Fostering Student's Engagement and Active Learning in Neuroscience Education.

Neurophobia is a term coined to describe university students' fear of neuroscience, which negatively affect learning. The implementation of new technologies in higher education, such as new response systems, provide an opportunity to improve neurosciences learning and teaching by engaging students. However, most response systems rely on student devices such as clickers. The aim of this study is to illustrate the application of a new digital application for collection of real-time formative assessment data in higher education. Results of this study support the utility paper-based response cards to foster engagement and active learning in higher education, even with complex neuroscience topics, providing real-time formative assessment data without the need for student devices.

Novel Technique Based on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Robocasting to Create Composite Medical Parts.

The purpose for this study is to obtain a new composite manufacturing system based on Additive Manufacturing techniques that allows the creation of parts for the medical industry. These pieces will be resistant, lightweight and may have geometries more complex than those created with traditional systems of composite material. The new system is based on the union of two heads on a 3D Rep-Rap printer. One of the heads is an extruder head of thermoplastic Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and the other is a dosing head, based on the Robocasting technique, designed to be assembled on the 3D printer. Thermoplastics material and epoxy resin will be used. The alternate printing of both materials generates a piece of composite material. This new technique will allow to increase the structural properties of the piece in the XY plane. The new additive manufacturing system allows to obtain mechanical improvements both in the modulus of elasticity and in the tensile strength. Increase the modulus of elasticity of a value between 50 and 80% depending on the thermoplastic filament used. In the same way the tensile strength has increased between 50 and 60%. The improvement in the strength / weight ratio allows to this new additive manufacturing system to create medical pieces in which the lightness and resistance are its main characteristic, such as orthopedic prostheses.The results show that the use of FFF together with Robocasting, as a manufacturing process for end-use parts, generates an additional advantage that had not been considered until now. The combination of a thermoplastic and an epoxy resin opens a new path in the additive manufacturing since it allows creating pieces with new qualities without being conditioned by the design.

Design of a Functional Splint for Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendon Injury Using Advanced Manufacturing (AM) Techniques. Implementation Study.

The use of conventional immobilization splints can cause a lot of mishaps and discomfort in patients. In addition, it is common the generation of muscle, joint and vascular complications arising from the application of classic restraint devices in this phase of treatment. Currently, it is being observed that these problems could be solved with the use of Advanced Manufacturing techniques based on Additive Manufacturing (AM), industrial digitalization and reverse engineering for the realization of individualized immobilization splints. The present study proposes to give these splints a functional character in their design adapting them to a specific pathology, in this case to the partial rupture of Achilles tendon. It also provides a comparison against the use of conventional plaster splints as an improvement factor for their definitive implementation considering the initial sanitary use for which they were designed. In this way, there have been created therapeutic windows that allow the application of rehabilitation techniques, being the treatment that would be carried out developed in parallel. The designed splint has been made in FilaFlex and Polycarbonate, materials that guarantee comfort and resistance at the same time. In addition, an optimization in terms of material has been executed, lightening the splint and reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs. As a result of this preliminary study, a prototype on scale printed in PLA has been generated.

Geometric Model for the Postural Characterization in the Sagital Plane of Lumbar Raquis.

The individual's posture is the physical expression of his body. It is modified throughout life and it is determined by the particular anatomical characteristics that directly affect the biomechanics of the spine. The typing of the spinal curvature is important for the knowledge of body posture. The possibility of having a method for the systematic postural characterization of the spine is an essential objective resource in order to obtain normal or control patterns of the spinal morphology of the population. A widely accepted methodology of morphological characterization of the spine is a necessary requirement for the establishment of preventive criteria for spinal pathologies based on epidemiological population studies. It also represents a necessary requirement for the classification of individuals, based on the biomechanical, orthopaedic or ergonomic criteria necessary for disciplines such as sports, industrial design or sports performance. The present study proposes the development of a morphological postural model of the spine in the lumbar region. The model is based on a system of measurement of objective and comparable parameters by means of X-ray analysis, in order to characterize its morphology in the sagittal plane. The comparison of the results in a population of 47 individuals allowed the possibility to carry out a statistical study on three morphological parameters: sacral angle (α1); reversal angle (α2) and degree of lordosis (DL). The statistical hypothesis that the results behave according to a normal distribution with p < 0.05 is relevant and allows the systematization and postural modelling of the individual.

Virtual Reality as an Educational and Training Tool for Medicine.

Until very recently, we considered Virtual Reality as something that was very close, but it was still science fiction. However, today Virtual Reality is being integrated into many different areas of our lives, from videogames to different industrial use cases and, of course, it is starting to be used in medicine. There are two great general classifications for Virtual Reality. Firstly, we find a Virtual Reality in which we visualize a world completely created by computer, three-dimensional and where we can appreciate that the world we are visualizing is not real, at least for the moment as rendered images are improving very fast. Secondly, there is a Virtual Reality that basically consists of a reflection of our reality. This type of Virtual Reality is created using spherical or 360 images and videos, so we lose three-dimensional visualization capacity (until the 3D cameras are more developed), but on the other hand we gain in terms of realism in the images. We could also mention a third classification that merges the previous two, where virtual elements created by computer coexist with 360 images and videos. In this article we will show two systems that we have developed where each of them can be framed within one of the previous classifications, identifying the technologies used for their implementation as well as the advantages of each one. We will also analize how these systems can improve the current methodologies used for medical training. The implications of these developments as tools for teaching, learning and training are discussed.

Building Computer-Based Experiments in Psychology without Programming Skills.

Research in Psychology usually requires to build and run experiments. However, although this task has required scripting, recent computer tools based on graphical interfaces offer new opportunities in this field for researchers with non-programming skills. The purpose of this study is to illustrate and provide a comparative overview of two of the main free open source "point and click" software packages for building and running experiments in Psychology: PsychoPy and OpenSesame. Recommendations for their potential use are further discussed.

Anatomical-Ultrasound Visor for Regional Anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: Regions considered optimal for performing peripheral nerve blocking have been well documented. However identify and perform regional anesthesia in those regions from ultrasound images remains a challenge. AIM: This study aims to develop a virtual environment for the simulation of ultrasound exploration of the neck nerves and both the upper and lower limbs for regional anesthesia. METHOD: Cross-sectional images were obtained from Magnetic Resonance Imaging for puncture regions involved in ultrasound-guided nerve block. RESULTS: A three-dimensional digital viewer was developed for the anatomical and ultrasound identification of key structures involved in peripheral nerve block in neck, upper and lower limbs. CONCLUSION: This study provides a virtual environment software used to simulate ultrasound exploration of nerve neck and upper and lower limbs for regional anesthesia. DISCUSSION: Potential implications of this tool for improving the ultrasound exploration for regional anesthesia and acquisition of anatomical knowledge are further discussed.

Digital Environment for Movement Control in Surgical Skill Training.

Intelligent environments are increasingly becoming useful scenarios for handling computers. Technological devices are practical tools for learning and acquiring clinical skills as part of the medical training process. Within the framework of the advanced user interface, we present a technological application using Leap Motion, to enhance interaction with the user in the process of a laparoscopic surgical intervention and integrate the navigation through augmented reality images using manual gestures. Thus, we intend to achieve a more natural interaction with the objects that participate in a surgical intervention, which are augmented and related to the user's hand movements.

Morphological and Volumetric Assessment of Cerebral Ventricular System with 3D Slicer Software.

We present a technological process based on the 3D Slicer software for the three-dimensional study of the brain's ventricular system with teaching purposes. It values the morphology of this complex brain structure, as a whole and in any spatial position, being able to compare it with pathological studies, where its anatomy visibly changes. 3D Slicer was also used to obtain volumetric measurements in order to provide a more comprehensive and detail representation of the ventricular system. We assess the potential this software has for processing high resolution images, taken from Magnetic Resonance and generate the three-dimensional reconstruction of ventricular system.

Computer Applications in Health Science Education.

In recent years, computer application development has experienced exponential growth, not only in the number of publications but also in the scope or contexts that have benefited from its use. In health science training, and medicine specifically, the gradual incorporation of technological developments has transformed the teaching and learning process, resulting in true "educational technology". The goal of this paper is to review the main features involved in these applications and highlight the main lines of research for the future. The results of peer reviewed literature published recently indicate the following features shared by the key technological developments in the field of health science education: first, development of simulation and visualization systems for a more complete and realistic representation of learning material over traditional paper format; second, portability and versatility of the applications, adapted for an increasing number of devices and operative systems; third, increasing focus on open source applications such as Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

Computer-Based Visualization System for the Study of Deep Brain Structures Involved in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's Disease is characterized by alterations in deep brain structures and pathways involved in movement control. However, the understanding of neuroanatomy and spatial relationships of deep brain structures remains a challenge for medical students. Recent developments in information technology may help provide new instructional material that addresses this problem. This paper aims to develop an interactive and digital tool to enhance the study of the anatomical and functional neurological basis involved in Parkinson's Disease. This tool allows the organization and exploration of complex neuroanatomical contents related with Parkinson's Disease in an attractive and interactive way. Educational implications of this tool are analyzed.

Variations in the cellular proliferation of prolactin cells from late pregnancy to lactation in rats.

Lactation is a physiological process associated with hyperactivity of hypophyseal prolactin-producing cells. It is known that the percentage of these cells is increased during lactation, although there are discrepancies in the reports regarding the mechanisms responsible for increasing the number of prolactin cells. In order to analyse whether this increase is a result of previous proliferation, variations in the proliferation rate of prolactin-positive cells were determined from late pregnancy to lactation in adult female rats by means of observation of the immunohistochemical expression of PCNA as a marker of cellular proliferation. During late pregnancy, a very significant increase in the percentage of proliferating prolactin cells was observed in comparison to non-pregnant females in the proestrus phase (p < 0.01). Although the percentage of prolactin-positive cells after one week of lactation was higher than in non-lactating or in pregnant females (p < 0.01), the proliferation rate was lower than in the other groups studied. In sum, our results suggest that late pregnancy constitutes a preliminary proliferative phase preparatory to the ensuing lactation phase and that endocrine changes in late pregnancy involve the cellular proliferation of hypophyseal prolactin cells in order to prepare the gland for later demands and to prevent proliferative changes from occurring during lactation.

Immunocytochemical evidence for growth hormone-releasing hormone in the tanycytes of the median eminence of the rat.

The current study was performed to analyse the potential existence and structure of a GHRH-transporting tuberoinfundibular system in the rat median eminence. The immunocytochemical analysis using anti-GHRH revealed an intense immunoreaction in the ependimary cells, tanycytes, at the level of the floor of the infundibular recess forming part of the median eminence. The basal processes of these cells course towards the external layer of the median eminence and reach the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) fibres of the tuberoinfundibular tract and this reaction was increased after intraventricular treatment with colchicine. Thus, these observations suggest the existence of a second or alternative cerebrospinal fluid-mediated route of GHRH transport to the median eminence and implicate the involvement of tanycytes in the regulation of this novel transport system.

Development of anatomical and radiological digital brain maps

The main goal of this study was to develop a tool to manage digital maps of the brain and information related to specific regions in the brain. This tool integrates 3D models of deep brain structures referenced in original Magnetic Resonance and Visible Human Project cross-sections with anatomical, functional, pathological and surgical information for any specific brain region. Digital brain maps and related information were selectively displayed using an intuitive user-friendly interface. The implications of its use as a resource for a wide range of disciplines in neurosciences are discussed (AU)

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Variations of nNOS and its mRNA in the neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus in response to stress by immobilization

Using rats subjected to immobilization stress, the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and of its mRNA in the magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which does not have parvocellular neurons or direct neurohaemal connections with the anterior lobe of the hypophysis. nNOS expression was studied with immunohistochemistry using sheep antinNOS serum, and the intraneural detection of nNOS mRNA was accomplished using a nonisotopic in situ hybridization technique, employing a specific biotinylated probe. The acute stress elicited by restraint induced an increase in the overall size of the supraoptic nucleus, together with an increase in the number of magnocellular neurons expressing nNOS immunoreaction. The optical densitometry values of the nNOS immunoreaction, the nuclear areas of the immunoreactive neurons, and the density of neurons showing nNOS mRNA hybrids were higher in the supraoptic nucleus of the stress-treated animals than in the controls, suggesting that nitric oxide of nNOS origin plays an active role in the magnocellular neurons of the hypophyseal-hypothalamic system and the involvement of this system in the stress axis (AU)

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