Building the Bridge to a Participatory Citizenship: Curricular Integration of Communal Environmental Issues in School Projects Supported by the Internet of Things.

Generally, there is much to praise about the rise in acknowledging the need for young citizens to exercise their rights and duties, but the belief remains that this is not yet entrenched in young citizens' overall democratic involvement. A lack of citizenship and engagement in community issues was revealed by a recent study conducted by the authors in a secondary school from the outskirts of Aveiro, Portugal, during the 2019/2020 school year. Under the umbrella of a Design-Based Research methodological framework, citizen science strategies were implemented in the context of teaching, learning, and assessment, and at the service of the educational project of the target school, in a STEAM approach, and under Domains of Curricular Autonomy activities. The study's findings suggest that to build the bridge for participatory citizenship, teachers should engage students in collecting and analyzing data regarding communal environmental issues in a Citizen Science approach supported by the Internet of Things. The new pedagogies addressing the lack of citizenship and engagement in community issues promoted students' involvement at school and in the community, contributed to inform municipal education policies, and promoted dialogue and communication between local actors.

Reconocimiento docente de los valores éticos y morales en la formación curricular de la carrera de odontología de la Universidad de Viña del Mar, Chile / Teaching recognition of ethical and moral values in the curriculum training of the dentistry career of the Universidad de Viña del Mar, Chile

El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la coherencia entre lo declarado por los programas de estudios de pregrado en la carrera de Odontología de la Universidad de Viña del Mar, en relación a los valores éticos y morales y, cómo son reconocidos efectivamente por los docentes en los estudiantes. El diseño de investigación corresponde a un estudio descriptivo y transversal. Para esto se adaptaron dos instrumentos, el primero: "cuestionario sobre percepción en la categorización de valores" que busca determinar la importancia que le dan los docentes a los valores. Mientras que en el segundo: "Encuesta sobre valores en estudiantes de odontología" solicita que cada docente evalúe la frecuencia con que se manifiestan ciertos valores éticos y morales en sus estudiantes. Se consideraron los 28 académicos que constituyen la totalidad del universo de docentes clínicos de los cursos de 4to y 5to años de la carrera de odontología en el año 2019. Se discuten los resultados comparándolos con experiencias similares en otras instituciones. Los resultados muestran la percepción y el reconocimiento de los valores por parte del cuerpo docente en los estudiantes, donde se identificó que los valores incorporados de mejor manera son la dignidad, el trato humano y el dialogo; mientras que la autocrítica y el conocimiento fueron los menos incorporados, estos son clave para establecer reflexión y mejoras en los planes de estudio. Se marca el punto de inicio para la generación de futuras líneas de investigación que incorporen otros aspectos como la perspectiva de los pacientes, los estudiantes, así como también continuar recabando información para utilizar metodologías que puedan contribuir a la integración de valores y poner en debate la importancia de ellos en la formación de pregrado.

The aim of this article is to determine the coherence between what is declared by the undergraduate study programs in the Dentistry career at the University of Viña del Mar, in relation to ethical and moral values and how they are effectively recognized by teachers in the students. The research design corresponds to a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Two instruments were adapted for this, the first: "questionnaire on perception in the categorization of values" that seeks to determine the importance that teachers give to values. While in the second: "Survey on values in dentistry students" requests that each teacher evaluates the frequency of certain ethical and moral values which are manifested in their students. 28 academics constituting the entire universe of clinical teachers of the 4th and 5th year courses of dentistry career in 2019 were considered. The results were discussed, comparing them with similar experiences in other institutions. Results show the perception and recognition of the values by the teaching staff in the students. These values incorporated in the best way were dignity, humane treatment and dialogue; while self-criticism and knowledge were the least incorporated. These are key values to establish a reflection and subsequent improvements in the study plans. This article marks a starting point for the generation of future lines of research that incorporate other aspects such as the perspective of patients, students, as well as continuing to collect information to use methodologies that can contribute to the integration of values and put them into a debate about the importance of them in undergraduate training.

PPARs in the central nervous system: roles in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.

Over 25 years have passed since peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs), were first described. Like other members of the nuclear receptors superfamily, PPARs have been defined as critical sensors and master regulators of cellular metabolism. Recognized as ligand-activated transcription factors, they are involved in lipid, glucose and amino acid metabolism, taking part in different cellular processes, including cellular differentiation and apoptosis, inflammatory modulation and attenuation of acute and chronic neurological damage in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, PPAR activation can simultaneously reprogram the immune response, stimulate metabolic and mitochondrial functions, promote axonal growth, induce progenitor cells to differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes, and improve brain clearance of toxic molecules such as ß-amyloid peptide. Although the molecular mechanisms and cross-talk with different molecular pathways are still the focus of intense research, PPARs are considered potential therapeutic targets for several neuropathological conditions, including degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. This review considers recent advances regarding PPARs, as well as new PPAR agonists. We focus on the mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects exerted by PPARs and summarise the roles of PPARs in different pathologies of the central nervous system, especially those associated with degenerative and inflammatory mechanisms.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) in mammals: epigenetic and developmental alterations. Scientific and bioethical implications for IVF in humans.

The advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in animals and humans implies an extraordinary change in the environment where the beginning of a new organism takes place. In mammals fertilization occurs in the maternal oviduct, where there are unique conditions for guaranteeing the encounter of the gametes and the first stages of development of the embryo and thus its future. During this period a major epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the normal fate of the embryo. This epigenetic reprogramming is very vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions such as the ones implied in IVF, including in vitro culture, nutrition, light, temperature, oxygen tension, embryo-maternal signaling, and the general absence of protection against foreign elements that could affect the stability of this process. The objective of this review is to update the impact of the various conditions inherent in the use of IVF on the epigenetic profile and outcomes of mammalian embryos, including superovulation, IVF technique, embryo culture and manipulation and absence of embryo-maternal signaling. It also covers the possible transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic alterations associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including its phenotypic consequences as is in the case of the large offspring syndrome (LOS). Finally, the important scientific and bioethical implications of the results found in animals are discussed in terms of the ART in humans.

La Comisión Nacional de Bioética de Chile: una tarea pendiente: aportes de la experiencia de las comisiones nacionales de bioética de México e Italia / A Comissão Nacional de Bioética do Chile: uma tarefa pendente: contribuições da experiência das comissões nacionais de bioética do México e da Itália / The Bioethics National Commission in Chile: a pending task: contributions from the experience of national bioethics commissions of Mexico and Italy

El objetivo de este trabajo es discurrir sobre los orígenes, naturaleza, integración y funciones de las Comisiones Nacionales de Bioética de México e Italia, con el fin de extraer experiencia que pudiese ayudar al momento de implementar la Comisión Nacional de Bioética de Chile. La investigación es cualitativa-interpretativa, fenomenológica, descriptiva y bibliográfica. Se infiere que la Comisión Nacional Bioética de Chile, para cumplir la función encomendada, debiese considerar la experiencia de otras comisiones, en particular la de México e Italia.

The aim of this study is to reflect on the origin, nature, integration and functions of National Bioethics Commissions of Mexico and Italy, with the goal to draw helpful experience for implementing the National Bioethics Commission in Chile. The study is qualitative-interpretative, phenomenological, descriptive and bibliographical. It is inferred that the National Bioethics Commission in Chile, in order to fulfill the function entrusted, it must consider the experience of other commissions, in particular that of Mexico and Italy.

O objetivo deste trabalho é discorrer sobre as orígens, natureza, integração e funções das Comissões Nacionais de Bioética do México e da Itália, com a finalidade de obter experiência que possa ajudar na ocasião de implementar a Comissão Nacional de Bioética do Chile. A investigação é qualitativa-interpretativa, fenomenológica, descritiva e bibliográfica. Infere-se que a Comissão Nacional Bioética do Chile, para cumprir a função para a qual foi encarregada, deveria considerar a experiência de outras comissões, em particular a do México e da Itália.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) in mammals: epigenetic and developmental alterations: scientific and bioethical implications for IVF in humans

The advent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in animals and humans implies an extraordinary change in the environment where the beginning of a new organism takes place. In mammals fertilization occurs in the maternal oviduct, where there are unique conditions for guaranteeing the encounter of the gametes and the first stages of development of the embryo and thus its future. During this period a major epigenetic reprogramming takes place that is crucial for the normal fate of the embryo. This epigenetic reprogramming is very vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions such as the ones implied in IVF, including in vitro culture, nutrition, light, temperature, oxygen tension, embryo-maternal signaling, and the general absence of protection against foreign elements that could affect the stability of this process. The objective of this review is to update the impact of the various conditions inherent in the use of IVF on the epigenetic profile and outcomes of mammalian embryos, including superovulation, IVF technique, embryo culture and manipulation and absence of embryo-maternal signaling. It also covers the possible transgenerational inheritance of the epigenetic alterations associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including its phenotypic consequences as is in the case of the large offspring syndrome (LOS). Finally, the important scientific and bioethical implications of the results found in animals are discussed in terms of the ART in humans.

Alzheimer's disease: relevant molecular and physiopathological events affecting amyloid-ß brain balance and the putative role of PPARs.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of age-related dementia. With the expected aging of the human population, the estimated morbidity of AD suggests a critical upcoming health problem. Several lines of research are focused on understanding AD pathophysiology, and although the etiology of the disease remains a matter of intense debate, increased brain levels of amyloid-ß (Aß) appear to be a critical event in triggering a wide range of molecular alterations leading to AD. It has become evident in recent years that an altered balance between production and clearance is responsible for the accumulation of brain Aß. Moreover, Aß clearance is a complex event that involves more than neurons and microglia. The status of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and choroid plexus, along with hepatic functionality, should be considered when Aß balance is addressed. Furthermore, it has been proposed that exposure to sub-toxic concentrations of metals, such as copper, could both directly affect these secondary structures and act as a seeding or nucleation core that facilitates Aß aggregation. Recently, we have addressed peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs)-related mechanisms, including the direct modulation of mitochondrial dynamics through the PPARγ-coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) axis and the crosstalk with critical aging- and neurodegenerative-related cellular pathways. In the present review, we revise the current knowledge regarding the molecular aspects of Aß production and clearance and provide a physiological context that gives a more complete view of this issue. Additionally, we consider the different structures involved in AD-altered Aß brain balance, which could be directly or indirectly affected by a nuclear receptor (NR)/PPAR-related mechanism.

Turismo con células madre y requisitos para su uso clínico: desafíos bioéticos más allá del embrión / Bioethical challenges of stem cell tourism

Stem cells have drawn extraordinary attention from scientists and the general public due to their potential to generate effective therapies for incurable diseases. At the same time, the production of embryonic stem cells involves a serious ethical issue concerning the destruction of human embryos. Although adult stem cells and induced pluripotential cells do not pose this ethical objection, there are other bioethical challenges common to all types of stem cells related particularly to the clinical use of stem cells. Their clinical use should be based on clinical trials, and in special situations, medical innovation, both of which have particular ethical dimensions. The media has raised unfounded expectations in patients and the public about the real clinical benefits of stem cells. At the same time, the number of unregulated clinics is increasing around the world, making direct offers through Internet of unproven stem cell therapies that attract desperate patients that have not found solutions in standard medicine. This is what is called stem cells tourism. This article reviews this situation, its consequences and the need for international cooperation to establish effective regulations to prevent the exploitation of patients and to endanger the prestige of legitimate stem cell research.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ and PPARα agonists modulate mitochondrial fusion-fission dynamics: relevance to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related neurodegenerative disorders?

Recent studies showed that the activation of the retinoid X receptor, which dimerizes with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), leads to an enhanced clearance of Aß from the brain of transgenic mice model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), because an increased expression of apolipoprotein E and it main transporters. However, the effects observed must involve additional underlying mechanisms that have not been yet explored. Several studies conducted in our laboratory suggest that part of the effects observed for the PPARs agonist might involves mitochondrial function and, particularly, mitochondrial dynamics. In the present study we assessed the effects of oxidative stress challenge on mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins in hippocampal neurons. Using immunofluorescence, we evaluated the PPARγ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), and mitochondrial length, in order to determine if PPARs agonist pre-treatment is able to protect mitochondrial population from hippocampal neurons through modulation of the mitochondrial fusion-fission events. Our results suggest that both a PPARγ agonist (ciglitazone) and a PPARα agonist (WY 14.643) are able to protect neurons by modulating mitochondrial fusion and fission, leading to a better response of neurons to oxidative stress, suggesting that a PPAR based therapy could acts simultaneously in different cellular components. Additionally, our results suggest that PGC-1α and mitochondrial dynamics should be further studied in future therapy research oriented to ameliorate neurodegenerative disorders, such as AD.

[Bioethical challenges of stem cell tourism]. / Turismo con células madre y requisitos para su uso clínico: desafíos bioéticos más allá del embrión.

Stem cells have drawn extraordinary attention from scientists and the general public due to their potential to generate effective therapies for incurable diseases. At the same time, the production of embryonic stem cells involves a serious ethical issue concerning the destruction of human embryos. Although adult stem cells and induced pluripotential cells do not pose this ethical objection, there are other bioethical challenges common to all types of stem cells related particularly to the clinical use of stem cells. Their clinical use should be based on clinical trials, and in special situations, medical innovation, both of which have particular ethical dimensions. The media has raised unfounded expectations in patients and the public about the real clinical benefits of stem cells. At the same time, the number of unregulated clinics is increasing around the world, making direct offers through Internet of unproven stem cell therapies that attract desperate patients that have not found solutions in standard medicine. This is what is called stem cells tourism. This article reviews this situation, its consequences and the need for international cooperation to establish effective regulations to prevent the exploitation of patients and to endanger the prestige of legitimate stem cell research.

Peroxisome proliferators reduce spatial memory impairment, synaptic failure, and neurodegeneration in brains of a double transgenic mice model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive deterioration of cognitive abilities, accumulation of the amyloid-ß peptide (Aß), increase of oxidative stress, and synaptic alterations. The scavenging of reactive oxygen species through their matrix enzyme catalase is one of the most recognized functions of peroxisomes. The induction of peroxisome proliferation is attained through different mechanisms by a set of structurally diverse molecules called peroxisome proliferators. In the present work, a double transgenic mouse model of AD that co-expresses a mutant human amyloid-ß protein precursor (AßPPswe) and presenilin 1 without exon 9 (PS1dE9) was utilized in order to assess the effect of peroxisomal proliferation on Aß neurotoxicity in vivo. Mice were tested for spatial memory and their brains analyzed by cytochemical, electrophysiological, and biochemical methods. We report here that peroxisomal proliferation significantly reduces (i) memory impairment, found in this model of AD; (ii) Aß burden and plaque-associated acetylcholinesterase activity; (iii) neuroinflammation, measured by the extent of astrogliosis and microgliosis; and (iv) the decrease in postsynaptic proteins, while promoting synaptic plasticity in the form of long-term potentiation. We concluded that peroxisomal proliferation reduces various AD neuropathological markers and peroxisome proliferators may be considered as potential therapeutic agents against the disease.

Bioethical aspects of basic research and medical applications of human stem cells.

The new discoveries, the extraordinary dynamism in human stem cell (SC) research, and the great expectations of the benefits in clinical treatment of many diseases are on the edge of unparalleled advances in both: 1) the understanding of basic mechanisms of cell differentiation and development and 2) the translation from basic research to new clinical therapies. Human stem cells are obtained from different sources, such as embryo, fetal, and adult tissues, in vitro induction (iPS cells) or transdifferentiation. The evidence that these cells are pluripotent (or multipotent), meaning they have the ability to differentiate into all body tissues or tissues of the same lineage, raises the possibility that they could regenerate diseased or damaged tissue in diseases that until now have had no effective treatments. Human stem cell research and therapy raise important bioethical considerations because of the human nature of these cells and their peculiar characteristics. Here we discuss the bioethical aspects of basic human SC research and the conditions necessary for the translation of basic preclinical research into clinical use of SC.