The Impact of the Successive Outbreaks of COVID-19, Vaccination, and Physical Activity on Mental Health in the Argentine Population: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objectives A controversy regarding the duration of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic arose, stating that these symptoms last a short time, perhaps a few months, or that they are more persistent over time. After more than three years of the pandemic, this is still a question that requires an answer. The main goal of this work was to record the levels of self-perceived GAD and depression in the Argentine population at several time points during the pandemic to characterize whether they were transient or persisted over the successive waves of contagion. Furthermore, we studied the association between anti-COVID-19 vaccination and the high frequency of physical activity with GAD and depression levels to evaluate a possible protective role of these factors on mental health. Methods We used a descriptive and correlational research design. We carried out a repeated cross-sectional study performing seven online surveys (collection period: four to 15 days) at different time points in October 2020, May, August, October, and December 2021, and February and April 2022. The participants (24,308) were recruited through Instagram campaigns performed by renowned local scientific communicators and responded to the survey through Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, CA). Generalized anxiety was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The respondents reported their symptoms using a four-point Likert scale, which led us to calculate the scores and also the prevalence (% of the population with moderate to severe symptoms) for GAD and depression and the frequency they performed physical activity per week. Data were statistically analyzed using the unpaired Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-squared, Spearman correlation, or Tukey's post hoc test after two-way ANOVA. Results Our results show that the highest prevalence for GAD and depression correspond to those of the second wave of infections (May 2021: 57.3% and 54.19%, respectively) and that the lower levels were reported by the end of the third wave (April 2022: 43.21% and 43.65%, respectively). Such levels were even lower than those reported during the first wave at the beginning of our study (October 2020: 45.94% and 48.92%, respectively). In other words, even though the third wave tripled the number of people infected with respect to the second one, its effects on mental health were attenuated. The increment in the vaccine doses inoculated between the last two waves of contagion was associated with a decrease in the GAD score (mean ± SEM: 10.75 ± 0.06 vs. 8.88 ± 0.13) and the depressive symptoms (mean ± SEM: 10.76 ± 0.07 vs. 9.23 ± 0.14). Throughout the entire study period, the fraction of the population that practiced physical activity three or more times per week was self-perceived with lower levels of GAD and depression than those who exercised less frequently. Conclusions Of the three waves of contagion that the Argentine population suffered, the highest rates of GAD and depression were recorded in the second wave, and these symptoms decreased over the months, even during the third wave, which presented the highest number of infections. Our results also suggest that the progress of the vaccination campaign and the practice of physical exercises with high frequency could play a protective role in the mental health of the population during COVID-19.

Effect of acute cadmium exposure on oxidative stress and antioxidant system of the scallop Aequipecten tehuelchus.

This study aimed to assess the impact of acute exposure (96 h) to Cd in gills, digestive gland and muscle of the Tehuelche scallop Aequipecten tehuelchus from San José gulf in Patagonia, Argentina. Scallops were exposed to Cd concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 204, 275, 371, and 500 µg/L, and mortality rates were recorded after 96 h of exposure. Surviving organisms were analyzed for the biochemical response through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), metallothioneins (MT), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and liposoluble antioxidants α-tocopherol (α-T) and ß-carotene (ß-C). The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was 155.8 µg Cd/L, a lower value than other scallops' species, showing that A. tehuelchus has a particular sensitivity to Cd. In the three tissues, at all exposure concentrations, there was no significant response in RONS levels, GST activity or LPO. Nevertheless, CAT activity and α-T levels decreased in the gills but increased in the digestive gland, with no significant response in the muscle. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between Cd concentration and tissue on MT, which increased significantly in gills, decreased in digestive gland with 100 compared to 50 µg Cd/L; whereas in muscle a significant increase was observed with 25 µg Cd/L compared to control. The results show a significant effect of Cd in scallop's gills on CAT activity and α-T levels, highlighting this tissue as the primary target against relevant concentrations of metal in seawater. The effect on digestive gland and muscle was minimal. The overall results suggest that Cd toxicity is tissue-specific. This study will help reduce the existence knowledge gap regarding potential impacts of acute exposure to Cd in a bivalve species with high ecological and commercial importance, as well as identifying the most responsive biomarkers associated with Cd stress for monitoring assessment.

Comparative analysis of dietary habits and physical fitness in chilean and argentine athletes

The main aim of the research is to determine a comparative analysis related to dietary habits and physical fitness in Chilean and Argentine athletes. Research from a comparison of the eating patterns and levels of physical fitness of athletes from Chile and Argentina are outlined related to study. The research explores how the athletes' cultural backgrounds shaped their dietary preferences, distribution of macronutrients, and training approaches. Argentina emphasizes steak, pasta, and dairy products; Chile observes a varied diet influenced by indigenous customs. For measuring the research based on primary data analysis, the research used SPSS software, and the run results included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, model summary, chi-square values, and control charts between them. Football teams from both nations are world-class, but their athletes' diets and training plans are very different. The analysis identifies areas that might benefit from more study, suchas how these nutritional differences affect athletes' performance and how each country adjusts to its unique environment. Overall, this comparative study highlights the value of continued research and cooperation with sports science and nutrition specialists while offering a basic understanding of the complex relationship between culture, diet, and physical fitness in the sporting contexts of Chile and Argentina (AU)

Daily Streamflow of Argentine Rivers Analysis Using Information Theory Quantifiers.

This paper analyzes the temporal evolution of streamflow for different rivers in Argentina based on information quantifiers such as statistical complexity and permutation entropy. The main objective is to identify key details of the dynamics of the analyzed time series to differentiate the degrees of randomness and chaos. The permutation entropy is used with the probability distribution of ordinal patterns and the Jensen-Shannon divergence to calculate the disequilibrium and the statistical complexity. Daily streamflow series at different river stations were analyzed to classify the different hydrological systems. The complexity-entropy causality plane (CECP) and the representation of the Shannon entropy and Fisher information measure (FIM) show that the daily discharge series could be approximately represented with Gaussian noise, but the variances highlight the difficulty of modeling a series of natural phenomena. An analysis of stations downstream from the Yacyretá dam shows that the operation affects the randomness of the daily discharge series at hydrometric stations near the dam. When the station is further downstream, however, this effect is attenuated. Furthermore, the size of the basin plays a relevant role in modulating the process. Large catchments have smaller values for entropy, and the signal is less noisy due to integration over larger time scales. In contrast, small and mountainous basins present a rapid response that influences the behavior of daily discharge while presenting a higher entropy and lower complexity. The results obtained in the present study characterize the behavior of the daily discharge series in Argentine rivers and provide key information for hydrological modeling.

Argentine squid (Illex argentinus): A source of mycosporine-like amino acids with antioxidant properties.

Here we report on the occurrence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in the Argentine shortfin squid, Illex argentinus, the second fishery resource mostly exploited in the Argentinean continental shelf. The total content of four MAAs was evaluated by reverse-phase-HPLC in different tissues (eyes, skin, liver, and gonads). Also, the antioxidant activity of crude extracts was assessed by in-vitro determinations: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Folin-Ciocalteu, and ferrous ion-chelating capacity assays. The content of MAAs was found to be almost ten times higher in female gonads than in other tissues (11,89 ± 0,56 mg/g dry weight). Extracts from skin, female gonads and eyes, exhibit higher antioxidant activity than the reference compounds ascorbic acid and TROLOX. Overall, Argentine squid waste is a promising potential source of MAAs with antioxidant and UV photoprotective properties, which could bear interest in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, thus encouraging maximal and sustainable use of fishing resources.

Fifty years of biophysics in Argentina.

In 1972, a group of young Argentinean scientists nucleated in the so-called Membrane Club constituted the Biophysical Society of Argentina (SAB). Over the years, this Society has grown and embraced new areas of research and emerging technologies. In this commentary, we provide an overview of the early stages of biophysics development in Argentina and highlight some of the notable achievements made during the past five decades. The SAB Annual Meetings have been a platform for intense scientific discussions, and the Society has fostered numerous international connections, becoming a hallmark of SAB activities over these 50 years. Initially centered on membrane biophysics, SAB focus has since expanded to encompass diverse fields such as molecular, cellular, and systems biophysics.

Effects of the Natural Flavonoid Quercetin on Arenavirus Junín Infection.

There is no specific chemotherapy approved for the treatment of pathogenic arenaviruses that cause severe hemorrhagic fever (HF) in the population of endemic regions in America and Africa. The present study reports the effects of the natural flavonoid quercetin (QUER) on the infection of A549 and Vero cells with Junín virus (JUNV), agent of the Argentine HF. By infectivity assays, a very effective dose-dependent reduction of JUNV multiplication was shown by cell pretreatment at 2-6 h prior to the infection at non-cytotoxic concentrations, with 50% effective concentration values in the range of 6.1-7.5 µg/mL. QUER was also active by post-infection treatment but with minor efficacy. Mechanistic studies indicated that QUER mainly affected the early steps of virus adsorption and internalization in the multiplication cycle of JUNV. Treatment with QUER blocked the phosphorylation of Akt without changes in the total protein expression, detected by Western blot, and the consequent perturbation of the PI3K/Akt pathway was also associated with the fluorescence redistribution from membrane to cytoplasm of TfR1, the cell receptor recognized by JUNV. Then, it appears that the cellular antiviral state, induced by QUER treatment, leads to the prevention of JUNV entry into the cell.

Asociación Argentina de Anatomía: sus Inicios / Argentine Association of Anatomy: its Beginnings

Realizamos una reseña de los primeros años de la Asociación Argentina de Anatomía, que se creó en el año 2000 y que actualmente continúa vigente. Se describen sus orígenes, objetivos, primeros presidentes y congresos, así como publicaciones, además de sus relaciones inter-societarias, entre ellas se destaca la Sociedad Chilena de Anatomía.

SUMMARY: We make a review of the first years of the Argentine Association of Anatomy, which was created in the year 2000 and which is currently still in force. Its origins, objectives, first presidents and congresses are described, as well as publications, in addition to its inter-societal relations, among them the Chilean Society of Anatomy stands out.

Gochnatia glutinosa (D.Don) D.Don ex Hook. & Arn.: A plant with medicinal value against inflammatory disorders and infections.

Gochnatia glutinosa is a shrub that grown in the Argentinean semiarid region (Monte region) used in the ancestral medicine as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. This study was aimed to examine the morpho-anatomical characteristics of G. glutinosa aerial parts, identify the chemical composition of traditionally used preparations to assess its pharmacobotanical characterization and evaluate its activity as antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to give scientific support to its traditional uses. G. glutinosa morpho-anatomical description was performed following standard histological techniques. Tincture and infusion of its aerial parts were prepared and were subjected to phytochemical analysis. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition experiments, as well as ABTS•+, superoxide radical, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, were carried out. The growth inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains was also determined. The morpho-anatomical traits of G. glutinosa leaves and stems were reported for the first time. The medicinal preparations exhibited a large amount of phenolic chemicals mainly flavonoids such as rhamnetin, arcapillin, rhamnacin, hesperetin, isorhamnetin, centaureidin, europetin 7-O-mehylmyricetin, cirsiliol, sakuranetin, genkwanin and eupatorine and also phenolic acids and diterpenoid derivatives. Both preparations had free radical scavenging activity and were able to reduce both XOD and LOX activity, indicating their anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, tincture was effective against all MRSA strains (MIC values ranging from 60 to 240 g DW/mL). The results obtained in this work scientifically support the medicinal popular use of G. glutinosa as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. The identification of bioactive compounds and their morpho-anatomical description contribute to the quality control of this medicinal plant from Argentine Calchaquí Valley.

Fiebre hemorrágica Argentina: comunicación de dos casos en zona no endémica / Argentine hemorrhagic fever: report of two cases in a non-endemic área

Resumen Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 38 años sin antecedentes personales relevantes, residente de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, que consultó por fiebre, cefalea retroocular mialgias, ar tralgias y exantema maculopapular pruriginoso en dorso de manos y pies de 6 días de evolución. El laboratorio presentaba linfopenia, trombocitopenia grave y hepatitis anictérica. El cónyuge había cursado internación tres semanas antes por un cuadro de similares características sin diagnóstico etiológico. Posteriormente, la paciente evolucionó con metrorragia y petequias axilares asociados a fotofobia, somnolencia y temblor fino de la lengua, con líquido cefalorraquídeo normal, cumpliendo tratamiento con ceftriaxona 2 g/día intravenoso por 7 días. La tomografía computarizada de abdomen y pelvis evidenciaba un hematoma de pared abdominal izquierdo. Se derivaron muestras serológicas al Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas Dr. Julio I. Maiztegui para virus dengue, leptospirosis y hantavirus con resultados no reactivos y RT-PCR de virus Junín que resultó positiva. Retrospectivamente se realizó el diagnóstico del cónyuge por detección de anticuerpos IgG para virus Junín por ELISA y prueba de neutralización. Ninguno de los dos casos presentaba un nexo epidemiológico claro. Nuestro objetivo es remarcar la importancia de la sospecha clínica fuera de áreas endémicas.

Abstract We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with no relevant medical history, resident of the City of Buenos Aires, who was admitted in hospital for presenting fever, retroocular headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and maculopapular pruritic rash on the back of the hands and feet of 6 days of evolution. Laboratory tests revealed lymphopenia, severe thrombocytopenia, and anicteric hepatitis. Her husband had been hospitalized three weeks earlier for a condition of similar characteristics without etiological diagnosis. Subsequently, it evolved with metrorrhagia and axillary petechiae associated with photophobia, drowsiness, and fine tremor of the tongue with normal cerebrospinal fluid, treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g/day for 7 days. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis showed a left abdominal wall hematoma. Serological samples were sent to the National Institute of Human Viral Diseases Dr. Julio I. Maiztegui for dengue virus, leptospirosis and hantavirus with non-reactive results, and RT-PCR of Junín virus that was positive. Retrospectively, the spouse was diagnosed by detection of IgG antibodies to Junin virus by ELISA and neutralization tests. Neither of the two cases had a clear epidemiological link. Our aim is to highlight the importance of clinical suspicion outside of endemic areas.

Programa de Cannabis Medicinal en la provincia de Jujuy, Argentina. Un modelo integral de gestión pública / Medical Cannabis Program in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. A comprehensive model of public management

Resumen El desarrollo científico, tecnológico y económico del cannabis medicinal requiere la evolución de las normas y políticas públicas que abordan el fenómeno del redescubrimiento de la potencia científica y terapéutica del cannabis medicinal de calidad farmacéutica. Para encarar la problemática de la inexistencia de productos derivados de cannabis de industria nacional con aprobación sanitaria, el Gobierno de Jujuy decidió implementar un abordaje estatal integral de salud pública. En este artículo desarrollamos los ejes centrales de un modelo de gestión que comprende la creación de un marco legal e institucional, la implementación de un programa sanitario que incluye la capacitación profesional, la investigación y la elaboración de evidencia cientí fica de alta calidad, en el marco de un programa de producción pública de cannabis de grado farmacéutico que abarca toda la cadena productiva, desde el cultivo hasta la elaboración farmacéutica y la posterior distribución en farmacias bajo normas internacionales de buenas prácticas. El programa se encuentra en vigencia desde 2017, dentro de un panorama regulatorio nacional en desarrollo que convive con la estigmatización de la planta de cannabis en el marco social y médico, las dificultades de financiación y la escasa evidencia mundial en planes sanitarios efectivos de cannabis medicinal. Nuestra experiencia puede colaborar con otros administradores de salud, con semejante o diferente socio-demografía y entorno regulatorio, para resolver las barreras de acceso al cannabis medicinal y mejorar las condiciones de los pacientes que lo requieran.

Abstract The scientific, technological, and economic development of medicinal cannabis requires the evolution of public regulations and policies that address the phenomenon of the rediscovery of the scientific and therapeutic power of medicinal cannabis of pharmaceutical quality. To address the problem of the non-existence of cannabis-derived products from the national industry with health approval, the Government of Jujuy decided to implement a comprehensive state approach to public health. In this article we develop the central axes of a management model, which includes the creation of a legal and institutional framework, the implementation of a health program that includes professional training, research and the preparation of scientific evidence of high quality, within the framework of a program for the public production of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis that covers the entire pro duction chain, from cultivation to pharmaceutical preparation and subsequent distribution in pharmacies under international standards of good practice. The program has been in force since 2017, focusing on the challenges of a developing national regulatory landscape that coexists with the stigmatization of the cannabis plant in the social and medical framework, the difficulties of financing and the scarce world evidence in effective health plans of medical cannabis. Our experience can collaborate with other health administrators, with similar or different socio-demographics and regulatory environment, to resolve barriers to access to medical cannabis and improve the conditions of patients who require it.

Surveillance of avian malaria and related haemoparasites in common terns (Sterna hirundo) on the Atlantic coast of South America.

Haemosporidia (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) are protozoa that infect vertebrate blood cells and are transmitted by vectors. Among vertebrates, birds possess the greatest diversity of haemosporidia, historically placed in 3 genera: Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium, the causative agent of avian malaria. In South America, existing data on haemosporidia are spatially and temporally dispersed, so increased surveillance is needed to improve the determination and diagnosis of these parasites. During the non-breeding season in 2020 and 2021, 60 common terns (Sterna hirundo) were captured and bled as part of ongoing research on the population health of migratory birds on the Argentinian Atlantic coast. Blood samples and blood smears were obtained. Fifty-eight samples were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, as well as for Babesia parasites by nested polymerase chain reaction and by microscopic examination of smears. Two positive samples for Plasmodium were found. The cytochrome b lineages detected in the present study are found for the first time, and are close to Plasmodium lineages found in other bird orders. The low prevalence (3.6%) of haemoparasites found in this research was similar to those reported for previous studies on seabirds, including Charadriiformes. Our findings provide new information about the distribution and prevalence of haemosporidian parasites from charadriiforms in the southernmost part of South America, which remains understudied.

[Argentine hemorrhagic fever: report of two cases in a non-endemic area]. / Fiebre Hemorrágica Argentina: comunicación de dos casos en zona no endémica.

We present the case of a 38-year-old woman with no relevant medical history, resident of the City of Buenos Aires, who was admitted in hospital for presenting fever, retroocular headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and maculopapular pruritic rash on the back of the hands and feet of 6 days of evolution. Laboratory tests revealed lymphopenia, severe thrombocytopenia, and anicteric hepatitis. Her husband had been hospitalized three weeks earlier for a condition of similar characteristics without etiological diagnosis. Subsequently, it evolved with metrorrhagia and axillary petechiae associated with photophobia, drowsiness, and fine tremor of the tongue with normal cerebrospinal fluid, treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g/day for 7 days. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis showed a left abdominal wall hematoma. Serological samples were sent to the National Institute of Human Viral Diseases Dr. Julio I. Maiztegui for dengue virus, leptospirosis and hantavirus with non-reactive results, and RT-PCR of Junín virus that was positive. Retrospectively, the spouse was diagnosed by detection of IgG antibodies to Junin virus by ELISA and neutralization tests. Neither of the two cases had a clear epidemiological link. Our aim is to highlight the importance of clinical suspicion outside of endemic areas.

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 38 años sin antecedentes personales relevantes, residente de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, que consultó por fiebre, cefalea retroocular mialgias, artralgias y exantema maculopapular pruriginoso en dorso de manos y pies de 6 días de evolución. El laboratorio presentaba linfopenia, trombocitopenia grave y hepatitis anictérica. El cónyuge había cursado internación tres semanas antes por un cuadro de similares características sin diagnóstico etiológico. Posteriormente, la paciente evolucionó con metrorragia y petequias axilares asociados a fotofobia, somnolencia y temblor fino de la lengua, con líquido cefalorraquídeo normal, cumpliendo tratamiento con ceftriaxona 2 g/día intravenoso por 7 días. La tomografía computarizada de abdomen y pelvis evidenciaba un hematoma de pared abdominal izquierdo. Se derivaron muestras serológicas al Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas Dr. Julio I. Maiztegui para virus dengue, leptospirosis y hantavirus con resultados no reactivos y RT-PCR de virus Junín que resultó positiva. Retrospectivamente se realizó el diagnóstico del cónyuge por detección de anticuerpos IgG para virus Junín por ELISA y prueba de neutralización. Ninguno de los dos casos presentaba un nexo epidemiológico claro. Nuestro objetivo es remarcar la importancia de la sospecha clínica fuera de áreas endémicas.

[Medical Cannabis Program in the province of Jujuy, Argentina. A comprehensive model of public management]. / Programa de Cannabis Medicinal en la provincia de Jujuy, Argentina. Un modelo integral de gestión pública.

The scientific, technological, and economic development of medicinal cannabis requires the evolution of public regulations and policies that address the phenomenon of the rediscovery of the scientific and therapeutic power of medicinal cannabis of pharmaceutical quality. To address the problem of the non-existence of cannabisderived products from the national industry with health approval, the Government of Jujuy decided to implement a comprehensive state approach to public health. In this article we develop the central axes of a management model, which includes the creation of a legal and institutional framework, the implementation of a health program that includes professional training, research and the preparation of scientific evidence of high quality, within the framework of a program for the public production of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis that covers the entire production chain, from cultivation to pharmaceutical preparation and subsequent distribution in pharmacies under international standards of good practice. The program has been in force since 2017, focusing on the challenges of a developing national regulatory landscape that coexists with the stigmatization of the cannabis plant in the social and medical framework, the difficulties of financing and the scarce world evidence in effective health plans of medical cannabis. Our experience can collaborate with other health administrators, with similar or different socio-demographics and regulatory environment, to resolve barriers to access to medical cannabis and improve the conditions of patients who require it.

El desarrollo científico, tecnológico y económico del cannabis medicinal requiere la evolución de las normas y políticas públicas que abordan el fenómeno del redescubrimiento de la potencia científica y terapéutica del cannabis medicinal de calidad farmacéutica. Para encarar la problemática de la inexistencia de productos derivados de cannabis de industria nacional con aprobación sanitaria, el Gobierno de Jujuy decidió implementar un abordaje estatal integral de salud pública. En este artículo desarrollamos los ejes centrales de un modelo de gestión que comprende la creación de un marco legal e institucional, la implementación de un programa sanitario que incluye la capacitación profesional, la investigación y la elaboración de evidencia científica de alta calidad, en el marco de un programa de producción pública de cannabis de grado farmacéutico que abarca toda la cadena productiva, desde el cultivo hasta la ela boración farmacéutica y la posterior distribución en farmacias bajo normas internacionales de buenas prácticas. El programa se encuentra en vigencia desde 2017, dentro de un panorama regulatorio nacional en desarrollo que convive con la estigmatización de la planta de cannabis en el marco social y médico, las dificultades de financiación y la escasa evidencia mundial en planes sanitarios efectivos de cannabis medicinal. Nuestra experiencia puede colaborar con otros administradores de salud, con semejante o diferente socio-demografía y entorno regulatorio, para resolver las barreras de acceso al cannabis medicinal y mejorar las condiciones de los pacientes que lo requieran.

Modulation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Signaling Pathway Impacts on Junín Virus Replication.

Junín virus (JUNV), a member of the family Arenaviridae, is the etiological agent of the Argentine hemorrhagic fever, an endemic disease in the rural region of Argentina lacking a specific chemotherapy. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is expressed in several mammalian tissues and has been indicated as a sensor of ligands from variable sources and a modulator of the cell immune response. Interestingly, recent studies have suggested that the activation or depression of the AHR signaling pathway may play a role in the outcome of diverse human viral infections. In the present report, the effect of the pharmacological modulation of AHR on JUNV in vitro infection was analyzed. An initial microarray screening showed that the AHR pathway was overexpressed in JUNV-infected hepatic cells. Concomitantly, the infection of Vero and Huh-7 cells with the JUNV strains IV4454 and Candid#1 was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by treatment with CH223191, a specific AHR antagonist, as detected by infectivity assays, real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence detection of viral proteins. Furthermore, the pro-viral role of AHR in JUNV infection appears to be independent of the IFN-I pathway. Our findings support the promising perspectives of the pharmacological modulation of AHR as a potential target for the control of AHF.

Household ovicidal alternative for complementary control of Aedes aegypti in the Gran San Miguel de Tucuman agglomerate, Tucumán, Argentina.

Aedes aegypti is closely related to human behavior that allows its establishment through the accumulation of urban solid waste where it lays resistant eggs. Generally, adulticides and larvicides are applied in excess, without ovicidal alternatives, and some household products can help reduce the abundance of quiescent eggs in breeding sites by affecting the viability of eggs. A community involved in prevention and control is one of the most effective strategies for adequate vector management. In this investigation, new alternative strategies for the control of Ae. aegypti are assessed, valuing in laboratory the eggs' response to diverse household products. Susceptibility to different doses of bleach, oil, salt, sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, coffee, garlic, peroxide, and alcohol was measured, as well as its duration over time. New home products were found as alternative ovicidal method. Bleach and sunflower oil had an ovicidal effect at their maximum doses and at almost all of the evaluation times. In contrast, vinegar and coffee had no ovicidal effect at any time, turning out to be stimulators of hatching in the laboratory. These alternative and complementary applications could optimize the surveillance and control of Ae. aegypti in the area, allowing new approaches to reduce populations by eliminating eggs on human microhabitats.

An invasive ant increases deformed wing virus loads in honey bees.

The majority of invasive species are best known for their effects as predators. However, many introduced predators may also be substantial reservoirs for pathogens. Honey bee-associated viruses are found in various arthropod species including invasive ants. We examined how the globally invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), which can reach high densities and infest beehives, is associated with pathogen dynamics in honey bees. Viral loads of deformed wing virus (DWV), which has been linked to millions of beehive deaths around the globe, and black queen cell virus significantly increased in bees when invasive ants were present. Microsporidian and trypanosomatid infections, which are more bee-specific, were not affected by ant invasion. The bee virome in autumn revealed that DWV was the predominant virus with the highest infection levels and that no ant-associated viruses were infecting bees. Viral spillback from ants could increase infections in bees. In addition, ant attacks could pose a significant stressor to bee colonies that may affect virus susceptibility. These viral dynamics are a hidden effect of ant pests, which could have a significant impact on disease emergence in this economically important pollinator. Our study highlights a perhaps overlooked effect of species invasions: changes in pathogen dynamics.

Recent developments on Junin virus, a causative agent for Argentine haemorrhagic fever.

Junin virus consists of ribonucleic acid as the genome and is responsible for a rapidly changing tendency of the virus. The virus is accountable for ailments in the human body and causes Argentine Haemorrhagic Fever (AHF). The infection is may be transmitted through contact between an infected animal/host and a person, and later between person to person. Prevention of outbreaks of AHF in humans can be a tough practice, as their occurrence is infrequent and unpredictable. In this review, recent information from the past 5 years available on the Junin virus including the risk of its emergence, infectious agents, its pathogenesis in humans, available diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and disease management has been summarised. Altogether, this article would be highly significant in understanding the mechanistic basis behind virus interaction and other processes during the life cycle. Currently, no specific therapeutic options are available to treat the Junin virus infection. The information covered in this review could be important for finding possible treatment options for Junin virus infections.

Historia de la Sociedad-Asociación Rioplatense de Anatomía (1964-2000) / History of the Rioplatense Society-Association of Anatomy (1964-2000)

Realizamos una reseña histórica de la Sociedad-Asociación Rioplatense de Anatomía, que fue una agrupación de anatomistas argentino-uruguaya. Se consideran sus orígenes y objetivos, estructura organizativa, congresos y publicaciones. Posteriormente con el crecimiento de la anatomía en ambos países se desdobló en la Asociación Argentina de Anatomía y la Sociedad Uruguaya de Anatomía.

SUMMARY: We carry out a historical review of the Rioplatense Society-Association of Anatomy, which was a group of Argentine-Uruguayan anatomists. Its origins and objectives, organizational structure, congresses and publications are considered. Later, with the growth of anatomy in both countries, it was divided into the Argentine Association of Anatomy and the Uruguayan Society of Anatomy.