Fluctuations in Seminal Quality throughout the Year: How do Temperature, Humidity and Atmospheric Pressure Impact on Human Sperm Quality?

Background: Most studies evaluating the possible seasonal variation of semen quality have considered temperature as the only causal factor. Aims: To assess possible seasonality in sperm quality and associations between semen parameters and several meteorological variables (temperature, humidity, apparent temperature and atmospheric pressure) in a large cohort of andrological patients. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional and correlational/descriptive study. Materials and Methods: Patients (n: 15665) were categorised into four groups (summer, winter, spring and autumn) according to the date of assistance at the fertility centre. Daily values of temperature, apparent temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure were provided by the National Weather System and were calculated as the average of the 74 days previous to semen collection (spermatogenic cycle). Statistical Analysis Used: As appropriate, the results were analysed by analysis of variance/Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square test, t-test/Mann-Whitney, forward conditional regression model and Spearman/Pearson's correlations. Results: We detected seasonality effects on sperm count, total sperm count and total motile sperm count, with the highest values in winter and the lowest in summer. Correlation analysis showed that temperature, apparent temperature and humidity negatively correlated with semen parameters, being humidity the most powerful predictive meteorological variable. Conclusion: Sperm quality is influenced by seasons; increased environmental temperature and humidity negatively affect semen quality.

Infection by human polyomaviruses JCPyV and BKPyV in blood donors of Argentina.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A spectrum of blood-borne infectious agents may be transmitted through transfusion of blood components from asymptomatic donors. Despite the persistence of polyomaviruses in blood cells, no studies have been conducted in Argentina to assess the risk of transfusion infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated BKPyV and JCPyV in 720 blood donors, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for a region of T antigen common to both viruses. Positive T-antigen samples were subjected to two additional PCR assays targeting the VP1 region. Viral genotypes were characterized by phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Polyomaviruses were detected in 1.25% (9/720) of the blood samples selected; JCPyV was identified in 0.97% (7/720) and BKPyV in 0.28% (2/720) of them. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the JCPyV sequences clustered with 2A genotype and Ia of BKPyV. CONCLUSION: This study describes for the first time the prevalence of polyomavirus DNA in blood donors of Córdoba, Argentina. The polyomavirus DNAemia in healthy populations suggests that those viruses are present in blood components eligible for transfusion. Therefore, the epidemiological surveillance of polyomavirus in blood banks might be incorporated into haemovigilance programmes, to determine the infectious risk and implement newer interventions to ensure the safety of blood supplies, if required.

Neutralizing response elicited by homologous and heterologous prime booster vaccination against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 B.1, P.1, C.37 and B.1.617.2 variants.

Heterologous Covid-19 vaccination strategies arose due to interruption of vaccination programs plus delay and shortage of vaccine supplies. We analysed neutralizing response against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 B.1 and P.1, C.37 and B.1.67.2 variants elicited by 16 homologous and heterologous protocols combining Gam-COVID-Vac, ChAdOx1-S, Ad5-nCorV, BBIBP-CorV and mRNA-1273 vaccines. Homologous mRNA-1273 and heterologous schemes of a non-replicative viral vector/inactivated virus-based vaccine combined with mRNA-1273 induced significantly broader and greater neutralizing antibody-response. Moreover, serum from participants vaccinated with combinations of ChAdOx1-S/Ad5-nCorV and BBIBP-CorV/non-replicative viral vector-based vaccines showed higher or equivalent neutralizing response compared to homologous protocols, pointing them as good alternative platforms. BBIBP-CorV used as second dose exhibited significantly lower neutralizing response compared to other protocols, demonstrating that it should not be recommended as second dose. The information provided herein is valuable to redesign vaccination strategies, especially for low-income countries that still struggle with low percentages of immunized populations and vaccine supply shortage.

Is seminal quality worsening? A 20-year experience in Córdoba, Argentina.

PURPOSE: To assess the possible variations in semen quality during the last 20 years in Córdoba, Argentina, and to identify possible causal lifestyle or genitourinary factors. METHODS: Retrospective study of 23,130 patients attending an andrology laboratory. The 20-year period (2001-2020) was divided into four quinquenniums. Seminal parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, and membrane functional integrity) were classified as normal or abnormal according to WHO, and results were expressed as percentage of patients abnormal for each parameter per quinquennium. In addition, the percentage of patients per quinquennium exposed to the different risk factors (daily alcohol and/or tobacco consumption; occupational exposure to heat or toxics; history of parotitis or varicocele; and high body mass index, BMI) was reported. RESULTS: Patients included in our study did not show impairment in seminal quality over time. Beyond a transient decrease in normozoospermia in the second and third quinquennium, possibly explained by a parallel increase in teratozoospermia, other important parameters of the spermogram did not change. In fact, abnormalities in sperm concentration (oligozoospermia), total sperm count, viability and response to hypoosmotic test showed a decreasing trend over time. On the other hand, parotitis, varicocele, morbid obesity and regular exposition to heat/toxics were the factors more frequently associated with semen abnormalities; the last two increased their frequency over the study period. CONCLUSION: The population included in this study did not show a clear impairment in semen quality during the last 20 years. The decreasing patterns found were associated with high BMI and exposure to heat/toxics.

Evaluation of the Gam-COVID-Vac and vaccine-induced neutralizing response against SARS-CoV-2 lineage P.1 variant in an Argentinean cohort.

We evaluated humoral immune-response elicited by Sputnik-V by measuring anti-Spike (S) IgG antibodies (Abs) and neutralizing antibodies (NAb) prior to, 14 and 42 days after-vaccination. The safety and disease rates among vaccinated individuals were also evaluated. Since SARS-CoV-2 lineage P.1 is rapidly spreading in Argentina, virus-neutralizing activity of Sputnik-V-elicited and infection-elicited NAb faced to P.1 were also assessed. A total of 285 participants were recruited; all reported good tolerance, without any severe adverse event. Nine COVID-19 cases were confirmed in fully vaccinated individuals and viable P.1 variant was successfully isolated from one of them. At day 42, 99.65% of the individuals had anti-S IgG; however, 23.15% had not detectable NAbs. Significantly higher neutralization potency against WT compared to P.1 (p < 0·001) was observed. Some samples failed to neutralize P.1, mainly among vaccinated-naїve subjects; however, no significant differences were observed among previously infected-vaccinated individuals. Our results corroborated that Sputnik-V is safe and induces an efficient humoral immune response, although not all immunized subjects develop Nabs. Herein, we show for the first time, evidence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 shedding from Sputnik-V fully vaccinated individuals, by the isolation of viable virus from the nasopharyngeal swab of one participant of our study, 139 days after receiving the second dose. Thereby, we provide evidence indicating that the vaccine might avoid severe forms of COVID-19 but does not prevent infection nor prevents transmission from a fully vaccinated individual.

Do aging, drinking, and having unhealthy weight have a synergistic impact on semen quality?

PURPOSE: To evaluate if age, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI) have synergistic effects on seminal quality, and to rank these factors based on their impact on semen. METHODS: Retrospective study of 9464 patients attending an andrology laboratory. Data on patients' age and daily alcohol intake were provided by the patients. BMI was recorded in the laboratory. Seminal parameters evaluated were volume, sperm concentration and total count, motility, morphology, viability, nuclear maturity, and membrane functional integrity. RESULTS: All the seminal parameters evaluated were affected by the synergistic interaction Age x BMI, suggesting that this combination is more potent in affecting semen quality. The variables sperm morphology and nuclear maturity seemed to be especially susceptible since they were affected by the three synergistic interactions. In the logistic regression analysis, age was the most powerful factor since it impacted first on five of the nine parameters, impacting mainly on sperm motility, viability, and morphology, with no effects on sperm count. On the contrary, BMI impacted first in sperm concentration and total sperm count; which was confirmed also by the logistic predictions analysis. Alcohol consumption impacted first on membrane functional integrity and nuclear maturity. A J-shaped association between BMI or alcohol consumption with semen quality was found in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The factors considered in this study showed a synergistic negative impact on semen quality, being age and unhealthy weight the most important ones. Reducing the exposure to lifestyle risk factors may be promising for improving sperm quality in infertile patients.

Gender-neutral donor deferral policies: experience in Argentina implementing individual risk-assessment policies.

BACKGROUND: In Argentina, with the aim of moving to a safe supportive and inclusive National Blood System, in September 2015 the Ministry of Health stipulated that eligibility criteria for blood donation should only take into account the so-called 'risk practices', focusing on a 'gender-neutral' policy. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the impact of such regulation on the prevalence of STI in the population of blood donors in Argentina, through the analysis of the scientific evidence obtained from 174 074 donors from a large central region of the country, focused on a regional Blood Bank for a 6-year period (pre- and post-entry into force of the regulations). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To analyse the evolution of prevalence rates of STI, two periods of 3 years each were evaluated: The first period (P1) lasted from 16 September 2012 to 15 September 2015 (prior to the entry into force of the law) and the second one (P2) from 16 September 2015 to 15 September 2018 (after the entry into force of the law). RESULTS: A total of 82 838 subjects were enrolled in P1 and 91 236 in P2. The results show a significantly lower prevalence of HCV (P = 0·029), HBV (P = 0·028) and syphilis (P = 0·001) in P2, while no difference was observed for HIV infection (P = 0·60). CONCLUSION: This study evidenced that the implementation of a 'gender-neutral' policy based on individual risk-assessment deferral criteria maintained the safety of blood supply and decreased the prevalence of STI among blood donors.

Recategorisation of body mass index to achieve andrological predictive power: a study in more than 20 000 patients.

The aim of this study was to recategorise body mass index (BMI) in order to classify patients according to their risk of semen abnormalities. Patients (n=20563) presenting at an andrology laboratory were classified into five groups according to BMI: underweight (BMI <20kg m-2), normal weight (BMI 20-24.9kg m-2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9kg m-2), obese (BMI 30-39.9kg m-2) and morbidly obese (BMI >40kg m-2). Semen quality was evaluated to determine: (1) differences between groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA); (2) the chances of semen abnormalities (using generalised linear models, Chi-squared tests and odds ratios); (3) reference BMI values with andrological predictive power (multivariate conglomerate analyses and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA)); and (4) expected values of abnormalities for each new group resulting from BMI recategorisation. Morbidly obese and underweight patients exhibited the highest decrease in semen quality and had higher chances of semen abnormalities. The smallest number of sperm abnormalities was found at a BMI of 27kg m-2. Four reference values were identified, recategorising BMI into four groups according to their risk of semen abnormalities (from lowest to highest risk): Group1,BMI between 20 and 32kg m-2; Group2, BMI <20 and BMI >32-37kg m-2; Group3, BMI >37-42kg m-2; and Group4, BMI >42kg m-2. A BMI <20 or >32kg m-2 is negatively associated with semen quality; these negative associations on semen quality increase from a BMI >37kg m-2 and increase even further for BMI >42kg m-2. The BMI recategorisation in this study has andrological predictive power.

First Description of Seronegative HTLV-1 Carriers in Argentina.

In some areas of Argentina endemic for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), tropical spastic paraparesis is frequent in subjects who lack antibodies against the virus; however, the relevance of this seronegative status in the country has not been investigated. In neighboring countries, HTLV-1 seronegative status has been described in patients with different diseases; however, data regarding features of seronegative HTLV-1 carriers are scarce. We investigated the seronegative status in 124 relatives of 28 HTLV-1 infected subjects from an endemic area in Northwest Argentina. Blood samples and clinical/epidemiological data were collected. Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection was diagnosed by serology and long terminal repeat (LTR) sequence, env and tax gene detection. IgG anti-Tax HTLV-1 antibody, tax gene sequence, and DNA proviral load were also evaluated. Seventy-five percent of the 124 relatives were negative for HTLV-1/2 antibodies; 35.5% were also negative by molecular assays and 64.5% were negative for HTLV-1 LTR and env sequences, but positive for two sequences of HTLV-1 tax gene. Also, 35.7% of these subjects had IgG anti-Tax antibodies. The seronegative HTLV-1 status was significantly associated with male gender, youth, and sensory symptoms/autonomic nervous system dysfunction. High rates of seronegative symptomatic and asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers in Argentina are described. The evidence highlights that HTLV-1 prevalence may be underestimated worldwide. Larger cohort studies are required to assess disease outcome in these seronegative subjects. Also, the findings emphasize the limitations of ongoing screening assays for diagnosis and blood safety. Therefore, algorithms for HTLV-1 diagnosis should include not only serological but also molecular assays.

Searching variables to assess recreational water quality: the presence of infectious human enterovirus and its correlation with the main variables of water pollution by multivariate statistical approach in Córdoba, Argentina.

Surface waters are used by local populations for different purposes, such as recreational activities, water source for human and animal consumption, and irrigation among others, which lead to the need for management strategies on water health and associated risks. During this study, we investigated physicochemical parameters, fecal coliform bacteria, and infectious human enterovirus detection to determine the water quality in different beaches (categorized as an urban area, non-urban areas, and an intermediate position) from San Roque Dam, in Argentina. Multivariate techniques were applied. Principal component analysis allowed identification of subgroup of variables responsible for the water quality. A cluster analysis and multivariate analysis of variance showed the urban beach as the highest pollution area. The following variables (measured at the urban beach) would be enough to describe the quality of the aquatic body: nitrites, fecal coliforms, total phosphorous, and infectious human enterovirus. The infectious human enterovirus was an independent variable detected in 69.1% of the samples showing a steady frequency of detection during the whole period studied and could identify human fecal contaminations as a source of water pollution. The selected variables would contribute to water quality regarding the risk for human health using San Roque dam waters for recreational propose.

[Features of Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella spp. infection and whopping cough in Córdoba province, Argentina]. / Caracterización de la infección por Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella spp. y coqueluche en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Whooping cough is a re-emerging infection in the world and Latin America. OBJECTIVE: It was considered relevant to investigate the clinical and epidemiological profile of Bordetella spp. and Bordetella pertussis infection in Córdoba province, Argentina; evaluating, at the same time, the co-infection with virus producing respiratory infections that may be confused with whooping cough. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All whooping cough suspected cases were studied by Polimerase Chain Reaction, amplifying the repeated insertion sequence (IS) 481 and the promoter gene encoding pertussis toxin, between 2011 and 2013. The data were obtained from the clinical and epidemiological records. RESULTS: From 2,588 whooping cough suspected cases, 11.59% was infected by Bordetella spp. and 9.16% was confirmed as Bordetella pertussis infection. The rate of infection was 7.22 and 1.84 per 100,000 for 2011 and 2012, respectively. The infection presented a seasonal tendency and it was mainly found on the group of children between 13 and 24 months old. The co-infection with virus producing respiratory infections, were uncommon. Paroxysmal cough, cyanosis and/or vomiting were predictors of the infection for Bordetella pertussis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: To deal with the re-emergence of whooping cough is important the knowledge of the regional epidemiological situation. This paper shows the situation of these infections in the regional clinical and epidemiological context, and makes the information available for health decision-making.

Silent dissemination of HTLV-1 in an endemic area of Argentina. Epidemiological and molecular evidence of intrafamilial transmission.

BACKGROUND: Molecular and epidemiological studies of transmission routes and risk factors for infection by HTLV-1 are extremely important in order to implement control measures, especially because of the high prevalence of HTLV-1 in several regions of the world. San Salvador de Jujuy, Northwest Argentina, is a highly endemic area for HTLV-1 and foci of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: To gain further insight into the role of intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 in a highly endemic region in Argentina. METHOD: Cross-sectional study in Northwest Argentina. Epidemiological data and blood samples were collected from 28 HTLV-1 infected subjects (index cases) and 92 close relatives/cohabitants. HTLV-1 infection was diagnosed by detection of antibodies and proviral DNA. The LTR region was sequenced and analyzed for genetic distances (VESPA software), in addition to determination and identification of polymorphisms to define HTLV-1 family signatures. RESULTS: Fifty seven of the 120 subjects enrolled had antibodies against HTLV-1 and were typified as HTLV-1 by PCR. The prevalence rate of HTLV-1 infection in family members of infected index cases was 31.52% (29/92). The infection was significantly associated with gender, age and prolonged lactation. Identity of LTR sequences and presence of polymorphisms revealed high prevalence of mother-to-child and interspousal transmission of HTLV-1 among these families. CONCLUSION: There is an ongoing and silent transmission of HTLV-1 through vertical and sexual routes within family clusters in Northwest Argentina. This evidence highlights that HTLV-1 infection should be considered as a matter of public health in Argentina, in order to introduce preventive measures as prenatal screening and breastfeeding control.

Caracterización de la infección por Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella spp. y coqueluche en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina / Features of Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella spp. infection and whopping cough in Córdoba province, Argentina

Introduction: Whooping cough is a re-emerging infection in the world and Latin America. Objective: It was considered relevant to investigate the clinical and epidemiological profile of Bordetella spp. and Bordetella pertussis infection in Córdoba province, Argentina; evaluating, at the same time, the co-infection with virus producing respiratory infections that may be confused with whooping cough. Material and Methods: All whooping cough suspected cases were studied by Polimerase Chain Reaction, amplifying the repeated insertion sequence (IS) 481 and the promoter gene encoding pertussis toxin, between 2011 and 2013. The data were obtained from the clinical and epidemiological records. Results: From 2,588 whooping cough suspected cases, 11.59% was infected by Bordetella spp. and 9.16% was confirmed as Bordetella pertussis infection. The rate of infection was 7.22 and 1.84 per 100,000 for 2011 and 2012, respectively. The infection presented a seasonal tendency and it was mainly found on the group of children between 13 and 24 months old. The co-infection with virus producing respiratory infections, were uncommon. Paroxysmal cough, cyanosis and/or vomiting were predictors of the infection for Bordetella pertussis. Discussion and Conclusions: To deal with the re-emergence of whooping cough is important the knowledge of the regional epidemiological situation. This paper shows the situation of these infections in the regional clinical and epidemiological context, and makes the information available for health decision-making.

Introducción: Coqueluche es una enfermedad reemergente en el mundo y en Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Resultó de interés caracterizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de la infección por Bordetella spp. y Bordetella pertussis en Córdoba, Argentina; evaluando además, la frecuencia de infecciones de etiología viral que, por cursar con un síndrome coqueluchoide (SC), pueden ser confundidas con cuadros de coqueluche. Material y Métodos: Los casos sospechosos de coqueluche, se estudiaron por reacción de polimerasa en cadena; amplificando la secuencia repetida de inserción (IS) 481 y la región promotora del gen de la toxina pertussis; entre 2011 y 2013. Los datos de los pacientes se obtuvieron de las fichas clínicoepidemiológicas. Resultados: De 2.588 pacientes, 11,59% presentó una infección por Bordetella spp. y en 9,16% se confirmó una infección por Bordetella pertussis. La tasa de infección fue 7,22 y 1,84 por 100.000 habitantes en 2011 y 2012, respectivamente. La infección presentó una tendencia estacional y se concentró principalmente en niños entre 13 y 24 meses. La tos paroxística, cianosis y/o vómitos fueron predictores de la infección por B. pertussis. La coinfección con virus productores de infecciones respiratorias fue poco frecuente. Discusión y Conclusiones: Es fundamental el conocimiento de la situación epidemiológica regional. Este trabajo presenta la situación de Córdoba y pone a disposición de la comunidad sanitaria la información para la toma de decisiones en el contexto clínico-epidemiológico regional.

Micosis superficiales: estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina / Superficial mycoses: retrospective cross-sectional study in the city of Córdoba, Argentina

Las micosis superficiales son enfermedades que afectan de forma frecuente al ser humano. En la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, existe muy poca información acerca de las mismas.Por tal motivo se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de corte transversal, con muestras de 2.855 pacientes, tomadas entre 2008 y 2009 en distintos tipos de centros asistenciales, con el fin de obtener datos epidemiológicos actualizados. Se incluyeron pacientesmayores de 15 años, de ambos sexos, residentes en la mencionada ciudad. El análisis estadístico se realizó con pruebas de bondad de ajuste chi cuadrado, con un nivel de significación del 5%. En los resultados se obtuvo un mayor porcentaje del sexo femenino enla concurrencia a laboratorios de micología, y la edad media fue de 44, 35 años. La topografía más frecuente en centros privados fueron las onicomicosis, mientras que en hospitales públicos se estudiaron con mayor frecuencia las afecciones de piel. Los estudiosmicológicos revelaron el 65,18% de exámenes directos con presencia de elementos fúngicos y en el 34,82% resultaron negativos. En hospitales públicos se detectó en el examendirecto el 15,72% de Malassezia spp., mientras que en centros privados el 7,89%. En los exámenes micológicos de cultivo se aislaron en mayor proporción dermatofitos del géneroTrichophyton,seguidos de levaduras no lipofílicas del género Candida. Por su parte, sedestacó que los pacientes que en mayor proporción asistieron a los centros asistenciales fueron de barrios cuyas necesidades básicas insatisfechas poseían un rango del 2,21% al 6,63%...

Estudio de micosis superficiales en la población de Villa del Prado, provincia de Córdoba, Argentina / Study of superficial mycoses in Villa del Prado population,province of Córdoba, Argentina

Las micosis superficiales son patologías frecuentes en la consulta dermatológica. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), alrededor del 20-25% de la población mundial padece micosis superficiales. Existe poca información de las mismas y en especial de zonas periurbanas. Nuestro objetivo fue obtener datos epidemiológicos acerca de las micosis superficiales e identificar sus agentes etiológicos que afectan piel, pelo y uñas en los pobladores de la comuna de Villa del Prado. El estudio fue descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 2 años, con lesiones cutáneas y anexialesque sugirieron micosis superficiales, excluyéndose menores de 2 años, con hepatopatía previa al estudio y embarazadas. El proyecto del área de Responsabilidad Social Universitaria se realizó en los períodos lectivos 2008-2010. Los pacientes fueron atendidosen el dispensario de esa localidad por médicos dermatólogos y residentes. Las bioquímicas micólogas con alumnos de 4º año de la carrera de Bioquímica indicaban la preparación para la toma de muestra y extracción de la misma. Los análisis micológicos se llevarona cabo por metodología clásica. Se realizaron 41 viajes a dicha comunidad, 248 consultas dermatológicas y se atendieron 142 pacientes. Se detectaron 22 pacientes con lesiones micológicas y 19 concurrieron a la toma de muestras. El examen directo resultó positivo en 14 de ellos, uno de los cuales fue Malassezia spp. Los cultivos dieron positivo en 14 pacientes, dos de ellos con dos agentes etiológicos. Se obtuvieron: cuatro Trichophyton rubrum, tres Trichophyton mentagrophytes, cinco Candida albicans, una Candida tropicalis, un Epidermophyton floccosum, un Trichophyton interdigitale y unMicrosporum canis. La mayoría de los aislamientos pertenece al grupo de los dermatofitos, en segundo lugar levaduras del género Candida, y se detectó Malassezia spp.

Superficial mycosis are common dermatologic complaints. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 20-25% of the world population suffers from superficial mycosis.There is little information about them especially in peri-urban areas. Our aim was toobtain epidemiological data about superficial mycosis and to identify their etiologicalagents affecting the skin, hair and nails in the population of Villa del Prado community.Our study was descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional. We included patients olderthan 2 years old presenting skin and adnexal lesions suggesting superficial mycosis.Children under 2 years of age, with previous hepatic disease and pregnant women were excluded. The University Social Responsibility project was carried out during 2008-2009-2010 school years. Patients were assisted in Villa del Prado health care center by dermatologists and medical residents. Biochemists specialized in Mycology indicated the preparationfor taking samples to their fourth year students of the Career in Biochemistry.Mycological analyses were performed following the classical methodology. The team went41 times to the community receiving 248 dermatologic consultations; 142 patients wereassisted. In 22 patients mycological lesions were detected; 19 of them went to sampletaking. Direct testing was positive in 14 patients, Malassezia spp being one of them. Cultures were positive in 14 patients, two of them with 2 aethiological agents. 4Trichophyton rubrum, 3 Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 5 Candida albicans, 1 Candida tropicalis,1 Epidermophyton floccosum, 1 Trichophyton interdigitale y 1 Microsporum canis wereobtained. Most isolates belong to the dermatophytes group followed by yeasts of thegenus Candida and Malassezia spp was also detected.

[Sensitivity of the COBAS AmpliScreen™ HIV-1 test v1.5 for HIV-1 detection]. / Sensibilidad del equipo Cobas AmpliScreen™ HIV-1 Test, v1.5, para la detección de HIV-1.

The introduction of nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) in blood banks was intended to reduce the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. Co-circulation of a great diversity of HIV-1 variants in Argentina portrays the need to assess the sensitivity of serological and molecular assays available for their detection. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of the COBAS AmpliScreen™ HIV-1 Test, version 1.5 (Roche) for the detection of HIV-1 RNA in plasma samples of infected individuals from Argentina. The results of this study reveal that this technique has high sensitivity for the detection of HIV-1 RNA under assay conditions: using mini-pool testing, pools ≥ 50 RNA copies per ml achieved ≥ 92 % sensitivity, whereas in the standard procedure, samples ≥ 207 RNA copies/ml achieved 100 % sensitivity. Moreover, the COBAS AmpliScreen™ HIV-1 Test, version 1.5 (Roche) is suitable for detecting prevailing HIV-1 variants.

Sensibilidad del equipo Cobas AmpliScreenTM HIV-1 Test, v1. 5, para la detección de HIV-1 / Sensitivity of the COBAS AmpliScreenTM HIV-1 Test v1.5 for HIV-1 detection

Las técnicas de amplificación de ácidos nucleicos (NAT) se incorporaron en los bancos de sangre para reducir el riesgo residual de transmisión de infecciones por vía transfusional. La cocirculación de distintas variantes del HIV-1 en Argentina indica la necesidad de evaluar la sensibilidad de los ensayos serológicos y moleculares disponibles para su detección. En este trabajo se evaluó la sensibilidad del equipo COBAS AmpliScreenTM HIV-1 Test, versión 1.5 (Roche), para detectar ARN viral en plasmas de individuos infectados con HIV-1 de Argentina. Los resultados demuestran que esta técnica tiene una alta sensibilidad para detectar ARN de HIV-1 en las condiciones ensayadas: para ensayo de mini-pooles (pooles ≥ 50 copias de ARN/ml), la sensibilidad fue ≥ 92 %, y para procedimiento estándar (plasmas ≥ 207 copias de ARN/ml), la sensibilidad fue 100 %. Además, la técnica COBAS AmpliScreenTM HIV-1 Test, versión 1.5 (Roche), es adecuada para la detección de las variantes de HIV-1 prevalentes

The introduction of nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) in blood banks was intended to reduce the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. Co-circulation of a great diversity of HIV-1 variants in Argentina portrays the need to assess the sensitivity of serological and molecular assays available for their detection. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of the COBAS AmpliScreenTM HIV-1 Test, version 1.5 (Roche) for the detection of HIV-1 RNA in plasma samples of infected individuals from Argentina. The results of this study reveal that this technique has high sensitivity for the detection of HIV-1 RNA under assay conditions: using mini-pool testing, pools ≥ 50 RNA copies per ml achieved ≥ 92 % sensitivity, whereas in the standard procedure, samples ≥ 207 RNA copies/ ml achieved 100 % sensitivity. Moreover, the COBAS AmpliScreenTM HIV-1 Test, version 1.5 (Roche) is suitable for detecting prevailing HIV-1 variants

[Seedlings growth and survival of five Acacia (Fabaceae) species that coexists in neotropical semi-arid forests of Argentina, under different light and water availability conditions]. / Crecimiento y supervivencia de plántulas de cinco especies de Acacia (Fabaceae), que coexisten en bosques secos neotropicales de argentina, en distintas condiciones de disponibilidad de luz y agua.

Seedlings growth and survival of five Acacia (Fabaceae) species that coexists in neotropical semi-arid forests of Argentina, under different light and water availability conditions. Seedling establishment is one of the most risky stages of plants, especially in arid and semiarid regions, where low water availability and high solar radiation influence its emergence, development and survival. In seasonally dry xerophytic forests occurring in North-Western Córdoba, central Argentina, five neotropical species of Acacia co-exist: A. aroma, A. caven, A. atramentaria, A. gilliesii and A. praecox. With the aim to evaluate growth variables and survival of these five species seedlings, in response to water stress and different light availability conditions, a greenhouse experiment was undertaken from March to June of 2010. Although small differences were found between species (F = 5.66, p = 0.001), all of them showed high percentages of seedling survival in response to different light and water treatments, suggesting that seedlings would be tolerant to water stress and could be established both in light and shade. On the other hand, although all species showed an increase in growth in light conditions and without water stress, we have found some trends towards a greater growth in the seedlings ofA. aroma, A. caven and A. atramentaria when compared to those of A. praecox and A. gilliessi in most of the variables considered (F = 41.9, p < 0.0001; F = 7.06, p < 0.0001; F = 53.59, p < 0.0001). This pattern was confirmed through a cluster analysis that classified the species in two main groups. These results, together with others already reported, would indicate a regenerative niche differentiation that might be favoring the regional coexistence of these five species in semiarid forests in central Argentina.

Crecimiento y supervivencia de plántulas de cinco especies de Acacia (Fabaceae), que coexisten en bosques secos neotropicales de Argentina, en distintas condiciones de disponibilidad de luz y agua / Seedlings growth and survival of five Acacia (Fabaceae) species that coexists in neotropical semiarid forests of Argentina, under different light and water availability conditions

Seedling establishment is one of the most risky stages of plants, especially in arid and semiarid regions, where low water availability and high solar radiation influence its emergence, development and survival. In seasonally dry xerophytic forests occurring in North-Western Córdoba, central Argentina, five neotropical species of Acacia co-exist: A. aroma, A. caven, A. atramentaria, A. gilliesii and A. praecox. With the aim to evaluate growth variables and survival of these five species seedlings, in response to water stress and different light availability conditions, a greenhouse experiment was undertaken from March to June of 2010. Although small differences were found between species (F=5.66, p=0.001), all of them showed high percentages of seedling survival in response to different light and water treatments, suggesting that seedlings would be tolerant to water stress and could be established both in light and shade. On the other hand, although all species showed an increase in growth in light conditions and without water stress, we have found some trends towards a greater growth in the seedlings of A. aroma, A. caven and A. atramentaria when compared to those of A. praecox and A. gilliessi in most of the variables considered (F=41.9, p<0.0001; F=7.06, p<0.0001; F=53.59, p<0.0001). This pattern was confirmed through a cluster analysis that classified the species in two main groups. These results, together with others already reported, would indicate a regenerative niche differentiation that might be favoring the regional coexistence of these five species in semiarid forests in central Argentina.

El establecimiento de la plántula es una de las etapas más riesgosas para las plantas, especialmente en zonas áridas y semiáridas donde la sequía y alta radiación solar influyen sobre su emergencia, desarrollo y supervivencia. Se evaluó en invernadero la supervivencia y variables de crecimiento en plántulas sometidas a estrés hídrico y a distintas condiciones de luz, en cinco especies de Acacia (A. aroma, A. caven, A. atramentaria, A. gilliesii y A. praecox) que coexisten en los bosques xerófilos de Córdoba, Argentina. Aunque se encontraron diferencias entre las especies (F=5.66, p=0.001), todas tuvieron altos porcentajes de supervivencia en las distintas condiciones de luz y agua, sugiriendo que serían tolerantes al estrés hídrico y podrían establecerse bajo luz o sombra. Si bien todas las especies mejoraron el crecimiento con luz y sin estrés hídrico, A. aroma, A. caven y A. atramentaria mostraron una tendencia hacia un mayor crecimiento en la mayoría de las variables consideradas (F=41.9, p<0.0001; F=7.06, p<0.0001; F=53.59, p<0.0001). Estos resultados sumados a otros ya reportados indicarían una diferenciación de nichos regenerativos favoreciendo la coexistencia regional de estas especies en los bosques xerófilos de Córdoba.