Molecular epidemiology and putative origin of hepatitis C virus in random volunteers from Argentina

AIM:To study the subtype prevalence and the phylogenetic relatedness of hepatitis C virus(HCV)sequences obtained from the Argentine general population,a large cohort of individuals was analyzed.METHODS:Healthy Argentinian volunteers(n=6251)from 12 provinces representing all geographical regions of the country were studied.All parents or legal guardians of individuals younger than 18 years provided informed written consent for participation.The corresponding written permission from all municipal authorities was obtained from each city or town where subjects were to be included.HCV RNA reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed.The 5’untranslated region(5’UTR)was used for RNA detection and initial genotype classification.The NS5B polymerase region,encompassing nt 8262-8610,was used for subtyping.RESULTS:An unexpectedly low prevalence of HCV infection in the general population(0.32%)was observed.Our data contrasted with previous studies that reported rates ranging from 1.5%to 2.5%,mainly performed in selected populations of blood donors or vulnerable groups.The latter values are in keeping with the prevalence reported by the 2007 Argentinian HCV Consensus(approximately 2%).HCV subtypes weredistributed as follows:1a(25%),1b(25%),2c(25%),3a(5%),and 2j(5%).Two isolates ascribed either to genotype 1(5%)or to genotype 3(5%)by 5’UTR phylogenetic analysis could not be subtyped.Subtype 1a sequences comprised a highly homogeneous population and clustered with United States sequences.Genotype1b sequences represented a heterogeneous population,suggesting that this genotype might have been introduced from different sources.Most subtype 2c sequences clustered close to the 2c reported from Italy and Southern France.CONCLUSION:HCV has a low prevalence of 0.32%in the studied general population of Argentina.The pattern of HCV introduction and transmission in Argentina appears to be a consequence of multiple events and different for each subtype.

Combined U-Pb SHRIMP and Hf isotope study of the Late Paleozoic Yaminue Complex,Rio Negro Province,Argentina:Implications for the origin and evolution of the Patagonia composite terrane

We have carried out zircon U-Pb SHRIMP dating and Hf isotope determinations on a biotite paraschist and on a tonalitic orthogneiss of the Yaminué Complex, and re-evaluate this complex in the broader context of the tectonic evolution of the Patagonia composite terrane. In the metasedimentary unit （msuYC）, the youngest detrital zircon dated at 318 ± 5 Ma （Mississippian/Pennsylvanian boundary） indicates a Pennsylvanian （or younger） depositional age. The three main age populations peak at 474, 454 and 374 Ma. Preliminary Hf isotope data for two detrital zircons （447 and 655 Ma） yielded ε（Hf） values of -0.32 and 0.48, indicating that their primary sources contained small amounts of recycled crustal components （of Calymmian age; TDM 1.56 Ga）. Zircons from the orthogneiss （miuYC; intrusive into msuYC） show a crystallization age of 261.3 - 2.7 Ma （Capitanian; late middle Permian） which is broadly coeval with deformation, and Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic inheritance. Meaningful core-rim relationship between Neoarchean zircon cores and late Permian rims is well defined, indicating the occurrence of Archean crust in this sector of Patagonia. Hf TDM of Permian zircons is mainly Meso-Paleoarchean （2.97-3.35 Ga）, with highly negative e（Hf） values （ca, -33）. Hf TDM of inherited Neoarchean zircon cores is also Meso-Paleoarchean （3.14-3.45 Ga） but more juvenile （ε（Hf） = -0.3）. Hf isotopes reinforce the presence of unexposed ancient crust in this area. Combining geological and isotope data, as well as geophysical models, we identify the Yaminué Complex within the La Esperanza-Yaminué crustal block flanked by two other, distinct crustal blocks： the Eastern block which forms part of the Patagonia terrane sensu stricto, located in the eastern Patagonian region, and the Western block forming part of the Southern Patagonia terrane. Their origins and timing of amalgamation to form the Patagonia composite terrane are also discussed.

Origins and Popularization of Traditional Chinese Therapies in Argentina at the End of 20th Century: the Case of Daniel Alegre

Various resources of the so-called traditional Chinese medicine, such as taijiquan, massage, diets, or acupuncture, have become widely available in the everyday therapeutic culture of contemporary Argentina. While these resources can be found in the first half of the 20th century, it is evident that from the 1960s onward their presence is more evident, with a strong emphasis from the 1980s on. This article aims to describe the reception and popularization of body and therapeutic techniques of traditional Chinese medicine in Argentina in the 1980s through the case of Daniel Alegre, a key figure in the dissemination of Chinese therapeutic techniques. To do so, it focuses on certain key mediators in the popularization of techniques such as taijiquan and Chinese massage: teachers, promoters, and specialized magazines. All these mediators are key artifacts in the processes of massification and dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine in a broader emerging horizon associated with two simultaneous processes, the Chinese cultural transnationalization and the boom of new forms of holistic management of personal well-being.

Evolutionary Genetics of Invasive Mammal Species Introduced in Argentina

Evolutionary genetics of invasive species has been unexplored in Argentina. Invasive alien species (IAS) have a wide geographical distribution, characteristic life cycles and great ability to adapt, establish and spread in a new environment. Recent advances in novel molecular technologies, the use of higher resolution genetic markers, and the research development on genetic variation of invasive species consolidated the importance of genetic aspects in the invasion process. Undoubtedly, the growing concern for the disturbances generated by invasive species on biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems was also determinant for the inclusion of the Invasion Biology within the broad field of Evolutionary Biology including relevant examples that address the evolutionary genetic aspects of biological invasions. Recent studies suggest that the invasion success of many species depends on their ability to respond to natural selection. Although the number of invasive species registered in Argentina far exceeds 600, little research has been done on invasive mammal species and only five of them were hitherto genetically analyzed. Presuming that invasion genetics is incorporated into the agenda of control and management organizations, it would allow integrating the ecological, genetic, and evolutionary biology aspects for knowledge of invasive species widely distributed in Argentina. The objective of this article is to highlight the importance of evaluating the genetic structure of invasive species for their management and to inform about the invasive species of mammals that were introduced in Argentina and have been or are being analyzed genetically.

Extraterrestrial microspherules from Bajada del Diablo,Chubut,Argentina

The Quaternary infilling of a circular structure located in Bajada del Diablo,Chubut Province,Argentina has been proposed as a crater strewn field in previous studies.Here we report the finding of about 65 microspherules collected in a trench excavated in the center of the structure.The majority of handpicked specimens are single,but some of them exhibit compound forms.The single specimens are spherical with a mean size of 137 nm,whereas the more complex samples show peduncles and drop shapes.Dendritic crystal growth is recognized in the internal structure of some broken microspherules.Preliminary chemical composition from the surface and center of microspherules was determined by energy dispersive spectrometry employing EDS.Quantitative EMPA and XRD analysis indicate that the microspherules are mainly composed of Fe and O with magnetite,Fe0with subordinate wiistite.Following consideration of possible anthropogenic and volcanic origins,these spherulites are ascribed to an extraterrestrial input.An accumulation rate of 47 microspherules per m2/yr is estimated for the studied sediments.This value is two orders of magnitude higher than the reference flux for cosmic dust estimated for the last 1 Ma in the Transantarctic Mountains.The microspherules might have been generated as a byproduct of asteroid entry in the atmosphere.

First Late Triassic Record of a Paleoentomofauna from South America(Malargüe Basin,Mendoza Province,Argentina)

Late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic insects from Argentina have been previously described from the Bermejo and Cuyana Basins where they have been recovered from the Ischichuca-Los Rastros and Potrerillos-Cacheuta Formations, respectively. The insect fauna discussed herein was collected during field studies in 1986/1987 from the Llantenes section （Norian to Rhaetian？ Late Triassic）, which is situated in the Malargiie Basin in southern Mendoza province. The insect remains were found in the upper part of the Llantenes section （Llantenes Formation）, which is built up of two coarsening-upwards cycles reflecting a deltaic progradation of a fluvial into a lacustrine environment （lower part）, succeeded by repeated progradatious into a floodplaindominated environment （upper part; with finds of insects, conchostracans, fish remains, plant fragments, and drifted logs）. The new finds represent the youngest Triassic insect records described from Argentina and even from South America in its entirety. There is only one contemporaneous fossil assemblage in Gondwana： in the Ciarence/Moreton Basin （Aberdare Conglomerate; Late Norian） in Australia. The new Triassic insects include an impression of an isolated Mecopterida-like wing （Mendozachorista volkheimeri gen. et sp. nov.; Mendozachoristidae fam. nov.）, coleopteran elytra of the Permosynidae （Ademosyne rosenfeldi sp. nov. and Ademosyne Uantenesensis sp. nov.） and other isolated body fragments. This new Late Triassic entomofauna from Argentina is of considerable importance in the reconstruction of the biotic recovery of continental environments in Gondwana after the catastrophic mass extinction at the P/T boundary.

The Gondwana Orogeny in northern North Patagonian Massif:Evidences from the Caita Có granite, La Se?a and Pangaré mylonites,Argentina

Structural analyses in the northern part of the North Patagonia Massif, in the foliated Caita Co granite and in La Sefia and Pangare mylonites, indicate that the pluton was intruded as a sheet-like body into an opening pull-apart structure during the Gondwana Orogeny. Geochronological studies in the massif indicate a first, lower to middle Permian stage of regional deformation, related to movements during indentation tectonics, with emplacement of foliated granites in the western and central areas of the North Patagonian Massif. Between the upper Permian and lower Triassic, evidence indicates emplacement of undeformed granitic bodies in the central part of the North Patagonian Massif. A second pulse of deformation between the middle and upper Triassic is related to the emplacement of the Caita CO granite, the development of mylonitic belts, and the opening of the Los Menucos Basin. During this pulse of deformation, compression direction was from the eastern quadrant.

Preandean geological confguration of the eastern North Patagonian Massif, Argentina

The Preandean geological configuration of the eastern North Patagonian Massif is established through the use of geological and geophysical analysis.The positive gravity anomalies located near the Atlantic coast are due to 535 and 540 Ma old rocks belonging to the Pampean Orogeny （Precambrian-middle Cambrian）,which are widely recognized in central and northern Argentina.The Famatinian Cycle （Ordovician-Devonian） is represented by a Silurian-Devonian marine basin equivalent to those of eastern-central Argentina and South Africa,and which was deformed at the end of the Devonian byan～E-W to WNW-ESE compressional event,part of the Famatinian Orogeny.Containing strong gravity gradients,the NW-SE belt is coincident with fault zones which were originated during the Gondwanide Orogeny.This event also produced NW-SE overthrusting of the Silurian-Devonian sequences and strike-slip faults that displaced blocks in the same direction.This deformation event belongs to the Gondwanide Orogeny that includes movements related to a counterclockwise rotation of blocks in northern Patagonia.The strong negative anomalies located in the western part of the area stem from the presence of rocks of the Jurassic Ca（n）adón Asfalto basin interbedded in the Marifil Complex.These volcaniclastic sequences show mild deformation of accommodation zones in a pre-Jurassic paleorelief.

Hepatitis C virus infection in Argentina: Burden of chronic disease

AIM: To estimate the progression of the hepatitis C virus(HCV) epidemic and measure the burden of HCVrelated morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Age- and gender-defined cohorts were used to follow the viremic population in Argentina and estimate HCV incidence, prevalence, hepatic complications, and mortality. The relative impact of two scenarios on HCV-related outcomes was assessed:(1) increased sustained virologic response(SVR); and(2) increased SVR and treatment.RESULTS: Under scenario 1, SVR raised to 85%-95% in 2016. Compared to the base case scenario, there was a 0.3% reduction in prevalent cases and liverrelated deaths by 2030. Given low treatment rates, cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis decreased < 1%, in contrast to the base case in 2030. Under scenario 2, the same increases in SVR were modeled, with gradual increases in the annual diagnosed and treated populations. This scenario decreased prevalent infections 45%, liver-related deaths 55%, liver cancer cases 60%, and decompensated cirrhosis 55%, as compared to the base case by 2030. CONCLUSION: In Argentina, cases of end stage liver disease and liver-related deaths due to HCV are still growing, while its prevalence is decreasing. Increasing in SVR rates is not enough, and increasing in the number of patients diagnosed and candidates for treatment is needed to reduce the HCV disease burden. Based on this scenario, strategies to increase diagnosis and treatment uptake must be developed to reduce HCV burden in Argentina.

真菌Neoascochyta argentina NBERC-H82的次级代谢产物研究

研究真菌Neoascochyta argentina中抗菌化学成分。采用硅胶、葡聚糖凝胶LH-20柱层析以及制备高效液相色谱等分离技术,从Neoascochyta argentina发酵液乙酸乙酯提取物中分离得到6个化合物,分别鉴定为ascomfuran A(1),phenylpyropene B(2),phenylpyropeneC(3),phenylpyropeneF(4),phenylpyropene A(5),pyripyropene A(6),所有化合物均首次从Neoascochyta属分离得到。采用微量稀释法,测试分离化合物对于5种病原细菌和4种病原真菌的抑制活性,结果表明化合物1,2,4和5对于灰葡萄孢菌具有抑制活性(MIC均为50μg/m L)。研究结果表明真菌Neoascochyta argentina中主要代谢产物为pyripyropene和phenylpyropene类化合物,具有抑制灰葡萄孢菌的活性,为开发其成为微生物源农药提供理论依据。

Bioerosion on Late Pleistocene Marine Mollusks:A Paleoclimatological and Paleoecological Comparison of MIS 7 and MIS 5e with Modern Beaches(Río Negro,Argentina)

The Late Pleistocene littoral ridges of southern South America,especially those of the north of Argentinean Patagonia,contain remains of mollusk shells with bioerosion traces.Eleven sites from marine isotope stages(2 from MIS 7,4 from MIS 5 e)and five sites from modern beaches from northern Río Negro Province,with 40 taxa(17 bivalves and 23 gastropods)were analyzed,in the area between west of Baliza San Matías and Las Grutas(41°S).Three ichnogenera were identified in deposits of MIS 7:Entobia,Gastrochaenolites(Domichnia)and Oichnus(Praedichnia)with one ichnospecies(G.torpedo).Six ichnogenera were identified in deposits of MIS 5 e:Entobia,Meandropolydora,Pinaceocladichnus,Iramena,Caulostrepsis and Oichnus with one ichnospecies(O.simplex).Seven ichnogenera were identified from modern beaches:Entobia,Meandropolydora,Iramena,Caulostrepsis,Pinaceocladichnus,Gastrochaenolites(Domichnia)and Oichnus(Praedicnia),with two ichnospecies(O.simplex and O.paraboloides).On this basis,it is inferred that Pleistocene benthic communities were constituted from cheilostome bryzoans and polychaete annelids,together with drilling bivalves,predatory gastropods and overall warm-water species of mollusks.Of these,Chama iudicai was found on Plicatula gibbosa from MIS 7 and MIS 5 e.The record of warm temperature species suggests a higher sea surface temperature(SST)than the present one and/or the influence of the warm southward Brazilian Current affecting the waters of Golfo San Matías.On the modern beaches surveyed,there is an increase in polychaete annelids,cheilostome bryzoans,temperate-cold species and drilling bivalves,as well as sandy substrate species,which together with an increase of Gastrochaenolites and Caulostrepsis,suggest a colder climate due to the greater influence of the Malvinas Current during the Holocene.

Presence of the deep-bodied pipefish, <i>Leptonotus blainvilleanus </i>(Eydoux &Gervais, 1837) [Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae], in San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina

This short report communicates the finding of a Deep-bodied pipefish, Leptonotus blainvilleanus, (Eydoux & Gervais, 1837) [Syngnathiformes, Syngnathidae] in shallow waters of the San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia Argentina, in August 2010. It’s a new record for its known distribution range in the coast of South America. Photos and videos are available.

Viticulture in Argentina under extreme weather scenarios:Actual challenges,future perspectives

Viticulture in Argentina is an important socioeconomic sector,reflected in a significant wine market and tourism.However,climate change and related extreme events are serious concerns.The main issues are heatwaves,hail-storms,and heavy rainfall,resulting in damage to vineyards.While climate change impacts have already been discussed for regions such as the Mediterranean,the literature lacks an up-to-date overview of Argentine viticul-ture and potential mitigation solutions.In a country culturally and economically connected to the world of wine,it is strategic to bridge this gap to be prepared for a climatically adverse future.This perspective paper presents an overview of Argentine viticulture and its relationship to climate change.We focus on the Mendoza region,one of the most productive areas and home to cultural landscapes where internationally recognized wines are produced.Climate change is already occurring,a fact we observed by analyzing data from the past decades.We discussed how heatwaves in the lowlands drive farmers to move to the Andes slopes looking for more favorable conditions.But new threats arise,such as extreme rainfall.Due to surface hydrological processes,they can cause land degradation and compromise vineyards.We investigate these phenomena in detail,highlighting how they represent a growing challenge that must be addressed for the sustainable development of future viticulture in the area.Therefore,we propose mitigation strategies for more resilient production,drawing inspiration from the Sustainable Development Goals and suggesting a framework that can be extended to broader contexts worldwide。

Disease Prevalence and Symptoms Caused by <i>Alternaria tenuissima</i>and <i>Pestalotiopsis guepinii</i>on Blueberry in Entre Ríos and Buenos Aires, Argentina

About 60% of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) plantations in Argentina are located in the provinces of Entre Ríos and Buenos Aires. Alternaria tenuissima and Pestalotiopsis guepinii have been reported as pathogens of blueberry, causing leaf spots and branch cankers. The aims of this research were to estimate the prevalence of these microorganisms on leaves and fruits taken from crops located in Entre Ríos and Buenos Aires, as well as to differentiate leaf symptoms after target inoculations with each pathogen individually and in mixtures. Both fungi were present in blueberry fields from 2010 to 2013. A. tenuissima was the most prevalent pathogen, as most of the symptoms detected in the fields had been caused by this species. As a result of inoculations on cv. O’Neal, injured tissues showed symptoms before undamaged ones. Leaf symptoms caused by A. tenuissima differed from those caused by P. guepinii because of their predominant reddish color and the absence of drop-off of the central part of the lesions. When inoculated in a mixture, incubation period on leaves was intermediate between the registered for individual inoculations. The leaves showed reddishbrown spots typical of A. tenuissima and dark brown spots typical of P. guepinii, both with red margins. Blight, defoliation and canker symptoms caused in each case were undistinguishable.

Recent Trends in Occupational Injuries and Diseases in Argentina: A Panel Data Approach

Occupational injuries pose major public health and development related problems. However, efforts towards identification of determinants of labor incidents among salaried workers are still scarce in developing countries. This study aimed to identify sector and time effects on occupational accidents and diseases among Argentinean workers during 2004-2013. A negative binomial panel data model is estimated based on official data on injuries and fatalities in workplaces collected by the Board of Occupational Risks. Business cycle and profitability indicators are used as explanatory variables. Estimations also are adjusted by sector and time effects. Argentina business cycle tends to be negatively related with occupational injuries rates. In contrast, accidents at work reported tend to exhibit longer losses in working days. We also find a positive relationship between profitability and fatal injuries. These results may suggest incentives for under reporting and lower investments in safety by more profitable activities, which can imply some level of endogeneity between profit rate and occupational injuries.

Enterobius vermicularis infection among population of General Mansilla,Argentina

AIM:To evaluate the relationships between the personal, sociocultural,and environmental characteristics,and the presence or absence of symptoms with the detection of Enterobius vermicularis(E.vermicularis)in a population sample in our region(General Mansilla,Province of Buenos Aires,Argentina),by individual and familiar analyses. METHODS:E.verrnicularis was diagnosed in 309 people from 70 family units residing in the urban area and the rural area of the city of General Mansilla.Each of them was surveyed so as to register personal,environmental and sociocultural data.Questions about the presence or absence of anal itch,abdominal pain and sleeping disorder were also asked.Significant associations were determined by square chi tests.Logistic regression models were adjusted by using a backward conditional stepwise method to determine the presence of this parasite in the individuals and in the families. RESULTS:The parasites were found in 29.12%(90/309) of the individuals,with a frequency of 14.28%(20/140) among the heads of the families and of 41.42%(70/169) among the children.The only variables showing a significant association were affiliation,where the risk category was “being the son/daughter of”,and the symptoms were abdominal pain,sleeping disorder,and anal itch.Families with a member infected with parasite were considered Positive Families(PF)and they were 40/70(57.14%),only 5%(2/40)of the PF had 100% of their members infected with the parasite.The logistic regression models applied showed that the risk categories were mainly affiliation(son/daughter) and housing(satisfactory)among others. CONCLUSION:The presence of E.vermiculariswas proved in one third of the studied population.The frequency of families with all their members infected with the parasite was very low.Most of the studied personal,sociocultural, and environmental variables did not turn out to be significantly associated with the presence of the parasite.An association with the category of“son/daughter”and housing classified as“satisfactory”was determined.The latter may be due to the fact that the people living in that category of housing have hygienic practices at home that favour the distribution of the eggs in the environment.The presence of the analysed symptoms was associated with the presence of the parasite, thus strengthening the need of periodical control of the population showing at least one of these symptoms.

Importance of the Development of Veterinary Toxicology in Argentina

The different types of toxic substances that affect farm animals in Argentina are described. These substances include (a) toxic plants, such as Solanum glaucophyllum. Baccharis coridifolia, Festuca arundinacea; (b) mycotoxins, such as zearalenone, tremorgenic mycotoxins, and ergoalkaloid; (c) trace elements, such as fluorine, copper, molybdenum, and arsenic; and (d) others, such as toxic algae and pesticides. The direct and indirect economic loss of farm animals associated with these toxic substances in Argentina is roughly estimated at 50 million dollars a year. A number of recommendations are made to ameliorate the situation. 1989 Academic Press, Inc.

Dictatorship, Violence and Usurpation in Literature and Painting, Argentina, 19th Century

Dictatorship, violence, usurpation, even terror are presented in literary and art works. Under a dictatorship, usually works are censored and cannot be published or see the light until the regime falls. This was the case for almost 30 years since the 1830s in Buenos Aires, Argentina, under the government of Rosas, the Restorer. Three works by Esteban Echeverria and oils and engravings of several artists of the period will be compared to see how ekphrasis the communication between arts, is evident. At that time, the beginning of romanticism in literature, writers were interested in depicting reality according to their point of view. It is the political and social life of the city shown with an interpretation.

Remembrance and Exile in Argentina＇s Jewish Diaspora： The Poetry of Adriana Stein

In Ultimospoemas a Buenos Aires, Adriana Stein, like many contemporary Jewish Latin American writers,explores the nature of remembrance and exile within the context of social justice not only in the Americas, but also within the broader context of world politics. Her collection of poetry, published as an e-book in 2015, traces the legacy of the Jewish diaspora in Argentina through her own experiences and those of friends and family as she summons memories of the disappeared during the Dirty Wax from 1974 to 1983. Some of the poems contained this collection were first published under the name of Adrimm Stein Fourmma on the Proyecto desaparecidos for Argentina, the website dedicated to the memory of the victims of the military regime and to exposing their repressors. Themes of the marginalized or fragmented self as well as both internal and external exile common in works by diasporic communities throughout Jewish history also find expression in Stein＇s collection, along with the oft repeated history of Shoah. Indeed, through her poetry, Adriana Stein contributes to the wider discourse of the politics of identity that serves as literary testimony of the perpetual struggle for humma rights that focuses on diasporic societies in Latin America and elsewhere

<i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i>in a girl suspected of sexual abuse in the city of Córdoba, Argentina

Chlamydia trachomatis (C.tr) infections are the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections worldwide. They are often asymptomatic and therefore underdiagnosed as there is no routine screening surveillance. This case supports the possibility of sexual abuse as a route of transmission of C.tr. It is well known that nearly one third of sexually assaulted children are at risk for infection by a sexually transmitted agent. This is why in cases of sexual abuse, it is standardized that C.tr positive results by Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs) should be confirmed looking for another C.tr target;for this reason, we used a Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR) directed to cryptic plasmid of C.tr. Confirmation was specified by the use of another PCR with a different genetic target (ompA) and sequencing. We concluded that our patient’s oral lesions were probably originated by her father’s sexual abuse.