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Calcification is a process of accumulation of calcium in tissues and deposition of calcium salts by the crystallization of PO43− and ionized calcium (Ca2+). It is a crucial process in the development of bones and teeth. However, pathological calcification can occur in almost any soft tissue of the organism. The better studied is vascular calcification, where calcium salts can accumulate in the intima or medial layer or in aortic valves, and it is associated with higher mortality and cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, aortic and peripheral artery disease (PAD), and diabetes or chronic kidney disease (CKD), among others. The process involves an intricate interplay of different cellular components, endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), fibroblasts, and pericytes, concurrent with the activation of several signaling pathways, calcium, Wnt, BMP/Smad, and Notch, and the regulation by different molecular mediators, growth factors (GFs), osteogenic factors and matrix vesicles (MVs). In the present review, we aim to explore the cellular players, molecular pathways, biomarkers, and clinical treatment strategies associated with vascular calcification to provide a current and comprehensive overview of the topic., Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid, ProACapital, HALEKULANI, S. L., MJR, Depto. de Biología Celular, Fac. de Medicina, TRUE, pub, Descuento UCM

Histology, the study of tissues at a microscopic level, is a cornerstone of the education of healthcare professionals. It lays the foundation for grasping pathology and diagnostics. Memorizing terminology, understanding the physiological relevance of specific cellular arrangements, and integrating this knowledge into a cohesive understanding of organ systems present significant hurdles. Laboratory sessions, where students engage with actual histological slides, are crucial but can pose challenges too. Understanding histology requires a keen eye, attention to detail, and a solid grasp of cellular structures and tissue patterns. The skill to comprehend histological images, interpret them, and reconstruct three-dimensional structures takes time and practice. Freehand drawing microscope observations aids in understanding, enhances learning, and retention. In the realm of university health sciences, portfolios have become an essential tool for both students and educators. These carefully curated collections of evidence showcase students' academic development, clinical skills, and personal achievements throughout their higher education journey. For educators, portfolios simplify assessment based on learning outcomes. Sophomore dentistry students were required to prepare an individual portfolio documenting their work in Oral Histology practical sessions. The portfolio was expected to include freehand drawings of organs observed under the microscope at various magnifications and with different stains. Additionally, the portfolios were to encompass the student's reflections on their learning process. After submitting the portfolio, students were asked to complete a satisfaction survey regarding their practical experience. Students were requested to provide feedback on the utility of drawings and the portfolio, the time allocated, and the clarity of guidelines. The survey consisted of seven questions, employing a 5-point Likert scale where 1 indicated the lowest value (Strong

Histology is typically undertaken by medical and dental undergraduates during the first and second years. Although theoretical knowledge is broad and difficult to learn, histology is a practical science that relies on images and on the skill of interpreting them. The practice classes are aimed at enabling the identification of cell and tissue types and the recognition of normal morphology at the microscopic level. It is not strange for students to fail and obtain poor outcomes. During the last decades, class dynamization has been a golden point for teaching strategies including constructivist methodologies, where students are actively involved in their training. This work aimed to enhance active engagement in histology practices using Wooclap, a digital tool to interact, capture attention and measure understanding. Two different approaches were designed for the Dentistry degree in the course 2023-24. Students enrolled in Cell Biology and Histology or Oral Biology spend 15 and 7.5 hours respectively, observing slides under microscopy. Wooclap questionnaires were introduced in practicals of both subjects but with different purposes. Fresher students from Cell Biology and Histology were proposed to complete an asynchronous questionnaire after each practice to reinforce their learning and to prepare for the final test. A different approach was designed for the second-year students from Oral Histology. Wooclap questionnaires were used at the beginning of each class to delve into the practice. In this subject, the evaluation of the practices was done through a portfolio. In this paper, we describe the double experience and present the results of the satisfaction surveys completed by the students. In summary, respondents showed a satisfactory opinion of the tool. The asynchronous activities gave feedback to the students about their level of knowledge and made them reflect on how to strengthen their skills. Remarkably, students' marks in the final test seem to be directly r

La implementación de metodologías didácticas basadas en el juego se ha ido extendiendo a lo largo de los últimos años en el ámbito de la enseñanza universitaria. Una de las estrategias de aprendizaje basado en el juego que está en auge en el Área de Ciencias de la Salud es el uso del “escape room” porque favorece la adquisición de competencias, como la habilidad para resolver problemas. Dado los beneficios del uso de esta estrategia didáctica, un grupo de profesores del Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, del Departamento de Biología Celular, del Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología y un médico del Servicio de Medicina Intensiva del Hospital Clínico San Carlos solicitaron un Proyectos de Innovación en la modalidad Innova-Docentia de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid en la convocatoria 2022-2023. La finalidad del proyecto era crear una actividad digital “escape room” para que los estudiantes de segundo curso del Grado de Medicina trabajaran de forma colaborativa, empleando algunas de las competencias que se adquieren durante el curso. Tras la realización de la actividad, se cumplimentaron cuestionarios de satisfacción que han mostrado un elevado grado de complacencia de los discentes. Esta experiencia pone de manifiesto que su uso en la enseñanza universitaria puede favorecer la consolidación de algunas competencias vinculadas con el Grado de Medicina.

En los últimos años, se han descrito numerosas experiencias que detallan los efectos beneficiosos del uso de La metodología flipped classroom (clase al revés, aula invertida o flipped learning model) en la enseñanza universitaria. Por ello, un grupo de profesores de la Facultad de Medicina (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, UCM) y un médico del Servicio de Medicina Intensiva del Hospital Clínico San Carlos diseñaron y utilizaron distintos mini-vídeos como material audiovisual en la docencia de algunos temas de la asignatura de Bioquímica Humana mediante el enfoque pedagógico de la clase invertida. Tras su uso en el aula, los estudiantes manifestaron un alto grado de satisfacción por la incorporación de esta metodología en los seminarios que se imparten en esta asignatura del Grado de Medicina.

[Abstract] Objective: The purposes of this project were to quantify the cells expressing the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker CD271 in synovial membranes from human osteoarthritic (OA) and healthy joints, and to determine if those CD271 cells were involved in spontaneous human cartilage repair and were beneficial for the repair of human articular cartilage defects. Methods: The coexpression of CD44/CD271, CD90/CD271, and CD105/CD271 antigens was determined by immunofluorescence in OA and healthy synovial membranes and during spontaneous cartilage repair. Isolated MSCs from the bone marrow of four OA patients (mean age: 64 years) were magnetically separated into MSC CD271+ and MSC CD271 subsets. The separated cell subsets were then implanted into 2 mm focal defects of articular cartilage. These implants were cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium supplemented with recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta3 for 8 weeks. The repair tissues were analyzed by histochemistry (hematoxylin–eosin and safranin O) and immunohistochemistry for collage types I and II. Results: Cells expressing the CD271 antigen were diffusely distributed in OA synovial membranes and localized in the subintimal zone in healthy synovial membranes. The number of cells expressing MSC markers was higher in OA synovial membranes than in synovia from healthy joints, corresponding to the highest level of coexpression of CD90/CD271 antigens (9.8% vs. 2.6%). Spontaneous repair tissue showed more cells expressing the CD271 antigen (9.9% ± 4.0%). The highest levels of expression were found to be associated with CD44; 64% of positive CD271 cells coexpressed the CD44 antigen. In both implant cell types, the repair tissue morphology resembled articular cartilage, having an extracellular matrix with a hyaline aspect and numerous lacunae containing cells, and was immunopositive for collagen types I and II. Statistical analyses of the repair tissue demonstrated that the implantation of MSC CD27

[Abstract] Objective. To quantify cells expressing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers in synovial mem- branes from human osteoarthritic (OA) and healthy joints. Methods. Synovial membranes from OA and healthy joints were digested with collagenase and the isolated cells were cultured. Synovial membrane-derived cells were phenotypically characterized for differentiation experiments using flow cytometry to detect the expression of mesenchymal markers (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD117, CD166, and STRO-1) and hematopoietic markers (CD34 and CD45). Chondrogenesis was assessed by staining for proteoglycans and collagen type II, adipogenesis by using a stain for lipids, and osteogenesis by detecting calcium deposits. Coexpression of CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 was determined using immunofluorescence. Results. Cells expressing MSC markers were diffusely distributed in OA synovial membranes; in healthy synovial membrane these cells were localized in the subintimal zone. More numerous MSC markers in OA synovial membranes were observed in cells also expressing the CD90 antigen. FACS analysis showed that more than 90% of OA synovial membrane-derived cells were positive for CD44, CD73, and CD90, and negative for CD34 and CD45. OA synovial membrane-derived cells were also positive for CD29 (85.23%), CD117 (72.35%), CD105 (45.5%), and STRO-1 (49.46%). Micropellet analyses showed that the culture of cells with transforming growth factor-ß3 stimulated proteoglycan and collagen type II synthesis. Conclusion. Synovial membranes from patients with OA contain more cells positive for CD44, CD90, and CD105 antigens than those from joints with undamaged cartilage.