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The study of the recent colonization of a symbiont and its interaction with host communities in new locations is an opportunity to understand how they interact. The use of isotopic ratios in trophic ecology can provide measurements of a species' isotopic niche, as well as knowledge about how the isotopic niches between symbiont and host species overlap. Stable isotope measurements were used to assess the sources of carbon assimilated by the host species (the bivalves Mytilus galloprovincialis and Scrobicularia plana) and their associated symbiont pea crab Afropinnotheres monodi, which occurs within these bivalves' mantle cavities. The mixing model estimates suggest that all of them assimilate carbon from similar sources, particularly from pseudofaeces and particulate organic matter in this symbiotic system based on filter feeding. The symbiotic species occupy comparable trophic levels and its association seems to be commensal or parasitic depending on the duration of such association. The pea crab A. monodi reflects a sex-specific diet, where males are more generalist than the soft females because the latter's habitat is restricted to the host bivalve. The high isotopic overlap between soft females and M. galloprovincialis may reflect a good commensal relationship with the host., We acknowledge support for the publication fee from the CSIC Open Access Publication Support Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI). This work was partially funded by a grant from CSIC under the Intramural Research program 2018 with the grant number 201830I081 and the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Plan Nacional I + D” and the European FEDER funds through project AFROBIV (CGL2014-53557-P). The MINECO also supported an FPI Postdoctoral contract for MPM (BES-2015- 072703).

espanolEl pasto elefante (Pennisetum purpureum) una de las principales gramineas de corte utilizadas para la alimentacion animalen las explotaciones intensivas en Venezuela, no contando con suficiente investigacion, que permita su utilizacion comoalternativa forrajera. El trabajo de investigacion se realizo en el INIA-Guarico, en los Bancos de San Pedro, Calabozo estadoGuarico. Los objetivos que se plantearon en este trabajo fueron: Evaluar cuatro genotipos del pasto, [Clon Cuba (G1), Maralfalfamorado (G2) (Taiwan), Maralfalfa verde (G3) y King Grass (G4)]. Se evaluo el efecto sobre el rendimiento de tresniveles de fertilizacion nitrogenada (N) en el reabono [T1: 150 Kg.ha-1 (urea), T2: 15000 Kg.ha-1, T3: 20000 Kg.ha-1 deestiercol de bovino y T4: (0 Kg.ha-1), Evaluando las siguientes variables morfometricas en los cuatro genotipos de pasto:numero tallos (NT), numero de hojas (NH), altura planta (AP), grosor del tallo (GT), numero estacas (NE), peso hojas (PH),peso de tallos (PT), peso esquejes (PE) y peso total (Ptotal=PH+PT). La superficie utilizada fue 684 m2, dividida en 48parcelas. Se empleo un diseno experimental de bloques completos al azar, con tres repeticiones. La evaluacion se realizocada 30 dias, durante 3 meses consecutivos. Los resultados demuestran que los materiales presentaron diferencias significativas(p EnglishThe elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is one of the main cutting grasses used for animal feeding in intensive farms inVenezuela, lacking sufficient research, which allows its use as alternative forage. The research work was carried out in theINIA-Guarico, in the Banks of San Pedro, Calabozo Guarico State. The objectives that thought about in this investigationwere: Evaluate four grass genotypes, [Clone Cuba (G1), purple Maralfalfa (G2) (Taiwan), Maralfalfa green (G3) and KingGrass (G4)]. Evaluate the effect on yield of three levels of nitrogen fertilization N) in the reabsorption, T1: 150 Kg.ha-1 ofurea: T2: 15000 Kg.ha-1[69 KgN], T3: 20000 Kg.ha-1 [92 Kg N] cow manure; T4: 0 Kg.ha-1 were used; Evaluate morphometricvariables in four grass genotypes: number of stalks (NS), number of leaves (NL), plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD),weight of leaves (WL), weight of stalks (WS), number of stakes (NST), weight of cuttings (WC), total weight (TW = WL +WS). The area used was 684 m2, divided into 48 plots. It was used a randomized block design with three replications. Theresults show that the N, regardless of the source, was highly significant (p

The marine parasitic African pea crab Afropinnotheres monodi Manning, 1993 has well-established populations in the gulf of Cadiz, where it is invasive. In this study, its tolerance to temperature and salinity variation during larval development were studied in the laboratory. Larvae were reared in seawater (salinity 36) at different temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C). At 20 and 25 °C larval development was successfully completed, with the highest rate of survival to the megalopa stage occurring at 25 °C. At this optimal temperature larvae were reared at different salinities (15, 25, 36 and 45), and maximum survival to megalopa occurred at salinity 25. Additionally, the time required for larval developmental increased with salinity: the shortest (12 days) and the longest (25 days) development time occurred at salinities 25 and 45, respectively. In some of the treatments an extra stage (zoea V) was observed, but the only zoea V specimens that successfully moulted to megalopa were those reared at 25 °C and salinity 25. Temperature seems to be the main factor determining whether larval development is successfully completed, whereas salinity has an additional effect on duration of larval development under optimal temperature conditions. Our results suggest that A. monodi is well-adapted to withstand higher temperatures than currently present in Europe’s marine waters and, if temperatures keep increasing, this species may be able to expand successfully northward along the European Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts., This study was partially funded by the Spanish “Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO), Plan Nacional I+D” and the European FEDER funds through project AFROBIV (CGL2014-53557-P). The MINECO also supported an FPI PhD contract to MPM (BES-2015-072703). We want to thank “Consejería de Agricultura, Pesca y Desarrollo Rural” and “Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio” of Junta de Andalucía by supporting the development of AFROBIV project.

Isoprenoids are an essential and diverse class of molecules, present in all forms of life, that are synthesized from an essential common precursor derived from either the mevalonate pathway or the nonmevalonate pathway. Most bacteria have one pathway or the other, but the Gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is unusual because it carries all the genes for both pathways. While the mevalonate pathway has previously been reported to be essential, here we demonstrate that the nonmevalonate pathway can support growth of strains 10403S and EGD-e, but only anaerobically. L. monocytogenes lacking the gene hmgR, encoding the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, had a doubling time of 4 h under anaerobic conditions, in contrast to the 45 min doubling time of the wild type. In contrast, deleting hmgR in two clinical isolates resulted in mutants that grew significantly faster, doubling in approximately 2 h anaerobically, although they still failed to grow under aerobic conditions without mevalonate. The difference in anaerobic growth rate was traced to three amino acid changes in the nonmevalonate pathway enzyme GcpE, and these changes were sufficient to increase the growth rate of 10403S to the rate observed in the clinical isolates. Despite an increased growth rate, virulence was still dependent on the mevalonate pathway in 10403S strains expressing the more active GcpE allele.

Resumen: Introducción: El uso de antidepresivos está muy extendido en la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), aunque existen pocos estudios de calidad que aclaren su eficacia. Desarrollo: La metodología para esta guía clínica se ha basado en la revisión de la literatura y en la opinión de consenso del grupo de trastornos del movimiento de la AMN, recogida mediante una encuesta. Conclusiones: Según la evidencia científica, nortriptilina, venlafaxina, paroxetina o citalopram podrían ser utilizados en el tratamiento de la depresión en la EP, aunque paroxetina y citalopram con resultados contradictorios. Sin embargo, en la práctica clínica, los inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina suelen ser los fármacos de primera elección. Por otro lado, aunque con menor evidencia, duloxetina podría ser una alternativa a venlafaxina y la asociación de venlafaxina con mirtazapina podría ser útil en casos refractarios. Además, podemos considerar el uso de citalopram para la ansiedad, atomoxetina para el tratamiento de la hipersomnia diurna, trazodona y mirtazapina para el tratamiento del insomnio y la psicosis, y bupropión para el tratamiento de la apatía. En general, los antidepresivos son fármacos bien tolerados en la EP. No obstante, es necesario considerar el efecto anticolinérgico de los tricíclicos, el efecto sobre la presión arterial de los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina y noradrenalina, la capacidad de los antidepresivos para desarrollar síntomas extrapiramidales y tener precaución con la asociación de inhibidores de la monoaminooxidasa B. Abstract: Introduction: Although antidepressants are widely used in Parkinson's disease (PD), few well-designed studies to support their efficacy have been conducted. Development: These clinical guidelines are based on a review of the literature and the results of an AMN movement disorder study group survey. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that nortriptyline, venlafaxine, paroxetine, and citalopram may be useful in treating depression in PD, although studies on paroxetine and citalopram yield conflicting results. In clinical practice, however, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are usually considered the treatment of choice. Duloxetine may be an alternative to venlafaxine, although the evidence for this is less, and venlafaxine plus mirtazapine may be useful in drug-resistant cases. Furthermore, citalopram may be indicated for the treatment of anxiety, atomoxetine for hypersomnia, trazodone and mirtazapine for insomnia and psychosis, and bupropion for apathy. In general, antidepressants are well tolerated in PD. However, clinicians should consider the anticholinergic effect of tricyclic antidepressants, the impact of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on blood pressure, the extrapyramidal effects of antidepressants, and any potential interactions between monoamine oxidase B inhibitors and other antidepressants. Palabras clave: Antidepresivos, Depresión, Ansiedad, Enfermedad de Parkinson, Efectos secundarios, Mecanismos de acción, Keywords: Antidepressants, Depression, Anxiety, Parkinson's disease, Side effects, Mechanisms of action

El Marketing surge de la necesidad de buscar respuestas en el mercado. El desarrollo de una adecuada estrategia de marketing requiere evaluar el producto que se intenta posicionar, las características de la empresa productora y el flujo de inversiones de dicho producto. En este sentido, el presente artículo se refiere a los elementos más importantes que no deberá descuidar un plan de marketing para ser realmente eficiente.

La administración es un instrumento encaminado a realizar tareas para conseguir objetivos propuestos en el manejo de los bienes de los gobiernos, empresas y de la gente, mediante la distribución oportuna de los diversos recursos que se tienen a disposición. A tales efectos se realizó una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva para exponer algunos aspectos relacionados con la temática (definición, evolución histórica, características, funciones, definición de empresas, sus características y situación de las pequeñas empresas en el ecuador). Se concluyó que las condiciones del entorno empresarial de hoy, donde la alta complejidad y la fuerte competitividad se imponen, está convirtiendo a la gestión del conocimiento en la empresa, en un elemento protagonista de vital importancia para asegurar la sostenibilidad en el tiempo de los negocios y empresas del mundo.

XX Iberian Symposium on Marine Biology Studies (SIEBM XX) , Braga, Portugal, 9 Sep - 12 Sep, 2019., Afropinnotheres monodi Manning, 1993 is one of the many African crustaceans that have been recorded on the coasts of the Iberian Peninsula. This crab belongs to the Pinnotheridae, a family that comprises 303 species of small marine brachyuran decapods. Pinnotherids live as symbionts in other invertebrates, very often in the paleal cavity of bivalve molluscs. The main objective of this project has been to determine the effect of A. monodi on bivalves of commercial interest in the Iberian Peninsula, especially mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and cockles (Cerastoderma spp.), which are the two species presenting the highest degree of infestation by this crab. In this study the distribution of A. monodi has been researched in the Gulf of Cádiz, and beyond its known limits (the south of Portugal and Strait of Gibraltar) to monitor its process of geographic expansion. Relevant aspects of its biology, that affect its reproductive success and dispersive capacity, have been also studied experimentally in order to predict the potential evolution of this species in the Iberian Peninsula.

Resumen Introduccion El sindrome de Down (SD) es un trastorno cromosomico de expresion fenotipica variable, aunque con rasgos comunes en los distintos pacientes. Entre ellos, destaca la hipotonia, hiperlaxitud ligamentosa y el retraso en el desarrollo psicomotor. Estos rasgos mejoran con la terapia temprana, pero persisten en forma de inestabilidad de la marcha y compensaciones patologicas en el adulto. La marcha patologica en estos pacientes ha sido objeto de estudios previos, pero el tratamiento de los problemas motores no ha sido abordado desde un enfoque neurorrehabilitador, dirigido a la calidad del funcionamiento. Objetivos El proposito del presente estudio es describir las alteraciones de la marcha en una muestra de pacientes con SD y evaluar los cambios despues del tratamiento con fisioterapia Bobath. Material y metodos Estudio prospectivo experimental de tipo ensayo no controlado. Diez personas adultas con SD (edad media: 28 anos) fueron evaluadas en situacion basal y despues de 10 sesiones de fisioterapia Bobath. Se recogieron variables cuantitativas (como longitud del paso, velocidad de la marcha) y variables cualitativas (como calidad del braceo o inestabilidad) a traves de un evaluador ciego al tratamiento fisioterapico. Resultados Se encontraron claras desviaciones respecto a la marcha adulta normal y una tendencia a la mejoria despues del tratamiento fisioterapico. Esta mejoria fue significativa en la correccion del angulo y en la simetria del paso. Se pone de manifiesto el potencial beneficio de la fisioterapia en adultos con SD y alteraciones de la marcha, asi como la necesidad de realizar mas estudios en este sentido.

Introduction Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder with variable phenotypic expression, although different patients share some common features. Among them, hypotonia, ligament laxity and delayed psychomotor development stand out. These traits can improve with early therapy, but remain as gait instability and pathologic compensatory strategies in adult patients. Pathological gait in DS patients has been studied previously, but the treatment of motor problems has not been approached from a neurological rehabilitation viewpoint, focused on quality of function. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the gait alterations in a sample of patients with DS and to assess changes after Bobath physiotherapy. Material and methods An experimental prospective uncontrolled study was performed. Ten adults with DS (mean age: 28 years) were assessed at baseline and after 10 sessions of Bobath physiotherapy treatment. Quantitative data (such as step length or walking speed) and qualitative data (such as characteristics of arm movements and instability) were recorded by an evaluator blinded to the treatment received. Results Clear deviations with respect to normal adult gait were found, and a trend towards improvement after physiotherapy treatment. The results were significant in the correction of pitch angle and its symmetry. The study has revealed the potential benefits of physiotherapy in adults with DS and the need to complete more studies in this sense.

OBJECTIVES Automated oscillometric blood pressure (BP) monitors can be critical health assessment tools if they are accurate and can provide repeatable and reproducible readings. Commercial patient simulators are capable of screening for poorly performing oscillometric BP monitors. A valid screening bench test method to identify unreliable and underperforming BP monitors could advance surveillance of these devices and support regulatory decision making. METHODS Two simulators were used to characterize a total of 19 legally marketed upper arm, wrist, hospital-grade, and public-use BP monitors. These oscillometric BP monitors were tested for repeatability and reproducibility across different simulated patient populations. The metrics for evaluating these devices were the difference between the simulated pressure and the BP monitor output, and the variability from repeated measurements. RESULTS All but one of the BP monitors tested provided repeatable readings (

The effects of Pr doping on the structural, morphological, optical and non-linear optical properties have been investigated. X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis reveals the formation of highly c-axis-oriented films with hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images reveal the formation of grains with well-defined grain boundaries. The Pr-doped films present excellent optical transparency in the visible region. The photoluminescence spectra show both UV and visible emissions and the intensity of the visible emission increases with Pr doping. Nonlinear optical properties of the Pr-incorporated ZnO nanostructures have been investigated using the open aperture Z-scan technique. It is interesting to note that 1 wt.% praseodymium-incorporated ZnO film shows saturable absorption, whereas the 5 wt.% praseodymium-incorporated ZnO shows reverse saturable absorption and the high value of non-linear absorption coefficient (β) for 5 wt.% Pr-doped ZnO film suggests the suitability of these films for optoelectronic device applications.

Resumen Introduccion La proximidad del cuerno posterior del menisco externo a la arteria poplitea condiciona un riesgo de lesion vascular en su sutura. El objetivo es definir la localizacion de la arteria poplitea, establecer la distancia minima del muro posterior del menisco externo a la arteria, al nervio ciatico popliteo externo (CPE) y su correlacion con otras variables. Material y metodo Se revisaron retrospectivamente 102 resonancias magneticas nucleares de pacientes operados en nuestro centro. Se selecciono el corte axial donde se identificase adecuadamente el menisco externo y se realizaron el conjunto de mediciones. Resultados La arteria se localizo lateral a la linea media antero-posterior en el 94% de los casos. La distancia minima media del muro posterior del menisco externo a la arteria poplitea fue de 1,01 cm. (0,32-1,74, SD: 0,304). La distancia minima media al CPE fue de 1,74 cm. (0,75-2,87, SD: 0,374). No se encontro una correlacion de la distancia del muro posterior a la arteria poplitea con la altura, el peso, el IMC, el diametro del menisco externo ni el diametro de la meseta tibial. Se encontro una correlacion entre la distancia del muro posterior al CPE con el peso y el IMC. Conclusiones La proximidad del muro posterior a la arteria poplitea debe ser tenida en cuenta a la hora de realizar suturas. Esta distancia esta dentro de la profundidad recomendada en los dispositivos de sutura «todo-dentro» y no esta en relacion con la talla, el peso, el IMC, el tamano del menisco externo ni la meseta tibial.

Introduction The proximity of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the popliteal artery determines a risk of vascular injury in its suture. The aim of this study is to determine the location of the popliteal artery, and to establish the minimal distance from the posterior wall of the lateral meniscus to the artery, the common peroneal nerve (CPN), and its correlation to other variables. Material and methods A total of 102 magnetic resonance studies were retrospectively reviewed from patients undergoing surgery at our institution. The axial section where the lateral meniscus could be clearly defined was selected, and the measurements were performed. Results The artery lay laterally to the midline in 94% of the cases. The minimal mean distance from the posterior wall of the lateral meniscus to the popliteal artery was 1.01 cm (0.32–1.74, SD: 0.304). The minimal mean distance to the CPN was 1.74 cm (0.75–2.87, SD: 0.374). No association was found between the minimal mean distance from the posterior wall to the popliteal artery with the height, weight, BMI, the lateral meniscus diameter, or the tibial plateau diameter. An association was found between the distance from the posterior wall to the CPN with the weight and the BMI. Conclusions The proximity of the posterior horn to the popliteal artery should be considered when performing sutures. This distance is within the recommended depth for all-inside meniscus repair devices. This distance is not related to height, weight, BMI, lateral meniscus nor tibial plateau diameters.

ZnO thin films are grown on quartz substrates at various substrate temperatures (ranging from 573 to 973 K) under an oxygen ambience of 0.02 mbar by using pulsed laser ablation. Influence of substrate temperature on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of the ZnO thin films are investigated. The XRD and micro-Raman spectra reveal the presence of hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO with preferred orientation (002). The particle size is calculated using Debye-Scherer equation and the average size of the crystallites are found to be in the range 17-29 nm. The AFM study reveals that the surface morphology of the film depends strongly on the substrate temperature. UV-Visible transmittance spectra show highly transparent nature of the films in visible region. The calculated optical band gap energy is found to be decrease with increase in substrate temperatures. The complex dielectric constant, the loss factor and the distribution of the volume and surface energy loss of the ZnO thin films prepared at different substrate temperatures are calculated. All the films are found to be highly porous in nature. The PL spectra show very strong emission in the blue region for all the films. The dc electrical resistivity of the film decreases with increase in substrate temperature. The temperature dependent electrical measurements done on the film prepared at substrate temperature 573 K reveals that the electric conduction is thermally activated and the activation energy is found to be 0.03911 eV which is less than the reported values for ZnO films.

Cytogenetic abnormalities associated with viral infections, including from viruses of the Herpesvirales order, have been reported in vertebrate species. Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) has been detected worldwide during mortality outbreaks of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. On the other hand, a high proportion of aneuploid cells in somatic tissues have been observed in C. gigas. In this study, we analysed the putative association between aneuploidy levels and the detection of OsHV-1 in gills of C. gigas, the Portuguese oyster C. angulata and their F1 hybrids cultured in Ria Formosa (Portugal). OsHV-1 was detected by PCR in 5.4% of the total of oysters analysed (n = 111) namely in 11.1%, 8.0% and 1.7% of C. gigas, C. angulata and F1 hybrid respectively. Sequencing analysis of a viral fragment amplified with the C2/C6 primer pair revealed a high similarity with the OsHV-1 reference type. Moreover, in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of OsHV-1 in gill tissue. Oysters where OsHV-1 was detected had a significantly higher mean percentage of aneuploid cells (25%) than the ones where the virus was not detected (18%). However, the overall low percentage of positive samples contrasted with the high mean percentage of aneuploidy observed, with 50% of the oysters analysed showing a percentage of aneuploid cells between 20% and 30%. We hypothesize that somatic aneuploidy may adversely affect oysters making them more prone to OsHV-1 infection, but the virus is unlikely to be the cause of somatic aneuploidy. FCT. Grant Number: SFRH/BD/8972/2002 Marie Curie Training fellowship. Grant Numbers: PLUDAMOR, QLK5-CT-2000-60036 Wiley Online Library

Introduction: Although antidepressants are widely used in Parkinson's disease (PD), few well-designed studies to support their efficacy have been conducted. Development: These clinical guidelines are based on a review of the literature and the results of an AMN movement disorder study group survey. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that nortriptyline, venlafaxine, paroxetine, and citalopram may be useful in treating depression in PD, although studies on paroxetine and citalopram yield conflicting results. In clinical practice, however, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are usually considered the treatment of choice. Duloxetine may be an alternative to venlafaxine, although the evidence for this is less, and venlafaxine plus mirtazapine may be useful in drug-resistant cases. Furthermore, citalopram may be indicated for the treatment of anxiety, atomoxetine for hypersomnia, trazodone and mirtazapine for insomnia and psychosis, and bupropion for apathy. In general, antidepressants are well tolerated in PD. However, clinicians should consider the anticholinergic effect of tricyclic antidepressants, the impact of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on blood pressure, the extrapyramidal effects of antidepressants, and any potential interactions between monoamine oxidase B inhibitors and other antidepressants. Resumen: Introducción: El uso de antidepresivos está muy extendido en la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP), aunque existen pocos estudios de calidad que aclaren su eficacia. Desarrollo: La metodología para esta guía clínica se ha basado en la revisión de la literatura y en la opinión de consenso del grupo de trastornos del movimiento de la AMN, recogida mediante una encuesta. Conclusiones: Según la evidencia científica, nortriptilina, venlafaxina, paroxetina o citalopram podrían ser utilizados en el tratamiento de la depresión en la EP, aunque paroxetina y citalopram con resultados contradictorios. Sin embargo, en la práctica clínica, los inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina suelen ser los fármacos de primera elección. Por otro lado, aunque con menor evidencia, duloxetina podría ser una alternativa a venlafaxina y la asociación de venlafaxina con mirtazapina podría ser útil en casos refractarios. Además, podemos considerar el uso de citalopram para la ansiedad, atomoxetina para el tratamiento de la hipersomnia diurna, trazodona y mirtazapina para el tratamiento del insomnio y la psicosis, y bupropión para el tratamiento de la apatía. En general, los antidepresivos son fármacos bien tolerados en la EP. No obstante, es necesario considerar el efecto anticolinérgico de los tricíclicos, el efecto sobre la presión arterial de los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina y noradrenalina, la capacidad de los antidepresivos para desarrollar síntomas extrapiramidales y tener precaución con la asociación de inhibidores de la monoaminooxidasa B. Keywords: Antidepressants, Depression, Anxiety, Parkinson's disease, Side effects, Mechanisms of action, Palabras clave: Antidepresivos, Depresión, Ansiedad, Enfermedad de Parkinson, Efectos secundarios, Mecanismos de acción

Highly transparent and conducting molybdenum oxide (2, 3, 4 wt%) doped indium oxide thin films are prepared using pulsed laser ablation. XRD and AFM analysis show that at higher MoO 3 doping concentration (>3 wt%) inhibits grain growth due to the presence of Mo atoms at grain boundaries. The average size of the crystallites increases with MoO 3 doping up to 3% and thereafter decreases. The doped films exhibited high values of optical transmittance and low values of electrical resistivity compared to undoped films. Beyond 3 wt% MoO 3 doping, the optical and electrical properties slightly decline. The observed band gap widening in the films can be attributed to Moss–Burstein effect. All the films show intense PL emission in the UV–visible region.

Nanostructured zinc suplhide thin films are successfully deposited on quartz substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) under different argon pressures (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 Pa). The influence of argon ambience on the microstructural, optical and luminescence properties of zinc sulfide (ZnS) thin films is systematically investigated. The GIXRD data suggests rhombohedral structure for ZnS films prepared under different argon ambience. Self-assembly of grains into well-defined patterns along the y direction is observed in the AFM image of the film deposited under argon pressure 20 Pa. All the films show a blue shift in optical band gap. This can be due to the quantum confinement effect and less widening of conduction and valence band for the films with less thickness and smaller grain size. The PL spectra of the different films are recorded at excitation wavelengths 250 nm and 325 nm and the spectra are interpreted. The PL spectra of the films recorded at excitation wavelength 325 nm show intense yellow emission. The film deposited under an argon pressure of 15 Pa shows the highest PL intensity for excitation wavelength 325 nm. For the PL spectra (excitation at 250 nm), the highest PL intensity is observed for the film prepared under argon free ambience. In our study, 15 Pa is the optimum argon pressure for better crystallinity and intense yellow emission when excited at 325 nm.

Although antidepressants are widely used in Parkinson's disease (PD), few well-designed studies to support their efficacy have been conducted.These clinical guidelines are based on a review of the literature and the results of an AMN movement disorder study group survey.Evidence suggests that nortriptyline, venlafaxine, paroxetine, and citalopram may be useful in treating depression in PD, although studies on paroxetine and citalopram yield conflicting results. In clinical practice, however, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are usually considered the treatment of choice. Duloxetine may be an alternative to venlafaxine, although the evidence for this is less, and venlafaxine plus mirtazapine may be useful in drug-resistant cases. Furthermore, citalopram may be indicated for the treatment of anxiety, atomoxetine for hypersomnia, trazodone and mirtazapine for insomnia and psychosis, and bupropion for apathy. In general, antidepressants are well tolerated in PD. However, clinicians should consider the anticholinergic effect of tricyclic antidepressants, the impact of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on blood pressure, the extrapyramidal effects of antidepressants, and any potential interactions between monoamine oxidase B inhibitors and other antidepressants.

Zinc nitride (Zn 3 N 2 ) thin films are prepared using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) from zinc selenide (ZnSe) target at different nitrogen ambient pressures viz. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 Pa. The films prepared with nitrogen pressures 1 and 3 Pa are amorphous in nature, whereas the films prepared at 5, 7 and 10 Pa exhibit the presence of cubic bixbyite Zn 3 N 2 structure with lattice parameter very close to bulk of Zn 3 N 2 . The particle size calculated by Debye Scherrer's formula is in the nano regime. Surface morphology of the films is studied by SEM and AFM analysis. Optical parameters such as band gap, refractive index and porosity of the films are calculated. Moreover, the present study confers an outlook about how do various factors such as substrate temperature, reactive supplementing gas and laser-target interaction influence the film developing process during pulsed lased deposition.

We report on the synthesis of self-assembled hillock shaped MoO3 nanoparticles on thin films exhibiting intense photoluminescence (PL) by RF magnetron sputtering and subsequent oxidation. MoO3 nanocrystals of size ∼29 nm are self-assembled into uniform nanoparticles with diameter ∼174 nm. The mechanism of the intense PL behaviour from MoO3 nanoparticles is investigated and systematically discussed. The films exhibit two bands; a near-band-edge UV emission and a defect related deep level visible emission. The enhancement in PL intensity with annealing is not only by the improvement in crystallinity and grain size but also by the increase in the rms surface roughness and porosity of the films. The PL intensity is thermally activated with activation energy 1.07 and 0.87 eV respectively for the UV and visible emissions. The UV band exhibits a blue shift according to the band gap with increasing post-annealing temperatures, which suggests the possibility to tune the UV photoluminescence band by varying the oxidation temperature.

Nanostructured Eu2O3 doped Barium tungstate (BaWO4) crystallites are successfully synthesized using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The influence of different Eu2O3 doping concentrations (1,2,3 & 5 wt.%) on the structural, surface morphological and optical properties are systematically studied using XRD, micro-Raman, SEM, AFM, UV–vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. All the films are polycrystalline with tetragonal scheelite structure. The vibrational analysis of the atoms in BaWO4 is studied by micro-Raman spectra using factor group analysis. The surface morphological analysis by SEM and AFM reveals the presence of fine nanoparticles with distinct grain boundaries in all the films. The band gap energy variation in the Eu2O3 doped BaWO4 films is in accordance with the variation of the sizes of nano particles in the films. The films with higher Eu3+ doping concentrations (≥2 wt.%) show a PL emission peak centered around 614 nm when excited at 394 nm which can be attributed to the 5D0 → 7F2 (0–2) transition of Eu3+ ion.

Al doped ZnO thin films are prepared by pulsed laser deposition on quartz substrate at substrate temperature 873 K under a background oxygen pressure of 0.02 mbar. The films are systematically analyzed using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, z -scan and temperature-dependent electrical resistivity measurements in the temperature range 70–300 K. XRD patterns show that all the films are well crystallized with hexagonal wurtzite structure with preferred orientation along (0 0 2) plane. Particle size calculations based on XRD analysis show that all the films are nanocrystalline in nature with the size of the quantum dots ranging from 8 to 17 nm. The presence of high frequency E 2 mode and longitudinal optical A 1 (LO) modes in the Raman spectra suggest a hexagonal wurtzite structure for the films. AFM analysis reveals the agglomerated growth mode in the doped films and it reduces the nucleation barrier of ZnO by Al doping. The 1% Al doped ZnO film presents high transmittance of ∼75% in the visible and near infrared region and low dc electrical resistivity of 5.94 × 10 −6 Ω m. PL spectra show emissions corresponding to the near band edge (NBE) ultra violet emission and deep level emission in the visible region. Nonlinear optical measurements using the z -scan technique shows optical limiting behavior for the 5% Al doped ZnO film.

Nanocrystalline indium oxide films have been deposited using pulsed laser ablation technique. The effect of post-deposition annealing on the structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of the as-deposited indium oxide thin films prepared by non-reactive pulsed laser ablation has been studied systematically using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–vis spectra, photoluminescence spectra and DC electrical measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that at higher annealing temperatures, all the films exhibit a polycrystalline structure with a preferred orientation along (4 0 0) lattice plane instead of mostly occurring (2 2 2) reflection plane. The lattice constants, biaxial strain and lattice strain of the films are calculated and correlated with annealing temperature. Particle size calculated using Debye Scherrer's formula reveals the presence of quantum dots in the films annealed at 473 K and 773 K and confirmed via SEM and AFM analysis. Mass transport mechanisms have been proposed using SEM and AFM to account for the grain coalescence process viz., Ostwald ripening mechanism, sintering, and cluster migration. A blue shift in the band gap energy values are obtained for the films and is due to quantum confinement effect as a result of their nanostructured nature. Enhanced quantum confinement effect due to the increase in porosity in the films is also observed. Efficient photoluminescence emission is observed in all the films in the UV region and corresponds well with the band gap values obtained for the films. Electrical measurements show that the electrical conductivity in the films increases with decrease in dot size.

La purpura trombocitopenica trombotica es una enfermedad hematologica caracterizada por la formacion de trombos plaquetarios en la microvasculatura sistemica, que producen secundariamente trombocitopenia y anemia hemolitica con esquistocitosis. Las manifestaciones clinicas derivan de la subsecuente isquemia de los tejidos suplidos por los vasos danados y pueden afectar a cualquier territorio vascular. La sintomatologia neurologica, tipicamente fluctuante y transitoria, es predominante en estos pacientes y puede ser el sintoma de presentacion hasta en el 60% de los casos, por lo que debemos sospecharla ante un paciente que muestra clinica deficitaria, trombopenia y anemia. Mujer de 65 anos con antecedentes de hipertension arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, artritis reumatoide, hepatitis autoinmune de tipo I y sindrome de Sjogren primario, en tratamiento con budesonida y 100 mg de acido acetilsalicilico. Acudio a urgencias de nuestro hospital por un episodio transitorio de disartria y desviacion de la comisura bucal derecha. En la exploracion neurologica, en un primer contacto, se objetivo leve pronacion del miembro superior derecho, que se normalizo en las horas sucesivas. La tomografia computarizada craneal no mostraba alteraciones agudas. Sin embargo, en la resonancia magnetica se evidencio una lesion isquemica aguda en el surco poscentral derecho. El resto de las pruebas, incluyendo un electrocardiograma, un ecocardiograma y un eco-Doppler de los troncos supraaorticos, no detecto anomalias. Analiticamente, llamaba la atencion una trombocitopenia creciente (hasta 28.000/µL) y anemia normocitica normocromica. El resto de los parametros, incluidos creatinina, bilirrubinas, tiempos de coagulacion y estudio de trombofilia, fue normal. En el frotis se demostro la presencia de esquistocitos (Figura). Ante la sospecha de purpura trombocitopenica trombotica, se midio la actividad de ADAMTS13, y esta era indetectable, por lo que se inicio de forma inmediata tratamiento con plasmaferesis y corticoterapia. La paciente respondio favorablemente, y recibio un total de ocho sesiones. En el momento del alta habia recuperado las cifras hematologicas y no presentaba secuelas. Tres meses despues de este episodio, la paciente presento una recaida que curso con clinica transitoria de hemiparesia e hemihipoestesia derechas, que en esta ocasion no se acompano de una nueva lesion en la resonancia magnetica cerebral. Las cifras plaquetarias descendieron hasta 56.000/µL, que se recuperaron tras ocho nuevas sesiones de plasmaferesis. La actividad de ADAMTS13, que tambien fue indetectable en esta ocasion, se fue normalizando paulatinamente en controles sucesivos. Tras es­te segundo brote se decidio iniciar tratamiento con rituximab, y hasta la fecha no ha vuelto a presentar recaidas. La purpura trombocitopenica trombotica, o enfermedad de Moschcowitz, es una microangiopatia trombotica descrita por primera vez en 1926 que da lugar a la formacion microvascular de trombos. Tiene predileccion por mujeres de 20-50 anos. Por encima de esa edad, la incidencia tiende a equilibrarse. Para entender la etiopatogenia es importante conocer el papel que desempena ADAMTS13 en el metabolismo del factor de von Willebrand. Este factor es secretado al plasma en forma de multimeros de alto peso molecular, que de manera fisiologica sufren varios ciclos de proteolisis a cargo de la metaloproteinasa ADAMTS13 [1], lo que favorece su plegamiento. En la purpura trombocitopenica trombotica existe un deficit o menor actividad de ADAMTS13, por lo que el factor de von Willebrand permanece en su forma elongada, lo que promueve la adhesion y agregacion plaquetarias, y se generan trombos que ocluyen la microvasculatura y causan isquemia tisular sistemica [2]. De forma secundaria, los eritrocitos son fragmentados a su pa­so por los vasos afectados, con la consecuente anemia hemolitica y esquistocitosis. Se distinguen formas familiares, por deficit genetico de ADAMTS13, responsables de episodios recurrentes en ninos, y formas adquiridas, debidas a la presencia de autoanticuerpos dirigidos contra ADAMTS13 [3], que suponen el 95% de los casos. La pentada clasica de anemia hemolitica, trombopenia, afectacion neurologica, deterioro renal y fiebre rara vez aparece de forma completa, por lo que actualmente la presencia de anemia hemolitica y trombocitopenia debe levantar la sospecha. Cabe destacar que la sintomatologia neurologica puede aparecer hasta en el 80-90% de los casos y ser la manifestacion inicial en el 60% [4], e incluso preceder a las alteraciones analiticas [5]. Lo mas frecuente son episodios de focalidad transitorios y fluctuantes, que simulan ataques isquemicos transitorios [6], tipicamente con neuroimagen normal, aunque pueden alterarse las pruebas funcionales (tomografia computarizada por emision de foton unico) [7]. Tambien, aunque in­habitual, puede producir infartos de pequenos vasos, como fue el caso de nuestra paciente, o incluso de vasos medianos. Asimismo, se ha relacionado con la aparicion de microsangrados cerebrales [8]. Otros sintomas neurologicos resultan posibles, desde mareo inespecifico hasta coma. Para el diagnostico, las pruebas analiticas son cruciales, y destacan la trombocitopenia y la anemia hemolitica con esquistocitosis. Puede haber aumento de reticulocitos, bilirrubina y lactato deshidrogenasa, y descenso de hapto­globina, con Coombs negativo y pruebas de coagulacion normales. La actividad de ADAMTS13, muy especifica para el diagnostico [9], esta reducida o es indetectable. El tratamiento de referencia consiste en plasmaferesis y recambio plasmatico. Como adyuvantes se utilizan los corticoides, con eficacia dudosa, y de segunda linea el rituximab o la ciclosporina. Estan en estudio anticuerpos monoclonales, como el bortezomib [10], y anticuerpos antifactor de von Willebrand, como el caplacizumab [11]. En conclusion, las enfermedades hematologicas son una causa atipica de ictus isquemico. Entre ellas, la purpura trombocitopenica trombotica produce clinica neurologica en un porcentaje considerable de pacientes. Se presenta este ca­so para resaltar la importancia de incluirla en el diagnostico diferencial de un paciente que se presenta con focalidad neurologica, trombocitopenia y anemia, dado que se trata de una patologia potencialmente mortal si no se diagnostica de forma precoz, pero con un pronostico favorable si se instaura el tratamiento adecuado.

ZnO/ITO/ZnO/ITO/ZnO five layer thin films are fabricated by pulsed laser deposition on quartz substrate kept at a substrate temperature ( T s ) 873 K at a background oxygen pressure ( p O 2 ) of 0.05 mbar for different deposition duration for ZnO layers (5, 10, 15 and 20 min) while keeping a constant deposition time for ITO layers. The structural, optical and electrical properties of the as-deposited thin films have been investigated by GIXRD, AFM, UV–visible spectra, photoluminescence spectra and temperature-dependent electrical resistivity measurements (10–300 K) using four-probe technique. XRD patterns of the films show a polycrystalline nature. From the AFM images, the average grain size and mean surface roughness are estimated and the particles are densely packed in the film. A high transmittance is observed for all the films in the visible and IR region. The PL spectra show that the emission is in the UV and visible region due to the near band edge and deep level transitions of ZnO. The electrical resistivity of all the films are calculated and are very low compared to the reported values of as deposited ZnO thin films. The co-existence of very high transmittance in the visible region and very low dc resistivity enables these films suitable for optoelectronic device fabrications. The structural, optical and electrical studies reveal that ITO buffer layers improve the crystalline quality, optical and electrical properties of ZnO multilayered thin films.

Undoped and zinc oxide (ZnO) doped molybdenum oxide (MoO3) films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering technique. The influence of doping and post annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of these films were investigated systematically using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-VIS spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The XRD patterns indicate the presence of stoichiometric orthorhombic alpha-MoO3 phase in the annealed (573 and 673 K) undoped molybdenum oxide films and in ZnO doped molybdenum oxide film (annealed at 673 K). The crystalline grain size in the films was investigated using Debye Scherrer formula and corrected using Hall-Williamson equation. The SEM and AFM images revealed the distribution of nano leafs, nanorods and nanograins. Nanorods of length 1.4 microm and diameter 149 nm can be observed in ZnO doped films. The optical band gap energy was found to increase with increase in annealing temperature and particle size. These nanostructures show a room temperature PL emission in the UV and visible region.