Contaminantes microbianos en cervezas artesanales embotelladas de la Patagonia andina argentina / Microbial contaminants in bottled craft beer of Andean Patagonia, Argentina

Resumen La actividad cervecera en la Patagonia andina argentina tiene un rol muy importante en la economía de la región; una de las problemáticas que enfrenta, en términos de calidad, son las contaminaciones microbianas. La presencia de bacterias y levaduras contaminantes en la cerveza produce cambios microbiológicos, físicos y químicos, que impactan en sus atributos sensoriales. No obstante, pocas cervecerías establecen criterios y políticas que garanticen la calidad microbiológica de sus productos. El propósito de este trabajo fue estudiar por primera vez la incidencia de contaminantes microbianos en cervezas artesanales embotelladas producidas en la Patagonia andina argentina, además de identificar los principales microorganismos involucrados y determinar posibles relaciones entre los eventos de contaminación y variables fisicoquímicas de la cerveza. Para ello se analizaron 75 cervezas provenientes de 37 cervecerías de 12 localidades andinas. El 69,3% de las muestras analizadas evidenció crecimiento de microorganismos en los medios de cultivo empleados para la detección de contaminantes cerveceros. La bacteria Levilactobacillus brevis y levaduras del género Saccharomyces fueron los principales contaminantes identificados. Se comprobó que las contaminaciones microbianas impactaron sobre el perfil sensorial de la cerveza y que el cambio de pH fue un indicador de contaminación por bacterias lácticas. De cada 10 fábricas estudiadas, 8 presentaron problemas de contaminación, lo que pone en evidencia la necesidad de diseñar estrategias de prevención y control de contaminaciones en microcervecerías.

Abstract The brewing activity in Andean Patagonia plays a very important role in the region's economy, being microbial contamination one of the main problems in terms of quality. The presence of contaminant bacteria and wild yeasts in beer generate microbiological, physical and chemical changes that impact on its sensory attributes. However, few breweries establish criteria and policies to guarantee the quality of their products in a microbiological sense. The purpose of this work was to study for the first time the incidence of microbial contaminants in bottled craft beers from Andean Patagonia, identify the main microorganisms involved and establish relationships between contamination and the physicochemical variables of beer. We analyzed 75 beers from 37 breweries from 12 different Patagonian cities. Our results showed that 69.3% of the analyzed beer exhibited contaminant microorganism growth. Bacteria Levilactobacillus brevis and wild yeasts of Saccharomyces were the main microorganisms responsible for these contaminations. In addition, we found that microbial contamination had an impact on beer sensory profile and also that pH was correlated with the presence of lactic acid bacteria in beer, being an indicator of contamination for these bacteria. In conclusion, we observed that 8 out of 10 breweries studied showed contamination problems, highlighting the need to design prevention and control strategies in microbreweries.

Macrozoobenthos in an altitudinal gradient in North Patagonian Cautín River (Araucanía Region, Chile) / Macrozoobentos em gradiente altitudinal no norte da Patagônia, Rio Cautín (38° S, região da Araucanía, Chile)

The Cautín River is closely related with the economic development of Temuco city, (38°S; Chile). Existing knowledge of the Cautín River is limited to information about its biological characteristics as a reference for the evaluation and assessment of water quality. The object of this study was to develop taxonomic characterisation of the benthic macroinvertebrates along the main course of the Cautín River, and to study the community structure using correlation analysis between community parameters. To carry out this research, the macroinvertebrate community was studied in 10 sampling sites distributed along the main course of the river. The samples were taken in summer (1997 and 2000), when optimal hydrological conditions existed. Analysis of the samples showed that the benthic fauna was composed of 56 taxa, the dominant group being insects with 48 taxa. Three main sectors were recognized in the course of the Cautín River: high, middle and low. Each sector has restricted-distribution species, while other species are widely distributed along the river. These distribution patterns seem to be influenced by dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, altitudinal distribution and anthropo-cultural activity, present at every sampling site. Finally, this research provides a first approach to the biology of the Cautín River. Further studies could be planned on the basis of this knowledge to investigate water quality indicators based on macroinvertebrate communities.

O rio Cautín está intimamente relacionado ao desenvolvimento econômico da cidade de Temuco (38°S; Chile). Quanto ao conhecimento total do rio Cautín, existem informações limitadas sobre as características biológicas que podem servir de referência para a avaliação da qualidade da água. Este estudo tem o objetivo de caracterizar os macroinvertebrados bentônicos taxonomicamente ao longo do curso principal do rio Cautín e estudar a estrutura da comunidade usando análise de correlação entre os parâmetros dela. Para realizar esta pesquisa, a comunidade de macroinvertebrados foi estudada em dez locais de estudo distribuídos ao longo do rio principal. As amostras foram coletadas no verão (1997 e 2000), em razão das condições hidrológicas ideais. A análise das amostras mostrou que a fauna bentônica é composta de 56 táxons, sendo o grupo dominante o de insetos com 48 táxons. Na distribuição do principal no curso do rio, três setores são reconhecidos: alto, médio e baixo no rio Cautín. Cada setor possui espécies de distribuição restrita e outro com ampla distribuição ao longo do rio. Esses padrões de distribuição parecem influenciar a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido, a temperatura, a distribuição altitudinal e a atividade antropocultural desenvolvida em todos os locais de amostragem. Finalmente, esta pesquisa fornece uma primeira abordagem biológica do rio Cautín e, de acordo com esses conhecimentos, um estudo posterior pode ser planejado em relação aos indicadores de qualidade da água e com base nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados.

Macrozoobenthos in an altitudinal gradient in North Patagonian Cautín River (Araucanía Region, Chile) / Macrozoobentos em gradiente altitudinal no norte da Patagônia, Rio Cautín (38° S, região da Araucanía, Chile)

The Cautín River is closely related with the economic development of Temuco city, (38°S; Chile). Existing knowledge of the Cautín River is limited to information about its biological characteristics as a reference for the evaluation and assessment of water quality. The object of this study was to develop taxonomic characterisation of the benthic macroinvertebrates along the main course of the Cautín River, and to study the community structure using correlation analysis between community parameters. To carry out this research, the macroinvertebrate community was studied in 10 sampling sites distributed along the main course of the river. The samples were taken in summer (1997 and 2000), when optimal hydrological conditions existed. Analysis of the samples showed that the benthic fauna was composed of 56 taxa, the dominant group being insects with 48 taxa. Three main sectors were recognised in the course of the Cautín River: high, middle and low. Each sector has restricted-distribution species, while other species are widely distributed along the river. These distribution patterns seem to be influenced by dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, altitudinal distribution and anthropo-cultural activity, present at every sampling site. Finally, this research provides a first approach to the biology of the Cautín River. Further studies could be planned on the basis of this knowledge to investigate water quality indicators based on macroinvertebrate communities.

O rio Cautín está intimamente relacionado ao desenvolvimento econômico da cidade de Temuco (38°S; Chile). Quanto ao conhecimento total do rio Cautín, existem informações limitadas sobre as características biológicas que podem servir de referência para a avaliação da qualidade da água. Este estudo tem o objetivo de caracterizar os macroinvertebrados bentônicos taxonomicamente ao longo do curso principal do rio Cautín e estudar a estrutura da comunidade usando análise de correlação entre os parâmetros dela. Para realizar esta pesquisa, a comunidade de macroinvertebrados foi estudada em dez locais de estudo distribuídos ao longo do rio principal. As amostras foram coletadas no verão (1997 e 2000), em razão das condições hidrológicas ideais. A análise das amostras mostrou que a fauna bentônica é composta de 56 táxons, sendo o grupo dominante o de insetos com 48 táxons. Na distribuição do principal no curso do rio, três setores são reconhecidos: alto, médio e baixo no rio Cautín. Cada setor possui espécies de distribuição restrita e outro com ampla distribuição ao longo do rio. Esses padrões de distribuição parecem influenciar a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido, a temperatura, a distribuição altitudinal e a atividade antropocultural desenvolvida em todos os locais de amostragem. Finalmente, esta pesquisa fornece uma primeira abordagem biológica do rio Cautín e, de acordo com esses conhecimentos, um estudo posterior pode ser planejado em relação aos indicadores de qualidade da água e com base nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados.

Macrozoobenthos in an altitudinal gradient in North Patagonian Cautín River (Araucanía Region, Chile)

Abstract The Cautín River is closely related with the economic development of Temuco city, (38°S; Chile). Existing knowledge of the Cautín River is limited to information about its biological characteristics as a reference for the evaluation and assessment of water quality. The object of this study was to develop taxonomic characterisation of the benthic macroinvertebrates along the main course of the Cautín River, and to study the community structure using correlation analysis between community parameters. To carry out this research, the macroinvertebrate community was studied in 10 sampling sites distributed along the main course of the river. The samples were taken in summer (1997 and 2000), when optimal hydrological conditions existed. Analysis of the samples showed that the benthic fauna was composed of 56 taxa, the dominant group being insects with 48 taxa. Three main sectors were recognised in the course of the Cautín River: high, middle and low. Each sector has restricted-distribution species, while other species are widely distributed along the river. These distribution patterns seem to be influenced by dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature, altitudinal distribution and anthropo-cultural activity, present at every sampling site. Finally, this research provides a first approach to the biology of the Cautín River. Further studies could be planned on the basis of this knowledge to investigate water quality indicators based on macroinvertebrate communities.

Resumo O rio Cautín está intimamente relacionado ao desenvolvimento econômico da cidade de Temuco (38°S; Chile). Quanto ao conhecimento total do rio Cautín, existem informações limitadas sobre as características biológicas que podem servir de referência para a avaliação da qualidade da água. Este estudo tem o objetivo de caracterizar os macroinvertebrados bentônicos taxonomicamente ao longo do curso principal do rio Cautín e estudar a estrutura da comunidade usando análise de correlação entre os parâmetros dela. Para realizar esta pesquisa, a comunidade de macroinvertebrados foi estudada em dez locais de estudo distribuídos ao longo do rio principal. As amostras foram coletadas no verão (1997 e 2000), em razão das condições hidrológicas ideais. A análise das amostras mostrou que a fauna bentônica é composta de 56 táxons, sendo o grupo dominante o de insetos com 48 táxons. Na distribuição do principal no curso do rio, três setores são reconhecidos: alto, médio e baixo no rio Cautín. Cada setor possui espécies de distribuição restrita e outro com ampla distribuição ao longo do rio. Esses padrões de distribuição parecem influenciar a concentração de oxigênio dissolvido, a temperatura, a distribuição altitudinal e a atividade antropocultural desenvolvida em todos os locais de amostragem. Finalmente, esta pesquisa fornece uma primeira abordagem biológica do rio Cautín e, de acordo com esses conhecimentos, um estudo posterior pode ser planejado em relação aos indicadores de qualidade da água e com base nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados.

Molecular detection of Porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) in wild boars from Northeastern Patagonia, Argentina / Detección molecular de citomegalovirus porcino (PCMV) en jabalíes del noreste de la Patagonia argentina

ABSTRACT Porcine cytomegalovirus(PCMV) is a recognized pathogen of domestic swine that is widely distributed around the world. PCMV is the etiological agent of inclusion body rhinitis and has also been associated with other diseases that cause substantial losses in swine production. Wild boar populations can act as reservoirs of numerous infectious agents that affect pig livestock, including PCMV. The aim of this work was to assess the circulation of this virus in free-living wild boars that inhabit Northeastern Patagonia (Buenos Aires and Río Negro Provinces), Argentina. Nested-PCR assays were conducted to evaluate the presence of PCMV in samples of tonsil tissue collected from 62 wild boar individuals. It was found that the overall rate of infection was about 56%, with significant higher values (almost 90%) in the age group corresponding to piglets (animals less than 6 months old). In addition, a seasonal variation was observed in the PCMV detection rate, with an increase during the transition from summer to autumn. In conclusion, this study confirmed that wild boars are major carriers and dispersal agents of PCMV in Northeastern Patagonia, which raises the necessity to evaluate the extent to which this virus affects local livestock production.

RESUMEN El citomegalovirus porcino (CMVP) es un reconocido patógeno de los cerdos domésticos y cuenta con una amplia distribución mundial. Es el agente etiológico de la rinitis por cuerpos de inclusión y también se lo ha asociado con otras enfermedades que causan pérdidas sustanciales en la producción porcina. Las poblaciones de jabalíes pueden actuar como reservorios de numerosos agentes infecciosos que afectan al ganado porcino, incluido el CMVP. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la circulación de este virus en jabalíes de vida libre que habitan en la región noreste de la Patagonia argentina, en las provincias de Buenos Aires y Río Negro. Se realizaron ensayos de PCR anidada para evaluar la presencia de CMVP en muestras de tejido de amígdalas tomadas de 62 jabalíes. Se encontró que la tasa general de infección fue de aproximadamente el 56%, con valores significativamente más altos (casi el 90%) en el grupo de edad correspondiente a los lechones (animales con menos de 6meses). Además, se observó una variación estacional en la tasa de detección de CMVP, con un incremento durante la transición de verano a otoño. En conclusión, este estudio confirmó que los jabalíes son importantes portadores y agentes de dispersión del CMVP en el noreste patagónico, lo cual plantea la necesidad de evaluar en qué medida este virus afecta la producción ganadera local.

First report the role of benthic macroinvertebrates as preys for native fish in Toltén river (38° S, Araucania region Chile) / Primeiro relate o papel dos macroinvertebrados como presas de peixes nativos no rio Toltén (38° S, região da Araucanía, Chile)

Abstract The Toltén river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38° S), and is characterized by low alterations through human interference due agriculture and towns in its surrounding basin, the presence of native fishes and salmonids, and by its lake effluent regime originated from Villarrica lake. The aim of the present study was to make a review of ecological role of the benthic inland water macroinvertebrates as preys for native fishes of the River Toltén, in order to understand their importance in the ecosystem of the river. The literature revealed that the main prey for native fishes are Chironomidae larvae, nevertheless there are not specific reports for Tolten river. The exposed results are similar with similar native species for Patagonia, and these native species would have prey for introduced salmonids, or these species would have prey competition with introduced salmonids in according to the literature descriptions for Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.

Resumo O rio Toltén está localizado na região da Araucanía, com 137 anos de idade, Chile (38° S), e é caracterizado por baixas alterações por interferência humana devido à agricultura e cidades da bacia circundante, pela presença de salmonídeos e pelo regime de efluentes dos lagos. do lago Villarrica. O objetivo do presente estudo foi fazer uma revisão do papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos de águas interiores do rio Toltén, a fim de entender sua importância no ecossistema do rio. A literatura revelou que as principais presas de peixes nativos são as larvas de Chironomidae, no entanto, não há relatos específicos para o rio Tolten. Os resultados expostos são semelhantes com espécies nativas semelhantes para a Patagônia, e essas espécies nativas teriam presa por salmonídeos introduzidos, ou essas espécies teriam competição de presas com salmonídeos introduzidos de acordo com as descrições da literatura para a Patagônia Argentina e Chilena.

Enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob de origen genético: serie de casos en la Patagonia Argentina / Creutzfeldt-Jakob syndrome of genetic origin: series of cases in the Argentinian Patagonia

La enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) es un desorden neurodegenerativo poco frecuente con una incidencia estimada en 1 por cada 1.000.000 por año, típicamente caracterizado por demencia rápidamente progresiva, ataxia, mioclonus y cambios de comportamiento. Las enfermedades genéticas priónicas se desarrollan debido a mutaciones en el gen de proteína priónica PRNP. Entre el 10 y el 15% corresponden a formas familiares que se transmiten con patrón autosómico dominante con alta penetrancia. La mutación más frecuente a nivel mundial es la E200K (glutamato por lisina). Se reportan cuatro familias con CJD que fueron atendidas en el Hospital Provincial Neuquén en el año 2018. Tres de los cuatro casos índice tenían historia familiar de trastornos neurológicos y psiquiátricos pero estos datos no fueron jerarquizados en la evaluación inicial del caso. Se consideró la consulta genética por la edad temprana de presentación de la enfermedad. En todos los casos la consulta fue solicitada por el neurólogo. Los síntomas iniciales que presentaron los pacientes fueron insomnio pertinaz y depresión con pobre respuesta a la medicación psiquiátrica habitual. En todos los casos la progresión de la enfermedad fue rápida con desórdenes visuales, mioclonías, ataxia, demencia y pérdida del lenguaje. El análisis de los pedigrees permitió identificar ciento cuarenta personas que potencialmente podrían portar el gen y desarrollar la enfermedad en algún momento de la vida adulta. En todos los casos se identificó la mutación E200K. En la región existe una frecuencia aumentada de CJD. Debe ser investigada en los pacientes con síntomas neuropsiquiátricos e historia familiar sospechosa. Los estudios genéticos confirman el diagnóstico en los pacientes y permite identificarlos en individuos en etapa presintomática. Esto plantea un desafío para el asesoramiento genético familiar y para evitar la transmisión iatrogénica del trastorno.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is an uncommon neurodegenerative disorder with an incidence of 1 per 1,000,000 in humans per year, typically characterized by rapidly progressive dementia, ataxia, myoclonus and behavioral changes. Genetic prion diseases, which develop due to a mutation in the prion protein gene (PRNP), account for an estimated 10 to 15% of all CJD cases. Familial CJD is transmitted with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with high penetrance. Worldwide, the most common mutation is E200K (glutamate to lysine). We report four families with CJD assisted in Neuquén Hospital in 2018. Three of the four index cases had family history of neurological and psychiatric illness, though data was not taken into consideration at the moment of evaluation of the new cases. The most significant data recorded for a genetic consultation was when the problem had started, and it was required by a neurologist. The initial symptoms were persistent insomnia and depression with poor response to habitual psychiatric medication. Impoverishment is fast with visual disorder, myoclonias, ataxia, dementia and loss of language. Pedigree analysis allowed the identification of 144persons with the gene potential, who can develop the disease at any time in their adulthood. In all cases, mutation E200K was identified. There is a region of increased frequency of CJD. There must be suspicion on patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms and suspected family history(familiar background). Finding of the mutation confirms the diagnosis in patients and allows the identification on pre-symptomatic individuals. Challenge is posed on gene advice and to avoid iatrogenic disorder transmission.

First report of inventory and role of macroinvertebrates and fish in Cautín river (38° S, Araucania region Chile) / Primeiro relato do inventário e papel dos macroinvertebrados e peixes no rio Cautín (39° S, região de Araucania Chile)

Abstract The Cautin river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38°S), and is characterized by alterations through human interference due agriculture and towns in its surrounding basin, the presence of salmonids, and by its mixed regime, originated from snow melting in summer and rains in winter. The aim of the present study was to make a review of the inventory and ecological role of the benthic inland water macroinvertebrates of the River Cautin, in order to understand their importance in the ecosystem of the river. The fauna of this river includes a fauna composed of endemic and introduced fish, which has, however, been only poorly studied until now. The literature revealed the presence of abundant populations of Diptera, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera larval stages, and few crustaceans specifically amphipods and freshwater crabs along the river's course. Many of these macroinvertebrates are prey for both introduced salmonids and native fishes. Similar results have been reported for other southern Argentinean and Chilean Patagonian rivers.

Resumo O rio Cautin está localizado na região de Araucania, no Chile (38°S), é caracterizado por alterações através da interferência humana devido à agricultura e as cidades da bacia circundante, a presença de salmonídeos e pelo seu regime misto, originado pela queda de neve verão e chuvas no inverno. O objetivo do presente estudo foi fazer uma revisão do papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos das águas interiores do rio Cautin, para entender sua importância no ecossistema do rio. A fauna deste rio inclui uma fauna composta de espécies de peixes endêmicos e introduzidos, que, no entanto, tem sido mal estudada até agora. A literatura revelou a presença de abundantes populações de estádios de larvas Diptera, Trichoptera e Ephemeroptera, e poucos crustáceos especificamente anfípodes e caranguejos de água doce ao longo do curso do rio. Muitos desses macroinvertebrados são presas tanto para salmonídeos introduzidos quanto para peixes nativos. Resultados semelhantes foram relatados para outros rios sul da Patagônia Chilena e Argentina.

Aedes aegypti spreading in South America: new coldest and southernmost records

The geographic distribution of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) in South America has been expanding during the last decades. Herein we present two new distribution records that extend its southern limits towards localities with extremer environmental conditions than reported to date. San Antonio Oeste constitutes the southernmost finding for the continent (40º44'S), whereas Tandil is the infested locality with the coldest mean annual temperature in Argentina (14.17ºC). The projection of a previous distribution model for Ae. aegypti predicts these two cities as positive and suggests several other localities with suitable conditions for vector proliferation beyond its assumed distribution limits.

Assessment of Culex pipiens bioforms in the world's southernmost distribution limit

The mosquito Culex pipiens s.s. L. occurs as two bioforms that differ in physiology and behaviour affecting virus transmission cycles. To assess the occurrence of Cx. pipiens bioforms in the southernmost limit of its distribution, specimens were collected aboveground in southern Buenos Aires Province and east Patagonia, Argentina. Ten larvae and 25 adults were individually processed and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of Ace-2 and CQ11 loci. Culex quinquefasciatus Say (one larva, two adults), Cx. pipiens f. molestus (one larva, one adult) and one adult of hybrid origin were identified in Buenos Aires Province; only Cx. pipiens f. molestus was recorded in Patagonia (eight larvae, 21 adults). The potential absence of bioform pipiens and its implications in arbovirus enzootic cycles is discussed.

Migrations, admixture and genetic diversity in Central Argentinian Patagonia: analysis of autosomal Alu polymorphisms / Migraciones, mestizaje y diversidad genética en la Patagonia Central Argentina: análisis de polimorfismos autosómicos Alu

This study aimed to analyze autosomal Alu insertions in three localities from Patagonia Argentina belonging to the Andes region and the coast of the Chubut province. Knowledge of the genetic diversity of these populations, along with the genealogical data, will contribute to better understand historical information, differential migration process and bio-demographic composition of the Central Patagonia region. In order to achieve this objective, 16 autosomal Alu insertion polymorphisms were genotyped: ACE, APO-A1, TPA25, FXIIIB, A25, HS4.32, D1, HS4.69, HS2.43, Sb19.12, Yb8NBC120, Sb19.3, Yb8NBC125, Ya5NBC221, DM, and CD4. Our results showed that the Central Patagonia region presents a complex continental genetic admixture with marked Native American roots (39% ± 1.2), Eurasian (56% ± 1.73) and, to a lesser extent, African (5% ± 1.7). The genetic proximity of the Patagonian samples in relation to groups from Europe and Northern Africa, but with a displacement towards the native communities, constitutes a clear indicator of the differential admixture process that took place in different regions of Argentina. Moreover, genetic differences were observed between Patagonian localities and Bahía Blanca (Central region of Argentina). These observations warned us that population genetic constitution analysis cannot be approached without bearing in mind the regional particularities, which are the result of the different historical, migratory, social-economic and demographic processes that occurs in the country.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo el análisis de las inserciones autosómicas Alu en tres localidades de la Patagonia argentina localizadas en la región andina y costera de la provincia de Chubut. El conocimiento de la diversidad genética de estas poblaciones, junto con los datos genealógicos, contribuirán a una mejor comprensión de la información histórica, los procesos migratorios diferenciales y la composición bio-demográfica de la región central Patagónica. Para alcanzar este objetivo se analizaron 16 polimorfismos autosómicos de inserción Alu: ACE, APO-A1, TPA25, FXIIIB, A25, HS4.32, D1, HS4.69, HS2.43, Sb19.12, Yb8NBC120, Sb19.3, Yb8NBC125, Ya5NBC221, DM y CD4. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la región central Patagónica presenta una mezcla genética continental compleja de marcadas raíces nativo americanas 39% (± 1.2), eurasiáticas 56% (± 1.73) y, en menor medida, africanas 5% (± 1.7). La proximidad genética de las muestras patagónicas a los grupos de Europa y del Norte de África, pero con un mayor desplazamiento hacia las comunidades nativas, constituye un claro indicador del proceso de mezcla diferencial que tuvo lugar en las distintas regiones de la Argentina. Por otra parte, las diferencias genéticas observadas entre las localidades de Patagonia y Bahía Blanca (región central de la Argentina), nos advierten que no puede analizarse la constitución genética de las poblaciones sin tener en cuenta las particularidades regionales, que son el resultado de los diferentes procesos históricos, migratorios, socio-económicos y demográficos que ocurrieron en el interior del país.

New azhdarchoid pterosaur (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea) with an unusual lower jaw from the Portezuelo Formation (Upper Cretaceous), Neuquén Group, Patagonia, Argentina

ABSTRACT A new azhdarchoid pterosaur from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia is described. The material consists of an incomplete edentulous lower jaw that was collected from the upper portion of the Portezuelo Formation (Turonian-Early Coniacian) at the Futalognko site, northwest of Neuquén city, Argentina. The overall morphology of Argentinadraco barrealensis gen. et sp. nov. indicates that it belongs to the Azhdarchoidea and probable represents an azhdarchid species. The occlusal surface of the anterior portion is laterally compressed and shows blunt lateral margins with a medial sulcus that are followed by two well-developed mandibular ridges, which in turn are bordered laterally by a sulcus. The posterior end of the symphysis is deeper than in any other azhdarchoid. This unique construction of the lower jaw suggests the existence of an elaborate interlocking mechanism with the upper jaw. Furthermore, although speculative, it is advocated here that Argentinadraco barrealensis might have used the lower jaw to obtain its prey by cutting or ploughing through unconsolidated sediment in shallow waters, a feeding behavior not previously proposed for pterosaurs.

First report of inventory and role of macroinvertebrates and fish in Cautín river (38° S, Araucania region Chile)

Abstract The Cautin river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38°S), and is characterized by alterations through human interference due agriculture and towns in its surrounding basin, the presence of salmonids, and by its mixed regime, originated from snow melting in summer and rains in winter. The aim of the present study was to make a review of the inventory and ecological role of the benthic inland water macroinvertebrates of the River Cautin, in order to understand their importance in the ecosystem of the river. The fauna of this river includes a fauna composed of endemic and introduced fish, which has, however, been only poorly studied until now. The literature revealed the presence of abundant populations of Diptera, Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera larval stages, and few crustaceans specifically amphipods and freshwater crabs along the rivers course. Many of these macroinvertebrates are prey for both introduced salmonids and native fishes. Similar results have been reported for other southern Argentinean and Chilean Patagonian rivers.

Resumo O rio Cautin está localizado na região de Araucania, no Chile (38°S), é caracterizado por alterações através da interferência humana devido à agricultura e as cidades da bacia circundante, a presença de salmonídeos e pelo seu regime misto, originado pela queda de neve verão e chuvas no inverno. O objetivo do presente estudo foi fazer uma revisão do papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos das águas interiores do rio Cautin, para entender sua importância no ecossistema do rio. A fauna deste rio inclui uma fauna composta de espécies de peixes endêmicos e introduzidos, que, no entanto, tem sido mal estudada até agora. A literatura revelou a presença de abundantes populações de estádios de larvas Diptera, Trichoptera e Ephemeroptera, e poucos crustáceos especificamente anfípodes e caranguejos de água doce ao longo do curso do rio. Muitos desses macroinvertebrados são presas tanto para salmonídeos introduzidos quanto para peixes nativos. Resultados semelhantes foram relatados para outros rios sul da Patagônia Chilena e Argentina.

First report the role of benthic macroinvertebrates as preys for native fish in Toltén river (38° S, Araucania region Chile)

Abstract The Toltén river is located in the 137 years old Araucania region, Chile (38° S), and is characterized by low alterations through human interference due agriculture and towns in its surrounding basin, the presence of native fishes and salmonids, and by its lake effluent regime originated from Villarrica lake. The aim of the present study was to make a review of ecological role of the benthic inland water macroinvertebrates as preys for native fishes of the River Toltén, in order to understand their importance in the ecosystem of the river. The literature revealed that the main prey for native fishes are Chironomidae larvae, nevertheless there are not specific reports for Tolten river. The exposed results are similar with similar native species for Patagonia, and these native species would have prey for introduced salmonids, or these species would have prey competition with introduced salmonids in according to the literature descriptions for Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia.

Resumo O rio Toltén está localizado na região da Araucanía, com 137 anos de idade, Chile (38° S), e é caracterizado por baixas alterações por interferência humana devido à agricultura e cidades da bacia circundante, pela presença de salmonídeos e pelo regime de efluentes dos lagos. do lago Villarrica. O objetivo do presente estudo foi fazer uma revisão do papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos de águas interiores do rio Toltén, a fim de entender sua importância no ecossistema do rio. A literatura revelou que as principais presas de peixes nativos são as larvas de Chironomidae, no entanto, não há relatos específicos para o rio Tolten. Os resultados expostos são semelhantes com espécies nativas semelhantes para a Patagônia, e essas espécies nativas teriam presa por salmonídeos introduzidos, ou essas espécies teriam competição de presas com salmonídeos introduzidos de acordo com as descrições da literatura para a Patagônia Argentina e Chilena.

Residuos de plaguicidas organofosforados y carbamatos en aguas subterráneas de bebida en las zonas rurales de Plottier y Senillosa, Patagonia Norte, Argentina / Organophosphate and carbamate pesticide residues in drinking groundwater in the rural areas of Plottier and Senillosa, North Patagonia, Argentina

Plottier y Senillosa son dos localidades contiguas que forman parte del área de producción agrícola del Alto Valle de Río Negro y Neuquén, Patagonia Norte. Entre los plaguicidas más utilizados predominan las familias de neonicotinoides, carbamatos y organofosforados. El conocimiento de los niveles de estos compuestos en aguas superficiales y subterráneas se ha convertido en un tema de interés social debido a su posible impacto en el ambiente y la salud. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar niveles de residuos de plaguicidas en agua subterránea utilizada para bebida en zonas rurales de Plottier y Senillosa. Se analizaron carbamatos: propoxur, carbofuran, pirimicarb, carbaril y organofosforados: clorpirifos, dimetoato, metidation, fenaminfos, triazofos, fosmet y metil azinfos, por cromatografía gaseosa (GC), en seis sitios de muestreo, durante la época de aplicación y no aplicación de insecticidas. No se detectaron residuos de los plaguicidas estudiados por el método analítico utilizado. El límite de detección fue 0,010 µg/L para organofosforados y 0,030 µg/L para carbamatos. Estos resultados indican que las buenas prácticas agrícolas aplicadas en la zona así como las características fsicoquímicas del suelo, su espesor y el contenido de materia orgánica y las propiedades fsicoquímicas de los plaguicidas estudiados son factores que contribuyen favorablemente a la calidad del agua de bebida de la población rural.

Plottier and Senillosa are two adjoining towns that belong to the agricultural production area of Upper Valley, Río Negro and Neuquén, North Patagonia. Among the most widely used pesticides, neonicotinoids, carbamates and organophosphates are predominant. The levels of these compounds in surface and groundwater have become a topic of public concern, since the possible impact on health and environment. The aim of this study was the determination of pesticide residue levels in drinking ground-water in the rural areas of Plottier and Senillosa. Carbamates: propoxur, carbofuran, pirimicarb, carbaryl and organophosphate: chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, methidathion, fenaminfos, triazophos, phosmet, azinphos methyl, were analyzed by GC in six sampling sites during insecticide application and non-application season. No pesticide residues were detected by the analytical method used. The detection limit for organophosphates was 0.010 µg/L and 0.030 µg/L for carbamates. These results indicate that good agricultural practices, the physicochemical characteristics of the soil, its thickness, the content of organic matter and the physicochemical properties of pesticides studied are factors that positively contribute to the drinking water quality in the rural population.

Contribución nutricional de minerales esenciales aportados por Mytilus edulis platensis (mejillones) del golfo San Jorge, Chubut / Nutritional contribution of essential minerals provided by Mytilus edulis platensis (mussels) from San Jorge gulf, Chubut

La recolección artesanal de moluscos bivalvos, actividad conocida como marisqueo, es una significativa fuente alimenticia y económica para grupos sociales de poblaciones costeras patagónicas. Además, se ha constituido como una importante alternativa de maricultura en la costa patagónica. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las concentraciones de Ca, Mg, P, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se y Zn en Mytilus edulis platensis detres sitios de la costa del Golfo San Jorge, a fin de evaluar la variación geográfica y estacional de estos elementos y determinar su contribución nutricional. Los lugares de muestreo se centraron en dos sitios alejados de la actividad antrópica, Bahía Solano y Punta Maqueda, y un tercer sitio Playa Km 3, con actividad antropogénica. Las muestras fueron digeridas por vía húmeda con Bombas Parr. Los elementos fueron cuantificados mediante un espectrómetro de plasma inductivo (ICP-OES). Los resultados fueron expresados como porcentajes de cobertura considerando el promedio anual de cada elemento estudiado. En este sentido, según las Ingestas Dietéticas de Referencia, el consumo de 100 gramos de moluscos frescos cubrirían las necesidades para mujeres (M) y hombres (H) adultos en los siguientes porcentajes: Ca 26% (M y H), Mg 42% (M) y 35% (H), P 18% (M y H), Cr 176% (M) y 126% (H), Cu 11% (M y H), Fe 34% (M) y 70% (H),Mn 17% (M) y 13% (H), Mo 26% (M y H), Se 202% (M) y 155% (H)y Zn 30% (M) y 21% (H). Es posible concluir que 100 g de mejillones aportan elementos indispensables en niveles considerables, sujetos a variación temporal y geográfica, hecho que debería ser tenido en cuenta para ampliar y mejorar la información actualmente reflejada en tablas de composición de alimentos. Los resultados obtenidos proporcionan información de gran valor, dado que corresponden a un alimento originario de la costa Patagónica y consumido de forma habitual en nuestro país...

Actividad antioxidante en infusiones, tinturas y aceites esenciales de especies nativas de la Patagonia Argentina / Antioxidant activity in teas, tinctures and essential oils of native species from Patagonia Argentina

Introducción: las plantas aromáticas y medicinales son una fuente potencial de componentes antioxidantes. La Patagonia Argentina presenta un ambiente diverso en especies nativas, las cuales deberían ser estudiadas en mayor profundidad debido a su potencial farmacéutico, así como para contribuir a fomentar su conservación. Objetivos: estudiar la actividad antioxidante de infusiones, tinturas y aceites esenciales de las siguientes especies nativas de la Patagonia Argentina: Acantholippia seriphioides (A. Gray) Moldenke, Adesmia boronioides Hook. f., Buddleja globosa Hope, Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pav., Solidago chilensis Meyen. Identificar los componentes volátiles presentes en los aceites esenciales. Métodos: se obtuvieron infusiones y tinturas por la guía de las normas de la Farmacopea Argentina VI edición. Los aceites esenciales se obtuvieron por hidrodestilación con un aparato tipo Clevenger. El análisis de los componentes volátiles se realizó mediante cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas. Los ensayos de actividad antioxidante se realizaron por el método del difenil-picrilhidrazilo. Resultados: las especies presentaron el siguiente orden de actividad antioxidante: B. globosa > S. chilensis ≥ F. imbricata ≥ A . seriphioides > A. boronioides. Las infusiones de B. globosa, S. chilensis y A. seriphioides, presentaron una actividad antioxidante similar a Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze ("té verde") y superior a Ginkgo biloba (L.) Mant (especies reconocidas por su alto contenido de antioxidantes). La actividad encontrada para el aceite esencial de A. seriphioides se deba a sus contenidos en timol y carvacrol. En cuanto a la actividad de S. chilensis podría adjudicarse a su alto porcentaje de limoneno. Conclusiones: este trabajo es el primero que estudia la actividad antioxidante de plantas medicinales y aromáticas en la región noroeste de la Patagonia Argentina; los resultados obtenidos demuestran que las especies estudiadas de dicha región son una fuente rica en compuestos antioxidantes y de potencial valor como suplemento dietario(AU)

Introduction: medicinal and aromatic plants have potential as sources of antioxidant compounds. There is a great diversity of native species in Patagonia Argentina. It is worthy to study them because of its pharmaceutical potential and to help promote conservation. Objectives: to analyze antioxidant activities of herbal teas, tinctures and essential oils of native species from Patagonia Argentina: Acantholippia seriphioides (A. Gray) Moldenke, Adesmia boronioides Hook. f., Buddleja globosa Hope, Fabiana imbricata Ruiz & Pav., Solidago chilensis Meyen. Identify essential oils compounds. Methods: infusions and tinctures were obtained according to Pharmacopoeia Argentina VIth edition. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. Volatiles compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity assays were performed by difenil-picrilhidrazilo method. Results: antioxidant activity order was: B. globosa > S. chilensis ≥ F. imbricata ≥ A. seriphioides > A. boronioides. Infusions of B. globosa, S. chilensis and A. seriphioides presented an antioxidant activity similar to Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze ("green tea") and higher than Ginkgo biloba (L.) Mant. The A. seriphioides essential oil activity was probably obeyed to thymol and carvacrol presence. S. chilensis activity could be owing to its high limonene content. Conclusions: this study is the first report about antioxidant activity of medicinal and aromatic plants in the northwest region of Patagonia Argentina. The results showed that analyzed species are a rich source of antioxidant compounds and have potential value as a dietary supplement(AU)

Dermatitis cercarial en bañistas del norte de la Patagonia Argentina / Cercarial dermatitis of bathers in northern Argentine Patagonia

La dermatitis cercarial es una enfermedad cutánea, zoonótica y estival, causada por una larva nadadora de trematodes de la familia Schistosomatidae, llamada cercaria. Esta larva penetra accidentalmente la piel de personas que se encuentran en el agua, generando una reacción alérgica que generalmente no se informa en centros de salud, dificultando el registro de su incidencia. Se han informado casos en todo el mundo, incluyendo a la Argentina, aunque los estudios epidemiológicos se han realizado solamente en el Hemisferio Norte. En este trabajo se estudió la epidemiología de la dermatitis cercarial en tres balnearios patagónicos de los lagos Pellegrini, Mari Menuco y Puelo, donde se realizaron encuestas a visitantes durante los veranos de 2012-2013 y 2013-2014. Se analizaron los factores de riesgo, que fueron agrupados en “características personales”, “uso del recurso” y “medidas de prevención”. En el lago Pellegrini fue la sensibilización de la persona incluida en "características personales" el único factor determinante para la ocurrencia de esta zoonosis, mientras que en el lago Mari Menuco la ocurrencia se asoció con el tiempo y la distancia a la costa y el uso de cremas. En el lago Puelo no se registraron casos durante el período de estudio.

The cercarial dermatitis is a zoonotic, summer, skin-disease, caused by a swimming larva (cercaria) of a schistosomatid trematode. This larva accidentally penetrates the skin of people in the water, causing an allergic reaction, which is not always reported in health centers, so it is difficult to determine its incidence. Cases have been registered worldwide, including Argentina, although the epidemiological studies were performed only in the Northern Hemisphere. In this survey the epidemiology of cercarial dermatitis was studied in three Patagonian lakes watering places, Pellegrini, Mari Menuco, and Puelo, where surveys were conducted during summers of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014. The risk factors were analyzed and grouped in “personal characteristics”, “use of the recreational resource”, and “prevention measures”. At the Pellegrini Lake, the people´s sensitivity included in "personal characteristics" was the only determining factor for the occurrence of this zoonosis, mean while in Mari Menuco Lake, the bathing time and distance from the coast, and the use of lotions would affect the occurrence of swimmer’s itch. In Puelo Lake, no cases were recorded during the study period.

Variabilidad química del “tomillo silvestre” (acantholippia seriphioides, verbenaceae) en la meseta Patagónica / Chemical Variability of “tomillo silvestre” (acantholippia seriphioides, verbenaceae) in the Patagonian plateau

El tomillo silvestre es una planta aromática y medicinal de amplio uso en varias regiones de Argentina como medicinal y saborizante. Se estudiaron poblaciones de Acantholippia seriphioides en dos zonas de la meseta chubutense, los parajes El Pajarito y La Rueda. Las partes aéreas oreadas fueron extraídas por hidrodestilación y los aceites esenciales se analizaron por GC-FID-MS. Los rendimientos en promedio de aceites esenciales fueron de 5.2 ml/kg y 3.2 ml/kg, para La Rueda y El Pajarito respectivamente. Los tipos químicos encontrados fueron: ipsilon-terpineno/timol/carvacrol en La Rueda y mirtenol/geraniol/carvona en El Pajarito. El probable quimiotipo de este último sitio difiere marcadamente de los reportados en trabajos previos para esta especie y presenta además importante variabilidad cuantitativa, según el estado fenológico.

“Tomillo silvestre” is a widespread medicinal and aromatic plant with medicinal and flavoring uses in numerous regions of Argentina. Acantholippia seriphioides populations from two areas of the Chubut’s plateau: El Pajarito and La Rueda, have been studied. The dried aerial parts were extracted by hydrodistillation and the essential oils were analyzed by GC/FID/MS. The average yields of oils were 5.2 ml/kg and 3.2 ml/kg for La Rueda and El Pajarito, respectively. The chemical profiles found were: ypsilon-terpinene/thymol/carvacrol in La Rueda and myrtenol/geraniol/carvone in El Pajarito. The feasible chemotype from the latter area is significantly different from those previously reported for this species, and it also showed an important quantitative variation according to the phenological stages.

Morphological plasticity in the Aristotle's lantern of Arbacia dufresnii (Phymosomatoida: Arbaciidae) off the Patagonian coast / Plásticidad morfológica en la linterna de Aristoteles en Arbacia dufresnii (Phymosomatoida: Arbaciidae) en la costa Patagónica

Abstract The relative size of the Aristotle's lantern of most sea urchins varies in relation to the food availability and it is often used to infer the availability of food of the environment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the lantern morphology plasticity of Arbacia dufresnii in populations with different environmental characteristics, either mussel beds or disturbed areas, by the invasive alga Undaria pinnatifida along the Patagonian Atlantic coast. The test diameter of the sea urchins along with the weight and height of the lanterns, the jaw lenght and rotula lenght were measured. Classic and geometric morphometric analyses were performed to test differences among populations. The length of the jaw was the best indicator of relative changes in size of the lantern. The largest length of the jaw was measured in individuals from disturbed areas dominated by the invasive algae U. pinnatifida. The rotula shape changed with the increase of the diameter of the sea urchins, it tends to be more elongated with larger sea urchins. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 2): 339-351. Epub 2015 June 01.

Resumen El tamaño relativo de la linterna de Aristóteles en la mayoría de las especies de erizos de mar varía en relación con la disponibilidad de alimentos y se utiliza a menudo para inferir la disponibilidad de alimentos en el medio ambiente en que los erizos de mar habitan. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la plasticidad morfológica de la linterna de Aristóteles de Arbacia dufresnii en poblaciones con diferentes características ambientales, ya sean con bancos de mejillones o áreas modificadas por el alga invasora Undaria pinnatífida, a largo de la costa patagónica atlántica. Se midió el diámetro del caparazón, el peso y el alto de las linternas, la longitud de la semipirámide y la longitud de la rótula. Los datos se analizaron utilizando técnicas de morfometría clásica y geométrica con el objetivo de probar diferencias entre las poblaciones. La longitud de la semipirámide fue el mejor indicador para describir los cambios relativos en el tamaño de la linterna. La mayor longitud de la semipirámide se observó en las poblaciones que habitan áreas dominadas por el alga invasora U. pinnatifida. La forma de la semipirámide no varía entre las poblaciones ni con el tamaño de los erizos de mar, mientras que la forma de la rótula cambia en relación al tamaño de los erizos, siendo más alargada cuando el tamaño de los individuos es mayor.