Estudio de prevalencia, conocimiento y control de la hipertensión arterial en barrios vulnerables de Argentina / Prevalence, knowledge and control of arterial hypertension in vulnerable neighborhoods of Argentina: A Cross-sectional Study

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial (HTA) representa el principal factor de riesgo individual, con mayor carga a nivel mundial de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV). En nuestro país, algunos trabajos epidemiológicos han mostrado marcadas diferencias en las prevalencias de estos factores de riesgo de acuerdo con la población evaluada. Sin embargo, no hay estudios epidemiológicos de evaluación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular exclusivos referentes a barrios vulnerables con muy bajos recursos económicos, socioculturales y poca accesibilidad a los sistemas de salud. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional de corte transversal multicéntrico en habitantes de comunas vulnerables de muy bajos recursos, como asentamientos populares y barrios carenciados con muestreo aleatorizado simple de casas. Se realizaron tomas de presión arterial (PA), medidas antropométricas, así como cuestionarios epidemiológicos, económicos y socioculturales. Se describen los hallazgos: prevalencia, conocimiento y control de la PA en las distintas regiones. Se efectuó una regresión logística para determinar las variables independientes a los resultados principales. Resultados: Se analizaron 989 participantes. La prevalencia de HTA global fue de 48,2%. Un total de 82% tenía un índice de masa corporal (IMC) >25 kg/m2. De estos pacientes, 45,3% tenían menos de seis años de educación. Este último aspecto se asoció a mayor prevalencia de HTA de forma independiente. De los hipertensos, 44% desconocían su padecimiento y solo en 17,2% estaba controlado, asociándose esto a tener obra social (OS) y mayor nivel educativo. Únicamente 24% estaban bajo tratamiento combinado. Conclusión: La prevalencia de HTA en barrios vulnerables es elevada, superando a la de otros estratos sociales con niveles de conocimiento, tratamiento y control de la HTA bajos, similar a otras poblaciones. Se detectó un uso insuficiente de la terapia combinada.

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) represents the primary individual risk factor, contributing significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In our country, epidemiological research has highlighted substantial variations in the prevalence of these risk factors across different populations. However, there is a lack of epidemiological studies assessing exclusive cardiovascular risk factors within vulnerable neighborhoods characterized by extremely limited economic resources, sociocultural challenges, and inadequate healthcare access. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted among individuals residing in economically deprived and marginalized communities, including informal settlements and underprivileged neighborhoods. Simple random sampling of households was employed. Blood pressure measurements, anthropometric assessments, and epidemiological, economic, and sociocultural questionnaires were administered. Results encompass prevalence rates, awareness levels, and blood pressure control across diverse regions. Logistic regression was utilized to identify independent variables influencing primary outcomes. Results: A total of 989 participants were analyzed. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 48.2%. About 82% had a body mass index (BMI) >25. Approximately 45.3% had less than 6 years of formal education. Independent association was established between education levels below 6 years and higher hypertension prevalence Among hypertensive individuals, 44% were unaware of their condition, with only 17.2% achieving control, correlated with having health insurance and a higher educational background. Merely 24% were receiving combined therapy. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension within vulnerable neighborhoods is alarmingly high, surpassing rates in other social strata. Knowledge, treatment, and control levels of hypertension are suboptimal, comparable to other populations... (AU)

Shed teeth from Portezuelo formation at Sierra del Portezuelo reveal a higher diversity of predator theropods during Turonian-Coniacian times in northern Patagonia.

The study of thirty-two shed crowns from the Portezuelo Formation (middle Turonian-late Coniacian) at the Sierra del Portezuelo locality, reveals six distinct tooth morphotypes identified through cladistic, discriminant, and cluster analyses. Two morphotypes were identified as belonging to Megaraptoridae, three to Abelisauridae, one to Abelisauroidea, and one to Alvarezsauridae. Additionally, two of the morphotypes exhibit a combination of dental features typically found in megaraptorid and abelisauridtheropods. These results suggest a greater diversity of theropods in the original ecosystem than previously thought, including the presence of a second morphotype of megaraptorid and alvarezsaurid previously undocumented in this formation. Furthermore, the existence of Morphotype 6 indicates the potential coexistence of medium-sized abelisauroids alongside larger abelisaurids in the same ecosystem. These findings underscore the importance of future expeditions to the Sierra del Portezuelo locality to further our understanding of these previously unknown theropod species.

A new genus of scutigerid centipede from southern South America with the description of two new species and an updated molecular phylogeny of the myriapod order Scutigeromorpha (Myriapoda: Chilopoda).

Scutigeromorph centipedes are conspicuous, yet often ignored myriapods for which little work has been conducted in southern South America. After examining recent and museum collections from Chile and Argentina, two new species of generic uncertainty were identified. A new genus of scutigerid centipede, Edgethreua , is therefore described with two new species, E. chilensis from Central Chile (type species of the genus) and E. goloboffi from Argentinian Patagonia. The new genus is characterised by the presence of scattered setiform bristles with short paired spines and the absence of simple spinulae and spines on all stomatotergites, the presence of a single spine-bristle in the prefemur of the second maxilla, a patch of cuticular ridges and pores surrounding the sensilla of the proximal labral portion of the epipharynx, the morphology of the sensilla of the distal patch of the hypopharynx and the morphology of the female gonopods. A phylogenetic analysis of the new species using two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S rRNA), two mitochondrial ribosomal RNA genes (12S and 16S rRNA) and the mitochondrial protein-encoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I show that the new genus does not cluster with any other described genus of scutigeromorph represented in molecular phylogenies. The data indicate that the new genus is probably sister group to a clade including the genera Lassophora , Ballonema and the subfamily Thereuoneminae, although one analysis suggests a position as sister group to Scutigerinae. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A4D453F3-9031-4E21-84C7-87F16C07AD51.

Human diphyllobothriasis in Argentina: assessing the epidemiological significance from historical records and reports of new cases.

Between 1898 and 1940, eight human cases of diphyllobothriasis were reported in Argentina, always in recently arrived European immigrants. In 1982, the first autochthonous case was detected, and since then, 33 other autochthonous cases have been reported, totaling 42 cases of human diphyllobothriasis in Argentina before the present study. Our aim is to update the information on diphyllobothriasis in Argentina by identifying specimens from new cases using morphometrical and/or molecular methods. We also aim to assess the epidemiological relevance of this food-borne disease in the country. Anamnestic data were obtained from patients or professionals, along with 26 worms identified using morphometrical (21 samples) and molecular techniques (5 samples). All the patients acquired the infection by consuming freshwater salmonids caught in Andean lakes in Northern Patagonia. Morphometrics and DNA markers of worms were compatible with Dibothriocephalus latus. In total, 68 human cases have been detected in Argentina, 60 of which were autochthonous. The human population living North-western Patagonia, whose lakes are inhabited by salmonids, is increasing. Similarly, the number of other definitive hosts for Dibothriocephalus dendriticus (gulls) and for D. latus (dogs) is also increasing. In addition, salmonid fishing and the habit of consuming home-prepared raw fish dishes are becoming widespread. Therefore, it is to be expected that diphyllobothriasis in Argentina will increase further.

Spatial pattern analysis of the impact of community food environments on foetal macrosomia, preterm births and low birth weight.

Community food environments (CFEs) have a strong impact on child health and nutrition and this impact is currently negative in many areas. In the Republic of Argentina, there is a lack of research evaluating CFEs regionally and comprehensively by tools based on geographic information systems (GIS). This study aimed to characterize the spatial patterns of CFEs, through variables associated with its three dimensions (political, individual and environmental), and their association with the spatial distribution in urban localities in Argentina. CFEs were assessed in 657 localities with ≥5,000 inhabitants. Data on births and CFEs were obtained from nationally available open-source data and through remote sensing. The spatial distribution and presence of clusters were assessed using hotspot analysis, purely spatial analysis (SaTScan), Moran's Index, semivariograms and spatially restrained multivariate clustering. Clusters of low risk for LBW, macrosomia, and preterm births were observed in the central-east part of the country, while high-risk clusters identified in the North, Centre and South. In the central-eastern region, low-risk clusters were found coinciding with hotspots of public policy coverage, high night-time light, social security coverage and complete secondary education of the household head in areas with low risk for negative outcomes of the birth variables studied, with the opposite with regard to households with unsatisfied basic needs and predominant land use classes in peri-urban areas of crops and herbaceous cover. These results show that the exploration of spatial patterns of CFEs is a necessary preliminary step before developing explanatory models and generating novel findings valuable for decision-making.

Patient perspectives and overall satisfaction after liver resection for benign disease.

BACKGROUND: Management of benign liver lesions (BLLs) is still an object of discussion. Frequently, patients receive multiple opinions about their diagnosis and treatment from physicians specialized in different areas, which can be opposite and controversial. This study aimed to understand patients' decision-making process in electing surgery and assess their satisfaction after resection for BLLs. METHODS: A 104-question survey was administered to 98 patients who had a resection for BLLs in 4 different hepatopancreatobiliary and transplant centers in Argentina. The first section included 64 questions regarding the initial discovery of the BLL, the decision-making process, and the understanding of the patient's feelings after surgery. The second section, 42 queries, referred to the quality of life. The patient's final diagnosis and outcome were correlated with the survey results using univariate analysis. RESULTS: Among 97 patients who had undergone liver resection for BLLs, 69 (70%) completed the survey. The median age was 51.71 years (range, 18-75), and 63% of the patients were females. Moreover, 21% of patients received conflicting information from different healthcare providers. Surgeons were the best to describe the BLL to the patient (63%), and 30% of patients obtained opinions from multiple surgeons. The respondents were quite or fully satisfied with their decision to have surgery (90%) and the decision-making process (91%). Only 59% of patients considered their lifestyle better after surgery, and 89% of patients would have retaken the same decision. CONCLUSION: Patients with resected BLLs are delighted with the decision to have surgery, regardless of the final diagnosis and outcome. The role of surgeons is crucial in the decision-making process.

[Asymmetries between national articulation and the autonomy of state governments in implementing health technologies to fight COVID-19 in Argentina]. / Asimetrías entre la coordinación nacional y la autonomía de los gobiernos estatales en la adopción de tecnologías sanitarias frente a la COVID-19 en Argentina.

Argentina, as other countries, showed several public policies related to the health technologies implemented to fight and treat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to analyze how articulation vs. cooperation and autonomy vs. division of powers between entities occurred in Argentina, exploring asymmetries between several entities in implementing public policies related to health technologies during the pandemic and the influences of other actors. For this, a documentary research was carried out related to 2020-2021 (technical reports published by the World Health Organization, national agencies and scientific societies, laws, court decisions, press, and research and in-depth interviews with members of the Argentine Ministries of Health). The processes and results of decision-making in the Ministries of Health were analyzed, outlining the coverage and orientations of each technology and the political party in power in the province. This study found heterogeneous results and processes between Ministries and disputes within them. It also observed the poor adherence to official guidelines due to technical-political criteria (power relations, social, media, academic, judiciary, and legislative pressure). Some cases showed a strong tension between the government and its opposition over the discussion of technologies. Each province in Argentina has autonomously defined its policies on health technologies for COVID-19, and decision-making in public administration was disorderly, complex, and non-linear during the pandemic.

En pandemia, en Argentina y en otros países se observó variabilidad en las políticas públicas implementadas sobre tecnologías sanitarias para prevención y tratamiento de la COVID-19. El objetivo fue analizar cómo se procesaron en Argentina los movimientos de coordinación vs. cooperación, y de autonomía vs. reparto de autoridad entre entidades, explorando asimetrías entre diferentes entidades en la implementación de políticas públicas sobre tecnologías sanitarias en pandemia y las influencias de otros actores. Se realizó una revisión documental del período 2020-2021 (informes técnicos publicados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, organismos nacionales y sociedades científicas, leyes, fallos judiciales, prensa, encuestas y entrevistas en profundidad a miembros de los Ministerios de Salud de Argentina). Se indagó sobre procesos y resultados de la toma de decisiones en los Ministerios de Salud, mapeando la cobertura y recomendación de cada tecnología y el partido político provincial gobernante. Hubo heterogeneidad en resultados y procesos entre los Ministerios, y disputas en el interior de los mismos. La adherencia a recomendaciones oficiales fue baja, influyendo distintos criterios técnico-políticos (relaciones de poder, presión social, de los medios, académicos, poder Judicial y Legislativo). En algunos casos se observó una fuerte tensión entre oficialismo y oposición al partido gobernante a partir de la discusión sobre tecnologías. Cada provincia argentina definió sus políticas sobre tecnologías sanitarias para COVID-19 con autonomía, y la toma de decisiones en la administración pública en pandemia fue desordenada, compleja y no lineal.

Na Argentina, assim como em outros países, houve uma variabilidade de políticas públicas relacionadas às tecnologias de saúde implementadas no combate e tratamento da COVID-19 durante a pandemia. Este estudo buscou analisar como ocorreram a articulação vs. cooperação, e a autonomia vs. divisão de poderes entre as entidades na Argentina, explorando assimetrias entre diferentes entidades na implementação de políticas públicas relacionadas a tecnologias de saúde na pandemia, bem como as influências de outros atores. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa documental para o período de 2020-2021 (relatórios técnicos publicados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, agências nacionais e sociedades científicas, leis, decisões judiciais, imprensa, pesquisas e entrevistas em profundidade com membros dos Ministérios da Saúde da Argentina). Os processos e os resultados da tomada de decisão nos Ministérios da Saúde foram analisados, traçando a cobertura e orientações de cada tecnologia e o partido político no poder na província. Observou-se uma heterogeneidade nos resultados e processos entre os Ministérios, e disputas em seu interior. Houve uma baixa adesão às orientações oficiais, influenciada por diferentes critérios técnico-políticos (relações de poder, pressão social, midiática, acadêmica, do poder Judiciário e do Legislativo). Em alguns casos, observou-se uma forte tensão entre governo e oposição a partir da discussão das tecnologias. Cada província da Argentina definiu suas políticas sobre tecnologias de saúde para a COVID-19 de forma autônoma, e a tomada de decisões na administração pública foi desordenada, complexa e não linear durante a pandemia.

Emergence of NDM-producing Enterobacterales infections in companion animals from Argentina.

Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the most critical threat for both human and animal health. Recently, reports of infection or colonization by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in companion animals had been described. This study report the first molecular characterization of NDM-producing Enterobacterales causing infections in companion animals from Argentina. Nineteen out of 3662 Enterobacterales isolates analyzed between October 2021 and July 2022 were resistant to carbapenemes by VITEK2C and disk diffusion method, and suspected to be carbapenemase-producers. Ten isolates were recovered from canine and nine from feline animals. Isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae (n = 9), E. coli (n = 6) and E. cloacae complex (n = 4), and all of them presented positive synergy among EDTA and carbapenems disks, mCIM/eCIM indicative of metallo-carbapenemase production and were also positive by PCR for blaNDM gene. NDM variants were determined by Sanger sequencing method. All 19 isolates were resistant to ß-lactams and aminoglycosides but remained susceptible to colistin (100%), tigecycline (95%), fosfomycin (84%), nitrofurantoin (63%), minocycline (58%), chloramphenicol (42%), doxycycline (21%), enrofloxacin (5%), ciprofloxacin (5%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (5%). Almost all isolates (17/19) co-harbored blaCTX-M plus blaCMY, one harbored blaCTX-M alone and the remaining blaCMY. E. coli and E. cloacae complex isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1/15 or blaCTX-M-2 groups, while all K. pneumoniae harbored only blaCTX-M-1/15 genes. All E. coli and E. cloacae complex isolates harbored blaNDM-1, while in K. pneumoniae blaNDM-1 (n = 6), blaNDM-5 (n = 2), and blaNDM-1 plus blaNDM-5 (n = 1) were confirmed. MLST analysis revealed the following sequence types by species, K. pneumoniae: ST15 (n = 5), ST273 (n = 2), ST11, and ST29; E. coli: ST162 (n = 3), ST457, ST224, and ST1196; E. cloacae complex: ST171, ST286, ST544 and ST61. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of NDM-producing E. cloacae complex isolates recovered from cats. Even though different species and clones were observed, it is remarkable the finding of some major clones among K. pneumoniae and E. coli, as well as the circulation of NDM as the main carbapenemase. Surveillance in companion pets is needed to detect the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and to alert about the dissemination of these pathogens among pets and humans.

5th Argentinean Meeting on Evolutionary Biology (RABE V): Report on the "Evo-Devo" Extended Symposium.

Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) is flourishing in Latin America, particularly Argentina, where researchers are leveraging this integrative field to unlock the secrets of the region's remarkable biodiversity. A recent symposium held at the 5th Argentinean Meeting on Evolutionary Biology (RABE V) showcased a vibrant Evo-Devo community and the diversity of its research endeavors. The symposium included 3 plenary talks, 3 short talks, and 12 posters, and spanned a range of organisms and approaches. Interestingly, the symposium highlighted a prevalence of "top-down" Evo-Devo studies in the region, where researchers first analyze existing diversity and then propose potential developmental mechanisms. This approach, driven in part by financial constraints and the region's historical focus on natural history, presents a unique opportunity to bridge disciplines like comparative biology, paleontology, and botany. The symposium's success underscores the vital role of Evo-Devo in Latin America, not only for advancing our understanding of evolution but also for providing valuable tools to conserve and manage the region's irreplaceable biodiversity. As Evo-Devo continues to grow in Latin America, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region and beyond will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this transformative field.

Hydrochemistry and trace metals in water and sediments in forest coastal wetlands influenced by tidal regime in the middle Río de la Plata estuary, Argentina.

Coastal wetland ecosystems are of utmost importance in regulating the mobility and distribution of elements in water and sediments, being the flooding by tidal events a recurrent process that strongly controls the hydrodynamics of the system. The aim of this work is to assess the control of the tidal regime and anthropogenic influence on the dynamics of some trace metals in water and sediments in the Punta Lara Natural Reserve situated in the Río de la Plata littoral. For that purpose, relationship between tidal flows, surface water and groundwater was evaluated. Also, hydrochemistry was analyzed based on the study of major ions and trace metals, being the presence of high concentrations of elements in groundwater, such as Fe and Mn, probably favoured by redox processes associated with organic matter decomposition in the water - sediment interaction. Sediments in the wetland register deficient to minimal enrichment in most of the studied trace metals despite the numerous contributions that the Río de la Plata receives in relation to dissolved and particulate trace metals from diverse anthropogenic contributions. Despite that, there is a moderate enrichment in Pb and Cr in the surface sediments of the wetland. The data analyzed within the natural reserve in relation to the chemical composition of the water and sediments of the coastal wetland showed the strong influence of the tidal regime over the area.

A devastating blow: personal reflections on Argentina's scientific decline.

As an Argentine scientist, the defunding of CONICET and INTA feels like a blow to progress and our future. Despite free education, these cuts force talented researchers to seek opportunities abroad. Argentina's history of scientific achievement, from Nobel Prizes to COVID-19 vaccines, is at risk. Defunding science weakens our ability to solve problems and compete globally.

Ciber violencia contra la pareja en universitarios de España y Latinoamérica / Cyber violence against the couple in university students in Spain and Latin America

El objetivo de la investigación fue estudiar la presencia de ciber violencia contra la pareja en estudiantes universitarios de España y Latinoamérica, así como como analizar su relación con los mitos románticos y el sexismo ambivalente. La investigación tiene un diseño transversal. La muestra estaba formada por 2.798 estudiantes de siete países hispanohablantes: España, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile, Argentina y México. Los resultados muestran pocas diferencias de medias entre hombres y mujeres; sin embargo, las diferencias entre países son considerables, sobre todo en la perpetración de agresiones directas y control. Las distintas formas de ciber violencia contra la pareja tienden a correlacionar, en una dirección positiva, con las actitudes sexistas y las creencias distorsionadas sobre el amor romántico. En conclusión, los programas de prevención deberían tener en cuenta las nuevas manifestaciones de la violencia que están apareciendo en los espacios virtuales.(AU)

The objective of the research was to study the presence of cyber violenceagainst partners in university students in Spain and Latin America, as well as toanalyze its relationship with romantic myths and ambivalent sexism. The researchhas a cross-sectional design. The sample was made up of 2,798 students fromseven Spanish-speaking countries: Spain, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile,Argentina, and Mexico. The results show few differences in means between menand women; However, the differences between countries are considerable,especially in the perpetration of direct attacks and control. The different forms ofcyber violence against a partner tend to correlate, in a positive direction, with sexistattitudes and distorted beliefs about romantic love. In conclusion, preventionprograms should take into account the new manifestations of violence that areappearing in virtual spaces.(AU)

A Past Genetic Bottleneck from Argentine Beans and a Selective Sweep Led to the Race Chile of the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

The domestication process of the common bean gave rise to six different races which come from the two ancestral genetic pools, the Mesoamerican (Durango, Jalisco, and Mesoamerica races) and the Andean (New Granada, Peru, and Chile races). In this study, a collection of 281 common bean landraces from Chile was analyzed using a 12K-SNP microarray. Additionally, 401 accessions representing the rest of the five common bean races were analyzed. A total of 2543 SNPs allowed us to differentiate a genetic group of 165 accessions that corresponds to the race Chile, 90 of which were classified as pure accessions, such as the bean types 'Tórtola', 'Sapito', 'Coscorrón', and 'Frutilla'. Our genetic analysis indicates that the race Chile has a close relationship with accessions from Argentina, suggesting that nomadic ancestral peoples introduced the bean seed to Chile. Previous archaeological and genetic studies support this hypothesis. Additionally, the low genetic diversity (π = 0.053; uHe = 0.53) and the negative value of Tajima' D (D = -1.371) indicate that the race Chile suffered a bottleneck and a selective sweep after its introduction, supporting the hypothesis that a small group of Argentine bean genotypes led to the race Chile. A total of 235 genes were identified within haplotype blocks detected exclusively in the race Chile, most of them involved in signal transduction, supporting the hypothesis that intracellular signaling pathways play a fundamental role in the adaptation of organisms to changes in the environment. To date, our findings are the most complete investigation associated with the origin of the race Chile of common bean.

Pine needle abortions in cattle due to consumption of Pinus ponderosa in Argentina: Case reports.

Two outbreaks of pine needle abortions in cattle are here reported for the first time in Argentina. The cases occurred in Chubut and Neuquén provinces in the Patagonia region, causing 29.6% and 9% of abortions in each herd respectively. In both outbreaks, the dams were in the last third of gestation, and, due to a period of cold, snow and lack of available forage, they gained access to Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta forests. No pathological lesions, serological, molecular, or microbiological evidence of infectious causes were observed in any of the six fetuses analyzed. Microhistological analysis of feces confirmed higher presence of fragments of Pinus spp. needles in the diet of affected dams than in that of non-affected ones (12.2 vs 3.0%). Moreover, toxicological analysis showed higher tetrahydroagathic acid in the sera of affected dams than in that of non-affected ones (10.05 vs 2.81 ppm). In addition, this acid was detected in different fetal fluids (3.6-8.1 ppm) of the six fetuses analyzed. Interestingly, isocupressic acid was detected only in needles of P. ponderosa, and its content was lower than that found in other areas of the world (0.31 and 0.5% in Chubut and Neuquén respectively). These results confirm that the consumption of P. ponderosa by dams could have been the cause of these abortion outbreaks, a fact that should be considered as differential diagnosis in abortions of cattle, especially in silvopastoral systems of Argentina.

Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for a person after a potentially traumatic event: A Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to potentially traumatic events increases the risk of a person developing a mental disorder. Training community members to offer support to a person during and after a traumatic situation may help lower this risk. This study reports on the cultural adaptation of Australian mental health first aid guidelines for individuals exposed to a potentially traumatic event to the Chilean and Argentinian context. METHODS: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two panels of experts, one of people with lived experience of trauma (either their own or as a carer; n = 26) and another one of health professionals (n = 41). A total of 158 items, drawn from guidelines developed by Australian experts in 2019, were translated to Spanish and evaluated in a two-round survey process. The panellists were asked to rate each item on a five-point Likert scale; statements were included in the final guidelines if 80% of both panels endorsed the item as "essential" or "important". RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on 142 statements over two survey rounds. A total of 102 statements were included from the English-language guidelines, and 40 locally generated statements were accepted in the second round. Local experts endorsed a larger number of items compared to their counterparts in Australia and emphasised the importance of acknowledging the first aider's limitations, both personally and as part of their helping role. Additional items about working as a team with other first responders and considering helping the person's significant others were endorsed by the local panellists. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed a high level of acceptance of the original actions suggested for inclusion in the guidelines for Australia, but also a significant number of new statements that highlight the importance of the adaptation process. Further research on the dissemination of these guidelines into a Mental Health First Aid training course for Chile and Argentina is still required.

Population structure and connectivity among coastal and freshwater Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) populations from Patagonia.

The genetic identification of evolutionary significant units and information on their connectivity can be used to design effective management and conservation plans for species of concern. Despite having high dispersal capacity, several seabird species show population structure due to both abiotic and biotic barriers to gene flow. The Kelp Gull is the most abundant species of gull in the southern hemisphere. In Argentina it reproduces in both marine and freshwater environments, with more than 100,000 breeding pairs following a metapopulation dynamic across 140 colonies in the Atlantic coast of Patagonia. However, little is known about the demography and connectivity of inland populations. We aim to provide information on the connectivity of the largest freshwater colonies (those from Nahuel Huapi Lake) with the closest Pacific and Atlantic populations to evaluate if these freshwater colonies are receiving immigrants from the larger coastal populations. We sampled three geographic regions (Nahuel Huapi Lake and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts) and employed a reduced-representation genomic approach to genotype individuals for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using clustering and phylogenetic analyses we found three genetic groups, each corresponding to one of our sampled regions. Individuals from marine environments are more closely related to each other than to those from Nahuel Huapi Lake, indicating that the latter population constitutes the first freshwater Kelp Gull colony to be identified as an evolutionary significant unit in Patagonia.