University Of Zurich Research Articles

Early marginal peri-implant bone loss around tissue-level implants: a retrospective radiographic evaluation

ObjectivesTo retrospectively assess the potential impact of biological and host factors on radiographic bone loss following tissue-level implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation.MethodsThe University database was reviewed to identify patients treated with tissue-level implants between 2006 and 2020 at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. The study included patients who received screw-retained implant rehabilitations in the posterior area without simultaneous hard- or soft-tissue augmentations and had a follow-up period of at least 12 months. Radiographic measures of marginal bone loss and supracrestal tissue height were conducted using periapical x-rays at different time points. Additional factors analysed included age, gender, smoking status, history of periodontitis, jaw of treatment, type of reconstruction, and prosthetic emergence angle. Associations between marginal bone loss and potential explanatory variables were visualised and analysed. Elastic net regressions were applied to examine potential relationships with marginal bone loss.ResultsA total of 1,479 patients were treated with tissue-level implants. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 106 patients with 106 implants were included in the statistical evaluation after one year (T1, n = 106 implants), and 59 patients with 59 implants were evaluated after three years (T2, n = 59 implants). The mean marginal bone loss was 0.93 mm (SD 0.83) at T1 and 1.04 mm (SD 0.97) at T2. A strong correlation (Spearman) was found between mesial and distal bone loss. Smoking status and the jaw undergoing treatment were associated with bone loss. While these associations were observed in the univariate analysis, a more comprehensive multivariate analysis revealed that these variables had a limited effect on explaining radiographic bone loss.ConclusionsDuring the initial rehabilitation period in tissue-level implants in this cohort smoking status and jaw of treatment seemed to influence early peri-implant bone loss. Further, a strong correlation between mesial and distal MBL was observed. Additional research is required to determine factors contributing to early bone loss following implant-prosthetic rehabilitation.

Using Hologram-Based Augmented Reality in Anatomy Learning: The TEACHANATOMY Randomized Trial.

Augmented reality (AR) can generate realistic holograms overlaid on the real-word environment to provide an interactive learning experience. However, further research is needed to assess the impact of such technologies on knowledge acquisition. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an AR learning application in anatomy education. TEACHANATOMY, a controlled, randomized trial, was conducted from September 14-October 24, 2022, at the University of Zurich and Federal Institute of Technology. It included first- and second-year medical students with no prior anatomy education and compared learning with an interactive hologram-based AR learning application module incorporating adaptive learning technology and gamification elements with traditional learning (TL) methods, including textbooks, videos, and online resources. Forty-eight participants were randomly allocated to the AR or TL group. The primary outcome consisted of the scores on the theoretical and practical knowledge test sections. Secondary outcomes included adverse health symptoms and user experience. The AR group performed significantly better on both theoretical (median [IQR] scores: AR: 18.8 [16.6-20.0]; TL: 9.4 [7.7-11.3]; P < .001) and practical (AR: 14.0 [12.3-14.7]; TL: 5.0 [4.0-6.0]; P < .001) knowledge test sections. The most common adverse health symptoms were headache, reported by 13/24 (54.2%) TL participants and 9/24 (37.5%) AR participants, and fatigue, experienced by 13/24 (54.2%) TL participants and 2/24 (8.3%) AR participants. All participants evaluated learning with TEACHANATOMY as a positive experience, rating it as efficient and easy to understand. All participants agreed learning with AR can be beneficial in learning anatomy, with 89.6% (43/48) and 100% (48/48) expressing willingness to use AR as a learning tool for theoretical and practical anatomy learning, respectively. Findings show a short-term learning benefit with the use of the TEACHANATOMY learning application, thus supporting the implementation of interactive hologram-based AR technologies to improve knowledge in anatomy education.

Trends in Clinical Cardiac Photon-Counting Detector CT Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis.

Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) represents a significant advancement in radiological imaging, offering substantial potential for cardiac applications that remain partially underexplored. This bibliometric analysis investigates the evolution and current clinical application of cardiac PCD-CT by examining research trends from 2019 to 2024. The analysis aims to understand the development of this technology, its clinical implications, and future directions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, yielding 984 records. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion criteria, 81 studies were included in the final analysis. These studies primarily focused on coronary artery calcium scoring, coronary atherosclerotic plaque assessment, and coronary artery stenosis quantification. The findings indicate a significant upward trend in the number of publications, peaking in 2023. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the USA, Germany, and Switzerland are the leading contributors to PCD-CT research, with prominent institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the University of Zurich driving advancements in the field. The NAEOTOM Alpha by Siemens Healthineers, being the only commercially available PCD-CT model, highlights its central role in cardiac imaging studies. Funding for PCD-CT research came from various sources, including industry leaders like Siemens and Bayer, as well as governmental and academic institutions. The analysis also identified several challenges that PCD-CT research faces, including the need for larger patient cohorts and broader geographical representation. In conclusion, the rapid growth of cardiac PCD-CT research underscores its transformative potential in clinical practice. Continued investment, collaboration, and extensive research are essential to fully harness the benefits of PCD-CT.

Unleashing the potential of chatbots in mental health: bibliometric analysis.

The proliferation of chatbots in the digital mental health sector is gaining momentum, offering a promising solution to address the pressing shortage of mental health professionals. By providing accessible and convenient mental health services and support, chatbots are poised to become a primary technological intervention in bridging the gap between mental health needs and available resources. This study undertakes a thorough bibliometric analysis and discourse on the applications of chatbots in mental health, with the objective of elucidating the underlying scientific patterns that emerge at the intersection of chatbot technology and mental health care on a global scale. The bibliometric software Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of 261 scientific articles published in the Web of Science Core Collection between 2015 and 2024. Publications distribution are analyzed to measure productivity on countries, institutions, and sources. Scientific collaboration networks are generated to analyze the influence as well as communications between countries and institutions. Research topics and trends are formulated by using a keyword co-occurrence network. Over the last decade, researches on utilization of chatbots in mental health has appeared to be increasing steadily at an annual rate of 46.19%. The United States have made significant contributions to the development and expansion of publications, accounting for 27.97% of the total research output with 2452 citation counts. England came second to the US in terms of publications and citations, and followed by Australia, China, and France. National Center for Scientific Research in France ranked first among all institutions, followed by Imperial College London and University of Zurich. The number of articles published in Journal of Medical Internet Research was exceptionally high, accounting for 12.26% of the total number of articles, and JMIR Mental Health is the most influential publication sources in terms of average citations per article. Collaboration among universities in the USA, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Singapore demonstrated a high level. The keyword co-occurrence network highlights the prominent techniques in this multidisciplinary area and reveals 5 research topics, showing a significant overlap between clusters. High-frequency terms such as "ChatGPT", "machine learning", and "large language models" underscore the current state of research, highlighting the cutting-edge advancements and frontiers in this field. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the most prominent countries, institutions, publications, collaboration status, and research topics associated with utilization of chatbots in mental health over the last decade. It offers insights to mental health professionals without an AI background and individuals interested in the development of mental health chatbots. The findings suggest that chatbots hold a significant role in promoting mental health well-being and exhibit considerable potential in demonstrating empathy, curiosity, understanding, and collaborative capabilities with users.

Refining Established Practices for Research Question Definition to Foster Interdisciplinary Research Skills in a Digital Age: Consensus Study With Nominal Group Technique.

The increased use of digital data in health research demands interdisciplinary collaborations to address its methodological complexities and challenges. This often entails merging the linear deductive approach of health research with the explorative iterative approach of data science. However, there is a lack of structured teaching courses and guidance on how to effectively and constructively bridge different disciplines and research approaches. This study aimed to provide a set of tools and recommendations designed to facilitate interdisciplinary education and collaboration. Target groups are lecturers who can use these tools to design interdisciplinary courses, supervisors who guide PhD and master's students in their interdisciplinary projects, and principal investigators who design and organize workshops to initiate and guide interdisciplinary projects. Our study was conducted in 3 steps: (1) developing a common terminology, (2) identifying established workflows for research question formulation, and (3) examining adaptations of existing study workflows combining methods from health research and data science. We also formulated recommendations for a pragmatic implementation of our findings. We conducted a literature search and organized 3 interdisciplinary expert workshops with researchers at the University of Zurich. For the workshops and the subsequent manuscript writing process, we adopted a consensus study methodology. We developed a set of tools to facilitate interdisciplinary education and collaboration. These tools focused on 2 key dimensions- content and curriculum and methods and teaching style-and can be applied in various educational and research settings. We developed a glossary to establish a shared understanding of common terminologies and concepts. We delineated the established study workflow for research question formulation, emphasizing the "what" and the "how," while summarizing the necessary tools to facilitate the process. We propose 3 clusters of contextual and methodological adaptations to this workflow to better integrate data science practices: (1) acknowledging real-life constraints and limitations in research scope; (2) allowing more iterative, data-driven approaches to research question formulation; and (3) strengthening research quality through reproducibility principles and adherence to the findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles. Research question formulation remains a relevant and useful research step in projects using digital data. We recommend initiating new interdisciplinary collaborations by establishing terminologies as well as using the concepts of research tasks to foster a shared understanding. Our tools and recommendations can support academic educators in training health professionals and researchers for interdisciplinary digital health projects.

Assessing tick attachments to humans with citizen science data: spatio-temporal mapping in Switzerland from 2015 to 2021 using spatialMaxent

BackgroundTicks are the primary vectors of numerous zoonotic pathogens, transmitting more pathogens than any other blood-feeding arthropod. In the northern hemisphere, tick-borne disease cases in humans, such as Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis, have risen in recent years, and are a significant burden on public healthcare systems. The spread of these diseases is further reinforced by climate change, which leads to expanding tick habitats. Switzerland is among the countries in which tick-borne diseases are a major public health concern, with increasing incidence rates reported in recent years.MethodsIn response to these challenges, the “Tick Prevention” app was developed by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and operated by A&K Strategy Ltd. in Switzerland. The app allows for the collection of large amounts of data on tick attachment to humans through a citizen science approach. In this study, citizen science data were utilized to map tick attachment to humans in Switzerland at a 100 m spatial resolution, on a monthly basis, for the years 2015 to 2021. The maps were created using a state-of-the-art modeling approach with the software extension spatialMaxent, which accounts for spatial autocorrelation when creating Maxent models.ResultsOur results consist of 84 maps displaying the risk of tick attachments to humans in Switzerland, with the model showing good overall performance, with median AUCROC values ranging from 0.82 in 2018 to 0.92 in 2017 and 2021 and convincing spatial distribution, verified by tick experts for Switzerland. Our study reveals that tick attachment to humans is particularly high at the edges of settlement areas, especially in sparsely built-up suburban regions with green spaces, while it is lower in densely urbanized areas. Additionally, forested areas near cities also show increased risk levels.ConclusionsThis mapping aims to guide public health interventions to reduce human exposure to ticks and to inform the resource planning of healthcare facilities. Our findings suggest that citizen science data can be valuable for modeling and mapping tick attachment risk, indicating the potential of citizen science data for use in epidemiological surveillance and public healthcare planning.Graphical

How does the collaboration work? An Analysis of Power in the Disabled in Politics Cooperative Project and its Implication for Action Research

The article addresses the problem of power relations in cooperative and action research projects. The Disabled in Politics project, a cooperative research project, was conducted in Switzerland by three institutions: 1) the Tatkraft Association, an association of disabled people; 2) the Centre for Social Law at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW); and 3) the Chair of Special Education: Society, Participation, and Disability at the University of Zurich. However, the different resources of the cooperation partners led to practical problems with power. Therefore, we analyze the collaboration within the project through Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital and reveal power relations and shifts based on critical project decisions. This article examines the influence of the partners’ institutional backgrounds on the collaboration and how their positions changed throughout the project. Finally, Bourdieu’s template is proposed to better understand power relations in action research projects.

Clinical characteristics and serological profiles of Lyme disease in children: a 15-year retrospective cohort study in Switzerland

Clinical characteristics and serological profiles of Lyme disease in children: a 15-year retrospective cohort study in Switzerland

Safety and efficacy of intrathecal antibodies to Nogo-A in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury: a randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial.

Spinal cord injury results in permanent neurological impairment and disability due to the absence of spontaneous regeneration. NG101, a recombinant human antibody, neutralises the neurite growth-inhibiting protein Nogo-A, promoting neural repair and motor recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal NG101 on recovery in patients with acute cervical traumatic spinal cord injury. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b clinical trial was done at 13 hospitals in the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. Patients aged 18-70 years with acute, complete or incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (neurological level of injury C1-C8) within 4-28 days of injury were eligible for inclusion. Participants were initially randomly assigned 1:1 to intrathecal treatment with 45 mg NG101 or placebo (phosphate-buffered saline); 18 months into the study, the ratio was adjusted to 3:1 to achieve a final distribution of 2:1 to improve enrolment and drug exposure. Randomisation was done using a centralised, computer-based randomisation system and was stratified according to nine distinct outcome categories with a validated upper extremity motor score (UEMS) prediction model based on clinical parameters at screening. Six intrathecal injections were administered every 5 days over 4 weeks, starting within 28 days of injury. Investigators, study personnel, and study participants were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was change in UEMS at 6 months, analysed alongside safety in the full analysis set. The completed trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03935321. From May 20, 2019, to July 20, 2022, 463 patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury were screened, 334 were deemed ineligible and excluded, and 129 were randomly assigned to an intervention (80 patients in the NG101 group and 49 in the placebo group). The full analysis set comprised 78 patients from the NG101 group and 48 patients from the placebo group. 107 (85%) patients were male and 19 (15%) patients were female, with a median age of 51·5 years (IQR 30·0-60·0). Across all patients, the primary endpoint showed no significant difference between groups (with UEMS change at 6 months 1·37 [95% CI -1·44 to 4·18]; placebo group mean 19·20 [SD 11·78] at baseline and 30·91 [SD 15·49] at day 168; NG101 group mean 18·23 [SD 15·14] at baseline and 31·31 [19·54] at day 168). Treatment-related adverse events were similar between groups (nine in the NG101 group and six in the placebo group). 25 severe adverse events were reported: 18 in 11 (14%) patients in the NG101 group and seven in six (13%) patients in the placebo group. Although no treatment-related fatalities were reported in the NG101 group, one fatality not related to treatment occurred in the placebo group. Infections were the most common adverse event affecting 44 (92%) patients in the placebo group and 65 (83%) patients in the NG101 group. NG101 did not improve UEMS in patients with acute spinal cord injury. Post-hoc subgroup analyses assessing UEMS and Spinal Cord Independence Measure of self-care in patients with motor-incomplete injury indicated potential beneficial effects that require investigation in future studies. EU program Horizon2020; Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation; Wings for Life; the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation; and the CeNeReg project of Wyss Zurich (University of Zurich and Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich).

Transmission rates of UV-A and green light in an ex vivo corneal crosslinking model for infectious keratitis.

To investigate the light transmission (LT) of UV-A and green light through infected corneas saturated with riboflavin or rose bengal in an ex vivo porcine model for infectious keratitis. University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, and Empa, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Laboratory study. Ex vivo porcine eyes (n = 162) were divided into 3 groups: control eyes, eyes infected with Staphylococcus aureus , and eyes infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Corneas remained either uninfected or were infected with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and were either left untreated or were instilled with 0.1% riboflavin or 0.1% rose bengal. Corneal buttons were prepared, and corneal LT was measured at 365 nm and 522 nm using a spectrophotometer. LT values were calculated and compared. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visualize structural damage and bacteria within infected corneas. Riboflavin-saturated corneas infected by S. aureus or P. aeruginosa (LT = 0.77% [0.41-1.87] and 0.81% [0.23, 1.46]) exhibited 3.18-fold and 3.02-fold lower LT values, respectively, than uninfected corneas (LT = 2.45% [2.15, 5.89]) (both P -values < 0.001). No LT difference was found between rose bengal-saturated corneas infected by S. aureus or P. aeruginosa and uninfected corneas (all LT values = 0.01% [0.01-0.01]; both P -values = 0.08). TEM showed bacteria on corneal stroma borders and occasionally inside the stroma. The results indicate that the amount of light arriving at the corneal endothelium is substantially reduced in infected corneas. The total fluence of clinical photoactivated chromophore for keratitis corneal crosslinking protocols can be safely increased substantially while maintaining a low risk of corneal endothelial damage.

Glosa do biografii Anny Wyczółkowskiej

This article seeks to enhance the biographical portrait of Anna Wyczółkowska (1853–1929), a pioneer of experimental psychological research, a social activist and publicist, and an outstanding figure in the intellectual life of Polish emigrants in the United States. Wyczółkowska was one of the first women to obtain a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Zurich (1893). She then developed her career in the United States, collaborating with, among others, John Watson, the founder of behaviorism. Her biography reflects the experiences of the generation of women from Central and Eastern Europe at the turn of the 20th c. However, Wyczółkowska did not gain wider recognition and was completely forgotten after her death. This text considers the trajectory of her scientific career and the development of her worldview through interactions with the scientific authorities of her era, as well as with writers, artists, and social activists both in Poland and abroad. The article highlights an important yet lesser-known aspect of her activity – her editorial contributions. Source analysis has revealed that Wyczółkowska’s journalistic style significantly enriches certain biographical threads, outlines the social dimension of her scientific achievements, and illuminates the cultural context of her life experiences

Family Medicine Practice as Learning Environment: A Medical Student Evaluation in Switzerland.

Improving the quality of teaching placements in family medicine practice (FMP) could help to address the shortage of primary care physicians. This study aims to investigate students' evaluations of first-exposure FMP placements, to identify clusters of FMPs that might need to improve their placement quality, and to analyze students' perceptions of the FMP as a learning environment. The design was a cross-sectional survey study, including all fourth-year undergraduate medical students at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, who completed a mandatory placement in FMP during 2019-2022. The placements consisted of individual teaching and training in the same FMP for 8half days within an academic year. The primary outcome was the student Likert scale rating of the 14 key questions as indicators of teaching placement quality. Based on these indicators, cluster analysis was used to identify groups of FMPs with the potential for quality improvement. A framework analysis was used to analyze the students' perceptions. A total of 713 students (response rate 81%) and 249 FMPs (median [interquartile range]: 2 [1,4] students per FMP) were included. Overall, 86% of the students were satisfied with the placement, and 95% reported that the placement gave them realistic insight into FMP work. A cluster of 25 (10%) FMPs that may improve placement quality was identified. Students most liked the opportunity to gain FMP skills, insight into FMP work, and establishment of patient relationships. Our study described students' experiences with FMP and a method for teaching evaluation to identify FMPs that may benefit from interventions to improve their learning environment. This could upgrade the medical education offered and increase the interest in family medicine as a response to the shortage of primary care physicians.

Mapping of Global Research in Endodontics From 2004 to 2023: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Endodontics, a branch of dentistry, treats diseases and impairments in tissues within and surrounding the natural teeth.The aim of the study was to analyze the publication trends and key features of endodontic research published over the past 20 years across the globe. The quantitative bibliometric research approach was used to extract the data from the Web of Science database. The search strategy consisted of TC=("root canal" OR "root canals" OR "Pulp chamber" OR "pulp chambers" OR "pulp cavity" OR endodontic OR endodontics) and selected the publication years from 2004 to 2023. The search focused on articles and reviews and excluded all other types of documents. The study reviewed and extracted the following bibliometric parameters: breakdown of research and citations by year, type of journals, accessibility and types of documents, top publishing journals, countries, institutions, authors, most cited articles, and top keywords. Microsoft Excel (v16), R Foundation, and VOSviewer software (v.1.6.10) were used for data analysis.Our search strategy grasped 23,894 (69%) of the 34,680 documents found by the initial search. The selected articles were cited with an average of 20 citations per article, recording an average annual growth of 8.92%. Two journals, the Journal of Endodontics and the International Endodontic Journalpublished about one-fourth (n=5859; 24.52%) of the articles. Brazil produced the majority of the research (n=3,976; 16.64%), while the United States contributed the research with the highest citation impact. The University of São Paulo produced the most number of articles, while the University of Zurich gained maximum citation impact. Six authors from Brazil made up the top 10 most prolific authors, and the 10 most cited articles received an average of 692.30 citations each. The most influential keywords identified were"Endodontics,""Enterococcus faecalis,"and "Cone-beam computed tomography."Over the past 20 years, endodontics research has significantly increased. Although the United States generated the most significant research in this area, Brazil leads in research productivity. Two prestigious journals published the majority of the research. Researchers and clinicians in the field of endodontics would benefit from the findings of this study.

Natural History and Risk Factors of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy in Dogs.

Hymenoptera, which includes honeybees, wasps, bumblebees, and hornets, is an order of the class Insecta, whose venom can induce anaphylactic reactions in dogs. While several studies have investigated the natural histories and risk factors of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in humans, only limited information is available on canine patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify risk factors leading to severe systemic reactions (SSRs) and to explore the natural history of these patients. This was achieved with an inquiry into the case histories of 178 dogs that were stung by Hymenoptera and presented to the Vetsuisse Faculty Animal Hospital of the University of Zurich between 2018 and 2022. Dogs under two years old, dogs that weighed under 10 kg, purebred dogs, and dogs that were stung in the oral cavity were at a greater risk of developing SSRs. Almost two thirds of patients with SSRs experienced the same or worse symptoms after subsequent stings and >40% of patients with local reactions developed SSRs when stung again. Next to providing valuable clinical information about HVA in dogs, these findings strongly support the recommendation of venom immunotherapy (VIT) for patients with HVA.

How to run a qualitative methods short course in epidemiology: faculty and student perspectives

Abstract Background Qualitative research and mixed methods are core competencies for epidemiologists. In response to the shortage of guidance on graduate course development, we wrote a course development to guide faculty and students designing similar courses in epidemiology curricula. We combine established educational theory with faculty and student experiences from a recent introductory course for epidemiology and biostatistics doctoral students at the University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich. Objectives We propose a 1-ECTS, six session long, student-centred course with inverse in-person classroom teaching and practice exercises with faculty input. The overarching course objective is to introduce students to qualitative research and mixed methods. The proposed course covers learning outcomes in comprehension, knowledge, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Results Following an introductory session, the students engage in face-to-face interviews, focus group interviews, observational methods, analysis and how qualitative and quantitative methods are integrated in mixed methods. Furthermore, the course covers interviewer safety, research ethics, quality in qualitative research and a practice session focused on the use of interview hardware, including video and audio recorders. The student-led teaching characteristic of the course allows for an immersive and reflective teaching-learning environment. Conclusions After implementation of the course and learning from faculty and student perspectives, we propose these additional foci: a student project to apply learned knowledge to a case study; integration in mixed-methods; and providing faculty a larger space to cover theory and field anecdotes. Based on: Gille, et al. A guide for a student-led doctoral-level qualitative methods short course in epidemiology: faculty and student perspectives, International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 53, Issue 2, April 2024. Key messages • Qualitative research methods and mixed methods are core competencies for epidemiologists. • Students appreciate a student-centred course design with inverse classroom teaching and practice exercises.

Dentigerous cysts in horses: A retrospective study

SummaryBackgroundDentigerous cysts are well‐known congenital defects in horses, and the literature on this condition is extensive. Recently, a third type of dentigerous cyst, associated with an exostosis arising from the temporal bone, has been described. Today, computed tomography (CT) is often available and provides detailed information about the exact location and extent of dentigerous cysts, allowing for the description of new findings.Study designThis is a case series outlining the clinical, radiographic and computed tomographic features of dentigerous cysts in seven horses presented to the Equine Clinic at the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland.ObjectivesThe aim of this case series was to describe the radiographic and computed tomographic findings, and the occurrence of exostoses arising from the temporal bone, in horses with dentigerous cysts.MethodsThe medical records of the Equine Hospital at the University of Zurich were reviewed for horses admitted with dentigerous cysts between 2007 and 2023. Data collected and analysed included patient signalment, clinical history, clinical signs and their duration prior to referral, diagnostic imaging results, treatment and outcomes.ResultsThe most common location for the cysts was the base of the ear, although in one case, the maxillary sinus was involved. Of the seven cases, four were Icelandic horses. CT proved superior to standard radiography for determining the extent and precise location of the cysts, as well as for identifying dental material and exostoses in the temporal region. CT also facilitated detailed surgical planning. All cysts were surgically removed with good long‐term outcomes.Main limitationsOverall, the incidence of dentigerous cysts in horses was low. The relatively high occurrence of dentigerous cysts in Icelandic horses in this study is an interesting finding, though the small sample size calls for further research.ConclusionsTwo of the cases in this series were similar to a recently described variant of a ‘temporal dentigerous cyst associated with an exostosis in the temporal region’ and were closely connected to the bony structure and draining tract.

From Consoles to Classrooms: Preliminary Insights About Pre-Service Teachers and Video Games

Integrating video games into the classroom is a promising way to enhance learning experiences, as the market of serious games is expanding. European schools are investing in digital equipment, and the use of educational video games is technologically viable. Nonetheless, actual experiences of video games in class are still rare. A key gap to be explored is understanding how pre-service secondary teachers perceive and are prepared to use digital games in their future classrooms. Do they think it would enhance their teaching and their students’ learning? Do they feel prepared for it? To answer these questions, and possibly address future challenges, we conducted a comprehensive study with students at Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH). The research process began with the development and testing of a detailed questionnaire that focused on participants' personal gaming behaviour, preferences, and perceptions of the educational potential of video games. Key areas such as serious games, game design, gamification, game-based learning, and game culture were explored to assess the relevance and understanding of these concepts in an educational context. This paper explains the development and structure of the questionnaire as a measurement instrument as well as the underlying literature and methodological considerations. The first implementation and the preliminary survey with 48 PHZH students are presented, and the practicability and reliability of the questionnaire are evaluated. The result of the survey suggests pre-service teachers are generally positive about integrating video games and game design into the classroom, yet enthusiasm is not enough without additional support.

High altitude dilemmas: assessing academic air travel reduction measures by comparing reduction potential and willingness

Abstract Many researchers consider air travel crucial for a successful career and fly frequently to attend conferences, participate in meetings, teach classes, and conduct fieldwork, which creates significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that often account for the largest share of a university’s emission total. Several universities have attempted to address this issue by implementing measures to reduce GHG emissions from academic air travel. Ideally, these measures are both effective in reducing emissions and acceptable to the academic staff willing to endorse them. We evaluated five air travel reduction measures and compared their GHG emission reduction potential to academics’ willingness to implement them. We calculated reduction potentials based on empirical flight data from the University of Zurich’s Department of Geography and conducted an online survey among the department’s academic staff to assess willingness. On average, academic staff were willing to implement all five measures. Measures restricting travel showed the highest reduction potential but the lowest willingness to adopt among academic staff. Conversely, measures involving the transition to alternative travel modes showed higher willingness but lower reduction potentials. Our results suggest that there is no straightforward answer for universities aiming to reduce their air travel emissions. In addition to implementing more acceptable low-impact measures, universities must explore examples of good practices and endeavor to remove obstacles to high-impact measure implementation.

Special Issue: 100 years of scientific excavations at UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio and global research on Triassic marine Lagerstätten

Only a few Swiss fossil localities are known globally and of which, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio, which extends from Switzerland into Italy, is the most important one. Following the discovery of the occurrence of articulated skeletons of marine reptiles in the local mines, large excavations were organized by Bernhard Peyer from the University of Zurich starting 1924. With this collection of articles, we commemorate the successful excavations and research, which initiated the publication of a series of monographies, mostly on the vertebrates but also on the invertebrates of this locality. Especially with the discovery of several remarkably similar Konservat-Lagerstätten in China, the discoveries from Monte San Giorgio gained global relevance. New methodologies such as computed tomography produced a wealth of new data, particularly on endocranial anatomy of several tetrapods.

The people behind the papers - Alexandre Dumoulin and Esther Stoeckli.

The absence or dysfunction of primary cilia, which are non-motile protrusions on cells, leads to a group of neurodevelopment disorders called ciliopathies. In a new study, Esther Stoeckli and colleagues identify the role of primary cilium-mediated sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in commissural axon guidance in mice and chick embryos. We caught up with first author, Alexandre Dumoulin, and corresponding author, Esther Stoeckli, Professor at the University of Zurich, to find out more about the work.