Afro-Caribbean epistemology and oral tradition: epistemic dimension of the Afrolimonian calypso

This article deals with the epistemic dimension of the afro-limonense calypso as an afro-caribbean oral tradition. In order to do so, this musical genre will be understood as part of orality and its role in the construction and transmission of knowledge will be highlighted. Likewise, it will deepen in to the concept of traditional knowledge proposed by the philosopher Liliana Valladares and the philosopher León Olivé as a framework for the analysis of the epistemic dimension of this oral tradition. Lastly, a section will be devoted to the mechanism used in the afro-limonense calypso for the construction and oral transmission of knowledge, for which it will be of vital importance to emphasize concepts such as calypsonians, storytellers and griots.El presente artículo versa sobre la dimensión epistémica del calypso afrolimonense en tanto tradición oral afrocaribeña. Para ello, se comprenderá este género musical como parte de la oralidad y se destacará su papel en la construcción y transmisión de conocimientos. Asimismo, se profundizará en el concepto de conocimientos tradicionales propuesto por la filósofa Liliana Valladares y el filósofo León Olivé como marco para el análisis de la dimensión epistémica de esta tradición oral. Por último, se dedicará un apartado a los mecanismos utilizados en el calypso afrolimonense para la construcción y transmisión oral de conocimientos, para lo cual será de vital importancia enfatizar en conceptos como calypsonians, storytellers y los griots

Effect of time of day for harvest and postharvest treatments on the sugar metabolism of broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i>)

Loss of sugars contributes to accelerate postharvest senescence of broccoli. Several treatments have been developed to delay senescence, but in many cases their effects on sugar metabolism were not analyzed. We studied the effect of harvest at different times of day (08:00, 13:00 and 18:00 h) and of several postharvest treatments as heat treatment (HT), modified atmosphere (MA) and 1-methylcylcopropene (1-MCP) on sugar levels and activities of enzymes related to sucrose and starch degradation. Harvesting at the end of day delayed the loss of chlorophylls and caused the lowest decrement in sugars, although no differences in invertase, sucrose synthase and β-amylase activities were detected among samples. Treatments of MA and 1-MCP caused a lower loss of glucose and fructose, while HT caused a lower decrement of sucrose. Treated samples maintained higher levels of chlorophylls. The treatments reduced the activity of invertase and sucrose synthase and induced higher levels of β-amylase activity. Harvesting at the end of day and performing simultaneously a MA treatment could be a good combination to maintain the green color of the inflorescence and sugar levels during postharvest of broccoli.Facultad de Ciencias ExactasCentro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimento

The p38 MAPK Components and Modulators as Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cancer

This research was funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, grant number RTI2018-101309-B-C22 and by the Chair Doctors Galera-Requena in cancer stem cell research.The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family is an important bridge in the transduction of extracellular and intracellular signals in different responses at the cellular level. Within this MAPK family, the p38 kinases can be found altered in various diseases, including cancer, where these kinases play a fundamental role, sometimes with antagonistic mechanisms of action, depending on several factors. In fact, this family has an immense number of functionalities, many of them yet to be discovered in terms of regulation and action in different types of cancer, being directly involved in the response to cancer therapies. To date, three main groups of MAPKs have been identified in mammals: the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the different isoforms of p38 (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). In this review, we highlight the mechanism of action of these kinases, taking into account their extensive regulation at the cellular level through various modifications and modulations, including a wide variety of microRNAs. We also analyze the importance of the different isoforms expressed in the different tissues and their possible role as biomarkers and molecular targets. In addition, we include the latest preclinical and clinical trials with different p38-related drugs that are ongoing with hopeful expectations in the present/future of developing precision medicine in cancer.MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER RTI2018-101309-B-C22Chair Doctors Galera-Requena in cancer stem cell researc

Mantenimiento de la vida postcosecha de brócoli mínimamente procesado mediante el tratamiento combinado con radiación UV-C y aire caliente

El brócoli (Brassica oleracea L.) es una hortaliza con un alto valor nutricional dado su elevado contenido de vitaminas, antioxidantes y compuestos anticarcinogénicos. Las inflorescencias de brócoli se cosechan completamente inmaduras lo cual causa un estrés severo al tejido. El eventual procesado ulterior de las inflorescencias genera un agravamiento del estrés que acelera la senescencia. En este trabajo se analizó la influencia de tratamientos combinados de aire caliente y UV-C sobre la calidad y fisiología postcosecha de brócoli mínimamente procesado almacenado a 20 °C durante 4 días. Para seleccionar el tratamiento óptimo se realizaron tratamientos con tres dosis de UV-C (5, 8 y 10 kJ.m-2) y tres temperaturas (42, 45 y 48 °C) durante tres horas. Se realizaron todas las combinaciones posibles y en todos los casos se realizó primero el tratamiento UV y luego el tratamiento térmico. El tratamiento a 48 °C con una dosis de 8 kJ.m-2 provocó el mayor retraso de amarillamiento y mantenimiento de la calidad organoléptica. Las inflorescencias tratadas presentaron un mayor valor de Hue, menor valor de L, mayor contenido de clorofilas y menor tasa respiratoria, indicando en conjunto un menor avance de la senescencia. Finalmente, las muestras tratadas mostraron un mayor nivel de capacidad antioxidante a lo largo del almacenamiento. Estos resultados sugieren que un tratamiento combinado de UV-C y calor podría ser una metodología adecuada para retrasar la senescencia postcosecha y mantener la calidad en brócoli mínimamente procesado durante el almacenamiento a 20 °C

Thermal and modified atmosphere treatment for post-harvest conservation of brocoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) at 20°C

Los tratamientos térmicos de alta temperatura y las atmósferas modificadas por si solas han sido utilizados como métodos físicos de postcosecha para extender el tiempo de almacenamiento en diferentes productos, convirtiéndose en una posible estrategia al control químico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la respuesta de brócoli a la atmósfera modificada combinada con un tratamiento térmico de alta temperatura. Para ello se utilizaron cabezas de brócoli que fueron colocadas en bandejas a las que se le los siguientes tratamientos: a. Tratamiento térmico combinado con atmósfera modificada (TT+AM): las bandejas se embolsaron con polietileno de baja densidad, se sellaron y luego se sometieron a un tratamiento térmico con aire caliente 48 ºC, 3 horas. b. Tratamiento térmico (TT+PVC): las bandejas se recubrieron con PVC perforado y se llevaron a estufa con aire caliente a 48 ºC, 3 horas. c. Control con atmósfera modificada (C+AM): las bandejas se embolsaron con polietileno de baja densidad y sellaron. d. Control sin atmósfera modificada (C+PVC): las bandejas se recubrieron con PVC perforado. Todas las bandejas se almacenaron a 20 ºC durante 8 días. Se tomaron muestras a los 0, 2, 4, 6 y 8 días de almacenamiento. Se midió la composición de la atmósfera modificada, pérdida de peso, color superficial, clorofilas, fenoles y azúcares totales. La composición de la atmósfera inmediatamente después del tratamiento (TT+AM) fue de 6 % CO2 y 13 % O2, posteriormente en el día 8 de almacenamiento la concentración de CO2 fue de 0.6 % y la de O2 de 19 %, mientras que las muestras (C+AM) al día 8 tuvieron 6 % de O2 y 2.5 % de CO2. La pérdida de peso fue significativamente superior en las muestras recubiertas con PVC (C+PVC) y (TT+PVC) con respecto a las muestras que tenían la atmósfera modificada (TT+AM) y (C+AM) no observándose diferencias entre estas dos últimas. En cuanto al color superficial, en el día 4 y 8 de almacenamiento se observó el menor valor de Hue en las muestras (C+PVC), evidenciando un amarillamiento de las cabezas, en tanto que las muestras (TT+AM) presentaron el valor más alto de Hue, demostrando una buena retención del color verde. El contenido de clorofila en las muestras tratadas (TT+AM) presentó la menor tasa de disminución respecto a los demás tratamientos. Por otra parte, en el día 8 el contenido de fenoles en las muestras (TT+AM) disminuyó significativamente respecto a las muestras (TT+PVC) y (C+AM) observándose valores similares a las (C+PVC). El contenido de azúcares totales disminuyó durante el almacenamiento en todas las muestras. Estos resultados permiten concluir la combinación de tratamiento térmico con atmósfera modificada extiende la vida postcosecha de brócoli almacenado a 20 ºC.Heat treatments and modified atmospheres are physical methods that can be employed to extend postharvest life during storage of several fruit or horticultural products, being a possible alternative to chemical treatments. In this work, the objective was to analyze the response of broccoli to a combination of heat treatment with modified atmosphere. To do that, broccoli heads were placed in trays and subjected to different treatments. a. Heat treatment and modified atmosphere (HT+MA): trays were wrapped with, sealed and heat treated at 48 ºC during 3 hours. b. Heat treatment (HT+PVC): trays were covered with perforated PVC and heat treated at 48 ºC during 3 hours. c. Control with modified atmosphere (C+MA): trays were wrapped with low density polyethylene and sealed. d. Control without modified atmosphere (C+PVC): trays were covered with perforated PVC. All trays were stored at 20 ºC during 8 days. Samples were taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days of storage and composition of the atmosphere, weight loss, superficial color and chlorophyll, phenolics and sugar contents were evaluated. Atmosphere composition was 6 % CO2 and 13 % O2 in HT+AM samples immediatelly after heat treatment. After 8 days of storage, concentration of CO2 and O2 was 0.6 % and 19 % respectively, while, samples C+AM had 6 % O2 and 2.5 % CO2 after 8 days. Weight loss was significantly higher in samples covered with PVC (C+PVC and TT+PVC) regard to samples stored with modified atmosphere (HT+MA and C+MA). No weight loss differences were detected between HT+MA and C+MA samples. In relation to superficial colour, after 4 and 8 days of storage, lower Hue values were measured C+PVC samples, which is related with yellowing of heads. On the contrary, samples TT+MA showed the higher values of Hue, indicating a good retention of green colour. Similarly, samples treated with the combination (TT+MA) had the lower chlorophyll degradation in relation to the other treatments. Phenolic content decreased significantly after 8 days in samples TT+MA in relation to TT+PVC and C+MA, but values were similar to C+PVC. Content of sugars decreased during storage in all samples regardless the treatment applied. These results indicate that the combination of heat treatment with modified atmosphere allow extending postahrvest life of broccoli during storage at 20 °C.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimento

Abordaje dietético de la disfagia orofaríngea en establecimientos de salud públicos y privados de la República Argentina, año 2021: Estudio Exploratorio.

I Introduction: Dysphagia refers to the alteration in the swallowing process; its treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the safety and efficacy of feeding. The aim of this study was to describe the existence and characteristics of interdisciplinary teams in the treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) in adult and pediatric patients, and the use of typifications of oral diets adapted for this purpose, in health institutions with hospitalization in the Argentine Republic. Methodology: exploratory study. Non-random sampling. A self-designed questionnaire aimed at Registered Dietitians was applied. Data was processed with VCCStat – Beta3.0®. Descriptive statistics were calculated with CI 95%. Results: 100 health institutions were sampled, from 22 districts. 38% (IC 95% 28,6-48,3) had interdisciplinary teams for the treatment of OPD, and only 12% were well formed and fully operational. 75.8% (IC 95% 63,0-85,4) reported that the greatest difficulty in forming an interdisciplinary team was the lack of professionals linked to OPD treatment. 40% (IC 95% 30,5-50,3) did not have standardized diets designed for this group of patients. Only 11% and 6% of institutions used IDDSI nomenclature to describe consistency of food and beverages. Conclusions: in most cases there were no interdisciplinary teams for treatment of patients with OPD, neither standardized diets nor consensus regarding the nomenclature used to describe textures and consistencies. Training and specialization of health professionals and the will of each institution to promote interdisciplinary teams to treat OPD are urgently needed.Introducción: La disfagia hace referencia a la alteración en el proceso deglutorio; su tratamiento requiere un abordaje multidisciplinario para garantizar la seguridad y eficacia de la alimentación. El objetivo fue describir la existencia y características de equipos interdisciplinarios para el abordaje de la disfagia orofaríngea (DOF) en pacientes adultos y pediátricos, y el uso de tipificaciones de planes de alimentación adaptados a tal fin, en establecimientos de salud con internación de la República Argentina. Metodología: estudio exploratorio. Muestreo no aleatorio, por conveniencia. Se aplicó un cuestionario de diseño propio dirigido a Licenciados en Nutrición. Los datos fueron procesados con VCCStat – Beta3.0®. Se calcularon porcentajes, medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, e IC95%. Resultados: La muestra quedó conformada por 100 establecimientos de 22 provincias. Sólo el 38% (IC 95% 28,6-48,3) contaba con equipos interdisciplinarios para el abordaje de la DOF, y apenas el 12% estaba bien conformado y en pleno funcionamiento. En el 75,8% (IC 95% 63,0-85,4) de los casos la principal dificultad percibida para su conformación fue la falta de profesionales vinculados al abordaje de la DOF. El 40% (IC 95% 30,5-50,3) no contaba con listas de menú tipificadas para la alimentación oral adaptada de pacientes con DOF. Sólo un 11% y 6% de las instituciones utilizaban la nomenclatura propuesta por IDDSI para describir las consistencias de líquidos y alimentos, respectivamente. Conclusiones: En la mayoría de los casos no existían equipos interdisciplinarios para el abordaje de la DOF. Tampoco existían planes de alimentación de textura modificada tipificados ni consenso respecto a la nomenclatura para describirlos. La capacitación y especialización de los profesionales de la salud y la decisión de cada institución para fomentar la conformación de equipos interdisciplinarios son hoy una necesidad.

Postharvest senescence of florets from primary and secondary broccoli inflorescences

The shelf-life of fresh-cut vegetables may be markedly affected by the type and quality of the raw materials. In this work we evaluated the influence of the type of inflorescence used for processing (primary and lateral) on the postharvest senescence of refrigerated fresh-cut broccoli. Florets from primary and lateral heads were cut and washed with chlorinated water, rapidly cooled to 4 °C, packed in plastic trays covered with perforated PVC and stored at 4 °C for 0, 14 or 21 d. During storage we evaluated floret deterioration, respiration rate, weight loss, color, chlorophyll content, sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose), antioxidant capacity against ABTS•⁺ and DPPH•⁻ radicals, ascorbic acid and Folin–Ciocalteu-reacting substances. Florets from lateral inflorescences were more perishable than fresh-cut broccoli obtained from primary heads. Terminal florets retained higher chlorophyll levels and showed delayed yellowing. Already at harvest primary-broccoli showed lower respiration rate. Florets form terminal heads showed lower weight and sugar loss during storage and maintained higher visual quality throughout the storage period at 4 °C. The inflorescence type also had large impact in the initial level of antioxidants as well as in their metabolism during storage. This information may be useful for vegetable processors.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de AlimentosLaboratorio de Investigación en Productos Agroindustriale

Una propuesta innovadora para las prácticas de enseñanza de profesores de ciencias: la experiencia del curso de licenciatura en ciencias de la naturaleza (EACH-USP) en São Paulo, Brasil

Este artículo presenta la propuesta de prácticas de enseñanza que el curso de Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Naturaleza de la Universidad de San Pablo (USP) organizó para sus alumnos que se gradúan como profesores de ciencias para actuar con alumnos de enseñanza básica del grupo que en Brasil corresponde al segundo segmento, esto es, estudiantes que cursan el 6º y 9º año, con edades entre 11 y 14 años. La organización de la práctica fue idealizada y organizada por el grupo de profesoras responsables por dictar las disciplinas pedagógicas del citado curso, y busca proporcionar a los estudiantes la oportunidad de entrar en contacto con la realidad escolar, mediante la elaboración de un proyecto de prácticas de enseñanza realizado a lo largo de tres semestres en una única escuela pública. Esta propuesta es innovadora y diferente de aquellas usualmente realizadas en las licenciaturas en Brasil.In this paper the authors present a proposition for the supervision of a set of curricular activities as part of the undergraduate Natural Sciences Teaching program at the Universidade de São Paulo (USP). The undergraduate students are being trained to work as high-school science teachers (teaching adolescents aged from 10 to 13). The supervision was planned and organized by the staff responsible for the pedagogical disciplines of the curriculum and its purpose is to offer the students the opportunity to get acquainted with the reality of a public high-school where they will apply the practice along three consecutive semesters. This proposition is unique and differs from the activities usually performed in other Natural Sciences undergraduate programs in Brazil

Potential Impacts in the Gilthead Seabream Larviculture by Nodavirus

The nervous necrosis virus (NNV) leads to viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) disease in more than 170 fish species, mainly from marine habitats. It replicates in the central nervous tissues, reaching up to 100% mortalities after a few days of infection, mainly in the larvae and juvenile stages. This is continuously spreading and affecting more species, both wild and cultured, posing a risk to the development of the aquaculture industry. In the Mediterranean Sea, it mainly affects European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and some grouper species (Epinephelus spp.). Interestingly, in the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), typically resistant to common NNV strains, great mortalities in hatcheries associated with typical clinical signs of VER have been confirmed to be caused by RGNNV/SJNNV reassortants. Thus, we have evaluated the susceptibility of seabream larvae to either RGNNV/SJNNV or SJNNV/RGNNV reassortants, as well as the larval immunity. Based on our results we can conclude that: (i) gilthead seabream larvae are susceptible to infection with both NNV reassortant genotypes, but mainly to RGNNV/SJNNV; (ii) virus replicated and infective particles were isolated; (iii) larval immunity was correlated with larval survival; and (iv) larval resistance and immunity were correlated with age of the larvae. Further investigations should be carried out to ascertain the risks of these new pathogens to Mediterranean larviculture