2. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU

Flipped classroom (FC) is a teaching method where traditional learning roles are inverted. Students are provided with material in advance and are expected to study the content prior to in-class sessions. These sessions are subsequently utilized to clarify doubts and examine in greater depth the previously acquired knowledge. Despite the widespread nature of its approach in health education, its application in basic veterinary subjects remains poorly described. This study explores the implementation of the FC approach in veterinary physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and embryology. Pre-class material was mainly provided in video format, and class sessions facilitated quizzes and interactive activities aimed to reinforce understanding. The findings indicate a high level of student involvement and effective class preparation, as evidenced by over 84% of students participating in FC in-class sessions and generally achieving satisfactory scores on quizzes. A survey conducted at the end of the first semester shows that a high proportion of students positively valued pre-class material (>90%), quizzes (82%), and the FC approach (66%). However, by the end of the second semester, traditional lectures were preferred by more students than FC (45% and 25%, respectively), while 30% of the students mentioned having no preference between the two methods. Analysis of open-ended responses underscored positive facets of the FC approach, including self-organization, enhanced understanding, and availability of pre-class material. However, it also emphasized challenges associated with FC, such as the significant time and effort required. In conclusion, this study suggests that the FC approach can be well received in integrated basic veterinary subjects if it does not imply an excessive student workload, underscoring the potential benefits of a blended teaching approach that combines elements of both traditional and FC methods.

To provide new insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying gas emboli (GE) in bycaught loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), we investigated the vasoactive characteristics of the pulmonary and systemic arteries, and the lung parenchyma (LP). Tissues were opportunistically excised from recently dead animals for in vitro studies of vasoactive responses to four different neurotransmitters: acetylcholine (ACh; parasympathetic), serotonin (5HT), adrenaline (Adr; sympathetic) and histamine. The significant amount of smooth muscle in the LP contracted in response to ACh, Adr and histamine. The intrapulmonary and systemic arteries contracted under both parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation and when exposed to 5HT. However, proximal extrapulmonary arterial (PEPA) sections contracted in response to ACh and 5HT, whereas Adr caused relaxation. In sea turtles, the relaxation in the pulmonary artery was particularly pronounced at the level of the pulmonary artery sphincter (PASp), where the vessel wall was highly muscular. For comparison, we also studied tissue response in freshwater sliders turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Both PEPA and LP from freshwater sliders contracted in response to 5HT, ACh and also Adr. We propose that in sea turtles, the dive response (parasympathetic tone) constricts the PEPA, LP and PASp, causing a pulmonary shunt and limiting gas uptake at depth, which reduces the risk of GE during long and deep dives. Elevated sympathetic tone caused by forced submersion during entanglement with fishing gear increases the pulmonary blood flow causing an increase in N2 uptake, potentially leading to the formation of blood and tissue GE at the surface. These findings provide potential physiological and anatomical explanations on how these animals have evolved a cardiac shunt pattern that regulates gas exchange during deep and prolonged diving.

The PHYAFB database is a valuable resource for studying the physiological demands of female amateur basketball players during high-stress official games. It contains heart rate data from ten players aged 18 to 26, collected during ten crucial relegation phase matches, with 348,232 HR samples in CSV and Excel formats for easy access and analysis. The database includes Python source code for initial examination. The primary aim of the PHYAFB database is to provide a useful reference for other teams facing similar situations. Furthermore, the database represents a unique and valuable resource for sports scientists, coaches, and trainers seeking to comprehend the physiological demands of female basketball players during official competitions. Through the analysis of heart rate data, coaches and trainers can identify the intensity and duration of physical activity during games, enabling the development of more effective training programs. Additionally, the database can be used to compare the physiological demands placed on male and female basketball players or to investigate the impact of different game strategies on player performance.

Rho proteins are a large family of GTPases involved in the control of actin cytoskeleton dynamics, proliferation and survival. Rnd1, Rnd2 and RhoE/Rnd3 form a subfamily of Rho proteins characterized by being constitutively active. The role of these proteins has been studied during the last years in several systems; however, little is known about their expression and functions in the reproductive organs. In this work we analysed the localization and the effect of RhoE deficiency in the testes using mice lacking RhoE expression (RhoE gt/gt), and our research shows some unexpected and relevant results. First, we have observed that RhoE is only expressed in Leydig cells within the testicular parenchyma and it is absent of seminiferous tubules. In addition, RhoE is expressed in the excurrent ducts of the testis, including the ductuli efferentes, epididymis and ductus deferens. Moreover, the testes of postnatal 15-day-old RhoE null mice are smaller, both in absolute values and in relation to the body weight. Furthermore, the dimensions of their seminiferous tubules are also reduced compared with wild-types. In order to study the role of RhoE in the adult, we analysed heterozygous animals as RhoE null mice die early postnatally. Our results show that the testes of adult RhoE heterozygous mice are also smaller than those of the wild-types, with a 17% decrease in the ratio testis weight/body weight. In addition, their seminiferous tubules have reduced tubular diameter (12%) and a thinner epithelial wall (33%) that appears disorganized and with a swollen lumen. Finally, and probably as a consequence of those alterations, the sperm concentration of heterozygous animals was found to be lower than in the wild-types. These results indicate that accurate levels of RhoE in the testes are necessary for a correct development and function of male gonads, and suggest novel and unexpected roles of Rnd GTPases in the reproductive physiology.