Transcriptomic characterization of the response to a microalgae extract in Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum.

BACKGROUND: The steady world population growth and the current climate emergency crisis demand the development of sustainable methods to increase crop performance and resilience to the abiotic and biotic stresses produced by global warming. Microalgal extracts are being established as sustainable sources to produce compounds that improve agricultural yield, concurrently contributing during their production process to atmospheric CO2 abatement through the photosynthetic activity of microalgae. RESULTS: In the present study, we characterize the transcriptomic response in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the plant of horticultural interest Solanum lycopersicum to the foliar application of a microalgae-based commercial preparation LRM™ (AlgaEnergy, Madrid, Spain). The foliar spray of LRM™ has a substantial effect over both transcriptomes potentially mediated by various compounds within LRM™, including its phytohormone content, activating systemic acquired resistance, possibly mediated by salicylic acid biosynthetic processes, and drought/heat acclimatization, induced by stomatal control and wax accumulation during cuticle development. Specifically, the agronomic improvements observed in treated S. lycopersicum (tomato) plants include an increase in the number of fruits, an acceleration in flowering time and the provision of higher drought resistance. The effect of LRM™ foliar spray in juvenile and adult plants was similar, producing a fast response detectable 2 h from its application that was also maintained 24 h later. CONCLUSION: The present study improves our knowledge on the transcriptomic effect of a novel microalgal extract on crops and provides the first step towards a full understanding of the yield and resistance improvement of crops. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

ALGAEFUN with MARACAS, microALGAE FUNctional enrichment tool for MicroAlgae RnA-seq and Chip-seq AnalysiS.

BACKGROUND: Microalgae are emerging as promising sustainable sources for biofuels, biostimulants in agriculture, soil bioremediation, feed and human nutrients. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms underpinning microalgae physiology and the biosynthesis of compounds of biotechnological interest are largely uncharacterized. This hinders the development of microalgae full potential as cell-factories. The recent application of omics technologies into microalgae research aims at unraveling these systems. Nevertheless, the lack of specific tools for analysing omics raw data generated from microalgae to provide biological meaningful information are hampering the impact of these technologies. The purpose of ALGAEFUN with MARACAS consists in providing researchers in microalgae with an enabling tool that will allow them to exploit transcriptomic and cistromic high-throughput sequencing data. RESULTS: ALGAEFUN with MARACAS consists of two different tools. First, MARACAS (MicroAlgae RnA-seq and Chip-seq AnalysiS) implements a fully automatic computational pipeline receiving as input RNA-seq (RNA sequencing) or ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) raw data from microalgae studies. MARACAS generates sets of differentially expressed genes or lists of genomic loci for RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis respectively. Second, ALGAEFUN (microALGAE FUNctional enrichment tool) is a web-based application where gene sets generated from RNA-seq analysis as well as lists of genomic loci from ChIP-seq analysis can be used as input. On the one hand, it can be used to perform Gene Ontology and biological pathways enrichment analysis over gene sets. On the other hand, using the results of ChIP-seq data analysis, it identifies a set of potential target genes and analyses the distribution of the loci over gene features. Graphical representation of the results as well as tables with gene annotations are generated and can be downloaded for further analysis. CONCLUSIONS: ALGAEFUN with MARACAS provides an integrated environment for the microalgae research community that facilitates the process of obtaining relevant biological information from raw RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data. These applications are designed to assist researchers in the interpretation of gene lists and genomic loci based on functional enrichment analysis. ALGAEFUN with MARACAS is publicly available on https://greennetwork.us.es/AlgaeFUN/ .

CO2 Levels Modulate Carbon Utilization, Energy Levels and Inositol Polyphosphate Profile in Chlorella.

Microalgae have a growing recognition of generating biomass and capturing carbon in the form of CO2. The genus Chlorella has especially attracted scientists' attention due to its versatility in algal mass cultivation systems and its potential in mitigating CO2. However, some aspects of how these green microorganisms respond to increasing concentrations of CO2 remain unclear. In this work, we analyzed Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorella vulgaris cells under low and high CO2 levels. We monitored different processes related to carbon flux from photosynthetic capacity to carbon sinks. Our data indicate that high concentration of CO2 favors growth and photosynthetic capacity of the two Chlorella strains. Different metabolites related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ATP levels also increased under high CO2 concentrations in Chlorella sorokiniana, reaching up to two-fold compared to low CO2 conditions. The signaling molecules, inositol polyphosphates, that regulate photosynthetic capacity in green microalgae were also affected by the CO2 levels, showing a deep profile modification of the inositol polyphosphates that over-accumulated by up to 50% in high CO2 versus low CO2 conditions. InsP4 and InsP6 increased 3- and 0.8-fold, respectively, in Chlorella sorokiniana after being subjected to 5% CO2 condition. These data indicate that the availability of CO2 could control carbon flux from photosynthesis to carbon storage and impact cell signaling integration and energy levels in these green cells. The presented results support the importance of further investigating the connections between carbon assimilation and cell signaling by polyphosphate inositols in microalgae to optimize their biotechnological applications.

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Response to High Light in the Charophyte Alga Klebsormidium nitens.

The characterization of the molecular mechanisms, such as high light irradiance resistance, that allowed plant terrestralization is a cornerstone in evolutionary studies since the conquest of land by plants played a pivotal role in life evolution on Earth. Viridiplantae or the green lineage is divided into two clades, Chlorophyta and Streptophyta, that in turn splits into Embryophyta or land plants and Charophyta. Charophyta are used in evolutionary studies on plant terrestralization since they are generally accepted as the extant algal species most closely related to current land plants. In this study, we have chosen the facultative terrestrial early charophyte alga Klebsormidium nitens to perform an integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis under high light in order to unveil key mechanisms involved in the early steps of plants terrestralization. We found a fast chloroplast retrograde signaling possibly mediated by reactive oxygen species and the inositol polyphosphate 1-phosphatase (SAL1) and 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphate (PAP) pathways inducing gene expression and accumulation of specific metabolites. Systems used by both Chlorophyta and Embryophyta were activated such as the xanthophyll cycle with an accumulation of zeaxanthin and protein folding and repair mechanisms constituted by NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductases, thioredoxin-disulfide reductases, and peroxiredoxins. Similarly, cyclic electron flow, specifically the pathway dependent on proton gradient regulation 5, was strongly activated under high light. We detected a simultaneous co-activation of the non-photochemical quenching mechanisms based on LHC-like stress related (LHCSR) protein and the photosystem II subunit S that are specific to Chlorophyta and Embryophyta, respectively. Exclusive Embryophyta systems for the synthesis, sensing, and response to the phytohormone auxin were also activated under high light in K. nitens leading to an increase in auxin content with the concomitant accumulation of amino acids such as tryptophan, histidine, and phenylalanine.

Integral Valorization of Two-Phase Olive Mill Solid Waste (OMSW) and Related Washing Waters by Anaerobic Co-digestion of OMSW and the Microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata Cultivated in These Effluents.

This study evaluates the comprehensive valorization of the byproducts derived from the two-phase olive oil elaboration process [i.e., olive washing water (OWW), olive oil washing water (OOWW), and olive mill solid waste (OMSW)] in a closed-loop process. Initially, the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata was grown using a mixture of OWW and OOWW as the culture medium, allowing phosphate, nitrate, sugars, and soluble chemical oxygen demand removal. In a second step, the microalgal biomass grown in the mixture of washing waters was used as a co-substrate together with OMSW for an anaerobic co-digestion process. The anaerobic co-digestion of the combination of 75% OMSW-25% R. subcapitata enhanced the methane yield by 7.0 and 64.5% compared to the anaerobic digestion of the OMSW and R. subcapitata individually. This schedule of operation allowed for integration of all of the byproducts generated from the two-phase olive oil elaboration process in a full valorization system and the establishment of a circular economy concept for the olive oil industry.

Unveiling the underlying molecular basis of astaxanthin accumulation in Haematococcus through integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis.

Astaxanthin is a valuable and highly demanded ketocarotenoid pigment, for which the chlorophycean microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is an outstanding natural source. Although information on astaxanthin accumulation in H. pluvialis has substantially advanced in recent years, its underlying molecular bases remain elusive. An integrative metabolic and transcriptomic analysis has been performed for vegetative Haematococcus cells, grown both under N sufficiency (green palmelloid cells) and under moderate N limitation, allowing concurrent active cell growth and astaxanthin synthesis (reddish palmelloid cells). Transcriptional activation was noticeable in reddish cells of key enzymes participating in glycolysis, pentose phosphate cycle and pyruvate metabolism, determining the adequate provision of glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate and pyruvate, precursors of carotenoids and fatty acids. Moreover, for the first time, transcriptional regulators potentially involved in controlling astaxanthin accumulation have been identified, a knowledge enabling optimization of commercial astaxanthin production by Haematococcus through systems metabolic engineering.

Integración de contenidos en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico desde una perspectiva social de la ciencia y la tecnología

El objetivo de la investigación fue valorar el proceso de integración de contenidos desde la disciplina Diagnóstico Integral de Laboratorio en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico desde una perspectiva social de la ciencia y la tecnología. De los métodos empíricos fueron utilizados la revisión documental y el análisis de documentos, así como la caracterización del estado actual del desarrollo de la técnica lámina periférica por los docentes y estudiantes del tercer año, en la que se identificaron insuficiencias que influyen en la preparación de este futuro profesional. A partir de la valoración realizada se argumentó la necesidad de elaborar una estrategia didáctica para la integración de los contenidos en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico lo que contribuirá a la preparación de los estudiantes y profesores.

The objective of the research was to assess the process of integration of contents from the Comprehensive Laboratory Diagnosis discipline in the Clinical Bioanalysis degree from a social perspective of science and technology. From the empirical methods, the documentary review and the analysis of documents were used, as well as the characterization of the current state of development of the peripheral lamina technique by teachers and students of the third year, in which insufficiencies were identified that influence the preparation of this future professional. Based on the assessment made, the need to develop a didactic strategy for the integration of the contents in the Clinical Bioanalysis career was argued, which will contribute to the preparation of students and teachers.

Análisis histórico de la enseñanza- aprendizaje de las ciencias básicas biomédicas y su integración en Estomatología

RESUMEN La integración de los contenidos científicos constituye tendencia internacional en los procesos formativos y reviste marcada relevancia por la repercusión social para la solución de problemas. El artículo analiza el devenir histórico en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de las ciencias básicas biomédicas con énfasis en la integración de sus contenidos desde la Fisiología, para la carrera Estomatología. Entre los métodos teóricos, se utilizaron el histórico-lógico, el analítico-sintético y el inductivo-deductivo; y del nivel empírico fue empleado el análisis de documentos. Los talleres de opinión crítica y construcción colectiva permitieron definir los indicadores utilizados. Se aporta una caracterización de cuatro etapas enmarcadas desde 1992 hasta la actualidad y se develan las tendencias del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de las ciencias biomédicas y su integración en la carrera Estomatología en Cuba. Se constataron transformaciones que favorecen la integración de los contenidos básicos biomédicos, aunque persisten limitaciones en el orden teórico, metodológico y práctico para lograrlo.

ABSTRACT The integration of scientific contents is a global trend in its teaching and it is relevant due to its social impact for problem solving. The paper analyses the historical evolution of the teaching learning of biomedical sciences, emphasizing on its contents integration from Physiology, in the Dentistry degree course. Among the theoretical methods, the logical-historical; the synthetic -analytic and the inductive-deductive were used; and from the empirical level, the documents analysis was carried out. Critical opinion and collective building workshops allowed to define the assumed indicators. A characterization of four stages from 1992 up to date is offered and tendencies of the teaching learning process of biomedical sciences in relation to their integration. Modifications in favor to contents integration were found, however there are limitations from the theoretical, methodological and practical points of view to achieve it.

Contribuciones teóricas y prácticas a la formación y superación de profesionales vinculados al análisis clínico / Theoretical and practical contributions to the training and improvement of professionals linked to clinical analysis

RESUMEN Fundamento: las actuales condiciones de estudio y trabajo en las ciencias médicas exigen un óptimo trabajo de las instituciones formadoras y asistenciales para garantizar un egresado con profundas convicciones éticas y humanas. Objetivo: expresar las contribuciones teóricas y prácticas de una estrategia implementada para la formación y superación de profesionales vinculados al análisis clínico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio longitudinal retrospectivo y documental en el período enero 2013-diciembre 2019 en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos: la revisión documental que permitió recopilar la información referente a las investigaciones realizadas en el periodo analizado; y de la estadística descriptiva e inferencial para el análisis y expresión de los resultados. Resultados: se corresponden con lo logrado en diferentes proyectos de investigación encaminados al perfeccionamiento de la formación inicial y de posgrado de estos profesionales. Incluyen: el establecimiento de asignatura del currículo optativo y la aplicación de materiales didácticos en la carrera de Bioanálisis Clínico, y asignatura del currículo propio en la de Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional de ciclo corto. En el posgrado, un modelo teórico y una estrategia para la superación profesional del tecnólogo de la salud en Laboratorio Clínico desde la integración ciencias básicas biomédicas-laboratorio, y la implementación y evaluación del impacto del diplomado de Ciencias del Laboratorio. Conclusiones: la estrategia implementada contribuyó a perfeccionar el desempeño de los estudiantes en formación, y de los egresados, al disponer de un sistema de superación posgraduada.

ABSTRACT Background: current study and working conditions in medical sciences require optimal work from educational and care institutions to guarantee a graduate with deep ethical and human convictions. Objective: to express the theoretical and practical contributions of a strategy implemented for the training and improvement of professionals linked to clinical analysis. Methods: a retrospective and documentary longitudinal study was carried out from January 2013 to December 2019 at Camagüey University of Medical Sciences. Theoretical and empirical methods were used: the documentary review that made it possible to collect the information regarding the investigations carried out in the analyzed period; and descriptive and inferential statistics for the analysis and expression of the results. Results: they correspond to what has been achieved in different research projects aimed at improving the initial and postgraduate training of these professionals. They include: the establishment of an optional curriculum and the application of didactic materials in the Clinical Bio-analysis degree, and a subject from the own curriculum in the Short-cycle Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine. In the postgraduate course, a theoretical model and a strategy for the professional improvement of the health technologist in the Clinical Laboratory from the integration of basic biomedical-laboratory sciences, and the implementation and evaluation of the impact of the Laboratory Sciences diploma course. Conclusions: the implemented strategy contributed to improve the performance of students at training, and graduates, by having a postgraduate improvement system.

Aprendizaje basado en problemas para la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales / Problem-based learning for the teaching of natural sciences

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio está dirigido a analizar los presupuestos teóricos acerca del aprendizaje basado en problemas como metodología activa para la enseñanza de las ciencias naturales en la Educación Superior cubana. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la que se consideraron artículos originales y de revisión publicados entre 2000 y 2020 a partir de los descriptores aprendizaje basado en problemas, aprendizaje por descubrimiento y construcción, aprendizaje basado en proyectos y en retos. La búsqueda fue realizada en las bases de datos SciELO y Google académico de abril a junio de 2020, en función del establecimiento de los presupuestos teóricos y metodológicos de una investigación desarrollada en el Departamento de Química de la Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas perteneciente a la Universidad de Camagüey Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz. Se concluye que resulta pertinente asumir por parte del profesor esta metodología, ya que se concreta en una gestión docente enfocada en el aprendizaje centrado en el estudiante, por consiguiente, es necesario seguir investigando en esta temática y proceder al desarrollo y la aplicación de instrumentos que permitan evaluarla de modo fiable y eficaz.

ABSTRACT The objective of the actual research is to analyze the theoretical bases about problem-based learning as an active methodology for the teaching of natural sciences in Cuban Higher Education. With the descriptors learning based on problems, learning by discovery and construction, learning based on projects and challenges, a bibliographic review was carried out in which original and review articles published between 2000 and 2020 were considered. The search was carried out in the databases of SciELO and Google academic data from April to June 2020. It is concluded that it is pertinent to assume this methodology by the teacher, since it is specified in a teaching management focused on student-centered learning, therefore, it is necessary to continue investigating in this area and proceed to the development and application of instruments that allow them to be evaluated reliably and effectively.

Ciencias básicas en el proceso docente del técnico superior en Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional / Basic sciences in the teaching process of the lab technician in Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine

RESUMEN Fundamento: el diseño curricular debe partir de las exigencias sociales; este permite la determinación de las cualidades a alcanzar por el egresado y la estructura organizacional del proceso docente a nivel de carrera. Objetivo: valorar la importancia de las ciencias básicas en el plan del proceso docente del técnico superior en Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional, por su influencia en la formación laboral del futuro egresado. Métodos: se realizó una investigación documental en el período comprendido entre septiembre y noviembre de 2019 en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo; y empíricos: el análisis documental a partir del cual se realizaron valoraciones cualitativa y cuantitativa del plan del proceso docente del técnico superior en Análisis Clínico y Medicina Transfusional. Resultados: en el plan del proceso docente de esta carrera no aparecen las asignaturas clasificadas por ciclos y se evidencia una disminución considerable del ciclo básico. Conclusiones: la valoración realizada evidencia que falta precisión del papel que juega cada ciclo de las asignaturas en el plan del proceso docente, lo que influye negativamente en su cientificidad y se demuestra que tiene una elevada carga laboral, ya que el estudiante desde sus primeros años se encuentra vinculado al trabajo diario en el servicio asistencial en el que adquiere habilidades propias de la profesión.

ABSTRACT Background: curricular design must start from social demands; this allows the determination of the qualities to be achieved by the graduate and the organizational structure of the teaching process at degree level. Objective: to assess the importance of basic sciences in the plan of the teaching process of the lab technician in Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine, due to its influence on the job training of future graduates. Methods: a documentary research was carried out in the period from September to November 2019 at Camagüey University of Medical Sciences. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and inductive-deductive; and empirical ones: the documentary analysis from which qualitative and quantitative evaluations were made of the plan of the teaching process of the lab technician in Clinical Analysis and Transfusion Medicine. Results: in the plan of the teaching process of this degree, the subjects classified by cycles do not appear and there is a considerable decrease in the basic cycle. Conclusions: the assessment carried out shows that there is a lack of precision in the role that each cycle of the subjects play in the plan of the teaching process, which negatively influences its scientific approach and shows that it has a high workload, since the student from its early years is linked to daily work in the healthcare service in which it acquires distinctive skills of the profession.

Programa de maestría para profesionales vinculados al análisis clínico / Master program for professionals linked to clinical analysis

RESUMEN El objetivo de la investigación de la cual deriva el presente texto estuvo encaminado a elaborar una propuesta de programa de maestría para los profesionales de la salud vinculados al análisis clínico, desde las tecnologías del diagnóstico en laboratorio. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Centro de Inmunología y Productos Biológicos de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey, en el período comprendido de enero a marzo de 2019. De los métodos empíricos fueron empleados la técnica de discusión grupal y la encuesta aplicada a egresados y jefes de los servicios asistenciales. Se concluye que se elabora una propuesta de programa de maestría para los profesionales de la salud vinculados al análisis clínico como respuesta a la necesidad e interés por elevar los niveles de competencia y desempeño profesional e investigativo de estos desde las tecnologías del diagnóstico en laboratorio.

ABSTRACT The objective of the research was to develop a proposal for a master's program for health professionals linked to clinical analysis from laboratory diagnostic technologies. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Center for Immunology and Biological Products of the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey, in the period from January to March 2019. From the empirical methods, the group discussion technique was used, and the survey applied to graduates and heads of healthcare services. It is concluded that a master's program proposal is prepared for health professionals linked to clinical analysis in response to the need and interest in raising the levels of competence and professional and investigative performance of these from the technologies of laboratory diagnosis.

La capacitación como premisa para implementar un sistema de gestión de la calidad / Training as a premise to implement a quality management system

RESUMEN Fundamento: la calidad en el campo de la salud es un tema obligado por su incidencia en los servicios a la población. Objetivo: caracterizar la capacitación ofrecida a los trabajadores del Centro de Inmunología y Productos Biológicos en temas de gestión de la calidad con la finalidad de elevar su desempeño profesional. Métodos: se realizó una investigación educativa en el período abril-diciembre de 2019 en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: analítico-sintético e inductivo-deductivo; empíricos: la revisión documental, entrevista y observación científica; y matemático-estadísticos para el cálculo de las frecuencias absolutas y el porcentaje. Resultados: predominó entre los trabajadores el desconocimiento acerca de qué es un sistema de gestión de la calidad y la importancia de su implementación, así como la necesidad sentida de capacitación sobre el tema; las actividades realizadas se dividieron en dos grupos: las encaminadas a lograr familiarización y las diseñadas para certificar conocimientos adquiridos; a pesar de que estas actividades no siempre contaron con la asistencia requerida, aumentaron el nivel de conocimientos en los trabajadores y propiciaron cambios en su mentalidad y proyección respecto al sentido de pertenencia. Conclusiones: se caracterizó la efectividad de la capacitación ofrecida a los trabajadores del Centro de Inmunología y Productos Biológicos la cual contenía aspectos medulares referentes al tema de gestión de la calidad. Los conocimientos adquiridos condicionaron una base sólida para elaborar estrategias de trabajo con nuevos objetivos según la perspectiva futura.

ABSTRACT Background: quality is an obligatory issue in the field of health due to its incidence in services to the population. Objective: to characterize the training offered on quality management issues to the workers of the Center for Immunology and Biological Products in order to improve their professional performance. Methods: an educational research was carried out from April to December 2019 at Camagüey University of Medical Sciences. Theoretical methods were used: analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive; empirical ones: documentary review, interview and scientific observation; and mathematical-statistics for the calculation of the absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: the lack of knowledge on what a quality management system is and the importance of its implementation prevailed among workers, as well as the need indeed for training on the subject; The activities carried out were divided into two groups: those aimed at achieving familiarization and those designed to certify acquired knowledge; Although these activities did not always have the required assistance, they increased the level of knowledge in the workers and led to changes in their mentality and projection regarding the sense of belonging. Conclusions: the effectiveness of the training offered to the workers of the Center for Immunology and Biological Products was characterized, which contained core aspects related to the issue of quality management. The knowledge acquired conditioned a solid base to elaborate work strategies with new objectives according to the future perspective.

Estado actual de la integración de contenidos de las ciencias básicas biomédicas en Estomatología / Current state of the integration of contents of the basic biomedical sciences in Dentistry

RESUMEN Fundamento: la integración de contenidos científicos es tendencia e imperativo en la educación superior, por lo que estudiar la realidad educativa en este campo permite encaminar acciones para perfeccionar el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje. Objetivo: diagnosticar el estado actual de la integración de contenidos de las ciencias básicas biomédicas en la disciplina Morfofisiología para la carrera de Estomatología. Métodos: investigación observacional descriptiva y transversal de corte pedagógico desarrollada en la Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey, desde septiembre 2018 hasta marzo 2020. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo; y empíricos: entrevista y cuestionario a profesores y estudiantes, observación científica y revisión documental. Resultados: todos los profesores y la mayoría de los estudiantes consideraron importante la integración en Morfofisiología; sin embargo la media de los docentes expresó limitaciones para lograrlo, lo que coincidió con el criterio estudiantil al expresar que sus profesores no estaban suficientemente preparados en especialidades distintas a la suya; de similar modo los docentes consideraron insuficiente el nivel de integración alcanzado por los estudiantes al culminar la disciplina. Conclusiones: aun cuando confieren importancia a la integración de contenidos en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje de la Morfofisiología, en los estudiantes persisten limitaciones relacionadas con el dominio de los contenidos susceptibles de ser integrados, y carencias pedagógicas en los profesores para conducirlos hacia este enfoque, desde su propia implicación en este proceso docente integrador.

ABSTRACT Background: the integration of scientific content is a trend and imperative in higher education, so studying the educational reality in this field allows directing actions to improve the teaching-learning process. Objective: to diagnose the current state of the integration of contents of the basic biomedical sciences in the Morphology-physiology discipline for the Dentistry degree. Methods: descriptive and cross-sectional observational research of a pedagogical nature developed at the Dentistry Faculty of Camagüey University of Medical Sciences, from September 2018 to March 2020. Theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and inductive-deductive; and empirical: interview and questionnaire with teachers and students, scientific observation and documentary review. Results: all the teachers and most of the students considered important integration in Morphology- physiology. However, the average of the teachers expressed limitations to achieve this, which coincided with the student´s criteria when expressing that their teachers were not sufficiently prepared in specialties other than their own; similarly, the teachers considered the level of integration reached by the students to be insufficient at the end of the discipline. Conclusions: even though the students attach importance to the integration of content in the Morphology-physiology teaching-learning process, they still have limitations related to mastering the content that can be integrated as well as pedagogical deficiencies in teachers to lead them towards this approach from their own involvement in this inclusive teaching process.

Production of Dunaliella salina biomass rich in 9-cis-beta-carotene and lutein in a closed tubular photobioreactor.

Performance of Dunaliella salina cultures outdoors in a closed tubular photobioreactor has been assessed. Optimization of conditions involved verification of the effect of several determining factors on the yield of both biomass and carotenoids. Maximal biomass productivity (over 2g (dry weight) m(-2) d(-1) or 80 gm(-3) d(-1)) was achieved at 38 cm s(-1), flow rate; 2 x 10(9) cells l(-1), initial population density; 25 degrees C, temperature; semi-continuous regime, keeping a cell density interval between 2 x 10(9) and over 4 x 10(9) cells l(-1). Coverage of the tubular loop with a sunshade screen to avoid light-induced damage of cells was essential to maintain growth performance. The cellular beta-carotene level increased significantly during the light period, as also did that of lutein. The rise in the beta-carotene level could be accounted by the 9-cis-isomer, with all-trans-beta-carotene remaining steady during the light period. By sunset, the ratio between 9-cis- and all-trans-isomers of beta-carotene amounted to 1.5, with over 60% of total beta-carotene corresponding to the 9-cis-isomer. Removal of sunshade enhanced carotenoid accumulation by cells to reach up to 10% of dry biomass. Cultivation of Dunaliella in closed tubular photobioreactor, thus represents a suitable approach for the production of a high-quality microalgal biomass enriched in the valuable 9-cis-isomer of beta-carotene and lutein.

Continuous culture methodology for the screening of microalgae for oil.

A basic criterion in the selection of microalgae suitable as source of oil for biodiesel should be their actual capacity to produce lipids or, more properly, the fatty acid yield. Performance assessment of 10 preselected microalgae under both batch and continuous culture points to the latter approach as the most adequate for evaluating fatty acid productivity. Differences were patent in continuous culture among strains that otherwise had analogous oil accumulation potential under batch culture. Some promising strains under batch culture (like Muriella aurantiaca and Monoraphidium braunii) exhibited, however, values for actual fatty acid productivity lower than 40 mgL(-1)d(-1) in continuous regime. The analysis performed in photochemostat under continuous culture regime revealed the great potential of Chlorococcum olefaciens, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Scenedesmus almeriensis as oil producing microalgae. Fatty acid productivity levels over 90 mgL(-1)d(-1) were recorded for the latter strains under moderate nitrogen limitation, conditions which led to an enrichment in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, a more suitable profile as raw material for biodiesel. The continuous culture methodology employed represents a sound procedure for screening microalgae for biofuel production, providing a reliable evaluation of their fatty acid production capacity, under conditions close to those of outdoor production systems.

Procedimiento metodológico para el estudio del extendido de sangre periférica en la licenciatura en Bioanálisis Clínico / Methodological procedure for the study of extended peripheral blood in the degree in Clinical Bioanalysis

RESUMEN Fundamento: el extendido de sangre periférica o lámina periférica, como también se conoce, es la evaluación morfológica semicuantitativa de las tres series hematopoyéticas en una extensión de sangre periférica coloreada y observada a través del microscopio. Objetivo: elaborar un procedimiento metodológico para el extendido de sangre periférica desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar en la licenciatura en Bioanálisis Clínico. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal desde septiembre a noviembre de 2018, en la facultad Tecnológica perteneciente a la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. Se emplearon métodos teóricos como el análisis y síntesis, el inductivo y deductivo. De los métodos empíricos, fueron aplicados el análisis de documentos, la prueba diagnóstica exploratoria, resultados de controles a clases, la entrevista y encuesta para la validación de la propuesta. Resultados: insuficiencias en cuanto al establecimiento de las relaciones interdisciplinarias entre los contenidos de Histología y el componente hematológico de la asignatura Diagnóstico de Laboratorio I, los estudiantes mostraron dificultades en la realización de la técnica y no lograron caracterizar morfológicamente algunas de las células hematopoyéticas. Conclusiones: se elaboró un procedimiento metodológico para la técnica lámina periférica desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar y la validación de la propuesta mediante el método de consenso conformado por un grupo nominal, donde resultan las categorías de muy adecuado y adecuado para el desarrollo de la técnica lámina periférica, pues la observación de extendidos periféricos es un elemento importante en la orientación del análisis de las diferentes enfermedades, componente esencial del diagnóstico integral del laboratorio clínico.

ABSTRACT Background: the peripheral blood extension or peripheral lamina, as it is also known, is the semi-quantitative morphological evaluation of the three hematopoietic series, in an extension of peripheral blood colored and observed through the microscope. Objective: to develop a methodological procedure for the extension of peripheral blood from an interdisciplinary perspective in the degree in Clinical Bioanalysis. Methods: cross-sectional descriptive study in the period from September to November 2018, in the Technological Faculty belonging to the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey. Theoretical methods such as analysis and synthesis and inductive and deductive methods were used. Of the empirical methods, the analysis of documents, the exploratory diagnostic test, results of controls to classes, the interview and survey for the validation of the proposal were applied. Results: insufficiencies regarding the establishment of interdisciplinary relationships between the contents of Histology and the hematological component of the Laboratory Diagnostic subject I, the students showed difficulties in performing the technique and failed to characterize morphologically some of the hematopoietic cells. Conclusions: a methodological procedure was developed for the peripheral lamina technique from an interdisciplinary perspective and the validation of the proposal by means of the consensus method formed by a nominal group where the categories of very adequate and suitable for the development of the peripheral lamina technique result. The observation of extension peripherals is an important element in the orientation of the analysis of the different diseases, an essential component of the integral diagnosis of the clinical laboratory.

Representación social de la licenciatura en Ciencias de la Información en estudiantes universitarios / Social representation of Information Sciences studies among university students

El profesional de las ciencias de la información puede ejercer en cualquier organización que genere, posea, acceda y utilice información de forma intensiva. Sin embargo, desde hace varios años se observa que en la Universidad de Camagüey la matrícula a esa carrera universitaria resulta cada vez más deprimida. Por tal razón, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la representación social de la licenciatura en Ciencias de la Información en estudiantes universitarios. Para esto, se sistematizaron diversos referentes teóricos relacionados con la representación social desde una perspectiva de la psicología social. Posteriormente se realizó un estudio descriptivo en la Universidad de Camagüey, en el que se utilizaron como métodos empíricos de investigación la entrevista grupal, la técnica de la composición y la encuesta. Los principales resultados apuntaron a que la estructuración de la representación social de la licenciatura en Ciencias de la Información en estudiantes universitarios se expresa en un nivel superficial, el cual refleja un carácter situacional-contextual, cuyos contenidos están ceñidos al imaginario social, con el trabajo del bibliotecario en las escuelas y su vínculo docente(AU)

Information sciences professionals may be employed by any organization generating, possessing, accessing or using information in an intensive manner. However, for some years now a decreasing tendency has been observed in the number of students majoring in Information Sciences at the University of Camagüey. The purpose of the present paper is therefore to characterize the social representation of Information Sciences studies among university students. To achieve such an end, systematization was performed of a number of theoretical referents related to social representation from the perspective of social psychology. Next, a descriptive study was conducted at the University of Camagüey applying the empirical research methods of group interview, composition technique and survey. The main results obtained suggest that social representation structuring of Information Sciences studies by university students is expressed on a surface level, reflecting a situational-contextual character whose contents are determined by social imagery, the work of school librarians and their teaching practice(AU)

Assessment of the CO2 fixation capacity of Anabaena sp. ATCC 33047 outdoor cultures in vertical flat-panel reactors.

The extent of biological CO2 fixation was evaluated for outdoor cultures of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. ATCC 33047. Culture conditions were optimized indoors in bubble-column photochemostats operating in continuous mode, subjected to irradiance cycles mimicking the light regime outdoors. Highest values achieved for CO2 fixation rate and biomass productivity were 1 and 0.6 g L(-1) day(-1), respectively. The comparison among different reactors operating simultaneously - open pond, horizontal tubular reactor and vertical flat-panel - allowed to assess their relative efficiency for the outdoor development of Anabaena cultures. Despite the higher volumetric CO2 fixation capacity (and biomass productivity) exhibited by the tubular photobioreactor, yield of the flat-panel reactor was 50% higher than that of the tubular option on a per area basis, reaching values over 35 g CO2 fixed m(-2) d(-1). The flat-panel reactor actually represents a most suitable system for CO2 capture coupled to the generation of valuable biomass by Anabaena cultures.

Impacto del diplomado de ciencias del laboratorio para profesionales vinculados al análisis clínico / Impact of the course laboratory sciences for professionals related to the clinical analysis

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente trabajo es valorar el impacto del diplomado de Ciencias del Laboratorio. Se realizó un estudio de corte cualitativo descriptivo transversal en el período comprendido entre marzo y mayo del 2018 en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey. De los métodos empíricos fueron empleados el análisis de documentos y la encuesta aplicada a egresados y jefes de los servicios asistenciales. Se concluye que la evaluación del impacto del diplomado de Ciencias del Laboratorio es satisfactoria, pues la preparación de sus titulados mediante el programa de estudio permite perfeccionar su desempeño profesional, lo que se confirma con la satisfacción que tienen los graduados y empleadores al respecto, además se corrobora que la evaluación debe convertirse en un proceso sistemático, en el que se debe medir en diferentes momentos el desempeño profesional del egresado para el perfeccionamiento de su labor.

ABSTRACT The objective of the research was to evaluate the impact of the Laboratory Sciences course. A cross-sectional qualitative descriptive study was conducted in the period between March and May 2018 at the "Carlos J. Finlay" University of Medical Sciences, in Camagüey. From the empirical methods, there were used the analysis of documents and the survey applied to graduates and heads of the welfare services. It is concluded that the evaluation of the impact of the Laboratory Science course is satisfactory, since the preparation of their graduates through the study program allows them to improve their professional performance, which is confirmed by the satisfaction of graduates and employers in this regard, as well it is corroborated that the evaluation must become a systematic process, in which the professional performance of the graduate must be measured at different times in order to perfect their work.