El desafío de aprender a enseñar

El Máster en Profesorado de la Universidad de Zaragoza ayuda a adquirir los conocimientos, actitudes y habilidades necesarios para ejercer como docente. La consecución de competencias personales, profesionales y sociales se va realizando a través de las distintas asignaturas que se cursan en el Máster y de las prácticas que se realizan en los centros educativos. El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster hace un recorrido a través de dos trabajos que han resultado muy significativos y que se han revelado complementarios para la obtención de las competencias específicas y transversales objeto del Máster. Los trabajos seleccionados implican por un lado, la elaboración de un proyecto de investigación docente e innovación en el aula donde mediante la implementación de metodologías activas con Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC), se analizó la incidencia de estos nuevos métodos sobre la motivación del alumnado; y por otro lado, un proyecto centrado en las habilidades comunicativas del docente, que permitía aunar y estudiar las formas de transmisión de conocimientos, la gestión emocional y la interacción con los estudiantes en el aula. Para ello, se realiza en primer lugar un estudio del concepto de competencia, luego se sintetizan y justifican teóricamente ambos proyectos, para a continuación presentar una reflexión crítica de lo vivido en el Máster, que abre paso a unas conclusiones y unas propuestas de futuro como docente. <br /

Asociación Aeroespacial Cosmos: educational impact and returns of a three-year-old student aerospace association

Cosmos Aerospace Association is a leading engineering students’ group, located in the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) in Madrid, Spain. Providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to all varieties of students for both personal and engineering growth, it is one of the few active aerospace student associations in Spain. Within this work, we introduce the achievements, influence and lessons learned from our association in these years. We focus on its educational impact in the environment of the university: not only from the perspective of aerospace-related degrees but also in the promotion of STEM careers on students of all ages. Conceived by undergraduate aerospace students and supported by professors and university staff, Cosmos was born to provide a creative and learning environment in the promotion of our passion for space and science in general. Bringing together students with similar mindsets, it has become a symbiotic platform in which all university actors share their efforts and join forces to enhance the university experience both from a curricular and extracurricular perspective. The association is divided into three main areas: Administration and Legal, Construction, and Education. Each of these areas branch with Projects and smaller teams both transversal and vertically. Under the Construction branch, both aeromodelling, satellite and rocketry projects are found and developed. An autonomous VTOL vehicle and a solid combustion rocket are being designed with internal and external funding. Special mention goes to the design and construction of CosmoSat-1, our very first CubeSat mission, which is now starting to take off. The Education area involves the organization of cultural and educational activities, from coding seminars, hackathons to film forums or Women in STEM days, all of them transversal to the aerospace industry. In this regard, our most ambitious project to date has been SpaceCon URJC: a space-themed conference by and for university students, bringing together professionals from aerospace companies, space agencies, and research groups in a month-long virtual conference. Over a series of presentations and interviews, students can get a glimpse of a variety of possible careers in everything from satellite manufacturing, orbital mechanics, space debris, and everything in between. With an initial run in 2020, SpaceCon has been repeated in 2021 with great success. In short, COSMOS, while promoting a passionate interest for Space, has become a common meeting point for students and professors outside the fixed and fitted courses, where creativity can boom and grow

Imbalance in the expression of genes associated with purinergic signalling in the lung and systemic arteries of COPDpatients.

Growing evidence indicates that purinergic signalling is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in the vascular remodelling that occurs in other disorders; however, its role in initial vascular changes of COPD is not entirely known. We hypothesised that expression of genes regulating extracellular ATP and adenosine levels would be altered in the lung and systemic arteries of COPD patients. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyse the relative expression of 17 genes associated with purinergic signalling and inflammation in lungs and intercostal arteries of never smokers (NS) (n = 16), non-obstructed smokers (NOS) (n = 17) and COPD patients (n = 21). Gene expression of ATP-degrading enzymes was decreased in both tissues of NOS and COPD patients compared to NS. NT5E expression (gene transcribing for an AMP hydrolyzing ectonucleotidase) was increased in both tissues in NOS compared to the other groups. P1 and P2 receptors did not show changes in expression. Expression of genes associated with inflammation (interleukin-13) was upregulated only in lung tissues of COPD. These findings suggest that the expression of different extracellular ATP-degrading enzymes is altered in smokers (NOS and COPD patients), promoting inflammation. However, the high NT5E expression found only in NOS could compensate this inflammatory environment

Systemic and functional effects of continuous azithromycin treatment in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and frequent exacerbations

BackgroundContinuous treatment with azithromycin may lead to fewer acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but little is known of its impact on systemic and functional outcomes in real-life settings. MethodsThis was a multicenter prospective observational study of patients with severe COPD who started treatment with azithromycin. Tests were compared at baseline and after 3 and 12 months of treatment. These included lung function tests, a 6-min walking test (6MWT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of serum and sputum markers, such as interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-13, IL-5), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), and inflammatory markers. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are reported. ResultsOf the 478 eligible patients, the 42 who started azithromycin experienced reductions in AECOPDs (IRR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.26-0.45) and hospitalizations (IRR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.28-0.49). Treatment was also associated with significant improvement in the partial arterial pressure of oxygen (9.2 mmHg, 95% CI 1.4-16.9) at 12 months. While TNFR2 was reduced significantly in both serum and sputum samples, IL-13 and IL-6 were only significantly reduced in serum samples. Moreover, an elevated serum and sputum IL-8 level significantly predicted good clinical response to treatment. ConclusionContinuous azithromycin treatment in a cohort of patients with severe COPD and frequent exacerbations can significantly reduce the number and severity of exacerbations and improve gas exchange. Treatment changes the pattern of microorganism isolates and decreases the inflammatory response. Of note, IL-8 may have utility as a predictor of clinical response to azithromycin treatment

Congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis, Zika and chikungunya virus infections: a case report

We report a case of intrauterine infection by Toxoplasma gondii, Chikungunya and Zika viruses in a Colombian woman from the southern part of the country. The patient attended prenatal care in the second trimester of her pregnancy and she informed that in the first trimester she had presented with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection. Amniotic fluid PCR assays showed infection by T. gondii, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Diagnostic imaging showed fetal malformation of the central nervous system. At 29 weeks of gestation, pregnancy was terminated medically

Is the purinergic pathway involved in the pathology of COPD? Decreased lung CD39 expression at initial stages of COPD

Background: Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is up-regulated in the airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in increased inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and cough. Although extracellular ATP levels are tightly controlled by nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1; also known as CD39) in the lungs, the role of CD39 in the pathology of COPD is unknown. We hypothesized that alterations in the expression and activity of CD39 could be part of the mechanisms for initiating and perpetuating the disease. Methods: We analyzed CD39 gene and protein expression as well as ATPase enzyme activity in lung tissue samples of patients with COPD (n = 17), non-obstructed smokers (NOS) (n = 16), and never smokers (NS) (n = 13). Morphometry studies were performed to analyze pulmonary vascular remodeling. Results: There was significantly decreased CD39 gene expression in the lungs of the COPD group (1.17 [0.85-1.81]) compared with the NOS group (1.88 [1.35-4.41]) and NS group (3.32 [1.23-5.39]) (p = 0.037). This attenuation correlated with higher systemic inflammation and intimal thickening of muscular pulmonary arteries in the COPD group. Lung CD39 protein levels were also lower in the COPD group (0.34 [0.22-0.92]) compared with the NOS group (0.67 [0.32-1.06]) and NS group (0.95 [0.4-1.1) (p = 0.133). Immunohistochemistry showed that CD39 was downregulated in lung parenchyma, epithelial bronchial cells, and the endothelial cells of pulmonary muscular arteries in the COPD group. ATPase activity in human pulmonary structures was reduced in the lungs of patients with COPD. Conclusion: An attenuation of CD39 expression and activity is presented in lung tissue of stable COPD patients, which could lead to pulmonary ATP accumulation, favoring the development of pulmonary inflammation and emphysema. This may be a mechanism underlying the development of COPD

Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit: Non-Invasive Respiratory Therapy in a Sequential Protocol

The intermediate respiratory care units (IRCUs) have a pivotal role managing escalation and de-escalation between the general wards and the intensive care units (ICUs). Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the early detection of patients that could improve on non-invasive respiratory therapies (NRTs) in IRCUs without invasive approaches is crucial to ensure proper medical management and optimize limiting ICU resources. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with survival, ICU admission and intubation likelihood in COVID-19 patients admitted to IRCUs. Observational retrospective study in consecutive patients admitted to the IRCU of a tertiary hospital from March 2020 to April 2021. Inclusion criteria: hypoxemic respiratory failure (SpO(2) = 25 rpm with FiO(2) > 50% supplementary oxygen) due to acute COVID-19 infection. Demographic, comorbidities, clinical and analytical data, and medical and NRT data were collected at IRCU admission. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed factors associated with survival, ICU admission, and intubation. From 679 patients, 79 patients (12%) had an order to not do intubation. From the remaining 600 (88%), 81% survived, 41% needed ICU admission and 37% required intubation. In the IRCU, 51% required non-invasive ventilation (NIV group) and 49% did not (non-NIV group). Older age and lack of corticosteroid treatment were associated with higher mortality and intubation risk in the scheme, which could be more beneficial in severe forms. Initial NIV does not always mean worse outcomes

O devenir de um grupo de pesquisa em educação matemáticana Universidade Nacional de Córdoba

Este artículo muestra la trayectoria de un grupo de investigación en educación matemática que forma parte del Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, alojado en la Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía, Física y Computación de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina). El artículo inicia con un breve recorrido por la historia del grupo desde su creación a mediados de la década de los sesenta, reportando sobre diversas acciones de relevancia para la educación matemática local. Luego, se describen las actividades de docencia, investigación y extensión desarrolladas, como funciones sustantivas de la universidad pública en Argentina. Se ofrecen detalles de la docencia relacionada con la formación de futuros profesores de matemática en la universidad. Se especifican las líneas de investigación y los marcos teóricos que las sustentan y se reportan las principales acciones de extensión vinculadas con la formación docente y de otros actores sociales. Si bien estas tres actividades se presentan separadas, los fuertes vínculos que existen entre ellas las condicionan y definen mutuamente. El artículo cierra con una breve referencia a las perspectivas de investigación más recientes y una reflexión sobre el valor de conocer las trayectorias de grupos de investigación en educación matemática de América Latina.Fil: Villarreal, Monica Ester. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física. Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Coirini Carreras, Araceli. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física. Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología; ArgentinaFil: Dipierri, Iris Carolina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física. Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades. Centro de Investigaciones María Saleme Burnichón; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fregona, Dilma Gladis. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física. Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología; ArgentinaFil: Gerez Cuevas, José Nicolás. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física. Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Viola, Fernanda Beatriz. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física. Grupo de Enseñanza de la Ciencia y la Tecnología; Argentin

Clinical Outcomes of Severe COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit

Introduction: Many severe COVID-19 patients require respiratory support and monitoring. An intermediate respiratory care unit (IMCU) may be a valuable element for optimizing patient care and limited health-care resources management. We aim to assess the clinical outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients admitted to an IMCU. Methods: Observational, retrospective study including patients admitted to the IMCU due to COVID-19 pneumonia during the months of March and April 2020. Patients were stratified based on their requirement of transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) and on survival status at the end of follow-up. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards method was used to assess risk factors associated with mortality. Results: A total of 253 patients were included. Of them, 68% were male and median age was 65 years (IQR 18 years). Ninety-two patients (36.4%) required ICU transfer. Patients transferred to the ICU had a higher mortality rate (44.6 vs. 24.2%; p < 0.001). Multivariable proportional hazards model showed that age ≥65 years (HR 4.14; 95%CI 2.31-7.42; p < 0.001); chronic respiratory conditions (HR 2.34; 95%CI 1.38-3.99; p = 0.002) and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.96; 95%CI 1.61-5.43; p < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. High-dose systemic corticosteroids followed by progressive dose tapering showed a lower risk of death (HR 0.15; 95%CI 0.06-0.40; p < 0.001). Conclusions: IMCU may be a useful tool for the multidisciplinary management of severe COVID-19 patients requiring respiratory support and non-invasive monitoring, therefore reducing ICU burden. Older age and chronic respiratory or renal conditions are associated with worse clinical outcomes, while treatment with systemic corticosteroids may have a protective effect on mortality

Antagonistic pleiotropy in the bifunctional surface protein FadL (OmpP1) during adaptation of Haemophilus influenzae to chronic lung infection associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Tracking bacterial evolution during chronic infection provides insights into how host selection pressures shape bacterial genomes. The human-restricted opportunistic pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) infects the lower airways of patients suffering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contributes to disease progression. To identify bacterial genetic variation associated with bacterial adaptation to the COPD lung, we sequenced the genomes of 92 isolates collected from the sputum of 13 COPD patients over 1 to 9years. Individuals were colonized by distinct clonal types (CTs) over time, but the same CT was often reisolated at a later time or found in different patients. Although genomes from the same CT were nearly identical, intra-CT variation due to mutation and recombination occurred. Recurrent mutations in several genes were likely involved in COPD lung adaptation. Notably, nearly a third of CTs were polymorphic for null alleles of ompP1 (also called fadL), which encodes a bifunctional membrane protein that both binds the human carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (hCEACAM1) receptor and imports long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Our computational studies provide plausible three-dimensional models for FadL's interaction with hCEACAM1 and LCFA binding. We show that recurrent fadL mutations are likely a case of antagonistic pleiotropy, since loss of FadL reduces NTHi's ability to infect epithelia but also increases its resistance to bactericidal LCFAs enriched within the COPD lung. Supporting this interpretation, truncated fadL alleles are common in publicly available NTHi genomes isolated from the lower airway tract but rare in others. These results shed light on molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathoadaptation and guide future research toward developing novel COPD therapeutics.IMPORTANCE Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is an important pathogen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To elucidate the bacterial pathways undergoing in vivo evolutionary adaptation, we compared bacterial genomes collected over time from 13 COPD patients and identified recurrent genetic changes arising in independent bacterial lineages colonizing different patients. Besides finding changes in phase-variable genes, we found recurrent loss-of-function mutations in the ompP1 (fadL) gene. We show that loss of OmpP1/FadL function reduces this bacterium's ability to infect cells via the hCEACAM1 epithelial receptor but also increases its resistance to bactericidal fatty acids enriched within the COPD lung, suggesting a case of antagonistic pleiotropy that restricts DeltafadL strains' niche. These results show how H. influenzae adapts to host-generated inflammatory mediators in the COPD airways