Secuencia didáctica para la producción de textos argumentativos en estudiantes de grado décimo de la Institución Educativa Inem Felipe Pérez de la ciudad de Pereira

El propósito de esta investigación es presentar los resultados obtenidos en la implementación de la secuencia didáctica como estrategia de enseñanza y aprendizaje donde se privilegia las relaciones de interactividad a través de la orientación del proceso para la explicitación de la teoría argumentativa, encaminada al logro del objetivo de este ejercicio pedagógico, centrado en la producción de textos argumentativos en un grupo de estudiantes de grado décimo de la Institución Educativa INEM Felipe Pérez de Pereira.the intention of this research is to present the results obtained of the design and implementation of a didactic sequence as a teaching- learning where privilege relations through interactive process guidance for explicit the theory argumentative, aimed at achieving the objective of this pedagogical focused on producing argumentative texts, in a group of students of tenth degree of INEM Felipe Pérez school ubicated in the city of the Pereira

Cometabolic enzymatic transformation of organic micropollutants under methanogenic conditions

This is a post-print version of the published article: Gonzalez-Gil, L., Carballa, M., & Lema, J. M. (2017). Cometabolic Enzymatic Transformation of Organic Micropollutants under Methanogenic Conditions. Environmental Science & Technology, 51(5), 2963-2971. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b05549Anaerobic digestion (AD) has been shown to have the biological potential to decrease concentrations of several organic micropollutants (OMPs) in sewage sludge. However, the mechanisms and factors behind these biotransformations, which are essential for elucidating the possible transformation products and to foster the complete removal of OMPs via operational strategies, remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the transformation mechanisms of 20 OMPs during the methanogenic step of AD with a focus on the role of acetate kinase (AK), which is a key enzyme in methane production. The results from lab-scale methanogenic reactors showed that this step accounts for much of the reported OMP biotransformation in AD. Furthermore, enzymatic assays confirmed that AK transforms galaxolide, naproxen, nonylphenol, octylphenol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, bisphenol A, and triclosan. Except for galaxolide, for which further studies are required to refine conclusions, the OMP’s chemical structure was a determinant for AK action because only compounds that contain a carboxyl or hydroxyl group and have moderate steric hindrance were enzymatically transformed, likely by phosphorylation. For these seven compounds, this enzymatic mechanism accounts for 10–90% of the measured methanogenic biotransformation, suggesting that other active enzymes of the AD process are also involved in OMP biotransformationThis work was funded by Xunta de Galicia through the MicroDAN project (EM 2012/087) and by the Spanish government through the HOLSIA project (CTM2013-46750-R), a Ramón y Cajal contract (RYC-2012-10397) and an FPU Grant (FPU13/01255). The authors belong to CRETUS (AGRUP2015/02) and to the Galician Competitive Research Group (GRC 2013-032)S

Reversibility of enzymatic reactions might limit biotransformation of organic micropollutants

This is the accepted manuscript version of the published article: Gonzalez-Gil, L., Carballa, M., Corvini, P., & Lema, J. (2019). Reversibility of enzymatic reactions might limit biotransformation of organic micropollutants. Science Of The Total Environment, 665, 574-578. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.143Biotransformation of many organic micropollutants (OMPs) in sewage treatment plants is incomplete leading to their release into the environment. Recent findings suggest that thermodynamic aspects of the reaction as chemical equilibrium limit biotransformation, while kinetic parameters have a lower influence. Reversibility of enzymatic reactions might result in a chemical equilibrium between the OMP and the transformation product, thus impeding a total removal of the compound. To the best of our knowledge, no study has focused on proving the reversible action of enzymes towards OMPs so far. Therefore, we aimed at demonstrating this hypothesis through in vitro assays with bisphenol A (BPA) in the presence of kinase enzymes, namely acetate kinase and hexokinase, which are key enzymes in anaerobic processes. Results suggest that BPA is phosphorylated by acetate kinase and hexokinase in the presence of ATP (adenosine 5-triphosphate), but when the concentration of this co-substrate decreases and the enzymes loss their activity, the backward reaction occurs, revealing a reversible biotransformation mechanism. This information is particularly relevant to address new removal strategies, which up to now were mainly focused on modifying the kinetic parameters of the reactionThis research was funded by the Spanish Government (AEI) through COMETT project (CTQ2016-80847-R) and by FPU program with a contract (FPU13/01255) and a short research stay grant (EST16/00138). Authors from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela belong to CRETUS Strategic Partnership (AGRUP2015/02) and to Galicia Competitive Research Group (GRC ED431C 2017/29) which are co-funded by FEDER (EU)S

Why are organic micropollutants not fully biotransformed? A mechanistic modelling approach to anaerobic systems

This is a post-print version of the articleBiotransformation of most organic micropollutants (OMPs) during wastewater treatment is not complete and a drastic decrease of the biotransformation rate with time is reported for many OMPs in different biological processes. To minimize and accurately predict the emission of OMPs into the environment, the mechanisms and limitations behind their biotransformations should be clarified. Aiming to achieve this objective, the present study follows a mechanistic modelling approach, based on the formulation of four models according to different biotransformation hypotheses: Michaelis-Menten kinetics, chemical equilibrium between the parent compound and the transformation product (TP), enzymatic inhibition by the TP, and a limited compound bioavailability due to its sequestration in the solid phase. These models were calibrated and validated with kinetic experiments performed in two different anaerobic systems: continuous reactors enriched with methanogenic biomass and batch assays with anaerobic sludge. Model selection was conducted according to model suitability criteria (goodness of fitting the experimental data, confidence of the estimated parameters, and model parsimony) but also considering mechanistic evidences. The findings suggest that reversibility of the biological reactions and/or sequestration of compounds are likely the causes preventing the complete biotransformation of OMPs, and biotransformation is probably limited by thermodynamics rather than by kinetics. Taking into account its simplicity and broader applicability spectrum, the reversible biotransformation is the proposed model to explain the incomplete biotransformation of OMPsThis research was funded by the Spanish Government (AEI) through the COMETT project (CTQ2016-80847-R) and by an FPU Grant (FPU13/01255). The authors belong to CRETUS Strategic Partnership (AGRUP2015/02) and to Galician Competitive Research Group (GRC ED431C 2017/29). All these programs are co-funded by FEDER (EU)S

Enzymatic cometabolic biotransformation of organic micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants: a review

Biotransformation of trace-level organic micropollutants (OMPs) by complex microbial communities in wastewater treatment facilities is a key process for their detoxification and environmental impact reduction. Therefore, understanding the metabolic activities and mechanisms that contribute to their biotransformation is essential when developing approaches aiming to minimize their discharge. This review addresses the relevance of cometabolic processes and discusses the main enzymatic activities currently known to take part in OMPs removal under different redox environments in the compartments of wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, the most common methodologies to decipher such enzymes are discussed, including the use of in vitro enzyme assays, enzymatic inhibitors, the analysis of transformation products and the application of several -omic techniques. Finally, perspectives on major challenges and future research requirements to improve OMPs biotransformation are proposedThis research was funded by the Spanish Government (Agencia Estatal de Investigación) through the ANTARES project (PID2019-110346RB-C21) and a PhD Xunta de Galicia Grant (ED481A-2018/113, David Kennes). Authors from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela belong to Galician Competitive Research Group (GRC ED431C 2017/29), which is co-funded by FEDER (EU)S

Oxidative stress-induced angiogenesis is mediated by miR-205-5p

miR-205-5p is known to be involved in VEGF-related angiogenesis and seems to reg-ulate associated cell signalling pathways, such as cell migration, proliferation and ap-optosis. Therefore, several studies have focused on the potential role of miR-205-5p as an anti-angiogenic factor. Vascular proliferation is observed in diabetic retinopathy and the ‘wet’ form of age-related macular degeneration. Today, the most common treatments against these eye-related diseases are anti-VEGF therapies. In addition, both AMD and DR are typically associated with oxidative stress; hence, the use of antioxidant agents is accepted as a co-adjuvant therapy for these patients. According to previous data, ARPE-19 cells release pro-angiogenic factors when exposed to oxi-dative insult, leading to angiogenesis. Matching these data, results reported here, indicate that miR-205-5p is modulated by oxidative stress and regulates VEGFA-angiogenesis. Hence, miR-205-5p is proposed as a candidate against eye-related pro-liferative diseasesUniversidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir research Fund and Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Grant/Award Number: 2018-128-001, 2019-128-001; Escuela de Doctorado Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Grant/Award Number: EDUCV-PRE-2015-006 and EDUCV-PRE-2016-005Medicin

Acidogenesis is a key step in the anaerobic biotransformation of organic micropollutants

Understanding the role of the different anaerobic digestion stages on the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) is essential to mitigate their release from wastewater treatment plants. This study assessed the fate of 21 OMPs during hydrolysis and acidogenesis to elucidate the contribution of these stages to the overall anaerobic removal. Moreover, the removal mechanisms and factors influencing them were investigated. To this purpose, a fermentation reactor was operated and fed with two different substrates: starch (to jointly evaluate hydrolysis and acidogenesis) and glucose (to isolate acidogenesis). Results indicate that sulfamethoxazole was highly biotransformed (>80 %), while galaxolide, celestolide, tonalide, erythromycin, roxithromycin, trimethoprim, octylphenol and nonylphenol achieved a 50–80 % biotransformation. Since no significant differences in the biotransformation efficiencies were found between starch and glucose fermentation, it is stated that the enzymatic activities involved in starch hydrolysis do not significantly contribute to the cometabolic biotransformation of OMPs, while acidogenesis appears as the major player. Moreover, a higher biotransformation (≥15 percentage points and p ≤ 0.05) was found for galaxolide, celestolide, tonalide, erythromycin and roxithromycin during acidogenesis in comparison with the efficiencies reported for the acetogenic/methanogenic step. The biotransformation of some OMPs was explained considering their chemical structure and the enzymatic activitiesThis work was funded by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), process n° 2017/13066-0 and the Spanish Government (AEI) through COMETT Project (CTQ2016-80847-R). Authors from Universidade de Santiago de Compostela belong to CRETUS Strategic Partnership (ED431E 2018/01) and to Galicia Competitive Research Group (GRC ED431C 2017/29), programs co-funded by FEDER (EU)S

Cuestionario de hábitos de práctica de actividad física y deportiva (C-PAFYD)

Despite the insistence from the WHO about the positive impact on health of physical activity and sport practice, there is little scientific evidence that addresses the issue from a joint perspective. The aim of this article is to present the C-PAFYD (Questionnaire - Physical Activity and Sport Practice), which is nothing but the sum of two internationally recognized and validated questionnaires, with others dealing with psychosocial and structural aspects, so that it obtains detailed and contextualized information in order that result can be analyzed, compared and improved. As an example it is introduced the comparative analysis of sport practice in several European regions and countries. The results point out that in Southern Europe (Guipúzcoa, Spain, Italy and Portugal), the rates of intensive and regular practice are lower than in Central Europe (United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Switzerland and the Netherlands), and that these rates are lower in Central Europe than in Northern Europe (Sweden and Finland). The analysis of contextual and psychosocial aspects would help in the interpretation of comparative data, however, the lack of agreed instruments, that provide such information, makes impossible its study. The data obtained with the C-PAFYD may be very valid in establishing joint policies sport-health and even social policies aimed at improving the habits of citizenship. However, they are a way that opens to the curiosity of the researcher.Pese a la insistencia desde la OMS de la positiva incidencia de la actividad física y la práctica deportiva sobre la salud, existe escasa evidencia científica que aborde el tema desde una perspectiva conjunta. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el C-PAFYD, que no es sino la suma de dos cuestionarios reconocidos y validados internacionalmente, con otros que abordan aspectos psicosociales y estructurales, de modo que se obtenga información detallada y contextualizada para que los resultados puedan ser analizados, comparados y mejorados. A modo de ejemplo se presenta el análisis comparativo de la práctica deportiva en varios territorios y países de Europa. Los resultados indican que en Europa Sur (Guipúzcoa, España, Italia y Portugal), los índices de práctica intensiva y regular son menores que en Europa Central (Reino Unido, República Checa, Suiza y Países Bajos), y que estos índices son menores en Europa Central que en Europa Norte (Suecia y Finlandia). El análisis de aspectos contextuales y psicosociales ayudarían en la interpretación de los datos comparativos, sin embargo, la carencia de instrumentos consensuados que aporten esa información, imposibilita su estudio. Los datos obtenidos con el C-PAFYD pueden ser muy válidos en el establecimiento de políticas conjuntas salud-deporte e incluso de políticas sociales dirigidas a mejorar los hábitos la ciudadanía. No obstante constituye una vía que se abre ante la curiosidad del investigador

miR302a and 122 are deregulated in small extracellular vesicles from ARPE-19 cells cultured with H2O2

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common retina-related disease leading to blindness. Little is known on the origin of the disease, but it is well documented that oxidative stress generated in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid neovascularization are closely involved. The study of circulating miRNAs is opening new possibilities in terms of diagnosis and therapeutics. miRNAs can travel associated to lipoproteins or inside small Extracellular Vesicles (sEVs). A number of reports indicate a signifcant deregulation of circulating miRNAs in AMD and experimental approaches, but it is unclear whether sEVs present a signifcant miRNA cargo. The present work studies miRNA expression changes in sEVs released from ARPE-19 cells under oxidative conditions (i.e. hydrogen peroxide, H2O2). H2O2 increased sEVs release from ARPE-19 cells. Moreover, 218 miRNAs could be detected in control and H2O2 induced-sEVs. Interestingly, only two of them (hsa-miR-302a and hsa-miR-122) were signifcantly under-expressed in H2O2-induced sEVs. Results herein suggest that the down regulation of miRNAs 302a and 122 might be related with previous studies showing sEVs-induced neovascularization after oxidative challenge in ARPE-19 cells.Te present project was supported by internal funds from Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir (2018-128-001), Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno de la UCV (2019-128-001), and Conselleria de Educación, Investigación, Cultura y Deporte; Generalitat Valenciana (PROMETEO/2016/094). Oltra M and Vidal-Gil L, PhD training program fellowship UCV (EDUCV-PRE-2016-005 and EDUCVPRE-2015-006 Personal Investigador en Formación UCV, respectively).Medicin

Perturbation-Theory and Machine Learning (PTML). Model for High-Throughput Screening of Parham Reactions: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are gaining importance in the processing of chemical information and modelling of chemical reactivity problems. In this work, we have developed a PTML model combining Perturbation-Theory (PT) and ML algorithms for predicting the yield of a given reaction. For this purpose, we have selected Parham cyclization, which is a general and powerful tool for the synthesis of heterocyclic and carbocyclic compounds. This reaction has both structural (substitution pattern on the substrate, internal electrophile, ring size, etc.) and operational variables (organolithium reagent, solvent, temperature, time, etc.), so predicting the effect of changes on substrate design (internal elelctrophile, halide, etc.) or reaction conditions on the yield is an important task that could help to optimize the reaction design. The PTML model developed uses PT operators to account for perturbations in experimental conditions and/or structural variables of all the molecules involved in a query reaction compared to a reaction of reference. Thus, a dataset of >100 reactions has been collected for different substrates and internal electrophiles, under different reaction conditions, with a wide range of yields (0 – 98%). The best PTML model found using General Linear Regression (GLR) has R = 0.88 in training and R = 0.83 in external validation series for 10000 pairs of query and reference reactions. The PTML model has a final R = 0.95 for all reactions using multiple reactions of reference. We also report a comparative study of linear vs. non-linear PTML models based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) algorithms. PTML-ANN models (LNN, MLP, RBF) with R ≈ 0.1 - 0.8 do not outperform the first PMTL model. This result confirms the validity of the linearity of the model. Next, we carried out an experimental and theoretical study of non-reported Parham reactions to illustrate the practical use of the PTML model. A 500000-point simulation and a Hammett analysis of the reactivity space of Parham reactions are also reportedMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad (CTQ2016-74881-P) / Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CTQ2013-41229-P) / Gobierno Vasco (IT1045-16