Percepciones de estudiantes de fonoaudiología sobre el aprendizaje basado en simulación y gamificación / Perceptions of phonoaudiology students on simulation-based gamified learning

Introducción: El aprendizaje basado en simulación y gamificación emerge como propuesta pedagógica a las necesidades de los estudiantes contemporáneos, quienes se desarrollan en entornos de avance tecnológico continuo. Más aún, favorecen la adquisición y el desarrollo de razonamientos y habilidades clínicas, lo que mejora la seguridad del paciente. Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción de los estudiantes de cuarto año de Fonoaudiología sobre la propuesta de simulación y gamificación aplicada de Clínica Otoneurológica y Laberintología en la Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. Métodos: Investigación transversal, descriptiva y correlacional. Los participantes (n = 89) completaron tres cuestionarios de valoración: para la actividad de simulación de movimientos oculares, para la actividad de gamificación en clínica audiológica y acerca de aspectos generales de la asignatura. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y multivariada. Se estudiaron las asociaciones multivariadas entre los ítems de los cuestionarios, mediante análisis de componentes principales. Resultados: Se obtuvo un alto porcentaje de aceptación de ambas actividades. El análisis multivariado logró explicar un 59 por ciento de la variabilidad, y reveló una asociación positiva entre la simulación y la gamificación. Más aún, estas propuestas pedagógicas se correlacionaron positivamente con los indicadores de aprendizaje significativo, los objetivos del currículo, los métodos de evaluación y los recursos didácticos aplicados. Conclusiones: Estas herramientas generan entornos organizativos y facilitadores del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, especialmente en temas otoneurológicos. Los resultados expanden la aplicabilidad de la simulación y gamificación en la educación universitaria(AU)

Introduction: Simulation-based gamified learning is emerging as a pedagogical proposal to meet the needs of contemporary students, who develop themselves in settings of continuous technological advancement. Moreover, they favor the acquisition and development of clinical reasoning and skills, which improves patient safety. Objective: To evaluate the perception of fourth-year Phonoaudiology students on the simulation and gamification proposal applied in the otoneurology and labyrinthology clinic at the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational research, the participants (n=89) completed three assessment questionnaires: for the eye movement simulation activity, for the gamification activity in audiological clinic, and about general aspects of the subject. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were used for data analysis. The multivariate associations between questionnaire items were studied by means of principal component analysis. Results: A high percentage was obtained regarding acceptance of both activities. Multivariate analysis permitted to explain 59 percent of the variability, and revealed a positive association between simulation and gamification. Moreover, these pedagogical proposals were positively correlated with meaningful learning indicators, the curriculum objectives, the evaluation methods and the didactic resources applied. Conclusions: These tools generate organizational and facilitating settings for the teaching-learning process, especially in otoneurological subjects. The results increase the applicability of simulation and gamification in university education(AU)

Public Sector Workers' Mental Health in Argentina: Comparative Psychometrics of the Perceived Stress Scale.

OBJECTIVES: Given that Argentinian public-sector workers are highly exposed to stressful conditions, and that the psychometric properties of the widely used Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) should be evaluated in different settings, this work aimed to compare the psychometric properties of the Latin American Spanish PSS-10 and PSS-4 and to identify the optimal scale for stress assessment. METHODS: A sample of 535 participants was randomly divided into 2 groups to evaluate dimensionality by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The reliability of both scales was also evaluated. Convergent validity was estimated using the Executive Complaints Questionnaire, the average variance extracted, and the composite reliability. Discriminant validity was based on the correlation with the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the phi-square correlation between the components. RESULTS: The factor analyses supported bidimensionality of the PSS-10 (stress and coping), which showed a better fit than the PSS-4. Moreover, the reliability of the PSS-10 was higher, whereas the PSS-4 did not achieve adequate values of internal consistency. The PSS-10 was also correlated significantly with all validation scales, and presented proper internal convergent and divergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The PSS-10 is a reliable and structurally valid instrument to measure perceived stress and coping in a Latin American Spanish-speaking population with high work demands, and the findings of this study expand our knowledge on the geographical and sociocultural applicability of the PSS.

[Variations of the cognitive status in the puerperium and their determinants: a narrative review]. / Variaciones del estado cognitivo en el puerperio y sus determinantes: una revisión narrativa.

The neurobiological modifications that women experience during the puerperium, together with the consequent psychosocial changes, lead to variations in cognitive functions. In order to describe the cognitive variations that occur during postpartum and the determining factors, a narrative review was conducted by means of a bibliographic search in PubMed and Google Scholar. A steady increase in the number of published works was located (PubMed = 186; Google Scholar = 26,730). The analysis of the articles made it possible to: a) characterize the cognitive functions during the puerperium; b) analyze the neuropsychological effects produced by the endocrinological and anatomophysiological changes; c) analyze the effect of the quality of sleep on cognition; d) analyze cognitive functions according to obstetric experiences. In conclusion, puerperal women are characterized by variations in their cognitive functions, which are determined by structural, functional, psychological and social changes. It is necessary to conduct neuropsychological research in this population, since postpartum care still focuses on the care of the newborn, without addressing the puerperal woman in a comprehensive manner.

Las modificaciones neurobiológicas que experimenta la mujer durante el puerperio, junto con los consecuentes cambios psicosociales, determinan variaciones en el funcionamiento cognitivo. Con el objetivo de describir las variaciones cognitivas que ocurren durante el postparto y sus factores determinantes, se desarrolló una revisión narrativa a partir de la búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed y Google Scholar. Se evidenció un constante crecimiento del número de publicaciones a lo largo de los años (PubMed= 186; Google Scholar= 26730). El análisis de los artículos permitió: a) Caracterizar las funciones cognitivas durante el puerperio; b) Analizar los efectos neuropsicológicos producidos por los cambios endocrinológicos y anatomofisiológicos; c) Analizar el efecto de la calidad del sueño sobre la cognición; d) Analizar las funciones cognitivas en función de las experiencias obstétricas. En conclusión, la mujer puérpera se caracteriza por presentar variaciones en sus funciones cognitivas, las cuales están determinadas por cambios estructurales, funcionales, psicológicos y sociales. Es necesario fomentar investigaciones neuropsicológicas en esta población, ya que la atención del posparto todavía se centra en el cuidado del recién nacido, sin abordar a la mujer puérpera de manera integral.

Variaciones del estado cognitivo en el puerperio y sus determinantes: una revisión narrativa / Variations of the cognitive status in the puerperium and their determinants: a narrative review

Resumen Las modificaciones neurobiológicas que experimenta la mujer durante el puerperio, junto con los consecuentes cambios psicosociales, determinan variaciones en el funcionamiento cognitivo. Con el objetivo de describir las variaciones cognitivas que ocurren durante el postparto y sus factores determinantes, se desarrolló una revisión narrativa a partir de la búsqueda bibliográfica en PubMed y Google Scholar. Se evidenció un constante crecimiento del número de publicaciones a lo largo de los años (PubMed= 186; Google Scholar= 26730). El análisis de los artículos permitió: a) Caracterizar las funciones cognitivas durante el puerperio; b) Analizar los efectos neuropsicológicos producidos por los cambios endocrinológicos y anatomofisiológicos; c) Analizar el efecto de la calidad del sueño sobre la cognición; d) Analizar las funciones cognitivas en función de las experiencias obstétricas. En conclusión, la mujer puérpera se caracteriza por presentar variaciones en sus funciones cognitivas, las cuales están determinadas por cambios estructurales, funcionales, psicológicos y sociales. Es necesario fomentar investigaciones neuropsicológicas en esta población, ya que la atención del posparto todavía se centra en el cuidado del recién nacido, sin abordar a la mujer puérpera de manera integral.

Abstract The neurobiological modifications that women experience during the puerperium, together with the consequent psychosocial changes, lead to variations in cognitive functions. In order to describe the cognitive variations that occur during postpartum and the determining factors, a narrative review was conducted by means of a bibliographic search in PubMed and Google Scholar. A steady increase in the number of published works was located (PubMed = 186; Google Scholar = 26,730). The analysis of the articles made it possible to: a) characterize the cognitive functions during the puerperium; b) analyze the neuropsychological effects produced by the endocrinological and anatomophysiological changes; c) analyze the effect of the quality of sleep on cognition; d) analyze cognitive functions according to obstetric experiences. In conclusion, puerperal women are characterized by variations in their cognitive functions, which are determined by structural, functional, psychological and social changes. It is necessary to conduct neuropsychological research in this population, since postpartum care still focuses on the care of the newborn, without addressing the puerperal woman in a comprehensive manner.

Examining the Relationship Between Engagement and Perceived Stress-Related Cognitive Complaints in the Argentinian Working Population.

Stress has a negative impact on cognitive functioning and occupational well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship among perceived stress, cognitive complaints and work engagement in public employees from Córdoba, Argentina. In this cross-sectional study, self-report questionnaires were administered to 240 participants. Spanish versions of the following instruments were used: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), Memory Failures in Everyday (MFE), Executive Complaint Questionnaire (ECQ). Statistical analysis included ANOVA, path analysis, and multiple logistic regression. Stressed workers showed lower work engagement and more cognitive complaints, even after adjusting for demographic variables. Negative associations were also observed between work engagement and cognitive complaints, suggesting that cognitive difficulties are related to engagement. Given the relation among stress, cognition, and work engagement, it is important to consider these factors to foster workers' health and work productivity.

Auditory processing self-report: How do normal-hearing individuals perceive themselves? / Autorreporte del procesamiento auditivo: ¿Cómo se perciben los individuos normoacúsicos?

Background: Hearing results from processes of modulation of the acoustic signal performed by the auditory pathway and cortical activity. Sound detection, location, discrimination, intelligibility in noise and silence require integrity of the auditory system. Objective: To recognize the auditory variability in competent users and examine the relationship of auditory processing abilities with peripheral sensitivity. Methods: 97 normal-hearing participants with comprehensive listening in a second language and/or music were studied with the Spanish version of the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap (S-AIADH), audiometry and impedanciometry. Correlations between S-AIADH scores and audiometric tonal and acoustic thresholds were calculated. Results: Scores in sound distinction, intelligibility in noise and location showed the greatest dispersion. Auditory processing abilities did not correlate significantly with acoustic thresholds and reflexes, except for the intelligibility in noise that was positively associated with the tonal threshold at frequencies 500 and 1000 Hz in both ears. Conclusion: These results indicate a paradox, which reinforces the differentiation between hearing and listening. For a comprehensive approach, the study of hearing requires addressing both peripheral and central auditory processing, where the use of self-report instruments is important.

Introducción: la audición resulta de procesos de modulación de la señal acústica que realiza la vía auditiva y la actividad cortical. La detección de los sonidos, localización, discriminación, inteligibilidad del habla en ruido y en silencio requieren de la integridad funcional del sistema auditivo. Objetivo: reconocer la variabilidad auditiva en usuarios competentes y examinar la relación de las habilidades del procesamiento auditivo con la sensibilidad periférica. Métodos: un total de 97 participantes normoacúsicos con antecedentes de escucha comprensiva en una segunda lengua y/o música fueron valorados con el Inventario de Ámsterdam para la Discapacidad y Rendimiento Auditivo versión español (S-AIADH), audiometría e impedanciometría. Se calcularon las correlaciones entre los puntajes del S-AIADH y los umbrales tonales audiométricos y del reflejo estapedial. Resultados: los subtotales intratest con mayor dispersión pertenecen a la distinción de sonidos, inteligibilidad en ruido y localización. Las habilidades del procesamiento auditivo no se correlacionaron significativamente con los umbrales de detección de sonido y los reflejos estapediales, a excepción de la inteligibilidad en ruido que se asoció positivamente con el umbral tonal en las frecuencias 500 y 1000 Hz en ambos oídos. Conclusión: Estos resultados indican una paradoja, lo cual refuerza la diferenciación entre oír y escuchar. Para un abordaje integral, el estudio de la audición requiere de abordar tanto el procesamiento auditivo periférico como el central, donde el uso de instrumentos de autorreporte es de gran importancia.

Positive correlation between proteasome activity and polyphenols in the telencephalon of adult female mice.

INTRODUCTION: Proteasome regulates proteostasis, and can be compromised in neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, our aim was to correlate the activity of proteasome to the level of polyphenols in telencephalon during murine adulthood. METHODS: Proteasome activity, polyphenols and other variables (glucose and hydroperoxides) were analysed in Balb/c female telencephala (n = 20, age = 4-12 months), using multivariate methods. RESULTS: The following values were found: proteasome activity = 3.1 ± 0.6 FI/µg of tissue proteins, glucose = 0.1 ± 0.0 µg/µg, hydroperoxides = 363.4 ± 96.6 OD/µg, and polyphenols = 0.1 ± 0.0 ng/µg. Polyphenols reduced during aging showed a direct correlation with proteasome (Pearson's coefficient = 0.43, p = 0.0590, and a multivariate linear regressive coefficient = 17.85, p = 0.0216), with glucose and hydroperoxides being not involved (p>0.1). This correlation was confirmed by partial least square regression (beta = 0.67). CONCLUSION: Proteasome activity can be affected during ageing, and promoted by telencephalic polyphenol levels. Thus, these diet compounds might exert benefits in adult brain.

[Answers and latencies dichotic digit test normoacoustic majoring in hearing]. / Patrón de repuestas y latencias ern test de dígitos dicóticos en normoacústicos con especialización auditiva.

Neurocognitive assessment by dichotic digit test provides selective stimulation of auditory pathway with contralateral suppression of the ipsilateral showing interhemispheric differences in concurrent tasks. In order to recognize the pattern of responses, recovery order of digits and latencies heard the original test was modified with the addition of a record of an audio track of the responses. The sample includes subjects with a history in hearing specialization linked to the music and listen to comprehensive second language, normoacoustic without otologic diseases or neurological. Sets 20 pairs of dichotic digits with a digital recording for recording the subject's responses was used. The results reveal: right ear advantage in the pattern of correct answers and the order in which the information provided is retrieved. As for the pattern of intrasets latencies an increase to the fourth repeated / digit recovered and more blunder is observed. Declining intratest latencies in the second part of the test suggest positive training. These modifications allow new prospects and existing applications with behavioral tests.

[Psychosocial risk of fossilization by occupationally-used non-native Englishin information and communication technologists of Argentina]. / El riesgo psicosocial de fosilización en el uso laboral del ingles no nativo en tecnólogos de informática y tecnología de Argentina.

AIMS: Companies use non-native language (L2) as a service tool, and they may incur in occupational psychosocial risks. Interlanguage can be chronic under poor communicative situations, leading to fossilization. It could be an adverse effect because of its impact in productivity and occupational health. Thus, our aim was to establish factors of this psychosocial risk. METHODS: 348 information and communication technologists (ICT) were analyzed. They were native Spanish speakers with normal hearing, and used English as a work tool. Age, gender, L2 stages and errors were recorded in relation to fossilization risk. Statistical methods were applied for categorical data (p<0.05). RESULTS: After gender and age adjustments, a significant inverse association was found between L2 stages and fossilization risk (p<0.0001), with higher risk being in the acquisition stage. Also, L2 errors showed a significant direct relation with fossilization risk (p=0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Summing up, ICT in acquisition L2 had upper psychosocial risk to fossilization with mechanistic execution of it, under poorer communicative formats. This results have high sanitary impact given they involved a massively demanded professionals.