La Pampa Research Articles

Exploring Gender Disparities in Prosecutorial and Judicial Decision-Making in the Global South: Evidence from Argentina

Objectives This study examines gender disparities in criminal cases from the earliest stages of prosecutorial decision-making in Argentina. Methods The data for this study are all alleged crimes reported to prosecutors in La Pampa, Argentina between January 2016 and July 2019 that had ended by August 2019. Logistic and multinomial regression models with judicial district-by-year fixed effects are used to estimate the probability of case-ending and other important decisions for counts with women as suspects vis-à-vis men. Results The results show that prosecutors are more likely to decline investigating crime reports with women as suspects. Once accepted for investigation, counts with women are also more likely to be dismissed and less likely to receive a conviction. Gender disparities also accumulate across decisions and are reflected in faster adjudications for women. The gender gap in disposition shrinks considerably for some women, most notably those with a prior conviction, providing some evidence of selective leniency. Conclusions This study shows that women are treated more leniently than men, from the earliest prosecutorial decisions and across major outcomes in a Global South country. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of theoretical frameworks developed in the Global North.

Prevalence of high neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone levels as an indicator of iodine deficiency in the province of La Pampa: An epidemiological analysis.

Introduction. Iodine plays a key role in human metabolism, growth, and development. During pregnancy and childhood, the demand for this micronutrient increases notably. Increased neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (nTSH) levels, defined as nTSH ≥ 5 mIU/L, are a marker of iodine deficiency in a population if its prevalence is higher than 3%. Objective. To establish the prevalence of nTSH ≥ 5 in La Pampa in the 2021-2022 period, analyze its correlation with different variables, and compare it with data from a historical cohort. Population and methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study in a population of newborn infants born in the 5 health regions of the province of La Pampa in 2021 and 2022. Results. Of the 5778 assessed newborn infants, 9.6% had nTSH levels ≥ 5 mIU/L. It was reported that 70.4% of these measurements were done after the third day of life. No significant differences were observed in the frequency of high nTSH levels by year of birth, birth weight, or days until sample collection. A higher prevalence was observed among male infants (10.6% versus 8.5%; p = 0.007) and term infants (9.8% versus 6.6%; p = 0.02). The prevalence of high TSH levels was superior to that observed in the 2001-2002 cohort. Conclusions. The prevalence of high nTSH levels in La Pampa during 2021 and 2022 was 9.6%, suggesting the presence of mild iodine deficiency in the population of this province, higher that what had been reported 2 decades ago.

Argentine reference charts for head circumference from birth to 19 years of age.

Introduction. Head circumference (HC) is an indicator of brain growth; growth charts are necessary to determine normal or pathological variations. Objectives. To present the first Argentine HC reference charts between birth and 19 years of age and to compare them with the Nellhaus charts, which have been used in our country to date. Population and methods. These references were developed based on combined data from the National Survey on Nutrition and Health of 2018 and cross-sectional studies conducted between 2004 and 2007 in the provinces of Buenos Aires and La Pampa, which included 8326 healthy children and adolescents. Growth curves were adjusted using the LMS method. To assess the differences between these reference charts and the Nellhaus charts, at different ages, the 2nd, 50th, and 98th percentiles were plotted. Results. HC showed a variable increase in size with age, which was greater in the first years of life, and a slight increase at puberty. The values for the 98th percentile of the Argentine reference charts werehigher than those of the Nellhaus charts at all ages. The values for the 2nd percentile of the national reference were lower than those of the Nellhaus charts during the first 2 years of life, similar between 3 and 7 years of age, and higher after this age. Conclusions. The Argentine curves adequately describe the growth pattern of HC. The differences found with the Nellhaus charts may be attributed to secular changes.

Dinomyid (Rodentia, Caviomorpha) diversity from the Late Miocene (Chasicoan Stage/Age) Cerro Azul Formation at the classical Arroyo Chasicó locality (Argentina)

ABSTRACT Dinomyidae is a South American group of caviomorph rodents with a single extant species (Dinomys branickii), but with a rich fossil record including medium-sized to giant species, which reached its peak diversity during the Late Miocene. The dinomyids from the Cerro Azul Formation (late Middle Miocene to Early Pliocene) have been studied in detail from localities in La Pampa Province, Argentina. In this contribution, dinomyids from Chasicoan Stage/Age (Late Miocene) levels of the Cerro Azul Formation at Arroyo Chasicó locality (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) are revised, including previously published material and unpublished ones. We confirm the presence of Tetrastylus sp. Diaphoromys gamayensis, and define two new taxa, Bondesiomys chasiquensis gen. et sp. nov. and Gyriabrus sokka sp. nov. The diversity of dinomyids from the Cerro Azul Formation at Arroyo Chasicó is higher than other Chasicoan faunas at the same latitude, identified in localities of La Pampa Province, since in Cerro Patagua there are not Dinomyidae records and in Cerro la Bota Tetrastylus sp. and Dinomyidae indet. were the only recorded taxa.

Molecular based confirmation of puma meat sausages implicated in trichinellosis outbreaks in Argentina

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Trichinella, with the main source of infection being the consumption of pork and pork-derived products. However, it can also be acquired from eating the meat from wild animals targeted for sport hunting. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop and implement a molecular method for the identification of Sus scrofa (pig and wild boar) and Puma concolor (Puma) meat in sausages eaten raw, which were linked to trichinellosis outbreaks occurring in Córdoba, Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces, Argentina, in 2010, 2021, and 2022, respectively; and 2) to identify the Trichinella species present in the food. Specific primers were designed for PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing of a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from both host species. Samples from the mentioned outbreaks were analysed, and the molecular identification of Trichinella spp. larvae was also performed. Results of the species identification system revealed that sausages from Córdoba and Buenos Aires had a mixed composition of pork and puma meat, while those from La Pampa contained puma meat only. Trichinella spiralis was implicated in all three outbreaks. The species identification system developed and implemented in this study revealed two host species of Trichinella related to human cases, and alerts about the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans through infected puma meat.

Atypical holocene ctenomyid rodent burrows related to eolian dune deposits from central Argentina

This contribution aims to interpret the producers and the paleoenvironmental context of Holocene rodent burrows (and associated ichnofossils) from the Late Pleistocene-Holocene Meaucó Formation, central La Pampa Province, Argentina. Fieldwork included a detailed sedimentary logging, a ground penetrating radar survey and documentation of the fossil burrow systems. The Meaucó Formation rest on erosive unconformity over the Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene Cerro Azul Formation and display a vertical change from eolian dunes that become sparser up section (as imaged by ground penetrating radar) and were capped by a paleosol. The paleosol is covered by recent eolian dune and interdune deposits. The fossil rodent burrows occur up to 1.7 m below the paleosol and share several morphologic features with modern Ctenomyidae burrows, except the high slope of entrance and internal ramps, and the maximum depth of burrows. To explain these differences, it is proposed that the burrows were excavated by ctenomyids in ancient sloping surfaces of eolian dunes, which resulted in increased inclination and apparent maximum depth of the systems. This is an example of influence of environmental conditions on the architecture of rodent burrows, and can be of help when interpreting other similar fossil examples. The paleosol community associated with the fossil vertebrate burrows also included other organisms recorded by their trace fossils: horses (Hippipeda isp.), a scrubby vegetation (rhizoliths), coleoptera or spiders (Skolithos linearis), cicada nymphs (Feoichnus challa) and ants (Daimoniobarax isp.).

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Neogene diatomite deposit from La Pampa Province (Argentina)

Diatomite deposits constitute siliceous biogenic sedimentary rocks primarily composed of diatoms. In Argentina, there is a scarcity of paleoenvironmental reconstructions for these deposits. This study focuses on the analysis of the diatom content in a Plio-Pleistocene diatomite from La Pampa Province. The aim is to identify diatom diversity and reconstruct the evolution of paleoenvironments. The studied section of 4.40 m is located at the CP site (38°08′40.5′’S; 67°09′23.2′’W, El Sauzal Formation). The profile is a laminated white diatomite with three levels of volcanic ash. Seven samples 50 cm-equidistant were extracted and oxidized with H2O2 for diatom analysis. 500 valves/slide were counted in order to calculate relative abundances. Diatom zones were defined using CONISS. The analysis revealed 72 morphospecies, with 28 of them exhibiting abundances > 4%. The diatom flora is predominantly composed of small fragilarioid diatoms accompanied by Discostella, Aulacoseira, Epithemia, Rhopalodia, and Cymbella species, indicating a lacustrine origin. At the base, a paleolake with a relatively alkaline pH, low nitrogen concentrations and high phosphates (volcanic ash) favored the growth of a diverse diatom community. Towards the top, the dominance of fragilarioids, the decrease in freshwater planktonic taxa and the presence of gypsum suggest a shallower environment with increased salinity during the drier periods of the Plio-Pleistocene.

Vertebrates from the Late Miocene of Salinas Grandes de Hidalgo (central Argentina). New faunal data: biochronological and paleoenvironmental considerations

ABSTRACT Salinas Grandes de Hidalgo (La Pampa Province) is a relevant locality of the Cerro Azul Formation in central Argentina because of its abundant and diverse vertebrate remains, including representatives of Reptilia, Aves and mostly Mammalia. Concerning previous records, the present faunal list adds one Argyrolagidae marsupial, one Ctenomyidae and two Caviidae rodents, as well as the first detailed analysis and description of glyptodonts from the Cerro Azul Formation in La Pampa Province. New geological information is added about the two fossiliferous outcrops included in Salinas Grandes de Hidalgo area. The classically studied outcrop located in the saline lake and the nearby one in the so-called ex-Autódromo, both herein correlated based on lithostratigraphy, particularly by the presence of paleosols in the intermediate section of the sedimentary succession. These sandy silts deposits in the base of the outcrops indicate the development of poorly confined flows and intervals of surface stabilisation by paedogenesis. We offer a biochronological interpretation based on a recently published U-Pb detrital zircons dating (5.9 ± 0.4 Ma) and the presence of significant taxa such as octodontoid rodents recovered from the dated levels and below it. From a paleoenvironmental viewpoint, we infer variations from woodlands to open environments.

First Report of Bothynus striatellus (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) Damaging Lucerne Crops in Argentina.

We report for the first time that larvae of the genus Bothynus Hope (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) caused economic damage to lucerne (Medicago sativa L., Fabaceae) crops in General Acha, province of La Pampa, Argentina. In two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), this insect infested 150ha of lucerne, causing seedling losses of 80ha. Based on soil sampling and laboratory insect rearing, the species was identified as Bothynus striatellus (Faimaire) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae). Information is given here on the damage recorded in this forage crop, the density of the larvae observed at the time of damage assessment and the morphological characteristics of the third instar larvae reported in this crop in Argentina.

Assessing chemical composition variations on vintage, vineyard location and grape ripeness: A regional study of red wines produced in the colorado river middle basin, La Pampa (Argentina)

This work aimed to characterize chemical composition of Malbec and Cabernet Franc red wines from two different regions of La Pampa’s province, which stands out as one of the youngest wine-producing regions in Argentina and has remained unexplored until now. These wines were produced from grapes of two consecutive vintages (2021 and 2022), and were harvested at two different ripeness levels. Global phenolic parameters, colour characterization and multi-elemental profile were evaluated. Multivariate statistical approaches were successfully implemented to investigate the vintage and ripeness effects on chemical profile of red wines and characterize them based on regional variations. Our results showed that vintage and ripeness affected both phenolic and multi-elemental profiles, and such chemical variables allowed the wines differentiation according to region. The results of this first study could form the basis for future research into optimizing the region’s winemaking potential.

Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Use During Pregnancy in Argentine Women: A Pilot Study Testing Maternal Hair.

The use of psychoactive substances (PSs) during pregnancy is a major public health concern because of their increasing prevalence worldwide. This study examined the understudied issue of gestational PS consumption in a cohort of Argentine delivering mothers. A cross-sectional pilot study involving 51 women receiving delivery care was conducted at the Santa Rosa Hospital in La Pampa, Argentina. Information on maternal sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy history, and drug use was obtained through standardized interviews. Maternal hair samples were analyzed for alcohol, tobacco, licit, illicit, and prescription substance biomarkers using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. During pregnancy, 49.0% of participants reported alcohol consumption, 25.5% reported tobacco use, and 23.5% reported cannabis use. Hair samples from 56.9% of the women were positive for illicit PSs, with the most frequent being cocaine (41.2%) and cannabis (15.7%). Among the women, 47.1% consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Of the 24 women with hair ethyl glucuronide ≥5 pg/mg, 33.3% drank until the end of gestation and 58.3% started a social drinking habit in the second half. The analysis also detected prescription substances (anticonvulsants, antidepressants, methadone, opioids, antihistamines, antiemetics, and analgesics), caffeine (70.6%), lidocaine, and levamisole, some of which were cocaine or opioid adulterants. This is the first study to objectively assess the consumption of licit and illicit PSs during pregnancy in Argentina. In contrast to most nearby countries, cocaine was the most detected illicit PS in this cohort of Argentine delivering women. This finding highlights the importance of regular monitoring of local trends in PS use during pregnancy.

Vocal Repertoire of Chimango Caracaras in Rural and Urban Habitats

ABSTRACT Acoustic communication, such as bird song, is vital in animal ecology, facilitating reproduction, feeding, defense, and more. Variation in bird song may result from adaptation to environmental features such as anthropogenic noise. The vocal repertoire of raptors is essentially unstudied, particularly in urban environments. The aim of this work was to describe and quantify the acoustic repertoire of Chimango Caracaras (Milvago chimango) in rural and urban areas in La Pampa Province, Argentina. I recorded 26 1-min sound samples at each of four breeding colonies (one rural and three urban) during the austral reproductive season of 2021–2022. I recorded 241 vocalizations corresponding to nine clearly distinct call types. Two types of calls made up 50.6% and 19.5% of the vocalizations and seven others made up <10.0% each. Three call types had trills (fast repetitive notes). Average percentage of call types differed significantly between the two habitats (P < 0.01), with more trills produced in rural habitats. Average calling rate was 6.6 ± 5.1 calls/min at rural colonies and 10.7 ± 10.7 at urban colonies. The number of different call types produced was 2.1 ± 1.6 types/min at rural colonies and 2.7 ± 1.8 at urban colonies. The greater calling rate of Chimango Caracaras in urban areas may represent an attempt to improve signal effectiveness among the anthropogenic acoustic clutter.

Positive cases of bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine trichomonosis in the eradication program of La Pampa, Argentina: 2008-2021.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis, caused by the gram-negative bacteria Campylobacter fetus venerealis, and bovine trichomonosis, caused by the parasite protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, are venereal diseases that occur with long intercalving periods and abortion. The control of both diseases relies on microbiological testing and culling infected bulls. Vaccination and antibiotic treatment may help in controlling campylobacteriosis but are not recommended for trichomonosis control. Several regions of the world have active control programs for trichomonosis, not campylobacteriosis. In Argentina, the state of La Pampa aims to eradicate trichomonosis and campylobacteriosis by imposing annual diagnostic testing of every bull and slaughtering positive animals. Prior studies indicated a declining trend in the prevalence of campylobacteriosis and trichomonosis in La Pampa. It was also proposed that the prevalence of one disease could be estimated from the prevalence of the other. The purpose of this retrospective analysis of data gathered from 2008 to 2021 was to determine the La Pampa program's efficacy. Descriptive statistics were employed to determine the reason behind the correlation between tricomonosis and campylobacteriosis diagnostic results. The outcomes refute the notion that this program of venereal eradication was a success. Furthermore, an excess of false positives in both diagnoses may have contributed to the correlation between the prevalences of campylobactriosis and trichomonosis. The practice of killing animals without verifying positive results hinders the determination of disease prevalence and results in the death of numerous healthy animals.

¿Etnógrafos amateurs? Itinerarios, obras y subjetividades en contacto con la antropología en la Argentina (c. 1920 –1960)

This article problematizes the notion of amateur ethnographers (and ethnography) accordant with the new interest in exploring the margins of institutions of knowledge and the networks between established professionals and other actors linked to Anthropology, especially in Argentina. We compare the trajectories of the Swede Mauricio Jesperson and the German Luis Ruez between 1920 and 1960 and their respective productions on the Pilagá of the Chaco, and about the Rankülche in La Pampa and the Mbyá-guaraní in Misiones. We focus on the multiple meshworks of contact which entwine their practices, works, and subjectivities. Likewise, we analyze the interethnic situation, the circulation and formats of their works, its content and textual style and, last but not least, their relations with institutions, especially with the anthropological academia of the time. We seek to highlight in a historical key how the figure of amateur ethnographers varies, needs to be contextually understood, and brings about new practices and products.

Cyonasua zettii sp. nov. (Procyonidae, Mammalia) from the Late Miocene of Central Argentina and a review of the fossil record of Cerro Azul Formation

ABSTRACT A detailed taxonomic study of all known fossil specimens assigned to Procyonidae from sediments of Cerro Azul Formation (early Huayquerian Stage/Age, Late Miocene) outcroping at La Pampa and Buenos Aires provinces (Argentina) is presented here. Our study led us to propose a new species, Cyonasua zettii sp. nov. coming from La Pampa Province. In addition another six specimens studied, coming from La Pampa and Buenos Aires provinces, are assigned to Cyonasua longirostris and four specimens are assigned to Cyonasua sp. because its fragmentary nature prevents a determination at species level. The specimens described here are among the oldest records for the Order Carnivora (Mammalia) in South America.

Quaternary Mammals from Central-Western Argentina in the Stratigraphic Context of Southern South America

This is an updated contribution to the Quaternary geology and paleontology from central-western Argentina, focused on San Luis Province. It is mostly based on unpublished data; only some fossils had previously been briefly mentioned in broader faunal contexts. The fossil-bearing sediments correspond to eolian and alluvial environments of moderate energy, dominated by sands and sandy silts. They overlie high-energy fluvial cycles and underlie edaphic horizons. They have a wide distribution, and several radiocarbon dates allow their regional correlation. Stratigraphic sequences with the precise origin of fossils allow for the improvement of lithostratigraphic and faunal correlations with the Pampean Region (central and east Argentina; La Pampa and Buenos Aires provinces), where Pleistocene assemblages are better known, but also with central-western (Cuyo Region), northwestern, and northeastern Argentina. Faunal remains correspond to large mammals, represented by xenarthrans (Cingulata and Tardigrada), macraucheniids (Litopterna), gomphotheres (Proboscidea), and equids (Perissodactyla), a typical Pleistocene mixture of native (xenarthrans and litopterns) and immigrant mammals.

La presencia de monticulos tipo Mima en la Argentina en relación con roedores del género Ctenomys

The discovery of Mima mounds pocking the Pampean region in the south-east of San Luis, south of Córdoba and north of La Pampa, as well as in some Monte regions in Mendoza, confirms the hypothesis that fossorial rodents are the origin of this type of phenomenon and that such mounds are present in different regions of the world coinciding with the presence of families of fossorial rodents showing similar morphology and behavior.
 This similarity with geomyds of the United States and other families from West and South Africa, becomes evident in Argentine Ctenomydae, which activity is responsible for the formation of this type of relief, Which has nowadays disappeared in most of the central part of the country due to agricultural practices.
 The discovery of Mima mounds in Argentina unquestionably confirms the discussed origin of this type of topographic accident, which has been subject to the most varied interpretations.

Modeling and updating the occurrence of Aedes aegypti in its southern limit of distribution in South America

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of arboviruses in the world. This mosquito species is distributed from tropical to temperate regions. In Argentina, it has been reported in 20 out of 23 provinces and reaches its southernmost distribution in the world. Its distribution and persistence are affected by meteorological, demographic and environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and population. The aim of this study was to update and model the occurrence of Aedes aegypti in its southern limit of distribution in Argentina. To this end, a total of 37 sites were inspected in La Pampa and Río Negro provinces. Generalized Linear Models were used to explain the occurrence of Aedes aegypti based on meteorological, environmental and demographic variables. Aedes aegypti was found in 11 cities of La Pampa province where it had not been previously reported, but was not found in any of the cities evaluated in Río Negro province. The averaged model explaining the occurrence of Aedes aegypti included the minimum temperature, precipitation and interactions between maximum temperature and precipitation as explanatory variables. Although precipitation was statistically significant, other factors such as minimum temperature are also important in modeling the occurrence of Aedes aegypti in its southernmost distribution limit.

<i>Epidendrum edquenii</i> (Laeliinae), a new species from a montane wet forest of the Private Conservation Area La Pampa Del Burro, Amazonas, Peru

A new species Epidendrum edquenii, is described and illustrated from the Private Conservation Area La Pampa del Burro, department of Amazonas, northeastern Peru. It belongs to the informal Takulumena group, characterized by Vanda-like monopodial stems with basal or lateral, successive inflorescences. The new species is distinguished by its non-pubescent, red flowers with green dorsal surface, margins, and apices of the sepals and petals, yellow-green base of column and disc of lip, acuminate sepals 9.5–10.7 mm long, narrowly ovate petals with the margin densely and shortly ciliate, and widely triangular lip, 6.0 × 9.5 mm, with the margin scarcely papillose. A list and an identification key for the previously known species of the Takulumena group are provided. Furthermore, the new name Epidendrum vulcanitungurahuae is proposed to replace the illegitimate combination Epidendrum tungurahuae, predated by E. tunguraguae.

Family group structure of the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)

The monogamous mating system, where a male and a female constitute the reproductive unit and share the parental care, predominates among bird reproductive strategies. However, there are also other mating systems with diverse parental care roles which may have implications for population breeding success and be relevant for their management and conservation. We evaluated the family group structure of the Yellow Cardinal ( Gubernatrix cristata) in La Pampa province of central Argentina. During the 2020–2021 breeding season we carried out 280 bird surveys to search for the presence of Yellow Cardinals. We registered 87 individuals (11 solitary individuals, 12 pairs, two males together, and 13 family groups). Most family groups corresponded to the typical monogamous structure, but two family groups (8%) were composed of two adult males, an adult female and at least a juvenile. We also explored 1646 Yellow Cardinal records at citizen science platforms and none of them included a family group with more than two adults. Even so, it would be feasible to release seized groups of two males together, to promote breeding success. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the causes of the presence of extra males and their incidence on the breeding performance of this globally endangered species. This may help to understand its natural history and for planning management and conservation actions.