EL ROL DOCENTE PARA EL DESARROLLO DE COMPETENCIAS EN LOS ESTUDIANTES

La educación en los momentos actuales hace énfasis en el reconocimiento de situaciones que son altamente significativas para reestructurar las realidades complejas, donde el rol del docente en el marco del desarrollo de competencias ha traído consigo un escenario muy particular en el que se estructuran aspectos que dan paso a una nueva visión de educación. Ante ello, el presente escrito de revisión teórica tiene como objetivo analizar el rol del docente para el desarrollo de competencias en los estudiantes. Para ello, se dispuso de una serie de referentes teóricos que dan un respaldo significativo a las situaciones que se intentan avizorar de la acción de interpretar sus posturas. De este modo, se hizo un abordaje de los aspectos significativos para este ensayo, como son el rol del docente y el desarrollo de competencias donde se evidencian grandes falencias producto de la necesidad de intervenir desde la educación como acción que dinamiza la estructura del pensamiento humano. Por otra parte, se concluye a partir de la necesidad que los docentes desde el uso de sus habilidades personales renueven aspectos prácticos de su enseñanza para consolidar el desarrollo de competencias de una forma representativa para la sociedad de los momentos actuales

Betacoronavirus genomes: How genomic information has been used to deal with past outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic

In the 21st century, three highly pathogenic betacoronaviruses have emerged, with an alarming rate of human morbidity and case fatality. Genomic information has been widely used to understand the pathogenesis, animal origin and mode of transmission of betacoronaviruses in the aftermath of the 2002-03 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks. Furthermore, genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis have had an unprecedented relevance in the battle against the 2019-20 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the newest and most devastating outbreak caused by a coronavirus in the history of mankind, allowing the follow up of disease spread and transmission dynamics in near real time. Here, we review how genomic information has been used to tackle outbreaks caused by emerging, highly pathogenic, betacoronavirus strains, emphasizing on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.In the 21st century, three highly pathogenic betacoronaviruses have emerged, with an alarming rate of human morbidity and case fatality. Genomic information has been widely used to understand the pathogenesis, animal origin and mode of transmission of betacoronaviruses in the aftermath of the 2002-03 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks. Furthermore, genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis have had an unprecedented relevance in the battle against the 2019-20 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the newest and most devastating outbreak caused by a coronavirus in the history of mankind, allowing the follow up of disease spread and transmission dynamics in near real time. Here, we review how genomic information has been used to tackle outbreaks caused by emerging, highly pathogenic, betacoronavirus strains, emphasizing on SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2

Extracellular Vesicles Could Carry an Evolutionary Footprint in Interkingdom Communication

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are minute particles secreted by the cells of living organisms. Although the functional role of EVs is not yet clear, recent work has highlighted their role in intercellular communication. Here, we expand on this view by suggesting that EVs can also mediate communication among interacting organisms such as hosts, pathogens and vectors. This inter-kingdom communication via EVs is likely to have important evolutionary consequences ranging from adaptation of parasites to specialized niches in the host, to host resistance and evolution and maintenance of parasite virulence and transmissibility. A potential system to explore these consequences is the interaction among the human host, the mosquito vector and Plasmodium parasite involved in the malaria disease. Indeed, recent studies have found that EVs derived from Plasmodium infected red blood cells in humans are likely mediating the parasite's transition from the asexual to sexual stage, which might facilitate transmission to the mosquito vector. However, more work is needed to establish the adaptive consequences of this EV signaling among different taxa. We suggest that an integrative molecular approach, including a comparative phylogenetic analysis of the molecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) derived from the EVs of interacting organisms (and their closely-related species) in the malaria system will prove useful for understanding interkingdom communication. Such analyses will also shed light on the evolution and persistence of host, parasite and vector interactions, with implications for the control of vector borne infectious diseases.Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are minute particles secreted by the cells of living organisms. Although the functional role of EVs is not yet clear, recent work has highlighted their role in intercellular communication. Here, we expand on this view by suggesting that EVs can also mediate communication among interacting organisms such as hosts, pathogens and vectors. This inter-kingdom communication via EVs is likely to have important evolutionary consequences ranging from adaptation of parasites to specialized niches in the host, to host resistance and evolution and maintenance of parasite virulence and transmissibility. A potential system to explore these consequences is the interaction among the human host, the mosquito vector and Plasmodium parasite involved in the malaria disease. Indeed, recent studies have found that EVs derived from Plasmodium infected red blood cells in humans are likely mediating the parasite's transition from the asexual to sexual stage, which might facilitate transmission to the mosquito vector. However, more work is needed to establish the adaptive consequences of this EV signaling among different taxa. We suggest that an integrative molecular approach, including a comparative phylogenetic analysis of the molecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) derived from the EVs of interacting organisms (and their closely-related species) in the malaria system will prove useful for understanding interkingdom communication. Such analyses will also shed light on the evolution and persistence of host, parasite and vector interactions, with implications for the control of vector borne infectious diseases

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii and Risk Factors Associated with the Infection in Stray Dogs and Cats of Panama

Stray animals such as dogs and cats have an important role in maintaining the transmission cycles and dissemination of Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats in six different regions of Panama and determine risk factors associated with the dynamics of infection in each of the studied regions. Data were obtained using serological tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of this study revealed an overall infection frequency of 23.73%. The infection frequencies found in dog and cat populations were 25.70% and 21.93% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. Risk factor correlations suggested different infection dynamics depending on the region analyzed. The San Miguelito, North and West regions were more associated with positive cases in dogs with an age range greater than 13 months. Conversely, the Metro, Central and East regions were more associated with negative cases in cats with age ranging between 0 and 5 months. Infection of the parasite in stray animals can be influenced by intrinsic characteristics of each region, which can potentiate different risk factors associated with the different routes of transmission.Stray animals such as dogs and cats have an important role in maintaining the transmission cycles and dissemination of Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats in six different regions of Panama and determine risk factors associated with the dynamics of infection in each of the studied regions. Data were obtained using serological tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of this study revealed an overall infection frequency of 23.73%. The infection frequencies found in dog and cat populations were 25.70% and 21.93% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. Risk factor correlations suggested different infection dynamics depending on the region analyzed. The San Miguelito, North and West regions were more associated with positive cases in dogs with an age range greater than 13 months. Conversely, the Metro, Central and East regions were more associated with negative cases in cats with age ranging between 0 and 5 months. Infection of the parasite in stray animals can be influenced by intrinsic characteristics of each region, which can potentiate different risk factors associated with the different routes of transmission

Extracellular vesicles carrying lactate dehydrogenase induce suicide in increased population density of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro

Even with access to sufficient nutrients and atmosphere, Plasmodium falciparum can barely be cultured at maximum growth capacity in vitro conditions. Because of this behavior, it has been suggested that P. falciparum has self-regulatory mechanisms in response to density stress. Only recently has this process begun to be acknowledged and characteristics of a programmed cell death been assigned to the parasite at high parasitaemia in vitro cultures. In searching for death signals within the parasite community, we have found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) of P. falciparum from high parasitaemia cultures are able to induce programmed cell death processes in the population. A comparative proteomic analysis of EVs from low (EVL) and high (EVH) parasitaemia cultures was conducted, pointing to lactate dehydrogenase from P. falciparum (PfLDH) as the only parasite protein overexpressed in the later. Although the major function of P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) is the conversion of pyruvate to lactate, a key process in the production of energy in most living organisms, we investigated its possible role in the mechanism of parasite density control by intercellular signaling, given that PfLDH had already been listed as a component of extracellular vesicles of P. falciparum. In this study we present evidence of the EV-associated PfLDH regulation of parasite population by inducing apoptosis in highly parasitized cultures.Even with access to sufficient nutrients and atmosphere, Plasmodium falciparum can barely be cultured at maximum growth capacity in vitro conditions. Because of this behavior, it has been suggested that P. falciparum has self-regulatory mechanisms in response to density stress. Only recently has this process begun to be acknowledged and characteristics of a programmed cell death been assigned to the parasite at high parasitaemia in vitro cultures. In searching for death signals within the parasite community, we have found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) of P. falciparum from high parasitaemia cultures are able to induce programmed cell death processes in the population. A comparative proteomic analysis of EVs from low (EVL) and high (EVH) parasitaemia cultures was conducted, pointing to lactate dehydrogenase from P. falciparum (PfLDH) as the only parasite protein overexpressed in the later. Although the major function of P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) is the conversion of pyruvate to lactate, a key process in the production of energy in most living organisms, we investigated its possible role in the mechanism of parasite density control by intercellular signaling, given that PfLDH had already been listed as a component of extracellular vesicles of P. falciparum. In this study we present evidence of the EV-associated PfLDH regulation of parasite population by inducing apoptosis in highly parasitized cultures

Estructura dimensional e interna de la escala de Zung para depresión en personas dedicadas al reciclaje de residuos urbanos

The dimensional and internal structure of the instruments can vary significantly according to the population. The objective of the study was to corroborate the dimensional and internal structure of the Zung’s brief scale in people dedicated to the recycling of urban waste. A methodological study was designed. A sample of 206 adults, between 18 and 70 years (M=37.7, SD=12.5); 147 men and 59 women. Participants completed the ten items of the scale. The dimensional structure was tested by confirmatory factor analysis and calculated goodness-of-fit indexes: chi-square, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation), CFI (Comparative Fit Index), TLI (Tucker-Lewis index) and SMSR (Standardized Mean Square Residual). The internal structure was tested with Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. The two-dimensional structure was tested: the first factor (depressed mood-anxiety) and the second (anhedonia-cognition). The fit indices were chi square=126.83, degrees of freedom=34, p=0.001; RMSEA=0.115 (IC90% 0.094-0.137), CFI=0.851, TLI=0.802, and SRMS=0.075. The first dimension showed both Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega of 0.80; and the second, alpha of 0.71 and omega of 0.72. The structure of the Zung scale for depression was not corroborated. A larger sample can give more conclusive information.La estructura dimensional e interna de los instrumentos puede variar significativamente según la población. El objetivo del estudio fue corroborar la estructura dimensional e interna de la escala de breve de Zung en personas dedicadas al reciclaje de residuos urbanos. Se diseñó un estudio metodológico. Una muestra de 206 adultos, entre 18 y 70 años (M=37,7; SD=12,5); 147 hombres y 59 mujeres. Los participantes diligenciaron los diez ítems de la escala. La estructura dimensional se probó mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio y calcularon índices de bondad del ajuste: chi cuadrado, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation), CFI (Comparative Fit Index), TLI (índice de Tucker-Lewis) y SMSR (Standardized Mean Square Residual). La estructura interna se probó con alfa de Cronbach y omega de McDonald. Se probó la estructura bidimensional: el primer factor (ánimo deprimido-ansiedad) y el segundo (anhedonia-cognición). Los índices de ajuste fueron chi cuadrado=126,83, grados de libertad=34, p=0,001; RMSEA=0,115 (IC90% 0,094-0,137), CFI=0,851, TLI=0,802 y SRMS=0,075. La primera dimensión mostró alfa de Cronbach y omega de McDonald de 0,80; y la segunda, alfa de 0,71 y omega de 0,72. No se corroboró la estructura de la escala de Zung para depresión. Una muestra mayor puede dar información más concluyente

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal del adulto mayor rehabilitado con prótesis total

Objetivo Analizar la calidad de vida y la salud bucal de los adultos mayores entre 60 y 90 años rehabilitados con prótesis dental total uni o bimaxilar en consulta odontológica en la E.S.E. Hospital Santa Mónica, Dosquebradas-Risaralda en el 2018-1. Metodología Estudio descriptivo transversal con componente analítico. Muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se hizo revisión de historias clínicas, encuesta sociodemográfica y escala GOHAI. Se realizó análisis univariado con proporciones e intervalos de confianza, bivariado con prueba χ², multivariado con regresión logística múltiple. Resultados La muestra fue de 34 personas con promedio de 69,53 años y DE+/- 7,07; 100% de los encuestados pertenecían al régimen subsidiado, 76% al estrato socioeconómico 1, 50% presentaron prótesis superior, 38,2% bimaxilar, 22,8 % inferior. La media del GOHAI fue de 43,5 puntos, es decir, calidad de vida buena. En la función física 26,5% refirió que sus prótesis siempre les impidieron hablar bien; función psicosocial 26,5% siempre estuvieron insatisfechos con la apariencia de sus dientes o prótesis; según la prueba χ² hubo significancia estadística con valor de p p<0.05 con el nivel de escolaridad, fecha de instalación de la prótesis, quitarse la prótesis para dormir, número de prótesis que ha tenido, sufrir hipertensión arterial, sufrir de enfermedades sistémicas, lesiones en la mucosa oral. Conclusiones Se demuestra que la calidad de vida se ve reducida en aquellos adultos mayores con enfermedad sistémica, barreras de acceso a una rehabilitación oportuna y deficientes prácticas de higiene oral; lo que muestra el predominio de factores sociales susceptibles de ser modificados

Phylogenetic and syntenic data support a single horizontal transference to a Trypanosoma ancestor of a prokaryotic proline racemase implicated in parasite evasion from host defences

Abstract\ud \ud Background\ud Proline racemase (PRAC) enzymes of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcPRAC), the agent of Chagas disease, and Trypanosoma vivax (TvPRAC), the agent of livestock trypanosomosis, have been implicated in the B-cells polyclonal activation contributing to immunosuppression and the evasion of host defences. The similarity to prokaryotic PRAC and the absence in Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense have raised many questions about the origin, evolution, and functions of trypanosome PRAC (TryPRAC) enzymes.\ud \ud \ud Findings\ud We identified TryPRAC homologs as single copy genes per haploid genome in 12 of 15 Trypanosoma species, including T. cruzi and T. cruzi marinkellei, T. dionisii, T. erneyi, T. rangeli, T. conorhini and T. lewisi, all parasites of mammals. Polymorphisms in TcPRAC genes matched T. cruzi genotypes: TcI-TcIV and Tcbat have unique genes, while the hybrids TcV and TcVI contain TcPRACA and TcPRACB from parental TcII and TcIII, respectively. PRAC homologs were identified in trypanosomes from anurans, snakes, crocodiles, lizards, and birds. Most trypanosomes have intact PRAC genes. T. rangeli possesses only pseudogenes, maybe in the process of being lost. T. brucei, T. congolense and their allied species, except the more distantly related T. vivax, have completely lost PRAC genes.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud The genealogy of TryPRAC homologs supports an evolutionary history congruent with the Trypanosoma phylogeny. This finding, together with the synteny of PRAC loci, the relationships with prokaryotic PRAC inferred by taxon-rich phylogenetic analysis, and the absence in trypanosomatids of any other genera or in bodonids or euglenids suggest that a common ancestor of Trypanosoma gained PRAC gene by a single and ancient horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from a Firmicutes bacterium more closely related to Gemella and other species of Bacilli than to Clostridium as previously suggested. Our broad phylogenetic study allowed investigation of TryPRAC evolution over long and short timescales. TryPRAC genes diverged to become species-specific and genotype-specific for T. cruzi and T. rangeli, with resulting genealogies congruent with those obtained using vertically inherited genes. The inventory of TryPRAC genes described here is the first step toward the understanding of the roles of PRAC enzymes in trypanosomes differing in life cycles, virulence, and infection and immune evasion strategies.U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH)U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)SENACYT (Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FAPESP (grant #2013/14622-3, São Paulo Research Foundation)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Universidade de São Paulo (USP