100 Years since Robert Barany's visit to the Zaragoza medical faculty.

In December 1923, a twelve-day course took place at the University of Zaragoza, specifically at the Faculty of Medicine, given by Professor Róbert Bárány, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1914 for his discoveries on the vestibular apparatus.Professor Robert Bárány came to the faculty at the invitation of Professor Victor Fairén through the University Exchange programme. This course consisted of four lectures and twelve lessons a day in which he presented his knowledge of the physiopathology of the vestibule and cerebellum, as well as practical demonstrations of the physical examination of nystagmus and cerebellar pathology.Lorente de Nó, a doctorate student of medicine, was one of the most outstanding students on the course. His intellect was already outstanding in those years, which helped him to discuss the physiopathology of nystagmus with Professor Bárány. The relationship he forged with the Nobel laureate in Zaragoza would be decisive for his future as a researcher.The aim of this work is to compile and integrate the available information on the course that Professor Bárány took in the city of Zaragoza, consulting official documents from the university and the city, articles, books and the press of the time.

Performance in Kahoot! activities as predictive of exam performance.

BACKGROUND: Game-based learning (GBL) is effective for increasing participation, creativity, and student motivation. However, the discriminative value of GBL for knowledge acquisition has not yet been proven. The aim of this study is to assess the value of Kahoot! as a discriminative tool for formative assessment in medical education in two different subjects. METHODS: A prospective experimental study was conducted on a sample of 173 students enrolled in neuroanatomy (2021-2022). One hundred twenty-five students individually completed the Kahoot! prior to the final exam. In addition, students enrolled in human histology during two academic courses were included in the study. The control group course (2018-2019) received a traditional teaching methodology (N = 211), while Kahoot! was implemented during 2020-2021 (N = 200). All students completed similar final exams for neuroanatomy and human histology based on theory tests and image exams. RESULTS: The correlation between the Kahoot score and the final grade was analyzed for all students enrolled in neuroanatomy who completed both exercises. The correlation between the Kahoot exercise and the theory test, image exam and final grade was significantly positive in all cases (r = 0.334 p < 0.001, r = 0.278 p = 0.002 and r = 0.355 p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, students who completed the Kahoot! exercise obtained significantly higher grades in all parts of the exam. Regarding human histology, the theory tests, image exams and final grades were significantly higher when using Kahoot! versus the "traditional" methodology (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates for the first time that Kahoot! can be used to improve and predict the final grade in medical education subjects.

Anatomical study between the correlation of the arcuate eminence and the superior semicircular canal.

OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomical correlation between the arcuate eminence and the superior semicircular canal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study of the height of the arcuate eminence was carried out in 295 temporal bones. In addition, 30 temporals with different heights of the arcuate eminence (10 flat, 10 prominent and 10 very prominent) were randomly selected and radiological tests were performed by computed tomography (Pöschl projection) and subsequent dissection by milling until the apex of the superior semicircular canal was found, establishing, with both methods, the anatomical relationship with the arcuate eminence. RESULTS: The arcuate eminence was classified as: smooth, when there was no relief (1.7%); flat, measured less than 1 mm (20.3%), prominent, measured between 1 and 2 mm, in (62%), and very prominent, measured above 2 mm (12.6%). The tomographic study (CT) and its subsequent dissection by bone milling showed a direct relationship between the arcuate eminence and the semicircular canal only when it was flat, while the rest of the types corresponded to the presence of pneumatized peri-labyrinthine cells and/or cancellous bone without a direct anatomical relationship with the apex of the superior semicircular canal. CONCLUSION: The correlation between the arcuate eminence and the superior semicircular canal is direct only when it is flat (1 mm), being related to peri-labyrinthine cells and/or cancellous bone when the arcuate eminence is prominent or very prominent.

Association between superior semicircular canal dehiscence and other dehiscences in temporal bone.

BACKGROUND: The study of the association between superior semicircular canal and other dehiscences in the temporal bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied computed tomography of radiologically diagnosed people with superior or posterior semicircular canal dehiscences, in four health centres. In addition, we have studied one isolated human temporal bone, one skull and one cadaver head belonging to the collection of the Department of Human Anatomy and Histology of the University of Zaragoza that had dehiscence in the superior semicircular canal. RESULTS: The most frequent association that we observed was between superior semicircular canal dehiscence and tegmen tympani dehiscence (37.33%). Three cases (two clinical cases and one isolated temporal bone) showed multiple associated dehiscences (tegmen tympani, mastoid antrum, posterior semicircular canal, internal auditory canal, glenoid cavity, tympanum bone and geniculate ganglion) associated with superior semicircular canal dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: When the superior semicircular canal dehiscence is associated to other in the petrous bone (tegmen tympani, mastoid antrum, posterior semicircular canal, internal auditory canal) could be grouped into the same syndrome called "otic capsule syndrome", since they have the same origin and common aetiology (otic capsule).

Measurements of cesium in Arctic beluga and caribou before and after the Fukushima accident of 2011.

Concern from northern communities following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident of March 2011 has prompted a reassessment of the safety of their traditional foods with respect to radioactivity levels. To this end, a study was conducted to measure the levels of radionuclides in Arctic caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). The main radionuclide of concern is cesium-137, which is easily transferred through the lichen-caribou food chain. Previous studies have been conducted on the cesium-137 levels in Canadian caribou herds from 1958 to 2000, allowing researchers to determine the amount of cesium-137 in caribou specifically attributable to atmospheric weapons testing and the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. In this study, samples of lichens, mushrooms, caribou, beluga and beluga prey collected before and after the Fukushima accident were analyzed for radioactivity levels. Samples were processed and measured using gamma ray spectroscopy to identify the radionuclides present and determine the radioactivity concentration. Both calibration standards and Monte Carlo simulations were used to determine the efficiency of the detectors for the samples, taking into account differences in individual sample sizes as well as matrices. In particular, a careful analysis of the atomic composition of lichens and mushrooms was performed to ensure the efficiencies for these sample types were correct. A comparison of the concentrations from before and after the accident indicated that there was no increase in radioactivity as a result of the atmospheric plume from the Fukushima accident. Some cesium-137, likely attributable to fallout from atmospheric weapons testing of the 1950s and 1960s (since there was no cesium-134 measured in the samples), was measured in the post Fukushima caribou and beluga whale samples; however, this amount was determined to be insignificant for any radiological concern (9.1 ± 1.8 and 0.63 ± 0.23 Bq kg-1 ww respectively). The activity concentrations of cesium-137 was about 200 times smaller than that of natural radioactive potassium in the beluga samples. Both the caribou and beluga results showed that these foods continue to be a healthy food choice for northern Canadians with respect to radioactivity, and this result has been communicated to the nearby northern communities and stakeholders.

Cryopreservation of specialized chicken lines using cultured primordial germ cells.

Biosecurity and sustainability in poultry production requires reliable germplasm conservation. Germplasm conservation in poultry is more challenging in comparison to other livestock species. Embryo cryopreservation is not feasible for egg-laying animals, and chicken semen conservation has variable success for different chicken breeds. A potential solution is the cryopreservation of the committed diploid stem cell precursors to the gametes, the primordial germ cells ( PGCS: ). Primordial germ cells are the lineage-restricted cells found at early embryonic stages in birds and form the sperm and eggs. We demonstrate here, using flocks of partially inbred, lower-fertility, major histocompatibility complex- ( MHC-: ) restricted lines of chicken, that we can easily derive and cryopreserve a sufficient number of independent lines of male and female PGCs that would be sufficient to reconstitute a poultry breed. We demonstrate that germ-line transmission can be attained from these PGCs using a commercial layer line of chickens as a surrogate host. This research is a major step in developing and demonstrating that cryopreserved PGCs could be used for the biobanking of specialized flocks of birds used in research settings. The prospective application of this technology to poultry production will further increase sustainability to meet current and future production needs.

Medical decision support systems and therapeutics: The role of autopilots.

For decades, medical practice has increasingly relied on prescription medicines to treat, cure, or prevent illness but their net benefit is reduced by prescribing errors that result in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and tens of thousands of deaths each year. Optimal prescribing requires effective management of massive amounts of data. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can help manage information and support optimal therapeutic decisions before errors are made by operating as the prescribers' "autopilot."

A diode for ferroelectric domain-wall motion.

For over a decade, controlling domain-wall injection, motion and annihilation along nanowires has been the preserve of the nanomagnetics research community. Revolutionary technologies have resulted, like racetrack memory and domain-wall logic. Until recently, equivalent research in analogous ferroic materials did not seem important. However, with the discovery of sheet conduction, the control of domain walls in ferroelectrics has become vital for the future of what has been termed 'domain-wall electronics'. Here we report the creation of a ferroelectric domain-wall diode, which allows a single direction of motion for all domain walls, irrespective of their polarity, under a series of alternating electric field pulses. The diode's sawtooth morphology is central to its function. Domain walls can move readily in the direction in which thickness increases gradually, but are prevented from moving in the other direction by the sudden thickness increase at the sawtooth edge.

Frey syndrome: factors influencing the time to event.

Frey syndrome is a common complication after parotidectomy. The time from surgery to disease onset may be quite long; therefore, a time-to-event analysis was performed for the occurrence of this syndrome post-parotidectomy. Three hundred and thirty-four patients who underwent a parotidectomy between January 2002 and November 2012 were identified (retrospective study). Of these patients, 102 developed Frey syndrome post-surgery and 232 did not. The time-to-onset analysis enabled us to estimate the risk ratio associated with different types of parotid gland tumours, various parotidectomy procedures, and repeat parotidectomy, which is useful for predicting preoperative and surgical risk. The risk of developing Frey syndrome was lower in patients with malignant tumours than in those with benign tumours (risk ratio 0.351, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.155-0.594). Risk ratios for lumpectomy PA (pre-auricular area), superficial parotidectomy, and total parotidectomy with respect to lumpectomy T (tail) were 4.378 (95% CI 1.168-16.410), 8.040 (95% CI 3.286-19.670), and 8.174 (95% CI 3.076-21.723), respectively. Repeat parotidectomy also increased the risk of developing Frey syndrome (risk ratio 3.214, 95% CI 1.547-6.678). No effect of the use of a superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) flap on the risk of developing Frey syndrome was detected (P=0.888).

Canine stage 1 periodontal disease: a latent pathology.

To evaluate the potential health issues associated with periodontal disease (PD) in dogs, 1004 teeth from 25 dogs were examined. The dogs were randomly selected, aged 2-14 years, and had at least 95% of their teeth at the first PD stage. Significant positive correlations between plaque grade (PG) and gum inflammation, gingival regression, periodontal pocket, age and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were identified. In contrast, PG was negatively correlated to total platelet count. Altogether, these findings suggest that prevention and therapy at the first PD stages can have an important impact on the general health condition of dogs.

Circulating biomarkers for detection of ovarian cancer and predicting cancer outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Securing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and establishing means to predict outcomes to therapeutics remain formidable clinical challenges. Early diagnosis is particularly important since survival rates are markedly improved if tumour is detected early. METHODS: Comprehensive miRNA profiles were generated on presurgical plasma samples from 42 women with confirmed serous epithelial ovarian cancer, 36 women diagnosed with a benign neoplasm, and 23 comparably age-matched women with no known pelvic mass. RESULTS: Twenty-two miRNAs were differentially expressed between healthy controls and the ovarian cancer group (P<0.05), while a six miRNA profile subset distinguished presurgical plasma from benign and ovarian cancer patients. There were also significant differences in miRNA profiles in presurgical plasma from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer who had short overall survival when compared to women with long overall survival (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data support the utility of circulating plasma miRNAs to distinguish women with ovarian cancer from those with a benign mass and identify women likely to benefit from currently available treatment for serous epithelial ovarian cancer from those who may not.

Anatomical and genetic study of an ancient animal tooth showing brachyodont and hypsodont mixed taxonomical characteristics.

A non-human dental piece was found in a Roman Empire tomb dated the 3rd century A.C. in Zaragoza (Spain). The morphology of this piece showed mixed brachyodont (carnivores) and hypsodont (herbivores) characteristics. As a result, the taxonomical assignation of the piece was impossible. Therefore, a protocol based on the DNA sequence of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial region (COI) was applied. For this purpose, a pair of primers able to amplify this region in a large variety of animals was designed. The results point to a species of the Genus Bos (Family Bovidae). This assignation was later confirmed by these quencing of a short fragment of the mitochondrial D-loop region. A complete morphological description of the tooth is presented together with the DNA sequence study and comparison protocol.

Effects of the relationship between 65Zn and blood cells. A dynamic and morphological study.

We have studied the dynamic pathway of 65Zn and its autoradiographic location in blood cells, even at the ultra-structural level. We have found evidence that tends to confirm the old biochemical postulates about the capacity of this isotope to displace iron in the haemoglobin molecule. Recently, the bibliography has demonstrated that 57Co is also able to perform this displacement, but unlike 65Zn it does not invalidate the Redox function of the molecule. In the case of 65Zn, the mentioned displacement invalidates this function because the radionuclide can only use valence 2. We have also contributed evidence of erythrocytes destruction by the spleen after the incorporation of 65Zn, as well as the clearly marked degradation of haematic pigments inside the spleen.

Canadian population risk of radon induced lung cancer: a re-assessment based on the recent cross-Canada radon survey.

Exposure to indoor radon has been determined to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. Canadian population risk of radon induced lung cancer was assessed in 2005 with the radon distribution characteristics determined from a radon survey carried out in the late 1970s in 19 cities. In that survey, a grab sampling method was used to measure radon levels. The observed radon concentration in 14,000 Canadian homes surveyed followed a log-normal distribution with a geometric mean (GM) of 11.2 Bq m(-3) and a geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 3.9. Based on the information from that survey, it was estimated that ∼10 % of lung cancers in Canada resulted from indoor radon exposure. To gain a better understanding of radon concentrations in homes across the country, a national residential radon survey was launched in April 2009. In the recent survey, long-term (3 month or longer) indoor radon measurements were made in roughly 14 000 homes in 121 health regions across Canada. The observed radon concentrations follow, as expected, a log-normal distribution with a GM of 41.9 Bq m(-3) and a GSD of 2.8. Based on the more accurate radon distribution characteristics obtained from the recent cross-Canada radon survey, a re-assessment of Canadian population risk for radon induced lung cancer was undertaken. The theoretical estimates show that 16 % of lung cancer deaths among Canadians are attributable to indoor radon exposure. These results strongly suggest the ongoing need for the Canadian National Radon Program. In particular, there is a need for a focus on education and awareness by all levels of government, and in partnership with key stakeholders, to encourage Canadians to take action to reduce the risk from indoor radon exposure.

Cell Biology Symposium: Zinc finger nucleases to create custom-designed modifications in the swine (Sus scrofa) genome.

Engineered zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) are rapidly gaining popularity as a means to enhance the rate and specificity of DNA modifications in plant and animal cells. Repair-mediated gene modification by ZFN is driven by introducing DNA double-strand breaks via a nonspecific nuclease domain linked to a sequence-specific zinc finger nucleotide recognition domain. This review examines the use of ZFN to produce genetically modified swine and the potential of this technology for the future. By combining conventional gene targeting methods with somatic cell nuclear transfer, several genetically modified pig models have been produced. These conventional techniques are inefficient in mammalian somatic cells and provide little control over the site specificity and rate of exogenous DNA integration. The use of engineered ZFN that bind and cleave genomic DNA at specific loci can enhance targeting efficiencies by orders of magnitude. Recent publication of the first genetic modification in pigs by combining ZFN technology with somatic cell nuclear transfer has opened the door to genome targeting with a precision that was not previously possible in a large animal model. Since that time, model pigs with selective knockout of endogenous genes have been produced. This review will examine the use of ZFN to generate these pig models and the potential of ZFN to accelerate the production of genetically modified pigs of agricultural and biomedical importance. Current methods of ZFN design, important considerations for their safe and effective use in modification of the swine genome, and future innovative applications of this technology in pigs will be discussed.

Vascular endothelium-specific overexpression of human catalase in cloned pigs.

The objective of this study was to develop transgenic Yucatan minipigs that overexpress human catalase (hCat) in an endothelial-specific manner. Catalase metabolizes hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), an important regulator of vascular tone that contributes to diseases such as atherosclerosis and preeclampsia. A large animal model to study reduced endothelium-derived H(2)O(2) would therefore generate valuable translational data on vascular regulation in health and disease. Yucatan minipig fetal fibroblasts stably co-transfected with human catalase (Tie2-hCat) and eGFP expression constructs were isolated into single-cell populations. The presence of the Tie2-hCat transgene in individual colonies of fibroblasts was determined by PCR. Transgenic fibroblasts were used for nuclear transfer into enucleated oocytes by electrofusion. A minimum of 140 cloned embryos were transferred per surrogate sow (n = 4). All four surrogates maintained pregnancies and piglets were delivered by cesarean section. Nine male piglets from three of the four litters carried the Tie2-hCat transgene. Expression of human catalase mRNA and overall elevated catalase protein in isolated umbilical endothelial cells from transgenic piglets were verified by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively, and endothelial localization was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Increased enzymatic activity of catalase in transgenic versus wild-type endothelial cells was inferred based on significantly reduced levels of H(2)O(2) in culture. The similarities in swine and human cardiovascular anatomy and physiology will make this pig model a valuable source of information on the putative role of endothelium-derived H(2)O(2) in vasodilation and in the mechanisms underlying vascular health and disease.

The effects of acute and chronic exercise on the vasculature.

Regular physical activity (endurance training, ET) has a strong positive link with cardiovascular health. The aim of this review is to draw together the current knowledge on gene expression in different cell types comprising the vessels of the circulatory system, with special emphasis on the endothelium, and how these gene products interact to influence vascular health. The effect beneficial effects of ET on the endothelium are believed to result from increased vascular shear stress during ET bouts. A number of mechanosensory mechanisms have been elucidated that may contribute to the effects of ET on vascular function, but there are questions regarding interactions among molecular pathways. For instance, increases in flow brought on by ET can reduce circulating levels of viscosity and haemostatic and inflammatory variables that may interact with increased shear stress, releasing vasoactive substances such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, decreasing permeability to plasma lipoproteins as well as the adhesion of leucocytes. At this time the optimal rate-of-flow and rate-of-change in flow for determining whether anti-atherogenic or pro-atherogenic processes proceed remain unknown. In addition, the impact of haemodynamic variables differs with vessel size and tissue type in which arteries are located. While the hurdles to understanding the mechanism responsible for ET-induced alterations in vascular cell gene expression are significant, they in no way undermine the established benefits of regular physical activity to the cardiovascular system and to general overall health. This review summarizes current understanding of control of vascular cell gene expression by exercise and how these processes lead to improved cardiovascular health.

Fluorescent ligand binding reveals heterogeneous distribution of adrenoceptors and 'cannabinoid-like' receptors in small arteries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pharmacological analysis of synergism or functional antagonism between different receptors commonly assumes that interacting receptors are located in the same cells. We have now investigated the distribution of alpha-adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptors and cannabinoid-like (GPR55) receptors in the mouse arteries. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Fluorescence intensity from vascular tissue incubated with fluorescent ligands (alpha(1)-adrenoceptor ligand, BODIPY-FL-prazosin, QAPB; beta-adrenoceptor ligand, TMR-CGP12177; fluorescent angiotensin II; a novel diarylpyrazole cannabinoid ligand (Tocrifluor 1117, T1117) was measured with confocal microscopy. Small mesenteric and tail arteries of wild-type and alpha(1B/D)-adrenoceptor-KO mice were used. KEY RESULTS: T1117, a fluorescent form of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist AM251, was a ligand for GPR55, with low affinity for CB(1) receptors. In mesenteric arterial smooth muscle cells, alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors were predominantly located in different cells from those with beta-adrenoceptors, angiotensin receptors or cannabinoid-like (GPR55) receptors. Cells with beta-adrenoceptors predominated at arterial branches. Endothelial cells expressed beta-adrenoceptors, alpha-adrenoceptors and cannabinoid-like receptors. Only endothelial alpha-adrenoceptors appeared in clusters. Adventitia was a rich source of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly fibroblasts and nerve tracts, where Schwann cells bound alpha-adrenoceptor, beta-adrenoceptor and CB-receptor ligands, with a mix of separate receptor locations and co-localization. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Within each cell type, each GPCR had a distinctive heterogeneous distribution with limited co-localization, providing a guide to the possibilities for functional synergism, and suggesting a new paradigm for synergism in which interactions may be either between cells or involve converging intracellular signalling processes.

Treatment of fractures of the fifth metatarsal with the XS-nail retrospective study and comparison with tension-band wiring.

INTRODUCTION: Many different surgical methods and implants for the treatment of fifth metatarsal fractures have been established yet. A high rate of complications, such as nonunion, fragment dislocation, refracture, implant deformation and irritation are widely occurring due to the insufficient ability of the implants to compensate the tension applied to the proximal fragment through the peroneal tendon combined with an impaired blood supply at the fracture zone. Therefore, the search for improved surgical solutions is thoroughly understandable. Thus, we have introduced the XS-nail as an intramedullary nail system that bears the ability to provide a compression to the fracture zone through a grub screw. In this work, we have analyzed the position of the XS-nail in relationship to other methods with special regard to the tension-band wiring. METHOD: In a retrospective analysis, we examined 77 cases, where a proximal fifth metatarsal fracture has been treated with the XS-nail. As a comparison group, we collected data from 47 patients who had been treated with tension-band wiring for the same indication in our hospital. Altogether, we included 124 patients, representing the largest study population of surgically treated cases of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures as compared to the actual literature. RESULTS: When compared with the tension-band wiring group, we found in mean a shorter duration of the surgery, a lower necessity of an open reduction (18 vs. 100%), fewer postsurgical weight-bearing restrictions (54 vs. 100%) and a shorter duration of rehabilitation (48 vs. 71 days). Especially, the fracture compression was distinctively higher in the XS-nail group (postsurgical lateral dislocation was 0-59%). The advantages of the tension-band wiring were found in the fixation of small fragments and an easier implant removal. Generally, nonunion and refracture were not seen in both methods. When compared with the results from literature, we found positive results regarding the hospitalization duration, the weight-bearing ability, the rehabilitation course and the patients' satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Thus, the XS-nail proved to be an effective and technical optimized implant for the treatment of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures that provides a rapid full-weight-bearing mobilization and shows good long-term results.