Jaime Whyte

This study evaluates the agreement between Carrea’s (1920) odontological method and De Mendonça’s (2000) osteometric method for estimating height in archaeological skeletal remains from an Al-Andalus necropolis (10th–12th centuries) discovered in Zaragoza. Twenty-seven individuals (16 men, 11 women) were selected who had the femur, medial and lateral incisors, as well as the mandibular canine, fully preserved. The results showed that at the population level, both methods provide similar mean estimates of height (mean Bland–Altman differences close to zero). However, at the individual level, agreement was poor: the 95% limits of agreement reached approximately ±25 cm, and both the Lin concordance correlation coefficient (CCC = 0.140–0.156) and the Pearson cross-correlations (r = 0.156–0.171, non-significant) confirmed a weak linear relationship between the two methods. Furthermore, it was found that dental wear correlates negatively and significantly with Carrea’s estimates (r = −0.428; p = 0.026), suggesting that it constitutes a source of bias specific to this method. Greater dispersion of Carrea’s estimates was also observed in males, possibly linked to their higher degree of dental wear. These results indicate that although Carrea’s method may be useful for estimating the average height of a population, its applicability as an individual estimator is limited.

Renal vascularization is classically described as a renal artery and vein. However, this vascular pattern presents numerous anatomical variations in terms of their number, origin and course due to ontogenetic alterations. The aim was to carry out a descriptive study of the renal vascular pattern observed during the dissection of cadavers intended for teaching purposes. A descriptive and observational study of renal vascular anatomy was carried out by dissecting 16 renal blocks from 8 cadavers donated to science and used for teaching at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zaragoza. The prevalence of arterial variations was 75% (56.3% for polar renal arteries, 12.5% for pre-hilar branching and 6.25% for double communicating arterial arch) and venous was 62.5% (12.5% for polar renal veins, 25% for late venous confluence, 6.25% for triple renal vein and 18.75% for double circumaortic renal vein). We conclude that the renal vascular anomalies occur with high frequency; for this reason, knowledge of these anomalies is extremely important for the correct planning of numerous medical-surgical activities. Renal vascularization is classically described as a renal artery and vein. However, this vascular pattern presents numerous anatomical variations in terms of their number, origin and course due to ontogenetic alterations. The aim was to carry out a descriptive study of the renal vascular pattern observed during the dissection of cadavers intended for teaching purposes. A descriptive and observational study of renal vascular anatomy was carried out by dissecting 16 renal blocks from 8 cadavers donated to science and used for teaching at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zaragoza. The prevalence of arterial variations was 75% (56.3% for polar renal arteries, 12.5% for pre-hilar branching and 6.25% for double communicating arterial arch) and venous was 62.5% (12.5% for polar renal veins, 25% for late venous confluence, 6.25% for triple renal vein and 18.75% for double circumaortic renal vein). We conclude that the renal vascular anomalies occur with high frequency; for this reason, knowledge of these anomalies is extremely important for the correct planning of numerous medical-surgical activities.

Introducción: Las nuevas generaciones de alumnos, inmersas en un “mundo digital”, han promovido la aparición de nuevas metodologías docentes. En este trabajo, planteamos una serie de actividades a modo de Escape Room en la asignatura de Anatomía Humana II (Esplacnología) del Grado de Medicina de la Universidad de Zaragoza. Métodos: Se planteó una actividad Hall Escape Room basada en 5 retos secuenciales relacionados con los contenidos de la asignatura. La evaluación de la experiencia se planteó a los participantes mediante una encuesta de respuesta voluntaria de 5 preguntas basadas en la escala Likert (con 5 opciones de respuesta siendo 1 totalmente en desacuerdo y 5 totalmente de acuerdo). Resultados: La encuesta de valoración fue respondida por el 85 % del alumnado (76/89), aportando que estas actividades son positivas para la motivación, aprendizaje e integración de los contenidos teóricos y prácticas, así como fomentar la relación entre el alumnado. Conclusión: Las actividades de aprendizaje basado en juego tipo “Escape Room” mejoran la motivación y el aprendizaje del alumno, fomentando además la participación y comunicación entre ellos.

The objective was to implement a “Breakout” activity using an online platform (Genially^®) similar to those carried out in person to increase interactivity, motivation, and teamwork. The activity was proposed during the 2021–2022 academic year in the Human Anatomy II (Splanchnology) course taken in the second semester of the Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine (University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain) and was carried out with the participation of 89 students enrolled in the course. The evaluation of the experience by the students was carried out by means of an online questionnaire that comprised four questions (based on the Likert scale) and by the teaching staff through a coordination meeting. In total, 86% of the students agreed regarding the positive effect of these kinds of activities on interactivity and motivation, with 65% agreeing on the usefulness of these tools. Around 70% agree that this activity helped them to integrate course content and to enhance teamwork.

El objetivo planteado en este estudio fue doble, evaluar la satisfacción del alumnado a realizar evaluación online, y las diferencias en esta según se realizase en casa o en el aula. El diseño y metodología se planteó mediante encuestas de satisfacción del tipo de evaluación y un análisis estadístico para valorar las diferencias en los resultados de esta según lugar de realización. La valoración del alumnado no muestra unanimidad (53%) en considerar la evaluación online como un buen método de evaluación, aunque el 67% y el 90% (según curso y asignatura) usaría herramientas digitales para evaluar presencialmente. La reducción del tiempo y la conexión, son los principales inconvenientes valorados. Los resultados de la evaluación global no muestran cambios según sea presencial o a distancia. Por lo tanto, consideramos que la utilización de nuevas tecnologías para evaluar ha sido bien aceptada por los alumnos y por el profesorado, y no se observan resultados dispares realizándose presencial o a distancia. The objective of the study was twofold: to evaluate student satisfaction with the online assessment, and the differences in this assessment according to whether it was carried out at home or in the classroom. The design and methodology were based on satisfaction surveys of the type of evaluation and a statistical analysis to assess the differences in the results according to the place where the evaluation was carried out. The students' evaluation does not show unanimity (53%) in considering online evaluation as a good evaluation method, although 67% and 90% (depending on the course and subject) would use digital tools to evaluate face-to-face. The reduction of time and connection are the main disadvantages valued. The results of the global evaluation do not show changes depending on whether it is face-to-face or distance. Therefore, we consider that the use of new technologies for evaluation has been well accepted by students and teachers, and no different results are observed for face-to-face or distance learning.

Tooth resorption (TR; progressive destruction of hard dental tissues) varies in prevalence according to population, age, and country (29–66.1%). Our objective was twofold: describing the TR clinical presentation in Northeastern Spain, and studying 34 blood parameters to ascertain potential systemic effects associated with TR. Cases (29; presented from September 2018 to May 2019) and controls (58) were considered. Non-parametric tests were carried out to compare cases and controls for each blood parameter; those showing significant differences were chosen for multiple regression analysis (binomial logistic and hierarchical multiple regressions). In case TR was detected in 130/870 teeth (14.9%), TR stage and type were correlated (p < 0.001). Increasing CREA values (p = 0.034) and decreasing BUN/CREA and ALB/GLOB values were associated with TR presence (p = 0.029 and p = 0.03, respectively). Increasing GLOB was associated with increasing severity of TR (p < 0.01). Type 1 TR (highly related to inflammation and periodontal disease PD) was the most frequently observed type; the association of TR and inflammation biomarkers (ALB/GLOB, GLOB) are explained by this fact. The concomitant presence of PD and TR in old cats would cause TR association with kidney damage biomarkers (CREA, BUN/CREA). When affected by TR, special care in these aspects must be provided to cats.

While periodontal disease (PD) is the most common canine oral pathology, its prevalence varies according to diagnosis methodology, breed, and age. We intended to increase understanding of canine PD by studying dogs that are managed in a specific way: pack dogs in Spain. They received a mixed diet (home-prepared food, commercial dry food, stale bread and bones). Thirty-two conscious individuals from two packs of dogs in Northeastern Spain (30/32 crossbred hunting dogs and 2/32 Siberian Husky; 26 males and 6 females; 27.75 ± 5.807 kgs; 5.48 ± 2.818 years) received visual dental examination for assessment of absent teeth (AT), dental calculus (DC) grade, gingival recession (GR), periodontal disease (PD), tooth fracture (TF), and dental attrition (DA). DC was the most prevalent oral problem (75%), followed by TF/DA (68.75%), AT (34.37%), GR (31.25%), and, finally, PD (15.62%). Low individual affectation values were found for AT, GR, and PD (<1 tooth/individual); mean DC grade per individual was 0.06 ± 0.063; and TF and DA were found in 1.63 and 4.72 teeth/individual, respectively. Low prevalence and extent of PD was attributed to diagnosis methodology, bodyweight effect, breed, and, ultimately, diet. Individuals affected by DC remained under veterinary surveillance due to PD development.

Homogeneous development of temporal bone structures is explained by their ontogenic origin; tegmen tympani (TT) and superior semicircular canal (SSC) are related with the glenoid fossa at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Therefore, our objective was to determine a possible relationship between TT status (dehiscence or integrity) and the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) thickness; SSC status has also been considered.

To describe the ontogeny of vertical semicircular canals using computed tomography.