University Teaching Research Articles

Histopathological study of scaly plaque over palm and sole in patients attending a tertiary care Hospital in Kathmandu

Background: Dermatoses of palms and soles are frequently encountered as palms and soles have non-hairy skin. Scaling skin could be a symptom of many medical conditions including psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, ichthyosis, actinic keratosis, lichen planus, tinea, etc. Psoriasis must be differentiated from its non-psoriatic lesions. Histopathological examination often serves as a confirmative part of the diagnosis. Materials and methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study carried out in the Department of Pathology and Department of Dermatology of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. A total of 139 cases of scaly plaque skin lesions of the palm and sole from January 2020 to December 2022 were included in the study. The histopathological diagnosis was correlated with the clinical diagnosis. Results: Among 139 persons presenting with scaly lesions, the median age was 36 years with an age range from 15 years to 80 years. A female preponderance (59%) was observed. The odds of Psoriasis were 2.5 times higher (OR CI: 1.21 to 5.17) among those aged 36 years and above (P value 0.011). There was a significant association between age categories and histological diagnosis of scaly lesions. The agreement was significant between the clinical and histological diagnosis for psoriatic (63.0%) and non-psoriatic lesions (76.3%) with a Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 0.38 (SE: 0.084), P value < 0.0001. Conclusions: Both psoriatic and non-psoriatic lesions can present as scaly plaque skin lesions, hence the knowledge of these clinical mimickers is important for the proper diagnosis. The histopathological examination will give the confirmatory diagnosis.

Study of placenta histopathology in low birth weight deliveries: A prospective cross-sectional study at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital

Background: Placenta is the most important organ that represents the status of the mother and fetus. Its examination on gross and microscopy can reveal varied pregnancy-related diseases, decreasing future adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to examine the placenta histopathologically among low birth weight pregnancies. Materials and methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted in the Department of Pathology over one year. The placenta of low birth weight (weight < 2.5 kg) term pregnancies were histopathologically examined. The maternal demographics, co-morbidity, gravida, and hemoglobin levels were recorded. Descriptive statistics, and student t-test or Chi-square test were used for two-group analysis. Results: Thirty-two consecutive patients enrolled in each group. A significant proportion of the patients in the study group were anemic (9.2 vs. 11.5 gm/dl; p=0.03). Pregnancy-induced hypertension rate was significantly higher in the study group (31% vs. 9%; p = 0.042). Gross observations in low birth weight pregnancies were sub-chorionic fibrin deposition (75%), calcification (37%) and infarction (31%). On microscopy, chorionic vessel thrombosis was significantly higher in the study group (56% vs. 6%; p= 0.003). Furthermore, chorioamnionitis (34%) and placental floor infarction (12%) were also observed in a significantly higher number of placentas in the study group. Conclusions: Anemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension are important associated factors for low birth weight pregnancies. Pathological examinations reveal higher fibrin deposition, infarction, calcification, sub-chronic vessel thrombosis, and chorioamnionitis in low birth weight placenta.

Construction of Evaluation Index System of Specialized Teaching Effect of Physical Education in Universities

In the field of physical education, the specialized teaching of physical education in colleges and universities is gradually becoming the focus. This study aims to build an evaluation index system of specialized physical education teaching effect in colleges and universities, so as to accurately reflect the current actual situation of physical education teaching in colleges and universities. By clarifying the principles that should be followed in the construction of an evaluation index system and listening to experts' opinions, it is ensured that the constructed evaluation system can not only fully reflect the teaching effect, but also objectively evaluate the teaching quality. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation system is put forward and implemented, so that colleges and universities can more clearly understand the advantages and disadvantages of physical education, and then formulate targeted improvement measures. This will not only help to improve the quality of physical education in colleges and universities, but also improve students' physical literacy and physical and mental health.

Tuberculosis-related deaths at a tertiary hospital in Zambia: Insights into the prevalence and associated factors.

Tuberculosis (TB) mortality remains a significant public health concern globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis-related deaths and associated factors among patients at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Chest Clinic, Zambia. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study among 694 individuals (507 adult and 187 children) diagnosed with drug susceptible TB disease between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Demographic and clinical information were collected from medical records using a data collection form. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with TB-related death. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. STATA version 15 was used for all data analysis. The prevalence of TB-related death among adults (above 19 years old) was 18.4% (n = 93) whereas that in children (below 19 years old) was 7.0% (n = 187). Living with HIV (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.00-3.08, p = 0.049) was positively associated with TB-related death among the adult patients while being on a family based direct observation therapy (DOT) plan was negatively associated with TB-related death both among adults and among children, (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.45, p <0.001) and (AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.03-0.99, p = 0.039) respectively. This study found a high TB-related mortality rate, both among adults and children, exceeding the national target of 5% and it was significantly associated with HIV status and DOT plan. There is therefore a need to enhance strategies aimed at reducing TB-related deaths, especially among those living with HIV.

&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Factors affecting learning activeness of students from the Faculty of Social Sciences Teacher Education, School of Education, Dong Thap University&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;

Students' activeness in learning plays an important role in comprehending the content of university teaching because the nature of university teaching is a unique cognitive activity of a research nature of students under the organization and instructions by teachers. Therefore, activeness in learning requires students to be proactive in assigned learning tasks, forming a sense of self-study and self-research during university studies and in professional activities in their future careers. Students' activeness in learning is the result of subjective and objective factors. This article presents the results of a survey of the current status of factors affecting the active learning of students at the Faculty of Social Sciences Teacher Education at Dong Thap University to serve as a basis for further research on methods of student education.

Traumatic and Non-traumatic Radiculomedullary Compressions: A Comparative Analysis.

Background Radiculomedullary lesions represent a significant public health issue, with their epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics varying depending on whether they are of traumatic or non-traumatic origin. The aim of this study was to compare clinical, therapeutic, and postoperative aspects between traumatic radiculomedullary lesions (TRML) and non-traumatic radiculomedullary lesions (NTRML). Methods This was a prospective cohort study conducted from 2020 to 2023 involving patients suffering from radiculomedullary lesions operated at the Department of Neurosurgery, University Teaching Hospital of Kinshasa. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, the two patient groups - traumatic and non-traumatic - were compared based on clinical, therapeutic, and postoperative aspects using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)and Spinal Cord Independence Measures (SCIM III) scores. Results We included 153 patients, with 73 traumatic cases (47.7%) and 80 non-traumatic cases (52.3%). TRMLs were predominantly caused by road traffic accidents (34%) and falls (11%), while NTRMLs were mainly due to disc herniations (22.2%) and tuberculosis (13.7%). The mean age for TRMLs was 35.4 ±12.8 years with a sex ratio of 3.5, compared to 50.7±15.9 years and a sex ratio of 1.1 for NTRMLs. TRMLs were more frequently located in the cervical region (32.8%) and the thoracolumbar junction (40%), whereas NTRMLs predominantly affected the thoracic (22.5%) and lumbar (63.7%) regions. Patients with NTRMLs had more incomplete lesions (98.7%) and better SCIM III scores at admission compared to TRMLs (p ˂ 0.001). TRMLs had more complete deficits 42 (57.3%) vs 1 (1.3%). Both groups significantly improved their ASIA and SCIM III scores postoperatively (p ˂ 0.001) but in a similar manner (Diff-in-diff: ASIA, p=0.955; SCIM, p=0.967). TRMLs developed more complications than NTRMLs (p˂0,001). Only five patients (11.6%) with ASIA A progressed to higher grades, and all remained dependent (SCIM III score ˂50). The average hospital stay was 89.2 ±74.2 days for TRMLs and 57.5±52.9 days for NTRMLs (p˂0.001). Conclusion This study revealed that TRMLs frequently affect young male individuals and are often located in the cervical region and thoracolumbar junction. In contrast, NTRMLs affect older individuals without gender preference and are usually found in the thoracic and lumbar regions. TRMLs often lead to complete deficits, pressure sores, urinary infections, and longer hospital stays compared to NTRMLs. Both patient groups showed significant postoperative improvement with no significant difference between them. However, patients with complete deficits showed less improvement in both groups.

Medial rectus re-advancement: more bang for your buck?

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although there are guidance tables in the literature on surgical dosage for primary medial rectus resection-lateral rectus recession surgery, there is a lack of consensus on the surgical gains in medial rectus re-advancement (MRR) for the management of consecutive exotropia. We compared the surgical outcomes of primary medial rectus resection-lateral recession (RR) surgery, to MRR in patients with consecutive exotropia. Methods: Retrospective, electronic note review of consecutive patients undergoing primary RR surgery for basic exotropia (RR group), convergence insufficiency-type exotropia, and divergence excess, and consecutive patients undergoing MRR with or without lateral rectus recession (MRR group) for consecutive exotropia in a teaching university hospital. Results: There were 84 patients in the RR group and 27 patients in the MRR group. The median age in the RR group was 25.50 years (range 4–79) and 45 years (18–87) in the MRR group (p = .002). Median follow-up was 7 months (3–43) in the RR group and 1 month (1–12) in the MRR group. Post-operatively, there was a median exotropia reduction of 27.00 prism diopters (PD) (range +5, –65; p < .0001) for near, and 27.00 PD (+10, –51; p < .0001) for distance in the RR group. In the MRR group, the median exotropia reduction was 34.50 PD (2, –67; p < .0001) for near and 33.00 PD (1, –67; p < .0001) for distance. There was a greater reduction in the exotropia in the MRR group compared to the RR group for distance (p = .047), but this did not meet statistical significance for near (p = 0.10). The median dose–effect relationship (PD/millimeter) was higher in the MRR group both for near deviation (2.90 vs 2.15, p = .0073) and for distance deviation (2.91 vs 2.15, =0.0041). Conclusion: Based on our study cohort, medial rectus re-advancement appears to have a greater dose-effect in reducing the distance angle of deviation for both near and distance compared to primary recess-resect surgery. Further prospective longitudinal studies would shed further light on the dose–effect relationship over time.

ChatGPT and scientific research in university higher education

In the present study, the influence of ChatGPT on scientific research in university higher education was determined. The deductive method, quantitative approach, explanatory level, and pre-experimental design were used. The sample consisted of 36 students coursing a Master's Degree in University Research and Teaching at the Graduate School of the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Puno, Peru. The results showed that ChatGPT significantly influences scientific research, with an increase in results from the pretest of 2.8% to the posttest of 80.6%. In conclusion, ChatGPT has a positive impact on the formulation of scientific research, demonstrating its potential to improve the academic quality and impact of research papers.

Research on Teaching Ethics Regulation Strategies of University Teachers

The research on the teaching ethics of university teachers is conducive to the improvement of the teaching ethics system of our country, and provides the basis for the construction of the ethical standards system suitable for the requirements of modern university teaching. Although there are various codes of ethics in colleges and universities, some experts and scholars also have some scattered research content on teachers' teaching ethics, which has some positive role in promoting the improvement of the professional ethics of college teachers, but the system of teaching ethics of college teachers in China has not yet been established. This study tries to put forward the strategy of teaching ethics regulation for university teachers, hoping to promote the construction of the teaching ethics regulation system in university and promote the steady improvement of the quality of higher education.

Spatial Distribution and Environmental Correlates of Cataract and Glaucoma Prevalence in Damaturu LGA, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty This study presents spatial analysis of cataracts and glaucoma within Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria, leveraging hospital records from Yobe State University Teaching Hospital to identify demographic distributions and spatial trends of these eye conditions. It employs both Arc Map software and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) for comprehensive data evaluation, addressing the challenge of string data types in age group records to provide precise demographic insights. The research's emphasis on middle-aged and older individuals' susceptibility and the critical need for targeted healthcare interventions offers new perspectives on managing and mitigating the impact of cataracts and glaucoma in developing regions. Full Abstract The rising prevalence of blindness and vision impairments, particularly due to cataracts and glaucoma, poses significant challenges in developing countries with limited access to essential healthcare services. This paper delves into the spatial analysis of cataracts and glaucoma in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria, aiming to uncover spatial trends and demographic distributions of these eye conditions within the region. Drawing data from Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, where records of patients with Glaucoma and Cataract diseases were periodically documented, the study included a total of 187 patients. An essential aspect of the analysis focused on mapping the age groups affected by cataracts and glaucoma, providing valuable insights into the vulnerability of different age cohorts to these diseases. The data encompassed age groups ranging from 20 to 80 years, with notable concentrations observed between ages 25 to 60 and 25 to 80 years, indicating the higher susceptibility of middle-aged and older individuals. It's noteworthy to mention that due to the nature of data collection at the hospital, the age group values were recorded as string data types, represented by unique values for each case. This necessitates a detailed understanding of the age demographics affected by cataracts and glaucoma to tailor healthcare interventions effectively. To correct any errors or ambiguities, the data was also evaluated and analyzed using the Arc Map software with variables and the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) was also be used for analysis along with the administrative boarders. The study's conclusion underscores the critical need for intensified management and treatment of patients with progressive cataracts and glaucoma cases, emphasizing the importance of optic disc excavation and addressing distorted vision fields. These findings align with previous hospital-based studies, highlighting the ongoing challenges and the imperative for targeted healthcare strategies to address the growing burden of these eye conditions comprehensively. In essence, this research contributes valuable insights into the spatial and demographic aspects of cataracts and glaucoma in Damaturu LGA, advocating for focused healthcare interventions and management protocols to enhance patient outcomes and mitigate the impact of these prevalent eye diseases.

Zum Stand des Fachs Cultură și civilizație an rumänischen Universitäten

Abstract Culture and civilization is probably one of the most discussed areas in foreign language didactics. It is taught both implicitly in the teaching of German as a foreign language and as an independent subject in university teaching. It is also offered at many Romanian universities as part of German-language degree courses. Especially in subjects in which prospective teachers and translators are trained, culture and civilization occupies a special position because it plays the undisputedly important role of imparting cultural knowledge about the target language country, which is seen as the second component in foreign language acquisition alongside linguistic knowledge. While foreign language lessons usually deal with everyday cultural topics, university courses on culture and civilization tend to focus on geography, history, politics, media, art and/or economics, usually according to the respective focus of the department where the culture and civilization course is offered. This article deals with academic research on the subject of culture and civilization at Romanian universities after 1995, specifically with the objectives and methods for teaching culture and civilization, the organization of encounters in culture and civilization lessons and possible subject catalogs.

TP53 mutation status and consensus molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer in patients from Rwanda

BackgroundMutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene are well-established drivers of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. However, data on the prevalence of TP53 variants and their association with consensus molecular subtype (CMS) classification in patients with CRC from Rwanda are currently lacking. This study addressed this knowledge gap by investigating TP53 mutation status concerning CMS classification in a CRC cohort from Rwanda.MethodsFormalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were obtained from 51 patients with CRC at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda. Exons 4 to 11 and their flanking intron-exon boundaries in the TP53 gene were sequenced using Sanger sequencing to identify potential variants. The recently established immunohistochemistry-based classifier was employed to determine the CMS of each tumor.ResultsSequencing analysis of cancerous tissue DNA revealed TP53 pathogenic variants in 23 of 51 (45.1%) patients from Rwanda. These variants were predominantly missense types (18/23, 78.3%). The most frequent were c.455dup (p.P153Afs*28), c.524G > A (p.R175H), and c.733G > A (p.G245S), each identified in three tumors. Trinucleotide sequence context analysis of the 23 mutations (20 of which were single-base substitutions) revealed a predominance of the [C > N] pattern among single-base substitutions (SBSs) (18/20; 90.0%), with C[C > T]G being the most frequent mutation (5/18, 27.8%). Furthermore, pyrimidine bases (C and T) were preferentially found at the 5ʹ flanking position of the mutated cytosine (13/18; 72.2%). Analysis of CMS subtypes revealed the following distribution: CMS1 (microsatellite instability-immune) (6/51, 11.8%), CMS2 (canonical) (28/51, 54.9%), CMS3 (metabolic) (9/51, 17.6%), and CMS4 (mesenchymal) (8/51, 15.7%). Interestingly, the majority of TP53 variants were in the CMS2 subgroup (14/23; 60.1%).ConclusionOur findings indicate a high frequency of TP53 variants in CRC patients from Rwanda. Importantly, these variants are enriched in the CMS2 subtype. This study, representing the second investigation into molecular alterations in patients with CRC from Rwanda and the first to explore TP53 mutations and CMS classification, provides valuable insights into the molecular landscape of CRC in this understudied population.

The New (White) Normal: Human Anatomy and the Naturalisation of White Bodies in British University Teaching, 1860–1910

Summary The discipline of human anatomy has often been overlooked in histories of race science in favour of comparative anatomy, anthropology, ethnography and statistics. However, understanding the historical relationship between human anatomy and race science is particularly important because of the discipline’s central role, unlike its sister disciplines, in medical education. This article begins to redress this oversight, demonstrating that human anatomy played a key role in the development of nineteenth-century race science in Britain. This article considers three main elements of ideas about racial anatomical difference: the language of racial hierarchy, anatomists’ location of racial difference within the body and the perpetuation of these ideas over time. In so doing, I argue that research into racial difference was demonstrably anatomical during the late nineteenth century, playing a key role in British anatomists’ discipline-building processes, and that these ideas were present within the classroom, influencing generations of medical students.

Perception and Reuse of Open Data in the Spanish University Teaching and Research Community

Perception and Reuse of Open Data in the Spanish University Teaching and Research Community

Implementation and outcomes of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in East and Central Africa: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial in Rwanda's Tertiary Teaching Hospital.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have demonstrated efficacy in optimizing perioperative care and improving patient outcomes in various surgeries. However, their implementation and outcomes in resource-limited settings remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the implementation of an ERAS protocol for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in such a setting. This prospective non-randomized controlled trial involved 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda. The first 50 patients on the ERAS pathway were prospectively evaluated and retrospectively compared to the last 50 patients operated on before ERAS implementation. Data on demographics, preoperative information, intraoperative compliance, postoperative events, and patient feedback were collected and analyzed. ERAS implementation resulted in a significant reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS) (p<0.001) without increase in complications. Compliance with ERAS principles, including preoperative education and perioperative management, was more than 90%. ERAS also reduced costs due to quicker recovery and shorter hospital LOS. The implementation of ERAS for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a limited-resource setting is feasible and safe, suggesting the possibility of its potential adoption in other abdominal procedures. A high level of adherence to the ERAS pathway can be achieved with effective patient education and the dedication of healthcare providers.

Profiling intimate partner violence in booked pregnant women at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and associated puerperal depressive sequelae: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy is a physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm by a current or former partner or spouse on a pregnant woman. It is a global public health problem that is common but underreported. Women are at increased risk of psychiatric illness in pregnancy and after delivery with the risk of major depressive disorder being highest during the postpartum period. Intimate partner violence in pregnancy may worsen this problem.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy, incidence of postpartum depression and the relationship between intimate partner violence, delivery outcomes and postpartum depression among booked pregnant women at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria (AEFUTHA).Study designThis study was a prospective cohort study.SettingThe antenatal clinic, antenatal ward, labour ward, postpartum clinic and under five clinic of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria were used for the study.Method One hundred and thirty-seven booked pregnant women that received antenatal care at AEFUTHA who met the inclusion criteria and consented to the study, were recruited from 37 weeks to 41 weeks gestation and screened for intimate partner violence and depression. Those with depression were referred for treatment while those that met the inclusion criteria were followed up to delivery and the delivery outcomes documented. They were also followed up to six weeks postpartum when they were screened for postpartum depression. Data were collated, tabulated and then statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 25, Chicago II, USA). Numerical variables including participant’s age, parity and gestational age were presented as mean, median, frequencies and standard deviation (Mean ± S.D), while categorical variables including occupation, level of education, social class and family type were presented as numbers and percentages. Chi-square test (X2) and relative risk was used for comparison between groups for categorical variables while Fisher’s exact test was used when Chi-square test (X2) was not suitable. Binary regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between intimate partner violence and postpartum depression. A P value of ˂0.05 is considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of intimate partner violence was 52.6%, as 72 out of the 137 women recruited endured intimate partner violence. The major risk factors for intimate partner violence in the study were low level of education, low social class, polygamy and unemployment. The general incidence of postpartum depression was 29.93% while the incidence among women with intimate partner violence was 56.94%. Women with emotional violence and verbal abuse had a five-fold increase in the incidence of postpartum depression. Sexual violence and physical violence were not statistically significant risk factors for postpartum depression.ConclusionIntimate partner violence is common as seen from the study. It is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression. Women that are emotionally and verbal abused are more likely to have postpartum depression. Screening pregnant women for intimate violence may identify those at risk and allow for proper interventions.

PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ABOUT DIDECTIC TEACHING AMONG PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLEGES

Didactic teaching remains the dominant pedagogical approach in many educational institutions worldwide, including Pakistan. This study aimed to assess and compare the perceptions of students and teachers regarding didactic teaching in public and private colleges in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2024, involving 152 participants (95 students and 57 teachers) from public and private colleges in Lahore. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, perceptions of didactic teaching, and preferences for interactive teaching methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Chi-square and t-tests were employed to compare perceptions between groups, with statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The majority of teachers (68.4%) favored didactic teaching, particularly for syllabus coverage in limited timeframes. In contrast, only 42.1% of students found didactic teaching effective, with significant differences between public (54%) and private (36.4%) college students (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, 70.5% of students preferred interactive teaching methods such as group discussions and problem-solving activities, compared to 36.8% of teachers (p &lt; 0.05). Private college participants, both students and teachers, showed a higher preference for interactive methods compared to their public counterparts (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant divide between students' and teachers' perceptions of didactic teaching in public and private colleges. While teachers, particularly in public colleges, defend didactic teaching as efficient, students, especially in private colleges, express a clear preference for interactive methods. These findings suggest the need for reforms in Pakistan’s higher education system to integrate more interactive teaching approaches while maintaining the efficiency of didactic methods, especially in public institutions.

Innovative Methodologies in University Teaching: Pilot Experience of an Escape Room in Nursing Students

The presence of playful elements in learning environments is increasingly frequent in university settings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gaming experience of the participants of an escape room activity developed in the second year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. An escape room activity was carried out, based on 10 tasks, on the thematic content of the subject ‘History, Theory and Methods of Nursing II’, with students in the second year. After the game experience, the Gameful Experience Scale (GAMEX) questionnaire of 27 items in the validated version in Spanish and for nursing students was applied. An open-ended question was also included to allow the students to give their opinion on aspects of improvement, or their feelings during their performance, and a thematic analysis was utilized for this qualitative approach. A total of 107 students participated in the escape room activity, and 75 individuals acceded to the request to be surveyed. The results in the Enjoyment dimension showed that five of the six questions were assessed with the maximum score by the majority of respondents. In the Absorption dimension, between 15% and 25% of the sample did not manage to abstract themselves from the real world. In the dimensions of Creative Thinking and Activation, up to 70% managed to feel imaginative, creative, or exploratory, feeling active and excited. Nearly 85% of the sample reported the Absence of Negative Affect (hostility, annoyance, or frustration) during the game. In the Dominance dimension, up to 70% of the sample considered feeling influential during the game. Two categories were identified after analyzing the participants’ responses: room for improvement in the activity and feelings during the activity. In conclusion, the escape room is positioned as a useful tool for university teaching in nursing. This didactic game allows students to have fun while learning, and to value the knowledge and techniques provided by the subject while being able to work as a team.

Incidence of Maxillary Sinus Disorders in Dental Patients Undergoing Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was quickly adopted in dentistry settings due to its compact size, low cost, and minimal ionizing radiation dose when compared to medical computed tomography. CBCT generates three-dimensional (3D) images that are useful in a variety of oral and maxillofacial circumstances, including diagnosis and assessment of disease severity, treatment planning and delivery, and follow-up. A significant advantage of CBCT lies in its capability to recognize incidental findings. In the realm of dental CBCT imaging, incidental findings often involve the maxillary sinuses, temporomandibular joints, or other craniofacial structures. Objective To demonstrate the incidental findings of maxillary sinus disorders in dental patients undergoing CBCTfor numerous indications. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using data extracted from the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)of Pure Smile Dental Center and Dental College Teaching Hospitals in the Jazan regionfrom September to December 2022. The study sample included a total of 70 patients who underwent orthodontics CBCT, most of whom were female(76%). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA), along with descriptive statistics. Furthermore, chi-square tests and cross-tabulation were done to assess the relation between the study variables. A p-value <0.01 and <0.05was considered statistically significant. Results The most common dental CBCT findings were root invasion (18.6%), followed by gingivitis (7.14%), and dental caries (4.29%). Of the 70 patients, 42 (60%) had maxillary sinus findings, including opacification (50%), sinusitis (40%), mucosal thickening (34.3%), and polyps (7.1%). Female patients had more frequency of incidental findings related to males (41.43% and 18.57%, respectively). Conclusion A high percentage of dental patients exhibited incidental maxillary sinus findings in CBCT scans, confirming the utility of CBCT as a precise imaging method for detecting paranasal sinus disorders. A holistic documentation of incidental findings is crucial for improving patient outcomes and treatment plans.

Reaching Student Engagement by Balancing Gamification and Challenges in the Minor Serious Gaming

This study originated from a Senior University Teaching Qualification on student engagement that withstanding many efforts on problem and challenge based education still is a concern. Within the minor Serious Gaming, third year students (n=35) where studied with mixed methods with the main question how to improve student engagement with challenges in serious gaming? First, a systematic literature study led to a new definition of student engagement: Student engagement is a multi-faceted concept that involves the interplay of various factors, including behavior, motivation, challenges, and autonomy. Then a pretest was done with last year’s teaching team, a motivational survey and general evaluation survey was done and a focus group with group representatives was created. This led to two main interventions, a gamified business modelling workshop and direct feedback loops. From a gamification point of view, rewards are the best intervention but we could not implement them in this year’s course. The value of this study is in understanding the complexity of student engagement. Improvement of engagement is possible with gamification, challenges and direct feedback. This study confirms that a high autonomy leads to a high engagement, future study has to be done with courses with low autonomy.