First detection of V410L kdr mutation in Aedes aegypti populations of Argentina supported by toxicological evidence.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti (L.) is the main vector of dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in many parts of the world, impacting millions of people worldwide each year. Insecticide-based interventions have been effective in controlling Aedes mosquito populations for several years, but in recent times, resistance to these compounds has developed, posing a global threat to the control of this mosquito. METHODS: Ovitraps were used to collect A. aegypti eggs in the cities of Tartagal and San Ramón de la Nueva Orán (Salta), Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), and Clorinda (Formosa). World Health Organization (WHO)-impregnated papers with the discriminating concentration (DC) of permethrin, 5X, 10X and pirimiphos methyl were used for the toxicological bioassays. We also genotyped each sample for the three kdr single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): V410L, V1016I, and F1534C in individual TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) reactions. RESULTS: All investigated A. aegypti populations were highly resistant to permethrin, as the mortality percentage with the permethrin 10×DC remained below 98%. However, all populations were 100% susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl. Kdr genotyping demonstrated the presence of the V410L mutation for the first time in Argentina in all the populations studied. A prevalence of the triple mutant genotype (LL + II + CC) was observed in the northeastern cities of Clorinda (83.3%) and Puerto Iguazú (55.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the presence and intensity of resistance to permethrin in different populations from Argentina, and correlates the observed phenotype with the presence of kdr mutations (genotype).

Programs to improve body image in adolescents: A systematic review / Programas para mejorar la imagen corporal en adolescentes: una revisión sistemática

Abstract Objective: To examine the intervention programs that have been conducted on body image in adolescents. Materials and methods: The PRISMA statement was used in this review. The search for studies was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE-ProQuest, and EBSCO databases from January 1, 2017, to January 25, 2022. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Results: Eight studies were included, most of which had a strong methodological quality. The results obtained after the implementation of the programs reflected favorable changes in body image and body satisfaction for adolescents between 11 and 18 years old, only for five studies. Additionally, five studies maintained the same changes at follow-up. Conclusions: Findings from this review allow us to conclude that intervention programs are a safe and effective way to influence adolescent body image.

Resumen Objetivo: Examinar los programas de intervención que se han realizado sobre imagen corporal en adolescentes. Materiales y métodos: En esta revisión se utilizó la declaración PRISMA. La búsqueda de los estudios se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE-ProQuest y EBSCO, a partir del 1 enero de 2017 hasta el 25 de enero de 2022. La calidad metodológica se evaluó a través de la Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, desarrollada por el Effective Public Health Practice Project. Resultados: Se incluyeron ocho estudios, de los cuales la mayoría tuvo una calidad metodológica fuerte. Los resultados obtenidos después de la implementación de los programas reflejaron cambios favorables en la imagen corporal y en satisfacción corporal para los adolescentes de entre 11 y 18 años, solo para cinco estudios. Adicionalmente, cinco estudios mantuvieron en el seguimiento los mismos cambios. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de esta revisión nos permiten concluir que los programas de intervención, constituyen una forma segura y eficaz de incidir en la imagen corporal de los adolescentes.

Risk Stratification to Guide Prevention and Control Strategies for Arboviruses Transmitted by Aedes aegypti.

Strategies for the prevention of arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti have traditionally focused on vector control. This remains the same to this day, despite a lack of documented evidence on its efficacy due to a lack of coverage and sustainability. The continuous growth of urban areas and generally unplanned urbanization, which favor the presence of Ae. aegypti, demand resources, both material and human, as well as logistics to effectively lower the population's risk of infection. These considerations have motivated the development of tools to identify areas with a recurrent concentration of arboviral cases during an outbreak to be able to prioritize preventive actions and optimize available resources. This study explores the existence of spatial patterns of dengue incidence in the locality of Tartagal, in northeastern Argentina, during the outbreaks that occurred between 2010 and 2020. Approximately half (50.8%) of the cases recorded during this period were concentrated in 35.9% of the urban area. Additionally, an important overlap was found between hotspot areas of dengue and chikungunya (Kendall's W = 0.92; p-value < 0.001) during the 2016 outbreak. Moreover, 65.9% of the cases recorded in 2022 were geolocalized within the hotspot areas detected between 2010 and 2020. These results can be used to generate a risk map to implement timely preventive control strategies that prioritize these areas to reduce their vulnerability while optimizing the available resources and increasing the scope of action.

Alfabetización en medios para promover la satisfacción corporal y la alimentación saludable en adolescentes / Media literacy to promote body satisfaction and healthy eating in adolescents

Resumen Este estudio evaluó la eficacia de un programa de alfabetización en medios (AM) para promover la satisfacción corporal y la alimentación saludable en adolescentes de 12 a 15 años de edad. Es un estudio cuantitativo, cuasiexperimental y longitudinal, con preprueba y postprueba. Participaron 30 mujeres adolescentes de 12-15 años de edad, asignadas aleatoriamente a una de dos condiciones: programa de AM (n = 16) y grupo control en lista de espera (n = 14). Las participantes completaron, en preprueba y postprueba, el Cuestionario de Actitudes hacia la Apariencia Física (SATAQ-3), el Cuestionario de Evitación de la Imagen Corporal (BIAQ) y el Cuestionario de Comportamiento Alimentario (CCA). Hubo una disminución en las puntuaciones obtenidas por el grupo con intervención. Las participantes reportaron comparar menos su cuerpo con relación al cuerpo de las personas que son atléticas (F = 4.17, p = .05), las participantes también consideraron, al finalizar la intervención, que las personas famosas no son una fuente importante de información sobre la moda y sobre cómo ser atractiva (F = 6.87, p = .01). Los programas de AM son herramientas socioeducativas útiles para prevenir la insatisfacción corporal y los comportamientos alimentarios de riesgo, así como para promover conductas saludables.

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of a media literacy (ML) program to promote body satisfaction and healthy eating in adolescents from 12 to 15 years old. The study is quantitative, quasi-experimental and longitudinal study, with pre-test and final post-test. Participated 30 female adolescents aged from 12 to 15 years old, randomly assigned to one of two conditions: ML program (n = 16) and control group on the waiting list (n = 14), who answered the Attitudes to the Physical Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-3), the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ) and the Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CCA). The participants reported comparing their body less with respect to the body of people who are athletic (F = 4.17, p = .05), the participants also considered, at the end of the intervention, that famous people are not an important source of information about fashion and how to be attractive (F = 6.87, p = .01). ML programs are useful socio-educational tools to prevent problems such as dissatisfaction with body image and risky eating behaviors, or to promote healthy behaviors.

Funcionamiento Cognoscitivo en Usuarios de Esteroides Anabólico-Androgénicos: Revisión Sistemática / Cognitive Performance in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users: A Systematic Review

Resumen El consumo de sustancias esteroides anabólico-androgénicas (EAA) no se limita a su uso en el deporte profesional, actualmente se ha extendido a usuarios de gimnasio que practican deporte con fines estéticos. Sin embargo, poco se sabe de sus consecuencias en el funcionamiento cognoscitivo por su consumo prolongado y en dosis elevadas. Por lo tanto, se realizó una revisión sistemática de los estudios llevados a cabo durante la última década (2011-2021). Fueron incluidos siete artículos para su revisión de los que se destaca que, los usuarios de gimnasio de consumo prolongado o dependiente a sustancias EAA presentan déficits en ciertas funciones cognoscitivas (memoria y funciones ejecutivas) en comparación con usuarios no consumidores, consumidores a corto plazo o no dependientes. Aunque es necesario que se lleven a cabo investigaciones que realicen una evaluación integral de los diferentes procesos cognoscitivos, los resultados de estos estudios ofrecen evidencia importante para que profesionales de la salud, ciencias del deporte, entrenadores fitness o deportivos, usuarios de gimnasio y el público en general puedan atender, intervenir o prevenir las posibles consecuencias.

Abstract The consumption of anabolic-androgenic steroid substances (AAS) is not limited to use in professional sports, it has now been extended to gym users who practice sports for aesthetic purposes. However, little is known about its consequences on cognitive function due to its prolonged consumption and in high doses. Therefore, a systematic review of the studies carried out during the last decade (2011-2021) was carried out. Seven articles were included for review, highlighting that gym users with long-term or substance-dependent use of AAS presenting deficits in certain cognitive functions (memory and executive functions) compared to non-users, short-term users, or not dependents. Although more research is needed on the comprehensive evaluation of the different cognitive processes, the results of these studies offer important evidence so that health professionals, sport sciences, fitness or sports trainers, gym users and the public in general can attend to, intervene or prevent possible consequences.

Learning-by-Teaching Approach Improves Dengue Knowledge in Children and Parents.

There is narrow evidence on which strategies are most effective for disseminating information on dengue prevention. This is particularly relevant because social habits have a great prevention capacity for dengue. We investigated how effective are children as health educators, and how much they learn as they teach. We recruited 142 children and 97 parents in Argentina's tropical area for two cluster randomized parallel trials. In Study 1, we compared the dynamics of dengue knowledge of 10-year-old children who-after receiving a dengue talk-1) listened to an unrelated topic; 2) read a booklet with information about dengue, 3) taught their parents about dengue, or 4) taught their parents about dengue, using the booklet. In Study 2, we assessed whether the parents' dengue knowledge changed after interacting with their children, in comparison with parents learning about dengue from an expert or about an unrelated topic. Children that taught their parents what they learned, using a booklet, showed 2.53 more correct responses (95% CI [0.20, 4.85]; P = 0.027) than children who listened to an unrelated topic. This style of teaching also serves to effectively propagate knowledge: parents learned from their children the same as from an expert; and significantly more than parents who learned about an unrelated topic. Parents learned from their children even if they were taught with booklets (1.49, 95% CI [0.01, 2.96]; P = 0.048) or without (1.94, 95% CI [0.44, 3.44]; P = 0.006). Specifically, after being taught by their children, parents showed on average 1.49 (if they were taught with a booklet) and 1.94 (without booklet) more correct responses than parents that learned about an unrelated topic. The simple action of prompting children to teach consolidated their own knowledge and broadcasted it effectively to their parents. This strategy is a potential low to no-cost method for sharing information about dengue prevention.

El conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos y la conducta sexual en jóvenes universitarios / Knowledge about contraceptive methods and sexual behavior in young university students / O conhecimento sobre métodos anticonceptivos e a conduta sexual em jovens universitários

Resumen Introducción: En México los embarazos no planificados se presentan entre 30% y 60% en adolescentes. Esta problemática permea a todos los grupos de la sociedad observándose aún en las universidades. La Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México ha realizado acciones preventivas; sin embargo, en cinco años, el número de embarazos en las estudiantes incrementó en un plantel de la zona oriente, por lo que se propuso evaluar el conocimiento sobre métodos de planificación familiar y conducta sexual que tienen los estudiantes universitarios. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo transversal realizado en 2018. La muestra no probabilística estuvo integrada por 224 alumnos de ciencias sociales del nivel superior de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, quienes dieron su consentimiento informado. Se les aplicó un cuestionario de 32 ítems a través del cual se evaluó conocimiento sobre métodos de planificación familiar y conductas sexuales que tenían. Resultados: 51% informaron recibir información sobre métodos de planificación familiar entre 13 y 17 años, proviniendo de su profesor(a). 69% de los estudiantes reportaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales; de los cuales 97% respondieron que antes de ingresar al nivel superior recibieron la información sobre métodos anticonceptivos. Actualmente 45% no utiliza algún método anticonceptivo, 49% declararon haber tenido sexo oral y 18% anal. 9% reportó tener relaciones sexuales bajo influencia de drogas. Conclusiones: Se realizó un acercamiento al conocimiento sobre métodos de planificación familiar y conducta sexual de los estudiantes, para diseñar e implementar un programa de salud sexual que prevenga infecciones de transmisión sexual y embarazos no planificados.

Abstract Introduction: Unplanned pregnancies in Mexico occur between 30 and 60 percent of the cases in adolescents. This problem permeates all groups in society being observed even in universities. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico has developed preventive actions, but in five years the number of pregnancies in students increased in one of its campuses in the western area, reason why it was proposed to evaluate the knowledge about family planning methods and sexual behavior that university students have. Methodology: Cross-sectional quantitative study conducted in 2018. The non-probability sample consisted of 224 students from the upper level of Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico who gave their informed consent. A questionnaire of 32 items was applied, through which knowledge about family planning methods and sexual behaviors they had were evaluated. Results: 51% reported receiving information about family planning methods when they were 13 and 17 years old, coming from their teachers. 69% of the students reported having had sexual intercourse from whom 97% answered that they had received information about contraceptive methods before entering the upper level. Currently 45% do not use any contraception method, 49% reported having oral sex and 18% anal sex; 9% reported having sex under the influence of drugs. Conclusions: An approach was made to knowledge about family planning methods and sexual behavior of students, to design and implement a sexual health program that prevents sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Resumo Introdução: No México a gravidez não planificados se apresentam entre 30% e 60% em adolescentes. Esta problemática permeia a todos os grupos da sociedade observando-se ainda nas universidades. A Universidade Autônoma do Estado do México tem realizado ações preventivas; porém, em cinco anos, o número de gravidezes nas estudantes incrementou num campus da zona oriente, pelo que se propus avaliar o conhecimento sobre métodos de planificação familiar e conduta sexual que têm os estudantes universitários. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo transversal realizado em 2018. A amostra não probabilística esteve integrada por 224 alunos de ciências sociais do nível superior da Universidade Autônoma do Estado de México, quem deram seu consentimento informado. Aplicou-se lhes um questionário de 32 itens a través do qual se avaliou conhecimento sobre métodos de planificação familiar e condutas sexuais que tinham. Resultados: 51% informaram receber informação sobre métodos de planificação familiar entre 13 e 17 anos, prevenindo do seu professor(a). 69% dos estudantes reportaram ter tido relações sexuais; dos quais 97% responderam que antes de ingressar ao nível superior receberam a informação sobre métodos anticonceptivos. Atualmente 45% não utiliza algum método anticonceptivo, 49% declararam ter tido sexo oral e 18% anal. 9% aceitaram ter relaciones sexuais sob efeito das drogas. Conclusões: Realizou-se uma aproximação ao conhecimento sobre métodos de planificação familiar e conduta sexual dos estudantes, para desenhar e dar execução a um programa de saúde sexual que evite infeções de transmissão sexual e gravidez não planificados.

El conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos y la conducta sexual en jóvenes universitarios / Training in mental health in psychology, social work, medicine, nursing and occupational therapy in colombia / O conhecimento sobre métodos anticonceptivos e a conduta sexual em jovens universitarios

Introducción: En México los embarazos no planificados se presentan entre 30% y 60% en adolescentes. Esta problemática permea a todos los grupos de la sociedad observándose aún en las universidades. La Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México ha realizado acciones preventivas; sin embargo, en cinco años, el número de embarazos en las estudiantes incrementó en un plantel de la zona oriente, por lo que se propuso evaluar el conocimiento sobre métodos de planificación familiar y conducta sexual que tienen los estudiantes universitarios. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo transversal realizado en 2018. La muestra no probabilística estuvo integrada por 224 alumnos de ciencias sociales del nivel superior de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, quienes dieron su consentimiento informado. Se les aplicó un cuestionario de 32 ítems a través del cual se evaluó conocimiento sobre métodos de planificación familiar y conductas sexuales que tenían. Resultados: 51% informaron recibir información sobre métodos de planificación familiar entre 13 y 17 años, proviniendo de su profesor(a). 69% de los estudiantes reportaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales; de los cuales 97% respondieron que antes de ingresar al nivel superior recibieron la información sobre métodos anticonceptivos. Actualmente 45% no utiliza algún método anticonceptivo, 49% declararon haber tenido sexo oral y 18% anal. 9% reportó tener relaciones sexuales bajo influencia de drogas. Conclusiones: Se realizó un acercamiento al conocimiento sobre métodos de planificación familiar y conducta sexual de los estudiantes, para diseñar e implementar un programa de salud sexual que prevenga infecciones de transmisión sexual y embarazos no planificados.

Unplanned pregnancies in Mexico occur between 30 and 60 percent of the cases in adolescents. This problem permeates all groups in society being observed even in universities. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico has developed preventive actions, but in five years the number of pregnancies in students increased in one of its campuses in the western area, reason why it was proposed to evaluate the knowledge about family planning methods and sexual behavior that university students have. Methodology: Cross-sectional quantitative study conducted in 2018. The non-probability sample consisted of 224 students from the upper level of Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico who gave their informed consent. A questionnaire of 32 items was applied, through which knowledge about family planning methods and sexual behaviors they had were evaluated. Results: 51% reported receiving information about family planning methods when they were 13 and 17 years old, coming from their teachers. 69% of the students reported having had sexual intercourse from whom 97% answered that they had received information about contraceptive methods before entering the upper level. Currently 45% do not use any contraception method, 49% reported having oral sex and 18% anal sex; 9% reported having sex under the influence of drugs. Conclusions: An approach was made to knowledge about family planning methods and sexual behavior of students, to design and implement a sexual health program that prevents sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Introdução: No México a gravidez não planificados se apresentam entre 30% e 60% em adolescentes. Esta problemática permeia a todos os grupos da sociedade observando-se ainda nas universidades. A Universidade Autônoma do Estado do México tem realizado ações preventivas; porém, em cinco anos, o número de gravidezes nas estudantes incrementou num campus da zona oriente, pelo que se propus avaliar o conhecimento sobre métodos de planificação familiar e conduta sexual que têm os estudantes universitários. Metodologia: Estudo quantitativo transversal realizado em 2018. A amostra não probabilística esteve integrada por 224 alunos de ciências sociais do nível superior da Universidade Autônoma do Estado de México, quem deram seu consentimento informado. Aplicou-se lhes um questionário de 32 itens a través do qual se avaliou conhecimento sobre métodos de planificação familiar e condutas sexuais que tinham. Resultados: 51% informaram receber informação sobre métodos de planificação familiar entre 13 e 17 anos, prevenindo do seu professor(a). 69% dos estudantes reportaram ter tido relações sexuais; dos quais 97% responderam que antes de ingressar ao nível superior receberam a informação sobre métodos anticonceptivos. Atualmente 45% não utiliza algum método anticonceptivo, 49% declararam ter tido sexo oral e 18% anal. 9% aceitaram ter relaciones sexuais sob efeito das drogas. Conclusões: Realizou-se uma aproximação ao conhecimento sobre métodos de planificação familiar e conduta sexual dos estudantes, para desenhar e dar execução a um programa de saúde sexual que evite infeções de transmissão sexual e gravidez não planificados

Operational satellite-based temporal modelling of Aedes population in Argentina.

Aedes aegypti is a vector for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika viruses in Latin America and is therefore a large public health problem for the region. For this reason, several inter-institutional and multidisciplinary efforts have been made to support vector control actions through the use of geospatial technologies. This study presents the development of an operational system for the application of free access to remotely sensed products capable of assessing the oviposition activity of Ae. aegypti in all of Argentina's northern region with the specific aim to improve the current Argentine National Dengue risk system. Temporal modelling implemented includes remotely sensed variables like the normalized difference vegetation index, the normalized difference water index, day and night land surface temperature and precipitation data available from NASA's tropical rainfall measuring mission and global precipitation measurement. As a training data set, four years of weekly mosquito oviposition data from four different cities in Argentina were used. A series of satellite-generated variables was built, downloading and resampling the these products both spatially and temporally. From an initial set of 41 variables chosen based on the correlation between these products and the oviposition series, a subset of 11 variables were preserved to develop temporal forecasting models of oviposition using a lineal multivariate method in the four cities. Subsequently, a general model was generated using data from the cities. Finally, in order to obtain a model that could be broadly used, an extrapolation method using the concept of environmental distance was developed. Although the system was oriented towards the surveillance of dengue fever, the methodology could also be applied to other relevant vector-borne diseases as well as other geographical regions in Latin America.

Modeling Dengue vector population using remotely sensed data and machine learning.

Mosquitoes are vectors of many human diseases. In particular, Aedes ægypti (Linnaeus) is the main vector for Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika viruses in Latin America and it represents a global threat. Public health policies that aim at combating this vector require dependable and timely information, which is usually expensive to obtain with field campaigns. For this reason, several efforts have been done to use remote sensing due to its reduced cost. The present work includes the temporal modeling of the oviposition activity (measured weekly on 50 ovitraps in a north Argentinean city) of Aedes ægypti (Linnaeus), based on time series of data extracted from operational earth observation satellite images. We use are NDVI, NDWI, LST night, LST day and TRMM-GPM rain from 2012 to 2016 as predictive variables. In contrast to previous works which use linear models, we employ Machine Learning techniques using completely accessible open source toolkits. These models have the advantages of being non-parametric and capable of describing nonlinear relationships between variables. Specifically, in addition to two linear approaches, we assess a support vector machine, an artificial neural networks, a K-nearest neighbors and a decision tree regressor. Considerations are made on parameter tuning and the validation and training approach. The results are compared to linear models used in previous works with similar data sets for generating temporal predictive models. These new tools perform better than linear approaches, in particular nearest neighbor regression (KNNR) performs the best. These results provide better alternatives to be implemented operatively on the Argentine geospatial risk system that is running since 2012.

Urban environmental clustering to assess the spatial dynamics of Aedes aegypti breeding sites.

The identification of Aedes aegypti breeding hotspots in urban areas is crucial for the rational design of control strategies against this disease vector. Remote sensing and geographic information systems offer valuable tools for mapping habitat suitability of a given area. However, predicting species occurrences by means of probability distribution maps based on transversal entomological surveys has limited utility for local authorities. The aim of the present study was to carefully examine the temporal evolution of the number of houses infested with immature stages of Ae. aegypti in each individual neighbourhood and to explore the value of producing environmental clusters generated with information provided by remotely sensed variables to explain the observed differential temporal behaviour. Entomological surveys were conducted between 2011 and 2013 throughout a small town in Argentina registering the number of houses with containers harbouring immature stages of Ae. aegypti. A SPOT 5 satellite image was used to obtain land cover variables, which were subsequently submitted to k-means partitioning for grouping neighbourhoods into four environmental clusters. Finally, a generalized linear model was fitted showing that the number of houses found to be positive for Ae. aegypti was jointly affected by the interaction between environmental clusters and the year of sampling. Moreover, the number of positive houses in one of the clusters was 9.5 times higher (P<0.005, SE=0.37) in 2013 than in 2012, but we did not observe any other statistically significant increases.

Spatial pattern evolution of Aedes aegypti breeding sites in an Argentinean city without a dengue vector control programme.

The main objective of this study was to obtain and analyse the space-time dynamics of Aedes aegypti breeding sites in Clorinda City, Formosa Province, Argentina coupled with landscape analysis using the maximum entropy approach in order to generate a dengue vector niche model. In urban areas, without vector control activities, 12 entomologic (larval) samplings were performed during three years (October 2011 to October 2014). The entomologic surveillance area represented 16,511 houses. Predictive models for Aedes distribution were developed using vector breeding abundance data, density analysis, clustering and geoprocessing techniques coupled with Earth observation satellite data. The spatial analysis showed a vector spatial distribution pattern with clusters of high density in the central region of Clorinda with a well-defined high-risk area in the western part of the city. It also showed a differential temporal behaviour among different areas, which could have implications for risk models and control strategies at the urban scale. The niche model obtained for Ae. aegypti, based on only one year of field data, showed that 85.8% of the distribution of breeding sites is explained by the percentage of water supply (48.2%), urban distribution (33.2%), and the percentage of urban coverage (4.4%). The consequences for the development of control strategies are discussed with reference to the results obtained using distribution maps based on environmental variables.

Temporal Dynamics and Spatial Patterns of Aedes aegypti Breeding Sites, in the Context of a Dengue Control Program in Tartagal (Salta Province, Argentina).

BACKGROUND: Since 2009, Fundación Mundo Sano has implemented an Aedes aegypti Surveillance and Control Program in Tartagal city (Salta Province, Argentina). The purpose of this study was to analyze temporal dynamics of Ae. aegypti breeding sites spatial distribution, during five years of samplings, and the effect of control actions over vector population dynamics. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Seasonal entomological (larval) samplings were conducted in 17,815 fixed sites in Tartagal urban area between 2009 and 2014. Based on information of breeding sites abundance, from satellite remote sensing data (RS), and by the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis (hotspots and cluster analysis) and predictive model (MaxEnt) were performed. Spatial analysis showed a distribution pattern with the highest breeding densities registered in city outskirts. The model indicated that 75% of Ae. aegypti distribution is explained by 3 variables: bare soil coverage percentage (44.9%), urbanization coverage percentage(13.5%) and water distribution (11.6%). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This results have called attention to the way entomological field data and information from geospatial origin (RS/GIS) are used to infer scenarios which could then be applied in epidemiological surveillance programs and in the determination of dengue control strategies. Predictive maps development constructed with Ae. aegypti systematic spatiotemporal data, in Tartagal city, would allow public health workers to identify and target high-risk areas with appropriate and timely control measures. These tools could help decision-makers to improve health system responses and preventive measures related to vector control.

VERTICAL TRANSMISSION OF DENGUE VIRUS IN Aedes aegypti COLLECTED IN PUERTO IGUAZÚ, MISIONES, ARGENTINA / Transmisión vertical de virus dengue en Aedes aegypti, capturados en Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina

A finding of vertical transmission of the DEN 3 virus in male specimens of Aedes aegypti, collected in the 2009 fall-winter period, in Puerto Iguazú city, Misiones, Argentina, using the RT-PCR technique in a 15-specimen pool is reported. This result is analyzed within the context of the epidemiological situation of Argentina's northeast border.

Se comunica el hallazgo de transmisión vertical de virus DEN 3 en ejemplares machos de Aedes aegypti, capturados en otoño-invierno de 2009, en la ciudad de Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina, utilizando la técnica de RT-PCR en un pool de 15 ejemplares. Se analiza este resultado en el contexto de la situación epidemiológica de la frontera nordeste de Argentina.

Vertical transmission of dengue virus in Aedes aegypti collected in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.

A finding of vertical transmission of the DEN 3 virus in male specimens of Aedes aegypti, collected in the 2009 fall-winter period, in Puerto Iguazú city, Misiones, Argentina, using the RT-PCR technique in a 15-specimen pool is reported. This result is analyzed within the context of the epidemiological situation of Argentina's northeast border.

Spatial analysis of Aedes aegypti immatures in Northern Argentina: clusters and temporal instability.

The objective of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal patterns of Aedes aegypti immatures based on four entomological surveys that inspected over 6000 households in a large neighborhood of the city of Clorinda between 2007 and 2008. Global and local spatial point pattern analyses of immature presence or absence, habitat quality (estimated using a previously obtained statistical model) and pupal production were performed. Global analyses showed aggregation of both infestation and habitat quality up to 10 times bigger than previously described, ranging from 150 to 400m between surveys. Pupal production was also clustered but at smaller scales than infestation presence/absence. The location of the clusters was temporally unstable between surveys. There was no spatial structure related to the control strategy; lots treated with temephos and lots uninspected (i.e., closed or refusing) were randomly distributed. These results suggest a combination of exogenous (the aggregation of better quality habitats) and endogenous (dispersal) processes explaining the observed patterns of larger-scale infestation. A spatial targeting strategy at the neighborhood scale would not be as cost-effective in Clorinda as in other sites where stable smaller-scale clusters permit the identification of key premises.

Water use practices limit the effectiveness of a temephos-based Aedes aegypti larval control program in Northern Argentina.

BACKGROUND: A five-year citywide control program based on regular application of temephos significantly reduced Aedes aegypti larval indices but failed to maintain them below target levels in Clorinda, northern Argentina. Incomplete surveillance coverage and reduced residuality of temephos were held as the main putative causes limiting effectiveness of control actions. METHODOLOGY: The duration of temephos residual effects in household-owned water-holding tanks (the most productive container type and main target for control) was estimated prospectively in two trials. Temephos was applied using spoons or inside perforated small zip-lock bags. Water samples from the study tanks (including positive and negative controls) were collected weekly and subjected to larval mortality bioassays. Water turnover was estimated quantitatively by adding sodium chloride to the study tanks and measuring its dilution 48 hs later. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The median duration of residual effects of temephos applied using spoons (2.4 weeks) was significantly lower than with zip-lock bags (3.4 weeks), and widely heterogeneous between tanks. Generalized estimating equations models showed that bioassay larval mortality was strongly affected by water type and type of temephos application depending on water type. Water type and water turnover were highly significantly associated. Tanks filled with piped water had high turnover rates and short-lasting residual effects, whereas tanks filled with rain water showed the opposite pattern. On average, larval infestations reappeared nine weeks post-treatment and seven weeks after estimated loss of residuality. CONCLUSIONS: Temephos residuality in the field was much shorter and more variable than expected. The main factor limiting temephos residuality was fast water turnover, caused by householders' practice of refilling tanks overnight to counteract the intermittence of the local water supply. Limited field residuality of temephos accounts in part for the inability of the larval control program to further reduce infestation levels with a treatment cycle period of 3 or 4 months.

Impact of routine fluconazole prophylaxis for premature infants with birth weights of less than 1250 grams in a developing country.

Systemic fungal infections are associated with substantial case-morbidity and fatality rates in premature infants. Considerable evidence indicates that prophylaxis with fluconazole given to premature infants reduces the risk of invasive fungal infection. There is scant information from developing countries. A comparative study of 2 years, one with fluconazole prophylaxis and the other without was conducted in all premature babies weighing less than 1250 g at birth. Fluconazole was administered in 3 mg/kg doses, given every 48 hours, starting on day 3 of life, for a period of 6 weeks. Documented systemic Candida infection was the primary outcome. A total of 271 and 252 patients, respectively, were evaluated during the year before (control group) and after (treatment group) routine fluconazole prophylaxis. The control group developed 21 Candida infections (7.7%) while the treatment group had only 3 Candida infections (1.1%). This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.007; odds ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.47). The number needed to treat to prevent one case was 7. Although case-fatality rates for documented Candida infection were similar in both periods (76% vs. 67%), fewer deaths attributed to the fungal infection were noted in the prophylaxis year (6% vs. 1%, P = 0.003). Routine fluconazole prophylaxis given to premature infants of less than 1250 g at birth is associated with a significant impact on frequency of documented systemic Candida infections.

Brote de dengue autóctono en el área metropolitana Buenos Aires: Experiencia del Hospital de Enfermedades Infecciosas F. J. Muñiz / Outbreak of indigenous dengue in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area: Experience of the F.J. Muñiz Hospital

Como consecuencia de la epidemia de dengue que afectó a la República de Bolivia y provincias del norte argentino, se produjo por primera vez un brote de dengue autóctono en el Area Metropolitana Buenos Aires. A partir de enero de 2009 asistimos casos de dengue importado hasta la tercera semana de marzo, cuando aparecieron los primeros casos por transmisión local, tendencia que se mantuvo hasta mediados de mayo. La mayor concentración de casos autóctonos atendidos residía en la región oeste de la ciudad de Buenos Aires y en localidades de los partidos de 3 de Febrero y La Matanza, que limitan con ella. Existieron factores concurrentes para que se produjera este brote: alta densidad vectorial, viajeros provenientes de regiones epidémicas concentrados por su domicilio en las áreas donde luego se produjo la transmisión local. El 95% ingresaron en los primeros días de viremia y en un período climático caracterizado por temperaturas medias elevadas que se mantuvieron hasta mediados de otoño. De los nueve pacientes con signos de alarma para el desarrollo de dengue grave, siete fueron casos autóctonos que no tenían antecedentes de haber padecido previamente dengue. Se comunican los hallazgos clínicos y epidemiológicos y se analizan los factores que regularon la transmisión.

As a consequence of the dengue epidemic in the Bolivian Republic and the northern provinces of Argentina, an outbreak of indigenous dengue occurred for the first time in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Since January 2009 we assisted imported dengue cases coming from epidemic regions; later, around the end of March, and until middle autumn, indigenous cases appeared. The major concentration of these indigenous cases was in the west area of Buenos Aires City and in the neighboring localities 3 de Febrero and La Matanza. There were several factors that made the local transmission possible: a high vector density, people traveling from epidemic areas and clustering in the geographical zone where the indigenous epidemic occurred, during a period with high medium temperatures, entering 95% of the imported cases during the first days of the viremia. Of the nine patients with alarming signs for the development of severe dengue, seven were indigenous cases with no previous history of dengue infections. We report the clinical and epidemiological findings, and we analyze the factors which regulated the transmission.

[Outbreak of indigenous dengue in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Experience of the F. J. Muñiz Hospital]. / Brote de dengue autóctono en el área metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Experiencia del Hospital de Enfermedades Infecciosas F. J. Muñiz.

As a consequence of the dengue epidemic in the Bolivian Republic and the northern provinces of Argentina, an outbreak of indigenous dengue occurred for the first time in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Since January 2009 we assisted imported dengue cases coming from epidemic regions; later, around the end of March, and until middle autumn, indigenous cases appeared. The major concentration of these indigenous cases was in the west area of Buenos Aires City and in the neighboring localities 3 de Febrero and La Matanza. There were several factors that made the local transmission possible: a high vector density, people traveling from epidemic areas and clustering in the geographical zone where the indigenous epidemic occurred, during a period with high medium temperatures, entering 95% of the imported cases during the first days of the viremia. Of the nine patients with alarming signs for the development of severe dengue, seven were indigenous cases with no previous history of dengue infections. We report the clinical and epidemiological findings, and we analyze the factors which regulated the transmission.