Sites In Argentina Research Articles

Wood density and anatomy of three Eucalyptus species: implications for hydraulic conductivity

Aim of the study: To characterize wood anatomical traits of three Eucalyptus species that differ in wood density and ecological requirements, and to examine the relationships between some anatomical features, wood density, and theoretical xylem hydraulic conductivity (Ks).Area of study: We analyzed 86 trees from three sites of Argentina (Entre Ríos and Buenos Aires Provinces).Methods: The sampled trees were Eucalyptus globulus, E. grandis and E. viminalis ranging from 11 to 15 years old. One stem disc was cut from each tree to determine wood density and identify quantitative anatomical features of vessels and fibers. Vessel composition (S, size - to-number ratio, a measure of vessel size distribution) and lumen fraction (F, the total sapwood area available for water transport) were estimated. Results: E. grandis, the species with the highest growth rates, presented the highest theoretical Ks. This was associated with anatomical features such as a high density of wide vessels resulting in high F. On the other hand, E. viminalis, the species with the lowest growth rates and highest resistance to environmental stress, showed lower Ks as a result of a low density of wide vessels. These two species differed not only greatly in wood density but also in fiber characteristics. In the case of E. globulus, vessels were relatively narrow, which resulted in the lowest theoretical Ks, fibers were small, and wood density intermediate.Research highlights: F had greater influence on Ks than S. The anatomical characteristics and wood density could only partly explain the differential growth or resistance to stress of the studied species.

Randomized trial of stopping or continuing ART among postpartum women with pre-ART CD4 ≥ 400 cells/mm3.

BackgroundHealth benefits of postpartum antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women with high CD4+ T-counts have not been assessed in randomized trials.MethodsAsymptomatic, HIV-positive, non-breastfeeding women with pre-ART CD4+ T-cell counts ≥ 400 cells/mm3 started on ART during pregnancy were randomized up to 42 days after delivery to continue or discontinue ART. Lopinavir/ritonavir plus tenofovir/emtricitabine was the preferred ART regimen. The sample size was selected to provide 88% power to detect a 50% reduction from an annualized primary event rate of 2.07%. A post-hoc analysis evaluated HIV/AIDS-related and World Health Organization (WHO) Stage 2 and 3 events. All analyses were intent to treat.Results1652 women from 52 sites in Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, China, Haiti, Peru, Thailand and the US were enrolled (1/2010-11/2014). Median age was 28 years and major racial categories were Black African (28%), Asian (25%) White (15%). Median entry CD4 count was 696 cells/mm3 (IQR 575–869), median ART exposure prior to delivery was 19 weeks (IQR 13–24) and 94% had entry HIV-1 RNA < 1000 copies/ml. After a median follow-up of 2.3 years, the primary composite endpoint rate was significantly lower than expected, and not significantly different between arms (continue arm 0.21 /100 person years(py); discontinue 0.31/100 py, Hazard ratio (HR) 0.68, 95% CI: 0.19, 2.40). WHO Stage 2 and 3 events were significantly reduced with continued ART (2.08/100 py vs. 4.36/100 py in the discontinue arm; HR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.33, 0.70). Toxicity rates did not differ significantly between arms. Among women randomized to continue ART, 189/827 (23%) had virologic failure; of the 155 with resistance testing, 103 (66%) failed without resistance to their current regimen, suggesting non-adherence.ConclusionsOverall, serious clinical events were rare among young HIV-positive post-partum women with high CD4 cell counts. Continued ART was safe and was associated with a halving of the rate of WHO 2/3 conditions. Virologic failure rates were high, underscoring the urgent need to improve adherence in this population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00955968

Calix[4]pyrrole for the removal of arsenic (III) and arsenic (V) from water

Although extensive research has been carried on anion complexation reactions involving calix[4]pyrrole, nothing has been reported regarding this receptor and its interaction with arsenic species. The fact that a single step reaction is required for the synthesis of this receptor, calls upon the need to explore its removal ability for these species from water as a starting point for the development of a new technological approach for water remediation purposes based on Supramolecular Chemistry. This paper reports a detailed study on the interactions involving calix[4]pyrrole with As(III) and As(V). The interaction of As species and calix[4]pyrrole was assessed by 1H NMR using a phase transfer approach aided by molecular simulation studies. The X-ray spectrum confirms the presence of arsenic species in the solid receptor.Optimal conditions for removing As(III) and As(V) from water were established. The kinetics of extraction is fast and calix[4]pyrrole is able to remove 15.28 and 14.29mg/g of arsenate and arsenite respectively.Material was tested for removing arsenic species from real samples collected from different contaminated sites in Argentina. Percentages of arsenate, arsenite and organic arsenic removed from these samples are higher than 85%.

Second vs. first-generation drug-eluting stents in complex lesions subsets: 3 years' follow-up of ERACI IV study.

Although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES-1) did not show a benefit in terms of death rate and myocardial infarction (MI) compared to bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]), DES platforms have seen a remarkable improvement in the last few years, and a significant increase in their safety and efficacy was observed in randomized controlled trials and observational studies in comparison with DES-1 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). One-year results from the ERACI IV registry using a second-generation DES (DES-2) demonstrated significantly greater efficacy and safety in patients with multiple vessel CAD, including diabetics, compared to DES-1. Long-term results are yet unknown. The ERACI IV registry was a multicenter, prospective and controlled open-label study conducted in 9 sites in Argentina during 2013 and 2014, which evaluated a DES-2 for the treatment of patients with multiple vessel CAD including unprotected left main disease (ULMD) and diabetes. The primary endpoint was to compare the composite of death of any cause, MI and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) as hard endpoints with ERACI III DES-1 arm. Secondary endpoints included each component of the primary endpoint and target vessel revascularization (TVR) as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACCE) and stent thrombosis. We include a modified Syntax Score (SS) taking in account functional revascularization, treating lesions ≥70% in vessels ≥ 2.00 mm, whereas severe lesions in vessels < 2.0 mm and intermediate lesions were not rated. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, with higher numbers of diabetics and 3-vessel/ULMD (P=0.02 and P=0.003, respectively) in ERACI IV. At 34.7 months' follow-up, the incidence of the composite of death/MI/CVA between ERACI IV and ERACI III (4.9% vs. 13.7%, P<0.001); unplanned new revascularization (5.3% vs. 14.2%, P<0.001) and MACCE (9.3% vs. 22.7%, P<0.001), were significantly lower in ERACI IV DES-2. MACCE rate was similar in diabetics, (5.8%) and nondiabetics (7.0%). After performing a matched propensity score, MACCE remain significantly lower in ERACI IV (P = 0.005). Incidence of stent thrombosis was lower although not significantly between groups, (0.9% vs. 3.1% in ERACI IV and III, respectively; P=0.13). The use of DES-2 in patients with complex lesions subsets together with a functional PCI strategy were associated with a remarkable low incidence of adverse events at 3 years' follow-up and the benefit was also seen in in diabetic population. Late outcome of this study strongly validated our lesion PCI scoring and assessment.

Burden of disease resulting from lead exposure at toxic waste sites in Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay.

BackgroundThough lead contaminated waste sites have been widely researched in many high-income countries, their prevalence and associated health outcomes have not been well documented in low- and middle-income countries.MethodsUsing the well-established health metric disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and an exposure assessment method developed by Chatham-Stephens et al., we estimated the burden of disease resulting from exposure to lead at toxic waste sites in three Latin American countries in 2012: Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay. Toxic waste sites identified through Pure Earth’s Toxic Sites Identification Program (TSIP) were screened for lead in both biological and environmental sample media. Estimates of cardiovascular disease incidence and other outcomes resulting from exposure to lead were utilized to estimate DALYs for each population at risk.ResultsApproximately 316,703 persons in three countries were at risk of exposure to pollutants at 129 unique sites identified through the TSIP database. Exposure to lead was estimated to result in between 51,432 and 115,042 DALYs, depending on the weighting factor used. The estimated burden of disease caused by exposure to lead in this analysis is comparable to that estimated for Parkinson’s disease and bladder cancer in these countries.ConclusionsLead continues to pose a significant public health risk in Argentina, Mexico, and Uruguay. The burden of disease in these three countries is comparable with other widely recognized public health challenges. Knowledge of the relatively high number of DALYs associated with lead exposure may be used to generate support and funding for the remediation of toxic waste sites in these countries and others.

Effects of Spatial Sampling Interval on Roughness Parameters and Microwave Backscatter over Agricultural Soil Surfaces

The spatial sampling interval, as related to the ability to digitize a soil profile with a certain number of features per unit length, depends on the profiling technique itself. From a variety of profiling techniques, roughness parameters are estimated at different sampling intervals. Since soil profiles have continuous spectral components, it is clear that roughness parameters are influenced by the sampling interval of the measurement device employed. In this work, we contributed to answer which sampling interval the profiles needed to be measured at to accurately account for the microwave response of agricultural surfaces. For this purpose, a 2-D laser profiler was built and used to measure surface soil roughness at field scale over agricultural sites in Argentina. Sampling intervals ranged from large (50 mm) to small ones (1 mm), with several intermediate values. Large- and intermediate-sampling-interval profiles were synthetically derived from nominal, 1 mm ones. With these data, the effect of sampling-interval-dependent roughness parameters on backscatter response was assessed using the theoretical backscatter model IEM2M. Simulations demonstrated that variations of roughness parameters depended on the working wavelength and was less important at L-band than at C- or X-band. In any case, an underestimation of the backscattering coefficient of about 1-4 dB was observed at larger sampling intervals. As a general rule a sampling interval of 15 mm can be recommended for L-band and 5 mm for C-band.

Caesarean section surgical techniques: 3 year follow-up of the CORONIS fractional, factorial, unmasked, randomised controlled trial

SummaryBackgroundThe CORONIS trial reported differences in short-term maternal morbidity when comparing five pairs of alternative surgical techniques for caesarean section. Here we report outcomes at 3 years follow-up.MethodsThe CORONIS trial was a pragmatic international 2 × 2 × 2 × 2× 2 non-regular fractional, factorial, unmasked, randomised controlled trial done at 19 sites in Argentina, Chile, Ghana, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Sudan. Pregnant women were eligible if they were to undergo their first or second caesarean section through a planned transverse abdominal incision. Women were randomly assigned by a secure web-based allocation system to one intervention from each of the three assigned pairs. All investigators, surgeons, and participants were unmasked to treatment allocation. In this follow-up study, we compared outcomes at 3 years following blunt versus sharp abdominal entry, exteriorisation of the uterus for repair versus intra-abdominal repair, single versus double layer closure of the uterus, closure versus non-closure of the peritoneum, and chromic catgut versus polyglactin-910 for uterine repair. Outcomes included pelvic pain; deep dyspareunia; hysterectomy and outcomes of subsequent pregnancies. Outcomes were assessed masked to the original trial allocation. This trial is registered with the Current Controlled Trials registry, number ISRCTN31089967.FindingsBetween Sept 1, 2011, and Sept 30, 2014, 13 153 (84%) women were followed-up for a mean duration of 3·8 years (SD 0·86). For blunt versus sharp abdominal entry there was no evidence of a difference in risk of abdominal hernias (adjusted RR 0·66; 95% CI 0·39–1·11). We also recorded no evidence of a difference in risk of death or serious morbidity of the children born at the time of trial entry (0·99, 0·83–1·17). For exteriorisation of the uterus versus intra-abdominal repair there was no evidence of a difference in risk of infertility (0·91, 0·71–1·18) or of ectopic pregnancy (0·50, 0·15–1·66). For single versus double layer closure of the uterus there was no evidence of a difference in maternal death (0·78, 0·46–1·32) or a composite of pregnancy complications (1·20, 0·75–1·90). For closure versus non-closure of the peritoneum there was no evidence of a difference in any outcomes relating to symptoms associated with pelvic adhesions such as infertility (0·80, 0·61–1·06). For chromic catgut versus polyglactin-910 sutures there was no evidence of a difference in the main comparisons for adverse pregnancy outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy, such as uterine rupture (3·05, 0·32–29·29). Overall, severe adverse outcomes were uncommon in these settings.InterpretationAlthough our study was not powered to detect modest differences in rare but serious events, there was no evidence to favour one technique over another. Other considerations will probably affect clinical practice, such as the time and cost saving of different approaches.FundingUK Medical Research Council and the Department for International Development.

Pehuen Co: Updated taxonomic review of a late Pleistocene ichnological site in Argentina

The paleoichnological site of Pehuen Co, located on the southern coast of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, was discovered in 1986 and the first paper was published in 1987. New discoveries made in the following years have revealed well-preserved Pleistocene mammal and bird footprints of high diversity. Investigations at this site have continued to the present. The most important aim of this paper is to revise the previous ichnotaxonomic assignations, and to present some new discoveries. The described tracks include eleven mammal (Neomegatherichnum pehuencoensis, Mylodontidichnum rosalensis, Glyptodontichnus pehuencoensis nov. igen. and isp., Eumacrauchenichnus patachonicus, Proboscipeda australis nov. comb., Dolichotichnus marae nov. igen. and isp., Ursichnus sudamericanus nov. isp., Hippipeda isp., Lamaichnum guanicoe, Lamaichnum tulipensis nov.comb, Pecoripeda commune nov. comb.) and four bird icnotaxa (Phoenicopterichnum pehuencoensis, Charadriipeda isp., Gruipeda isp., and Aramayoichnus rheae nov. igen. and isp.). The second goal of this paper is to emphasize the worldwide significance of the Pehuen Co site relative to other Pleistocene vertebrate tracksites. Pehuen Co site is unique because of the quality of preservation, and the abundance and diversity of the footprints.

A prospective observational description of frequency and timing of antenatal care attendance and coverage of selected interventions from sites in Argentina, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan and Zambia.

BackgroundThe Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research is one of the largest international networks for testing and generating evidence-based recommendations for improvement of maternal-child health in resource-limited settings. Since 2009, Global Network sites in six low and middle-income countries have collected information on antenatal care practices, which are important as indicators of care and have implications for programs to improve maternal and child health. We sought to: (1) describe the quantity of antenatal care attendance over a four-year period; and (2) explore the quality of coverage for selected preventative, screening, and birth preparedness components.MethodsThe Maternal Newborn Health Registry (MNHR) is a prospective, population-based birth and pregnancy outcomes registry in Global Network sites, including: Argentina, Guatemala, India (Belgaum and Nagpur), Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia. MNHR data from these sites were prospectively collected from January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2013 and analyzed for indicators related to quantity and patterns of ANC and coverage of key elements of recommended focused antenatal care. Descriptive statistics were generated overall by global region (Africa, Asia, and Latin America), and for each individual site.ResultsOverall, 96% of women reported at least one antenatal care visit. Indian sites demonstrated the highest percentage of women who initiated antenatal care during the first trimester. Women from the Latin American and Indian sites reported the highest number of at least 4 visits. Overall, 88% of women received tetanus toxoid. Only about half of all women reported having been screened for syphilis (49%) or anemia (50%). Rates of HIV testing were above 95% in the Argentina, African, and Indian sites. The Pakistan site demonstrated relatively high rates for birth preparation, but for most other preventative and screening interventions, posted lower coverage rates as compared to other Global Network sites.ConclusionsResults from our large, prospective, population-based observational study contribute important insight into regional and site-specific patterns for antenatal care access and coverage. Our findings indicate a quality and coverage gap in antenatal care services, particularly in regards to syphilis and hemoglobin screening. We have identified site-specific gaps in access to, and delivery of, antenatal care services that can be targeted for improvement in future research and implementation efforts.Trial registrationRegistration at Clinicaltrials.gov (ID# NCT01073475)

A prospective population-based study of maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in the setting of prolonged labor, obstructed labor and failure to progress in low- and middle-income countries.

BackgroundThis population-based study sought to quantify maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries associated with obstructed labor, prolonged labor and failure to progress (OL/PL/FTP).MethodsA prospective, population-based observational study of pregnancy outcomes was performed at seven sites in Argentina, Guatemala, India (2 sites, Belgaum and Nagpur), Kenya, Pakistan and Zambia. Women were enrolled in pregnancy and delivery and 6-week follow-up obtained to evaluate rates of OL/PL/FTP and outcomes resulting from OL/PL/FTP, including: maternal and delivery characteristics, maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and stillbirth.ResultsBetween 2010 and 2013, 266,723 of 267,270 records (99.8%) included data on OL/PL/FTP with an overall rate of 110.4/1000 deliveries that ranged from 41.6 in Zambia to 200.1 in Pakistan. OL/PL/FTP was more common in women aged <20, nulliparous women, more educated women, women with infants >3500g, and women with a BMI >25 (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3 – 1.5), with the suggestion of OL/PL/FTP being less common in preterm deliveries. Protective characteristics included parity of ≥3, having an infant <1500g, and having a BMI <18. Women with OL/PL/FTP were more likely to die within 42 days (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4 – 2.4), be infected (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5 – 2.2), and have hemorrhage antepartum (RR 2.8, 95% CI 2.1 – 3.7) or postpartum (RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8 – 3.3). They were also more likely to have a stillbirth (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3 – 1.9), a neonatal demise at < 28 days (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6 – 2.1), or a neonatal infection (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 – 1.3). As compared to operative vaginal delivery and cesarean section (CS), women experiencing OL/PL/FTP who gave birth vaginally were more likely to become infected, to have an infected neonate, to hemorrhage in the antepartum and postpartum period, and to die, have a stillbirth, or have a neonatal demise. Women with OL/PL/FTP were far more likely to deliver in a facility and be attended by a physician or other skilled provider than women without this diagnosis.ConclusionsWomen with OL/PL/FTP in the communities studied were more likely to be primiparous, younger than age 20, overweight, and of higher education, with an infant with birthweight of >3500g. Women with this diagnosis were more likely to experience a maternal, fetal, or neonatal death, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal and neonatal infection. They were also more likely to deliver in a facility with a skilled provider. CS may decrease the risk of poor outcomes (as in the case of antepartum hemorrhage), but unassisted vaginal delivery exacerbates all of the maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes evaluated in the setting of OL/PL/FTP.

Evidences of local adaptation in quantitative traits in Prosopis alba (Leguminosae).

Signals of selection on quantitative traits can be detected by the comparison between the genetic differentiation of molecular (neutral) markers and quantitative traits, by multivariate extensions of the same model and by the observation of the additive covariance among relatives. We studied, by three different tests, signals of occurrence of selection in Prosopis alba populations over 15 quantitative traits: three economically important life history traits: height, basal diameter and biomass, 11 leaf morphology traits that may be related with heat-tolerance and physiological responses and spine length that is very important from silvicultural purposes. We analyzed 172 G1-generation trees growing in a common garden belonging to 32 open pollinated families from eight sampling sites in Argentina. The multivariate phenotypes differ significantly among origins, and the highest differentiation corresponded to foliar traits. Molecular genetic markers (SSR) exhibited significant differentiation and allowed us to provide convincing evidence that natural selection is responsible for the patterns of morphological differentiation. The heterogeneous selection over phenotypic traits observed suggested different optima in each population and has important implications for gene resource management. The results suggest that the adaptive significance of traits should be considered together with population provenance in breeding program as a crucial point prior to any selecting program, especially in Prosopis where the first steps are under development.

Drivers of clutch-size in Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savana) at temperate and tropical latitudes in South America

Many species of birds exhibit a latitudinal gradient in annual reproductive investment, laying more eggs and producing more nestlings at higher latitudes. However, few studies have evaluated the mechanisms that underlie such patterns and such differences in grassland birds specifically. We monitored nests of Fork-tailed Flycatchers (Tyrannus savana) over two breeding seasons at a tropical site in Bolivia (in 2010–11 and 2011–12) and three breeding seasons at a southern temperate site in Argentina (2010–11, 2011–12 and 2012–13), testing two hypotheses explaining variation in clutch-size among populations: the food-limitation hypothesis and the nest-predation hypothesis. Mean clutch-size and mean brood-size were significantly larger at the temperate study site than at the tropical site. Availability of arthropod food per individual bird was significantly higher at the temperate site. There was no relationship, positive or negative, between rates of nest predation and either clutch-or brood-size, and thus no support for the nest-predation hypothesis. We conclude that food availability explains much of the latitudinal variation in clutch-size in this species. We discuss avenues for future research on the mechanisms underlying geographical variation in the life histories of Neotropical birds.

Association of alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk among women in three sub-Saharan African countries

data regarding these biomarkers in relation to dietary patterns from the Southern Cone of Latin America. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze these biomarkers in relation to our traditional dietary patterns. Structure/Method/Design: CESCAS I study is an observational prospective cohort study with a multistage probabilistic sample of 7600 participants from general population of four sites in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in a randomly selected subsample of 988 subjects. Subjects with previous cardiovascular events or under lipid-lowering agents were excluded. Diet was assessed using a previously validated 126-item food frequency questionnaire. We used a factor analysis to derive the major dietary patterns by gender. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations among Apo AI, Apo B, CRP, and other lipids (dependent variables) and quartiles (Q) of dietary pattern scores (independent variables). Linear trends tests were conducted to assess the associations with multiple regression analysis. Results (Scientific Abstract)/Collaborative Partners (Programmatic Abstract): The population sample included 418 men and 570 women. The “prudent pattern” (PP) was characterized by intake of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole cereal, fish, and seafood. In men, higher scores of PP (Q4) showed a significant reduction in mean adjusted values of Apo B (e9.29 mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC) (e22.4 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (e19.0 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (e3.3 mg/dL) compared to the lowest scores (Q1). In normal-weight subjects, higher scores of PP also reduced CRP levels (e3.12 g/L). In women, higher scores of PP showed significant reduction in Apo B (e6.51 mg/dL), TC (e14.4 mg/dL) and LDL (e11.3 mg/dL). The “Western-like pattern” (WLP) was characterized by intake of meat, processed foods, pizza, empanadas, sweets and desserts, refined grains, vegetable oils, and other fats. In men, higher scores of WLP showed a trend to increase LDL (+27.1 mg/dL) while in women they showed a trend to increase values of triglycerides (+27.1 mg/dL, P 1⁄4 0.08), LDL (+7.4 mg/dL), and TC (+9.2 mg/dL). Apo AI level was not associated with any dietary pattern. Summary/Conclusion: Prudent dietary pattern was associated with a healthier lipid profile in both genders and better inflammatory profile in normal weight men, while the WLP showed a trend to increase plasma lipids, especially in women.

Use of third line antiretroviral therapy in Latin America.

BackgroundAccess to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is expanding in Latin America. Many patients require second and third line therapy due to toxicity, tolerability, failure, or a combination of factors. The need for third line HAART, essential for program planning, is not known.MethodsAntiretroviral-naïve patients ≥18 years who started first HAART after January 1, 2000 in Caribbean, Central and South America Network (CCASAnet) sites in Argentina, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru were included. Clinical trials participants were excluded. Third line HAART was defined as use of darunavir, tipranavir, etravirine, enfuvirtide, maraviroc or raltegravir. Need for third line HAART was defined as virologic failure while on second line HAART.ResultsOf 5853 HAART initiators followed for a median of 3.5 years, 310 (5.3%) failed a second line regimen and 44 (0.8%) received a third line regimen. Cumulative incidence of failing a 2nd or starting a 3rd line regimen was 2.7% and 6.0% three and five years after HAART initiation, respectively. Predictors at HAART initiation for failing a second or starting a third line included female sex (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–2.00, p = 0.001), younger age (HR = 2.76 for 20 vs. 40 years, 95% CI 1.86–4.10, p<0.001), and prior AIDS (HR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.62–2.90, p<0.001).ConclusionsThird line regimens may be needed for at least 6% of patients in Latin America within 5 years of starting HAART, a substantial proportion given the large numbers of patients on HAART in the region. Improved accessibility to third line regimens is warranted.

Growth dynamics of geographically different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal isolates belonging to the ‘Rhizophagus clade’ under monoxenic conditions

The growth dynamics of extraradical mycelium and spore formation of 14 “Rhizophagus” isolates from different sites in Argentina were evaluated under monoxenic conditions. A modified Gompertz model was used to characterize the development of mycelium and spores for each isolate under the same conditions. The lag time, maximal growth rate and total quantity of both extraradical hyphae and spores were determined. Wide variability among isolates was detected, and all growth parameters were significantly altered by fungal isolate. Discriminant analysis differentiated isolates primarily based on the extent of extraradical hyphae produced, yet such differences did not conclusively correspond to phylogenetic relationships among closely related isolates based on partial SSU sequences. Given that the “Rhizophagus” isolates were grown under controlled conditions for many generations, the expression of phenotypic variability could be attributed to genetic differences that are not completely resolved by phylogenetic analysis employing the small ribosomal gene.

¿Especies naturalizadas o antropizadas? Apropiación local y la construcción de saberes sobre los frutales introducidos en época histórica en el norte de Argentina

Introduced species are generally seen as disruptive elements of an idealized pristine nature. Nevertheless, through the study of local perceptions and practices on fruit trees of Euro-Asian origin in different sites of Argentina (Northwestern and Northeastern respectively), it is observed that they are constitutive elements of the status considered original. By means of ethnobotanical methodology the recognized ethnospecies have been recorded, as well as the knowledge and practices associated with representatives of genus Prunus in Northewestern and Citrus in Northeastern Argentina. The analysis of ethnohistorical sources allowed us to identify the introduced species along with the routes of access, while the methodology of ethnoecology was useful to study spontaneous populations of these fruit trees. Nine ethnospecies (including two groups of ethnovarieties) of peaches and 8 ethnospecies (including 27 ethnovarieties) of Citrus have been identified that can be found in the mentioned areas and are expressive of local biocultural diversity. These ca- ses allowed us to infer that these species have been appropriated from local vision, and by means of processes of cultural selection have given rise to populations of useful plants, that form a typical landscape of the studied areas as a consequence of environment domestication, even in the short time, as the one that represent the fruit trees introduced since European conquest.

Atrial fibrillation: an observational study with outpatients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia with serious clinical consequences in the absence of treatment. However, there are limited data on the treatment of these patients in Argentina. The objective was to describe the therapeutic management of patients with nonacute AF by Argentinean cardiologists and to determine the incidence of clinical events after 12 months follow-up. The Atrial Fibrillation study in Argentina (FARAON) was an observational, descriptive, prospective, national, and multicentric study that included outpatients with AF, followed for 12 months. The study included 38 sites in Argentina. Each researcher included the first 10 patients who met the inclusion criteria of being over 21 and also being an AF carrier documented by electrocardiogram or Holter within 12 months prior to or at the time of enrollment. A total of 373 patients were included, mean age 70 ± 11.5 years, 40% women; 65% had AF rhythm at the time of inclusion, 57% had permanent AF, and 56% were asymptomatic. At the time of enrollment, 40% of physicians opted for rhythm control strategy. β-blockers and amiodarone were the most used drugs. Patients with rhythm control drugs had higher success rate than those with frequency control drug therapy (80% vs 57%). Cardiologists in Argentina receive patients with AF that are mostly permanent AF. More than half of the patients are asymptomatic. They opt primarily by controlling the pace. When choosing antiarrhythmic drugs, nearly half of them indicated amiodarone.

A prospective study of maternal, fetal and neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

To quantify maternal, fetal and neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries, to identify when deaths occur and to identify relationships between maternal deaths and stillbirths and neonatal deaths. A prospective study of pregnancy outcomes was performed in 106 communities at seven sites in Argentina, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan and Zambia. Pregnant women were enrolled and followed until six weeks postpartum. Between 2010 and 2012, 214,070 of 220,235 enrolled women (97.2%) completed follow-up. The maternal mortality ratio was 168 per 100,000 live births, ranging from 69 per 100,000 in Argentina to 316 per 100,000 in Pakistan. Overall, 29% (98/336) of maternal deaths occurred around the time of delivery: most were attributed to haemorrhage (86/336), pre-eclampsia or eclampsia (55/336) or sepsis (39/336). Around 70% (4349/6213) of stillbirths were probably intrapartum; 34% (1804/5230) of neonates died on the day of delivery and 14% (755/5230) died the day after. Stillbirths were more common in women who died than in those alive six weeks postpartum (risk ratio, RR: 9.48; 95% confidence interval, CI: 7.97-11.27), as were perinatal deaths (RR: 4.30; 95% CI: 3.26-5.67) and 7-day (RR: 3.94; 95% CI: 2.74-5.65) and 28-day neonatal deaths (RR: 7.36; 95% CI: 5.54-9.77). Most maternal, fetal and neonatal deaths occurred at or around delivery and were attributed to preventable causes. Maternal death increased the risk of perinatal and neonatal death. Improving obstetric and neonatal care around the time of birth offers the greatest chance of reducing mortality.

Abstract P271: Relationship among Dietary Patterns, Apolipoproteins, C Reactive Protein and Other Lipids in Adult Populations in Four Cities of the Southern Cone of Latin America

Background: In the last decades, the nutrition transition in Latin America turned to diets with higher total caloric intake and lower consumption of vegetables, cereals and fruits. An unhealthy dietary pattern affects plasma levels of apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, Apo B and C-reactive protein (CRP) which are independently associated with the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke). There is no data regarding these biomarkers in relation to dietary patterns from the Southern Cone of Latin America. Therefore the objective of this study is to analyze these biomarkers in relation to our traditional dietary patterns. Methods: CESCAS I study is an observational prospective cohort study with a multistage probabilistic sample of 7,600 participants from general population of 4 sites in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis in a randomly selected subsample of 988 subjects. Subjects with previous cardiovascular event or under lipid lowering agents were excluded. Diet was assessed using a previously validated 126-item food frequency questionnaire. We used a factor analysis to derive the major dietary patterns by gender. Linear regression model were used to examine the independent associations among Apo AI, B, CRP, other lipids by tertiles of dietary pattern scores. Results: The population sample included 418 men and 570 women. Higher scores of “Prudent pattern”, characterized by intake of fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, fish, seafood and whole cereal was independently and significantly associated in men with the reduction of Apo B (β -4,4), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (β -7,2), Apo B/A ratio (β -0,03) and a non-significant reduction of CRP (β -0,6). In women, we observed a significant reduction in Apo B (β -1,3), LDL (β -2,1), total cholesterol (TC) /high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (β -0,1) and a non-significant reduction of triglycerides (β -4 mg/dl). The “Western like pattern” (WLP) was characterized by meat, processed foods, pizza, empanadas, sweets and desserts, refined grains, vegetables oils and other fats. Higher scores of WLP showed in men a non-significant increment of Apo B (β 0,7), TC/HDL ratio (β 0,1), CRP (β 0,1), LDL (β 3), triglycerides (β 1,3) and a non-significant reduction of Apo AI (β -1,7) and HDL (β -0,7). In women, we observed a significant increment of TC/HDL ratio (β 0,2) and triglycerides (β 12). We also found a non-significant increment of Apo B and LDL and to reduce HDL and CRP. Conclusion: Our findings confirm that diet has an important role on health. Prudent diet pattern was associated with a healthier lipid profile especially in men. The WLP showed a trend to adversely affect the lipids profile and CRP.

Extreme caution is needed before scale-up of antenatal corticosteroids to reduce preterm deaths in low-income settings.

Extreme caution is needed before scale-up of antenatal corticosteroids to reduce preterm deaths in low-income settings.