Sistema de b-learning en Farmacología (I): pilotando

Siguiendo el espíritu renovador derivado de la implementación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior y utilizando el entorno del Campus Virtual de la UCM (WebCT), se han desarrollado las bases para la implantación de un sistema de b-learning. Los estudiantes de “Farmacología, Farmacia y Terapéutica” de la Licenciatura de Veterinaria podrán consultar, organizado por módulos temáticos, material didáctico para aprender de forma activa los contenidos de esta asignatura troncal. Las herramientas que conforman este sistema presentan diversas finalidades y formatos: formativas (guiones, presentaciones, vídeos, problemas); comunicativas (foro de intercambio de ideas, dudas e iniciativas y avisos); y evaluadoras (autoevaluaciones para los alumnos y encuestas sobre la utilidad de la propia herramienta). La idea es que los estudiantes sean los gestores de su propio aprendizaje. Para ello, cuentan con el apoyo de una herramienta virtual (Aula Virtual de Farmacología), con actividades docentes presenciales (seminarios y tutorías) y con herramientas de evaluación de los conocimientos adquiridos.Following the innovative spirit derived from implementation of the European Higher Education Area and using an online learning environment (Campus Virtual-UCM), the bases for the implantation of a b-learning system have been developed. The students of "Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutic" of the Veterinary Medicine degree will be able to consult, organized by thematic modules, educational material to learn in an active way the contents of this core subject. The tools that shape this system present diverse purposes and formats: formatives (scripts, presentations, videos, problems); communicatives (forum to exchanging of ideas, doubts or initiatives and notices); assessments (autoevaluations for the pupils and surveys on the usefulness of the own tool). The idea is that students are the managers of their own learning. For it, they have the support of a virtual tool (Virtual Classroom of Pharmacology), face-to-face educational activities (seminars, tutorials) and tools of evaluation of the acquired knowledge

Sistema de b-learning en Farmacología (II): Valorando

El b-learning (formación combinada, del inglés blended learning) es un sistema pedagógico basado en actividades presenciales paralelas a la formación online. Este trabajo valora un sistema de b-learning, basado en el plan Keller, aplicado a la asignatura de “Farmacología, Farmacia y Terapéutica” de la Licenciatura en Veterinaria. Se evaluaron la herramienta y los resultados obtenidos de su utilización, por comparación del grupo b-learning (n=6) con el grupo presencial (n=174). La sincronización de la virtualización/presencialidad, la utilización de materiales y el trabajo de alumnos y profesores fueron valorados positivamente. El número de participantes y el breve recorrido de la experiencia limitan la interpretación de los resultados, si bien se apreció una tendencia de mejora en los resultados académicos del grupo b-learning (nota=5,59±0,35 y aprobados=83,3%) frente al grupo presencial (nota=4,79±0,08 y aprobados=52,3%). En conclusión, este sistema puede resultar útil en la transición hacia las estrategias docentes propuestas por el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior.B-learning is a pedagogical system based on face-to-face activities, complemented with online training. This work assesses a b-learning system, based on the Keller plan, applied to the subject ‘Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Therapeutics’ included in the Veterinary Medicine degree. The elements of this tool were evaluated and so were the outcomes obtained from its use, by means of comparing a b-learning group (n=6) with a face-to-face group (n=174). The synchronization of virtualization/face-to-face instruction, the level of use of materials and the subjective students and teachers’ evaluations were positive. The number of participants and the short life of this experience limit the comparison of the results, although the academic outcomes tend to improve in the b-learning group (mark=5,59±0,35 and pass=83,3%) vs. face-to-face group (mark=4,79±0,08 and pass=52,3%). The outcomes suggest that a b- learning system could be useful in the transition to new teaching strategies suggested by the European Higher Education Area

Gold nanoparticles as a part of a photothermal therapy system.

Introduction Photothermal therapy (PTT) is attracting increased attention for the treatment of superficial localized tumors, relying on the induction of local hyperthermia of tumor cells upon their irradiation with light beams1. PTT efficacy depends, however, on the heat generated and, on the depth reached by the light. Some strategies to improve PTT efficacy includes the use of the near infrared (NIR, 650 to 900 nm) radiation to enhance the penetration depth of the light, combined with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance the photothermal effect2. Experimental Methods Core AuNPs were synthesized by a novel method using tetrachloroauric acid and a mixture of reducing agents, and subsequently coated with a combination of hyaluronic and oleic acids, for improving the NPs biocompatibility, biodegradability, and lifetime. This coating also promotes the binding of specific cell receptors of the tumor cells. The particles were physico-chemically characterized, and in vitro and in vivo tests were carried out in breast cancer models to assess their safety and efficacy, when applied alone or combined with NIR irradiation3. Results and Discussion AuNPs presented a predominant spherical morphology with sizes under 350 nm, polydispersity index lower than 0.4 and enhanced absorbance in the NIR. The particles showed no toxicity in vitro and promising efficacy in vivo when administering the NPs in situ and later irradiating them externally. Histopathological analysis of tumors treated with both AuNPs and laser irradiation showed the presence of necrosis in most of the tumors and no effect or practically absence in healthy surrounding cells, which are very encouraging outcomes. Conclusion The results are promising, however, there is still room for improving the system, namely by reducing even more the invasiveness of the treatment through the combined use of aerogels structures. Aerogel’s unique properties4 make them ideal candidates to minimize the exposure of healthy tissues to laser radiation, acting as light and thermal insulators, as well as to incorporate the nanoparticles into their skeletal structure and thus potentiating a topical application of the particles. For these reasons, some exploratory methods were carried to produce and design aerogels structures for PTT applications

Introducing active methodologies in a basic subject: Veterinary Pharmacology

[EN] In recent years changes in higher education, as a result of convergence to European Higher Education Area, are pointing towards a more active learning by the students and also towards a teachers’ new role. This new role involves providing to the students the conditions for learning and accompanying them through the learning process. This paper presents the adaptation process since 2003 to the new context in a basic Subject of the Veterinary Degree: Pharmacology. During this period, problem-based learning and Aronson’s jigsaw have been introduced to acquire specific competencies in Therapeutics and in Pharmaceutical Forms respectively, furthermore of other transversal competencies offered by these methodologies. Students’ self-assessment and teamwork students’ peer assessment have been also included. Moreover other experiences have been developed, including coordination with another subject, General Pathology, to solve common problems and clinical cases, and to prepare materials about pharmacological research in infectious and parasitic processes. In general, these new experiences have been highly valuated by all stakeholders: students and faculty.[ES] Los cambios producidos en los últimos años en la Educación Superior con motivo de la convergencia al Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior apuntan hacia un aprendizaje más activo por parte del estudiante y a un nuevo papel del profesorado, que proporciona las condiciones para que el aprendizaje del estudiante se produzca y le acompaña en el proceso. En este artículo se presenta la adaptación a este nuevo contexto que se ha ido produciendo desde el año 2003 en una asignatura básica de los estudios conducentes a la licenciatura o el grado de Veterinaria de la Universidad de Zaragoza: Farmacología. En este periodo se han incorporado el Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP) y el Puzzle de Aronson para la adquisición de competencias específicas en Terapéutica y Formas Farmacéuticas respectivamente, además de las competencias transversales propias de estas metodologías. También se ha incluido la autoevaluación y la evaluación por pares del trabajo en equipo de los estudiantes. Así mismo, se han realizado otras experiencias que incluyen la coordinación con otra asignatura, Patología General, para la resolución de problemas o casos clínicos comunes, así como la preparación de diversos materiales para el estudio de la Farmacología de los procesos infecciosos y parasitarios. En general, la introducción de estas nuevas experiencias ha sido valorada positivamente por todos los actores implicados: los estudiantes y el profesorado.A la Universidad de Zaragoza por la concesión de los proyectos de innovación docente: “El aprendizaje basado en la solución de problemas aplicado a Farmacología Veterinaria (2004), PIIDUZ_08_2_199, PIIDUZ_09_2_078, PIIDUZ_09_2_310, PIIDUZ_10_2_116, PIIDUZ_10_1_056, PIIDUZ_12_1_203, y especialmente por el proyecto de evaluación, divulgación y reconocimiento de experiencias innovadoras de especial interés PIIDUZ_08_5_195. Ana Rosa Abadía es Coordinadora del Grupo de Investigación en Docencia e Innovación Universitaria (GIDIU) reconocido por el Gobierno de Aragón y financiado por el Fondo Social Europeo. A los compañeros y compañeras que a lo largo de este tiempo han colaborado en estos proyectos y a los estudiantes, porque sin su implicación nada hubiese sido posible.Abadía Valle, A.; Muñoz Gonzalvo, MJ. (2017). Introducción de metodologías activas en la docencia de una asignatura básica: Farmacología Veterinaria. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 15(2):11-33. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2017.5953SWORD113315

Phosphorylcholine-Based Contact Lenses for Sustained Release of Resveratrol: Design, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Performances, and In Vivo Behavior

Design of advanced contact lenses (CLs) demands materials that are safe and comfortable for the wearers and that preserve the normal eye microbiota, avoiding chronic inflammation and biofilm development. This work aimed to combine the natural antibiofouling phosphorylcholine and the antioxidant and prebiotic resveratrol as integral components of CLs that may have the additional performance of preventing oxidative-stress related eye diseases. Different from previous uses of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) as coating, we explored the feasibility of adding MPC at high proportions as a comonomer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)-based hydrogels while still allowing for the loading of the hydrophobic resveratrol. Homogeneous distribution of MPC along the hydrogel depth (confirmed by Raman spectroscopy) notably increased solvent uptake and the proportion of free water while it decreased Young’s modulus. Relevantly, MPC did not hinder the uptake of resveratrol by CLs (>10 mg/g), which indeed showed network/water partition coefficients of >100. Protocols for CLs sterilization and loading of resveratrol under aseptic conditions were implemented, and the effects of tear proteins on resveratrol release rate were investigated. CLs sustained resveratrol release for more than 24 h in vitro, and sorption of albumin onto the hydrogel, although attenuated by MPC, slowed down the release. The combination of MPC and resveratrol reduced P. aeruginosa and S. aureus growth as tested in a novel hydrogel disk-agar interface biofilm growth setup. The developed CLs showed excellent anti-inflammatory properties and biocompatibility in in ovo and rabbit tests and provided higher and more prolonged levels of resveratrol in tear fluid, which favored resveratrol biodistribution in anterior and posterior eye segments compared to eye drops. Correlations between the release profiles of resveratrol in vitro and in vivo were assessed. Relevantly, the CLs preserved the antioxidant properties of resveratrol during the entire 8 h of wearing. In sum, CLs prepared with high proportion in MPC may help address safety and comfort requirements while having drug releasing capabilitiesThe authors are grateful to Mabel Loza and Cristina Val García, from BioFarma Research Group (USC GI-1685), for their help in the UPLC experiment, and to Luis Díaz-Gómez for advice in the anti-inflammatory tests. M.V.-L. acknowledges Xunta de Galicia (Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria) for a predoctoral research fellowship [Grant ED481A-2019/120]. A.F.P.-d.-M. is an ESR of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Grant Agreement 813440 (ORBITAL-Ocular Research by Integrated Training and Learning)S

Integrating pressure sensor control into semi-solid extrusion 3D printing to optimize medicine manufacturing

Semi-solid extrusion (SSE) is a three-dimensional printing (3DP) process that involves the extrusion of a gel or paste-like material via a syringe-based printhead to create the desired object. In pharmaceuticals, SSE 3DP has already been used to manufacture formulations for human clinical studies. To further support its clinical adoption, the use of a pressure sensor may provide information on the printability of the feedstock material in situ and under the exact printing conditions for quality control purposes. This study aimed to integrate a pressure sensor in an SSE pharmaceutical 3D printer for both material characterization and as a process analytical technology (PAT) to monitor the printing process. In this study, three materials of different consistency were tested (soft vaseline, gel-like mass and paste-like mass) under 12 different conditions, by changing flow rate, temperature, or nozzle diameter. The use of a pressure sensor allowed, for the first time, the characterization of rheological properties of the inks, which exhibited temperature-dependent, plastic and viscoelastic behaviours. Controlling critical material attributes and 3D printing process parameters may allow a quality by design (QbD) approach to facilitate a high-fidelity 3D printing process critical for the future of personalized medicine

Anti-biofilm multi drug-loaded 3D printed hearing aids

Over 5% of the world's population has disabling hearing loss, which affects approximately one third of individuals over 65 years. Hearing aids are commonly used in this population group, but prolonged use of these devices may cause ear infections. We describe for the first time, the use of 3D printing to fabricate hearing aids loaded with two antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and fluocinolone acetonide. Digital light processing 3D printing was employed to manufacture hearing aids from two polymer resins, ENG hard and Flexible. The inclusion of the antibiotics did not affect the mechanical properties of the hearing aids. All multi-drug-loaded devices exhibited a hydrophilic surface, excellent blood compatibility and anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Hearing aids loaded with ciprofloxacin (6% w/w) and fluocinolone acetonide (0.5% w/w) sustained drug release for more than two weeks and inhibited biofilm formation on the surface of the devices and bacteria growth in the surrounding medium. In summary, this work highlights the potential of vat photopolymerization 3D printing as a versatile manufacturing approach to fabricate high-fidelity patient-specific medical devices with anti-bacterial properties

Farmacovigilancia veterinaria: una asignatura pendiente. Necesitamos aprobarla urgentemente

La Farmacovigilancia Veterinaria es la actividad de Salud Pública encargada de dar a conocer y evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de los Medicamentos de uso veterinario una vez comercializados, tanto para los animales como para el hombre o el Medio Ambiente. Los Profesionales sanitarios, Laboratorios fabricantes o propietarios de los animales efectúan notificaciones confidenciales en la “Tarjeta Verde” de supuestas reacciones adversas (RAM), falta de eficacia, tiempos de aplicación o de espera incorrectos, uso no contemplado o fuera de etiqueta, defectos de fabricación y problemas medioambientales potenciales. El Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia (SEFV) recoge y evalúa la información emitida por las Administraciones Sanitarias Nacionales, Autonómicas y Europeas. Igualmente el Comité de Seguridad de Medicamentos Veterinarios (CVMP) de la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos (EMEA) realiza su evaluación Técnico-científica, y emiten “Alertas” que incluyen una serie de medidas a cumplir para prevenir los riesgos aparecidos por el uso de un determinado medicamento

Recull de Treballs realitzats a Catalunya i publicats a la Revista Medicamenta

En aquesta comunicació s'han recopilat tots aquells treballs realitzats a Catalunya bé per equips de Departaments, principalment de la Universitat, o bé per persones que elaboraren els seus treballs de manera independent, i que foren publicats a la revista 'MEDICAMENTA' en la seva edició pel farmacèutic