Valoración de actividades de aprendizaje cooperativo formal bilingüe en el ámbito universitario

La formación por competencias promovida tras la implantación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior exige la incorporación de nuevos modelos docentes que permitan la articulación de los conocimientos, habilidades y destrezas, actitudes y valores necesarios para ejercer una profesión de forma competente. Este concepto de profesional competente no se puede concebir sin una formación previa en la que se fomente la utilización de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC), una actitud crítica por parte del alumno, y actividades de trabajo en grupo. Por otra parte, para una actualización permanente de los conocimientos científicos existentes, se hace necesario una cierta destreza en la búsqueda y manejo de documentación científica contrastada en otros idiomas, preferentemente inglés.Con esta premisa se desarrolló una experiencia piloto encaminada a mejorar las capacidades comunicativas de los estudiantes universitarios en lengua inglesa en un contexto científico, utilizando un modelo docente en el que se combinaban tareas de aprendizaje en grupo, el seguimiento y tutorización del proceso de aprendizaje a través de las herramientas TIC, y la aplicación de metodologías evaluadoras que fomentaban la capacidad crítica del alumno. La eficacia de este modelo de actividad docente fue valorada mediante una encuesta de opinión del alumno sobre la adecuación, dinámica, método de evaluación y tutorización.Esta propuesta de cambio en la metodología de aprendizaje permitió alcanzar los objetivos docentes planteados en la materia, al tiempo que fue bien aceptada por los alumnos, quienes mostraron un manifiesto entusiasmo y valoraron positivamente la realización de este tipo de actividades.Artículo revisado por pare

Aprender resolviendo problemas: utilización del mismo caso-problema con distinto abordaje, planteamiento y resolución para diferentes asignaturas de la Licenciatura de Psicología

Se trata de un programa de innovación docente dirigido a alumnos/as de la Licenciatura de Psicología, puesto en práctica durante dos cursos sucesivos (2008/2009; 2009/2010), para ello:1º Las profesoras se constituyen en equipo docente cooperando en la elaboración del material utilizado durante la experiencia: selección de “casos problema” y adecuación a cada asignatura; elaboración de materiales multimedia; recogida de material documental, informes clínicos y animaciones; elaboración de encuestas.2º Para las asignaturas implicadas (Fundamentos de Psicobiología; Introducción a la Psicología; Análisis de Datos I y II y Neuropsicología) se han elaborado los “casos problema”, adaptándolos diferencialmente a las exigencias de cada materia, para que los alumnos, en grupos reducidos, los discutan, resuelvan y entreguen en informe razonado. El estudio de casos constituye un buen complemento entre la enseñanza teórica y la formación práctica. Sus principales ventajas metodológicas son las siguientes:.- Su carácter realista aproxima al estudiante a una problemática real, comprendiendo su complejidad y multidimensionalidad, tratándola globalmente y no como una situación fragmentaria..- El estudiante participa activamente en el proceso de aprendizaje. El profesor solo lo guía en su búsqueda de soluciones..- No existe una solución única al problema planteado, lo que favorece el debate de las propuestas individuales..- Los estudiantes escogen las herramientas adecuadas para resolver el caso, aprenden a utilizarlas y reconocen su utilidad, dependiendo de la Materia en la que se enmarque..- Favorece el trabajo cooperativo y la argumentación.3º El equipo docente analiza los datos de satisfacción de la experiencia

Learning and memory disabilities in IUGR babies: Functional and molecular analysis in a rat model

Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the failure of the fetus to achieve its inherent growth potential, and it has frequently been associated with neurodevelopmental problems in childhood. Neurological disorders are mostly associated with IUGR babies with an abnormally high cephalization index (CI) and a brain sparing effect. However, a similar correlation has never been demonstrated in an animal model. The aim of this study was to determine the correlations between CI, functional deficits in learning and memory and alterations in synaptic proteins in a rat model of IUGR. Methods: Utero-placental insufficiency was induced by meso-ovarian vessel cauterization (CMO) in pregnant rats at embryonic day 17 (E17). Learning performance in an aquatic learning test was evaluated 25 days after birth and during 10 days. Some synaptic proteins were analyzed (PSD95, Synaptophysin) by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Placental insufficiency in CMO pups was associated with spatial memory deficits, which are correlated with a CI above the normal range. CMO pups presented altered levels of synaptic proteins PSD95 and synaptophysin in the hippocampus. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that learning disabilities may be associated with altered development of excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Although interspecific differences in fetal response to placental insufficiency should be taken into account, the translation of these data to humans suggest that both IUGR babies and babies with a normal birth weight but with intrauterine Doppler alterations and abnormal CI should be closely followed to detect neurodevelopmental alterations during the postnatal periodEuropean Regional Development Fund BFU2014-55373-RMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad MAT2011-29778-C02-02Generalitat de Catalunya 2014 SGR 117

Genotoxicity Evaluation of Two Derived Products from Allium Extracts: s-propylmercaptocysteine and s-propyl Mercaptoglutathione

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) is one of the main organosulfur compounds present in Allium essential oils with a widely documented biological activity. For this reason, it could be used as a food and feed additive in the agri-food industry. A genotoxicity evaluation of substances and their metabolites present in food is necessary to guarantee the consumer's health following the recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). To evaluate the toxicological profile of derivatives of PTSO, the cytotoxicity, an Ames test, a micronucleus test and the comet assay were performed. Results showed that non-cytotoxic effects were observed in Caco-2 exposed to s-propyl mercaptocysteine (CSSP) and s-propyl mercaptoglutathione (GSSP) (0–450 μM). The mutagenicity index remained in the range of 0.6–1.4 for both compounds, showing no mutagenic effects for the concentrations of 5000–312.5 μg GSSP/plate and 250–15.63 μg CSSP/plate. Moreover, the % binucleated cells with micronuclei were 1.3–2.2 and 1.6–2.7 for GSSP and GSSP, respectively. For comet assays there was no DNA-genotoxic or oxidative damage in a concentration range of 112.5–450 μM. Therefore, we can conclude that these compounds are not genotoxic at the conditions tested. These results support that the presence of CSSP and GSSP in the food/feed is not of concern, although further studies are needed to complete their safety profile.Junta de Andalucía AT17_5323_USE, P18-TP-2147Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades FPU2019-0124

Simultaneous determination of Allium compounds (Propyl propane thiosulfonate and thiosulfinate) in animal feed using UPLC-MS/MS

Propyl-propane-thiosulfonate (PTSO) and Propyl-propane-thiosulfinate (PTS) are organosulfur compounds used to supplement the diet of livestock because of their beneficial effects on feed palatability, their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimethanogenic activities. Besides, antibiotic residues in the environment can be reduced by using these natural bioactive compounds. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction parameters for the analysis of PTSO and PTS in feed matrices by performing a solid-liquid extraction and quantification by Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Optimization was performed using the Response Surface Methodology on a Box–Behnken experimental design, optimizing the following parameters: solvent:sample ratios and evaporation temperature set for the rotary evaporator. The method was validated for 3 concentration levels for both PTSO (100, 500, 1000 ng g−1) and PTS (500, 1150, 2300 ng g−1). The highest recoveries of PTSO and PTS were obtained using 12.5 mL of 100% acetonitrile, stirring for 15 min, and an evaporation temperature of 20 °C. The validated method was further applied to detect and quantify these compounds in different feed matrices. In conclusion, this is the first study to simultaneously analyze PTSO and PTS at low concentrations, employing a sensitive technique such as UPLC-MS/MS.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (RTC-2017-6199-2)Junta de Andalucía (AT-17-5323

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio

Radiation and Dust Sensor for Mars Environmental Dynamic Analyzer Onboard M2020 Rover

32 pags., 26 figs., 3 tabs. -- This article belongs to the Section Remote SensorsThe Radiation and Dust Sensor is one of six sensors of the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer onboard the Perseverance rover from the Mars 2020 NASA mission. Its primary goal is to characterize the airbone dust in the Mars atmosphere, inferring its concentration, shape and optical properties. Thanks to its geometry, the sensor will be capable of studying dust-lifting processes with a high temporal resolution and high spatial coverage. Thanks to its multiwavelength design, it will characterize the solar spectrum from Mars' surface. The present work describes the sensor design from the scientific and technical requirements, the qualification processes to demonstrate its endurance on Mars' surface, the calibration activities to demonstrate its performance, and its validation campaign in a representative Mars analog. As a result of this process, we obtained a very compact sensor, fully digital, with a mass below 1 kg and exceptional power consumption and data budget features.This work has been funded with the help of the Spanish National Research, Development and Innovation Program, through the grants RTI2018-099825-B-C31, ESP2016-80320-C2-1-R and ESP2014-54256-C4-3-R. DT acknowledges the financial support from the Comunidad de Madrid for an “Atracción de Talento Investigador” grant (2018-T2/TIC10500). ASL is supported by Grant PID2019-109467GB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and by Grupos Gobierno Vasco IT1366-19. The US co-authors performed their work under sponsorship from NASA’s Mars 2020 project, from the Game Changing Development program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate, and from the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate.Peer reviewe

The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer, MEDA. A Suite of Environmental Sensors for the Mars 2020 Mission

86 pags, 49 figs, 24 tabsNASA's Mars 2020 (M2020) rover mission includes a suite of sensors to monitor current environmental conditions near the surface of Mars and to constrain bulk aerosol properties from changes in atmospheric radiation at the surface. The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) consists of a set of meteorological sensors including wind sensor, a barometer, a relative humidity sensor, a set of 5 thermocouples to measure atmospheric temperature at ∼1.5 m and ∼0.5 m above the surface, a set of thermopiles to characterize the thermal IR brightness temperatures of the surface and the lower atmosphere. MEDA adds a radiation and dust sensor to monitor the optical atmospheric properties that can be used to infer bulk aerosol physical properties such as particle size distribution, non-sphericity, and concentration. The MEDA package and its scientific purpose are described in this document as well as how it responded to the calibration tests and how it helps prepare for the human exploration of Mars. A comparison is also presented to previous environmental monitoring payloads landed on Mars on the Viking, Pathfinder, Phoenix, MSL, and InSight spacecraft.This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, through the projects No. ESP2014-54256-C4-1-R (also -2-R, -3-R and -4-R) and AYA2015-65041-P; Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, projects No. ESP2016-79612-C3-1-R (also -2-R and -3-R), ESP2016-80320-C2-1-R, RTI2018-098728-B-C31 (also -C32 and -C33) and RTI2018-099825-B-C31; Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aeroespacial; Ministry of Science and Innovation's Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology; Grupos Gobierno Vasco IT1366-19; and European Research Council Consolidator Grant no 818602.Peer reviewe

Biochemical function of female-lethal (2)D/Wilms' tumor suppressor-1-associated proteins in alternative pre-mRNA splicing

8 p.-4 fig.1 tab.Genetic and molecular data have implicated the Drosophila gene female-lethal (2)d (fl (2)d) in alternative splicing regulation of genes involved in sexual determination. Sex-specific splicing is under the control of the female-specific regulatory protein sex-lethal (SXL). Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry results indicate that SXL and FL (2)D form a complex and that the protein VIRILIZER and a Ran-binding protein implicated in protein nuclear import are also present in complexes containing FL (2)D. A human homolog of FL (2)D was identified and cloned. Interestingly, this gene encodes a protein (WTAP) that was previously found to interact with the Wilms' tumor suppressor-1 (WT1), an isoform of which binds to and co-localizes with splicing factors. Alternative splicing of transformer pre-mRNA, a target of SXL regulation, was affected by immunodepletion of hFL (2)D/WTAP from HeLa nuclear extracts, thus arguing for a biochemical function of FL (2)D/WTAP proteins in splicing regulation.This work was supported in part by a Human Frontiers Science Program Organization grant (to J. V.). b Supported by fellowships from University of Granada, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Spain) and Marie Curie Research Fellowships Program. Present address: Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Spain.h Supported by Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica Grant PB98-0466.i Supported by the Medical Research Council and the European Union.Peer reviewe