Habilidades investigativas de docentes en la educación superior universitaria

La investigación es una actividad inherente a la educación superior, y en el docente de la educación superior la investigación forma parte esencial en el ejercicio de su labor educativa. Es mediante la aplicación de los pasos del método científico que el docente de educación superior analiza los diversos fenómenos, situaciones problemáticas, etc., a fin de dar una respuesta o encontrar alternativas de solución a las mismas, o en otros casos mediante la investigación tecnológica busca satisfacer las necesidades de la población. En la actualidad, la SUNEDU (Superintendencia de Educación Superior Universitaria) exige que los docentes hayan alcanzado previamente el grado académico de Maestro que enseñan en el nivel universitario y les pide elaboración de trabajos de investigación. El presente trabajo académico tiene como propósito conocer y explicar la importancia del desarrollo de las habilidades investigativas y su aplicación en la labor docente

Síndrome hemolítico urémico atípico en lactantes con mutaciones genéticas: Reporte de 3 casos

The atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare clinical entity, but it is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in kids. The disease is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure, and it is associated with high morbidity and systemic involvement. We report here three cases of aHUS in infants presenting with prodromal respiratory symptoms, diarrhea, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. aHUS cases depict mutations in several genes: membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and complement factor H related proteins 1 and 5 (CFH, RP1 and PR5. Two our patients showed mutations in the genes CFH and MCP, and one presented a new non-previously reported mutation in the gen C3. Our results emphasize the existence of these aHUS mutations and underscore the need to study them to prevent morbidity and mortality.El síndrome hemolítico urémico atípico (SHUa) es una entidad clínica considerada rara; sin embargo, es la causa más común de insuficiencia renal aguda en niños. Esta enfermedad se acompaña de anemia hemolítica microangiopática, trombocitopenia, retención nitrogenada y afectación de la función renal, por lo que representa alta morbilidad y compromiso sistémico. Se reportan tres casos de SHUa en lactantes que presentaron pródromos respiratorios, diarrea, anemia hemolítica y trombocitopenia, con pérdida de función renal. Estos casos mostraron que dicha patología está asociada a mutaciones en los genes: CFH (Complemento Factor H), MCP (Membrana Cofactor Proteín), CFHR1 (Complemento Factor H-Related Proteín1), CFHR5 (Complemento factor H-Related Protein 5) y el gen C3 (Complemento component 3). Los genes CFH y MCP se encontraron afectados en dos de los casos, mientras que el tercer caso mostró una mutación nueva no reportada en el gen C3. Estos resultados evidencian que estas mutaciones están presentes en el Perú, por lo que se debe investigar y establecer medidas de prevención para reducir el alto riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad que presentan los niños portadores SHUa

Performance evaluation of a preclinical SPECT scanner with a collimator designed for medium-sized animals

BACKGROUND: Equipped with two stationary detectors, a large bore collimator for medium-sized animals has been recently introduced for dedicated preclinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. We aimed to evaluate the basic performance of the system using phantoms and healthy rabbits. METHODS: A general-purpose medium-sized animal (GP-MSA) collimator with 135 mm bore diameter and thirty-three holes of 2.5 mm diameter was installed on an ultrahigh-resolution scanner equipped with two large stationary detectors (U-SPECT5-E/CT). The sensitivity and uniformity were investigated using a point source and a cylinder phantom containing (99m)Tc-pertechnetate, respectively. Uniformity (in %) was derived using volumes of interest (VOIs) on images of the cylinder phantom and calculated as [(maximum count − minimum count)/(maximum count + minimum count) × 100], with lower values of % indicating superior performance. The spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were evaluated with images of a hot-rod Derenzo phantom using different activity concentrations. Feasibility of in vivo SPECT imaging was finally confirmed by rabbit imaging with the most commonly used clinical myocardial perfusion SPECT agent [(99m)Tc]Tc-sestamibi (dynamic acquisition with a scan time of 5 min). RESULTS: In the performance evaluation, a sensitivity of 790 cps/MBq, a spatial resolution with the hot-rod phantom of 2.5 mm, and a uniformity of 39.2% were achieved. The CNRs of the rod size 2.5 mm were 1.37, 1.24, 1.20, and 0.85 for activity concentration of 29.2, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.1 MBq/mL, respectively. Dynamic SPECT imaging in rabbits allowed to visualize most of the thorax and to generate time-activity curves of the left myocardial wall and ventricular cavity. CONCLUSION: Preclinical U-SPECT5-E/CT equipped with a large bore collimator demonstrated adequate sensitivity and resolution for in vivo rabbit imaging. Along with its unique features of SPECT molecular functional imaging is a superior collimator technology that is applicable to medium-sized animal models and thus may promote translational research for diagnostic purposes and development of novel therapeutics

In vivo functional assessment of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporters (SGLTs) using [18F]Me4FDG PET in rats

BACKGROUND: Mediating glucose absorption in the small intestine and renal clearance, sodium glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) have emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in diabetic patients. A substantial fraction of patients, however, only achieve inadequate glycemic control. Thus, we aimed to assess the potential of the SGLT-targeting PET radiotracer alpha-methyl-4-deoxy-4-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucopyranoside ([(18)F]Me4FDG) as a noninvasive intestinal and renal biomarker of SGLT-mediated glucose transport. METHODS: We investigated healthy rats using a dedicated small animal PET system. Dynamic imaging was conducted after administration of the reference radiotracer 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose ([(18)F]FDG), or the SGLT-targeting agent, [(18)F]Me4FDG either directly into the digestive tract (for assessing intestinal absorption) or via the tail vein (for evaluating kidney excretion). To confirm the specificity of [(18)F]Me4FDG and responsiveness to treatment, a subset of animals was also pretreated with the SGLT inhibitor phlorizin. In this regard, an intraintestinal route of administration was used to assess tracer absorption in the digestive tract, while for renal assessment, phlorizin was injected intravenously (IV). RESULTS: Serving as reference, intestinal administration of [(18)F]FDG led to slow absorption with retention of 89.2 ± 3.5% of administered radioactivity at 15 min. [(18)F]Me4FDG, however, was rapidly absorbed into the blood and cleared from the intestine within 15 min, leading to markedly lower tracer retention of 18.5 ± 1.2% (P < 0.0001). Intraintestinal phlorizin led to marked increase of [(18)F]Me4FDG uptake (15 min, 99.9 ± 4.7%; P < 0.0001 vs. untreated controls), supporting the notion that this PET agent can measure adequate SGLT inhibition in the digestive tract. In the kidneys, radiotracer was also sensitive to SGLT inhibition. After IV injection, [(18)F]Me4FDG reabsorption in the renal cortex was significantly suppressed by phlorizin when compared to untreated animals (%ID/g at 60 min, 0.42 ± 0.10 vs. untreated controls, 1.20 ± 0.03; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: As a noninvasive read-out of the concurrent SGLT expression in both the digestive tract and the renal cortex, [(18)F]Me4FDG PET may serve as a surrogate marker for treatment response to SGLT inhibition. As such, [(18)F]Me4FDG may enable improvement in glycemic control in diabetes by PET-based monitoring strategies

Mitofusin 2 is essential for IP3-mediated SR/Mitochondria metabolic feedback in ventricular myocytes

Aim: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are multifunctional peptide hormones that regulate the function of the cardiovascular and renal systems. Both hormones increase the intracellular production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP$_3$) by activating their membrane-bound receptors. We have previously demonstrated that IP$_3$-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca$^{2+}$ release results in mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake and activation of ATP production. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intact SR/mitochondria microdomains are required for metabolic IP$_3$-mediated SR/mitochondrial feedback in ventricular myocytes. Methods: As a model for disrupted mitochondrial/SR microdomains, cardio-specific tamoxifen-inducible mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) knock out (KO) mice were used. Mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake, membrane potential, redox state, and ATP generation were monitored in freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from Mfn2 KO mice and their control wild-type (WT) littermates. Results: Stimulation of ET-1 receptors in healthy control myocytes increases mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake, maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and redox balance leading to the enhanced ATP generation. Mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake upon ET-1 stimulation was significantly higher in interfibrillar (IFM) and perinuclear (PNM) mitochondria compared to subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) in WT myocytes. Mfn2 KO completely abolished mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake in IFM and PNM mitochondria but not in SSM. However, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake induced by beta-adrenergic receptors activation with isoproterenol (ISO) was highest in SSM, intermediate in IFM, and smallest in PNM regions. Furthermore, Mfn2 KO did not affect ISO-induced mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake in SSM and IFM mitochondria; however, enhanced mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake in PNM. In contrast to ET-1, ISO induced a decrease in ATP levels in WT myocytes. Mfn2 KO abolished ATP generation upon ET-1 stimulation but increased ATP levels upon ISO application with highest levels observed in PNM regions. Conclusion: When the physical link between SR and mitochondria by Mfn2 was disrupted, the SR/mitochondrial metabolic feedback mechanism was impaired resulting in the inability of the IP$_3$-mediated SR Ca$^{2+}$ release to induce ATP production in ventricular myocytes from Mfn2 KO mice. Furthermore, we revealed the difference in Mfn2-mediated SR-mitochondrial communication depending on mitochondrial location and type of communication (IP$_3$R-mRyR1 vs. ryanodine receptor type 2-mitochondrial calcium uniporter)

Mitofusin 2 is essential for IP3-mediated SR/mitochondria metabolic feedback in ventricular myocytes

Aim: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II) are multifunctional peptide hormones that regulate the function of the cardiovascular and renal systems. Both hormones increase the intracellular production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP$_3$) by activating their membrane-bound receptors. We have previously demonstrated that IP$_3$-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca$^{2+}$ release results in mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake and activation of ATP production. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that intact SR/mitochondria microdomains are required for metabolic IP$_3$-mediated SR/mitochondrial feedback in ventricular myocytes. Methods: As a model for disrupted mitochondrial/SR microdomains, cardio-specific tamoxifen-inducible mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) knock out (KO) mice were used. Mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake, membrane potential, redox state, and ATP generation were monitored in freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from Mfn2 KO mice and their control wild-type (WT) littermates. Results: Stimulation of ET-1 receptors in healthy control myocytes increases mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake, maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and redox balance leading to the enhanced ATP generation. Mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake upon ET-1 stimulation was significantly higher in interfibrillar (IFM) and perinuclear (PNM) mitochondria compared to subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM) in WT myocytes. Mfn2 KO completely abolished mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake in IFM and PNM mitochondria but not in SSM. However, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake induced by beta-adrenergic receptors activation with isoproterenol (ISO) was highest in SSM, intermediate in IFM, and smallest in PNM regions. Furthermore, Mfn2 KO did not affect ISO-induced mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake in SSM and IFM mitochondria; however, enhanced mitochondrial Ca$^{2+}$ uptake in PNM. In contrast to ET-1, ISO induced a decrease in ATP levels in WT myocytes. Mfn2 KO abolished ATP generation upon ET-1 stimulation but increased ATP levels upon ISO application with highest levels observed in PNM regions. Conclusion: When the physical link between SR and mitochondria by Mfn2 was disrupted, the SR/mitochondrial metabolic feedback mechanism was impaired resulting in the inability of the IP$_3$-mediated SR Ca$^{2+}$ release to induce ATP production in ventricular myocytes from Mfn2 KO mice. Furthermore, we revealed the difference in Mfn2-mediated SR-mitochondrial communication depending on mitochondrial location and type of communication (IP$_3$R-mRyR1 vs. ryanodine receptor type 2-mitochondrial calcium uniporter)

Excellence in Education Versus Educational Policies. Literary Review

En este artículo de revisión literaria, se aborda la compleja relación entre la excelencia educativa y las políticas educativas, utilizando una metodología cualitativa para analizar diversas perspectivas y enfoques. A través de la revisión de estudios y análisis cualitativos, se destaca la riqueza de opiniones y experiencias de educadores, estudiantes y otros actores clave en el ámbito educativo. La metodología cualitativa tipo descriptiva permitió explorar en profundidad las dimensiones subjetivas de la excelencia educativa, y cómo estas se ven afectadas por la implementación de políticas educativas. Se examinan aspectos, como las interacciones en el aula, la percepción de los participantes y los factores contextuales que influyen en la calidad educativa. La participación ciudadana se analiza de manera más detallada para comprender las opiniones de la comunidad educativa. La gestión educativa y las prácticas pedagógicas se exploran, destacando las narrativas y experiencias de los educadores. Se busca comprender cómo las políticas afectan la dinámica en el aula, las estrategias pedagógicas efectivas y el clima escolar desde la perspectiva de quienes están directamente involucrados en el proceso educativo. Finalmente, el artículo, proporciona una visión más completa y rica de la interacción entre la excelencia educativa y las políticas educativas, capturando las complejidades y matices a través de experiencias y perspectivas cualitativas.In this literature review article, the complex relationship between educational excellence and educational policies is addressed, using a qualitative methodology to analyze various perspectives and approaches. Through the review of qualitative studies and analysis, the richness of opinions and experiences of educators, students and other key actors in the educational field are highlighted. The descriptive qualitative methodology allowed us to explore in depth the subjective dimensions of educational excellence, and how these are affected by the implementation of educational policies. Qualitative aspects are examined, such as classroom interactions, participants' perceptions, and contextual factors that influence educational quality. Citizen participation is analyzed in more detail to understand the opinions of the educational community. Educational management and pedagogical practices are explored, highlighting the narratives and experiences of educators. It seeks to understand how policies affect classroom dynamics, effective pedagogical strategies, and school climate from the perspective of those who are directly involved in the educational process. In summary, the article provides a more complete and rich view of the interaction between educational excellence and educational policies, capturing the complexities and nuances through qualitative experiences and perspectives

Theoretical Review of The Fundamental Aspects That Influence Learning

En esta exhaustiva revisión teórica, se exploran y analizan los diversos factores que ejercen influencia en el proceso de aprendizaje. Desde las teorías clásicas hasta las perspectivas contemporáneas, el articulo ofrece una panorámica completa, abordando elementos como el entorno educativo, las estrategias pedagógicas, las variables individuales y las nuevas tecnologías. Al sintetizar investigaciones claves se arroja luz sobre la complejidad del aprendizaje, proporcionando una base sólida para comprender y mejorar los métodos educativos en la actualidad. La investigación tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis minucioso sobre el tema bajo la metodología de la investigación cualitativa, con diseño bibliográfico, la recopilación de información relevante tuvo su hallazgo en libros, tesis, revistas científicas de alto impacto. Después de una exploración sistemática literaria se instauró una variedad de contenidos pedagógicos para solucionarlos equidistante de la teoría narrativa. Finalmente, se procedió a realizar una evaluación de la certeza en la implementación de estos principios de la pedagogía narrativa cuya importancia abre oportunidades para optimizar la enseñanza y promueve un desarrollo educativo más completo.In this exhaustive theoretical review, the various factors that influence the learning process are explored and analyzed. From classical theories to contemporary perspectives, the article offers a complete overview, addressing elements such as the educational environment, pedagogical strategies, individual variables and new technologies. Synthesizing key research sheds light on the complexity of learning, providing a solid foundation for understanding and improving educational methods today. The objective of the research is to carry out a thorough analysis of the topic under the qualitative research methodology, with a bibliographic design, the compilation of relevant information was found in books, theses, and high-impact scientific journals. After a systematic literary exploration, a variety of pedagogical contents were established to solve them equidistant from narrative theory. Finally, an evaluation of the certainty in the implementation of these principles of narrative pedagogy was carried out, the importance of which opens opportunities to optimize teaching and promotes a more complete educational development

Seguimiento farmacoterapéutico ambulatorio en pacientes hipertensos de un centro de salud del Perú. Estudio cuasi-experimental.

Objective: To determine the impact of outpatient pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in hypertensive patients in a health center in northern Perú.Methods: An explanatory, before-after longitudinal study was carried out in 36 adult patients with a diagnosis of HTN, who attend the Unión Health Center-Trujillo, through 9 home visits, using the DÁDER method that evaluates the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up. Four instruments were used to evaluate the following parameters: level of knowledge by means of a questionnaire, adherence to treatment using the Morisky-Green-Levine test, degree of patient satisfaction through the Purdue Pharmacist Directive test and monitoring of arterial hypertension values using a record sheet.Results: For the level of knowledge, the questionnaire obtained an average score of 5.3 in the third visit and 10 in the ninth. For the degree of adherence, the test reached an average value of 1.9 in the second home visit, being considered non-adherent and 0.0 in the ninth visit, showing total adherence to pharmacological treatment. Regarding the test to determine the level of satisfaction towards the pharmaceutical chemist, the result was 85.7% and 100% during the fourth and ninth home visit, respectively. Significant results were found for the 3 quantitative parametric parameters, showing 100% adherence, satisfaction, and adequate level of knowledge at the end of the SFT. Regarding blood pressure values, it began with a mean of 138.6/87.1 mmHg, decreasing to 118.8/79.3 mmHg at the ninth home visit.Conclusions: Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up had a favorable impact on the control of hypertensive patients.Objetivo: Determinar el impacto del seguimiento farmacoterapéutico ambulatorio en pacientes hipertensos de un centro de salud del norte del Perú.Metodología: Estudio cuasi – experimental, longitudinal en 36 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial, que asisten al Centro de Salud Unión – Trujillo, mediante 9 visitas domiciliarias, utilizando el método DÁDER que evalúa el seguimiento farmacoterapéutico. Se emplearon 4 instrumentos para evaluar los siguientes parámetros: nivel de conocimiento mediante un cuestionario, adherencia al tratamiento mediante la prueba de Morisky-Green-Levine, grado de satisfacción del paciente a través del test The Purdue Pharmacist Directive y monitorización de los valores de hipertensión arterial mediante una hoja de registro.Resultados: Para el nivel de conocimiento, el cuestionario obtuvo una puntuación promedio de 5.3 en la tercera visita y 10 en la novena. Para el grado de adherencia, la prueba alcanzó un valor promedio de 1.9 en la segunda visita domiciliaria, considerándose como No adherente y 0.0 en la novena visita, mostrando una adherencia total al tratamiento farmacológico. En cuanto a la prueba para la determinación del nivel de satisfacción hacia el químico farmacéutico, se obtuvo como resultado 85.7% y 100% durante la cuarta y novena visita domiciliaria, respectivamente. Se encontraron resultados significativos para los 3 parámetros, mostrando 100% de adherencia, satisfacción y nivel de conocimiento adecuado al finalizar el seguimiento farmacoterapéutico. En referencia a los valores de presión arterial, se inició con una media de 138.6/87.1 ± 6.7 mmHg, descendiendo a 118.8/79.3 ± 2.7 mmHg a la novena visita domiciliaria.Conclusiones: El seguimiento farmacoterapéutico tuvo un impacto favorable en el control de los pacientes hipertensos

Developmental Reaction Norms for Water Stressed Seedlings of Succulent Cacti

Succulent cacti are remarkable plants with capabilities to withstand long periods of drought. However, their adult success is contingent on the early seedling stages, when plants are highly susceptible to the environment. To better understand their early coping strategies in a challenging environment, two developmental aspects (anatomy and morphology) in Polaskia chichipe and Echinocactus platyacanthus were studied in the context of developmental reaction norms under drought conditions. The morphology was evaluated using landmark based morphometrics and Principal Component Analysis, which gave three main trends of the variation in each species. The anatomy was quantified as number and area of xylem vessels. The quantitative relationship between morphology and anatomy in early stages of development, as a response to drought was revealed in these two species. Qualitatively, collapsible cells and collapsible parenchyma tissue were observed in seedlings of both species, more often in those subjected to water stress. These tissues were located inside the epidermis, resembling a web of collapsible-cell groups surrounding turgid cells, vascular bundles, and spanned across the pith. Occasionally the groups formed a continuum stretching from the epidermis towards the vasculature. Integrating the morphology and the anatomy in a developmental context as a response to environmental conditions provides a better understanding of the organism's dynamics, adaptation, and plasticity