Universidad de Magallanes
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Machine Learning to Accelerate the Discovery of Therapeutic Peptides
No full textThe discovery and design of therapeutic peptides have been significantly accelerated by the integration of machine learning approaches, which enable the prediction, generation, and optimization of bioactive sequences. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of how machine learning-based strategies are transforming peptide science. We first introduce the biological relevance, advantages, and limitations of therapeutic peptides compared to traditional small-molecule drugs. Subsequently, we explore key computational methodologies for peptide discovery, including supervised learning pipelines for bioactivity classification, toxicity risk assessment, and pharmacological property prediction. Emphasis is placed on the use of advanced sequence encoding strategies, protein language models, and deep learning architectures. Recent innovations in generative learning, including variational autoencoders, generative adversarial networks, transformer-based models, and diffusion frameworks, are discussed as pivotal tools for the de novo design of peptides with tailored properties. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the emerging role of autonomous multi-agent systems that integrate generative and predictive models with reinforcement learning, offering adaptive platforms capable of iteratively improving peptide candidates based on experimental feedback. By combining computational power with experimental validation, these strategies are reshaping the landscape of therapeutic peptide engineering, enabling the rapid discovery of novel, personalized therapeutics with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in the development of intelligent, data-driven pipelines for the next generation of therapeutics peptides
Geometric deep learning assists protein engineering. Opportunities and Challenges
No full textProtein engineering is experiencing a paradigmatic transformation through the integration of geometric deep learning (GDL) into computational design workflows. While traditional approaches such as rational design and directed evolution have achieved significant progress, they remain constrained by the vastness of sequence space and the cost of experimental validation. GDL overcomes these limitations by operating on non-Euclidean domains and by capturing the spatial, topological, and physicochemical features that govern protein function. This perspective provides a comprehensive and critical overview of GDL applications in stability prediction, functional annotation, molecular interaction modeling, and de novo protein design. It consolidates methodological principles, architectural diversity, and performance trends across representative studies, emphasizing how GDL enhances interpretability and generalization in protein science. Aimed at both computational method developers and experimental protein engineers, the review bridges algorithmic concepts with practical design considerations, offering guidance on data representation, model selection, and evaluation strategies. By integrating explainable artificial intelligence and structure-based validation within a unified conceptual framework, this work highlights how GDL can serve as a foundation for transparent, interpretable, and autonomous protein design. As GDL converges with generative modeling, molecular simulation, and high-throughput experimentation, it is poised to become a cornerstone technology for next-generation protein engineering and synthetic biology
Control neuromuscular de extremidad inferior, como factor de riesgo en la lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior en jugadores de baloncesto
No full textIntroducción: La ineficacia del control neuromuscular se ha considerado un importante factor de riesgo de lesión en el deporte, como en la lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior afectando además la capacidad del sujeto para desarrollar correctamente sus destrezas deportivas. Objetivo: Valorar el control neuromuscular de miembro inferior en jugadores de baloncesto, ya que su identificación de manera temprana es de suma importancia para categorizar su perfil de riesgo de lesión de Ligamento Cruzado Anterior. Metodología: En esta investigación se proponen dos gestos que someten al deportista a desarrollar un correcto control neuromuscular: cambio de dirección y desaceleración. Estas evaluaciones se realizan mediante video análisis 2D. Resultados: Se evaluó a 39 jugadores de baloncesto (15 mujeres y 24 hombre) entre 11 y 18 años de edad, dando como resultado que un alto porcentaje presentaba un control neuromuscular inadecuado, especialmente en el gesto cambio de dirección, sobre todo en las variables ángulo de proyección de la rodilla en el plano frontal y en la relación de la rodilla con la fuerza de reacción del suelo. Discusión: Las variables que obtuvieron su mayor porcentaje en la categoría no adecuado, se relacionan directamente como factores incidenciales de lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior, ya que provocan un valgo dinámico excesivo en la rodilla. Conclusión: Se considera prioritario establecer evaluaciones periódicas de estos factores, de la manera más cercana a la realidad del jugador de baloncesto, para establecer planes atingentes de prevención y de esta manera minimizar el riesgo de lesión
Unlocking species identity: geometric morphometrics of head and thorax shapes in invasive and non-invasive quarantine-significant thrips (Thysanoptera: Terebrantia)
No full textThis study use landmark based geometric morphometrics (GM) of the head and the thorax on eight species of thrips of the species-rich genus Thrips. Among the selected species, four were classified as common and not significant, while four were identified as quarantine-significant and agriculturally important in the USA. The results indicate the potential for using both sets of landmarks, which, in some cases, were complementary. When one set did not reveal significant differences in shape, the other provided valuable insights. The geometric morphometric analysis of the selected landmarks revealed statistically significant differences in head morphology and the configuration of setal insertion points on the mesothorax and metathorax. Principal component analysis (PCA) served as the primary method to examine the ordinal distribution of the eight species within the morphospace. The analysis highlighted T. australis and T. angusticeps as the most morphologically distinct species in terms of head shape, while T. nigropilosus, T. obscuratus, and T. hawaiiensis exhibited the greatest divergence in thoracic morphology. The results further demonstrate the potential of geometric morphometric (GM) methods for identifying taxa that are challenging to distinguish using traditional taxonomy based on external morphology. This is particularly relevant for morphologically conservative taxa, such as thrips with minimal or no wing venation (a feature often used in GM studies of winged insects), species complexes (e.g., T. hawaiiensis and related species examined in this study), and taxa exhibiting morphological similarity due to convergent evolution associated with shared ecological niches
A global meta-analysis of floral longevity reveals widespread plasticity and ecological correlates
No full textPlasticity of floral longevity (FL) in response to pollination enables plants to maximize opportunities for pollen receipt and export under unfavorable pollination conditions, while minimizing costs under favorable ones, playing a crucial role in plant pollination. However, the prevalence of floral longevity plasticity (FLP) across the angiosperms remains unclear. Using data for FL consisting of 397 comparisons from 188 species, we provide the first global, cross-species quantification of FLP and assess its association with a range of biotic and abiotic factors. Supplementary or hand cross-pollination significantly shortened FL by 21.39%, while pollinator exclusion extended it by 34.66%, compared to natural pollination conditions. FLP was not constrained by phylogeny. Plants at higher elevations, where pollinator conditions tend to be deficient, showed longer FL under open pollination. Additionally, plasticity was found to be trait-specific, with greater plasticity observed in species with high construction and maintenance costs as well as in those that are prone to pollen limitation. Furthermore, FLP was greater under higher temperatures, more severe drought conditions, and greater climatic variability. Our findings suggest that the ability to plastically adjust FL is widespread among angiosperms, with potential implications for plant responses to global change
Cross-species virulence strategies of mycobacterium Avium subsp. Paratuberculosis: Gene expression and infection progression in sheep and guanacos
No full textPathogenic bacteria adapt to their hosts modulating virulence-gene expression. This flexible and responsive virulence is frequently associated with the capacity of bacterial pathogens to infect a variety of host species, including wildlife and domestic animals. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne's disease and infects a broad range of ruminant-like herbivores. While its virulence has been well-studied in livestock, its behavior in wildlife hosts remains poorly understood. By studying infection progression and virulence-gene expression, we gain important insights into how bacteria cause infection and how the host reacts. Here, we examine virulence of MAP isolates obtained from fecal samples of domestic sheep and guanaco (Lama guanicoe), including MAP infection progression and expression of six MAP genes, two oxidative stress response genes (katG, sodA) and four virulence-associated genes (impA, umaA1, papA2, kdpC). The progression of the infection was monitored using fecal shedding estimates as a proxy indicator. Compared to guanaco, sheep exhibited both noticeably higher MAP shedding and expression of all six genes. These results indicate that MAP modifies its expression profile in response to the host environment, and also to a possible host-specific transcriptional modulation of MAP. These data did not exclude guanaco as a potential source of infection for both their own species and for other MAP-susceptible species in the area. In mixed species-use landscapes, managing cross-species transmission and MAP persistence requires an understanding of these mechanisms
Post-fire germination and plant invasion in Mediterranean Chile
No full textPremisePlants from regions where fire is a novel disturbance typically lack fire-adaptive traits, which may explain the post-fire invasion by alien plants from fire-prone ecosystems. Unlike many Mediterranean-type ecosystems, the Chilean matorral has a limited evolutionary history with fire. We predict that a negative germination response to fire will be more frequent in its native flora than in alien plants, most of which originate from the fire-prone Mediterranean Basin.MethodsWe compiled a database on the germination responses to fire cues of 70 native and alien plant species from the Chilean matorral using published studies and unpublished data from our own experiments. We then compared the frequency of these responses between native and alien species using generalized linear mixed models.ResultsNegative responses to heat shock were more probable in native than in alien species, while there were no differences in the probability of negative responses to smoke. Species origin did not affect the probability of positive responses to fire cues. When only annual plants were considered, natives and aliens did not differ in their germination responses to fire cues.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the influence of post-fire germination on invasion processes in the Chilean matorral is better explained by the negative effects of heat on the germination of native species (which lack fire-adaptive traits) than by the positive response of alien species to fire cues. The reduced germination of natives creates opportunities for alien species establishment, rather than pre-existing fire adaptive traits driving invasion success
Healthy and sustainable diet for elderly people
No full textIntroducción: el envejecimiento poblacional plantea desafíos en salud pública, particularmente en la promoción de dietas saludables y sostenibles. Las personas mayores enfrentan barreras económicas, educativas y funcionales para acceder a alimentos adecuados. Objetivo: analizar los principios fundamentales de una dieta saludable y sostenible para personas mayores, y su relación con los desafíos del envejecimiento. Materiales y método: se realizó una revisión narrativa de literatura científica y fuentes oficiales (FAO, OMS, MINSAL) publicada entre 2000 y 2024. Se emplearon descriptores MeSH y DeCS combinados con operadores booleanos, y se utilizó Mendeley para gestión de referencias. Resultados: los hallazgos se organizaron en cinco ejes. El primero fueron las barreras económicas, seguidas por los hábitos culturales, la educación alimentaria, las políticas públicas y, por último, la sostenibilidad en la vejez. Se identificaron patrones dietéticos viables, como la dieta mediterránea y la DASH, adaptados a las necesidades de las personas mayores. También se destacaron políticas y programas nacionales que promueven el acceso equitativo a alimentos sostenibles.
Conclusión: adoptar dietas saludables y sostenibles mejora la calidad de vida en la vejez y contribuye a sistemas alimentarios resilientes. Se requiere fortalecer la educación alimentaria, rediseñar la canasta básica y adaptar las políticas públicas a los desafíos del envejecimiento
Initial Teacher Training in Special Education: Perceptions of Teachers Working in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica region
No full textRESUMEN: La presente investigación indaga sobre la formación inicial de los pedagogos diferenciales que ejercen actualmente en la región más austral del país. Específicamente, identificar cómo fue la formación inicial de los educadores diferenciales que ejercen actualmente en Magallanes y Antártica chilena. Este insumo permitirá fortalecer la formación de los educadores diferenciales, que tiene su primera generación de egresados de la Universidad de Magallanes, principal casa de estudios de educación superior, encargada de la formación de los futuros profesionales del área. Para ello, se elaboró un cuestionario basado en aspectos relacionados con el Marco para la Buena Enseñanza y los estándares para la Formación Inicial Docente, siendo estos contenidos validados por un grupo de expertos. El presente artículo busca a su vez, evaluar la fiabilidad del mismo. Los resultados dan cuenta de un alto nivel de satisfacción sobre contenidos teóricos, disciplinares y en formación práctica. Como complemento se aplicó el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach, el que corrobora la consistencia interna del cuestionario