Technical and didactic knowledge of the moodle LMS in Higher Education: beyond functional use

Higher education institutions at the international level have seen the need to adopt and integrate information and communication technologies to meet the opportunities and challenges of innovation in teaching and learning processes. This logic has led to the implementation of virtual learning environments called ‘Learning Management Systems’, the functionalities of which support flexible and active learning under a constructivist approach. This study measured didactic and technological use of Moodle and its implications in teaching from a quantitative approach by administering a questionnaire to a sample of 640 higher education teachers. Some guiding questions were as follows: Are teachers using the Moodle platform for didactic purposes? What strategies, resources and tools are teachers using, and what do they contribute to student-centred teaching? Are teaching strategies that are focused on collaboration, interaction and student autonomy promoted? The results coincide with those of other studies, confirming an instrumental and functional use of the platform, which is mainly being used as a repository for materials and information, while its pedagogical use remains limited. This is becoming a problem in higher education institutions, something that requires debate and reflection from a systemic perspective on the adoption and integration of technology in the classroo

DIROFILARIA IMMITIS AND ANGIOSTRONGYLUS VASORUM IN DOGS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES

Cardiopulmonary nematodes, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum, are severe and life-threatening parasites increasingly reported in dogs throughout Europe. However, the lack of country-wide epidemiological data regarding these two vector-borne helminths in Italy could make more difficult the awareness by practitioners and thus the implementation of effective prevention and control strategies. According to this, the present thesis presented new epidemiological and diagnostic data on dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis underlying their clinical impact in dogs in Italy as in other European countries. In order to reach our purpose, four objectives were fulfilled: (i) the prevalence of D. immitis and A. vasorum in kennel dogs from southern Italy by serological analysis; (ii) the extent and clinical relevance of A. vasorum infection in owned and stray dogs from southern Italy by using the FLOTAC technique; (iii) the prevalence of D. immitis through ELISA antigen testing before and after heat treatment, in dogs from eastern Romania; (iv) the evaluation of single and multiple vector-borne infections (Dirofilaria, Leishmania and Ehrichia) in dogs from Spain and Italy by ematological and serological diagnosis by also testing the possibility of a D. immitis quantitative ELISA test to reverse false negatives due to antigen-antibody complexes. The PhD thesis entitled “Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs: epidemiological and diagnostic challenges” consists of two parts, according to the European standard requirements. The first part - entitled “Literature Review” - is divided into two chapters and summarizes information from literature about aetiology, epidemiology, clinical implications, diagnostic concerns and treatment approaches of heartworm diseases and angiostrongylosis in dogs. The second part entitled - “Own Research” - presents the general and specific aims of the thesis followed by four original studies conducted in Italy, Romania and Spain, focused on epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical relevance of Dirofilaria and Angiostrongylus infection in dogs, with conclusions and recommendations. The literature review in Chapter 1 provides an overview of the main cardiopulmonary nematode (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in dogs in Europe. Data regarding aetiology, life cycle and other biological aspects, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention are discussed in detail with emphasis on the geographical distribution and diagnostic concerns of the infection. Chapter 2 provides literature data on aetiology, life cycle and other aspects of the clinical, diagnostic and control challenges for canine angiostrongylosis. Subsequently, we also analyse the current distribution of canine angiostrongylosis in Europe and Italy. This review provided herein, indicates a lack of detailed studies on the prevalence of both D. immitis and A. vasorum pathogens in southern Italy, as well as data regarding the clinical importance of these nematodes. Chapter 3 assesses the seroprevalence of D. immitis and the faecal presence of first stage larvae (L1) of A. vasorum in dogs from 68 kennels of the Campania region (southern Italy). Antigens of D. immitis were detected in 24/537 (4.4%) dogs in 6 out of the 68 kennels (8.8%). A. vasorum L1 were detected in dogs from 9 out of the 68 kennels (13.2%). Pooled faecal samples from 25 boxes (epidemiological unit in the kennel) out of the 1360 analyzed (1.8%) resulted positive to A. vasorum L1. The results indicated that cardiopulmonary nematodes are present in southern Italy in symptomatic dogs as well as in asymptomatic ones. Therefore, regular parasitological surveillance, appropriate treatment strategies and high-quality standard of hygiene are required to guarantee the health and welfare of kennel dogs. Chapter 4 reports the findings of a survey conducted in southern Italy in order to evaluate the extent and clinical relevance of A. vasorum infection in owned and stray dogs using the FLOTAC technique. A. vasorum was detected in 29 out of 1499 faecal samples examined (1.9%). Out of 656 owned dogs examined, seven (4 females, 3 males) were positive for A. vasorum (1.1%); age ranged between 18 and 48 months; the LPG values detected varied between 10-560 (mean value = 216 LPG). Out of 843 stray dogs investigated, 22 (14 females, 8 males) were positive for A. vasorum (2.6%). Age ranged between 12 and 84 months and the LPG count varied between 10-668 (mean value = 254.8 LPG). The prevalence in stray dogs (2.6%) was significantly higher than the prevalence detected in owned dogs (1.1%). Seven dogs resulted positive to A. vasorum by FLOTAC showed clinical evidences compatible with the lungworm infection. As expected, clinical signs of A. vasorum infected animals were: gagging, coughing, anorexia, weight loss, exercise intolerance. The most consistent findings at the radiological exam were: generalized interstitial and alveolar pattern and enlargement of tracheobronchial lymph nodes. The findings showed a spread of A. vasorum in southern Italy, demanding the necessity of stimulating concern on this infection among vet practitioners, which should always include angiostrongylosis on differential diagnosis when signs are consistent. Chapter 5 provides results of a study aimed to determine infection prevalence for D. immitis, through ELISA antigen testing before and after heat treatment, in dogs from eastern Romania where both D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens are endemic. Of 194 dogs sampled from four cities in Romania, D. immitis circulating antigens were found in 16 (8.2%) non-heated samples and in 52 (26.8%) heated samples. Of the 108 dogs examined by Knott test, 24 dogs (22.2%) were positive for circulating microfilariae (mf). Fifty% of dogs with circulating D. immitis mf had positive antigen tests before and after heating, while the other 50% reverted to positive only after heat treatment. Sixty% of dogs with mixed D. immitis/D. repens infection were antigen positive before and after heating, while the other 40% converted to positive after heating. Antigen testing for D. immitis in the 12 dogs with only D. repens mf gave conflicting results. Only two dogs (16%) were antigen negative both before and after heat treatment. Six dogs (50%) became antigen positive after heating and four dogs (30%) were antigen positive both before and after heat treatment. Results would suggest that: false negative result for antigen testing can be reverted by heating of the serum sample; dogs infected with D. repens may have also an occult infection with D. immitis; heat treatment of serum from D. repens-infected dogs can reveal an occult infection with D. immitis. Chapter 6 aimed to evaluate the prevalence of single and multiple vector-borne infections (Ehrlichia, Dirofilaria and Leishmania) in dogs from Spain and Italy by ematological and serological diagnosis. In particular, a quantitative ELISA test was evaluated before and after serum heat treatment in order to: detect D. immitis antigen; verify the cross-reactivity with other pathogens; verify the possibility to reverse false negatives due to antigen-antibody complexes. A total of 46 blood samples (23 from Madrid, Spain and 23 from Molise region, Italy) were randomly collected from stray, hunting and owned dogs. All the dogs were screened for D. immitis, D. repens, Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis, using the following laboratory techniques: Knott test, quantitative ELISA test (Petcheck®, Idexx) before and after heat treatment, antibody test (SNAP 4Dx Plus Test). The results of this study showed: i) the presence of L. infantum, E. canis and D. immitis in central Spain as well as in central Italy; ii) the lack of occult infection with D. immitis probably due to the fact that vector-borne pathogens other than D. immitis (e.g. Leishmania and Ehrlichia) even if induce hyper-gammaglobulinemia, not always can affect antigen test results as expected; iii) the increase of OD in heartworm positive samples after heating, confirming the hypothesis that canine serum and plasma from some dogs may contain inhibitors of D. immitis antigen detection, so the heat treatment of these samples prior to testing could improve the sensitivity of these assay in some dogs. In chapter 7, the present assessments and future perspectives on dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis in dogs are discussed with particular focus on the epidemiological and diagnostic challenges. Promoting awareness among practitioners and dog owners is one of the priority areas for an integrated parasite control in pets as recommended by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) and the European Society of Dirofilariosis and Angiostrongylosis (ESDA)

Tuberculous otitis media with facial paralysis: microbiological and clinical study

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease affecting various organs and tissues even if the lung is the most commonly involved site.A case of tuberculous otitis media in a patient who had no history of tuberculosis is herewith presented with the aim of increasing the awareness of this disease whose diagnosis is often delayed because either of the rarity of this pathologic condition or of its usually indolent course

Perceptions of Chilean university students about the use of social networks and collaborative work

En los últimos años hemos sido testigo de un uso, siempre más difundido, de las redes sociales digitales (RSD), con fines educativos. El alumnado declara hacer un uso didáctico de las redes y sus herramientas y, al mismo tiempo, reconoce el trabajo colaborativo como una metodología que promueve su aprendizaje y que viene propiciada por el uso de las redes sociales. Entre los propósitos del siguiente estudio, se encuentra indagar las percepciones que el alumnado tiene respecto al uso de las redes sociales como herramienta educativa y conocer sus preferencias con respecto al trabajo colaborativo. La investigación realizada se encuadra dentro de las denominadas ex post facto, no experimental y descriptiva. La muestra de la investigación estuvo formada por 460 estudiantes de diferentes carreras del área de ingeniería de una institución de educación superior chilena, durante el curso académico 2017-18. Entre los resultados destacables, podemos afirmar que Internet se está presentando como una de las tecnologías que va penetrando con más fuerza en las Universidades, y que los alumnos la suelen utilizar constantemente para fines educativos. Es por estas razones que consideramos que existen las condiciones iniciales para la incorporación de las redes sociales a la enseñanza formal. Además, nuestros resultados muestran que el interés de trabajar con otros estudiantes determina la actitud del alumnado hacia el trabajo colaborativo. Ello nos lleva a reclamar la necesidad de que el docente se asegure de las percepciones que tienen los alumnos, y aplique estrategias específicas

Nephrolithiasis, kidney failure and bone disorders in Dent disease patients with and without CLCN5 mutations

open9noDent disease (DD) is a rare X-linked recessive renal tubulopathy characterised by low-molecular-weight proteinuria (LMWP), hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis and/or nephrolithiasis. DD is caused by mutations in both the CLCN5 and OCRL genes. CLCN5 encodes the electrogenic chloride/proton exchanger ClC-5 which is involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and LMW proteins, OCRL encodes the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, and was initially associated with Lowe syndrome. In approximately 25 % of patients, no CLCN5 and OCRL mutations were detected. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether calcium phosphate metabolism disorders and their clinical complications are differently distributed among DD patients with and without CLCN5 mutations. Sixty-four male subjects were studied and classified into three groups: Group I (with CLCN5 mutations), Group II (without CLCN5 mutations) and Group III (family members with the same CLCN5 mutation). LMWP, hypercalciuria and phosphaturic tubulopathy and the consequent clinical complications nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, bone disorders, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were considered present or absent in each patient. We found that the distribution of nephrolithiasis, bone disorders and CKD differs among patients with and without CLCN5 mutations. Only in patients harbouring CLCN5 mutations was age-independent nephrolithiasis associated with hypercalciuria, suggesting that nephrolithiasis is linked to altered proximal tubular function caused by a loss of ClC-5 function, in agreement with ClC-5 KO animal models. Similarly, only in patients harbouring CLCN5 mutations was age-independent kidney failure associated with nephrocalcinosis, suggesting that kidney failure is the consequence of a ClC-5 dysfunction, as in ClC-5 KO animal models. Bone disorders are a relevant feature of DD phenotype, as patients were mainly young males and this complication occurred independently of age. The triad of symptoms, LMWP, hypercalciuria, and nephrocalcinosis, was present in almost all patients with CLCN5 mutations but not in those without CLCN5 mutations. This lack of homogeneity of clinical manifestations suggests that the difference in phenotypes between the two groups might reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms, probably depending on the diverse genes involved. Overall, our results might suggest that in patients without CLCN5 mutations several genes instead of the prospected third DD underpin patients' phenotypes.openAnglani, Franca; D’Angelo, Angela; Bertizzolo, Luisa Maria; Tosetto, Enrica; Ceol, Monica; Cremasco, Daniela; Bonfante, Luciana; Addis, Maria Antonietta; Del Prete, DorellaAnglani, Franca; D'Angelo, Angela; Bertizzolo, Luisa Maria; Tosetto, Enrica; Ceol, Monica; Cremasco, Daniela; Bonfante, Luciana; Addis, Maria Antonietta; DEL PRETE, Dorell

Parasitic infections in dogs involved in animal-assisted interventions

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) programmes have been considered useful in different settings, such as hospital, therapeutic, educational and assisted living environments. In these contexts, all animals, and particularly dogs, should be subjected to appropriate health controls to prevent a potential risk of transmission of zoonotic agents. Domestic dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens including several gastrointestinal parasites (protozoa and helminths). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of the protozoan Giardia duodenalis and zoonotic gastrointestinal nematodes (geohelminths) in dogs hosted in a dog educational centre in the city of Naples (southern Italy) where the animals were trained to AAI. Between April and June 2016, 74 dog faecal samples were analysed using the FLOTAC dual technique to detect G. duodenalis cysts and other parasitic elements. Out of the 74 faecal samples examined, 18 (24.3%; 95% CI = 15.4–35.9) were positive for parasitic elements. Specifically, 8 were positive for G. duodenalis (44.4%; 95% CI = 22.4–68.7). In addition, some co-infections were also found: one sample (5.6%; 95% CI = 0.3–29.4) resulted positive to both Toxocara canis and Trichuris vulpis and two samples (11.1%; 95% CI = 1.9–36.1) were positive to both G. duodenalis and Ancylostomidae. Given that children, young adults and immunocompromised individuals are among the main users of the AAIs, specific guidelines targeting G. duodenalis and other gastrointestinal zoonotic parasites should be formulated in order to develop effective control and prevention strategies and reduce the zoonotic risk favoured by the human-dog interaction

Modelo para determinar acciones de calidad en la formación virtual

En el presente estudio, resultado de un trabajo de investigación, se propone un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales donde se recogen algunas de las variables que podrán determinar acciones de calidad en la formación virtual. Los datos se recogieron por medio de un cuestionario a una muestra de 640 docentes de la institución superior de Chile. Entre los resultados se destaca la significación que el dominio técnico y didáctico del docente, tiene sobre su frecuencia de uso, así como en la utilización de diferentes materiales que en ella se soporta y como, todo ello en interacción, repercute en las actividades y estrategias desarrolladas.

Endometritis associated with Enterococcus casseliflavus in a mare: A case report

Abstract Infectious endometritis is one of the main causes of subfertility/infertility in the mare. In this report, we present the first case of endometritis in mare associated with a strain of Enterococcus casseliflavus, an unusual gram-positive bacterium which can also be a zoonotic agent. Furthermore, the isolated strain showed a worrying multidrug-resistant profile. The accurate finding of a successful antimicrobial treatment and consequently, the pregnancy diagnosis indicate the importance to isolate, identify and define the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria associated with endometritis

Tuberculous Otitis Media with Facial Paralysis: A Clinical and Microbiological Diagnosis—A Case Report

The tuberculosis of the ear is rare, and in most cases the clinical picture resembles that of a chronic otitis media. The diagnosis is often delayed, and this can lead to irreversible complications such as hearing loss and/or facial paralysis. In view of its rare occurrence, we report a case of primary tuberculous otitis media in a 87-year-old female patient. The diagnosis was made on the basis of both histological and microbiological findings. In particular, gene amplification techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction are useful method for rapid diagnosis and detecting tuberculous bacilli usually present at very low number. Early diagnosis is essential for the prompt institution of antituberculous therapy

Potential Role of M. tuberculosis Specific IFN-γ and IL-2 ELISPOT Assays in Discriminating Children with Active or Latent Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: Although currently available IGRA have been reported to be promising markers for TB infection, they cannot distinguish active tuberculosis (TB) from latent infection (LTBI). OBJECTIVE: Children with LTBI, active TB disease or uninfected were prospectively evaluated by an in-house ELISPOT assay in order to investigate possible immunological markers for a differential diagnosis between LTBI and active TB. METHODS: Children at risk for TB infection prospectively enrolled in our infectious disease unit were evaluated by in-house IFN-γ and IL-2 based ELISPOT assays using a panel of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens. RESULTS: Twenty-nine children were classified as uninfected, 21 as LTBI and 25 as active TB cases (including 5 definite and 20 probable cases). Significantly higher IFN-γ ELISPOT responses were observed in infected vs. uninfected children for ESAT-6 (p<0.0001), CFP-10 (p<0.0001), TB 10.3 (p = 0.003), and AlaDH (p = 0.001), while differences were not significant considering Ag85B (p = 0.063), PstS1 (p = 0.512), and HspX (16 kDa) (p = 0.139). IL-2 ELISPOT assay responses were different for ESAT-6 (p<0.0001), CFP-10 (p<0.0001), TB 10.3 (p<0.0001), HspX (16 kDa) (p<0.0001), PstS1 (p<0.0001) and AlaDH (p = 0.001); but not for Ag85B (p = 0.063). Comparing results between children with LTBI and those with TB disease differences were significant for IFN-γ ELISPOT only for AlaDH antigen (p = 0.021) and for IL-2 ELISPOT assay for AlaDH (p<0.0001) and TB 10.3 antigen (p = 0.043). ROC analyses demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 81% of AlaDH-IL-2 ELISPOT assay in discriminating between latent and active TB using a cut off of 12.5 SCF per million PBMCs. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that IL-2 based ELISPOT with AlaDH antigen may be of help in discriminating children with active from those with latent TB