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- Fragoso-Bargas, Nicolas, et al.
(author)
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Cohort profile : Epigenetics in Pregnancy (EPIPREG) - population-based sample of European and South Asian pregnant women with epigenome-wide DNA methylation (850k) in peripheral blood leukocytes
- 2021
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:8, s. 1-15
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pregnancy is a valuable model to study the association between DNA methylation and several cardiometabolic traits, due to its direct potential to influence mother's and child's health. Epigenetics in Pregnancy (EPIPREG) is a population-based sample with the aim to study associations between DNA-methylation in pregnancy and cardiometabolic traits in South Asian and European pregnant women and their offspring. This cohort profile paper aims to present our sample with genetic and epigenetic data and invite researchers with similar cohorts to collaborative projects, such as replication of ours or their results and meta-analysis. In EPIPREG we have quantified epigenome-wide DNA methylation in maternal peripheral blood leukocytes in gestational week 28±1 in Europeans (n = 312) and South Asians (n = 168) that participated in the population-based cohort STORK Groruddalen, in Norway. DNA methylation was measured with Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850k sites), with technical validation of four CpG sites using bisulphite pyrosequencing in a subset (n = 30). The sample is well characterized with few missing data on e.g. genotype, universal screening for gestational diabetes, objectively measured physical activity, bioelectrical impedance, anthropometrics, biochemical measurements, and a biobank with maternal serum and plasma, urine, placenta tissue. In the offspring, we have repeated ultrasounds during pregnancy, cord blood, and anthropometrics up to 4 years of age. We have quantified DNA methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes in nearly all eligible women from the STORK Groruddalen study, to minimize the risk of selection bias. Genetic principal components distinctly separated Europeans and South Asian women, which fully corresponded with the self-reported ethnicity. Technical validation of 4 CpG sites from the methylation bead chip showed good agreement with bisulfite pyrosequencing. We plan to study associations between DNA methylation and cardiometabolic traits and outcomes.
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- Elvén, Maria, 1973-, et al.
(author)
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Active learning strategies to promote student-centred learning in anatomy: A Nordic approach
- 2021
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Understanding of anatomy is challenging in health education, students frequently adopting a surface approach to learning. Despite the effectiveness of student-centred learning (SCL), anatomy still heavily relies on a teacher-centred approach. Active learning strategies offer opportunities to enhance students learning. In 2020, educators from three Nordic countries created a network called I-SAIL (Nordic Initiative for promoting Student Activities for Independent and Lifelong Learning in Physiotherapy), with the goal to design, implement and evaluate SCL in anatomy education. The aim of the first project year was to support teachers in their transition from teacher- to student-centred learning via innovative methods and investigate teachers experiences within this process of change. Summary of Work: Following the identification of institutional needs, experiences and research findings, methodology for SCL was developed. Interviews with three teachers were conducted to explore experiences from SCL implementation.Summary of Results: An on-line guide for blended learning, on-line training on SCL and peer-supervision was developed to support teachers. Participant teachers implemented pilot learning activities in anatomy using the on-line guide, e-learning platforms, videos and case studies utilizing the flipped classroom method. The teachers acknowledged the value of developing competences in designing learning activities to stimulate students active learning. The teachers perceived the students as more interested, engaged and communicative than previously. Teachers reported experiences of fulfillment, leading to personal learning and increased work motivation since they had time to join discussions as students joined group work prepared. Teachers enhanced their skills in digitalization with confidence to modify teaching. In the process, peer-teacher support was identified as a means to integrate SCL in anatomy.Discussion and Conclusions: The integration of SCL in anatomy positively influenced teaching and students activity in learning. The findings underline the value of international collaboration for educational change. Joint development work tackled the common pedagogical challenges. Acknowledged limitation of the study is the lack of student feedback. This will be the focus during the project ́s second year.Take-home Messages: The project has addressed the traditional teacher-centred approach in anatomy by developing methods to support teachers in their transition towards a student-centred approach. Implemented SCL activities utilized blended learning, resulting in positive teacher experiences and increased student engagement.
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