The feminine face of Science

Uno de los objetivos fijados en la asignatura Ciencias para el mundo contemporáneo (1º de Bachillerato) es el de superar el escaso interés que siente el alumnado hacia la ciencia. Es necesario para tal fin un cambio en los planteamientos tanto metodológicos como temáticos, respecto a las asignaturas de ciencias tradicionales. Con la intención de contribuir a este cambio se han diseñado actividades en las que confluyen características que podrán ayudar a conseguirlo. En el caso propuesto se escogió una temática controvertida a lo largo de la historia: Mujeres y Ciencia; eligiendo como estrategia de aprendizaje las webquests y publicando en la red las tareas realizadas por el alumnado, todo esto con la finalidad de romper las paredes del aula y hacer extensiva la cultura científica al resto de la comunidad educativa y público en general

Quantitative determination of active Bowman-Birk isoinhibitors, IBB1 and IBBD2, in commercial soymilks

Naturally-occurring serine protease inhibitors of the Bowman-Birk family exert their potential chemopreventive and/or therapeutic properties via protease inhibition. In this study, we have quantified the amounts of active BBI isoinhibitors, IBB1 and IBBD2, in six commercial soymilks. By using cation exchange chromatography, the BBI isoinhibitors were isolated and their specific trypsin inhibitory activity was used to estimate their amounts in soymilk samples. IBB1 and IBBD2 concentrations ranged from 0.44 to 5.20 and 0.27 to 4.60 mg/100 ml of soymilk, respectively; total BBI, considered as the sum of both isoinhibitors, ranged from 0.60 to 9.07 mg/100 ml of soymilk. These data show that physiologically relevant amounts of active BBI are present in commercial soymilk and may exert potential health-promoting effects.A.C. acknowledges support by ERDF-co-financed Grant from the Spanish CICYT (AGL2011-26353). A.C. is involved in COST Action FA1005 INFOGEST on Food Digestion. L.C.B.R. acknowledges support from CAPES (Programa Institucional de Doutorado Sanduíche no Exterior–PDSE process number 9004-11-4), Brazil. We are grateful to the proteomics Facility of University of Cordoba (Spain) for carrying out peptide mass fingerprinting. B.H.-L. thanks Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for her “Ramón y Cajal” contract.Peer Reviewe

Plan de Acción Tutorial en la Escuela Universitaria de Informática de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Aquest article presenta un model d’acció tutorial desenvolupat sobre estratègies d’acompanyament a l’estudiant basades en “coaching” i intel•ligència emocional, i un model experimental de tutories per parells de tutors en els que es celebren sessions conjuntes per tractar problemes comuns i compartir experiències dels tutelats. Els resultats obtinguts d’integració i eficiència en el procés d’ensenyança aprenentatge dels tutelats en aquest model inviten a estendre l’experiència a un grup de tutors major per després generalitzar-lo.This paper presents a tutorial action model oriented to help students through both the development of some new strategies based on coaching and “emotional intelligence”, and the use of an experimental model of tutoring by pairs of tutors. Joint meetings of the students of both tutors are conducted, to deal with common problems and share students’ experiences. The results obtained from this integration and the efficiency in the learning process of the tutored students in this model, invite us to extend the experience to a larger group of tutors, and then try to generalize it.Este artículo presenta un modelo de acción tutorial desarrollado sobre estrategias de acompañamiento al estudiante basadas en “coaching” e inteligencia emocional, y un modelo experimental de tutorías por pares de tutores en los que se celebran sesiones conjuntas para tratar problemas comunes y compartir experiencias de los tutelados. Los resultados obtenidos de integración y eficiencia en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de los tutelados en este modelo invitan a extender la experiencia a un grupo de tutores mayor para después generalizarlo

Prebiotic properties of non-fructosylated α-galactooligosaccharides from PEA (Pisum sativum L.) using infant fecal slurries

The interest for naturally-occurring oligosaccharides from plant origin having prebiotic properties is growing, with special focus being paid to supplemented products for infants. Currently, non-fructosylated α-galactooligosaccharides (α-GOS) from peas have peaked interest as a result of their prebiotic activity in adults and their mitigated side-effects on gas production from colonic bacterial fermentation. In this study, commercially available non-fructosylated α-GOS from peas and β-galactooligosaccharides (β-GOS) derived from lactose were fermented using fecal slurries from children aged 11 to 24 months old during 6 and 24 h. The modulatory effect of both GOS on different bacterial groups and bifidobacteria species was assessed; non-fructosylated α-GOS consumption was monitored throughout the fermentation process and the amounts of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) generated were analyzed. Non-fructosylated α-GOS, composed mainly of manninotriose and verbascotetraose and small amounts of melibiose, were fully metabolized and presented remarkable bifidogenic activity, similar to that obtained with β-GOS. Furthermore, non-fructosylated α-GOS selectively caused an increase on the population of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum and Bifidobacterium catenulatum/pseudo-catenulatum. In conclusion, non-fructosylated α-GOS could be used as potential ingredient in infant formula supplemented with prebiotic oligosaccharides.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness, grant numbers AGL2017-83772-R and AGL2017-84614-C2-1-R (AEI/FEDER,UE); the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities grant number RTI2018-101273-J-I00 (JIN Program) and AGR2011-7626 from Junta de Andalucía

Biogeochemistry of surface sediments in mud volcanoes of the Gulf of Cádiz

The shallowest sediment of three mud volcanoes (MVs) located in the middle slope of the Gulf of Cádiz, Anastasya, Pipoca and St. Petersburg, have been seasonally studied during June and December 2016. These structures are locally important contributors of many biogeochemical active substances to the water column, with a special attention in the emission of methane (CH4). Along this study, the role of organic matter diagenesis and its contribution to the diffusive fluxes estimated in the sediment–water interface from the three MVs have been investigated mainly. For this, the first combined analyses of sediment properties (granulometry, porosity, density, organic carbon) and pore water chemistry (major elements, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), nutrients, CH4 and nitrous oxide) have been carried out. Anastasya and St. Petersburg MVs presented similar behaviours, with a slight concentration variation for the chemical variables in the top layers of the sedimentary record followed by a more intense vertical variation in deeper layers. Anastasya MV showed some typical processes of these structures, such as the clay dehydration, the dissolution of halite and the precipitation of authigenic carbonates, which was also observed in St. Petersburg MV. Organic matter diagenesis clearly altered the biogeochemical profiles, except for Pipoca MV. Moreover, mud breccia with a mousse-like texture has been identified in the deepest levels of Anastasya and St. Petersburg MVs. Here, anaerobic oxidation of methane is linked to the decrease of SO2−4 and the increases of CH4 and DIC with the core depth. Changes across the sediment–water interface presented low diffusive fluxes in the three MVs due to the presence of other processes as the irrigation by benthic macrofauna, the action of bottom currents and/or the upward fluid migration. From the obtained results, we can conclude that Anastasya MV presents a certain venting activity at present.En prensa1,47

Plan de Acción Tutorial en la Escuela Universitaria de Informática de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Aquest article presenta un model d’acció tutorial desenvolupat sobre estratègies d’acompanyament a l’estudiant basades en “coaching” i intel•ligència emocional, i un model experimental de tutories per parells de tutors en els que es celebren sessions conjuntes per tractar problemes comuns i compartir experiències dels tutelats. Els resultats obtinguts d’integració i eficiència en el procés d’ensenyança aprenentatge dels tutelats en aquest model inviten a estendre l’experiència a un grup de tutors major per després generalitzar-lo.This paper presents a tutorial action model oriented to help students through both the development of some new strategies based on coaching and “emotional intelligence”, and the use of an experimental model of tutoring by pairs of tutors. Joint meetings of the students of both tutors are conducted, to deal with common problems and share students’ experiences. The results obtained from this integration and the efficiency in the learning process of the tutored students in this model, invite us to extend the experience to a larger group of tutors, and then try to generalize it.Este artículo presenta un modelo de acción tutorial desarrollado sobre estrategias de acompañamiento al estudiante basadas en “coaching” e inteligencia emocional, y un modelo experimental de tutorías por pares de tutores en los que se celebran sesiones conjuntas para tratar problemas comunes y compartir experiencias de los tutelados. Los resultados obtenidos de integración y eficiencia en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de los tutelados en este modelo invitan a extender la experiencia a un grupo de tutores mayor para después generalizarlo

Síndrome de «burnout» y apoyo social en maestros de Educación Primaria

This paper examines the relationship between burnout and perceived social support in a sample of 801 Primary School teachers. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Duke-UNC-11 questionnaire were used. The statistical method used was canonical correspondence analysis, where the linear combination of the social support factors that maximises the dispersion of values of the three dimensions of the MBI was selected. The results of the study show that perceived social support relates to each of the dimensions of burnout syndrome in a different way and that is key to restore psychosocial balance.Este trabajo examina la relación entre burnout y apoyo social percibido en una muestra de 801 maestros de Educación Primaria. Para ello se usa el Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) y el cuestionario Duke-UNC-11. El método estadístico empleado fue el análisis canónico de correspondencias, donde se seleccionó la combinación lineal de los factores del apoyo social que maximiza la dispersión de valores de las tres dimensiones del MBI. Los resultados muestran que un 20,8% de los maestros sufre burnout. El apoyo social percibido, en su carácter restaurador del equilibrio psicosocial, se relaciona de distinto modo con las tres dimensiones del burnout.</em

A comparative analysis of SLA-DRB1 genetic diversity in Colombian (creoles and commercial line) and worldwide swine populations

Analysing pig class II mayor histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is mainly related to antigen presentation. Identifying frequently-occurring alleles in pig populations is an important aspect to be considered when developing peptide-based vaccines. Colombian creole pig populations have had to adapt to local conditions since entering Colombia; a recent census has shown low amounts of pigs which is why they are considered protected by the Colombian government. Commercial hybrids are more attractive regarding production. This research has been aimed at describing the allele distribution of Colombian pigs from diverse genetic backgrounds and comparing Colombian SLA-DRB1 locus diversity to that of internationally reported populations. Twenty SLA-DRB1 alleles were identified in the six populations analysed here using sequence-based typing. The amount of alleles ranged from six (Manta and Casco Mula) to nine (San Pedreño). Only one allele (01:02) having > 5% frequency was shared by all three commercial line populations. Allele 02:01:01 was shared by five populations (around > 5% frequency). Global FST indicated that pig populations were clearly structured, as 20.6% of total allele frequency variation was explained by differences between populations (FST = 0.206). This study’s results confirmed that the greatest diversity occurred in wild boars, thereby contrasting with low diversity in domestic pig populations.This work was supported by the Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A)

Effect of the aniline fragment in Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes as anti-proliferative agents. Standard reduction potential as a more reliable parameter for Pt(IV) compounds than peak reduction potential

The problems of resistance and side effects associated with cisplatin and other chemotherapeutic drugs have boosted research aimed at finding new compounds with improved properties. The use of platinum(IV) prodrugs is one alternative, although there is some controversy regarding the predictive ability of the peak reduction potentials. In the work described here a series of fourteen chloride Pt(II) and Pt(IV) compounds was synthesised and fully characterised. The compounds contain different bidentate arylazole heterocyclic ligands. Their cytotoxic properties against human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast carcinoma (MCF7) and human colon carcinoma (HCT116 and HT29) cell lines were studied. A clear relationship between the type of ligand and the anti-proliferative properties was found, with the best results obtained for the Pt(II) compound that contains an aniline fragment, (13), thus evidencing a positive effect of the NH2 group. Stability and aquation studies in DMSO, DMF and DMSO/water mixtures were carried out on the active complexes and an in-depth analysis of the two aquation processes, including DFT analysis, of 13 was undertaken. It was verified that DNA was the target and that cell death occurred by apoptosis in the case of 13. Furthermore, the cytotoxic derivatives did not exhibit haemolytic activity. The reduction of the Pt(IV) compounds whose Pt(II) congeners were active was studied by several techniques. It was concluded that the peak reduction potential was not useful to predict the ability for reduction. However, a correlation between the cytotoxic activity and the standard reduction potential was found.This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (RTI2018-100709-B-C21 to BRM, RTI2018-100709-B-C22 to AM, RTI2018-094093-B-I00 to RSP), Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha-FEDER (JCCM) (grant SBPLY/19/180501/000260 to BRM), Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Project PID2019-104381GB-I00 to GC), Fundación Leticia Castillejo Castillo to MJRH, Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería de Educación y Cultura y Fondo Social Europeo (Projects BU263P18 and BU087G19 to JVC) as well as UCLM-FEDER (grants 2019-GRIN-27183 and 2019-GRIN-27209 to BRM) and University of Girona (MPCUdG2016/076 to AM)

Association between combinations of genetic polymorphisms and epidemiopathogenic forms of bovine paratuberculosis

[EN] Control of major mycobacterial diseases affecting livestock is a challenging issue that requires different approaches. The use of genetic markers for improving resistance to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in cattle has been explored as a promising population strategy We performed paratuberculosis epidemiopathogenic phenotypic and genotypic characterization involving 24 SNPs in six candidate genes (NOD2, CD209, SLC11A1, SP110, TLR2 and TLR4) on 502 slaughtered Friesian cows. In the current study, we investigate whether recently proposed paratuberculosis (PTB) epidemiopathogenic (EP) forms (apparently free-AF, latent-LAT and patent-PAT) could be associated with some combination of these 24 SNPs. Best EP form grouping was obtained using a combination of 5 SNPs in four genes (CD209: rs210748127; SLC11A1: rs110090506; SP110: rs136859213 and rs110480812; and TLR2: rs41830058). These groups were defined according to the level of infection progression risk to patent epidemiopathogenic forms and showed the following distributions: LOWIN (low) with 39 (8%) cases (94.9% AF/5.1% LAT/0% PAT); LATIN (low) with 17 (3%) cases (5.9% AF/94.1% LAT/0% PAT); AVERIN (average) with 413 (82%) cases (52.1% AF/38.5% LAT/9.4% PAT) and PATIN (patent) with 33 (7%) cases (36.4% AF/24.2% LAT/39.4% PAT). Age of slaughter was significantly higher for LATIN (88.3 months) compared to AVERIN (65.3 months; p = 0.0007) and PATIN (59.1 months; p = 0.0004), and for LOWIN (73.9 months) compared to PATIN (p = 0.0233), and nearly significant compared to AVERIN (p = 0.0572) These results suggest that some selected genetic polymorphisms have a potential use as markers of PTB EP forms and thus add a new tool for the control of this widespread infectionSIThis work was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) (projects AGL2006-14315-C02 and RTA2014-00009), Basque Government (GV/EJ) (SAIOTEK program: SA-2010/00102), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and European Social Fund (ESF) is also gratefully acknowledged. Patricia V azquez was holder of a graduate fellowship award (FPI) (BES-2007-17170) from the Spanish MINEC