ABSTRACT The marine phytoplankton community responds to latitudinal, longitudinal (coast to ocean), and vertical environmental gradients, an important subject in Oxygen minimum zones (OMZ). The phytoplankton structure and the effect of environmental gradients along the central Mexican Pacific, an area within an OMZ, were studied, especially the importance of size fractions and taxonomic groups. A combination of various methods and protocols, such as microscopic analysis, flow cytometer, and pigment analysis, were followed in this study. Oceanographic conditions included thermal gradients along the study area and unreported evidence of a weak upwelling in the southern zone (Acapulco). Vertical distribution of chlorophyll a showed subsurface maxima (SCM, 15-45 m depth) in all stations, and deeper chlorophyll-a maxima (DCM, 85-95 m depth) in more oceanic stations. Chain-forming diatoms dominated in the northern zone stations. Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotes abundances ranged between 0.01 to 21.7 cells×104 mL−1, although most samples showed the highest contribution to biomass (47.95 µg C L−1) by picoeukaryotes. Expected tendencies of Prochlorococcus distribution were observed: highest densities coincided with the DCM and divinyl chlorophyll-a distribution at oceanic stations. Fucoxanthin had the highest concentrations, whereas fucoxanthin and zeaxanthin concentrations were higher at SCM depths. We documented the co-dominance of the pico- and microplankton: picoplankton was important at the DCM, related to oligotrophic and more stratified water column, whereas microplankton prevailed in coastal stations, with mixed water column, high nutrient concentrations, and diatoms as the dominant group. Picoeukaryotes abundances were related to the concentration of prasinoxanthin, which suggests an important mamiellophyte component not previously revealed.

ABSTRACT Meloidogyne enterolobii is currently the most damaging nematode of the genus Meloidogyne due to its aggressiveness and ability to overcome existing sources of resistance; therefore, the search for genotypes with resistance in crops of high economic importance such as chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum) is one of the greatest challenges facing agricultural researchers. The aim of this study was to determine the level of resistance in C. annuum landraces from Mexico to different population densities of M. enterolobii. Five C. annuum landraces (UTC24, UTC25, UTC66, UTC67, and UTC90) and the commercial cv. Revelation were used. The experiment was conducted twice under greenhouse conditions with a randomized block design with four replicates per genotype and cultivar. Inoculation was performed on 21-d-old seedlings with inoculum doses of 0, 4500, 9000, and 13500 eggs plant-1. The gall index, reproduction factor, and reproduction index were evaluated at 42 and 63 d after inoculation. Genotypes UTC66, UTC67, and UTC90 showed a higher level of resistance with a damage percentage lower than 50% compared to ‘Revelation’ (susceptible). Genotype UTC90 showed the lowest reproduction factor and index, so it was considered a highly resistant genotype to an inoculum dose of 4500 M. enterolobii eggs with a damage percentage of less than 10%, while, at a dose of 13 500 eggs, its resistance level was intermediate. The results of this study contribute to the search for sources of resistance to M. enterolobii in chili pepper landraces.

Abstract The objectives were to determine the reproductive response of Holstein heifers in small-scale dairy herds to estrus synchronization protocols based on prostaglandins (PG), estradiol benzoate (EB), and progesterone (P4). Heifers at least 13 mo old (n= 138) were randomly included in one of two synchronization protocols: PG) administration of 500 (g cloprostenol i.m. at d 0 and d 14; and PGPE) similar to PG but with an additional application of 100 mg P4 + 2 mg EB on d 7. The estrus rate of the PG group was similar to that of the PGPE group (84.3 vs 79.4 %; P>0.1). Heifers in PGPE had a higher percentage of estrus between 37-84 h post-treatment vs the PG group (94.2 vs 82.5 %; P=0.05). The conception rate of the PGPE group was higher than that of the PG group (94.4 vs 83.1 %; P=0.05). In the PG group, body development at weaning was lower in heifers that did not show estrus vs those that did (P<0.05). Nonetheless, in the PGPE group, birth weight was lower in heifers that showed estrus than those that did not (P<0.05). In conclusion, heifers in the small-scale dairy system have a good reproductive response to prostaglandin-based estrus synchronization (cloprostenol). The inclusion of EB + P4 into the hormonal synchronization protocol with PG improves conception rate but has a minimal effect on the distribution of the beginning of estrus expression after treatment.

Resumen Los objetivos fueron determinar la respuesta reproductiva de vaquillas Holstein en hatos lecheros de pequeña escala a protocolos de sincronización de estros basado en prostaglandinas (PG) benzoato de estradiol (BE) y progesterona (P4). Vaquillas con al menos 13 meses de edad (n= 138) fueron aleatoriamente incluidas a uno de dos protocolos de sincronización: PG) administración de 500 (g cloprostenol i.m. al día 0 y al día 14; y PGPE) similar a PG pero con una aplicación adicional de 100 mg P4 + 2 mg BE en el día 7. La tasa de estros del grupo PG fue similar al grupo PGPE (84.3 vs 79.4 %; P>0.1). Las vaquillas en PGPE tuvieron mayor porcentaje de estros entre las 37-84 h post tratamiento vs el grupo PG (94.2 vs 82.5 %; P=0.05). La tasa de concepción del grupo PGPE fue mayor vs el grupo PG (94.4 vs 83.1 %; P=0.05). En el grupo PG, el desarrollo corporal al destete fue menor en vaquillas que no mostraron estro vs las que si mostraron (P<0.05). Sin embargo, en el grupo PGPE el peso al nacimiento fue menor en las vaquillas que mostraron estro vs las que no mostraron estro (P<0.05). En conclusión, las vaquillas del sistema lechero de pequeña escala presentan buena respuesta reproductiva a la sincronización de estros basada en prostaglandinas (cloprostenol). La inclusión de BE + P4 al protocolo de sincronización hormonal con PG mejora la tasa de concepción, pero tiene un efecto mínimo en la distribución del inicio de la expresión de los estros después del tratamiento.

Abstract Macrofungi, with their extraordinary diversity and ability to adapt to various substrates, play crucial ecological roles in ecosystems. However, their development is strongly influenced by the interaction of several environmental factors. Understanding these factors and their impact on the distribution of fungi is essential to understand their ecological dynamics. To obtain data how these organisms are distributed under certain topographic factors, an analysis of the species richness of macrofungi was carried out in a tropical deciduous forest on the coast of Oaxaca, taking both the eco-nutritional habits and substrate on which, they develop in response to altitude, slope and terrain orientation. A review was conducted of a field database of 251 biological samples representing 169 species of macrofungi registered in the Environmental Management Unit for the Conservation of Wildlife "Jardín Botánico-Puerto Escondido". The review was used to assigned a life form (parasitic, mutualistic micorrhiza, saprotrophic) and substrate preferences (lignicolous, humicolous, terricolous, entomopathogenic parasite). To understand the topographic characteristics of the collection sites, maps of altitude, slope and solar exposure were designed in which the geographical coordinates recorded in the database for each study sample were plotted. The results reveal a predominance of saprotrophic life form in this tropical deciduous forest, with a marked preference for edaphic substrates. In addition, more than 50% of the species analyzed show a tendency to coexist on moderate to gentle slopes, oriented to the north, and at altitudes ranging from 120 to 140 m. This study highlights the complex interactions between the diversity of macroscopic fungi, their nutritional preferences and their relationship with altitude, slope, and terrain orientation. Relevant information is provided that can be used in resource management and conservation strategies, by identifying sites within the study area with the greatest species richness.

Resumen Los hongos macroscópicos, dada su extraordinaria diversidad y capacidad de adaptación a diversos sustratos, desempeñan funciones ecológicas cruciales en los ecosistemas. No obstante, su desarrollo está fuertemente condicionado por la interacción de factores ambientales. La comprensión de esos factores y su impacto en la distribución de los hongos es esencial para entender su dinámica ecológica. Con el fin de conocer cómo se distribuyen estos organismos bajo ciertos factores topográficos, se llevó a cabo un análisis de la riqueza de macromicetos en un bosque tropical caducifolio en la costa de Oaxaca, considerando los hábitos eco-nutricionales y el sustrato donde se desarrollan, en respuesta a la altitud, pendiente y orientación del terreno. El estudio consistió en realizar una revisión de una base de datos de campo de 251 muestras biológicas que representan 169 especies de hongos macroscópicos registradas en la Unidad de Manejo Ambiental para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre "Jardín Botánico-Puerto Escondido". La revisión permitió determinar la forma de vida (parásita, mutualista micorrícica, saprobia) y las preferencias de sustrato (lignícola, humícola, terrícola, parásito entomopatógeno) de cada uno de los especímenes. Para conocer las características topográficas de los sitios donde fueron recolectados los ejemplares, se diseñaron mapas de altitud, pendiente y exposición solar en los cuales se posicionaron las coordenadas geográficas registradas en la base de datos de cada una de las muestras de estudio. Los resultados revelan un predominio de la forma de vida saprobia en este bosque tropical caducifolio, con una marcada preferencia por sustratos edáficos. Además, más del 50% de las especies analizadas mostraron una tendencia por coexistir en laderas con pendientes medianas y suaves, orientadas hacia el norte y a altitudes que oscilan entre los 120 y 140 m. El estudio resalta las complejas interacciones entre la diversidad de macromicetos, sus preferencias nutricionales en relación con la altitud, pendiente y orientación del terreno. Se provee información relevante que puede ser utilizada en estrategias de manejo y conservación de recursos, ubicando los sitios con mayor riqueza de especies dentro de la zona de estudio.

Resumen La situación actual del medio ambiente motiva a reevaluar el modelo de producción y consumo utilizado en los diversos procesos de la economía. En el transporte público, la eficiencia técnica podría ayudar a cuantificar la provisión de servicios y recursos consumidos y mejorar la gestión del presupuesto público. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar la tarifa técnica, social y justa, implementada por el programa ruta-empresa en la metrópoli de Guadalajara, México, a través de la conceptualización de la elasticidad de la demanda y los indicadores de servicios de transporte. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron afectaciones al ingreso de empresarios, choferes transportistas y usuarios, debido a los riesgos en la prestación del servicio. De igual forma, se tienen discusiones y negociaciones anuales que complican la constitución de una tarifa justa, comprometiendo la sostenibilidad de la movilidad en la urbe.

Abstract The current environmental situation motivates us to reevaluate the production and consumption model used in various processes of the economy. In public transport, technical efficiency could help quantify the services and resources consumed and improve public budget management. The objective of this work is to characterize the technical, social, and fair rate implemented by the route-company program in the metropolis of Guadalajara, Mexico, through the conceptualization of the demand elasticities and indicators of transportation services. Results showed the effects on the income of businessmen, bus drivers, and users due to the risks in the provision of the service. Likewise, there are annual discussions and negotiations that complicate the establishment of a fair rate, compromising the sustainability of mobility in the city.

Resumen Antecedentes: Poblaciones de Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum se encuentran en una amplia porción del territorio mexicano y son el ancestro de muchas formas cultivadas relevantes en la dieta del pueblo mexicano. Preguntas: ¿Cuales son las proporciones de la variación fenotípica y genética distribuida entre las regiones muestreadas, entre poblaciones y dentro de poblaciones? ¿Como se correlaciona el clima a la variación fenotípica de las poblaciones? Especie: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum. Sitios y Años de Estudio: 24 poblaciones de tres regiones fueron muestreadas: Noroeste, estados de Sonora y Sinaloa; Sur: estado de Oaxaca y Sureste: estados de Tabasco y Yucatán en México. El experimento se llevó a cabo entre 2016-2018. Resultados: 49.8 % de la variación fenotípica fue detectada dentro de familias, 11.1 % entre familias (dentro de poblaciones), 21.3 % entre poblaciones y 17.6 % entre regiones. La base genética de tal variación fenotípica fue del 50.1 % en promedio. Para esta variación genética, 34.2 % fue hallada entre regiones, 39.4 % entre poblaciones y 26.3 % dentro de poblaciones. Los factores climáticos generaron diferentes patrones de correlaciones para rasgos vegetativos, foliares y reproductivos.

Abstract: Background: Populations of Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum are found in a wide portion of the Mexican territory, and it is ancestor of many cultivated forms relevant for the Mexican diet. Questions: What are the proportions of phenotypic and genetic variation distributed among its sampled regions, populations and within populations. How does the climate correlates to the population’s phenotypic variation. Species: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum. Study sites and years: 24 populations form three regions were sampled: Northwest, states of Sonora and Sinaloa; South: Oaxaca and Southeast Tabasco and Yucatán, in Mexico. The experiment was performed between years 2016 to 2018. Methods: Fruits from single plants were collected in wild populations. Plants were grown in a greenhouse. Nested ANOVAS were performed to estimate phenotypic and genetic variance components for different spatial scales. Climate correlation was estimated through univariate and multivariate methods. Results: 49.8 % of phenotypic variation was detected within families, 11.1 % among families (within populations), 21.3 % among populations and 17.6 % among regions. The genetic basis of phenotypic variation was 50.1% on average, for this genetic variation 34.2 % was found among regions, 39.4% among populations and 26.3 % within populations. Climate factors generated different patterns of correlations for vegetative, foliar and reproductive traits. Conclusions: Northwest plants were shorth, with small leaves and large fruits, Southeast plants were tall, with large leaves and small fruits, South plants developed intermediate phenotypic traits. Climate explained a large proportion of phenotypic differentiation.

ABSTRACT The wild pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser & Pickersgill) is a valuable genetic resource for agriculture and food. Around the world salinity is a significant environmental stress that limit and affect agriculture productivity. This work estimates the variation in salinity tolerance in six populations of wild pepper populations of the Northwest of Mexico at three salinity levels (without NaCl, 25 and 50 mM NaCl). The measured traits were height, stem development, foliar area, relative content of chlorophyll, dry weight of plant, root, stem, and leaves. Salinity tolerance was estimated with a stress tolerance index (STI) obtained by comparing values of traits between control treatment (without NaCl) and salinity treatments. Data were subjected to univariate and multivariate variance analysis of principal components. All measured traits were negatively and significantly affected by salinity. Univariate variance analysis and of principal components clearly differentiated the studied populations. At 50 mM NaCl, height, stem diameter, foliar area, stem and leaves dry weight correlated positively with electrical conductivity, and foliar area, relative content of chlorophyll, stem and leaves dry weight correlated with soil Na at the site of origin of the populations. Presa Oviachic showed a higher salinity tolerance in both NaCl treatments (1.17 and 0.99), followed by two more populations (Lo de Vega and Yecorato), each with each salinity treatment. Presa Oviachic presented the highest average STI in both treatments, 37.6% and 40.4% higher than Cósala and Mazocahui respectively. Root dry weight (0.427), stem diameter (0.419), leaf area (0.412), stem dry weight (0.407) and plant dry weight (0.345) were the most important traits in that order and Presa Oviachic was significantly superior to the rest of populations in STI at 50 mM NaCl. Plants of these populations could be a source of salinity resistance. The variation pattern observed in these traits suggests adaptation to the local edaphic conditions.

Abstract This article aims to make explicit the presence of certain concepts, concerning nine-teenth-century German philosophy, in Thomas Ligotti’s weird fiction. Therefore, in this text we argue that the will, pertaining to Arthur Schopenhauer’s thought; the will to die, corresponding to Philipp Mainländer’s metaphysics; and the becoming, proper to Nietzsche’s philosophy, are present, respectively, in the following Ligotti’s narratives: “The Shadow, the Darkness”, “Mad Night of Atonement” and “The Tsalal”. We also briefly discuss pessimism and explain that the structure of these narratives is articulated by a common problem: fatalism. These reflections allows to explore the capacities that philosophy and fantastic literature have to be assembled.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo explicitar la presencia de determinados conceptos de la filosofía alemana del siglo XIX en la ficción de lo extraño de Thomas Ligotti. Por consiguiente, en el texto se sostiene que la voluntad, parte del pensamiento de Arthur Schopenhauer; la voluntad de morir, correspondiente a la metafísica de Philipp Mainländer y el devenir, propio de la filosofía de Nietzsche, se encuentran presentes, respectivamente, en las siguientes narraciones de Ligotti: “La sombra, la oscuridad”, “Dulce velada de expiación” y “El Tsalal”. Así también, se discurre brevemente sobre el pesimismo y se explica que la estructura de tales narraciones está articulada por un problema común: el fatalismo. Estas reflexiones permiten explorar las capacidades que la filosofía y la literatura fantástica poseen para ensamblarse entre sí.

ABSTRACT During pregnancy, parents experiment emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to their unborn child as precursors of attachment in the caretaker-infant dyad. The Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS) is an instrument that has shown adequate psychometric properties to evaluate this construct in developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and concurrent validity of the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale-Spanish version for Mexican women (MAAS-Spanish version). A sample of 142 women in their third trimester of pregnancy who received care in a tertiary hospital was selected. The full scale of the MAAS-Spanish version obtained a Cronbach alpha of .79. A significant negative correlation was found between the global MAAS-Spanish version score (r = -.23, p ≤ .01) and the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised and depressive symptoms (r = -.36 , p ≤ .01). The translated and adapted scale has adequate internal consistency and concurrent validity to measure this construct in this population.

RESUMEN Durante el embarazo, los padres experimentan emociones, pensamientos e ideas sobre su nonato relevantes en el estudio de precursores del apego en la díada cuidador-infante. La Escala de Apego Prenatal Materno (MAAS) es un instrumento que ha mostrado adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para evaluar este constructo en países desarrollados. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la confiabilidad y validez concurrente de dicha escala—versión en español para mujeres mexicanas (MAAS—versión en español). Se seleccionó a una muestra de 142 mujeres en tercer trimestre gestacional, que recibían atención en un hospital de tercer nivel. La escala total obtuvo un alfa de Cronbach de .79. Se evidenció una correlación negativa significativa de la puntuación global de la MAAS de r = -.23, (p ≤ .01) con la PDPI-R y de r = -.36, (p ≤ .01) con la sintomatología depresiva (EPDS). La escala traducida cuenta con una consistencia interna y validez concurrente adecuadas para medir este constructo en esta población.

Resumen: Esta investigación de historia urbana atiende el vacío historiográfico sobre el tema de las vecindades en la ciudad de Chihuahua a través de la identificación, descripción y análisis de la función social que cumplieron entre 1934 y 1971: satisfacer el déficit de vivienda tras la intensa migración del campo a la ciudad. Las fuentes utilizadas fueron planos, informes y reportes de gobierno, además de correspondencia entre las autoridades y el pueblo. Paralelamente, se describen y analizan algunas de las formas de vida que se desarrollaron dentro de las vecindades, así como la percepción que tenía la sociedad sobre este tipo de vivienda y las personas que las habitaron a través del testimonio de aquellos que convivieron con sus moradores y de las fotografías que dan cuenta de su existencia. También, se argumenta complementariamente que las políticas estatales de urbanización y reurbanización del periodo de 1956-1971 fueron clave en la modernización de la ciudad, la cual implicó la destrucción indiscriminada de edificios y construcciones, además de la gentrificación y sectorización de la población. Se concluye que las vecindades, como en otras ciudades de la República, fueron albergue para la otredad social y lo ‘indeseable’.

Abstract: This urban history research addresses the historiographic gap on the theme of ‘vecindades’ in the city of Chihuahua through the identification, description, and analysis of the social function that they fulfilled between 1934 and 1971: satisfying the housing deficit after the intense migration from the countryside to the city. The sources used were maps, reports, and government records, as well as correspondence between the authorities and the people. At the same time, some of the ways of life that developed within the neighborhoods are described and analyzed, as well as the perception that society had about this type of housing and the people who inhabited it through the testimony of those who lived with its inhabitants and the photographs that attest to its existence. Also, I complementarily argue that the state urbanization and redevelopment policies of the 1956-1971 period were key in the modernization of the city, which implied the indiscriminate destruction of buildings and constructions, in addition to the gentrification and sectorization of the population. I conclude that the ‘vecindades’, as it was the case in other cities of the republic, were shelters for social otherness and the ‘undesirable’.

Abstract The Abies forest is one of the most threatened ecosystems in Mexico, the largest forests stands are in the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, and some constitute the winter habitat of the monarch butterfly. To determine the diversity, structure, and regeneration of the fir forest of a protected area where the monarch butterfly arrives, quadrats were established where dasometric data were collected and the populations of trees and shrubs evaluated. Thirtysix species of woody plants were identified, and the estimated sampling coverage was Ĉm = 99.7%. Asteraceae was the richest family and dominated among the thickets, Pinaceae dominated between the saplings and trunks. The flora showed homogeneity in species abundance and a Shannon-Weiner value of 3.2. The thickets showed the largest N0 and N1, and the trunks showed the smallest N0 and the largest N2 of the Hill series. The distribution by height and diameter classes revealed an inverted J shape for all flora and species with the highest IVI. Abies religiosa showed the highest IVI (35.2%) and dominated in saplings and trunks, followed by Roldana angulifolia (14.8%), which dominated in thickets. Three strata make up the vertical structure of the forest, with a relative distribution of 60.4%. 64% of the species showed evidence of regeneration. The A. religious forest studied is a mature ecosystem that shows a satisfactory regeneration trend, but it needs urgent and prioritized conservation and management programs that maintain it and favor the arrival and wintry permanence of the monarch butterfly.

Resumen Los bosques de Abies son uno de los ecosistemas más amenazados de México, los más extensos están en la Faja Volcánica Transmexicana y algunos constituyen el hábitat invernal de la mariposa monarca. Para determinar la diversidad, estructura y regeneración del bosque de oyamel de un área protegida donde arriba la mariposa monarca, se establecieron cuadrantes para tomar datos dasométricos y evaluar las poblaciones de los árboles y arbustos. Se identificaron 36 especies de plantas leñosas, la cobertura de muestreo estimada fue Ĉm = 99.7%. Asteraceae fue la familia más rica y predominante entre los brinzales, Pinaceae dominó entre los latizales y fustales. La flora presentó homogeneidad en su abundancia y un valor de Shannon-Weiner = 3.2. Los brinzales mostraron el mayor N0 y N1 de las series de Hill, y los fustales el menor N0 y el mayor N2. Las distribuciones por clases de altura y diámetro revelaron formas de J invertida para toda la flora y para las especies con mayor IVI. Abies religiosa presentó el mayor IVI y dominó en latizales y fustales, seguido de Roldana angulifolia, que dominó en brinzales. Tres estratos conforman la estructura vertical del bosque con distribución relativa de 60.4%. Del total de las especies, 64% mostró regeneración. El bosque de A. religiosa del Santuario Presa Corral de Piedra es un ecosistema maduro con tendencia de regeneración satisfactoria, pero necesita programas de conservación y gestión urgentes y priorizados que lo mantengan y favorezcan el arribo y permanencia invernal de la mariposa monarca.

Resumen Introducción: Los cardiomiocitos poseen la maquinaria bioquímica capaz de sintetizar, utilizar y recapturar serotonina. Objetivo: Determinar si la miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) induce cambios en la expresión de la triptófano-5-hidroxilasa (TPH) 1 y 2, el transportador de serotonina (SERT) y los receptores serotoninérgicos (RS). Métodos: Estudio transversal de cinco bloques de tejido de corazones con MCH y cinco bloques de corazones de control. Se obtuvieron cinco cortes de la pared libre del ventrículo izquierdo (PLVI) y del septum interventricular (SIV) de cada bloque, para determinar la expresión de TPH1 y TPH2, SERT y RS con anticuerpos por inmunofluorescencia. La inmunofluorescencia fue evaluada mediante t de WELCH, con nivel de significación de p < 0.05. Resultados: La PLVI y el SIV de los corazones con MCH mostraron aumento de la expresión de TPH1 y TPH2, así como de los receptores 5-HT2A y 5-HT2B en comparación con los controles (p < 0.01). El receptor 5-HT4 y SERT aumentaron en el SIV de los corazones con MCH (p < 0.01). Conclusiones: Se demostró aumento de las expresiones de TPH, SERT y RS en los cardiomiocitos de los corazones con MCH en comparación con los controles, lo cual podría participar en la fisiopatología de la MCH en los humanos.

Abstract Introduction: Cardiomyocytes have a biochemical machinery with the capacity to synthesize, utilize and reuptake serotonin. Objective: To determine whether hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) induces changes in the expression of tryptophan-5-hydroxylase (TPH) 1 and 2, serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonergic receptors (SR). Methods: Cross-sectional study of five tissue blocks from hearts with HCM and five controls. Five sections of the left ventricular free wall (LVFW) and interventricular septum (IVS) were obtained from each block to determine the expression of TPH1 and TPH2, SERT and SRs by immunofluorescence with specific antibodies. Immunofluorescence was evaluated by WELCH t-test, with a level of significance of p < 0.05. Results: LVFW and IVS of hearts with HCM showed an increase in the expression of TPH1 and TPH 2 and 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors in comparison with controls (p < 0.01). The 5-HT4 receptor and SERT showed an increase in the IVS of hearts with HCM (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study demonstrated an increased expression of TPH, SERT and SRs in cardiomyocytes from hearts with HCM in comparison with controls, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of HCM in humans.

Resumen: Soluciones nutritivas con balance en las relaciones, proporciones y concentraciones de los iones optimizan la eficiencia en el uso de nutrimentos y el rendimiento de los cultivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar, en invernadero, tres relaciones porcentuales Mg2+/cationes (20, 40 y 60/100) y tres de NO3 -/aniones (40, 60 y 80/100) y su combinación sobre la composición mineral, la eficiencia de uso de nutrimentos (EUN) y el rendimiento de pepino (Cucumis sativus cv. Poinsett 76) desarrollado en hidroponía en circuito cerrado. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar con arreglo factorial de tratamientos 32 y seis repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron la composición mineral de hojas, tallos y frutos, EUN, peso, diámetro, longitud, número, y rendimiento de fruto. Los resultados se analizaron con ANDEVA y los promedios se compararon con la prueba de Tukey (P≤ 0.05). El rendimiento superior fue con la combinación 20/100 Mg2+ y 60/100 NO3 -, relaciones mayores de Mg2+ (40 y 60/100) y de NO3 - (80/100) redujeron el rendimiento 33.4%, 30.7% y 20.6%, respectivamente, y disminuyeron la eficiencia de Mg y N, respecto a 20/100 Mg2+ y 60/100 NO3 -. La relación 60/100 Mg2+ aumentó la concentración nutrimental de Mg en los frutos, pero disminuyó el rendimiento.

Summary: Nutrient solutions with balance in ion ratios, proportions and concentrations optimize nutrient use efficiency and crop yield. The objective of this study is to evaluate under greenhouse conditions three percentage ratios Mg2 + (20, 30 and 40/100) and three of NO3 - (40, 60 and 80/100) and their combination on the mineral composition, nutrient use efficiency (EUN) and the yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Poinsett 76) developed in hydroponics. The experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement of 32 treatments and six replicates. The variables evaluated were mineral composition of leaves, stems and fruit, efficiency in the use of nutrients, and weight, diameter, length, number, and yield of fruit. The results were analyzed with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared with Tukey’s test (P≤ 0.05). The superior yield was with the combination 20/100 Mg2+ and 60/100 NO3 -, higher ratios of Mg2+ (40 and 60/100) and NO3 - (80/100) reduced yield 33.4%, 30.7% and 20.6%, respectively, and decreased the efficiency of Mg and N, compared to 20/100 Mg2+ and 60/100 NO3 -. The 60/100 Mg2+ ratio increased the nutrient concentration of Mg in the fruit, but decreased yield.

Abstract Background: Cardiomyocytes synthesize, utilize and reuptake serotonin, which is involved in the paracrine and autocrine modulation of heart activity and in the pathophysiology of some cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To determine the expression of tryptophan-5-hydroxylase (TPH) 1 and 2, serotonin transporter protein (SERT) and serotonergic receptors in hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) compared to controls. Method: A comparative study was performed in six tissue blocks of the left ventricular free wall (LVWL) and inter-ventricular septum from patients who died of DCM and six who died of no cardiovascular diseases (controls). Five slices from each block were obtained to determine the expression of TPH1 and TPH2, SERT and serotonergic receptors with antibodies specific for immunofluorescence. Immunofluorescence was analyzed by Student’s t-test, accepting a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: An increase in TPH1, TPH2, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors expression were observed in dilated structures compared to controls (p < 0.05). For dilated inter-ventricular septum, the 5-HT4 receptor increased its expression (p < 0.05), and SERT in PLVI compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that the increases observed in the expression of TPH, SERT, and serotonergic receptors in hearts with DCM compared to controls could play an important role in the pathophysiology of MCD in humans

Resumen Antecedentes: Los cardiomiocitos sintetizan, utilizan y recapturan serotonina, la cual participa en la modulación parácrina y autócrina de la actividad del corazón y en la fisiopatología de algunas enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Determinar la expresión de triptófano-5-hidroxilasa (TPH) 1 y 2, transportador de serotonina (SERT) y receptores serotoninérgicos en corazones con miocardiopatía dilatada (MCD) en comparación con controles. Método: Estudio comparativo en seis bloques de la pared libre del ventrículo izquierdo (PLVI) y del septum interventricular de pacientes fallecidos por MCD y seis que murieron por enfermedades no cardiovasculares. Se obtuvieron cinco cortes de cada bloque para determinar la expresión de TPH1 y TPH2, SERT y receptores serotoninérgicos con anticuerpos específicos por inmunofluorescencia. La inmunofluorescencia fue analizada por la t de Student, aceptando un nivel de significancia de p < 0.05. Resultados: Se observó un aumento en la expresión de TPH1 y TPH2 y en los receptores 5-HT2A y 5-HT2B en las estructuras dilatadas en comparación con las controles (p < 0.05). El receptor 5-HT4 aumentó su expresión en el septum interventricular dilatado (p < 0.05) y el SERT en la PLVI en comparación con los controles (p < 0.05). Conclusiones: Estos resultados sugieren que los aumentos observados en las expresiones de TPH, SERT y receptores serotoninérgicos en corazones con MCD en comparación con controles podrían desempeñar un papel importante en la fisiopatología de la MCD en los humanos.