Blended learning has become increasingly common in higher education. Recent findings suggest that blended learning achieves better student outcomes than traditional face-to-face teaching in gross anatomy courses. While face-to-face content is perceived as important to learning there is less evidence for the significance of online content in improving student outcomes. Students enrolled in a second-year anatomy course from the physiotherapy (PT), exercise physiology (EP), and exercise science (ES) programs across two campuses were included (n = 500). A structural equation model was used to evaluate the relationship of prior student ability (represented by grade in prerequisite anatomy course) and final course grade and whether the relationship was mediated by program, campus or engagement with the online elements of the learning management system (LMS; proportion of documents and video segments viewed and number of interactions with discussion forums). PT students obtained higher grades and were more likely to engage with online course materials than EP and ES students. Prerequisite grade made a direct contribution to course final grade (P < 0.001) but was also mediated by engagement with LMS videos and discussion forums (P < 0.001). Student learning outcomes in a blended anatomy course can be predicted the by level of engagement with online content. Anat Sci Educ 11: 471-477. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.

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The study of human bioscience is viewed as a crucial curriculum in allied health. Nevertheless, bioscience (and particularly physiology) is notoriously difficult for undergraduates, particularly academically disadvantaged students. So endemic are the high failure rates (particularly in nursing) that it has come to be known as "the human bioscience problem." In the present report, we describe the outcomes for individual success in studying first-year human physiology in a subject that emphasises team-based active learning as the major pedagogy for mastering subject learning outcomes. Structural equation modeling was used to develop a model of the impact team learning had on individual performance. Modeling was consistent with the idea that students with similar academic abilities (as determined by tertiary entrance rank) were advantaged (scored higher on individual assessment items) by working in strong teams (teams that scored higher in team-based assessments). Analysis of covariance revealed that students who studied the subject with active learning as the major mode of learning activities outperformed students who studied the subject using the traditional didactic teaching format (lectures and tutorials, P = 0.000). After adjustment for tertiary entrance rank (via analysis of covariance) on two individual tests (the final exam and a late-semester in-class test), individual student grades improved by 8% (95% confidence interval: 6-10%) and 12% (95% confidence interval: 10-14%) when students engaged in team-based active learning. These data quantitatively support the notion that weaker students working in strong teams can overcome their educational disadvantages.

The relationship between autistic traits, stress, and anxiety experienced by the general population was investigated using an adult sample that evaluated the suitability of three theoretical models proposed by Green and Ben-Sasson. Participants completed online questionnaires that were analysed using structural equation modelling and partial correlation analyses. Of the models tested, the model that proposed SOR and stress as mediators of the relationship between autistic traits and anxiety was able to explain the variance in the data better than the other models. Based on these findings, we suggest that sensory neutral environments should be considered for the prevention and management of anxiety and stress symptoms for people in the general population with higher levels of autistic traits.

Purpose Prostate speci c membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is increasingly used in men with biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy to detect local recurrence and metastatic disease at low PSA levels. The aim of this study was to assess patterns of disease detection, predictive factors and safety using 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT versus diagnostic CT in men being considered for salvage radiotherapy with biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy.Methods We conducted a prospective trial recruiting 100 patients with biochemical failure postprostatectomy (PSA 0.2-2.0ng/mL) in men referred for salvage radiotherapy from August 2018 to July 2020. All patients underwent a PSMA PET/CT using the 18 F-DCFPyL tracer and a diagnostic CT. The detection rates of 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT vs diagnostic CT were compared and patterns of disease are reported. Clinical patient and tumour characteristics were analysed for predictive utility. Thirty-day postscan safety is reported.Results Of 100 patients recruited, 98 were suitable for analysis with a median PSA of 0.32ng/mL. 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT was positive or equivocal in 52% compared to 19.6% for diagnostic CT. Local recurrence was detected on 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT in 29.2%, nodal disease was seen in 29.6% and bony metastases in 7.1%. Both ISUP grade group (p = 0.003) and pre-scan PSA (p = 0.061) were signi cant predictors of 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT positivity, and logistic regression generated probabilities combining the two showed improved prediction rates. No signi cant safety events were reported post 18 F-DCFPyL administration.Conclusions 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT increases detection of disease in men with biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy compared to diagnostic CT. Men being considered for salvage radiotherapy with a PSA > 0.2ng/mL should be considered for 18 F-DCFPyL PET/CT scan.