The spatiotemporal stability of plant diversity is disconnected from biomass stability in response to human activities in a South American temperate grassland.

Human activities alter biomass, nutrient availability, and species dominance in grasslands, impacting their richness, composition, and biomass production. Stability (invariability in time or space) can inform the predictability of plant communities in response to human activities. However, this measure has been simplistically analyzed for temporal (interannual) changes in live biomass, disregarding their spatial stability and the temporal stability of other plant community attributes. Moreover, the simultaneous analysis of temporal and spatial stabilities of plant communities has been scarcely assessed. Here, we test how biomass removal and nutrient addition simultaneously modify the temporal and spatial stabilities of plant richness (α diversity), composition dissimilarity (ß diversity), aboveground live biomass, and the role of plant species dominance in the stability responses. We conducted a factorial experiment of biomass removal (grazing, mowing, or intact -no removal-) and nutrient addition (unfertilized or fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in a temperate grassland of Argentina, South America. We replicated the experiment in 6 blocks over 10 years to estimate the temporal and spatial stabilities of the plant community. The spatiotemporal stability of plant richness and composition dissimilarity decreased in the intact grassland, while the temporal stability of live biomass increased, compared to the grazed and mowed grasslands. Nutrient addition reduced the spatiotemporal stability of live biomass and the spatial stability of plant richness. The stabilities of species richness as well as that of composition dissimilarity were negatively associated with plant dominance, while the live biomass stability was not. Our results suggest that simplifying the effect of biomass removal and nutrient addition on grassland stability is not feasible, as plant diversity stability responses are not surrogates for biomass stability. The contrasting spatiotemporal stability responses of plant diversity and biomass represent a step forward in predicting human activities' impact over time and across space in temperate grasslands.

Antibodies to variable surface antigens induce antigenic variation in the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia.

The genomes of most protozoa encode families of variant surface antigens. In some parasitic microorganisms, it has been demonstrated that mutually exclusive changes in the expression of these antigens allow parasites to evade the host's immune response. It is widely assumed that antigenic variation in protozoan parasites is accomplished by the spontaneous appearance within the population of cells expressing antigenic variants that escape antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. Here we show, both in vitro and in animal infections, that antibodies to Variant-specific Surface Proteins (VSPs) of the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia are not cytotoxic, inducing instead VSP clustering into liquid-ordered phase membrane microdomains that trigger a massive release of microvesicles carrying the original VSP and switch in expression to different VSPs by a calcium-dependent mechanism. This novel mechanism of surface antigen clearance throughout its release into microvesicles coupled to the stochastic induction of new phenotypic variants not only changes current paradigms of antigenic switching but also provides a new framework for understanding the course of protozoan infections as a host/parasite adaptive process.

Políticas alimentarias destinadas a infancias vulnerables durante el aislamiento por COVID-19 en Mendoza, Argentina / Food policies for vulnerable children during COVID-19 lockdown in Mendoza, Argentina

RESUMEN Objetivo Indagar los modos en que las familias y referentes sociales adoptaron diferentes políticas para enfrentar la inseguridad alimentaria de infancias vulnerables de la provincia argentina de Mendoza durante el aislamiento por COVID-19. Método Estudio exploratorio y cualitativo. La muestra intencional incluyó a adultos responsables de la alimentación de niños y adolescentes que residen en hogares que registraban inseguridad alimentaria antes de la pandemia. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas (abril a junio 2021) a madres y/o abuelas (n:27) y a referentes sociales (n:15). El análisis de la información se orientó por el método de comparación constante de Glaser y Strauss. Resultados Los adultos participantes de la investigación trabajan en la economía informal. Ante la crisis económica que desencadenó el aislamiento dispuesto por el Gobierno para prevenir el COVID-19, activaron redes de ayuda entre vecinos y organizaciones comunitarias en todos los espacios sociales estudiados. Comedores y merenderos barriales mantuvieron e incrementaron sus actividades en pandemia. En general, la alimentación entregada por el estado provincial y nacional fue poco variada y se focalizó en alimentos no perecederos. Las transferencias monetarias ampliaron las opciones de acceso a la alimentación de los niños. Conclusiones Las políticas públicas implementadas para enfrentar la inseguridad alimentaria de las infancias en pandemia fueron significativas para las familias y referentes sociales entrevistadas. Sin embargo, manifiestan reparos que deberían contemplarse, de modo tal que el diseño de futuras políticas tenga en cuenta la subjetividad de sus destinatarios y fortalezca iniciativas y esfuerzos de las organizaciones barriales.

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate how families and social referents adopted different policies to deal with food insecurity suffered by children under vulnerable circumstances during the COVID-19 isolation in the Province of Mendoza, Argentina. Methods Exploratory and qualitative study. The intentional sample included adults responsible for feeding children and adolescents who reside in vulnerable neighbourhoods of Mendoza -in households that had food insecurity before the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews (April to June 2021) were conducted with mothers or grandmothers (n:27) and social referents (n:15). The analysis was guided by Glaser and Strauss' method of constant comparison. Results Adults in the families' work in the informal economy. In the face of the health and economic crisis, support networks were established between neighbours, families, and community organizations in all the social spaces studied. All dining rooms maintained their activities during the pandemic. The assessment of direct food assistance, through the delivery of bags of dry food, was of significant help. Generally, the food provided by the state, provincial and national levels was not very varied and focused on non-perishable foods. Monetary transfers extended the options for children's access to food. Conclusions Public policies implemented by the state to face food insecurity suffered by children during the pandemic were important for families and the social references interviewed. However, they expressed objections that should be considered so that the design of future policies considers the subjectivity of their recipients and strengthens the initiatives and efforts of community-based organizations.

El papel de los comedores y merenderos sociales en la alimentación de infancias pertenecientes a familias vulnerables durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en la provincia de Mendoza, Argentina

Objetivo: Caracterizar el papel de comedores y merenderos barriales de Mendoza (Argentina) en la alimentación de infancias vulnerables durante la pandemia y comparar iniciativas gestionadas por movimientos sociales, por agrupaciones vecinales y en espacios gubernamentales. Metodología: Estudio exploratorio cualitativo con base en una muestra intencional de informantes de barrios de Gran Mendoza y Gran San Rafael con inseguridad alimentaria. Se realizaron 16 entrevistas semiestructuradas a referentes sociales, a docentes y a personal de salud entre abril y agosto de 2021. Para analizar la información se utilizó el método de comparación constante. Resultados: Comedores y merenderos difieren en la previsibilidad de recursos para proveer alimentos según sus vinculaciones con las políticas de asistencia alimentaria directa implementadas antes y durante la pandemia. Todos los espacios están a cargo de mujeres, utilizan estrategias similares para adquirir mercaderías y ofrecen preparaciones semejantes contemplando disponibilidad de insumos y preferencias de los comensales. Conclusión: Las iniciativas comunitarias contribuyeron a sostener la alimentación de niños y adolescentes de familias ligadas a la economía informal que recurrieron a ellas en razón de la merma de ingresos por efecto del aislamiento. No se identifican diferencias relevantes en los menús ofrecidos entre comedores y merenderos gestionados por movimientos sociales y en los de tipo autogestivo, vecinal. Las experiencias organizativas de comensalidad barrial, el apoyo de vecinos y relaciones de confianza previamente construidas con donantes externos fueron clave para sostener la entrega de raciones y el cuidado de personas aisladas.

The aims of the study are to characterize the role of various types of community dining centers located in the Argentinian province of Mendoza in feeding vulnerable children during the pandemic and to compare initiatives coming from social movements that facilitate the state's food assistance to the ones managed by self-directed neighborhood associations and those of governmental spaces. The methodology is qualitative and exploratory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 informants from neighborhoods located in Gran Mendoza and Gran San Rafael with food insecurity between April and August 2021. A constant comparative method was used to analyze the information. Results: There were differences in the predictability of resources to provide food between community dining centers which related to their connections with direct food assistance policies implemented before and during the pandemic. Shared characteristics included women being in charge and the deployment of combined strategies of obtaining resources to deal with higher food demand. The food offered was similar and subject to the availability of supplies and diners' preferences. Conclusion: Community initiatives contributed to sustaining the nutrition of children and teenagers from families working in the informal economy that utilized them due to isolation-related salary cuts. No relevant differences were found between menus offered in dining centers managed by social movements and the self-managed, neighborhood-based ones. The management experiences of neighborhood associations, the support of neighbors, and previously built relationships of trust with donors and external organizations were key to upholding the delivery of rations and care of isolated people.

Comprehensive characterization of Cysteine-rich protein-coding genes of Giardia lamblia and their role during antigenic variation.

Giardia lamblia encodes several families of cysteine-rich proteins, including the Variant-specific Surface Proteins (VSPs) involved in the process of antigenic variation. Their characteristics, definition and relationships are still controversial. An exhaustive analysis of the Cys-rich families including organization, features, evolution and levels of expression was performed, by combining pattern searches and predictions with massive sequencing techniques. Thus, a new classification for Cys-rich proteins, genes and pseudogenes that better describes their involvement in Giardia's biology is presented. Moreover, three novel characteristics exclusive to the VSP genes, comprising an Initiator element/Kozak-like sequence, an extended polyadenylation signal and a unique pattern of mutually exclusive transcript accumulation are presented, as well as the finding that High Cysteine Membrane Proteins, upregulated under stress, may protect the parasite during VSP switching. These results allow better interpretation of previous reports providing the basis for further studies of the biology of this early-branching eukaryote.

A Thermostable Oral SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Induces Mucosal and Protective Immunity.

An ideal protective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 should not only be effective in preventing disease, but also in preventing virus transmission. It should also be well accepted by the population and have a simple logistic chain. To fulfill these criteria, we developed a thermostable, orally administered vaccine that can induce a robust mucosal neutralizing immune response. We used our platform based on retrovirus-derived enveloped virus-like particles (eVLPs) harnessed with variable surface proteins (VSPs) from the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia, affording them resistance to degradation and the triggering of robust mucosal cellular and antibody immune responses after oral administration. We made eVLPs expressing various forms of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S), with or without membrane protein (M) expression. We found that prime-boost administration of VSP-decorated eVLPs expressing a pre-fusion stabilized form of S and M triggers robust mucosal responses against SARS-CoV-2 in mice and hamsters, which translate into complete protection from a viral challenge. Moreover, they dramatically boosted the IgA mucosal response of intramuscularly injected vaccines. We conclude that our thermostable orally administered eVLP vaccine could be a valuable addition to the current arsenal against SARS-CoV-2, in a stand-alone prime-boost vaccination strategy or as a boost for existing vaccines.

Species loss due to nutrient addition increases with spatial scale in global grasslands.

The effects of altered nutrient supplies and herbivore density on species diversity vary with spatial scale, because coexistence mechanisms are scale dependent. This scale dependence may alter the shape of the species-area relationship (SAR), which can be described by changes in species richness (S) as a power function of the sample area (A): S = cAz , where c and z are constants. We analysed the effects of experimental manipulations of nutrient supply and herbivore density on species richness across a range of scales (0.01-75 m2 ) at 30 grasslands in 10 countries. We found that nutrient addition reduced the number of species that could co-occur locally, indicated by the SAR intercepts (log c), but did not affect the SAR slopes (z). As a result, proportional species loss due to nutrient enrichment was largely unchanged across sampling scales, whereas total species loss increased over threefold across our range of sampling scales.

S3 and Recovery and Resilience Funds: A Case Study Built on the Experience of 10 Spanish Regions.

The EU's response to the COVID-19 crisis, namely the approval of the Next Generation package, provides an opportunity to explore to what extent the existing Smart Specialisation regional strategies and related ecosystems have been taken into account in the highly relevant territorial context in which the national Recovery Plans have been designed. According to our results the potential of the Smart Specialisation approach (S3) in relation with its place-based strategic prioritisation may have been overlooked in the process. The research is based on a desk review of relevant documents and recent literature in this field; followed by semi-structured interviews with regional planners and practitioners from 10 Spanish regions (autonomous communities); complemented, in a second phase, by the organisation of a focus group to validate the initial results. During our research we identified the main contributions that the Smart Specialisation approach has so far made to the regions (mainly in terms of participative governance and creation of regional ecosystems); and the unanimous perception shared by all the practitioners interviewed that the S3 approach has led to a change of vision in public intervention. However, all of the interviewed regions have confirmed that the drafting of the national recovery and resilience plan lacked an ex-ante alignment with the regional S3 strategies, and failed to consider the existing regional S3 ecosystems. The separation of the recovery logic (based on the operation of public consultations at national level to identify strategic projects) from the S3 logic (based on a strategic prioritisation exercise conducted by each regional ecosystem) confirms that an opportunity may have been missed in the recovery planning process to consolidate the multi-actor, multilevel and place-based S3 approach. Although there is a certain degree of disappointment among regional practitioners as a result of this misalignment, the majority of them believe in the possibility of an ex-post alignment between the two processes, that can protect existing regional shared visions. However, without clear recognition of the S3 ecosystems and the S3 managing bodies, the significant role that Smart Specialisation could play in the recovery process may be at risk.

Caracterización epidemiológica de las personas con discapacidades de los establecimientos de salud de Primer Nivel de Atención de SIBASI Norte, período de enero a diciembre 2014-2018 / Epidemiological characterization of people with disabilities of the First Level of Care health establishments in SIBASI North, period from January to December 2014-2018

Propósito: proporcionar elementos para una propuesta de intervención en salud, con un enfoque social, integral e integrado; fortaleciendo el trajo en la red de servicios de salud, con la participación activa de la familia y de personas identificadas con algún tipo de discapacidad, con un fuerte enfoque de inclusión. Materiales y método: es descriptivo y de corte transversal porque no se estableció relación de causa y efecto entre los factores sociodemográficos, socioculturales y características epidemiológicas que contribuyen a las discapacidades. Resultados: el 50% de la población con discapacidad es analfabeta, el mayor porcentaje solamente desarrolla un oficio para la supervivencia, el 50% de las personas discapacitadas tiene algún familiar que ha migrado a otro país, principalmente Estados Unidos, en su mayoría practican el catolicismo, viven en núcleo familiar pequeño; el 40% padece de Hipertensión o Diabetes Mellitus, del total de mujeres discapacitadas (100), el 50% se ha tomado su prueba de Papanicolau. Conclusiones: las personas con discapacidad son analfabetas en un 50%, el mayor porcentaje es desempleada por su misma condición de discapacidad; la principal discapacidad es la Física. El mayor porcentaje de discapacitados consultan en los establecimientos de Primer Nivel de Atención del Ministerio de Salud. Recomendaciones: posicionar el tema de las Discapacidades en la agenda de CISALUD (Comité Intersectorial de Salud), ya que es un tema que no solamente le corresponde a salud

Caracterización epidemiológica de las personas con descapacidades de los establecimientos de salud de primer nivel de atención de SIBASI Norte, periodo de Enero a Diciembre 2014-2018 / Epidemiological characterization of people with disabilities in the first level healthcare facilities of SIBASI Norte, period from January to December 2014-2018

Se proporcionan elementos para una propuesta de intervención en salud, con un enfoque social, integral e integrado; fortaleciendo el trabajo en la red de servicios de salud, con la participación activa de la familia y de personas identificadas con algún tipo de discapacidad, con un fuerte enfoque de inclusión.

Autogestión hospitalaria y cambios en el modelo asistencial. los médicos en la implementación de la experiencia en Mendoza, Argentina / Hospital self-management and changes in the care model. physicians in the implementation of the policy in Mendoza, Argentina

PROPÓSITO: Comprender y analizar el papel de los médicos en la implementación del modelo asistencial delineado en la política de descentralización hospitalaria en Mendoza, Argentina, entre 1990 y 2015. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio cualitativo, orientado por constructivismo, realizándose 30 entrevistas semiestructuradas a una muestra intencional de médicos en posiciones estratégicas en el Ministerio de Salud y en seis hospitales descentralizados de alta y mediana complejidad. Los datos se analizaron en base al Framework Analysis. RESULTADOS: Los relatos reflejan que la fijación de prioridades asistenciales de los hospitales está más influenciada por la capacidad de negociación de jefes médicos y directivos que por criterios sanitarios delineados desde el gobierno central. El modelo de cuidados progresivos afecta dispositivos tradicionales de socialización médica, como las revistas de sala. El trabajo en redes asistenciales es visualizado como responsabilidad del hospital por entrevistados de los centros menos complejos. En contraste, desde los grandes centros se concibe que la coordinación con atención primaria es competencia ministerial. La estandarización clínica es legitimada cuando los procedimientos se construyen de manera participativa. Si bien convive con sistemas promovidos por la administración, la vigilancia de las buenas prácticas se dirime en espacios de la profesión. CONCLUSIONES: Las creencias compartidas, fruto de la socialización profesional, operan como filtros a partir de los cuales los médicos en posiciones relevantes adoptan y/o adaptan valores e instrumentos del modelo asistencial que subyace a la descentralización hospitalaria. Las herramientas gestionarias que le son inherentes conviven pero no eliminan formas de autogobierno arraigadas en los servicios.

PURPOSE: To understand and analyze the role of physicians in the implementation of the care model outlined in the hospital decentralization policy in Mendoza, Argentina, between 1990 and 2015. METHODOLOGY: A qualitative study, with a constructivist approach, was conducted. A total of 30 semi-structured interviews were carried out with an intentional sample of physicians in strategic positions in the Ministry of Health and from six decentralized high- and medium-complexity hospitals. Data were analyzed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS: Participants' account indicate that the setting of healthcare priorities for hospitals is more influenced by the negotiation capacity of medical and administrative directors than by sanitary criteria delineated by the central government. The coordination of healthcare networks is seen as a responsibility of the hospital by interviewees from less complex centers. In contrast, those interviewed from high complexity hospitals view the coordination effort with primary care as a ministerial responsibility. Clinical standardization is legitimized when it is constructed in a participatory manner. Best practices monitoring, while promoted by administrative systems, is ultimately resolved in clinical medical spaces. CONCLUSIONS: Shared beliefs, which are the result of professional socialization, operate as criteria by which physicians in relevant positions adopt and / or adapt values and instruments of the care model that underlies hospital decentralization. The management tools that are inherent to it coexist but do not eliminate forms of self-government rooted in services.

Development of phytotoxicity indexes and their correlation with ecotoxicological, stability and physicochemical parameters during passive composting of poultry manure.

Both raw and composted poultry manure is applied as soil amendment. The aims of this study were: (1) to develop phytotoxicity indexes for organic wastes and composts, and (2) to assess the correlation among phytotoxicity indexes, ecotoxicological endpoints and stability and physicochemical parameters during passive composting of poultry manure. Six 2-m(3) composting piles were constructed and four parameter groups (physicochemical and microbiological parameters, ecotoxicological endpoints, and biological activity) were determined at four sampling times during 92days. Extracts were used to carry out acute toxicity tests on Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa and Raphanus sativus. Composting decreased average toxicity 22.8% for the 3 species and D. magna was the most sensitive species. The static respiration index decreased from 1.12 to 0.46mgO2gOMh(-1) whilst organic matter reduced by 64.1% at the end of the process. Escherichia coli colonies remained higher than values recommended by international guidelines. The D. magna immobilization test allowed the assessment of possible leachate or run-off toxicity. The new phytotoxicity indexes (RGIC0.8 and GIC80%), proposed in this study, as well as salinity, proved to be good maturity indicators. Hence, these phytotoxicity indexes could be implemented in monitoring strategies as useful ecotoxicological tools. Multivariate analyses demonstrated positive correlations between ecotoxicological endpoints (low toxicity) and biological activity (stability). These two parameter groups were associated at the final sampling time and showed negative correlations with several physicochemical parameters (organic and inorganic contents). The final poultry manure compost was rendered stable, but immature and, thus, unsuitable for soil amending.

Factores prenatales que contribuyen a la prematurez y bajo peso al nacer, del SIBASI Chalatenango, julio a diciembre del 2015 / Prenatal factors that contribute to prematurity and low birth weight, from SIBASI Chalatenango, July to December 2015

Propósito: Incidir en la prevención de nacimientos de niños/as con prematurez y bajo peso; a través de acciones operativas enfocadas a combatir los factores contribuyentes identificados. Material y método: Es descriptivo y de corte transversal porque no se estableció relación de causa y efecto entre los factores prenatales que contribuyen a la prematurez y bajo peso al nacer. Resultados: La edad materna, determinó que el mayor riesgo de dar a luz a un prematuro se dio en extremos de la vida (menores de 19 y mayores de 35 años). Las infecciones de vías urinarias durante el embarazo, determinó que en un 74% está relacionado con prematurez y bajo peso al nacer. Se demostró que solo 6 de 50 embarazadas, presentaron antecedentes de enfermedades médicas asociadas. Conclusiones: El estudio de los factores demográfico- sociales refleja que las edades en extremos de la vida son un factor predominante así como el habitar en áreas rurales, el bajo nivel educativo materno, la inestabilidad en el estado civil con su pareja, son influyentes en el bajo peso al nacer, así como a la prematurez En lo relacionado al personal de salud según sus consideraciones la prematurez y bajo peso tienen un impacto económico en las familias y por ende en nuestra sociedad. Recomendaciones: Reorientar las acciones de salud enfocadas en la prevención y sobre todo en grupos de riesgo con las embarazadas, es importante no dejar de lado el trato humanizado y a su vez el cumplimiento estricto de lineamientos establecidos; continuar monitoreando las diferentes atenciones brindadas en los diferentes niveles.