Game-based learning enhances students' understanding of endocrine physiology in veterinary medicine.

Endocrine physiology is a complex subject for students. Game-based learning (GBL) and case-based learning (CBL) are active methodologies that are widely used because of their potential for motivation and greater proximity to the reality of modern students. We evaluated the effectiveness of GBL and CBL among veterinary medicine students compared with a control group using peer tutoring. Students (n = 106) from two institutions volunteered to participate in this study. The participants were submitted to a pretest questionnaire and subsequently were divided into three paired groups by their performance on the pretest exam: 1) traditional class + peer tutoring, 2) traditional class + GBL, and 3) traditional class + CBL. After the students completed the activities, their performance was once again evaluated by applying a new test with the same initial 10 questions and another set of 10 different questions. The students' perceptions and satisfaction with the methodologies and learning strategies were assessed. Anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after the conventional class and after the active methodologies. The GBL group significantly improved their correct answers compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), with no significant difference from CBL and peer tutoring. Anxiety levels did not differ regardless of the time of evaluation or the teaching methodology applied. GBL promoted a greater perception of the stimulus for self-study and problem-solving ability and contributed to the development of group dynamics compared with the group who received CBL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GBL showed better results than peer tutoring and CBL.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We compared the supplementary use of game-based learning, case-based learning, and peer tutoring in the study of endocrine physiology by veterinary students and observed a slight advantage for game-based learning over the other two methodologies. The game was developed by the authors and is an unprecedented tool that can prove useful to improve knowledge acquisition in students of veterinary medicine. Thus, game-based learning is an effective supplementary teaching strategy.

Fear of COVID-19 influences physical activity practice: a study in a Brazilian sample.

The suspension of social activities combined with health insecurity, uncertainty and fear of COVID-19 may influence physical activity practice. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and anxiety on physical activity patterns during the pandemic period. This cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 520 Brazilian participants recruited by online sampling and snowball method. We assessed demographic variables, health perceptions, anxiety, fear of COVID-19 and physical activity characteristics. Both fear scores and anxiety were higher in woman (p < 0.0001). We observed a remarkable reduction in the frequency and intensity of physical activity and a modification in the exercise practice environment (from gym or sports centers to home-based physical activity) (p < 0.05). Sedentary (sitting) behavior increased during pandemic both in the weekdays and in the weekend (p < 0.0001). Participants who have never been infected were more prone of being classified in higher levels for physical activity (OR: 1.916, CI = 1.043-3.521) versus those who were previously infected (p = 0.05). Participants with a low or moderate level of physical activity before the pandemic presented lower chances of being classified as high physical activity level during the pandemic in comparison to those with high level before pandemic (p < 0.001). The Fear of Covid-19 score was negatively associated with the physical activity level (the higher the fear, the lower the level of physical activity); that is, for every increase in scale score, the odds of vigorous physical activity decreased 3%. In conclusion, fear of COVID-19 and previous contact with the virus negatively influenced physical activity practice.

Assessment of population knowledge about breeding and management of dogs and cats / Avaliação do conhecimento populacional sobre criação e manejo de cães e gatos

The relationship between man and animal has narrowed over the years, causing them to be considered as family members. However, not all owners are aware of the correct ways of raising animals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the level of population knowledge on the ways of handling and breeding dogs and cats. The present work consists of the application of an online questionnaire to the population of Patrocínio-MG. The questionnaire included objective questions about the owner's personal data, animal data, types of care, management and prevention of diseases. The percentage values obtained in each question were compared using the chi-square test at 5% signiÞ cance. A total of 345 dog and cat owners, residents of the city of Patrocínio -MG, participated in the research. Most of the interviewees are up to 25 years old, have secondary education and have a salary range of one minimum wage. This population has greater preference for breeding dogs, with deÞ ned breeds, adults, preferably fed wit dry feed. The owners provide multiple antiviral and rabies vaccination in animals from puppies with a booster dose annually, and deworming being carried out periodically. It is concluded that the population knows about the types of care and management of dogs and cats, providing them with the basic care needed.(AU)

A relação entre homem e animal tem se estreitado no decorrer dos anos, fazendo com que os mesmos sejam considerados como membros das famílias. Porém, nem todos os owneres tem conhecimento sobre as formas corretas de criação dos animais. Objetivou-se com essa pesquisa avaliar o nível de conhecimento populacional sobre as formas de manejo e criação de cães e gatos. O presente trabalho consiste na aplicação de um questionário online para a população de Patrocínio-MG. O questionário contemplou questões objetivas sobre dados pessoais do owner, dados do animal, formas de cuidado, manejo e prevenção de doenças. Os valores percentuais obtidos em cada questão foram comparados pelo teste de qui-quadrado a 5% de signiÞ cância. Participaram da pesquisa 345 owneres de cães e gatos, residentes da cidade de Patrocínio-MG. A maior parte dos entrevistados possuem até 25 anos, ensino médio e faixa salarial de um salário mínimo. Tal população apresenta maior preferência pela criação de cães, com raça deÞ nida, adultos, sendo a ração seca o alimento preferivelmente fornecido aos animais. Os owneres realizam vacinação antiviral múltipla e antirrábica nos animais desde Þ lhotes com dose reforço anualmente, sendo a vermifugação realizada periodicamente. Conclui-se com o presente trabalho que a população conhecimento sobre as formas de cuidado e manejo de cães e gatos, realizando os cuidados básicos necessários para os mesmos.(AU)

Stress in dogs during grooming in a pet shop

The objective was to study the stress level in dogs during grooming services in a pet shop. A total of 55 grooming services carried out in a pet shop in the city of Janaúba, MG, were evaluated and divided into four categories according to sex and body weight. The flowchart of the grooming process contained six steps that began with the transportation of dogs to the pet shop and finished with their return to the place of origin. Behavioral, physiological, and blood component evaluations were performed at different steps of the process. Changes in dog behavior and physiological parameters were observed primarily upon arrival at the pet shop and during drying. Employee characteristics also influenced dogs' behaviors. However, dogs were able to thermoregulate and maintain the homeostasis of leukocytes, glucose and cortisol in the blood.(AU)