5 to 6.6 after the re-edition of the manual (p < 0.05). The final grades were similar or significantly higher than the average grades of all the theoretical courses imparted in the same period. The CTG underwent a series of curricular modifications, allowing for a rapid adaptation to extremely dynamic academic conditions.

Abusos sexuales de la Iglesia en Chile: una deuda de la Catequética local

Un informe de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) acerca de los abusos sexuales cometidos por miembros del clero en Chile es la base para indagar la responsabilidad que en estos hechos tienen las personas involucradas en la catequesis, a la luz del grado de reflexión que han desarrollado acerca de este tema. Así, luego de un breve recorrido histórico sobre algunos hitos de esta trágica historia, se analizan algunos datos ofrecidos por el informe indicado, se detectan algunos aspectos de fondo y se analiza con especial énfasis el tipo de reflexión que ha tenido la catequética de Chile en torno a este tema. Se concluye con sugerencias de algunas acciones por realizar.

Assessment of an asyncronic tele dermatology system for primary care physicians via social networking app WhatsApp

In Chile, there is little access to Dermatology outpatient consultations in the public health care system, which has favored the development of tele dermatology (TD). To assess satisfaction levels of primary care providers with a TD channel via the social networking app WhatsApp® and the concordance between the diagnosis of general practitioners and dermatologists at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. An electronic survey was answered by the general practitioners who participate in the TD channel. In 417 cases, the diagnostic concordance between general practitioners and specialists was assessed. The survey was answered by 84 practitioners. General satisfaction levels with the platform were over 95%. Satisfaction levels with the response speed and the management suggested by the specialist were over 90%. Over 80% of the practitioners read the consultation sent by dermatologists and considered that their dermatological knowledge improved. Diagnostic concordance between practitioners and specialists was 41%. TD via a WhatsApp® group linked to a university is a low cost and easy to implement intervention, generating high levels of satisfaction among general practitioners.

It's (Almost) Always the Economy: Economic Performance and Political Realignments in Argentina in 2019

Este articulo analiza el ultimo ano de la administracion de Mauricio Macri en Argentina y la llegada al poder de Alberto Fernandez. Presentamos un estudio de la situacion economica en 2019, los temas mas importantes de la agenda y los acontecimientos politicos en torno a la eleccion presidencial. Sostenemos que la incapacidad del gobierno para cumplir en el frente economico, y un realineamiento en la oposicion, marcado por la inesperada ausencia de Cristina Fernandez como candidata presidencial, explican por que Mauricio Macri no pudo ser reelegido.

Patrones funcionales valorativos en informes de arbitraje de artículos de investigación

Our research aims to identify the functional-appraisal patterns within a corpus of referee reports, a key genre in the production of scientific knowledge. For this, we first identified the most frequent functional elements or communicative purposes (Sabaj, Toro & Fuentes, 2011; Fuentes, 2018) and then described them according to some categories of the Appraisal model (Martin & White, 2005). Our intended sample was composed of 42 referee reports from Onomazein, the journal of linguistics and translation of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Some of the results show that the most frequent communicative purposes are “Describe a problem”, “Highlight a positive aspect”, “Request an action” and “Suggest an action”. The high frequency of “Describe a problem” and “Highlight a positive aspect” were expected in this type of evaluative genre. Both purposes tend to focus on content issues and present a strong monoglossic stance which is intensified with Graduation meanings. The monoglossic pattern may be due to the position of power in which the referee is when evaluating an article. The high frequency of the communicative purposes “Request action” and “Suggest action” accounts for the negotiating function of this genre. Finally, when requesting and suggesting an action, attitude meanings refer to elements of form instead of content.

Factores predictores para la pesquisa precoz en la disfunción de catéteres venosos tunelizados en hemodiálisis

A functional vascular access ensures a quality of life for all patients with ESRD who require optimal renal replacement therapy. Among the most frequent problems in dialysis centers regarding the management of vascular accesses is the lack of monitoring methods to detect early the dysfunction of a vascular access and thus preserve the optimal functioning of it. Purpose: in order to establish a non-invasive, specific, low-cost and reproducible method of monitoring that would achieve early detection of the dysfunction of a CVCT and be used in clinical practice by medical and nursing staff. Methodology: Aware of this problem, we performed a prospective analytical observational study in order to detect predictive factors in the dysfunction of a CVCT (tunneled central venous catheter) in hemodialysis. We analyzed 32 patients with CVCT from the dialysis center of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, during the months of November 2016 to September 2017 (130 sessions of dialysis). We programmed all the CVCT with an effective QB (real flow registered in dialysis machine) of 300ml / min, monitoring PA (blood pressure of vascular access registered in dialysis machine) not at 150mmHg, evaluating the patient's depuration by measuring KT on line (depuration of the patient per unit of real time) in each dialysis session, taking a chest x-ray post catheter installation to evaluate the location of This and recirculation test. Results: The dysfunction of a CVCT would not be related to the type of catheter (DP-P) but to its location. The parameters of dysfunctional alert in a CVCT are decrease in BP 150mm / Hg when programming an effective QB of 300ml / min, accompanied by a deficient depuration of the patient, measured through KT on line ( men <50 liters, Women <45 liters).

El Lugar de la arquitectura, una entrevista a Edward Rojas Vega

In 1977, with the establishment of the Puertazul (Blue Door) Architecture Workshop together with architect Renato Vivaldi, Edward Rojas Vega began an architectural production particularly focused on the condition of the insular culture. Among other things, this activity has collected and placed value on Chiloe’s architectural and cultural heritage, the permanent tension between tradition and modernity, the relentless search for a locally-based modernity and the dialogue with the Latin-American context. These concerns have brought about an uninterrupted professional practice of more than 40 years. For this reason, we took the focus of this interview away from the most recent events of his career to further encourage his reflections, and eventually, drive a new attempt for explanations which we hope will help our readers sift through the unique architectural universe of this profesional of southern Chile. His work has been displayed in publications, interviews, videos and exhibitions in Chile, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Korea and China. In the academia, he was founder and director of Universidad ARCIS Patagonia, Castro (Chiloe), y and professor of Workshop X and Dissertations at Universidad ARCIS, in Castro and Santiago. He is professor of the Master’s Degree in Integrated Design - MIDA (Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Santiago), professor of the Master’s Degree in Environment and Latin American Bioclimatic Architecture (APUS Foundation and Universidad Politecnica de Madrid), professor of the ISTHMUS Workshop (Escuela de Arquitectura y Diseno de America Latina y el Caribe, Panama City), visiting professor of the Master’s Degree on Cultural Heritage (Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile) and professor of the Master’s Degree on Sustainable Environment Design - MADE (Universidad Austral de Chile). In 2015, he was appointed Professor Extraordinaire by Universidad Austral de Chile and in 2016 the Association of Architects of Chile honored him with the National Architecture Award. Currently, he can still be found working in his vaulted ceiling indoor workshop in a narrow alley of the city Castro, Chiloe.

Appointment and patient scheduling in chemotherapy: a case study in Chilean hospitals

This research addresses a scheduling problem for chemotherapy patients, which is divided in two subproblems: patient scheduling on an infinite horizon and daily patient scheduling. We consider the requirement for available laboratory hours to prepare the medicine for every patient as an additional complexity. A methodology was formulated that addresses the problem in two stages. The first one is based on previous research and implements a scheduling policy for chemotherapy. The result of this first stage is the input for the second stage, which is addressed by generating treatment patterns. The benefits of both stages of the proposed methodology are evaluated for two real cases, one of them in the Chemotherapy Division of Hospital Salvador, and the other in the Cancer Center, of the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, both in Santiago, Chile. Regarding the costs’ impact, the method proposed manages to reduce 20% and 17% the operational costs in these cases, due to less extra treatment hours needed. On the other hand, the proposed daily scheduling method for patients presents an improvement of 21% and 9% in care slots usage and 22% and 17% in laboratory slots usage for an average demand day, which translates in a reduction of both extra hours used and workday duration, for the case of the Chemotherapy Division and Cancer Center, respectively.

Precision stellar radial velocity measurements with FIDEOS at the ESO 1-m telescope of La Silla

We present results from the commissioning and early science programs of FIDEOS, the new high-resolution echelle spectrograph developed at the Centre of Astro Engineering of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, and recently installed at the ESO 1m telescope of La Silla. The instrument provides spectral resolution R = 43,000 in the visible spectral range 420-800 nm, reaching a limiting magnitude of 11 in V band. Precision in the measurement of radial velocity is guaranteed by light feeding with an octagonal optical fibre, suitable mechanical isolation, thermal stabilisation, and simultaneous wavelength calibration. Currently the instrument reaches radial velocity stability of = 8 m/s over several consecutive nights of observation.

Inclusion Program in Higher Education: Experiences of Students in the Faculty of Medicine

This research focuses on the implementation of inclusion programs in Higher Education, specifically in the Talento e Inclusion Program (T+I) of Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, that incorporates students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The aim is to understand the personal, academic and social experiences of the first year for students in the Talento e Inclusion Program of the Faculty of Medicine. The information recollection technique used was the group interview. Starting from the transcripts of the interviews, units of meaning were determined and a categorization and codification system was built. The results show that the experience was fraught with tension. On a personal level meant a high impact process, especially for those coming from another region. Their well-being was affected by lack of time and unhealthy lifestyle. Academically, students got generally poor academic performance, with problems in the basic science and study methods. On the social experience, the insecurity and initial prejudice stand out, but then the majority felt welcomed. The previous sociocultural differences appear as a factor of exclusion. Despite the motivation and effort of the students, it was a complex period characterized by frustration, reluctance and questioning.

Exploring Knowledge Transfer at UC Engineering School

I explore the degree to which patents represent magnitude of knowledge transferred from University to Industry. Building on the Agrawal & Henderson (2002) framework, I compare two MIT engineering departments and the School of Engineering of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (UC Engineering). Based on quantitative and qualitative data I estimated the relative importance of patenting as a knowledge transfer mechanism. I found that in UC Engineering patenting and publishing activity have increased steadily, in line with faculty size increase. However, patenting is perceived by academics as a relatively less important technology transfer channel, and in terms of production counting it appears much less relevant. Although in terms of relative importance of publishing over patenting as a technology transfer channel both are relatively similar, in the perception of faculty; in terms of production counting there is a substantial difference. I suggest some plausible explanations, proposing new avenues for research.

EDUCACIÓN PARTICIPATIVA COMUNITARIA PARA PREVENIR EL DETERIORO COGNITIVO EN EL ADULTO MAYOR

Este articulo presenta una intervencion educativa realizada por alumnas de enfermeria de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, a un grupo de adultos mayores pertenecientes a la comuna de Puente Alto, Santiago de Chile. Objetivo: Prevenir el deterioro cognitivo enfocado en la memoria, empoderando a la comunidad en su autocuidado. Metodologia: La comunidad se conformo por personas de un rango etario entre 60 y 85 anos. En la valoracion y analisis se utilizo el modelo “Comunidad como Socio” de Anderson y McFarlane, junto a encuestas elaboradas para este trabajo. Se realizo un diagnostico participativo con el objetivo de definir la necesidad educativa de la comunidad, donde se decidio trabajar el tema “La memoria y la prevencion de su deterioro en adultos mayores” en seis sesiones de una duracion de 60 minutos cada una. Las intervenciones y actividades realizadas tomaron como base el modelo Educacion Participativa para Adultos de Jane Vella. Resultados: Los participantes adquirieron conocimientos sobre la tematica tratada en las sesiones y lograron incrementar su autoeficacia. El programa educativo los impulso a un autocuidado consciente y la prevencion del deterioro cognitivo. Conclusion: Las metodologias participativas facilitaron a los integrantes a tomar un rol protagonico en la construccion de su propio conocimiento, posibilitando su integracion en la vida diaria.

Incidencia de tromboembolismo venoso en cirugía ortognática

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. This entity has well defined and described pathophysiological mechanisms, in addition to risk factors that allow a classification of patients according to different assessment models, which allow to adopt prophylactic measures. In maxillofacial surgery, low levels of incidence have been described. However, there is quite limited evidence and represents a health problem that has received little attention in the literature. Objective: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Material and Method: Retrospectively, 86 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery was evaluated between October 2006 and January 2016 at the Hospital Clinico de la Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Two cases of pulmonary thromboembolism were identified, which corresponds to an incidence of 2.6%. Despite the low incidence of VTE in patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery, it is essential to consider the individual risk of the patient and the risk involved in surgery. The prolongation of surgical time, the hospital stay and prolonged immobilization can determine a greater risk of developing this type of complication, therefore it is necessary to consider it and know how to prevent it in an adequate way.

Aplicación de tres modelos pronósticos en cáncer de mama precoz

Objective: Apply three prognostic models “online” (Nothingham index (NPI), Adjuvantonline! (AO) and PREDICT used in routine oncology practice in order to stratify patients and define the use of adjuvant therapies in patients with stage I breast cancer (BC) to evaluate its correlation and overall survival (OS) in our population. Methods: We obtained patients’ medical records data with invasive BC T1N0M0, treated at the Cancer Center of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile, from January 1997 to December 2003. Results: We analyzed data from 125 patients. Median age was 55 years (3580). Most tumors were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (72.8%), estrogen receptor positive (88.8%), 80% received endocrine therapy (ET). The estimated ET and chemotherapy benefit was not significantly different according to the AO and PREDICT models (1.3% and 1% for CT, p = 0.13, 0.9% and 1% for ET p = 0.8, respectively). The estimated median OS on NPI (96%) was higher than calculated by AO (90.9%) and PREDICT (92.5%). Interestingly diseasespecific mortality estimated was 3%, similar to that observed (3.2%). While the estimated median OS by all models in the group of deceased patients was lower than in surviving, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.85). Conclusion: The prognostic models applied effectively predict OS in Chilean patients with T1N0M0 BC, but in this series, they do not sufficiently discriminate patients with poor prognosis. The addition of co- morbidities to AO does not alter the results.

ESTUDIO EXPLORATORIO DE LAS CONCEPCIONES DEL PROFESORADO DE CIENCIAS EN FORMACIÓN DE UNIVERSIDADES CHILENAS, ACERCA DE LA EVALUACIÓN DE APRENDIZAJES CIENTÍFICOS.

espanolEste trabajo de investigacion de enfoque cuantitativa tiene como proposito comprender las concepciones del profesorado de ciencias en formacion, acerca de la Evaluacion de Aprendizajes Cientificos realizando un analisis estadistico descriptivo de los datos obtenidos de un cuestionario tipo Licket, aplicado a una muestra de 236 estudiantes de Pedagogia en Ciencias de diversas Universidades Chilenas. El analisis se centro en Identificar y caracterizar la concepcion de evaluacion de aprendizajes cientificos entre el profesorado en formacion y ademas se contrastaron diferencias segun genero. A la luz de los resultados esta investigacion nos revelo que la mayoria de los profesores de ciencias en formacion presenta una coexistencia entre una concepcion dogmatica, y a la vez concepcion constructivista, podemos concluir que segun en la situacion o circunstancia estrategica o metodologia que se enfrenta el profesorado es la forma en que representa su concepcion. EnglishThis research quantitative approach work aims to understand the science teachers in training conceptions about assessment of scientific learning, conducting a statistical descriptive analysis of data obtained from a standard Licket questionnaire applied to a sample of 236 Science Pedagogy students in various Chilean universities. The analysis focused on identifying and characterizing the assessment of scientific learning conception that teachers in training have and further contrast was made by gender differences. The results of this shed lights on that most science teachers in training have coexistence between a dogmatic conception as well as constructivist. We could conclude that depending on the situation or strategic circumstance or methodology that teachers face is how they represent their conception.

Pasantía en Chile: una ampliación de saberes y conocimientos sobre la educación infantil

El presente artículo pretende hacer una reflexión a partir de las visitas a los programas de formación parvularia de las universidades Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile y Universidad de Valparaíso (Facultad de Medicina); lo cual fue posible por la modalidad de pasantía que ofrece el Tecnológico de Antioquia a los estudiantes a través de la oficina de internacionalización. Éste se desarrollará en tres momentos: inicialmente abordaremos la relación entre los programas de formación universitaria (Tecnológico de Antioquia y las Universidades visitadas en Chile); en seguida, indicaremos las concordancias y discrepancias entre los programas de Buen Comienzo y Chile Crece Contigo, así como, las condiciones de los docentes en Chile y Colombia y, finalmente, se darán algunas sugerencias.

Resultados del tratamiento laparoscópico de los quistes hidatídicos hepáticos no complicados

IntroductionSurgery is the most effective treatment for patients with hepatic hydatid cysts (HHC). Currently there is no consensus whether open or laparoscopic surgery is the best treatment. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique and the results of laparoscopic radical surgery (pericystectomy). Material and methodsNon-concurrent cohort study. We included patients with uncomplicated HHC in which it was performed a laparoscopic radical pericystectomy between 2007 and 2015 at the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. Demographic and clinical variables, HHC characteristics, morbi-mortality and recurrence at follow-up were recorded. ResultsTwenty-four patients were operated. The median age was 35 years (3-79). The median HHC size was 8 centimeters (3-15). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases (16%); one patient had a biliary fistula (4.1%). There was no mortality in this study and the hospital stay was 3 days (2-25). Median follow-up was 57.5 months (9-106); a case of hepatic recurrence requiring another surgery was observed. ConclusionsThe radical treatment of uncomplicated HHC by laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe; when compared with existing literature there is no differences in morbi-mortality or recurrence.