Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) progressive been incorporated into nursing education as an academic and clinical support tool, promoting autonomous learning, rapid access to information, and the strengthening of clinical reasoning. However, its integration must be analyzed through nursing theoretical models that allow understanding the progressive development of professional competencies. General objective: To analyze the level of competence of nursing students in the use of artificial intelligence in their academic activities according to Patricia Benner’s model. Methodology: A qualitative study with a hermeneutic phenomenological approach was conducted among rotating internship nursing students from the Nursing program at the Technical University of Ambato. Information was collected through 14 semi-structured interviews until data saturation was reached. Subsequently, thematic analysis was carried out following Braun and Clarke’s proposal. Results: The findings revealed different levels of competence in the use of AI, predominantly novice, advanced beginner, and competent levels. Participants mainly used tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini for academic activities, information searching, and support in clinical procedures. Likewise, a gradual progression in the use of AI was identified, evolving from basic academic activities toward applications more closely related to clinical care and the strengthening of professional reasoning. Discussion: The progressive integration of AI is related to the transition between the competency levels described by Patricia Benner, predominantly at the advanced beginner and competent levels. Likewise, participants considered that the progressive use of these tools contributes to the development of cognitive, academic, and clinical skills during their professional training. Conclusion: Artificial intelligence constitutes a support tool that contributes to the progressive strengthening of academic and clinical competencies in nursing students, promoting autonomous learning, rapid access to scientific information, and the development of clinical reasoning. General area of study: nursing. Specific area of study: Artificial intelligence in nursing. Type of item: original.

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is the leading cause of chronic respiratory morbidity in extremely preterm infants. The intratracheal administration of budesonide, mixed with surfactant, aims to directly reduce pulmonary inflammation. Objective: synthesize recent knowledge regarding the intratracheal budesonide-surfactant therapeutic strategy for the prevention of BPD in extremely preterm infants. Methodology: narrative review of medical literature published from 2021 to 2026. Results: small studies and several meta-analyses suggest preliminary evidence of benefit, but contemporary multicenter trials in extremely preterm infants do not consistently confirm a reduction in BPD, death, or composite respiratory outcomes. Conclusion: the combination of budesonide and surfactant for the prevention of BPD is pathophysiologically rational, but its widespread use is not justified, except in the research setting, until high-quality evidence becomes available. General field of study: medicine. Specific field of study: neonatology. Type of study: Narrative literature review.

Introduction.  Periodontal disease is a multifactorial condition characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Its development has been associated with increased oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants. Vitamin C plays a role in collagen synthesis, immune response, and the neutralization of free radicals, which may influence periodontal health. Objective. To analyze the relationship between vitamin C, oxidative stress, and periodontal disease. Methodology. An exploratory literature review of scientific publications published between 2020 and 2026 was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. Studies in humans analyzed the relationship between vitamin C, oxidative stress, and periodontal disease were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 10 studies were selected for analysis. Results. The reviewed studies indicated that patients with periodontal disease exhibit alterations in biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and, in some cases, lower levels of vitamin C compared with periodontally healthy individuals. Furthermore, vitamin C intake showed positive effects on certain inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers. However, clinical outcomes regarding reductions in probing depth and improvements in clinical attachment levels varied among the studies. Conclusion. The relationship between vitamin C, oxidative stress, and periodontal disease was identified. Although vitamin C possesses antioxidant properties and may serve as an adjunct in periodontal treatment, the available clinical evidence remains variable, highlighting the need for studies with standardized methodologies and longer follow-up periods to more accurately determine its therapeutic effect. General Area of Study: Dentistry. Specific area of study: Periodontology. Type of study: Narrative bibliographic review.

Introduction.  Surgical extraction of third molars is commonly associated with postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus, which may negatively affect patient recovery. Preoperative corticosteroids are widely used to control the inflammatory response; however, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal drug, dosage, and route of administration. Objective.  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative corticosteroid use in third molar surgery and to propose an evidence-based clinical management protocol. Methodology.  A literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 evaluating preoperative corticosteroid use in third molar surgery were included. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 studies, including randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, were selected. Results.  Dexamethasone was the most extensively studied corticosteroid, particularly at single preoperative doses of 4–8 mg. Its use significantly reduced postoperative swelling and trismus, whereas pain control outcomes were less consistent. Submucosal and sublingual administration showed efficacy comparable to systemic routes and greater patient acceptance. No serious adverse events were reported in healthy patients. Conclusion.  Preoperative corticosteroids represent an effective and safe strategy for reducing inflammatory complications after third molar surgery. Dexamethasone at doses of 4–8 mg has the strongest scientific support. However, the heterogeneity of available studies limits protocol standardization; therefore, its use should be individualized according to each patient's clinical characteristics.