Desarrollo de casos clínicos transversales: experiencia dinamizadora de la Unidad Docente de Toxicología de la Universidad de Barcelona / Development of transversal clinical cases: creating a dynamic experience for the Toxicology Teaching Unit of the Barcelona University

Se ha puesto en marcha un proyecto de innovación docente basado en el desarrollo de casos clínicos transversales a lo largo de las diferentes asignaturas del Grado de Farmacia. El objetivo es favorecer un aprendizaje integrador entre materias del grado, durante la carrera universitaria de los alumnos, mediante la elaboración de material docente adecuado para un uso transversal. También se propone desarrollar un "estilo" de comunicación entre profesores y un nuevo modelo de enseñanza en la universidad, que permita generar estrategias de coordinación del profesorado y de elaboración de materiales de uso común. La Unidad de Toxicología del Departamento de Salud Pública ha sido uno de los dinamizadores de este proyecto. Se ha escogido el alcohol como primer caso, introduciendo un personaje, Sam, un paciente de 20 años, que se inicia muy joven y del que veremos su evolución clínica. Sobre el guion básico del caso clínico, se han propuesto una serie de contenidosymaterialesespecíficosencadaunadelas asignaturas.El proyecto se inició en febrero de 2012, mediante una presentación a los alumnos de la asignatura de Bioquímica de primer curso, de los objetivos, la proyección de un documental, así como la distribución de un díptico informativo, y un posterior seminario. Los profesores consideramos muy satisfactoria y productiva esta experiencia. Creemos, que esta forma de trabajo en grupo colaborativo es una excelente herramienta para el aprendizaje de los alumnos y la formación del profesorado (AU)

A teaching innovation project based on the development of clinical cases across different subjects of Pharmacy Degree has been launched. The aim of this project is to promote integrative learning between the subjects, along the academic career, bydevelopingteachingmaterialssuitablefortransversaluse. Italso aims to develop a "style" of communication among teachers and a new model of teaching at the University by generating strategies for teachers' coordination and development of common teaching materials. The Toxicology Unit of the Department of Public Health has been one of the promoters of this project. Alcohol was chosen as first case by introducing a character, Sam, a patient of 20 years, who started very young in alcohol consumption and his clinical course will be seen along the different years. On the basic script of the case, a number of specific contents have been proposed to be covered in each subject. The project started in February 2012 with a presentation to the students of the first year degree, in the subject of Biochemistry, the objectives, a documentary film, the distribution of an informative leaflet and subsequent seminar. Teachers considered the experience as very satisfying and productive and trusted that the way of working in a collaborative group is an excellent tool for student's learning and teacher's training (AU)

[Nickel, chromium and cobalt release from a metal prosthesis in metal-sensitive patients]. / Liberación de níquel, cromo y cobalto de prótesis metálicas en pacientes sensibles a metales.

Six rejected stainless steel hip prostheses that had been removed from 15 metal sensitive patient were immersed in different solutions in various containers and maintained at 37 degrees C in complete darkness. Two months later by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometric studies we were able to determine the amount of nickel, chrome and cobalt released in a saline solution. When the chromium oxide passivation coat of the metal prostheses is damaged by orthopaedic surgical implantation procedures the prostheses may rust, releasing metallic ions.

[Determination of amylase and lipase in peritoneal fluid: diagnostic value in ovarian cysts (author's transl)]. / Determinación de amilasa y lipasa en el líquido obtenido por paracentesis: su valor diagnóstico en los quistes de ovario.

Two female patients aged 18 and 25 were admitted because of progressive abdominal distention, both had vague digestive complaints of several months onset, which was interpreted as ascitis. Needle aspiration yielded a clear fluid with an elevated amylase content. Lipase was within normal limits which suggested an extra-pancreatic process as the cause of amylase elevation. The sex of the patients, the non-progression of symptomatology together with good tolerance suggested the possibility of a giant ovarian cyst, which was confirmed by laparotomy. The value of lipase determination in fluid obtained by needle aspiration and high in amylase content, in ruling out pancreatic processes is discussed.