REVISTA DE LA ASOCIACION COLOMBIANA DE CIENCIAS BIOLOGICAS

Teacher perceptions on the image, teaching and learning of natural sciences: An exploratory study

2024-09-05T22:46:30+00:00

Introduction: Recognizing teachers’ perceptions of natural sciences is an important opportunity to transform its practice and, consequently, adapt to classroom realities; taking this as a starting point for reflecting on pedagogical practice. Objective: To analyze the perceptions of the image, teaching, and learning of natural sciences among primary school teachers in some educational institutions in the municipality of Arauca. Materials and Methods: Quantitative exploratory-descriptive and cross-sectional study in which a sample of 52 teachers was surveyed using a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used for information analysis. Results: A constructivist tendency was found in the teachers’ conceptions of the image, teaching, and learning of natural sciences; however, there is also a perspective centered on the teacher and school knowledge (traditional paradigm). Conclusions: A teaching staff was revealed that employs mixed conceptions under two somewhat conflicting approaches, creating the need to transform the epistemological and methodological framework to promote new ways of addressing educational realities. Likewise, it is important to advance in studies that ratify these conceptions; through the analysis of practices, students’ perceptions, and the training models of the Institutional Educational Project (PEI) in the teachers’ institutions, enabling reflection and improvement of the educational act by identifying areas of resistance and acceptance of new methodologies, allowing for the design of effective and contextualized interventions for teacher training.

Exploring the nutritional value of Chachafruto (Erythrina edulis Triana ex Michel) as a significant contribution to child nutrition

2024-08-25T21:33:02+00:00

Introduction: Erythrina edulis Triana ex Micheli, popularly known as chachafruto or balu, emerges as a native shrub from America whose fruits and leaves are distinguished by their abundance of proteins and nutritional properties, positioning it as a promising perspective for human nutrition. Objective: to analyze the physicochemical properties of both the chachafruto and the jam derived from it, exploring its potential as a children’s dietary supplement. Materials and methods: The research was carried out in the Postharvest Research Laboratory (LIP) and in the Food Pilot Plants of the University of Quindío. During this process, bromatological analyzes were carried out and the jam was prepared following Colombian health guidelines and regulations, in particular, Resolution 15789 of 1984 of the National Ministry of Health and the Colombian Technical Standard NTC 285, which governs the production and marketing of jams. Results: The data obtained revealed a decrease in protein content, going from 1.56% to 1.52%. Despite this variability, the resulting jam maintained notable nutritional properties, with a fat content of 5.11% and 0.05%, respectively. Conclusions: These results indicate that, although the heat treatment impacted the protein quality, the jam still retains adequate characteristics to be considered a nutritional supplement in children’s diet. Taken together, this study contributes significantly to a more complete understanding of how manufacturing processes influence the nutritional quality of this crucial food resource.

Evaluación In vitro de la combinación de extracto de Crotón malambo con fármacos quimioterapéuticos

2024-04-14T15:51:31+00:00

The chemotherapeutic agents Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel have been questioned for some time, due to the negative effects observed in some patients when used in high concentrations, which has limited their use. Based on this problem, this study aimed to determine the in vitro effect of Croton malambo extract on human cancer cell lines and its possible interaction with both drugs. The following drugs were studied: Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel, and the extract of C. malambo in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and prostate cancer cell lines PC3. Sulforhodamine B was used to determine cytotoxicity. The nature of the interactions between the natural products and the chemotherapeutic drugs was analyzed by calculating the corresponding combination index (CI). It was found that the extract has no cytotoxic effect but a cytostatic effect on the studied cell lines. The Doxorubicin/C. malambo combinations allowed reducing the drug concentration from 3.9 to 4.8 times to inhibit cell viability by 50% in the PC3 line, while for MCF-7, a dose reduction index of 2.29 was obtained. Regarding the combination of the extract and Paclitaxel, it only showed a synergistic effect on the cell viability of the PC3 line. The findings show the pharmacological potential of the C. malambo extract and open the doors to new studies both in vitro and in vivo that can demonstrate the ability to achieve synergism and reduce the therapeutic concentrations of both drugs.

Identification of blastocystis sp subtypes associated to transmission sources in a rural area of the department of Quindío

2023-12-20T17:18:48+00:00

Introduction. Blastocystis sp is a parasitic protozoan found in the intestinal tract of man and some animals, and it is estimated that it infects more than 1,000 million people in the world. In the national parasitism survey, it was reported with a prevalence of 52% in the northern Andean region. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of Blastocystis sp associated with different sources of transmission in rural areas of the department of Quindío. Materials and Methods. Forty-two coprological samples were obtained from children between 0 and 14 years of age, 17 from animal feces, 17 from food, 28 from inert surfaces, 15 from soil, 18 from household water and 3 from water sources. DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed for Blastocystis sp using the SSADNr gene as target. The sequences were aligned with ClustalW and phylogenetic trees were performed with the program (MEGA11). Results. Of the 140 samples collected between coprological samples of children and environmental matrices, we found a prevalence of Blastocystis sp of 23.5% in food, 22.2% in the home network and 4.75% in the child population, there was no statistical evidence implying an association between the presence of this protozoan and sociodemographic variables. Subtype 2 was found associated with infant population and subtype 3 associated with environmental matrices (water and food) and infant population. Conclusions: We report the presence of Blastocystis sp in tomato and carrot, in the home network and infant population in a rural area of the department of Quindío where the associated subtypes were subtype 2 and 3.

Functional Feeding Groups of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of Caño Baranda in the Diamante de las Aguas Natural Reserve (Guaviare, Colombia)

2023-12-20T15:49:20+00:00

Introduction: Macroinvertebrates are an important biological component of aquatic ecosystems as they are actively linked in the flow of matter and energy. Objective: To identify the Functional Feeding Groups (FFG) of benthic macroinvertebrates present in Caño Baranda. Materials and method: Physical and chemical characteristics were measured in 5 sampling points along Caño Baranda during the rainy season, likewise aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected using Surber net, Tienneman net, Kick net and hand collection. Samples were obtained at each sampling point to estimate the density of macroinvertebrates and FFG per taxa. Results: 251 organisms belonging to 32 families were collected, sorted into 9 orders. The most abundant families were Leptophlebiidae (35%) and Glossosomatidae (12%). Collected organisms were associated to five FFG, the dominant being collectors (45%) followed by predators (23%) which presented positive correlations with pH. On the other hand, the least collected group was shredders (1%) whose presence was related to the increase in dissolved oxygen.