ABSTRACT The application of leaf area index (LAI) in coffee crop management depends on the availability of methodologies for proper estimation. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for the visual assessment of LAI in coffee fields and to establish a protocol for training, evaluation, and feedback for evaluators. Four rounds of LAI measurements were conducted using visual estimates, two instruments (LAI 2200-C and AccuPAR LP-80), and defoliation of coffee hedgerows in Poás, Costa Rica. In each round, five workers visually estimated the LAI values on two occasions separated by 15 days, and feedback reinforcement was provided to each worker at the end of each round. Visual assessments showed high repeatability and reproducibility and the estimates were adjusted to the linear regression model in most cases. Evaluators improved their capacity to visually assess the LAI throughout the rounds, as the value of R2increased consistently for most workers, with values as high as 0.87. Instrumentation evaluation of LAI produced R2values of 0.5-0.6, with significant underestimation bias. The performance of the different methods is discussed in the context of widely spaced hedgerows. The proposed visual methodology constitutes a statistically sound, rapid, simple, and reliable method for determining the LAI of coffee fields to aid in decision-making for crop management.

RESUMO A aplicação do índice de área foliar (IAF) na gestão da cultura do cafeeiro depende da disponibilidade de metodologias para sua estimativa correta. É proposta aqui uma metodologia para a avaliação visual do IAF em plantas de café, por tanto se estabelece um protocolo para o treinamento dos avaliadores. Foram feitas quatro rodadas de medições do IAF utilizando estimativas visuais, dois instrumentos (LAI 2200-C e AccuPAR LP-80), e desfolhações de sebes de café na Costa Rica. A cada rodada, cinco trabalhadores estimaram visualmente os valores do IAF em duas ocasiões e separados por 15 dias. Ao final de cada rodada, foi dada uma retroalimentação a cada trabalhador. A avaliação visual mostrou alta repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade, e as estimativas foram ajustadas para o modelo de regressão linear na maioria dos casos. Os avaliadores melhoraram sua capacidade de avaliar visualmente o IAF ao longo das rodadas, e o valor de R2 aumentou consistentemente para a maioria dos trabalhadores, com valores tão altos quanto 0,87. A avaliação do IAF por instrumentos produziu valores de R2 de 0,5-0,6, com significativa tendência de subestimação, e não se ajustou ao modelo de regressão linear. O desempenho dos diferentes métodos é discutido no contexto de coberturas com amplo espaço. A metodologia visual proposta constitui uma determinação sólida, rápida, simples e confiável do IAF na lavoura do café e considera-se uma ajuda na tomada de decisões para a gestão da safra.

Resumen Introducción: Existe creciente evidencia que el telemonitoreo (TM) de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) parece mejorar su evolución. No se han diseñado y evaluado plataformas de TM en Argentina. El objetivo fue evaluar la factibilidad, aceptabilidad, usabilidad y eficacia preliminar de una plataforma de TM de IC. Métodos: Se realizó un ensayo piloto apareado abierto, con un modelo de intervención de un solo grupo. Los pacientes con IC fueron incluidos en una consulta ambulatoria en enero de 2021. Se diseñó una pla taforma de TM las 24 h y 7 días de la semana. El punto final primario a 30 días fue la factibilidad, aceptabilidad y usabilidad. Resultados: Se incluyeron 20 pacientes, con una media de edad 62 ± 10 años. Se analizaron 542 cargas de parámetros. La autopercepción relacionada al estado de salud en comparación al inicio fue “levemente” o “marcadamente mejor” en el 60% de los pacientes, y en 75% “de acuerdo” o “totalmente de acuerdo” que el TM mejora el cuidado de la IC. En el 80% la carga diaria de parámetros no interfirió en su vida cotidiana. La media total de adherencia farmacológica previa a la intervención de TM fue de 6.8 ± 1.3 y posterior 7.7 ± 0,4 (p = 0.019), sin encontrar diferencias en las escalas de autocuidado. Conclusión: El TM de pacientes con IC parece ser factible, con un adecuado grado de aceptabilidad. Se observó un aumento significativo en la tasa de total adherencia, plantea una hipótesis de potencial beneficio a evaluar en una muestra mayor.

Abstract Introduction: There is growing evidence that telemonitoring (TM) in heart failure (HF) seems to improve their outcome. TM platforms have not been designed and evaluated in Argentina. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, usability and preliminary efficacy of a HF TM platform. Methods: An open-label, paired pilot trial was conducted with a single-group intervention model. HF patients were included in an outpatient clinic in January 2021. A 24-hour*7-day TM platform was designed. The primary endpoint at 30 days was feasibility, acceptability, and usability. Results: Twenty patients were included, mean age 62 ± 10 years; 542 parameter loads were analyzed. Self-perception related to health status compared to baseline was “slightly” or “markedly better” in 60% of patients, and in 75% “agree” or “totally agree” that TM improves patient care. In 80%, the load ing of parameters did not interfere with their daily activities. The total mean pharmacological adherence prior to the TM intervention was 6.8 ± 1.3 and 7.7 ± 0.4 afterward (p = 0.019), with no differences found in the self-care scales. Conclusion: The TM of patients with HF seems to be feasible, with an adequate degree of acceptability. A significant increase in the total adherence rate was reduced, raising a hypothesis of potential benefit to be evaluated in a larger sample.

RESUMO O problema tratado é a contaminação da água da Lagoa Yarinacocha por metais pesados e o uso inadequado de resíduos agrícolas. Foi fabricado carvão ativado a partir de cascas de cacau (Theobroma cacao L.) e foi determinado seu efeito adsorvente na remoção de metais poluentes das águas da Lagoa Yarinacocha. A metodologia da superfície de resposta foi aplicada com experimentos fatoriais 33 e 32, com três repetições para otimizar a obtenção do adsorvente e medir sua eficácia na remoção de metais. A modelagem do processo de pirólise, resultou em 17,27 g de carvão ativado a partir de 295,72 g de cascas de cápsulas secas, ótimo com os seguintes parâmetros ótimos: 150 °C como temperatura de ativação, 450 °C como temperatura de carbonização, e 2,5 horas como tempo de modificação. Isto resultou na remoção efetiva de metais poluentes (alumínio: 91,43%, cobre: 75%, ferro: 58,33% e zinco: 58,33%), de amostras de água demonstrando que é possível fabricar carvão ativado a partir de cascas de casca de cacau, com um potencial adsorvente para remover metais das águas da Lagoa Yarinacocha.

ABSTRACT The problem addressed is the contamination of the Yarinacocha Lagoon water by heavy metals and poor use of agricultural residues. It was manufactured activated carbon from cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pod husks and determined its adsorbent effect in removing polluting metals from the waters of the Yarinacocha Lagoon. The response surface methodology was applied with factorial designs 33 and 32, with three replicates to optimize obtaining the adsorbent and measure its effectiveness in metal removal. The modeling of the pyrolysis process resulted in 17.27 g of activated carbon from 295.72 g of dry pod husks, optimal with the following optimal parameters: 150 °C as activation temperature, 450 °C as carbonization temperature, and 2.5 hours as modification time. This resulted in effective removal of pollutant metals (aluminum: 91.43%, copper: 75%, iron: 58.33% and zinc: 58.33%), from waters samples demonstrating that it is possible to manufacture activated carbon from cocoa pod husks, with an adsorbent potential to remove metals from the waters of the Yarinacocha Lagoon.

RESUMEN Introducción: El sarampión era una enfermedad común en la infancia, que con elevadas coberturas vacunales, se han producido brotes en distintas regiones por movilidad geográfica. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia epidemiológica y clínica del brote de sarampión en el periodo de enero a junio del 2020 en la Ciudad de México/Delegación Norte del IMSS. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo de 124 datos de casos notificados en OOAD Norte D.F. IMSS, enero-junio 2020, bajo consentimiento informado, obteniendo datos sociodemográficos, semana notificación, manifestaciones clínicas, antecedente inmunización, casos sospechososo confirmados mediante prueba de laboratorio, utilizando estadística descriptiva con un, intervalo de confianza de 95%. Resultados: La prevalencia de sarampión fue del 0.00006063%, la mediana de edad fue de 7 años (intervalo intercuartílico: 26 años. Grupo etario más afectado de 1-4 años (27.4%); hombres en 52.4% y 62.9% residentes de la Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero. La semana con más casos fue la 13 (22 al 28 de marzo) con 19.4%. Antecedente de inmunización un 36.3%. El diagnóstico en el 19.4% de los casos fue confirmatorio por laboratorio, y el 80.6% se mantuvo como sospechoso por presentar manifestaciones clínicas. Conclusiones: La prevalencia del brote de sarampión en la Delegación Norte del IMSS, entre enero y junio de 2020 fue de 0.00006063% (6.063 por 100,000 habitantes) siendo diagnosticados principalmente por sus características clínicas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Measles was a common disease that, with high vaccination coverage, has caused outbreaks in different regions due to geographic mobility. Objective: To determine the epidemiological and clinical prevalence of the measles outbreak from January to June 2020 in Mexico City/IMSS North Delegation. Materials and methods: Retrospective, descriptive study in 124 reported cases of measles in the OOAD Norte D.F. IMSS; January-June 2020, under informed consent, obtaining sociodemographic data, week of notification, clinical manifestations, immunization history, suspected case or confirmed by confirmatory serum test and pharyngeal exudate. Using descriptive statistics with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Prevalence of measles was 0.00006063%, the median age was 7 years (IQR = 26 years). The most affected age group was 1-4 years (27.4%). 52.4% of the sample were men. 62.9 % were residents of the Gustavo A. Madero Mayor’s Delegation The week with the most cases was 13 (March 22 to 28) with 19.4% History of immunization 36.3% and 63.7% without immunization Diagnosis in 19.4% of the cases were confirmed by laboratory and 80.6% remained suspicious for presenting clinical manifestations of measles. Conclusions: The epidemiological and clinical prevalence of the measles outbreak from January to June 2020 in Mexico City/Delegación Norte IMSS was determined, being 0.00006063 (a rate of 6,063 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants), being mainly diagnosed by clinical characteristics.

ABSTRACT Background: In Argentina, the specialty of general surgery is in crisis, and this alarming situation is associated with the poor working conditions of general surgeons. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the perception of young surgeons at the end of their training program, in relation to their job prospects, surgical and academic activity. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a survey responded by young surgeons in Cordoba, Argentina. Results: The survey was responded by 53 young surgeons; 58% were men and median age was 32 years. Seventy-two percent practiced general surgery and 55% worked in the private setting. Thirtyfour percent were members of Asociación de Cirugía de Córdoba and 23% belonged to Asociación Argentina de Cirugía. As for professional experience, 53.1% were junior surgeons and 64% were capable of performing low or medium complexity procedures. Eighty-nine percent considered that young surgeons do not get a job quickly and 96.2% reported that they were not well paid for their practice. When asked about their personal and professional quality of life, 57% expressed frustration and economic uncertainty. Among women surgeons, 73% reported gender inequities and 50% reported sexual harassment in the workplace. Conclusion: Young surgeons perceived they had low level of competencies for high complexity surgical procedures and reported low rate of membership in surgical societies. Most of them feel frustrated due to scarce job opportunities and expressed economic uncertainty. Nowadays, abuse and harassment of women surgeons still prevails and persists.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: en la Argentina, la especialidad Cirugía General se encuentra en crisis y esta situación alarmante se halla vinculada a las malas condiciones laborales del cirujano general. Objetivo: describir la percepción que el cirujano joven tiene al terminar su programa de formación, en relación con su perspectiva laboral, actividad quirúrgica y académica. Material y métodos: estudio transversal basado en una encuesta dirigida a cirujanos jóvenes en Córdoba, Argentina. Resultados: participaron 53 encuestados. El 58% eran hombres y la mediana de edad fue 32 años. El 72% ejercía Cirugía General y el 55% trabajaba en el sector privado. El 34% pertenecía a la Asociación de Cirugía de Córdoba y el 23% a la Asociación Argentina de Cirugía. En cuanto a la experiencia profesional, el 53,1% eran cirujanos junior y el 64% eran competentes para realizar procedimientos de baja o mediana complejidad. En relación con la perspectiva laboral, el 89% consideró que el cirujano joven no consigue salida laboral rápida y el 96,2% refirió que sus prácticas no eran bien remuneradas. Respecto de la calidad de vida personal y laboral, el 57% manifestó frustración e incertidumbre económica. En cuanto a las cirujanas, la tasa de inequidades de género y hostigamiento sexual en el ámbito laboral fue del 73% y 50%, respectivamente. Conclusión: encontramos la percepción de un bajo nivel de competencia para las cirugías de mayor complejidad y una baja tasa de adherencia a sociedades quirúrgicas. Debido a la escasa oferta laboral existe gran frustración e incertidumbre económica. Actualmente, predomina y persiste el maltrato y hostigamiento hacia las cirujanas.

Resumen Biganzoli, F.; M. Oyarzabal, S. Teillier & F. O. Zuloaga. 2022. Fitogeografía de la provincia Altoandina del Cono Sur de Sudamérica. Darwiniana, nueva serie 10(2): 537-574. La flora de las áreas de alta montaña es de las más desconocidas y amenazadas por el cambio climático. Además, la fitogeografía de las montañas es compleja por la escasez de relevamientos, lo que ha generado una delimitación actual poco detallada. En este trabajo describimos la flora de las montañas del Cono Sur de Sudamérica. Específicamente, proponemos una clasificación detallada de la provincia Altoandina con base en la distribución geográfica de taxa exclusivos de esta provincia, caracterizamos las subdivisiones a nivel regional y elaboramos un mapa de los distritos identificados. Registramos 883 taxa exclusivamente altoandinos, de los cuales 220 son endémicos de Argentina, 151 de Chile y 512 compartidos entre Argentina y Chile o con otros países andinos, principalmente con Bolivia. Las familias con más taxa son las Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae y Violaceae. Los géneros con más taxa son Senecio, Viola y Nototriche. Mediante un análisis de redes, confirmamos y mapeamos la subdivisión de la provincia en tres distritos: Quechua, Cuyano-Pikumche y Nothoandino. Este trabajo contribuye al conocimiento de la fitogeografía de la provincia Altoandina y a su conservación.

Abstract Biganzoli, F.; M. Oyarzabal, S. Teillier & F. O. Zuloaga. 2022. Phytogeography of Altoandina province of the Southern Cone of South America. Darwiniana, nueva serie 10(2): 537-574. The flora of high mountain areas is one of the least known and one of the most threatened by climate change. In addition, the phytogeographic delimitation of the mountains is difficult and not accurate enough. In this work we describe the flora of the Altoandina province in the Southern Cone of South America based on the geographical distribution of taxa exclusive to this province, we characterize the subdivisions at a regional level and generate a map of the identified districts. The results show that 883 taxa are exclusive of this province, of which 151 are only present in Chile, 220 in Argentina, and 512 are shared by both countries or are also present in Bolivia or other Andean countries. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, and Violaceae are the richest families in the province, while Senecio, Viola and Nototriche are the richest genera. Through a network-based analysis, we confirm the presence of three Districts in the Altoandina province: Quechua, Cuyano-Pikumche, and Nothoandino. This work aims to contribute to the knowledge on geographical patterns of the High Andean flora and its conservation.

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to surgical education worldwide. The lack of hands-on activity, due to suspensions and restrictions, jeopardizes the ability of training programs to meet the competence standards required for the practice of the specialty. Objective: To compare residents’ surgical activity before and during the lockdown, and describe the changes in healthcare roles and training strategies. Material and Methods: We conducted a descriptive, observational and retrospective study. The surgeries performed by residents during pre-pandemic (March 2019-February 2020) and intrapandemic (March 2020-February 2021) periods were recorded. The number and type of procedures and the year of the residency program were compared in both periods. The percent change in outpatient consultations was also analyzed. Results: The total number of plastic surgery procedures was reduced by 59% (n = 368 vs. n = 152). Scheduled cosmetic procedures decreased by 64%. Reconstructive procedures decreased by 55%: skin tumors -64%, breast reconstruction -54%, extremity reconstruction -40%, head and neck reconstruction -13%. Multidisciplinary reconstructions performed with other specialists showed different patterns. Face-to-face consultations decreased by 50% (n = 2603 vs. n = 1308). Conclusions: During the lockdown, there was a marked decrease in all the types of surgical and healthcare activities among residents in plastic surgery which will influence their training, posing a challenge to minimize this impact.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la pandemia por COVID-19 plantea un desafío inédito en la educación quirúrgica mundial. La falta de actividad práctica, fruto de las suspensiones y restricciones, pone en jaque la capacidad de los programas de entrenamiento de ajustarse a los estándares de idoneidad requeridos para el ejercicio de la especialidad. Objetivo: comparar la actividad quirúrgica de los residentes antes y durante la cuarentena, y describir los cambios de roles asistenciales y de las tácticas para su formación. Material y métodos: observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se registraron las ciru-gías realizadas por residentes en los períodos marzo 2019-febrero 2020 (Prepandemia) y marzo 2020-febrero 2021 (Intrapandemia). Se compararon la cantidad y tipo de procedimientos, así como el año de la residencia. Se analizó también el porcentaje de variación en las consultas de consultorios externos. Resultados: se experimentó una reducción global del número de operaciones del 59% (n = 368 vs. n = 152). Los procedimientos estéticos programados disminuyeron un 64%. En cirugía reconstructiva hubo una caída del 55%: tumores de piel -64%, reconstrucción mamaria -54%, reconstrucción de miembro -40%, reconstrucción cabeza y cuello -13%. En las reconstrucciones interdisciplinarias llevadas adelante con otros Servicios se observó un comportamiento dispar. La atención ambulatoria en consultorios externos experimentó una disminución del 50% (n = 2603 vs. n = 1308) en las consultas presenciales. Conclusiones: durante la cuarentena se registró una marcada disminución en todos los tipos de actividad quirúrgica y asistencial de los residentes de cirugía plástica, lo que influirá en su formación y plantea un desafío para minimizar ese impacto.

ABSTRACT Background: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging improves the performance of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnostics through a better selection of patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the detection rate (DR) of systematic and targeted cognitive biopsies in a cohort with the previous negative systematic biopsies. A secondary objective was to describe the value of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) in the detection of clinically significant PCa (CSPCa). Methods: We designed a prospective, single-center, and comparative study to determine the DR of systematic and targeted cognitive biopsies. The clinical and pathological characteristics of each patient were described. Results: A total of 111 patients with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System lesions > 3 were included in the study. PCa was detected in 41.4% (46 of 111 patients); 42 (91.3%) were detected by systematic biopsy and 30 (65.2%) by targeted biopsy. CSPCa was detected in 26 (23.4%), 23 (88.5%) by systematic biopsy, and 21 (76.9%) by targeted biopsy. PSAd > 0.15 was directly associated with CSPCa. Conclusion: The detection of PCa by systematic biopsy in this series was higher than 80%; hence, its routine use should not be replaced by targeted biopsy, since it continues to be the cornerstone of the diagnosis in patients with prior negative biopsies.

Resumen La pandemia de COVID-19 determinó un importante cambio de los hábitos y comportamientos comu nitarios, entre ellos se observó un distanciamiento de la gente del sistema de salud y el abandono de hábitos saludables. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprender las causas que dieron lugar a dichos cambios de com portamiento desde una perspectiva individual y evaluar el impacto en el control de los factores de riesgo car diovasculares. Realizamos una encuesta utilizando un cuestionario en línea y distribuida mediante la aplicación WhatsApp entre personas de la Argentina utilizando una combinación de muestreo por conveniencia y en “bola de nieve”. Recibimos 6176 respuestas, casi el 70% de los encuestados manifestaron temor de realizar una con sulta médica. Un tercio de los encuestados manifestó haber tenido necesidad de ir al médico en al menos una oportunidad desde el inicio de la pandemia, pero de éstos, el 48% evitó la visita. Las principales razones para evitarla: 1) la recomendación de quedarse en casa (40%); 2) dificultad para acceder al sistema de salud (35%); y 3) miedo al contagio (26%). La forma de consulta más común fue a través de medios no convencionales (correo electrónico, teléfono o WhatsApp). Uno de cada 5 encuestados tuvo dificultades para obtener una receta y el 5% dejó de tomar al menos un medicamento. En cuanto a los hábitos saludables, casi 2/3 de los encuestados afirmaron volverse más sedentarios, el 11% de los hipertensos aumentó su consumo de sal y el 15% aumentó sus valores de presión arterial, mientras que el 16% de los dislipidémicos mostró un mayor consumo de grasas.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic elicited important changes in community habits and behaviors, including a distancing of people from the healthcare system. The objective of this work was to understand the causes that gave rise to changes in behavior from an individual perspective in the Argentine Republic. We performed a cross-sectional, web-based survey using an online questionnaire. The survey was distributed via the WhatsApp application for smartphones among subjects across the Argentine territory using a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. We received 6176 responses. Almost 70% of respondents manifested fear of visiting a physician. One third of respondents manifested having a desire or need in at least one occasion of visiting a physician but, of these, 48% avoided it. The main reasons for avoiding visits were: 1) a recommenda tion of staying home (40%); 2) lack of access to the physician (35%); and 3) fear of contagion (26%). The most common form of consultation was through unconventional means (e-mail, telephone, or WhatsApp). One of 5 respondents had difficulties to obtain a medication prescription and 5% stopped the use of at least one medica tion. Regarding healthy habits, almost 2/3 of those surveyed stated that they became more sedentary; 11% of hypertensive patients increased their consumption of salt and 15% saw their blood pressure values increase, while 16% of dyslipidemic patients showed increased consumption of fats.

RESUMEN Mamíferos eocenos en depósitos volcanoclásticos de la meseta de Somun Cura: implicaciones bioestratigráficas para el Paleógeno del norte de la Patagonia. La sucesión faunística terrestre del Paleógeno y sus depósitos volcaniclásticos portadores asociados han sido exhaustivamente estudiados en la Patagonia central, pero aún no hay un ordenamiento litobiochronoestratigráfico aceptable para la región Norpatagónica extrandina. Las únicas referencias sobre depósitos portadores de mamíferos paleógenos al norte del río Chubut son imprecisas y contradictorias. Al oeste de Ingeniero Jacobacci (Provincia de Río Negro, Argentina), el paleontólogo y arqueólogo Rodolfo Casamiquela reportó una sucesión fosilífera con mamíferos casamayorenses o mustersenses (Eoceno) y deseadenses (Oligoceno) de rocas actualmente mapeadas como Formación Las Chacras. Esta unidad incluye tobas ácidas a intermedias, ignimbritas, paleosuelos, conglomerados y basaltos originados en un sistema fluvial perivolcánico, bajo un clima estacional subhúmedo de acuerdo con los caracteres pedogénicos predominantes. Como resultado de nuestros trabajos de campo y recolección de fósiles en el área de Ingeniero Jacobacci y de la revisión de los materiales colectados por Casamiquela en los años cuarenta y cincuenta (con procedencia estratigráfica bien conocida), identificamos una única asociación de mamíferos proveniente de la sección inferior de la Formación Las Chacras (aquí denominada “Lower Las Chacras fauna”) compuesta por Plesiofelis schlosseri Roth, 1903 (Sparassodonta); Trigonostylops Ameghino, 1897; Astraponotus Ameghino, 1901 (Astrapotheria); Propyrotherium Ameghino, 1901 (Pyrotheria); Pseudhyrax eutrachytheroides Ameghino, 1901; Eohegetotherium priscum Ameghino, 1901; Puelia sigma (Ameghino, 1901); Periphragnis Roth, 1899 (Notoungulata); Isutaetus depictus Ameghino, 1902 (Cingulata); y un nuevo miembro de Adianthidae (Litopterna) y probablemente de Pichipilidae (Paucituberculata). Esta asociación es más parecida a la proveniente del Miembro Rosado de la Formación Sarmiento en Gran Barranca, Patagonia central (localidad tipo de la Edad Mamífero Mustersense) datada en ca. 38 Ma (Eoceno medio tardío). Un flujo piroclástico asociado a los depósitos portadores de Ingeniero Jacobacci fue datado (K-Ar) en 39,2±2 Ma, valor compatible con la edad Mustersense inferida aquí para la “Lower Las Chacras fauna”. La supuesta presencia de mamíferos deseadenses en estos niveles estaba basada sobre restos de un notoungulado isotémnido incorrectamente identificado como un leontínido. La presencia del notoungulado tinguiririquense (Oligoceno temprano) Eohegetotherium priscum , con caracteres dentarios más apomórficos que sus aliados eocénicos, y de un astrapotérido más derivado que Astraponotus , sugiere que algunos elementos faunísticos más avanzados se habrían establecido en la Norpatagonia más temprano que en la Patagonia central.

ABSTRACT The Paleogene terrestrial faunal succession and its associated bearing volcaniclastic deposits has been exhaustively studied in central Patagonia, but there is still no acceptable litho-bio-chronostratigraphic ordering for the extra-Andean North Patagonia. The only references on Paleogene mammals bearing deposits north to Chubut River are imprecise and contradictory. West to Ingeniero Jacobacci (Río Negro Province, Argentina), the paleontologist and archaeologist Rodolfo Casamiquela reported a fossiliferous succession with Casamayoran or Mustersan (Eocene) and Deseadan (Oligocene) mammals from rocks currently mapped as the Las Chacras Formation. This unit includes acid to intermediate tuffs, ignimbrites, paleosols, conglomerates, and basalts originated in a perivolcanic fluvial system, under a seasonal subhumid-humid climate according to predominant pedogenic features. As a result of our fieldworks and fossil collection in the area of Ingeniero Jacobacci, and the revision of the materials collected by Casamiquela in the forties and fifties (with well-known stratigraphic origin), we identified a single mammal association from the lower section of the Las Chacras Formation (here named the Lower Las Chacras fauna) composed by: Plesiofelis schlosseri Roth, 1903 (Sparassodonta), Trigonostylops Ameghino, 1897, Astraponotus Ameghino, 1901 (Astrapotheria), Propyrotherium Ameghino, 1901 (Pyrotheria), Pseudhyrax eutrachytheroides Ameghino, 1901, Eohegetotherium priscum Ameghino, 1901, Puelia sigma (Ameghino, 1901), Periphragnis Roth, 1899 (Notoungulata), Isutaetus depictus Ameghino, 1902 (Cingulata), and a new member of Adianthidae (Litopterna) and probably of Pichipilidae (Paucituberculata). This assemblage is closer to that derived from the Rosado Member of the Sarmiento Formation at Gran Barranca, central Patagonia (type locality of the Mustersan Land Mammal Age) dated in ca . 38 Ma (late middle Eocene). A pyroclastic flow associated to the bearing deposits of Ingeniero Jacobacci was dated (K-Ar) in 39.2±2 Ma, value compatible with the Mustersan age here inferred for the Lower Las Chacras fauna. The alleged occurrence of Deseadan mammals in these levels was based on remains of an isotemnid notoungulate incorrectly identified as a leontinid. The presence of the Tinguirirican (early Oligocene) notoungulate Eohegetotherium priscum , with more apomorphic dental traits than in its Eocene allies, and of an astrapotheriid more derived than Astraponotus suggests that some advanced faunal elements would have been established in North Patagonia earlier than in central Patagonia.

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio observacional y prospectivo en el Hospital Garrahan, cuyos objetivos fueron conocer la portación asintomática del coronavirus de tipo 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2, por su sigla en inglés) en niños oncológicos y/o en sus cuidadores al hospitalizarse para realizar quimioterapia, y describir el impacto en la continuación del tratamiento en aquellos con prueba positiva para SARS- CoV-2 o con síntomas compatibles con la infección por el virus durante la internación. Se incluyeron los pacientes con enfermedad oncohematológica y sus cuidadores, a quienes se les realizó una prueba de detección de SARS-CoV-2 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa. Se analizaron 733 hospitalizaciones. La tasa de positividad para SARS-CoV-2 fue del 2,2 % (IC95%: 1,35-3,52). Todos los pacientes con prueba detectable completaron la quimioterapia. El 7,7 % de los pacientes presentó síntomas compatibles de caso sospechoso con prueba no detectable y el 77 % de ellos pudo continuar su tratamiento.

Abstract Background Endogenous phospholipases A2 (PLA2) play a fundamental role in inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, apoptosis and cellular senescence. Neurotoxins with PLA2 activity are found in snake venoms from the Elapidae and Viperidae families. The mechanism of action of these neurotoxins have been studied using hippocampal and cerebellar neuronal cultures showing [Ca2+]i increase, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death. Astrocytes are rarely used as a model, despite being modulators at the synapses and responsible for homeostasis and defense in the central nervous system. Preserving the cell division ability, they can be utilized to study the cell proliferation process. In the present work cultured astrocytes and glioblastoma cells were employed to characterize the action of β-micrustoxin (previously named Mlx-9), a PLA2 isolated from Micrurus lemniscatus snake venom. The β-micrustoxin structure was determined and the cell proliferation, cell cycle phases and the regulatory proteins p53, p21 and p27 were investigated. Methods β-micrustoxin was characterized biochemically by a proteomic approach. Astrocytes were obtained by dissociation of pineal glands from Wistar rats; glioblastoma tumor cells were purchased from ATCC and Sigma and cultured in DMEM medium. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay; cell proliferation and cell cycle phases were analyzed by flow cytometry; p53, p21 and p27 proteins were studied by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Results Proteomic analysis revealed fragments on β-micrustoxin that aligned with a PLA2 from Micrurus lemniscatus lemniscatus previously identified as transcript ID DN112835_C3_g9_i1/m.9019. β-micrustoxin impaired the viability of astrocytes and glioblastoma tumor cells. There was a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in G2/M phase and activation of p53, p21 and p27 proteins in astrocytes. Conclusion These findings indicate that β-micrustoxin from Micrurus lemniscatus venom could inhibit cell proliferation through p53, p21 and p27 activation thus imposing cell cycle arrest at the checkpoint G2/M.