Asociación entre antropometría materna y peso del neonato a término. Cienfuegos, 2020-2021

Fundamento los indicadores antropométricos maternos constituyen una herramienta útil en el pronóstico de posibles resultados desfavorables en relación con la evaluación nutricional del producto de la concepción. Objetivo determinar la relación existente entre el estado nutricional antropométrico materno y el peso del recién nacido a término. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 66 embarazadas y sus recién nacidos, en el periodo enero de 2020- diciembre de 2021, en el Policlínico Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja, de Cienfuegos. Se consideraron las variables maternas: edad, peso, talla, índice de masa corporal gestacional, ganancia de peso global y circunferencia media del brazo; además del peso del recién nacido. Se calcularon estadísticos descriptivos básicos y coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. Resultados predominaron las adolescentes (n=42), la desnutrición materna (n=32), la ganancia deficiente de peso global y las gestantes evaluadas como bajo peso por los valores de la circunferencia media del brazo. El peso materno deficiente se asoció con 57,1 % y 20,8 % de recién nacidos bajo peso de madres adolescentes y adultas respectivamente. Estas variables mostraron asociación con el nacimiento de recién nacido bajo peso o con peso insuficiente. Conclusiones existe relación entre el estado nutricional antropométrico materno y el peso del neonato a término. Las variables maternas más asociadas al nacimiento de niños bajo peso o con peso insuficiente fueron: edad inferior a los 19 años, índice de masa corporal deficiente, escasa ganancia de peso global y valores de la circunferencia media del brazo > 5 y ≤ 10 percentil.

SUMMARY Background maternal anthropometric indicators constitute a useful tool in the prognosis of possible unfavorable results in relation to the product of conception nutritional evaluation. Objective to determine the relationship between the maternal anthropometric nutritional status and the newborn at term weight. Methods a descriptive study was carried out in 66 pregnant women and their newborns, from January 2020 to December 2021, at the Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja Polyclinic, in Cienfuegos. Maternal variables: age, weight, height, gestational body mass index, overall weight gain, and mean arm circumference; in addition to the weight of the newborn were considered. Basic descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient were calculated. Results adolescents (n=42), maternal malnutrition (n=32), deficient global weight gain and pregnant women evaluated as low weight by the values of the mean arm circumference predominated. Low maternal weight was associated with 57.1% and 20.8% of low birth weight newborns of adolescent and adult mothers, respectively. These variables showed an association with the birth of a newborn underweight or with insufficient weight. Conclusions there is a relationship between the maternal anthropometric nutritional status and the newborn at term weight. The maternal variables most associated with the underweight birth were: age less than 19 years, poor body mass index, low overall weight gain, and mean arm circumference values > 5 and ≤ 10 percentile.

Cambios morfométricos en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica fallecidos relacionados con diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial y obesidad

Fundamento: la enfermedad renal crónica ha incrementado su incidencia, no existen estudios en Cuba ni en la provincia sobre morfometría renal en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica a los que se les ha practicado autopsia. Objetivo: determinar variaciones morfométricas renales en pacientes fallecidos a los que se les ha practicado autopsia en el Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos. Método se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo. El universo lo conformaron 85 pacientes fallecidos a los que se les practicó autopsia y que tenían diagnóstico clínico de enfermedad renal crónica en cualquier estadio. Se trabajó con el total del universo. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, peso y talla para el cálculo del índice de masa corporal, antecedentes patológicos personales, el estadio clínico de la enfermedad renal crónica y la morfometría renal a cada órgano por separado, las mensuraciones realizadas fueron: peso, diámetro longitudinal, diámetro transversal, espesor o grosor de la corteza renal. Los datos se procesaron en el paquete estadístico de SSPS v. 11.5 presentándose tablas en números absolutos y porcientos. Resultados predominó el sexo femenino, en edades entre 70-79 años, con estadio clínico I y IV de la enfermedad renal crónica, los obesos representaron el 57,6 %, los hipertensos el 67,1 % y los diabéticos el 25,8 %. Hubo disminución de todas las variables morfométricas en ambos riñones, destacándose el espesor de la corteza renal. Conclusiones: existió relación entre la hipertensión, la diabetes mellitus y la obesidad con las variables morfométricas renales.

Background: chronic kidney disease has increased its incidence, there are no studies in Cuba or in the province on renal morphometry in patients with chronic kidney disease who have undergone autopsy. Objective: to determine renal morphometric variations in deceased patients who have undergone autopsy at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima University General Hospital of Cienfuegos. Method: a descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out. The universe was made up of 85 deceased patients who underwent autopsy with a clinical diagnosis of chronic kidney disease at any stage. We worked with the whole universe. The variables studied were: age, sex, weight and height for the calculation of the body mass index, personal pathological history, the clinical stage of chronic kidney disease and renal morphometry to each organ separately, the measurements made were: weight, longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, thickness or thickness of the renal cortex. The data was processed in the statistical package of SSPS v. 11.5 presenting tables in absolute numbers and percentages. Results: the female sex predominated, aged between 70-79 years, with clinical stage I and IV of chronic kidney disease, the obese represented 57.6 %, the hypertensive 67.1 % and the diabetic 25.8 %. There was a decrease in all morphometric variables in both kidneys, highlighting the thickness of the renal cortex. Conclusions: there was a relationship between hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity with renal morphometric variables.

Antibacterial activity and phospholipid recognition of the recombinant defensin J1-1 from Capsicum genus.

The gene of the four disulfide-bridged defensin J1-1 from Capsicum was cloned into the expression vector pQE30 containing a 6His-tag as fusion protein. This construct was transfected into Origami strain of Escherichia coli and expressed after induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). The level of expression was 4 mg/L of culture medium, and the His-tagged recombinant defensin (HisXarJ1-1) was expressed exclusively into inclusion bodies. After solubilization, HisXarJ1-1 was purified by affinity and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The reverse-phase HPLC profile of the HisXarJ1-1 product obtained from the affinity chromatography step showed single main peptide fraction of molecular masses of 7050.6 Da and after treatment with DTT a single fraction of 7, 042.6 Da corresponding to the reduced peptide was observed. An in vitro folding step of the HisXarJ1-1 generated a distinct profile of oxidized forms of the peptide this oxidized peptide was capable of binding phosphatidic acid in vitro. Possible dimer and oligomer of HisXarJ1-1 were visible in gel electrophoresis and immunodetected with anti-His antibodies. Pure recombinant defensin HisXarJ1-1 exhibited antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Heterologous expression of five disulfide-bonded insecticidal spider peptides.

The genes of the five disulfide-bonded peptide toxins 1 and 2 (named Oxytoxins or Oxotoxins) from the spider Oxyopes lineatus were cloned into the expression vector pQE30 containing a 6His-tag and a Factor Xa proteolytic cleavage region. These two recombinant vectors were transfected into Escherichia coli BL21 cells and expressed under induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). The product of each gene was named HisrOxyTx1 or HisrOxyTx2, and the protein expression was ca 14 and 6 mg/L of culture medium, respectively. Either recombinant toxin HisrOxyTx1 or HisrOxyTx2 were found exclusively in inclusion bodies, which were solubilized using a chaotropic agent, and then, purified using affinity chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC). The HisrOxyTx1 and HisrOxyTx2 products, obtained from the affinity chromatographic step, showed several peptide fractions having the same molecular mass of 9913.1 and 8030.1 Da, respectively, indicating that both HisrOxyTx1 and HisrOxyTx2 were oxidized forming several distinct disulfide bridge arrangements. The isoforms of both HisrOxyTx1 and HisrOxyTx2 after DTT reduction eluted from the column as a single protein component of 9923 and 8040 Da, respectively. In vitro folding of either HisrOxyTx1 or HisrOxyTx2 yielded single oxidized components, which were cleaved independently by the proteolytic enzyme Factor Xa to give the recombinant peptides rOxyTx1 and rOxyTx2. The experimental molecular masses of rOxyTx1 and rOxyTx2 were 8059.0 and 6176.4 Da, respectively, which agree with their expected theoretical masses. The recombinant peptides rOxyTx1 and rOxyTx2 showed lower but comparable toxicity to the native toxins when injected into lepidopteran larvae; furthermore, rOxyTx1 was able to inhibit calcium ion currents on dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons from Periplaneta americana.

Metodología para la autoevaluación de la variable profesores y personal auxiliar en universidades médicas / Methodology for self-assessment of the teacher and auxiliary staff variable in medical colleges

Fundamento: El Ministerio de Educación Superior ha prestado gran importancia al control del trabajo que desempeñan las instituciones de educación superior, como vía fundamental para lograr un mejoramiento continuo de la calidad. La acreditación es el resultado de la aplicación de un sistema de evaluación interna y externa, dirigido a reconocer públicamente que una institución o programa reúne determinados requisitos de calidad. Objetivo: Exponer una metodología para la autoevaluación de la variable profesores y personal auxiliar, en el contexto de las universidades de Ciencias Médicas.Métodos: Investigación de desarrollo, con diseño cualitativo, enfocada hacia la variable profesores y personal auxiliar, realizada en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos. Se utilizó el criterio de expertos para validar la metodología. Se valoró el nivel de competencia de los expertos mediante la determinación del coeficiente K.Resultados: La metodología propuesta quedó estructurada en dos etapas: la primera, organizativa, donde se determinan áreas y sujetos clave, tareas a desarrollar, diseño de capacitación y cronograma; y la segunda, etapa de implementación.Conclusión: La metodología propuesta ofrece el camino para autoevaluar la variable profesores y personal auxiliar con un enfoque sistémico y en sistema. Fue perfeccionada partiendo de su implementación en la práctica y validada según criterio de expertos(AU)

Background: the Ministry of Higher Education has given great importance to monitoring the work performed by higher education institutions, as an essential means to achieve continuous quality improvement. The accreditation is the result of implementing an internal and external evaluation system, aimed at publicly acknowledging that an institution or program meets certain quality requirements. Objective: to present a methodology for self-assessment of the teacher and auxiliary staff variable, in the context of the Universities of Medical Sciences.Methods: a qualitative developmental research focused on the teacher and auxiliary staff variable was conducted at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of Medical Sciences in Cienfuegos. Expert judgment was used to validate the methodology. Their level of expertise was assessed by determining the K coefficient.Results: the proposed methodology was divided into two stages: the first stage is organizational, for identifying key subjects and areas, tasks to develop, training design and schedule, and the second is the implementation stage.Conclusion: the proposed methodology provides the way to self-assess the teacher and auxiliary staff variable with a systemic approach. It was improved based on its implementation into practice and it was validated by expert judgment(AU)

Solution structure of native and recombinant expressed toxin CssII from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus, and their effects on Nav1.5 sodium channels.

The three-dimensional structures of the long-chain mammalian scorpion ß-toxin CssII from Centruroides suffusus suffusus and of its recombinant form, HisrCssII, were determined by NMR. The neurotoxin CssII (nCssII) is a 66 amino acid long peptide with four disulfide bridges; it is the most abundant and deadly toxin from the venom of this scorpion. Both native and recombinant CssII structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance using a total of 828 sequential distance constraints derived from the volume integration of the cross peaks observed in 2D NOESY spectra. Both nCssII and HisrCssII structures display a mixed α/ß fold stabilized by four disulfide bridges formed between pairs of cysteines: C1-C8, C2-C5, C3-C6, and C4-C7 (the numbers indicate the relative positions of the cysteine residues in the primary structure), with a distortion induced by two cis-prolines in its C-terminal part. The native CssII electrostatic surface was compared to both the recombinant one and to the Cn2 toxin, from the scorpion Centruroides noxius, which is also toxic to mammals. Structural features such N- and C-terminal differences could influence toxin specificity and affinity towards isoforms of different sub-types of Na(v) channels.

Balance del convenio de trabajo de los profesores: una herramienta para la gestión de los directivos / Balance on teachers working accord: a tool for directives management

Fundamento: el departamento constituye el eje vertebral en la formación del profesorado, a partir de necesidades, debe potenciar la colaboración y el trabajo en equipo desde una visión institucional. Objetivo: analizar de forma integrada el convenio de trabajo de los profesores en los departamentos de la sede central de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Método: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo que incluyó los convenios de trabajo de los 163 docentes de los 12 departamentos de la sede central de noviembre a enero de 2011. Se confeccionó un formulario, que llenaron los jefes de departamento y que incluyó: caracterización del claustro, trabajo docente-educativo-metodológico- investigativo y la superación. Resultados: el 93,8 por ciento de los profesores tiene preparación pedagógica al menos básica, existen 64 docentes incluidos en proyectos de investigación (39,3 por ciento del claustro), en el trabajo docente educativo se debe continuar incrementando los docentes incorporados a tribunales, tutoría de trabajos científicos y atención al becario; en el trabajo metodológico no se logra la incorporación del 100 por ciento del claustro a la preparación de la asignatura. Solo el 34,4 por ciento del claustro tiene proyectados trabajos de corte pedagógico y el 55,2 por ciento debe publicar los resultados de investigaciones científicas. Conclusiones: el balance del convenio de trabajo de los docentes es una herramienta útil en la gestión de los directivos del proceso, que posibilita perfeccionar la gestión del departamento y redimensionar tareas que tributan al desarrollo profesional(AU)

Background: departments are the corner stone in teachers training. Considering teachers needs as a starting point, they should strengthen collaboration and teamwork with an institutional vision. Objective: to analyze the integrated working accord of teachers in the departments of the headquarters of the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Method: a development research was conducted including working accords of 163 teachers in 12 departments of the headquarters from November to January 2011. A questionnaire was conformed and applied to the heads of departments. It included: characterization, educational teaching work, methodology, research and professional training. Results: 93.8 percent of teachers have at least basic educational training, there are 64 teachers included in research projects (39.3 percent of faculty). In teaching-educative work we should continue to increase the amount of teachers incorporated to examining boards, tutoring scientific work and collaborating with students living in the schools residence. In methodological work we still do not achieve 100 percent enrollment of teachers in the preparation of subject matters. Only 34.4 percent of teachers conduct research on pedagogy and 55.2 percent must publish the results of their scientific research. Conclusions: the balance of teachers working accord is a useful tool for the process directives management. It allows improving the departments management and reorganing tasks that enhance professional development(AU)

Isolation and molecular cloning of beta-neurotoxins from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus.

This communication reports the identification and characterization of two new toxins from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus, named: CssVIII and CssIX, according to the original nomenclature of toxins previously described for this scorpion. The isolation was obtained by means of two chromatographic steps, and a cDNA library was used to fully identify their precursors. CssVIII and CssIX contain signal peptides of 19 and 17 amino acid residues, and mature peptides of 66 and 65 residues, respectively. Intracranial injections into mice of both purified toxins showed toxicity results similar to those found for toxins CssII and CssIV. Additionally, they compete with the parent toxin CssIV, in binding and displacement experiments, conducted with brain synaptosomes showing nanomolar affinities. These results strongly support the conclusion that they are new ß-neurotoxins and certainly would be of the interest of researchers in the field of venomics for studying sodium channels.

Addition of positive charges at the C-terminal peptide region of CssII, a mammalian scorpion peptide toxin, improves its affinity for sodium channels Nav1.6.

CssII is a ß-scorpion peptide that modifies preferentially sodium currents of the voltage-dependent Na(+) channel (Nav) sub-type 1.6. Previously, we have found that the C-terminal amidation of CssII increases its affinity for Nav, which opens at more negative potentials in the presence of CssII. Although C-terminal amidation in vitro conditions is possible, five CssII peptide toxin variants with C-terminal residues modified were heterologously expressed (rN66S, rN66H, rN66R, r[T64R/N66S] and r[T64R/N66R], in which r stands for recombinant, the capital letters to the amino acid residues and the numbers indicate the position of the given residue into the primary sequence of the toxin) and correctly folded. A secondary structure prediction of CssII agrees with the experimental secondary structure obtained by circular dichroism; so all bacterial expressed neurotoxin variants maintained the typical α/ß secondary structure motif of most Na(+) channel scorpion toxins. The electrophysiological properties of all recombinant variants were examined, and it was found that substitutions of threonine (T) and asparagine (N) at the C-terminal region for arginine (R) (r[T64R/N66R]) increase their affinity for Nav1.6. Although, the molecular interactions involved in this mechanism are still not clearly determined, there is experimental evidence supporting the suspicion that incorporation of basic charged amino acid residues at the C-terminal tail of a group of α-scorpion toxin was favored by natural selection.

Heterologous expressed toxic and non-toxic peptide variants of toxin CssII are capable to produce neutralizing antibodies against the venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus.

Two toxic and one non-toxic recombinant peptide variants of the mammalian neurotoxin CssII was cloned into the expression vector pQE30 containing a 6His-tag and a Factor Xa proteolytic cleavage site. The toxic recombinant peptides rCssII, HisrCssII and the non-toxic rCssIIE15R were expressed under induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG), isolated using chromatographic techniques and folded correctly in vitro. The three recombinant variants showed similar secondary structures as the native CssII, but only the rCssIIE15R was not toxic to mice at concentrations up to 30microg/20g mouse body weight when injected intraperitoneally. All three recombinant peptides were capable of displacing the native CssII from their receptor sites in rat brain synaptosomes, suggesting that they had similar structural and functional characteristics of the native peptides. The three recombinant variants of CssII and the native one were used as antigens for immunization of New Zealand rabbits. The antibodies present in the rabbit antisera were able to recognize the native CssII. Additionally and more importantly, the sera of the immunized rabbits were able to neutralize both the native toxin CssII and the whole soluble venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus. These results indicate that the recombinant peptides can be used to produce antidotes against the venom of this species of scorpion.

Four disulfide-bridged scorpion beta neurotoxin CssII: heterologous expression and proper folding in vitro.

The gene of the four disulfide-bridged Centruroides suffusus suffusus toxin II was cloned into the expression vector pQE30 containing a 6His-tag and a FXa proteolytic cleavage region. This recombinant vector was transfected into Escherichia coli BL21 cells and expressed under induction with isopropyl thiogalactoside (IPTG). The level of expression was 24.6 mg/l of culture medium, and the His tagged recombinant toxin (HisrCssII) was found exclusively in inclusion bodies. After solubilization the HisrCssII peptide was purified by affinity and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The reverse-phase HPLC profile of the HisrCssII product obtained from the affinity chromatography step showed several peptide fractions having the same molecular mass of 9392.6 Da, indicating that HisrCssII was oxidized forming several distinct disulfide bridge arrangements. The multiple forms of HisrCssII after reduction eluted from the column as a single protein component of 9400.6 Da. Similarly, an in vitro folding of the reduced HisrCssII generated a single oxidized component of HisrCssII, which was cleaved by the proteolytic enzyme FXa to the recombinant CssII (rCssII). The molecular mass of rCssII was 7538.6 Da as expected. Since native CssII (nCssII) is amidated at the C-terminal residue whereas the rCssII is heterologously expressed in the format of free carboxyl end, there is a difference of 1 Da, when comparing both peptides (native versus heterologously expressed). Nevertheless, they show similar toxicity when injected intracranially into mice, and both nCssII and rCssII show the typical electrophysiological properties of beta-toxins in Na(v)1.6 channels, which is for the first time demonstrated here. Binding and displacement experiments conducted with radiolabelled CssII confirms the electrophysiological results. Several problems associated with the heterologously expressed toxins containing four disulfide bridges are discussed.

Spider venoms: a rich source of acylpolyamines and peptides as new leads for CNS drugs.

Advances in NMR and mass spectrometry as well as in peptide biochemistry coupled to modern methods in electrophysiology have permitted the isolation and identification of numerous products from spider venoms, previously explored due to technical limitations. The chemical composition of spider venoms is diverse, ranging from low molecular weight organic compounds such as acylpolyamines to complex peptides. First, acylpolyamines (< 1000 Da) have an aromatic moiety linked to a hydrophilic lateral chain. They were characterized for the first time in spider venoms and are ligand-gated ion channel antagonists, which block mainly postsynaptic glutamate receptors in invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems. Acylpolyamines represent the vast majority of organic components from the spider venom. Acylpolyamine analogues have proven to suppress hippocampal epileptic discharges. Moreover, acylpolyamines could suppress excitatory postsynaptic currents inducing Ca+ accumulation in neurons leading to protection against a brain ischemic insult. Second, short spider peptides (< 6000 Da) modulate ionic currents in Ca2+, Na+, or K+ voltage-gated ion channels. Such peptides may contain from three to four disulfide bridges. Some spider peptides act specifically to discriminate among Ca2+, Na+, or K+ ion channel subtypes. Their selective affinities for ion channel subfamilies are functional for mapping excitable cells. Furthermore, several of these peptides have proven to hyperpolarize peripheral neurons, which are associated with supplying sensation to the skin and skeletal muscles. Some spider N-type calcium ion channel blockers may be important for the treatment of chronic pain. A special group of spider peptides are the amphipathic and positively charged peptides. Their secondary structure is alpha-helical and they insert into the lipid cell membrane of eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells leading to the formation of pores and subsequently depolarizing the cell membrane. Acylpolyamines and peptides from spider venoms represent an interesting source of molecules for the design of novel pharmaceutical drugs.

Perfil antropométrico comparado de escolares deportistas y no deportistas / Comparative anthropometric profile in athlete students and non athlete ones

Fundamento: La antropometría se aplica en la evaluación de los riesgos nutricionales especialmente en los niños. Objetivo: Comparar el perfil antropométrico de deportistas y no deportistas de 5to. y 6to grados de dos escuelas primarias de la provincia Cienfuegos. Métodos: Estudio comparado de grupo estudio-grupo control de 124 escolares. Se realizó evaluación antropométrica según peso, talla, pliegue tricipital y circunferencia braquial con las tablas cubanas de peso para la talla, peso para la edad, talla para la edad, pliegue tricipital y circunferencia braquial para la edad, así como los valores del puntaje Z para el peso y la talla. Resultados: En general, predominaron los normopeso (63,6 por ciento). La escuela deportiva aportó el mayor número de bajopeso y la no deportiva más sobrepesos. Se obtuvieron elevados por cientos de malnutrición en la escuela no deportiva, un 20 por ciento de sobrepeso y un 9,1 por ciento de desnutrición. Los valores de baja talla fueron mayores en la escuela deportiva (14,4 por ciento). Conclusiones: Las mediciones antropométricas de los deportistas no difieren esencialmente de los no deportistas(AU)

Anthropometric is applied in the evaluation of the nutritional risks especially in children. Objective: To determine the anthropometric profile athlete students and non athlete ones belonging to 5th and 6th grade respectively from two primary schools in Cienfuegos Province. Method: A comparative study of a study group and a control group formed by 124 children. An evaluation was performed on weight, size, triceps skinfold, and branchial circumpherence using the Cuban weight scales for size, weight according to age, size for the age, triceps skinfold, and branchial circumpherence in regard to the age, as well as the Z score for weight and size. Results: In general terms, students in normal weight were predominant for a 63.6 percent of them. The school specialized in sports showed the major number of students with low weight and the normal school had the overwight ones. High levels of malnutrition were found in the normal school, 20 percent of overweight students and 9.1 percent of undernourished students. Values for low size were found greater in in the school especialized in sports with 14.4 percent. Conclusions: Anthropometric measurements in athlete students do not differ essencially from the non athlete ones(AU)

Profilin tyrosine phosphorylation in poly-L-proline-binding regions inhibits binding to phosphoinositide 3-kinase in Phaseolus vulgaris.

The profilin family consists of a group of ubiquitous highly conserved 12-15 kDa eukaryotic proteins that bind actin, phosphoinositides, poly-l-proline (PLP) and proteins with proline-rich motifs. Some proteins with proline-rich motifs form complexes that have been implicated in the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and processes such as vesicular trafficking. A major unanswered question in the field is how profilin achieves the required specificity to bind such an array of proteins. It is now becoming clear that profilin isoforms are subject to differential regulation and that they may play distinct roles within the cell. Considerable evidence suggests that these isoforms have different functional roles in the sorting of diverse proteins with proline-rich motifs. All profilins contain highly conserved aromatic residues involved in PLP binding which are presumably implicated in the interaction with proline-rich motif proteins. We have previously shown that profilin is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. Here, we show that profilin can bind directly to Phaseolus vulgaris phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) type III. We demonstrate that a new region around Y72 of profilin, as well as the N- and C-terminal PLP-binding domain, recognizes and binds PLP and PI3K. In vitro binding assays indicate that PI3K type III forms a complex with profilin in a manner that depends on the tyrosine phosphorylation status within the proline-rich-binding domain in profilin. Profilin-PI3K type III interaction suggests that profilin may be involved in membrane trafficking and in linking the endocytic pathway with actin reorganization dynamics.

La Efectividad de las nuevas tecnologías como medios de enseñanza en las ciencias morfológicas

Fundamento: La sociedad de la información en general y las nuevas tecnologías en particular inciden de manera significativa en todos los niveles del mundo educativo, las últimas permiten realizar actividades educativas dirigidas al desarrollo psicomotor, cognitivo, emocional y social del educando. Objetivo: Describir la efectividad que ha tenido en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos la utilización de las nuevas tecnologías como medios de enseñanza en las Ciencias Morfológicas. Métodos: Se analizaron los resultados de los exámenes finales del primer semestre de primer año de Medicina en las asignaturas de Anatomía I e Histología I. Se trabajó con el universo constituido por todos los estudiantes del primer año de la carrera de Medicina agrupados en el proyecto Policlínico Universitario, el grupo experimental de la Facultad y el grupo tradicional. Resultados: La utilización de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación como medios auxiliares para el estudio de las Ciencias Morfológicas tienden a mejorar los resultados docentes que obtienen los estudiantes(AU)