Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-silver nanoparticles membranes as advanced antibiofilm strategies for combatting peri-implantitis.

Dental implant success is threatened by peri-implantitis, an inflammation leading to implant failure. Conventional treatments struggle with the intricate microbial and host factors involved. Antibacterial membranes, acting as barriers and delivering antimicrobials, may offer a promising solution. Thus, this study highlights the potential of developing antibacterial membranes of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate and silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) to address peri-implantitis challenges, discussing design and efficacy against potential pathogens. Electrospun membranes composed of PHB microfibers and Ag Nps were synthesized in a blend of DMF/chloroform at three different concentrations. Various studies were conducted on the characterization and antimicrobial activity of the membranes. The synthesized Ag Nps ranged from 4 to 8 nm in size. Furthermore, Young's modulus decreased, reducing from 13.308 MPa in PHB membranes without Ag Nps to 0.983 MPa in PHB membranes containing higher concentrations of Ag Nps. This demonstrates that adding Ag Nps results in a less stiff membrane. An increase in elongation at break was noted with the rise in Ag Nps concentration, from 23.597 % in PHB membranes to 60.136 % in PHB membranes loaded with Ag Nps. The antibiotic and antibiofilm activity of the membranes were evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The results indicated that all PHB membranes containing Ag Nps exhibited potent antibacterial activity by inhibiting the growth of biofilms and planktonic bacteria. However, inhibition of C. albicans occurred only with the PHB-Ag Nps C membrane. These findings emphasize the versatility and potential of Ag Nps-incorporated membranes as a multifunctional approach for preventing and addressing microbial infections associated with peri-implantitis. The combination of antibacterial and antibiofilm properties in these membranes holds promise for improving the management and treatment of peri-implantitis-related complications.

Proof of concept of an experimental prototype for the prevention of parastomal hernia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the complications and problems associated with the use of an experimental prototype designed for the prevention of parastomal hernia (PSH), one of the most frequent complications in ostomates. METHODS: A single-centre, non-comparative, proof-of-concept interventional pilot study of an experimental prototype designed to be used in conjunction with an abdominal compression binder to prevent PSH was conducted. The "Ostomy Fixation Device for Hernia Prevention" (patent P201531826) is a semi-rigid ostomy protector, to be used in conjunction with a compression binder. It is designed to adapt to the dimensions of standard ostomy bags from different brands and serves to transmit, in a localised manner, the support coming from the compression binder in the peristomal area without putting pressure on the collection bag. The main outcome measures were efficacy, safety, and patient-users' opinion/perception. RESULTS: Ten patients were studied for 12 months. Mean age was 61 years (± 11.59), 70% (7) were male, 80% (8) ostomised for colorectal cancer, 90% (9) underwent planned surgery and 80% (8) had a colostomy. EFFICACY: the incidence of HPE was 10% (1). SAFETY: no participant experienced pain, discomfort, itching, stinging, leakage, pouch detachment, allergy to components, or injury to the stoma or peristomal skin due to rubbing or pressure. 90% (n = 9) were considered "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the device. CONCLUSIONS: An innovative device designed in collaboration between healthcare professionals and end-users has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing PSH in the group of ostomates studied.

Circulating long non-coding RNAs detection after heart transplantation and its accuracy in the diagnosis of acute cardiac rejection.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely implicated in biological processes and diseases with high inflammatory components. These molecules exhibit significant temporal and tissue specificity. However, the expression and function of lncRNAs have not been studied in patients after heart transplantation. Thus, we aimed to identify circulating lncRNAs in these patients and evaluate their diagnostic capacity as potential biomarkers for the non-invasive detection of acute cellular rejection (ACR). For them, we performed a transcriptomic study based on ncRNA-seq technology to detect lncRNAs in serum samples, matched to routine endomyocardial biopsies, from patients without rejection episode (0R, n = 12) and with mild (1R, n = 16) or moderate-severe (≥ 2R, n = 12) ACR. We identified 11,062 circulating lncRNAs in the serum of patients after heart transplantation. Moreover, 6 lncRNAs showed statistically significant expression when the different ACR grades were compared. Among them, AC008105.3, AC006525.1, AC011455.8, AL359220.1, and AC025279.1 had relevant diagnostic capacity for detection of ≥ 2R (AUC of 0.850 to 1.000) and 1R (AUC of 0.750 to 0.854) grades, along with high specificity and positive predictive values (≥ 83%). In addition, AL359220.1 and AC025279.1 were independent predictors for the presence of moderate-severe ACR (odds ratio = 31.132, p < 0.01 and C statistic = 0.939, p < 0.0001; odds ratio = 18.693, p < 0.05 and C statistic = 0.902, p < 0.001; respectively). In conclusion, we describe, for the first time, circulating lncRNAs after heart transplantation as potential candidates for non-invasive detection of ACR. AL359220.1 and AC025279.1 showed excellent diagnostic capability correlating with the severity episode and were strong independent predictors of rejection.

[Design of a nursing assessment instrument during pregnancy monitoring in Primary Health care and the validation of its content]. / Diseño de un instrumento de valoración enfermera para el seguimiento de embarazo en Atención Primaria de salud y la validación de su contenido.

OBJECTIVE: This research aims to develop a nursing assessment tool, based on Gordon's Health Functional Patterns, through a content validation by a committee of experts, applying a Delphi technique. DESIGN: An assessment instrument with 53 items has been designed. SITE: It is carried out within the framework of a doctoral thesis, for its implementation by midwives of Primary Health Care. PARTICIPANTS: The committee was made up of 16 professionals with a hide clinical, teaching and research experience who all participated in the entire validation process. INTERVENTION: It has been assessed as a whole and in each of the items through four rounds of consultations, establishing a positive assessment of more than 60% to accept each item, as well as incorporating the suggestions provided by the committee. The final version had to reach a unanimous consensus. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: All items were accepted with a score higher than 60%. RESULTS: There were no contradictions between the inputs provided by the experts, so all of them were integrated into the final version that has a 100% approval by the committee. CONCLUSION: After this process, a new assessment tool is presented to be applied by primary care midwives in the pregnancy monitoring. The questionnaire has been piloted with 50 pregnant women, determining the most prevalent nursing diagnoses, establishing the workload for the midwife of her implementation of individualized care plans to improve some health indicators of pregnant women.

Use of Digitalisation and Machine Learning Techniques in Therapeutic Intervention at Early Ages: Supervised and Unsupervised Analysis.

Advances in technology and artificial intelligence (smart healthcare) open up a range of possibilities for precision intervention in the field of health sciences. The objectives of this study were to analyse the functionality of using supervised (prediction and classification) and unsupervised (clustering) machine learning techniques to analyse results related to the development of functional skills in patients at developmental ages of 0-6 years. We worked with a sample of 113 patients, of whom 49 were cared for in a specific centre for people with motor impairments (Group 1) and 64 were cared for in a specific early care programme for patients with different impairments (Group 2). The results indicated that in Group 1, chronological age predicted the development of functional skills at 85% and in Group 2 at 65%. The classification variable detected was functional development in the upper extremities. Two clusters were detected within each group that allowed us to determine the patterns of functional development in each patient with respect to functional skills. The use of smart healthcare resources has a promising future in the field of early care. However, data recording in web applications needs to be planned, and the automation of results through machine learning techniques is required.

Validation of the Health Protective Sexual Communication Scale Among Young Adults in the United Kingdom and Spain.

Background and Purpose: The transmission of sexual infections is increasing globally. The research aims to validate the Health Protective Sexual Communication Scale (HPSC) in English and Spanish. Methods: The study survey was administered to 1,223 university students from Spain (658) and the United Kingdom (565) during the academic year 2020-2021. Results: Cronbach's alpha values were .80 (Spain) and .86 (United Kingdom). The scale's Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis displays a one-dimensional structure of eight items in both countries. Conclusions: The HPSC has excellent reliability and validity. Psychometric findings support the use of the HPSC as a screening tool to measure sexual risk in youth.

Ten simple rules for students navigating summer research experiences for undergraduates (REU) programs: From application to program completion.

For many emerging scientists, research experiences for undergraduates (REU) programs are an important gateway to graduate school and a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). REUs provide guided mentorship and learning experiences in a summer-long program where students develop research skills, build scientific knowledge, and strengthen their scientific identity. While the benefits of REUs are abundant, the process is not always easy to navigate, especially for students who come from first-generation and/or low-income (FLI) backgrounds. This paper provides two-fold guidance for undergraduate students interested in participating in REUs. Rules 1 to 5 focus on demystifying the application process from beginning to end, and Rules 6 to 10 guide students who are on the other side of the application process. Thus, this paper will be most helpful for undergraduate students who are either considering applying for an REU or have been accepted into one and want to learn more about what to expect. It can also be a shareable resource for faculty, staff, and mentors who work directly with STEM undergraduates.

Effectiveness of a 5-Week Virtual Reality Telerehabilitation Program for Children With Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy: Prospective Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are neuromuscular diseases. DMD is the most prevalent in children. It affects dystrophin production, reducing the patient's mobility and quality of life. New technologies have become a part of physical therapy in DMD and BMD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting telerehabilitation through virtual reality-based games could help these children maintain their physical abilities. Objective: This study examined if the use of a virtual platform in a multimodal intervention program changes the results of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in children with DMD and BMD. The main objective was to test whether children with DMD and BMD obtain different results on the 6MWT after completing 10 telerehabilitation treatment sessions. The secondary objective was to measure whether other specific motor scales also produce different results after the 10 defined sessions. Methods: This was a descriptive, open, and quasi-experimental study with a prospective A-B (control-intervention) design. A sample of 12 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria followed the program for 5 weeks with 10 telerehabilitation sessions. During the sessions, the participants used virtual reality glasses to train for the treatment goals. All participants were assessed in person before and after the intervention. Analysis was performed using R software according to the different functional assessments performed for each test. Results: The participants showed a 19.55-meter increase in the 6MWT. Motor function also remained stable according to other scales used to assess it. The North Start Ambulatory Assessment scores were stable in both treatment conditions (P=.20). Furthermore, the timed up and go test results were 0.1 seconds faster in the telerehabilitation condition, and the Motor Function Measure in all of the 3 dimensions showed no significant differences (P=.08). Finally, the Effort Perception Infant scale showed that during the training, fatigue increased in the middle and decreased by the end of the sessions, but the perception throughout the sessions was lower even as the exercise intensity increased. Conclusions: There were no differences between conventional and telerehabilitation treatments, so the telerehabilitation tool could be used without harming children with DMD and BMD, facilitating their access to therapies and stimulating learning to maintain their functional capacity. Therefore, telerehabilitation in general may be helpful in maintaining motor function in children with DMD and BMD. The learning effect helped reduce the feeling of fatigue in the children during the program.

Does Tension Headache Have a Central or Peripheral Origin? Current State of Affairs.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this narrative review is to analyze the evidence about a peripheral or central origin of a tension headache attack in order to provide a further clarification for an appropriate approach. RECENT FINDINGS: Tension headache is a complex and multifactorial pathology, in which both peripheral and central factors could play an important role in the initiation of an attack. Although the exact origin of a tension headache attack has not been conclusively established, correlations have been identified between certain structural parameters of the craniomandibular region and craniocervical muscle activity. Future research should focus on improving our understanding of the pathology with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis. The pathogenesis of tension-type headache involves both central and peripheral mechanisms, being the perpetuation over time of the headache attacks what would favor the evolution of an episodic tension-type headache to a chronic tension-type headache. The unresolved question is what factors would be involved in the initial activation in a tension headache attack. The evidence that favors a peripheral origin of the tension headache attacks, that is, the initial events occur outside the brain barrier, which suggests the action of vascular and musculoskeletal factors at the beginning of a tension headache attack, factors that would favor the sensitization of the peripheral nervous system as a result of sustained sensory input.

Effectiveness of a 5 weeks telerehabilitation programme with virtual reality glasses in boys with Duchenne and Becker during the COVID-19: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (from now "DMD" and "BMD" respectively) are the neuromuscular diseases with the most significant involvement in children. It affects dystrophin production, reducing the patient's mobility and quality of life. New technologies have become part of physical therapy in DMD and BMD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation through virtual reality-based games could help these children to keep their abilities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to know if the use of the virtual platform in a multimodal intervention program achieves changes in the results obtained in the six-minute walk test in children affected by DMD and BMD. To estimate the difference in mobility in patients with DMD and BMD, as measured with the six-minute walking test (6MWT), between 10 conventional and telerehabilitation treatment sessions. As secondary objectives, measuring other specific motor scales was proposed to see whether these had changed after receiving the 10 defined sessions. METHODS: Descriptive, open, quasi-experimental study with prospective A-B (control-intervention) design. Sample size of twelve participants who fulfilled the control criteria followed the program for five weeks, up to 10 telerehabilitation sessions. During the sessions, the participants used virtual reality glasses to train for the treatment goals. All sessions were in person, and participants were assessed before and after the intervention. Analysis was performed using R (R Core Team (2022) according to the different functional assessments performed for each test. RESULTS: The participants showed a 19.55 m increase in the 6MWT scale. The motor function was also kept stable according to other scales used to assess it. North Start result were kept stable in both treatments (P value = .199). Furthermore, Time up and go test was shorter in 0.1 seconds in telerehabilitation time and Motor Function Measure in all of the 3 dimensions shown no significant differences with a P value = .084. Finally, Infant effort (EPInfant) shown that during the training the fatigue increased in the middle and decreased by the end but the perception throughout the sessions, was lower even though the exercise intensity increased. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between a conventional and telerehabilitation treatment, so the telerehabilitation tool could be used without harming this type of children, facilitating their access to therapies and stimulating learning to maintain their functional capacity. Telerehabilitation may helpful maintain motor function in children with DMD and BMD. The learning effect helped to reduce the feeling of fatigue in children during the program. CLINICALTRIAL: This trial has the approval of the Andalucía Ethics Committee with PEIBA code 0107-N-20. The results of the research will be disseminated by the investigators to peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration no. NCT03879304.

Altered MicroRNA Maturation in Ischemic Hearts: Implication of Hypoxia on XPO5 and DICER1 Dysregulation and RedoximiR State.

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is associated with abnormal microRNA expression levels that involve an altered gene expression profile. However, little is known about the underlying causes of microRNA disruption in ICM and whether microRNA maturation is compromised. Therefore, we focused on microRNA maturation defects analysis and the implication of the microRNA biogenesis pathway and redox-sensitive microRNAs (redoximiRs). Transcriptomic changes were investigated via ncRNA-seq (ICM, n = 22; controls, n = 8) and mRNA-seq (ICM, n = 13; control, n = 10). The effect of hypoxia on the biogenesis of microRNAs was evaluated in the AC16 cell line. ICM patients showed a reduction in microRNA maturation compared to control (4.30 ± 0.94 au vs. 5.34 ± 1.07 au, p ˂ 0.05), accompanied by a deregulation of the microRNA biogenesis pathway: a decrease in pre-microRNA export (XPO5, FC = -1.38, p ˂ 0.05) and cytoplasmic processing (DICER, FC = -1.32, p ˂ 0.01). Both processes were regulated by hypoxia in AC16 cells (XPO5, FC = -1.65; DICER1, FC = -1.55; p ˂ 0.01; Exportin-5, FC = -1.81; Dicer, FC = -1.15; p ˂ 0.05). Patients displayed deregulation of several redoximiRs, highlighting miR-122-5p (FC = -2.41, p ˂ 0.001), which maintained a good correlation with the ejection fraction (r = 0.681, p ˂ 0.01). We evidenced a decrease in microRNA maturation mainly linked to a decrease in XPO5-mediated pre-microRNA export and DICER1-mediated processing, together with a general effect of hypoxia through deregulation of biogenesis pathway and the redoximiRs.

Application of Blended Learning to Veterinary Gross Anatomy Practical Sessions: Students' Perceptions of Their Learning Experience and Academic Outcomes.

The use of blended learning strategies is increasingly common in health sciences, including veterinary medicine; however, there are very few descriptions of these methods being applied to practicals. We describe here the application of blended learning based on the implementation of flipped classrooms with collaborative learning and gamification to the 2020-2021 veterinary medicine gross anatomy practicals at CEU Cardenal Herrera University (Spain). Students prepared for the sessions by pre-viewing videos and taking a quiz before the start. The sessions were conducted in small groups where students learned through collaborative work and reviewed their learning with a card game. A small but significant increase was observed when comparing the scores of practical exams of the locomotor apparatus with those of 2018-2019 (6.79 ± 2.22 vs. 6.38 ± 2.24, p < 0.05), while the scores were similar (7.76 ± 1.99 vs. 7.64 ± 1.92) for the organ system exams. Students' responses in a satisfaction survey were mostly positive (>80%) regarding the motivating and learning-facilitating effect of this educational method. Our work shows that the application of blended learning in anatomy practicals based on a flipped classroom and with elements of gamification and collaborative work can be an effective way to improve the learning experience of students.

Anxiety, emotions, and thoughts of veterinary medicine students during their first visit to the dissection room.

The use of cadavers is essential for veterinary anatomy learning. However, facing an animal corpse can be stressful for veterinary students because of their empathy toward animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate veterinary medicine students' emotions, feelings, and anxiety levels related to practicals with dog cadavers. Two questionnaires were administered to 1st year students (n = 168) at CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Valencia (Spain) before and after their first practical session with cadavers. The application of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires showed that "state anxiety" decreased significantly (p < 0.05), from a score of 14.8 before the practical to 10.4 after, and that female students showed higher but not significantly different levels than males. Most (64%) of the students were not willing to donate the bodies of their pets, and those students were more stressed before the practical than their peers, although their anxiety levels significantly decreased by the end of the session. The majority of the students answered positively about emotions, such as feeling calm, safe, not nervous, relaxed and not worried before the practical, and this increased significantly to more than 80% by the end of the session. The visualization of educational videos prior to the session was evaluated positively by students. These results agree with those reported in other health science disciplines, showing that students face practical sessions with corpses in a similar way and suggesting that the use of videos can help decrease anxiety and enhance their learning experience.

Perceived satisfaction of university students with the use of chatbots as a tool for self-regulated learning.

Chatbots are a promising resource for giving students feedback and helping them deploy metacognitive strategies in their learning processes. In this study we worked with a sample of 57 university students, 42 undergraduate and 15 Master's degree students in Health Sciences. A mixed research methodology was applied. The quantitative study analysed the influence of the variables educational level (undergraduate vs. master's degree) and level of prior knowledge on the frequency of chatbot use (low vs. average), learning outcomes, and satisfaction with the chatbot's usefulness. In addition, we examined whether the frequency of chatbot use depended on students' metacognitive strategies. The qualitative study analysed the students' suggestions for improvement to the chatbot and the type of questions it used. The results indicated that the level of degree being studied influenced the frequency of chatbot use and learning outcomes, with Master's students exhibiting higher levels of both, but levels of prior knowledge only influenced learning outcomes. Significant differences were also found in students' perceived satisfaction with the use of the chatbot, with Master's students scoring higher, but not with respect to the level of prior knowledge. No conclusive results were found regarding frequency of chatbot use and the levels of students' metacognitive strategies. Further studies are needed to guide this research based on the students' suggestions for improvement.

Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of peristomal skin lesions by remote imaging: An expert validation study.

BACKGROUND: Prevention and treatment of peristomal skin problems should be a priority for nurses caring for ostomates, even when the assessment of lesions must be done remotely. OBJECTIVE: To measure the level of agreement on assessment, diagnosis and care indications for peristomal skin lesions using remote imaging among nurses in Spain. DESIGN: Prospective observational multicentre study to assess the diagnostic validity and inter- and intraobserver agreement between nurses in peristomal skin lesions. Data were collected between March and October 2019. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The research sample consisted of a group of 39 nurses with expertise in the care of ostomates. METHODS: A panel of experts established a list of 24 common signs/findings, 15 diagnostic options and 35 treatment approaches for peristomal skin lesions. Three expert stoma therapy nurses compiled the clinical cases, which they described thoroughly and documented with photographs. The 39 participating nurses evaluated the cases in two rounds to measure inter and intraobserver agreement. RESULTS: A high or very high level of agreement (κ > 0.61) was observed for the following signs: encrustation, nodules, mucocutaneous separation and varicose veins; for the following diagnoses: mucocutaneous dehiscence, allergic contact dermatitis, encrustation and varicose veins (caput medusae); for the following treatments: recommending a diet rich in vitamin C/blueberries, applying acetic acid dressings, applying cold and topical tacrolimus treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The most easily identifiable lesions were those most prevalent and with visible signs. There was a lower level of agreement in identifying lesions for which photographs required additional information (laboratory data, description of signs and symptoms, type of diet and level of self-care). It is important to train nurses caring for ostomates to correctly describe ostomy-related lesions, which is important for nursing records, continuity of care and telehealth care.

Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques.

Academic leaders all over the world are encouraging the use of active methodologies in teaching, especially in higher education. The reason for this is that social changes are happening at an ever-increasing rate, and they require students and teachers to develop digital skills. This is especially significant for health sciences degrees, in which future graduates must have effective problem-solving skills. To respond to this challenge, the use of a project-based learning (PBL) methodology, together with various monitoring techniques based on the use of Educational Data Mining (EDM) and mixed methods, will provide teachers with information about the effectiveness of the methodology and guide the implementation of personalized educational responses. This study provides a protocol for the application of the PBL methodology in e-Learning and blended-Learning (b-Learning) teaching modalities for health sciences students studying occupational therapy in higher education. In addition, statistical techniques for the analysis of covariance and unsupervised learning allow differences to be detected between the two teaching modalities, thus specifying their effectiveness in terms of a range of variables related to behavioral patterns, performance, and satisfaction. Data visualization also helps in understanding the qualitative aspects of the learning process. These data will help teachers to produce more effective proposals for the implementation of the PBL methodology based on the based on the context of the teaching-learning process. Therefore, this protocol offers many resources and materials to help teachers implement the PBL methodology in e-Learning and b-Learning teaching methods.

Cardiac Sodium/Hydrogen Exchanger (NHE11) as a Novel Potential Target for SGLT2i in Heart Failure: A Preliminary Study.

Despite the reduction of cardiovascular events, including the risk of death, associated with sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), their basic action remains unclear. Sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE) has been proposed as the mechanism of action, but there are controversies related to its function and expression in heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that sodium transported-related molecules could be altered in HF and modulated through SGLT2i. Transcriptome alterations in genes involved in sodium transport in HF were investigated in human heart samples by RNA-sequencing. NHE11 and NHE1 protein levels were determined by ELISA; the effect of empagliflozin on NHE11 and NHE1 mRNA levels in rats' left ventricular tissues was studied through RT-qPCR. We highlighted the overexpression of SLC9C2 and SCL9A1 sodium transport genes and the increase of the proteins that encode them (NHE11 and NHE1). NHE11 levels were correlated with left ventricular diameters, so we studied the effect of SGLT2i on its expression, observing that NHE11 mRNA levels were reduced in treated rats. We showed alterations in several sodium transports and reinforced the importance of these channels in HF progression. We described upregulation in NHE11 and NHE1, but only NHE11 correlated with human cardiac dysfunction, and its levels were reduced after treatment with empagliflozin. These results propose NHE11 as a potential target of SGLT2i in cardiac tissue.

Learning veterinary anatomy playing cards.

Gamification is a dynamic tool for educational transformation useful to encourage student interest and enhance learning. Here we present a study conducted to investigate the effectiveness of an educational card game developed by us in veterinary anatomy practicals to reinforce knowledge acquisition in veterinary students. A total of four sets of cards were designed, each one with different anatomical topics (structure identification, articulation and positioning, clinical anatomy, and comparative anatomy); students were arranged in small groups (7-10 students per group) and played the game at the end of each anatomy practical session, discussing the corresponding questions, randomly chosen, as a team. This activity was highly valued by students, most of whom (>80%) expressed that the game was enjoyable, challenging, helpful to improve their knowledge and understanding in clinical anatomy, and effective for anatomy exam preparation. Thus, the use of educational games in practical sessions seems to improve student engagement in the learning process individually and as a team.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The development and implementation of a card game as a training resource that allows learning veterinary anatomy in a motivating and cooperative environment, promoting teamwork, relationships, and trust and communication between colleagues, is described. Stimulating the ability to solve problems as a team has provided help to students preparing for their exams in a more dynamic and enjoyable way.

A Systematic Review of the Use of T-Pattern and T-String Analysis (TPA) With Theme: An Analysis Using Mixed Methods and Data Mining Techniques.

In recent years, research interest in human and non-human behavioral analysis has increased significantly. One key element in the resulting studies is the use of software that facilitates comparative analysis of behavioral patterns, such as using T-Pattern and T-String analysis -TPA- with THEME. Furthermore, all these studies use mixed methods research. Results from these studies have indicated a certain amount of similarity between the biological, temporal, and spatial patterns of human social interactions and the interactions between the contents of their constituent cells. TPA has become an important, widely-used technique in applied behavioral science research. The objectives of the current review were: (1) To identify the results of research over the last 4 years related to the concepts of T-Pattern, TPA, and THEME, since it is in this period in which more publications on these topics have been detected (2) To examine the key concepts and areas in the selected articles with respect to those concepts, applying data and text mining techniques. The results indicate that, over the last 4 years, 20% of the studies were laboratory focused with non-humans, 18% were in sports environments, 9% were in psychological therapy environments and 9% were in natural human contexts. There were also indications that TPA is beginning to be used in workplace environments, which is a very promising setting for future research in this area.

3D printing with star-shaped strands: A new approach to enhance in vivo bone regeneration.

Concave surfaces have shown to promote bone regeneration in vivo. However, bone scaffolds obtained by direct ink writing, one of the most promising approaches for the fabrication of personalized bone grafts, consist mostly of convex surfaces, since they are obtained by microextrusion of cylindrical strands. By modifying the geometry of the nozzle, it is possible to print 3D structures composed of non-cylindrical strands and favor the presence of concave surfaces. In this work, we compare the in vivo performance of 3D-printed calcium phosphate scaffolds with either conventional cylindrical strands or star-shaped strands, in a rabbit femoral condyle model. Monocortical defects, drilled in contralateral positions, are randomly grafted with the two scaffold configurations, with identical composition. The samples are explanted eight weeks post-surgery and assessed by µ-CT and resin-embedded histological observations. The results reveal that the scaffolds containing star-shaped strands have better osteoconductive properties, guiding the newly formed bone faster towards the core of the scaffolds, and enhance bone regeneration, although the increase is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). This new approach represents a turning point towards the optimization of pore shape in 3D-printed bone grafts, further boosting the possibilities that direct ink writing technology offers for patient-specific applications.