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Engineering microorganisms into biological factories that convert renewable feedstocks into valuable materials is a major goal of synthetic biology; however, for many nonmodel organisms, we do not yet have the genetic tools, such as suites of strong promoters, necessary to effectively engineer them. In this work, we developed a computational framework that can leverage standard RNA-seq data sets to identify sets of constitutive, strongly expressed genes and predict strong promoter signals within their upstream regions. The framework was applied to a diverse collection of RNA-seq data measured for the methanotroph Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense 5GB1 and identified 25 genes that were constitutively, strongly expressed across 12 experimental conditions. For each gene, the framework predicted short (27-30 nucleotide) sequences as candidate promoters and derived -35 and -10 consensus promoter motifs (TTGACA and TATAAT, respectively) for strong expression in M. buryatense. This consensus closely matches the canonical E. coli sigma-70 motif and was found to be enriched in promoter regions of the genome. A subset of promoter predictions was experimentally validated in a XylE reporter assay, including the consensus promoter, which showed high expression. The pmoC, pqqA, and ssrA promoter predictions were additionally screened in an experiment that scrambled the -35 and -10 signal sequences, confirming that transcription initiation was disrupted when these specific regions of the predicted sequence were altered. These results indicate that the computational framework can make biologically meaningful promoter predictions and identify key pieces of regulatory systems that can serve as foundational tools for engineering diverse microorganisms for biomolecule production.

Rationale and Objectives Radiology teachers are well trained in their specialty; however, when working in academic institutions, faculty development and promotion through the education pathway tends to be based on their teaching knowledge and skills. The aim of this study is to assess psychometric properties of the Medicina Universidad Catolica—Radiology 32 items (MEDUC-RX32), an instrument designed to evaluate the performance of postgraduate radiology teachers and to identify the best teachers. Materials and Methods Mixed methodology was used, including qualitative and quantitative phases. The psychometric properties of the MEDUC-RX32 survey were performed by factor analysis (validity), Cronbach alpha coefficient, and G coefficient (reliability). The residents assessed their teachers and simultaneously voted for the “best teacher,” which was used as a gold standard for the receiver operating characteristic curves construction comparing their votes with the global score. Results A total of 28 residents answered 164 surveys. The global score was 6.23 ± 0.8 (scale from 1 to 7). The factor analysis showed six domains of the resident's perception: (1) tutorial teaching, feedback, and independent learning; (2) communication and teamwork; (3) learning objectives; (4) respectful behavior; (5) radiological report; and (6) teaching and care support. The tutor's strengths were related with respectful behavior and teamwork. The instrument is highly reliable with a Cronbach alpha of 0.937 and a G coefficient of 0.831 (with a minimum of 8 residents). The MEDUC-RX32 instrument has a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 83.3% to identify tutors as best teachers with at least one vote with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.931 with a cutoff of 5.94. Conclusions The MEDC-RX32 instrument is a multidimensional, valid, and highly reliable method to evaluate radiology teachers, identifying teachers with excellence in tutorial teaching in a postgraduate radiology program.

Background: Feedback is one of the most important tools to improve teaching in medical education. Aim: To develop an instrument to assess the performance of clinical postgraduate teachers in medical specialties. Material and Methods: A qualitative methodology consisting in interviews and focus-groups followed by a quantitative methodology to generate consensus, was employed. After generating the instrument, psychometric tests were performed to assess the construct validity (factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha). Results: Experts in medical education, teachers and residents of a medical school participated in interviews and focus groups. With this information, 26 categories (79 items) were proposed and reduced to 14 items (Likert scale 1-5) by an expert’s Delphi panel, generating the MEDUC-PG14 survey, which was answered by 123 residents from different programs of medical specialties. Construct validity was carried out. Factor analysis showed three domains: Teaching and evaluation, respectful behavior towards patients and health care team, and providing feedback. The global score was 4.46 ± 0.94 (89% of the maximum). One teachers’ strength, as evaluated by their residents was “respectful behavior” with 4.85 ± 0.42 (97% of the maximum). “Providing feedback” obtained 4.09 ± 1.0 points (81.8% of the maximum). MEDUC-PG14 survey had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.947. Conclusions: MEDUC-PG14 survey is a useful and reliable guide for teacher evaluation in medical specialty programs. Also provides feedback to improve educational skills of postgraduate clinical teachers.

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 objective of this study is to develop and validate a guideline for the evaluation of the clinical teaching process in radiology; Catholic University Medical School, Radiology 32 items (MEDUC-RX32). A mixed methodology was used for the development of the questionnaire; two interview groups (residents and faculty) and one individual to a radiology program head. Using a modified Delphi technique to reach an agreement, a national validity panel assessed the importance of each item. The Delphi panel refined the questionnaire from 88 to 32 items after two rounds. The final guideline was perfomed in 55 residents of the program. The final instrument shows high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.957). The average performance evaluations of teachers was 6.23 ± 0.8 (Likert scale 0 to 7) becoming a valid and reliable guideline for teacher evaluation of programs in the specialty of radiology, in Spanish speaking countries. Keywords: Assessment guidelines, Medical education, Postgraduate, Radiology teacher evaluation.

Background: The learning process for medical semiology depends on multidisciplinary teaching activities, including simulation tools. These tools should achieve a standardization level aiming at a same level of basic knowledge in each student. Aim: To evaluate an interactive online semiology learning tool. Material and Methods: An interactive online learning method for medical semiology was developed. It focused mainly on physical examination and incorporated audiovisual and self-explanatory elements, to strengthen the acquisition of skills and basic knowledge for each standardized clinical learning simulation session. Subsequently, a satisfaction survey was conducted. Also the performance of students in a clinical examination was compared with that of students of the previous year. Results: Student satisfaction was outstanding, and there was a significant improvement in the performance on the final exam. Conclusions: The use of interactive self-learning online content for medical semiology provides an effective tool to improve student learning.

Background: The learning process for medical semiology depends on multidisciplinary teaching activities, including simulation tools. These tools should achieve a standardization level aiming at a same level of basic knowledge in each student. Aim: To evaluate an interactive online semiology learning tool. Material and methods: An interactive online learning method for medical semiology was developed. It focused mainly on physical examination and incorporated audiovisual and self-explanatory elements, to strengthen the acquisition of skills and basic knowledge for each standardized clinical learning simulation session. Subsequently, a satisfaction survey was conducted. Also the performance of students in a clinical examination was compared with that of students of the previous year. Results: Student satisfaction was outstanding, and there was a significant improvement in the performance on the final exam. Conclusions: The use of interactive self-learning online content for medical semiology provides an effective tool to improve student learning.

We present results of the first large-scale interlaboratory study carried out in synthetic biology, as part of the 2014 and 2015 International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competitions. Participants at 88 institutions around the world measured fluorescence from three engineered constitutive constructs in E. coli. Few participants were able to measure absolute fluorescence, so data was analyzed in terms of ratios. Precision was strongly related to fluorescent strength, ranging from 1.54-fold standard deviation for the ratio between strong promoters to 5.75-fold for the ratio between the strongest and weakest promoter, and while host strain did not affect expression ratios, choice of instrument did. This result shows that high quantitative precision and reproducibility of results is possible, while at the same time indicating areas needing improved laboratory practices. Copyright: © 2016 Beal et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Background: The Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in postgraduate medical education. Aim: To evaluate the EE perceived by the residents of a postgraduate training program using the PHEEM. Material and Methods: The PHEEM was applied in 2010-2011 in 35 specialty programs. We calculated their individual results and compared means of both global and individual domain scores of the PHEEM, by gender, university of origin and nationality. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and D study (Generalizability theory) were performed for reliability. Results: Three hundred eighteen residents were surveyed (75.7% of the total universe). The mean score of the PHEEM was 105.09 ± 22.46 (65.7% of the maximal score) which is considered a positive EE. The instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.934). The D study found that 15 subjects are required to obtain reliable results (G coefficient = 0.813). There were no significant differences between gender and university of origin. Foreigners evaluated better the EE than Chileans and racism was not perceived. The programs showed a safe physical environment and teachers with good clinical skills. The negative aspects perceived were a lack of information about working hours, insufficient academic counseling, and scanty time left for extracurricular activities. Conclusions: This questionnaire allowed us to identify positive aspects of the EE, and areas to be improved in the specialty programs. The PHEEM is a useful instrument to evaluate the EE in Spanish-speaking participants of medical specialty programs.

Radiology teachers are well trained in their specialty; however, when working in academic institutions, faculty development and promotion through the education pathway tends to be based on their teaching knowledge and skills. The aim of this study is to assess psychometric properties of the Medicina Universidad Católica-Radiology 32 items (MEDUC-RX32), an instrument designed to evaluate the performance of postgraduate radiology teachers and to identify the best teachers.Mixed methodology was used, including qualitative and quantitative phases. The psychometric properties of the MEDUC-RX32 survey were performed by factor analysis (validity), Cronbach alpha coefficient, and G coefficient (reliability). The residents assessed their teachers and simultaneously voted for the "best teacher," which was used as a gold standard for the receiver operating characteristic curves construction comparing their votes with the global score.A total of 28 residents answered 164 surveys. The global score was 6.23 ± 0.8 (scale from 1 to 7). The factor analysis showed six domains of the resident's perception: (1) tutorial teaching, feedback, and independent learning; (2) communication and teamwork; (3) learning objectives; (4) respectful behavior; (5) radiological report; and (6) teaching and care support. The tutor's strengths were related with respectful behavior and teamwork. The instrument is highly reliable with a Cronbach alpha of 0.937 and a G coefficient of 0.831 (with a minimum of 8 residents). The MEDUC-RX32 instrument has a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 83.3% to identify tutors as best teachers with at least one vote with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.931 with a cutoff of 5.94.The MEDC-RX32 instrument is a multidimensional, valid, and highly reliable method to evaluate radiology teachers, identifying teachers with excellence in tutorial teaching in a postgraduate radiology program.

Poster for iGEM 2015 Giant Jamboree by the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) team.

Background: Feedback is one of the most important tools to improve teaching in medical education. Aim: To develop an instrument to assess the performance of clinical postgraduate teachers in medical specialties. Material and Methods: A qualitative methodology consisting in interviews and focus-groups followed by a quantitative methodology to generate consensus, was employed. After generating the instrument, psychometric tests were performed to assess the construct validity (factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha). Results: Experts in medical education, teachers and residents of a medical school participated in interviews and focus groups. With this information, 26 categories (79 items) were proposed and reduced to 14 items (Likert scale 1-5) by an expert’s Delphi panel, generating the MEDUC-PG14 survey, which was answered by 123 residents from different programs of medical specialties. Construct validity was carried out. Factor analysis showed three domains: Teaching and evaluation, respectful behavior towards patients and health care team, and providing feedback. The global score was 4.46 ± 0.94 (89% of the maximum). One teachers’ strength, as evaluated by their residents was “respectful behavior” with 4.85 ± 0.42 (97% of the maximum). “Providing feedback” obtained 4.09 ± 1.0 points (81.8% of the maximum). MEDUC-PG14 survey had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.947. Conclusions: MEDUC-PG14 survey is a useful and reliable guide for teacher evaluation in medical specialty programs. Also provides feedback to improve educational skills of postgraduate clinical teachers.

Feedback is one of the most important tools to improve teaching in medical education.To develop an instrument to assess the performance of clinical postgraduate teachers in medical specialties.A qualitative methodology consisting in interviews and focus-groups followed by a quantitative methodology to generate consensus, was employed. After generating the instrument, psychometric tests were performed to assess the construct validity (factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha).Experts in medical education, teachers and residents of a medical school participated in interviews and focus groups. With this information, 26 categories (79 items) were proposed and reduced to 14 items (Likert scale 1-5) by an expert’s Delphi panel, generating the MEDUC-PG14 survey, which was answered by 123 residents from different programs of medical specialties. Construct validity was carried out. Factor analysis showed three domains: Teaching and evaluation, respectful behavior towards patients and health care team, and providing feedback. The global score was 4.46 ± 0.94 (89% of the maximum). One teachers’ strength, as evaluated by their residents was “respectful behavior” with 4.85 ± 0.42 (97% of the maximum). “Providing feedback” obtained 4.09 ± 1.0 points (81.8% of the maximum). MEDUC-PG14 survey had a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.947.MEDUC-PG14 survey is a useful and reliable guide for teacher evaluation in medical specialty programs. Also provides feedback to improve educational skills of postgraduate clinical teachers.

Background: Assessment for learning is a paradigm that is taking shape in the field of medical education. This approach aims to embed the assessment process within the educational and learning process. Aim: To evaluate the impact of curricular changes, from a focus of assessment of learning to one of assessment for learning, in the perception of undergraduate students of medicine and their final grades obtained in a theoretical course (TCG). Material and Methods: In the year 2011 lectures were reduced and intermediate assessments followed by a feedback session were introduced. The activities of each program course, surveys about student perceptions of the course and the final grades of students (assessments with multiple choice questions) were compared between the periods prior and after curricular changes (2005-2010 and 2011-2013). Results: As a consequence of curricular changes, time for lectures was reduced by 19.5%, time for summative assessments was increased by 8.5%, and feedback activity, occupying 7.3% of the course time was added. There were significant improvements in student is perceptions in all areas assessed by surveys, emphasizing feedback and assessments. The overall grade assigned to the course dictated after implementing the changes increased from 6.18 to 6.59 (p < 0.001, 1-7 scale). The grades of students also improved from an average of 5.78 to 6.43 (p < 0.001, 1-7 scale). Conclusions: Assessment for learning achieved the desired educational impact without increasing the assigned curricular time. Programmatic assessment is favorably perceived by students.

Background: Assessment for learning is a paradigm that is taking shape in the field of medical education. This approach aims to embed the assessment process within the educational and learning process. Aim: To evaluate the impact of curricular changes, from a focus of assessment of learning to one of assessment for learning, in the perception of undergraduate students of medicine and their final grades obtained in a theoretical course (TCG). Material and Methods: In the year 2011 lectures were reduced and intermediate assessments followed by a feedback session were introduced. The activities of each program course, surveys about student perceptions of the course and the final grades of students (assessments with multiple choice questions) were compared between the periods prior and after curricular changes (2005-2010 and 2011-2013). Results: As a consequence of curricular changes, time for lectures was reduced by 19.5%, time for summative assessments was increased by 8.5%, and feedback activity, occupying 7.3% of the course time was added. There were significant improvements in student is perceptions in all areas assessed by surveys, emphasizing feedback and assessments. The overall grade assigned to the course dictated after implementing the changes increased from 6.18 to 6.59 (p < 0.001, 1-7 scale). The grades of students also improved from an average of 5.78 to 6.43 (p < 0.001, 1-7 scale). Conclusions: Assessment for learning achieved the desired educational impact without increasing the assigned curricular time. Programmatic assessment is favorably perceived by students.

Assessment for learning is a paradigm that is taking shape in the field of medical education. This approach aims to embed the assessment process within the educational and learning process.To evaluate the impact of curricular changes, from a focus of assessment of learning to one of assessment for learning, in the perception of undergraduate students of medicine and their final grades obtained in a theoretical course (TCG).In the year 2011 lectures were reduced and intermediate assessments followed by a feedback session were introduced. The activities of each program course, surveys about student perceptions of the course and the final grades of students (assessments with multiple choice questions) were compared between the periods prior and after curricular changes (2005-2010 and 2011-2013).As a consequence of curricular changes, time for lectures was reduced by 19.5%, time for summative assessments was increased by 8.5%, and feedback activity, occupying 7.3% of the course time was added. There were significant improvements in student is perceptions in all areas assessed by surveys, emphasizing feedback and assessments. The overall grade assigned to the course dictated after implementing the changes increased from 6.18 to 6.59 (p0.001, 1-7 scale). The grades of students also improved from an average of 5.78 to 6.43 (p0.001, 1-7 scale).Assessment for learning achieved the desired educational impact without increasing the assigned curricular time. Programmatic assessment is favorably perceived by students.

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. The objective of this study is to develop and validate a guideline for the evaluation of the clinical teaching process in radiology; Catholic University Medical School, Radiology 32 items (MEDUC-RX32). A mixed methodology was used for the development of the questionnaire; two interview groups (residents and faculty) and one individual to a radiology program head. Using a modified Delphi technique to reach an agreement, a national validity panel assessed the importance of each item. The Delphi panel refined the questionnaire from 88 to 32 items after two rounds. The final guideline was perfomed in 55 residents of the program. The final instrument shows high reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.957). The average performance evaluations of teachers was 6.23 ± 0.8 (Likert scale 0 to 7) becoming a valid and reliable guideline for teacher evaluation of programs in the specialty of radiology, in Spanish speaking countries.

AIM: To optimize diagnosis and treatment guidelines for this geographic region, a panel of gastroenterologists, epidemiologists, and basic scientists carried out a structured evaluation of available literature. METHODS: Relevant questions were distributed among the experts, who generated draft statements for consideration by the entire panel. A modified three-round Delphi technique method was used to reach consensus. Critical input was also obtained from representatives of the concerned medical community. The quality of the evidence and level of recommendation supporting each statement was graded according to United States Preventive Services Task Force criteria. RESULTS: A group of ten experts was established. The survey included 15 open-ended questions that were distributed among the experts, who assessed the articles associated with each question. The levels of agreement achieved by the panel were 50% in the first round, 73.3% in the second round and 100% in the third round. Main consensus recommendations included: (1) when available, urea breath and stool antigen test (HpSA) should be used for non-invasive diagnosis; (2) detect and eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in all gastroscopy patients to decrease risk of peptic ulcer disease, prevent o retard progression in patients with preneoplastic lesions, and to prevent recurrence in patients treated for gastric cancer; (3) further investigate implementation issues and health outcomes of H. pylori eradication for primary prevention of gastric cancer in high-risk populations; (4) prescribe standard 14-d triple therapy or sequential therapy for first-line treatment; (5) routinely assess eradication success post-treatment in clinical settings; and (6) select second- and third-line therapies according to antibiotic susceptibility testing. CONCLUSION: These achievable steps toward better region-specific management can be expected to improve clinical health outcomes.

Introduccion Nuestro proposito es evaluar las propiedades psicometricas del instrumento MEDUC-RX32 para evaluar a docentes de radiologia en posgrado e identificar a los mejores profesores. Metodos Las propiedades psicometricas de la encuesta MEDUC-RX32 fueron realizadas mediante: analisis factorial (validez), coeficientes Cronbach alfa y coeficiente G (confiabilidad). Los residentes evaluaron a sus docentes (MEDUC-RX32) y simultaneamente votaron por el “mejor profesor”, criterio utilizado como estandar dorado para construccion de curvas ROC comparando su votacion con el puntaje global y calificacion (escala 1-7). Resultados 28 residentes respondieron 215 encuestas. El puntaje global fue de 189.4 ± 39.8 (Promedio ± DE) de un maximo de 224 puntos (84.6 ± 17.8% del maximo). El analisis factorial mostro 6 dominios de la percepcion de los residentes: 1. Ensenanza tutorial, feedback y aprendizaje independiente; 2. Comunicacion y trabajo en equipo; 3. Objetivos de aprendizaje; 4. Trato respetuoso; 5. Realizacion de examenes e informe radiologico; 6. Soporte de ensenanza. Las fortalezas de los docentes se relacionan con trato respetuoso y trabajo en equipo. El instrumento es altamente confiable con Cronbach alfa de 0.937 y coeficiente G de 0.831 (con minimo necesario de 8 residentes). La encuesta MEDUC-RX32 presenta una sensibilidad de 91.7% y especificidad de 83.3% para identificar docentes con al menos 1 voto como “mejor profesor”, con area bajo la curva ROC de 0.931 con un punto de corte de 5.94 (nota promedio en escala 1-7). Conclusiones La encuesta MEDUC-RX32 es un instrumento multidimensional, valido y altamente confiable para evaluar tutores en radiologia. Permite ademas identificar profesores con excelencia en la docencia tutorial en radiologia de postgrado.

Background: Students’ perceptions of their educational environment (EE) have been studied in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Postgraduate EE has been measured in hospital settings. However, there are no instruments available to measure the EE in postgraduate ambulatory settings. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop the ‘‘Ambulatory Care Learning Education Environment Measure’’ (ACLEEM). Methods: A mixed methodology was used including three stages: (1) Grounded theory (focus groups); (2) Delphi technique to identify consensus; and (3) Pilot study. Results: Three quota samples of approximately 60 stakeholders were formed, one as Focus Groups and two as Delphi panels. Eight focus groups were carried out including 58 residents (Latin-American Spanish speakers). The results were analysed and 173 items were offered to a National Delphi panel (61 residents and teachers). They reduced in two rounds the number of important items to 54. The 54-item questionnaire was then piloted with 63 residents and refined to the final version of the ACLEEM with 50 items and three domains. Conclusions: The 50-item inventory is a valid instrument to measure the EE in postgraduate ambulatory setting in Chile. Largescale administration of the ACLEEM questionnaire to evaluate its construct validity and reliability are the next steps to test the psychometric properties of the instrument.

Background: The Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in postgraduate medical education. Aim: To evaluate the EE perceived by the residents of a postgraduate training program using the PHEEM. Material and Methods: The PHEEM was applied in 2010-2011 in 35 specialty programs. We calculated their individual results and compared means of both global and individual domain scores of the PHEEM, by gender, university of origin and nationality. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and D study (Generalizability theory) were performed for reliability. Results: Three hundred eighteen residents were surveyed (75.7% of the total universe). The mean score of the PHEEM was 105.09 ± 22.46 (65.7% of the maximal score) which is considered a positive EE. The instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.934). The D study found that 15 subjects are required to obtain reliable results (G coefficient = 0.813). There were no significant differences between gender and university of origin. Foreigners evaluated better the EE than Chileans and racism was not perceived. The programs showed a safe physical environment and teachers with good clinical skills. The negative aspects perceived were a lack of information about working hours, insufficient academic counseling, and scanty time left for extracurricular activities. Conclusions: This questionnaire allowed us to identify positive aspects of the EE, and areas to be improved in the specialty programs. The PHEEM is a useful instrument to evaluate the EE in Spanish-speaking participants of medical specialty programs.

The Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) questionnaire, is a valid and reliable instrument to measure the educational environment (EE) in postgraduate medical education.To evaluate the EE perceived by the residents of a postgraduate training program using the PHEEM.The PHEEM was applied in 2010-2011 in 35 specialty programs. We calculated their individual results and compared means of both global and individual domain scores of the PHEEM, by gender, university of origin and nationality. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and D study (Generalizability theory) were performed for reliability.Three hundred eighteen residents were surveyed (75.7% of the total universe). The mean score of the PHEEM was 105.09 ± 22.46 (65.7% of the maximal score) which is considered a positive EE. The instrument is highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.934). The D study found that 15 subjects are required to obtain reliable results (G coefficient = 0.813). There were no significant differences between gender and university of origin. Foreigners evaluated better the EE than Chileans and racism was not perceived. The programs showed a safe physical environment and teachers with good clinical skills. The negative aspects perceived were a lack of information about working hours, insufficient academic counseling, and scanty time left for extracurricular activities.This questionnaire allowed us to identify positive aspects of the EE, and areas to be improved in the specialty programs. The PHEEM is a useful instrument to evaluate the EE in Spanish-speaking participants of medical specialty programs.

Summary A method is presented to measure the arterial and venous flow rates in the supra- and infradiaphragmatic division in the dog placed on total cardiopulmonary bypass. All animals perfused with homologous blood showed reduction of the total venous return as compared to the total arterial inflow. Evidence is presented which points to the splanchnic bed as the site for the sequestration of the blood. The addition of 1 Gm. per kilogram of body weight of mannitol to the priming homologous blood resulted in the prevention of hepatic congestion, portal hypertension, and blood loss from the oxygenator into the animal. Diluting the priming blood with dextrose in water and dextran did not prevent, but attenuated, the homologous blood reactions. An end-to-side portacaval shunt abruptly corrected the hemodynamic changes produced by homologous blood perfusion. It is concluded that increased intrahepatic resistance with unknown etiology causes portal hypertension which in turn contributes to the sequestration of the blood in the splanchnic bed.