Evaluation of a web-based application versus conventional instruction in the undergraduate curriculum of fixed prosthodontics.

AIMS: The present study aims to investigate the implications of web-based delivery of identical learning content for time efficiency and students' performance, as compared to conventional textbook resources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cohorts of third year undergraduate dental students in 2003 (n = 35) and 2006 (n = 32) completed the study. Following a baseline pre-test, the students were divided into two groups and given 3 weeks for studying identical content using a web-based application (group A) or a conventional paper manuscript (group B). Post-test, end of semester examination and a final retention test were taken. Test scores and studying time was registered for both cohorts in 2003 and 2006. RESULTS: Group A and B knowledge gain was highly significant between the average per cent scores from pre-test, post-test and end of semester examination in both cohorts in 2003 and 2006 (P < 0.005). Group A spent 1.6× (2003) to 2.6× (2006) less time studying than group B. The average total studying time recorded for group B was 5.1 h using 6.2 learning sessions in 2003 and 3.5 h using 4.4 sessions in 2006. With group A, significantly less time was measured for studying through web-based content using an average of 2.5 h over 4.4 learning sessions in 2003 and 1.5 h added over three sessions in 2006. CONCLUSIONS: Web-based delivery of identical content results in less overall studying time as compared to textbook delivery. These results appear independent of the students' own preference of the learning medium.

[UroSurf--an interactive learning program on urine diagnostics]. / UroSurf--ein interaktives Lernprogramm zur Urindiagnostik.

The examination of the urine is of great significance in medical diagnostics. This can be seen in the high number of ordered urin analyses. Accordingly, the interpretation of urinalysis is part of the Swiss Catalogue of Learning Objectives of Undergraduate Medical Training as well as the licencing examinations in Internal Medicine. Due to its simple handling, its low costs and the many parameters measured, the chemical urinalysis with a stix is an ideal screening test. In contrast to stix tests, the interpretation of urine sediments is far from being trivial. The examiners must be accordingly trained in order to recognize the typical abnormalities of the urine sediment. Learning how to interpret microscopic findings is tedious and time-consuming if technical aids such as a microscope-mounted video camera are lacking. An additional handicap is that urine sediments can not be kept for a long time as it is the case with blood smears. Therefore an interactive learning program such as UroSurf offers many possibilities to lessen these problems. UroSurf is a web-based learning program consisting of three modules. In the module "Urindiagnostik", urine diagnostics are presented in a textbook like style. In the module "Klinische Fallbeispiele" (clinical case samples), urine diagnostics are put into a clinical context. In the module "Urinsediment-Bilder" (images), learners can train and assess their skills in interpreting urine sediments.

[HemoSurf--an interactive hematology atlas on the world wide web]. / HemoSurf--ein interaktiver Hämatologie-Atlas im World Wide Web.

Microscopic examination of blood films is essential in clinical medicine despite automatic cell counters. To acquire this skill takes time, an adequate technical infrastructure and experienced instructors. In many cases all these things are not readily available. A computer-based learning program such as "HemoSurf" helps to supply these needs. In its learning part, "HemoSurf" allows the user to develop pattern recognition by offering more than 2000 images of blood and bone marrow films. In a stepwise manner the learner is enabled to differentiate leukocytes and recognize qualitative alterations to blood cells. In the reference part the user can look up blood films and some of the corresponding bone marrow films of over 30 diseases. In the World Wide Web "HemoSurf" is accessible via the following URL: [http./(/)www.aum.iawf.unibe.ch/VLZ/ BWL/HemoSurf/Index.htm]. A publication on CD-ROM with different language versions is in preparation.

Increased bone metabolism in a patient undergoing long-term rhG-CSF treatment for idiopathic acquired neutropenia.

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) has been used mainly for treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The reported side effects were of minor importance. We describe a case of long-term treatment with rhG-CSF, in which we observed enhanced bone remodeling.