Universidad Católica de Manizales

Brazil leads global soybean production, Glycine max (L.) Merr., meeting 36% of the world’s demand. Soybeans are useful as a vital source of vegetable protein, catering to diverse industries including food, biodiesel and meat production. However, the expansion of soybean cultivation faces challenges due to phytosanitary threats, particularly stink bug pests. The principal stink bug pest in the neotropical region is Euschistus heros, whose control still is heavily dependent on chemical control methods. However, such practices have shown limitations in efficacy, including association with insecticide resistance. Emerging technologies like RNA interference (RNAi) offer promising avenues for crop protection, including the biorational control of stink bugs. RNAi enables gene silencing and can be deployed through plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) or spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). While transgenic RNAi crops initially dominated, non-transformative SIGS techniques provide faster alternatives, bypassing the lengthy development process of genetically modified (GM) crops. RNAi-derived crop varieties have streamlined global regulatory frameworks, enhancing their adoption. In SIGS, attention shifts to stabilization of formulation and environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for RNA-based formulations. Common to both approaches is the need to evaluate environmental impact, ensuring minimal harm to non-target organisms (NTOs), including parasitoids, predators and beneficial arthropods such as pollinator bees. This chapter highlights the application of RNA-based biorational pesticides in soybean farming, highlighting benefits such as overcoming insecticide resistance and synergistic compatibility with natural enemies to control stink bugs infestations.

Synthetic insecticides are widely used against mosquitoes, but misuse has led to environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived alternatives, such as essential oils, seem to offer a safer option, minimizing these problems without compromising efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the essential oil from Siparuna gesnerioides (Kunth) A.DC., a Neotropical plant, for its effectiveness in controlling Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) larvae, a major vector of human diseases. We first assessed the phytochemistry of the essential oil and used in silico approaches to predict potential physiological targets of its larvicidal activities. Selectivity assays were conducted with Belostoma anurum (Herrich-Schäffer), a non-target predatory water bug. The major constituents of S. gesnerioides essential oil were γ-elemene (45.8%) and germacrene D (43.8%). This essential oil effectively killed larvae from both susceptible and resistant mosquito strains (LC50 = 0.070 μg/mL). However, such concentrations killed more than 80% of B. anurum nymphs. Molecular modeling suggested that the essential oil major components (γ-elemene and germacrene D) interact stably with mosquito acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), indicating a potential mechanism of action. Our results reinforce the potential of Siparuna essential oils in mosquito control. Nevertheless, the non-selective impact on mosquito predators, as seen with S. gesnerioides, highlights the need for caution in field applications.

In the last decade, the interest in cannabis cultivation has grown significantly, driven by its various applications and the presence of key cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). However, this increase in production has heightened susceptibility to contaminants, especially microorganisms, such as pathogenic bacteria, which pose risks to both human health and the plant itself. Nonetheless, a promising outlook emerges with the biological utilization of certain bacterial species. This study focused on a bibliometric evaluation of the interaction between Cannabis and bacteria, analyzing research trends related to metabolites, biocontrol, and by-products. To achieve this, scientific literature was reviewed in databases such as Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) from 2000 to 2023. The data was processed and analyzed using methodologies such as "Tree of Science" (ToS) and Prisma, using tools like R-Studio and Bibliometrix. The results highlight two predominant areas in this interaction: the application of biotechnology to enhance cultivation and utilize metabolites for medical purposes and the assessment of antibacterial properties in Cannabis extracts and essential oils, along with the use of beneficial bacteria for biocontrol in cannabis plants. Several avenues for future research are proposed, considering identified knowledge gaps.

Malaria, an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium—including the most lethal species, Plasmodium falciparum—alters the physicochemical properties of host red blood cells, including their intrinsic autofluorescence after infecting them. This exploratory study aims to investigate the possibility of using autofluorescence as a method for detecting infection in red blood cells. The autofluorescence spectra of uninfected and in vitro infected red blood cells with Plasmodium falciparum were monitored and compared across an excitation wavelength range of 255 to 630 nm. Principal Component Analysis revealed that only two wavelengths (315 and 320 nm), previously undocumented, were able to accurately differentiate infected from uninfected red blood cells, showing an increase in autofluorescence in the ultraviolet and blue regions. This phenomenon is hypothetically associated with the presence of natural fluorophores such as tryptophan, FAD, NADH, porphyrins, and lipopigments. To classify the samples, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was employed, and Wilks’ Lambda test confirmed that the discriminant function was significant, enabling correct classification of samples in more than 91% of cases. Overall, our results support the potential use of autofluorescence as an effective approach for detecting malaria parasite infection in red blood cells, with the possibility of implementation in portable devices for rapid field diagnostics.

In Latin America, Universities recognize that it is not enough to ensure the participation of equal numbers of men and women in the classrooms. In this sense, promoting the inclusion of women in STEM areas is a relevant issue for the region. This article presents the results of measuring students’ perceived achievement of scientific-technological entrepreneurship and complex thinking competencies after participating in science club activities (Mexico). The analytical methodology included descriptive statistics and analyses performed with Minitab statistical software. The educational activities of science clubs impact the development of both competencies, showing a positive correlation regardless of the participant’s gender.

Resumen Las prácticas y políticas evaluativas en Latinoamérica reflejan el paradigma racionalista moderno desde lógicas instituidas de sistemas de mercado actual, entrando en tensión con la perspectiva de la complejidad en la evaluación para el aprendizaje. El objetivo es desarrollar desde la complejidad otras formas de evaluación en Educación Superior desde la autopoiesis, que posibiliten discursos y prácticas evaluativas hacia el bioaprendizaje. Desde el método cualitativo en tejido con el trayecto hologramático, se acude a entrevistas a profundidad a profesores y estudiantes de Educación universitaria en Colombia y Nicaragua y grupos de conversación en comunidad bioaprendiente. La investigación permite visibilizar elementos de la evaluación: control y poder desde el docente, fines memorísticos y de manejo conceptual, alineamiento hacia el resultado, paradigma evaluativo vertical en diseño y aplicación. Se contrastó con el bioaprendizaje y el pensamiento complejo y se presentan estrategias evaluativas desde la autopoiesis para dinamizar la evaluación para aprender.

Bacterial inoculants hold promise for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of tomato cultivation in macro-tunnel systems. This study aimed to evaluate the technical and economic viability of applying Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus to tomato production. The separate addition of native G. diazotrophicus GIBI025 and GIBI029 isolates and a commercial inoculant containing Azotobacter chrococcum and Azospirillium sp. was evaluated at a rate of 1 × 10⁸ CFU·mL⁻¹ without nitrogen addition. Conventional fertilization treatment with no bacteria added and 100%-nitrogen fertilization relative to crop requirements (added as MAP and urea) was also assessed. The treatments were evaluated within the macro-tunnel production system. The experiment utilized a completely randomized block design with four replications per treatment, and each experimental unit consisted of 20 plants. The yield (kg·ha⁻¹) was calculated and economic assessment was performed. The results show that native G. diazotrophicus isolates in tomato cultivation under the macro-tunnel production system improved its economic viability, achieving yields up to 95,501 kg·ha⁻¹ without the addition of nitrogenous fertilizers. This research reveals benefit–cost ratios achieving 1.57 and net incomes reaching 16,707 US dollars per hectare. This work demonstrated that the native isolates assessed may be used in the pursuit of more integrated, sustainable, and competitive cultural practices.

This paper presents a model for the analysis and characterization of social regulation during collaborative task development. The structural part of the model is composed of three components which give rise to the generation of four phases of group interaction. The combination of these phases of group interaction and their components allows us to know whether or not a given group during the execution of tasks manages to develop mechanisms of collaboration and socially shared regulation. As for the conceptual section, the model is supported by three components that deal with task regulation, communication regulation, and collaborative work. Each of these components in turn presents aspects that can be identified in the interaction of the groups during the development of a task. The model was applied with the participation of five work groups made up of graduate students. The type of study was a descriptive quantitative approach. The results made it possible to corroborate the functionality of the model based on the identification of recurrences of events in the phases reached by each of the groups during the development of shared tasks, as well as aspects of collaboration and social regulation during the execution of group tasks in socially and collaboratively regulated learning processes, according to the analysis of the interactions recorded by the groups.

Simple Summary Platelet-rich plasma and related orthobiologics, such as platelet lysates, autologous conditioned serums, and autologous protein solutions, are relatively new regenerative therapies used in the medical management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders in horses. Numerous papers have been published in this area; however, there is no information on the bibliometric impact of these papers in the published veterinary literature. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the bibliometrix R package to evaluate the documents registered in the WOS and Scopus databases from 2000 to 2024. The obtained registers were evaluated considering their overview, sources, authors, documents, words, trending topics, clustering, conceptual structure, and social structure. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, BMC Veterinary Research, and the American Journal of Veterinary Research were the most used sources to publish these papers. Universidad de Caldas, Colorado State University, University of California-Davis, and University of Leipzig were the most productive institutions, while the USA, Brazil, and Colombia had the highest production in this field. The most frequently used keywords were horse, platelet-rich plasma, equine, osteoarthritis, and autologous conditioned serum. The trending topics in this field are platelet lysates and orthobiologics. The collaborative network of authors, institutions, and countries is clustered and isolated in small research groups. Abstract (1) Background: There is increasing interest in the use of platelet-rich plasma and related orthobiologics for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal disorders in horses; however, there is no information on the bibliometric impact of the literature published in this area. (2) Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the bibliometrix R package by analyzing the documents registered in the WOS and Scopus databases from 2000 to 2024. The included registers were evaluated according to the menu of results from the biblioshiny web app (overview, sources, authors, documents, words, trending topics, clustering, conceptual structure, and social structure). (3) Conclusions: The documents produced were mainly published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, BMC Veterinary Research, and the American Journal of Veterinary Research). The most productive institutions were Universidad de Caldas, Colorado State University, University of California-Davis, and University of Leipzig, and the most productive countries were the USA, Brazil, and Colombia. Horse, platelet-rich plasma, equine, osteoarthritis, and autologous conditioned serum were the most frequently used keywords. The trending topics in this area are platelet lysates and orthobiologics. The collaboration network of authors, institutions, and countries shows an isolated development of individual author networks with modest collaboration between institutions and countries.

Utilizing residual lignocellulosic biomass as a raw material for producing various commercially valuable products offers an alternative approach to mitigating the environmental pollution stemming from agro-industrial waste. In this study, a native microbial isolate obtained from the shell of cocoa pod, utilized in silage processes, underwent phenotypic characterization. Taxonomic identification through sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, specifically ITS4 and ITS5, revealed that the isolate corresponded to the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii . Through qualitative and quantitative screening of lignocellulolytic enzymes, the yeast's capacity for the production of endo- and exo-cellulases, lignin peroxidases, and xylanases was determined. Biodegradation tests of the cocoa pod shell were carried out during a laboratory-scale silage process. In these assays, the degrading capacity of the microorganism in solution was evaluated in comparison to a commercial inoculum and an enzymatic extract of the same yeast. The results of these tests showed that the cocoa pod shell was degraded in different proportions, finding degradation values for lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose of 11%, 18% and 37%, respectively. Pichia kudriavzevii showed an important capacity to contribute to the degradation of the cocoa pod shell.

Introduction: The study of Candida glabrata genes associated with fluconazole resistance, from a molecular perspective, increases the understanding of the phenomenon with a view to its clinical applicability. Objective: We sought to establish the predictive molecular profile of fluconazole resistance in Candida glabrata by analyzing the ERG11, ERG3, CgCDR1, and CgSNQ2 genes. Method: Expression was quantified using RT-qPCR. Metrics were obtained through molecular docking and Fisher discriminant functions. Additionally, a predictive classification was made against the susceptibility of C. glabrata to fluconazole. Results: The relative expression of the ERG3, CgCDR1, and CgSNQ2 genes was higher in the fluconazole-resistant strains than in the fluconazole-susceptible, dose-dependent strains. The gene with the highest relative expression in the fluconazole-exposed strains was CgCDR1, and in both the resistant and susceptible, dose-dependent strains exposed to fluconazole, this was also the case. The molecular docking model generated a median number of contacts between fluconazole and ERG11 that was lower than the median number of contacts between fluconazole and ERG3, -CgCDR1, and -CgSNQ2. The predicted classification through the multivariate model for fluconazole susceptibility achieved an accuracy of 73.5%. Conclusion: The resistant strains had significant expression levels of genes encoding efflux pumps and the ERG3 gene. Molecular analysis makes the identification of a low affinity between fluconazole and its pharmacological target possible, which may explain the lower intrinsic susceptibility of the fungus to fluconazole.

During the last decade, the development of competencies has become a cardinal point for universities, focusing not only on those skills directly associated with technical or disciplinary aspects but also on those necessary in training for life. In this sense, the so-called general (transversal) competencies become primary in the curricula as part of the training of students regardless of discipline. However, although much literature has reported on students’ acquisition and development of these competencies, what is the reality for teachers facing this formative challenge? Methodologically, this study uses the validated EComplexity instrument to assess self-perceived competence in complex thinking among 51 university teachers (30 women and 21 men, mean age 39 years) from southern Colombia, covering five academic disciplines: Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities. The aim was to measure their perceived preparedness to teach complex thinking as part of a teacher training course, with an emphasis on the participants’ varied academic backgrounds. For data analysis this study employed a multivariate descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS software. The results determined that the teachers perceived themselves as competent in complex thinking and sub-competencies. In conclusion, the study found that differences in factors such as gender, age and academic discipline did not significantly influence teachers’ self-perceived competence in complex thinking. This article contributes to the identification of essential teaching competences for the teacher education process within competence-based pedagogical models, ensuring the quality of academic work.

The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors play pivotal roles in the transmission of neuronal information in the nervous system of insects, which has led these proteins to be targeted by synthetic and natural products. Here, we assessed the insecticidal potential of the essential oil of Pectis brevipedunculata (Gardner) Sch. Bip., a neotropical Asteraceae plant used in traditional medicine, for controlling Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) adults by feeding exposure. By using in silico approaches, we disentangle the contribution of GABA receptors and other potential neuronal targets (e.g., acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferases) in insects that may explain the essential oil differential activities against D. suzukii and two essential pollinator bees (Apis mellifera Linnaeus and Partamona helleri Friese). Neral (26.7%) and geranial (33.9%) were the main essential oil components which killed D. suzukii with an estimated median lethal concentration (LC50) of 2.25 µL/mL. Both pollinator forager bee species, which would likely contact this compound in the field, were more tolerant to the essential oil and did not have their diet consumptions affected by the essential oil. Based on the molecular predictions for the three potential targets and the essential oil main components, a higher affinity of interaction with the GABA receptors of D. suzukii (geranial −6.2 kcal/mol; neral −5.8 kcal/mol) in relation to A. mellifera (geranial −5.2 kcal/mol; neral −4.9 kcal/mol) would contribute to explaining the difference in toxicities observed in the bioassays. Collectively, our findings indicated the involvement of GABA receptors in the potential of P. brevipedunculata essential oil as an alternative tool for controlling D. suzukii.

Fungal contamination is an important problem in cannabis and medical cannabis production, as fungi can produce toxic compounds or reduce the quality and safety of the product. The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric evaluation related to fungal contamination in cannabis, analyzing current trends in this field and providing future perspectives for research. For this purpose, an exhaustive search was carried out in the scientific literature in electronic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science (WOS), covering the period from 2000 to 2023. The results obtained were processed through bibliometrics and network analysis, using tools such as RStudio and Bibliometrix software. The results revealed that the main themes associated with fungal contamination in cannabis are focused on: diseases related to fungal contamination of the plant, use of fungi as an alternative biological control in cannabis cultivation, metabolites associated with cannabis and their potential in fungal control, as well as fungal diversity in cannabis cultivation and postharvest and the risk to consumer health. Finally, future research areas are proposed to address the challenge of fungal contamination in medicinal cannabis production, covering topics such as pest control, contamination, genetic resistance, active compounds, analysis methods, and the impact of fungi on cannabis.

Background: Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as "all the physical and mental attributes possessed by the older person." This concept has gained momentum in recent years because it provides insights into the changes in the functional capacity of individuals during their life. This study examined common factors associated with IC decline among older adults in Mexico and Colombia. Methods: This cross-sectional, correlational study included 348 community-dwelling older adults. Sociodemographic, clinical, and family conditions were assessed as possible associated factors, and IC was analyzed across five domains: cognitive, locomotor, psychological, vitality (malnutrition through deficiency and excess), and sensory (visual and auditory). Parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed. Results: The common factors associated with impairment according to domain were family dysfunctionality (cognitive domain); myocardial infarction, family dysfunctionality, age >80 years, home occupation, and not having a partner (locomotor domain); dysfunctional family and risk of falls (psychological domain); age >80 years and not having a partner (malnutrition by deficiency domain); age 60-79 years, walking <7,500 steps/day, and peripheral vascular disease (malnutrition by excess domain); risk of falling and being female (visual sensory domain); risk of falling (auditory sensory domain); and dysfunctional family and risk of falling (total intrinsic capacity). Conclusion: Both populations had common sociodemographic, clinical, and familial factors that directly affected total IC stocks and their domains.

Fungicide resistance is an alarming challenge for the Brazilian tropical agricultural systems, with major implications for food safety, human and animal health, as well as for the environment. This review explores strategies to address fungicide resistance within the Brazilian agroecosystem context. We examined historical and current scenarios of fungicide resistance in the Brazilian agroecosystems and the approaches to delay the emergence and mitigate the selection of resistant variants. Our review indicates that the prevalence of resistance in field populations of key plant pathogens in Brazil was due to failures in the implementation of preventive measures. To address this issue, alternative evolutionary-smart strategies against fungicide resistance are proposed, emphasizing institutional actions and public policies. Crucial steps involve strengthening national networks for large-scale foliar and seed fungicide efficacy testing and resistance monitoring, as well as imposing tighter restrictions on the labeling of high-risk single-active formulations. Additionally, the integration of non-chemical disease management strategies and the establishment of a centralized database and information system on fungicide resistance in Brazil are identified as essential for effective resistance monitoring and informed decision-making. To enhance fungicide resistance management, the adoption of a warning system (e.g., based on aerobiology- or on weather-monitoring) for predicting disease epidemics and minimizing fungicide applications is recommended. Increased funding, collaboration, mandatory reporting, and capacity building are required to overcome these challenges. In addition, promoting integrated disease management approaches is vital. By implementing these tailored strategies, Brazil can actively contribute to safeguarding its food safety, protecting human and animal health, and preserving the delicate balance of its unique agroecosystem. The adoption of evolutionary-smart strategies against fungicide resistance will prolong fungicide efficacy, reduce economic costs, and minimize environmental impacts, ensuring sustainable and resilient agriculture in Brazil.

This research study aims to determine the psychometric properties of a questionnaire that measures the associations between self-efficacy, beliefs, mastery in information and communications technology (ICT), and interest in ICT in mathematics. The methodology is correlational and surveys 295 volunteer students of legal age from two universities in the city of Manizales, Caldas (Colombia). The results show adequate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha> 0.7), convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity. The scales for both self-efficacy and interest in technology show no difference by gender or semester. In spite of this, the interest levels for technology in mathematics are very low. It is concluded that self-efficacy is related to beliefs of mastery on ICT and the latter is correlated with interest in ICT in mathematics.

Nowadays, fungal contamination of medical Cannabis inflorescences during postharvest has become an increasingly frequent and worrisome problem for consumers and the industry in general. This is because some of these microorganisms can produce secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, which can be toxic to humans. To assess the risk posed by fungal contamination and evaluate the potential for fungal isolates to produce mycotoxins, samples of medicinal Cannabis were tested for the presence of mycotoxin-forming fungi. Inflorescences were isolated on PDA agar at 23 ± 2 °C for ten days, and the microorganisms were identified. The strain with morphological characteristics compatible with the genus Aspergillus spp. was selected as the fungus with the highest risk of forming hazardous mycotoxins. This isolate was characterized conventionally and by molecular identification using primers for the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA and different coding genes and was identified as Aspergillus westerdijkiae. To determine mycotoxin formation, the genome of A. westerdijkiae was sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq platform in South Korea. The antiSMASH tool was used to search for gene clusters associated with producing secondary metabolites, and genes related to toxins were manually curated. Regions where the cluster of genes directly involved in OTA biosynthesis (otaA, otaB, otaC, otaR and otaD) were found, suggesting a potential risk of synthesis of this toxin.. (2024). Identification of Aspergillus westerdijkiae and its potential risk of Ochratoxin A synthesis in Cannabis inflorescences.

The protection of soft-skinned fruits against Drosophila suzukii has relied primarily on the efficacy of a few synthetic molecules. Despite their short-term efficacy, these molecules can cause environmental pollution, unintendedly affect non-target organisms, and fail to provide sustainable control. The shortfalls of using synthetic pesticides warrant the search for alternatives, such as essential oils extracted from plants, with greater eco-friendlier properties. Here, we chemically characterized and evaluated the toxicity of the essential oil extracted from leaves of Ocotea indecora (Schott) Mez (Lauraceae) against D. suzukii via two exposure pathways (ingestion and contact). We also assessed the selectivity of the essential oil to two predatory natural enemies, Eriopis connexa and Chrysoperla externa and two pollinator bees, Apis mellifera and Partamona helleri. In addition, we conducted in silico predictions to investigate potential interactions between the major compound of the essential oil and the insects’ transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Our chromatographic analysis revealed sesquirosefuran (87%) as the major compound. Higher toxicity to adults of D. suzukii was observed in contact exposure (LC50 = 0.43 μL mL−1) compared to ingestion (LC50 = 0.72 μL mL−1). However, the essential oil did not cause mortality to the non-target organisms tested here, even when applied at 2.20 μL mL−1. Molecular predictions demonstrated that sesquirosefuran binds more stably to the TRP channels of D. suzukii than to those expressed in beneficial arthropods. Collectively, our findings provide the initial framework for the potential use of O. indecora essential oil as a sustainable alternative for managing D. suzukii infestations.