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ABSTRACT The Zika virus (ZIKV) is teratogenic and considered a TORCH pathogen (toxoplasmosis [Toxoplasma gondii], rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus [HSV], and other microorganisms capable of crossing the blood-placenta barrier). In contrast, the related flavivirus dengue virus (DENV) and the attenuated yellow fever virus vaccine strain (YFV-17D) are not. Understanding the mechanisms used by ZIKV to cross the placenta is necessary. In this work, parallel infections with ZIKV of African and Asian lineages, DENV, and YFV-17D were compared for kinetics and growth efficiency, activation of mTOR pathways, and cytokine secretion profile using cytotrophoblast-derived HTR8 cells and monocytic U937 cells differentiated to M2 macrophages. In HTR8 cells, ZIKV replication, especially the African strain, was significantly more efficient and faster than DENV or YFV-17D. In macrophages, ZIKV replication was also more efficient, although differences between strains were reduced. Greater activation of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways in HTR8 cells infected with ZIKV than with DENV or YFV-17D was observed. HTR8 cells treated with mTOR inhibitors showed a 20-fold reduction in ZIKV yield, versus 5- and 3.5-fold reductions for DENV and YFV-17D, respectively. Finally, infection with ZIKV, but not DENV or YFV-17D, efficiently inhibited the interferon (IFN) and chemoattractant responses in both cell lines. These results suggest a gating role for the cytotrophoblast cells in favoring entry of ZIKV, but not DENV and YFV-17D, into the placental stroma. IMPORTANCE Zika virus acquisition during pregnancy is associated with severe fetal damage. The Zika virus is related to dengue virus and yellow fever virus, yet fetal damage has not been related to dengue or inadvertent vaccination for yellow fever during pregnancy. Mechanisms used by the Zika virus to cross the placenta need to be deciphered. By comparing parallel infections of Zika virus strains belonging to the African and Asian lineages, dengue virus, and the yellow fever vaccine virus strain YFV-17D in placenta-derived cytotrophoblast cells and differentiated macrophages, evidence was found that Zika virus infections, especially by the African strains, were more efficient in cytotrophoblast cells than dengue virus or yellow fever vaccine virus strain infections. Meanwhile, no significant differences were observed in macrophages. Robust activation of the mTOR signaling pathways and inhibition of the IFN and chemoattractant response appear to be related to the better growth capacity of the Zika viruses in the cytotrophoblast-derived cells.

Introducción: la rehabilitación protésica se extiende más allá del diente individual o del área desdentada única, comprende la restauración de la normalidad de las relaciones de los músculos y dientes, de modo que se devuelva la salud bucal, tiene como objetivo la sustitución de los dientes, cuando se encuentran perdidos o ausentes, por medios artificiales capaces de restablecer la función masticatoria, estética y fonética. Objetivos: identificar la necesidad real y sentida de prótesis estomatológica en pacientes mayores de 15 años del Policlínico Universitario III René Vallejo Ortiz. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal donde del universo de 19 760 personas se examinaron 500 personas que representaron la muestra la cual se escogió de forma aleatoria; se realizó el examen bucal y formulario, se contó con el consentimiento de todos los pacientes seleccionados. Resultados: el sexo femenino representó el 60% de los examinados y el grupo de 35-59 años el 45%. El 56% de los examinados necesitó tratamiento, las prótesis parciales fueron las más necesitadas con 62,5%, el sexo femenino mostró una necesidad real del 64,3% y la necesidad sentida de prótesis estomatológica fue del 51,8%, mayor en el sexo femenino con el 68,9% y en el grupo de edad de 35-59 años con el 56,7%. Conclusiones: más de la mitad de la población examinada necesitó tratamiento protésico de tipo parcial, la necesidad real y sentida de tratamiento fue más notoria en el sexo femenino y en el grupo de edad de 35 a 59 años. Palabras clave: rehabilitación protésica, necesidad real, necesidad sentida

In this work, we propose poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) material to form a hybrid heterojunction with amorphous silicon-based materials for high charge carrier collection at the frontal interface of solar cells. The nanostructural characteristics of PEDOT:PSS layers were modified using post-treatment techniques via isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated conformational changes and nanostructural reorganization in the surface of the polymer in order to tailor hybrid interface to be used in the heterojunctions of inorganic solar cells. To prove this concept, hybrid polymer/amorphous silicon solar cells were fabricated. The hybrid PEDOT:PSS/buffer/a-Si:H heterojunction demonstrated high transmittance, reduction of electron diffusion, and enhancement of the internal electric field. Although the structure was a planar superstrate-type configuration and the PEDOT:PSS layer was exposed to glow discharge, the hybrid solar cell reached high efficiency compared to that in similar hybrid solar cells with substrate-type configuration and that in textured well-optimized amorphous silicon solar cells fabricated at low temperature. Thus, we demonstrate that PEDOT:PSS is fully tailored and compatible material with plasma processes and can be a substitute for inorganic p-type layers in inorganic solar cells and related devices with improvement of performance and simplification of fabrication process.

In this work, we present the innovative synthesis of salophen (acetaminosalol) derivatives in a solvent-free environment by high-speed ball milling, using a non-conventional activation method, which allowed obtaining compounds in a shorter time and with a better yield. Furthermore, for the first time, the salophen derivatives were deposited as composite films, using a matrix of poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymer. Significant findings include the transformation from the benzoid to the quinoid form of PEDOT post-IPA treatment, as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed the formation of homogeneous films, and AFM provided insights into the changes in surface roughness and morphology post-IPA treatment, which may be crucial for understanding potential applications in electronics. The optical bandgap ranges between 2.86 and 3.2 eV for PEDOT:PSS-salophen films, placing them as organic semiconductors. The electrical behavior of the PEDOT:PSS-salophen films undergoes a transformation with the increase in voltage, from ohmic to space charge-limited conduction, and subsequently to constant current, with a maximum of 20 mA. These results suggest the possible use of composite films in organic electronics.

Abstract Disodium phthalocyanine (Na2Pc) has been considered as promising organic semiconductor for optoelectronic applications, however, Na2Pc-based devices are not being fully studied. To study the Na2Pc as active layer for optoelectronic devices, and also the effect of the incorporation of a nylon 11-ZnO film within the device heterostructure, in this work two heterojunction cells of Ag/Na2Pc + TCNQ/triphenylamine/p-Si/Al and Ag/nylon 11-ZnO/Na2Pc + TCNQ/triphenylamine/p-Si/Al were fabricated by vacuum thermal evaporation technique. The topography of the heterostructures was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Later, the films that form the heterostructure were optically characterized by Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and the optical band gap and the Urbach energy were obtained. The values of the optical gap for the films are between 2.08 and 2.93 eV. The value of Urbach energy is lower for the pristine triphenylamine film, and higher for the film composed of nylon and ZnO. Moreover, the two heterostructures present a strong photoluminescence in the visible region. On other hand, by introducing the nylon 11-ZnO film in the heterostructure shows an important increase of the short circuit current density (Jsc), conductivity and photocurrent values, indicative of a better mobility and more carriers generation. For this heterostructure a mean 79.7% external quantum efficiency and 0.48 mA/cm2 Jsc were obtained. These results indicate that these heterostructures can be used toward organic solar cell applications and remark on the large effect of the nylon 11-ZnO dielectric film addition on their performance.

The chemical doping of silicon phthalocyanine dihydroxide (SiPc(OH)2), with (2E, 4Z)-5, 7-diphenylhepta-2, 4-dien-6-ynoic acids (DAc) with electron-withdrawing (BrDAc) and electron-donating (MeODAc) substituents is the main purpose of this work. Theoretical calculations were carried out on Gaussian16 software, with geometrical optimization of all involved species, and obtention of the highest occupied molecule orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), and the respective energy gaps. The theoretical calculations show two hydrogen bridge formations: the first one as a peripheral interaction between the terminal oxygen atoms from the acid unit and hydrogen atoms from the phthalocyanine aromatic rings. The second one as the interaction at the nitrogen atoms of the phthalocyanine, which are compelled to form a new flat plane far from the original flat phthalocyanine deck. These organic semiconductors were deposited as thin films and characterized by IR spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the optical parameters were gathered from UV–Vis studies. The indirect and direct optical band gap, the onset gap and the Urbach energy were obtained. In order to compare the effect of the acids as dopants of the silicon phthalocyanine, the SiPc(OH)2-DAc films were electrically characterized. The SiPc(OH)2-DAc films exhibit an ambipolar electrical behavior, which is influenced by the incidence of different lighting conditions at voltages above 0.3V. The glass/ITO/SiPc(OH)2-MeODAc/Ag reaches a maximum current of 5.68 × 10−5 A for natural light condition, while the glass/ITO/SiPc(OH)2-BrDAc/Ag, reaches a maximum current of 9.21 × 10−9 A for white illumination condition.

La úlcera péptica es una enfermedad que afecta aproximadamente al 10 % de la población a nivel mundial y en algunos pacientes se puede complicar con peritonitis que puede provocar incluso la muerte. Para su tratamiento existen diversos fármacos. Sin embargo, todos ellos tienen efectos adversos, por lo que es necesario buscar otras alternativas terapéuticas. El estudio de las plantas medicinales es importante ya que se consideran una fuente importante para la obtención de nuevos fármacos. En México, la Hamelia patens es utilizada de manera empírica para tratar la úlcera gástrica, pero carece de un sustento científico. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el posible efecto gastroprotector de Hamelia patens usando el modelo de lesiones gástricas inducidas por etanol en ratas Wistar. A partir de las hojas de Hamelia patens se prepararon los extractos de hexano, diclorometano y metanol vía maceración. Los extractos se administraron vía oral a las dosis de 10, 30 y 100 mg/kg, y carbenoxolona (fármaco de referencia) a las dosis de 3-100 mg/kg. El extracto más activo se separó por cromatografía en columna y se obtuvieron 4 fracciones, que fueron evaluadas a la dosis de 100 mg/kg. Los resultados demostraron que los extractos de diclorometano y metanol fueron activos en las tres dosis evaluadas, respecto al extracto hexánico solo presentó actividad a la dosis más alta (100 mg/kg). A la dosis de 10 mg/kg el extracto de diclorometano fue más eficaz que la carbenoxolona a la misma dosis (p

Polymeric hybrid films, for their application in organic electronics, were produced from new ruthenium indanones in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the drop-casting procedure. Initially, the synthesis and structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes were performed, and subsequently, their properties as a potential semiconductor material were explored. Hence hybrid films in ruthenium complexes were deposited using PMMA as a polymeric matrix. The hybrid films were characterized by infrared spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. The obtained results confirmed that the presence of the ruthenium complexes enhanced the mechanical properties in addition to increasing the transmittance, favoring the determination of their optical parameters. Both hybrid films exhibited a maximum stress around 10.5 MPa and a Knoop hardness between 2.1 and 18.4. Regarding the optical parameters, the maximum transparency was obtained at wavelengths greater than 590 nm, the optical band gap was in the range of 1.73–2.24 eV, while the Tauc band gap was in the range of 1.68–2.17 eV, and the Urbach energy was between 0.29 and 0.50 eV. Consequently, the above comments are indicative of an adequate semiconductor behavior; hence, the target polymeric hybrid films must be welcomed as convenient candidates as active layers or transparent electrodes in organic electronics.

Pain is the most frequent symptom of disease. In treating pain, a lower incidence of adverse effects is found for paracetamol versus other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, paracetamol can trigger side effects when taken regularly. Combined therapy is a common way of lowering the dose of a drug and thus of reducing adverse reactions. Since β-caryophyllene oxide (a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene) is known to produce an analgesic effect, this study aimed to determine the anti-nociceptive and gastroprotective activity of administering the combination of paracetamol plus β-caryophyllene oxide to CD1 mice. Anti-nociception was evaluated with the formalin model and gastroprotection with the model of ethanol-induced gastric lesions. According to the isobolographic analysis, the anti-nociceptive interaction of paracetamol and β-caryophyllene oxide was synergistic. Various pain-related pathways were explored for their possible participation in the mechanism of action of the anti-nociceptive effect of β-caryophyllene oxide, finding that NO, opioid receptors, serotonin receptors, and K+ATP channels are not involved. The combined treatment showed gastroprotective activity against ethanol-induced gastric damage. Hence, the synergistic anti-nociceptive effect of combining paracetamol with β-caryophyllene oxide could be advantageous for the management of inflammatory pain, and the gastroprotective activity should help to protect against the adverse effects of chronic use.

This work presents the evaluation of the electrical behavior of a flexible photoconductor with a planar heterojunction architecture made up of organic semiconductor films deposited by high vacuum evaporation. The heterojunction was characterized in its morphology and mechanical properties by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrical characterization was carried out through the approximations of ohmic and SCLC (Space-Charge Limited Current) behaviors using experimental J–V (current density–voltage) curves at different voltages and under different light conditions. The optimization of the photoconductor was carried out through annealing and accelerated lighting processes. With these treatments, the Knoop Hardness of the flexible photoconductor has reached a value of 8 with a tensile strength of 5.7 MPa. The ohmic and SCLC approximations demonstrate that the unannealed device has an ohmic behavior, whereas the annealed device has an SCLC behavior, and after the optimization process, an ohmic behavior and a maximum current density of 0.34 mA/mm2 were obtained under blue light. The approximations of the device’s electron mobility (μn) and free carrier density (n0) were performed under different light conditions, and the electrical activation energy and electrical gap were obtained for the flexible organic device, resulting in appropriate properties for these applications.

El asma es una enfermedad crónica cuya sintomatología incluye la dificultad respiratoria, que se debe a la restricción del flujo de aire. Esto se atribuye a la contracción del músculo liso bronquial por diversos mediadores inflamatorios. Desafortunadamente, en la mayoría de los pacientes las terapias existentes no han logrado un control adecuado de la sintomatología, por lo que es necesaria la búsqueda de nuevas opciones. Hyptis suaveolens es utilizada en el estado de Chiapas, México, para tratar el asma, sin embargo, esta actividad no ha sido corroborada científicamente. Por lo que el objetivo de la presente contribución fue determinar la actividad relajante de Hyptis suaveolens en el modelo de anillos aislados de tráquea de cobayo. Los extractos de hexano, diclorometano y metanol de la planta se prepararon por maceración. El extracto de mayor actividad se separó por cromatografía en columna para encontrar la fracción más activa. Se determinó la participación de los receptores β2 adrenérgicos y muscarínicos, mediante curvas concentración-respuesta a partir de los siguientes tratamientos: la subfracción activa de Hyptis suaveolens (56-177 µg/mL) e isoproterenol (3-170 µM) en ausencia y presencia de propranolol (0.3 µM), y carbacol (1x10-16-0.01 M) en ausencia y presencia de la subfracción activa (100 y 177 µg/mL) o de atropina (0.3 y 3 µM). El extracto de diclorometano fue el más activo (p

Context The gastroprotective effect of Heliotropium indicum L. (Boraginaceae), a plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat gastric ulcers, has been previously reported. However, no active compound was identified.Objective The current contribution aimed to isolate, through a bioassay-guided study, at least one compound from H. indicum with considerable gastroprotective activity, examine its effect on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice, and explore possible mechanisms of action.Materials and methods Three extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol) were obtained from H. indicum leaves. Their 30 and 100 mg/kg doses were assessed on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in male CD1 mice. Since the dichloromethane extract was the most active, successive chromatographies were carried out leading to the identification of the most active compound. This compound (at 3–100 mg/kg) was compared to carbenoxolone (at 10–100 mg/kg) in biological evaluations in mice. Pre-treatments with indomethacin (10 mg/kg, s.c.), L-NAME (70 mg/kg, i.p.), and NEM (10 mg/kg, s.c.) were performed independently to determine the participation of prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and/or sulfhydryl groups, respectively, in the mechanism of action of the compound.Results (E)-Ethyl-12-cyclohexyl-4,5-dihydroxydodec-2-enoate, a compound isolated from H. indicum, afforded dose-dependent gastroprotective activity. The maximum effect was observed at 100 mg/kg (90.13 ± 3.08%), with an ED50 of 5.92 ± 2.48 mg/kg. Gastroprotection was not modified by pre-treatment with indomethacin, L-NAME, or NEM.Conclusions (E)-Ethyl-12-cyclohexyl-4,5-dihydroxydodec-2-enoate, isolated from H. indicum, was found to produce a substantial gastroprotective effect. Prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and non-protein sulfhydryl groups are not involved in its mechanism of action.

In this work we studied the semiconductor behavior of titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) and vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPc), doped with anthraflavic acid and deposited on Tetrapak/graphite as flexible electrodes. The molecular structure was approached using the density functional theory and astonishingly, it was found that the structure and electronic behavior can change depending on the metal in the phthalocyanine. Experimentally, the Root Mean Square was found to be 124 and 151 nm for the VOPc-Anthraflavine and TiOPc-Anthraflavine films, respectively, and the maximum stress was 8.58 MPa for the film with VOPc. The TiOPc-Anthraflavine film presents the smallest fundamental gap of 1.81 eV and 1.98 eV for indirect and direct transitions, respectively. Finally, the solid-state devices were fabricated, and the electrical properties were examined. The tests showed that the current–voltage curves of the devices on Tetrapak and VOPc-Anthraflavine on a rigid substrate exhibit the same current saturation behavior at 10 mA, which is achieved for different voltage values. Since the current–voltage curves of the TiOPc-Anthraflavine on a rigid substrate presents a defined diode model behavior, it was approximated by nonlinear least squares, and it has been determined that the threshold voltage of the sample for the different lighting conditions is between 0.6 and 0.8 volts.

γδT intraepithelial lymphocyte represents up to 60% of the small intestine intraepithelial compartment. They are highly migrating cells and constantly interact with the epithelial cell layer and lamina propria cells. This migratory phenotype is related to the homeostasis of the small intestine, the control of bacterial and parasitic infections, and the epithelial shedding induced by LPS. Here, we demonstrate that Myo1f participates in the adhesion and migration of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Using long-tailed class I myosins KO mice, we identified the requirement of Myo1f for their migration to the small intestine intraepithelial compartment. The absence of Myo1f affects intraepithelial lymphocytes’ homing due to reduced CCR9 and α4β7 surface expression. In vitro, we confirm that adhesion to integrin ligands and CCL25-dependent and independent migration of intraepithelial lymphocytes are Myo1f-dependent. Mechanistically, Myo1f deficiency prevents correct chemokine receptor and integrin polarization, leading to reduced tyrosine phosphorylation which could impact in signal transduction. Overall, we demonstrate that Myo1f has an essential role in the adhesion and migration in γδT intraepithelial lymphocytes.

In the present work, we have investigated an organic semiconductor based on tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (AlQ3) doped with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), which can be used as an organic photoconductor. DFT calculations were carried out to optimize the structure of semiconductor species and to obtain related constants in order to compare experimental and theoretical results. Subsequently, AlQ3-TCNQ films with polypyrrole (Ppy) matrix were fabricated, and they were morphologically and mechanically characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Atomic Force Microscopy techniques. The maximum stress for the film is 8.66 MPa, and the Knoop hardness is 0.0311. The optical behavior of the film was also analyzed, and the optical properties were found to exhibit two indirect transitions at 2.58 and 3.06 eV. Additionally, photoluminescence measurements were carried out and the film showed an intense visible emission in the visible region. Finally, a photoconductor was fabricated and electrically characterized. Applying a cubic spline approximation to fit cubic polynomials to the J-V curves, the ohmic to SCLC transition voltage VON and the trap-filled-limit voltage VTFL for the device were obtained. Then, the free carrier density and trap density for the device were approximated to n0=4.4586×10191m3 and Nt=3.1333×10311m3, respectively.

In this study, we assessed the electrical and optical behavior of semiconductor hybrid films fabricated from octaethyl-21H,23H-porphine copper (CuP), embedded in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS). The hybrid films were characterized structurally and morphologically using infrared spectroscopy (IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Subsequently, the PMMA:CuP and PS:CuP hybrid films were evaluated optically by UV–vis spectroscopy, as well as electrically, with the four-point collinear method. Hybrid films present a homogeneous and low roughness morphology. In addition, the PS matrix allows the crystallization of the porphin, while PMMA promotes the amorphous structure in CuP. The polymeric matrix also affects the optical behavior of the films, since the smallest optical gap (2.16 eV) and onset gap (1.89 eV), and the highest transparency are obtained in the film with a PMMA matrix. Finally, the electrical behavior in hybrid films is also affected by the matrix: the largest amount of current carried is approximately 0.01 A for the PS:CuP film, and 0.0015 A for the PMMA:CuP film. Thanks to the above properties, hybrid films are promising candidates for use in optoelectronic devices.

Hybrid films for applications in organic electronics from NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) in poly(3,4 ethylene dioxythiophene), poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were fabricated by the spin-coating technique. The films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy to subsequently determine their optical parameters. The electronic transport of the hybrid films was determined in bulk heterojunction devices. The presence of NiFe2O4 NPs reinforces mechanical properties and increases transmittance in the hybrid films; the PEDOT:PSS-NiFe2O4 NPs film is the one that has a maximum stress of 28 MPa and a Knoop hardness of 0.103, while the PMMA-NiFe2O4 NPs film has the highest transmittance of (87%). The Tauc band gap is in the range of 3.78–3.9 eV, and the Urbach energy is in the range of 0.24–0.33 eV. Regarding electrical behavior, the main effect is exerted by the matrix, although the current carried is of the same order of magnitude for the two devices: glass/ITO/polymer-NiFe2O4 NPs/Ag. NiFe2O4 NPs enhance the mechanical, optical, and electrical behavior of the hybrid films and can be used as semi-transparent anodes and as active layers.

The synthesis of four pentacoordinated organotin(IV) complexes prepared in a one-pot reaction from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine and organotin oxides is reported. The complexes were characterized by UV-Vis, IR, MS, 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR techniques. The compound based on 2,2-diphenyl-6-aza-1,3-dioxa-2-stannanaphtho[1,2-h]pyrido[3,2-d]cyclononene revealed the formation of a monomeric complex with a distorted five-coordinated molecular geometry intermediate between the trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal. In order to find possible applications in photovoltaic devices, hybrid films of organotin(IV) complexes embedded in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with graphene were deposited. The topographic and mechanical properties were examined. The film with the complex integrated into the cyclohexyl substituent has high plastic deformation, with a maximum stress of 1.69 × 107 Pa and a Knoop hardness of 0.061. The lowest values of 1.85 eV for the onset gap and 3.53 eV for the energy gap were obtained for the heterostructure having the complex with the phenyl substituent. Bulk heterojunction devices were fabricated; these devices showed ohmic behavior at low voltages and a space-charge-limited current (SCLC) conduction mechanism at higher voltages. A value of 0.02 A was found for the maximum carried current. The SCLC mechanism suggests hole mobility values of between 2.62 × 10−2 and 3.63 cm2/V.s and concentrations of thermally excited holes between 2.96 × 1018 and 4.38 × 1018 m−3.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which it has been shown that the presence of oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in epileptogenesis. The literature has shown that some antiseizure drugs (ASD) have neuroprotective properties. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a drug commonly used as an ASD, and in some studies, it has been found to possess antioxidant properties. Because the antioxidant effects of LEV have not been demonstrated in the chronic phase of epilepsy, the objective of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effects of LEV on the oxidant–antioxidant status in the hippocampus of rats with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The in vitro scavenging capacity of LEV was evaluated. LEV administration in rats with TLE significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, increased catalase (CAT) activity, but did not change glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and significantly decreased glutathione reductase (GR) activity in comparison with epileptic rats. LEV administration in rats with TLE significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels but did not change lipoperoxidation and carbonylated protein levels in comparison with epileptic rats. In addition, LEV showed in vitro scavenging activity against hydroxyl radical (HO•). LEV showed significant antioxidant effects in relation to restoring the redox balance in the hippocampus of rats with TLE. In vitro, LEV demonstrated direct antioxidant activity against HO•.

Enhanced transparency, conductivity, and stability are some of the most important factors to consider in order to prepare transparent electrodes (TEs) and hole transport layer (HTL) for organic solar cells. In this study, the transparency, optical, and electrical behavior of hybrid films formed by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and heptacoordinated organotin (IV) complexes was improved by introducing graphene. The films were deposited by spin-coating and subsequently characterized by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). All the hybrid films transmitted more than 70% of light in the 600–1,000 nm wavelength region, and the optical band gap obtained is in the range of 2.64 and 3.09 eV. In addition, bathophenanthroline (BPhen) was introduced as an electron transport layer (ETL) in order to study the solar cell with complete architecture, conformed by glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS-graphene-complex/BPhen/Ag. By incorporating the BPhen, the J–V curve current density values were increased, showing a conductivity change of as much as 2.1 × 10−4 S/cm, and under illuminated conditions a more pronounced J–V curve variation (as much as 2.5 × 101 A/cm2) was observed. In closing, the devices were subjected to accelerated lighting conditions to determine the stability and operating capacity of the solar cells. The electrical behavior of the devices changed. Within the first 2 h, the electrical behavior improved, where the organotin complex without a substituent (complex-a) device presents higher stability than the complex with the chloride substituent (complex-b) device due to the chloride radical interacting with the BPhen. However, the electrical behavior degraded after 4 h almost eight orders of magnitude in current density due to device films and interface degradation.

Background: Hechtioideae is a group of Bromeliaceae that is distributed in Megamexico III. In recent years, evolutionary relationships within this lineage have been studied, however, the biogeography of these plants have not yet been explored from a phylogenetic framework. The integration of geographic and phylogenetic information in the evolutionary study of organisms has facilitated the identification of patterns, as well as the exploration of new hypotheses that allow understanding the processes that have influenced the evolutionary history of lineages. Questions and/or Hypotheses: What is the biogeographic history of this lineage? How Hechtioideae has diversified over time? Results: The Neotropical region has the highest species richness of Hechtioideae and the Mexican Transition Zone is the area with the greatest phylogenetic diversity. This lineage presented its highest diversification rate during the late Miocene and Pleistocene (6.5-1 Ma). The ancestral area of the group corresponds to the Neotropical region and the Mexican Transition Zone. In addition, Hechtioideae spread across their current ranges through multiple dispersal events associated with climatic and geological events during the last 10 Ma. Conclusions: Hechtioideae is a group of recent origin whose evolutionary history has been strongly influenced by geological and climatic events over the past 10 Ma, such as the glacial and interglacial periods of the Pleistocene and the great tectonic and volcanic activity that led to the formation of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Tetravalent titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) and titanium phthalocyanine dichloride (TiCl2Pc) films were deposited via the high-vacuum thermal evaporation technique and subsequently structurally and morphologically characterized, to be later evaluated in terms of their optoelectronic behavior. The IR and UV-vis spectroscopy of the films displayed α- and β-phase signals in TiOPc and TiCl2Pc. Additionally, the UV-vis spectra displayed the B and Q bands in the near-UV region of 270–390 nm and in the visible region between 600 and 880 nm, respectively. The films presented the onset gap (~1.30 eV) and the optical gap (~2.85 eV). Photoluminescence emission bands at 400–600 nm and 800–950 nm are present for the films. One-layer ITO/TiCl2Pc or TiOPc/Ag and two-layer ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TiCl2Pc or TiOPc/Ag planar heterojunction devices with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) deposited by the spin-coating technique were constructed. In these devices, an electrical activation energy between 0.18 and 0.21 eV and a refractive index between 1.14 and 1.44 were obtained. The devices presented a change in the J–V curves for the illuminated and darkness conditions, as much as 1.5 × 102 A/cm2, related to the device architecture and phthalocyanine ligand. The latter indicates that the films should be used for optoelectronic applications.

Schinus molle is a plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat gastric disorders. However, no scientific evidence has been reported on its gastroprotective effect. The aim of the current contribution was to conduct a bioassay-guided study on S. molle to evaluate its gastroprotective activity in a model of Wistar rats given ethanol orally to induce gastric lesions. The hexane and dichloromethane extracts from the tested plant showed over 99% gastroprotection at a dose of 100 mg/kg. From the hexane extract, two of the three fractions (F1 and F2) afforded over 99% gastroprotection. The F1 fraction was subjected to column chromatography, which revealed a white solid. Based on the ESI-MS analysis, the two main compounds in this solid were identified. The predominant compound was probably a triterpene. This mixture of compounds furnished about 67% gastroprotection at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Pretreatment with L-NAME, indomethacin, and NEM was carried out to explore the possible involvement of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and/or sulfhydryl groups, respectively, in the gastroprotective activity of the white solid. We found evidence for the participation of all three factors. No antisecretory activity was detected (tested by pylorus ligation). In conclusion, evidence is herein provided for the first time of the gastroprotective effect of S. molle.

The hybrid film of molybdenum oxide (MoO3) and poly(3,4-ethylenedyoxithiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising candidate for use as hole transport layer (HTL) in low-cost devices. A fast, controllable and economic process was used to fabricate high-performance HTLs by adding organotin (IV) semiconductors to the MoO3/PEDOT:PSS films. These hybrid films were fabricated by spin-coating and the MoO3/PEDOT:PSS-organotin (IV) complex films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Some mechanical and optical properties of the hybrid films were obtained and, to electrically characterize the hybrid films, hetero-junction glass/ITO/MoO3/PEDOT:PSS-organotin (IV) complex/Ag devices were prepared. Regarding the mechanical properties, the films have high plastic deformation, with a maximum stress of around 40 MPa and a Knoop hardness of 0.14. With respect to optical behavior, the films showed high transparency, with optical gap values between 2.8 and 3.5 eV and an onset gap of around 2.4 eV, typical of semiconductors. Additionally, the films in their respective devices show ambipolar and ohmic behavior with small differences depending on the substituent in organotin (IV) semiconductors. The MoO3/PEDOT:PSS matrix defines the mechanical behavior of the films and the tin complexes contribute their optoelectronic properties.

We report the structural organization and its effect on the current response of the conducting domains in MPcs (M = Cu, Co, Zn) films, deposited by vacuum thermal evaporation and doped by the presence of iodine vapors. Structural and surface features of the doped metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) were studied by using IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). DFT calculations were carried to study the interaction between iodine and MPcs molecules and establish the influence of iodine on the electronic behavior of these species and the changes on the frontier molecular orbitals. This interaction is thermodynamically favored, and the mechanism of electronic transit involving the iodine atoms providing electrons to the transfer. The I-MPc films have a mainly amorphous structure, some crystallinity in the MPcs α and β forms. A roughness between 18.41 and 99.02 nm and particle size between 1.35 and 15 μm. By evaluating the electrical behavior of the flexible PET/ITO/I-MPc/Ag devices, it was found that J-V curves under illuminated conditions show an increase of curves values upon the I-MPc, indicating that the flexible films are photosensible. Jsc between 1.59 × 10−5 and 2.41 × 10−7 A/cm2, conductivities between 6.17 × 10−8–2.54 × 10−7 Scm−1 and photosensibility values of up to 133%.

Pachuca es la ciudad primigenia de la denominada Comarca Minera. Está ubicada en la Sierra Madre Oriental, sobre el Eje Neovolcánico. Su desarrollo de actividades mineras ha tenido etapas de gran bonanza, por las que ha sido ampliamente reconocida; sin embargo, también ha enfrentado problemáticas que han degenerado en un abandono de áreas históricas con un paisaje industrial que debe ser valorado, para lograr la preservación de sus vestigios ubicados en diferentes puntos de la zona noroeste de la ciudad, instalaciones en torno a las minas que fueron administradas y trabajadas por diferentes grupos de industriales, que ahora conforman la historia de la Minería Mexicana biográfica, utilizando el análisis teórico de la documentación referida y los resultados de dos instrumentos de investigación: uno dirigido a la población abierta, y otro a los moradores del Barrio Fundacional de Camelia. Las instalaciones de las minas presentadas son herencia histórica y paisajística de la Ciudad de Pachuca y de la Comarca Minera. Como resultado, se presentan las expectativas de la comunidad que se lograron conocer; con ello se pretende, a través de la divulgación científica, fortalecer la inclusión en proyectos culturales que permitan mantener viva esta región.

Functional foods are classified as traditional or staple foods that provide an essential nutritional level and share potentially positive effects on host health, including the reduction of disease by optimizing the immune system’s ability to prevent and control infections by pathogens, as well as pathologies that cause functional alterations in the host. This chapter reviews the most recent research and advances in this area and discusses some perspectives on what the future holds in this area.

En este trabajo se aborda, desde una doble perspectiva, el estudio de algunas de las cuestiones problemáticas que plantea la gestación por sustitución. Desde el plano negocial, y con apoyo en la teoría general del contrato, se analiza un aspecto frecuentemente descuidado en el estudio de la materia, como es el relativo a los contratos celebrados para lograr el nacimiento de un niño o niña a través de maternidad subrogada (entre los comitentes y la agencia intermediaria, por un lado, y entre la madre gestante y esos mismos comitentes, por otro), con especial atención a los casos que han sido decididos por las Audiencias provinciales en supuestos en los que no se logra el resultado pactado. Desde el ámbito registral, se examina uno de los problemas que en tal sede suscita este fenómeno —el relativo a la inscripción de la filiación de los nacidos en el extranjero como consecuencia del recurso a la gestación subrogada— que ha encontrado respuesta (casi siempre) a través de las resoluciones e Instrucciones de la Dirección General de los Registros y del Notariado.