Comparative evaluation of two lures to attract female mosquitoes in an urban natural reserve during daytime.

The most widely used attractant to capture adult female mosquitoes is CO2. However, there are also baits available on the market that emit a scent resembling human skin. These baits were specifically designed to attract highly anthropophilic species such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of CDC traps baited either with CO2 or with a commercial blend simulating skin odor, BG-Sweetscent, for trapping female mosquitoes during daylight hours in an urban reserve in the City of Buenos Aires. We employed a hurdle generalized linear mixed model to analyze trap capture probability and the number of mosquitoes captured per hour, considering the effects of attractant, mosquito species, and their interaction. Traps baited with CO2 captured ten mosquito species, while those baited with BG-Sweetscent captured six in overall significantly lower abundance. The odds of capturing mosquitoes were 292% higher for the CO2-baited traps than for those baited with BG-Sweetscent. No evidence of a combined effect of attractant type and species on female mosquito captures per hour was found. Results indicated that CDC traps baited with CO2 were more effective than those baited with BG-Sweetscent in capturing more mosquito species and a higher number of mosquitoes within each species, even if the species captured with CO2 exhibited a certain level of anthropophilia. This result has practical implications for mosquito surveillance and control in urban natural reserves.

Graduate certificate on risk analysis for the Agrifood sector at the University of Buenos Aires.

Argentina has an extensive experience in the biosafety assessment of transgenic crops. The regulatory framework celebrated 30 years of existence in 2021 and has pioneered the establishment of the biosafety systems in Latin America. During this period, Argentina's regulatory framework evolved to keep up with the advancements in plant and animal biotechnology and in risk assessment criteria, as new knowledge and experience was being gained. However, despite the country's agricultural tradition and experience in the adoption of innovations by the productive sector, dedicated, formal academic offerings training is lacking and this is also true for most countries in the world. Responding to this perceived need and going beyond biotechnology to include other regulated inputs used along the food production chain (chemicals, biologics, food additives, etc.), we developed a program to introduce graduates from diverse disciplines to the principles and practice of Risk Analysis (Assessment, Management and Communication) with focus on the Agrifood sector. In 2020, the School for Graduate Students of the School of Agriculture-University of Buenos Aires, approved two Certificates on Risk Analysis for the Agrifood Sector: Conceptual Bases of Risk Analysis and Methodological Tools. The first edition of the certificates was completed in December 2022 and the second one is presently ongoing. The fundaments, rationale, structure and objectives of these certificates are presented.

Detection of plasma anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS)antibodies against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli(EHEC) in asymptomatic kindergarten teachers fromBuenos Aires province

Resumen En Argentina, el síndrome urémico hemolítico causado por Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC) tiene la más alta incidencia del mundo. Las infecciones por EHEC tienen un comportamiento endemoepidémico y causan del 20 al 30% de los síndromes de diarrea sanguinolenta en niños menores de 5 años. En el período 2016-2020, se notificaron 272 nuevos casos por año al Sistema de Vigilancia de Salud Nacional. Múltiples factores son responsables de la alta incidencia de SUH en Argentina, incluyendo la transmisión persona-persona. Con el objetivo de detectar posibles portadores asintomáticos de EHEC, realizamos un estudio preliminar de la frecuencia de anticuerpos antilipopolisacáridos contra los serotipos de EHEC más prevalentes en Argentina. El estudio se realizó con muestras de plasma obtenidas de 61 maestras y maestros de jardines de infantes de 26 instituciones del distrito de José C. Paz, localizado en el área suburbana de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El 51% de las muestras presentaron anticuerpos contra los serotipos de lipopolisacáridos O157, O145, O121 y O103; el 6,4% de las muestras positivas tuvieron el isotipo IgM (n=2), el 61,3% el isotipo IgG (n=19) y el 32,3% los isotipos IgM e IgG (n=10). Dado que los anticuerpos antilipopolisacáridos presentan usualmente una duración corta, la detección de IgM específica podría indicar una infección reciente. Además, el alto porcentaje de muestras positivas hallado podría indicar una exposición frecuente a las cepas de EHEC en la cohorte estudiada. Asimismo, la gran población de adultos portadores asintomáticos de estas cepas patógenas podría contribuir al comportamiento endémico, a través de la transmisión persona-persona. El perfeccionamiento de programas educacionales continuos en jardines de infantes podría constituir una medida importante para reducir los casos de síndrome urémico hemolítico, no solo en Argentina, sino también en el mundo.

Abstract In Argentina, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by EHEC has the highest incidence in the world. EHEC infection has an endemo-epidemic behavior, causing 20-30% of acute bloody diarrhea syndrome in children under 5 years old. In the period 2016-2020, 272 new cases per year were notified to the National Health Surveillance System. Multiple factors are responsible for HUS incidence in Argentina including person-to-person transmission. In order to detect possible EHEC carriers, we carried out a preliminary study of the frequency of kindergarten teachers with anti-LPS antibodies against the most prevalent EHEC serotypes in Argentina. We analyzed 61 kindergarten teachers from 26 institutions from José C. Paz district, located in the suburban area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Fifty-one percent of the plasma samples had antibodies against O157, O145, O121 and O103 LPS: 6.4% of the positive samples had IgM isotype (n=2), 61.3% IgG isotype (n=19) and 32.3% IgM and IgG (n=10). Given that antibodies against LPS antigens are usually short-lived specific IgM detection may indicate a recent infection. In addition, the high percentage of positive samples may indicate a frequent exposure to EHEC strains in the cohort studied, as well as the existence of a large non-symptomatic population of adults carrying pathogenic strains that could contribute to the endemic behavior through person-to-person transmission. The improvement of continuous educational programs in kindergarten institutions could be a mandatory measure to reduce HUS cases not only in Argentina but also globally.

[SWOT analysis: strengthening tuberculosis prevention and control in post COVID-19 pandemic, Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires]. / Análisis FODA: fortalecimiento de la prevención y el control de la tuberculosis en post pandemia de COVID-19, Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: The Hospital Muñiz's "Strengthening Epidemiological Surveillance in Tuberculosis (VET) Project" is focused on improving operational outcomes, specifically by enhancing early TB diagnosis. Our primary aim is to promptly identify individuals with tuberculosis (TB) who seek care at our institution following the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) was carried out. It is an essential tool in strategic planning, which provides information for the implementation of actions and corrective measures in the generation of new improvement projects. The internal situation of the institution was evaluated to determine SWOT after the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to strengthen VET, through field epidemiological surveillance. RESULTS: There are trained personnel, the possibility of early diagnosis and its opportune control generated from the Febrile Emergency Unit. The on-call service has an adequate control of the TB population that enables coordination and joint work with other programs (HIV), response capacity of the institution to outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. DISCUSSION: The application of this project will incorporate a strengthening activity in epidemiological surveillance, where the Muñiz Hospital, through a comprehensive approach and the identification of new cases, responds to the needs of the local population with TB. This will provide valid and reliable information for the prevention and control of TB in the institution after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introducción: El proyecto de fortalecimiento en Vigilancia Epidemiológica en Tuberculosis (VET) del Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires (Argentina), busca mejorar los resultados operacionales relacionados en mayor medida al diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad, estableciendo como objetivo la identificación oportuna de personas enfermas de tuberculosis (TB) que consultan posterior a la pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis FODA (Fortalezas, Oportunidades, Debilidades, Amenazas): una herramienta esencial en la planeación estratégica, que proporciona información necesaria para la implementación de acciones y medidas correctivas, generación de nuevos proyectos de mejora, donde se evaluó la situación interna de la institución para determinar las FODA presentadas después de la pandemia COVID-19, a fin de desarrollar un fortalecimiento en VET, mediante vigilancia epidemiológica de campo. Resultados: Se cuenta con personal capacitado, posibilidad de diagnóstico precoz y control oportuno, generado desde la Unidad Febril de Urgencias. El servicio de guardia presenta adecuado control de la población con TB, que posibilita la coordinación y trabajo en conjunto con otros programas ministeriales. Existe capacidad de respuesta de la institución ante los brotes, epidemias y pandemias. Discusión: La aplicación de este proyecto incorporará una actividad de fortalecimiento en vigilancia epidemiológica, donde el Hospital Muñiz, mediante el abordaje integral y la identificación de casos nuevos de respuesta a las necesidades de la población con TB. Se proporcionará así información válida y confiable para la prevención y control de la TB en la institución después de la pandemia por COVID-19.

[Analysis of indigenous dengue in an infectious diseases Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina]. / Análisis del dengue autóctono en un hospital de enfermedades infecciosas en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus; this has presented a historical increase in cases in South America, which represents a public health problem. From the Febrile Emergency Unit (UFU) of Hospital Muñiz, the laboratory results were analyzed and the circulating serotype was identified at the level of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), confirming the proportion of indigenous cases, recording symptoms and epidemiology. The objective of this analysis is to highlight the increase in indigenous cases of dengue in CABA. METHODS: An observational and retrospective study was carried out, from January 1 to May 8, 2023, of the positive PCR results for dengue. RESULTS: 1159 patients with febrile symptoms were assisted, of which 554 (47.7%) were probable cases while the remaining 542 (46.7%) were febrile syndromes of another etiology. Of the probable cases, 162 with positive PCR results (29%) were evaluated, of which 18 (11%) were imported and 144 (89%) native. DENV-2 predominated (86% of confirmed cases). The clinical manifestations were fever (100%), myalgia (100%), headache (98%), arthralgia (87%), nausea (46%), and retroocular pain (39%). DISCUSSION: For 10 years, there has been an increase in the number of indigenous dengue cases in CABA. In the analysis of this article, autochthonous dengue appears as an outbreak at the city level. Notification of the clinic and epidemiology is important to consider public health strategies in the fight against dengue and possible new studies related to outbreaks and epidemics.

Introducción: El dengue es una enfermedad transmitida por mosquitos del género Aedes, que presenta un aumento histórico de casos en América del Sur, y representa un problema en salud pública. Desde la Unidad Febril de Urgencias (UFU) del Hospital Muñiz se analizaron los resultados de laboratorio y se identificó el serotipo circulante en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), la proporción de casos autóctonos, registrando sintomatología y epidemiología. El objetivo de este análisis fue determinar el incremento de casos autóctonos de dengue en CABA. Métodos: Estudio observacional y retrospectivo, entre 1 de enero y 8 de mayo de 2023, de los casos con PCR positiva para dengue. Resultados: Se atendieron 1159 pacientes con sintomatología febril, de los cuales 554 (47.7%) fueron casos probables, mientras que los restantes 542 (46.7%) fueron síndromes febriles de otra etiología. De los casos probables se evaluaron 162 con PCR positiva (29%), de los que 18 (11%) fueron importados y 144 (89%) autóctonos. Predominó el DENV-2 (86% de los casos confirmados). Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron: fiebre (100%), mialgias (100%), cefalea (98%), artralgias (87%), náuseas (46%), dolor retroocular (39%). Discusión: En los últimos 10 años se registró un aumento en el número de casos de dengue autóctono en CABA. Al análisis de este artículo el dengue autóctono se presenta como un brote a nivel de la ciudad. Es importante la notificación de la clínica y epidemiología para considerar estrategias en salud pública en la lucha contra el dengue y posibles nuevos estudios relacionados con brotes y epidemias.

Detection of plasma anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibodies against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in asymptomatic kindergarten teachers from Buenos Aires province.

In Argentina, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by EHEC has the highest incidence in the world. EHEC infection has an endemo-epidemic behavior, causing 20-30% of acute bloody diarrhea syndrome in children under 5 years old. In the period 2016-2020, 272 new cases per year were notified to the National Health Surveillance System. Multiple factors are responsible for HUS incidence in Argentina including person-to-person transmission. In order to detect possible EHEC carriers, we carried out a preliminary study of the frequency of kindergarten teachers with anti-LPS antibodies against the most prevalent EHEC serotypes in Argentina. We analyzed 61 kindergarten teachers from 26 institutions from José C. Paz district, located in the suburban area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Fifty-one percent of the plasma samples had antibodies against O157, O145, O121 and O103 LPS: 6.4% of the positive samples had IgM isotype (n=2), 61.3% IgG isotype (n=19) and 32.3% IgM and IgG (n=10). Given that antibodies against LPS antigens are usually short-lived specific IgM detection may indicate a recent infection. In addition, the high percentage of positive samples may indicate a frequent exposure to EHEC strains in the cohort studied, as well as the existence of a large non-symptomatic population of adults carrying pathogenic strains that could contribute to the endemic behavior through person-to-person transmission. The improvement of continuous educational programs in kindergarten institutions could be a mandatory measure to reduce HUS cases not only in Argentina but also globally.

Use of life cycle assessment for estimating impacts of waste-to-energy technologies in solid waste management systems: the case of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Analysing municipal solid waste (MSW) management scenarios is relevant for planning future policies and actions toward a circular economy. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is appropriate for evaluating technologies of MSW treatment and their environmental impacts. However, in developing countries, advanced assessments are difficult to introduce due to the lack of technical knowledge, data and financial support. This research aims to assess the main potentialities of the introduction of waste-to-energy (WtE) systems in a developing Argentinean urban area considering the existing regulations about MSW recycling goals. The study was conducted with WRATE software and the proposed scenarios were current management, grate incineration of raw MSW and incineration of solid recovered fuel (SRF). In addition, a sensitivity analysis on the energy matrix was included. It was found that the production of SRF allows increasing the energy generation from waste by 200% and reducing the environmental impact of about 10% regarding the current MSW management system. Acidification Potential and Abiotic Depletion Potential were sensitive to changes in electricity mix. Results showed that if MSW reduction goals are achieved, changes in MSW composition will affect the performance of WtE plants and, in some cases, they will be not technically feasible. The outcomes of this study can be of interest for developing countries stakeholders and practitioners interested in LCA and sustainable MSW management.

Análisis FODA: fortalecimiento de la prevención y el control de la tuberculosis en post pandemia de COVID-19, Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires / SWOT analysis: strengthening tuberculosis prevention and control in post COVID-19 pandemic, Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires

Resumen Introducción : El proyecto de fortalecimiento en Vigi lancia Epidemiológica en Tuberculosis (VET) del Hospital Muñiz, Buenos Aires (Argentina), busca mejorar los re sultados operacionales relacionados en mayor medida al diagnóstico precoz de la enfermedad, estableciendo como objetivo la identificación oportuna de personas enfermas de tuberculosis (TB) que consultan posterior a la pandemia por COVID-19. Métodos : Se realizó un análisis FODA (Fortalezas, Oportunidades, Debilidades, Amenazas): una herramien ta esencial en la planeación estratégica, que proporciona información necesaria para la implementación de accio nes y medidas correctivas, generación de nuevos pro yectos de mejora, donde se evaluó la situación interna de la institución para determinar las FODA presentadas después de la pandemia COVID-19, a fin de desarrollar un fortalecimiento en VET, mediante vigilancia epide miológica de campo. Resultados : Se cuenta con personal capacitado, posi bilidad de diagnóstico precoz y control oportuno, gene rado desde la Unidad Febril de Urgencias. El servicio de guardia presenta adecuado control de la población con TB, que posibilita la coordinación y trabajo en conjunto con otros programas ministeriales. Existe capacidad de respuesta de la institución ante los brotes, epidemias y pandemias. Discusión : La aplicación de este proyecto incorporará una actividad de fortalecimiento en vigilancia epidemio lógica, donde el Hospital Muñiz, mediante el abordaje integral y la identificación de casos nuevos de respuesta a las necesidades de la población con TB. Se proporcio nará así información válida y confiable para la preven ción y control de la TB en la institución después de la pandemia por COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction : The Hospital Muñiz's "Strengthening Epidemiological Surveillance in Tuberculosis (VET) Proj ect" is focused on improving operational outcomes, spe cifically by enhancing early TB diagnosis. Our primary aim is to promptly identify individuals with tuberculo sis (TB) who seek care at our institution following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) was carried out. It is an essential tool in strategic planning, which provides information for the implementation of actions and corrective measures in the generation of new improvement projects. The internal situation of the institution was evaluated to determine SWOT after the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to strengthen VET, through field epidemiological surveillance. Results : There are trained personnel, the possibility of early diagnosis and its opportune control generated from the Febrile Emergency Unit. The on-call service has an adequate control of the TB population that enables coordination and joint work with other programs (HIV), response capacity of the institution to outbreaks, epi demics and pandemics. Discussion : The application of this project will in corporate a strengthening activity in epidemiological surveillance, where the Muñiz Hospital, through a com prehensive approach and the identification of new cases, responds to the needs of the local population with TB. This will provide valid and reliable information for the prevention and control of TB in the institution after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Análisis del dengue autóctono en un hospital de enfermedades infecciosas en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Analysis of indigenous dengue in an infectious diseases Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Resumen Introducción : El dengue es una enfermedad trans mitida por mosquitos del género Aedes, que presenta un aumento histórico de casos en América del Sur, y representa un problema en salud pública. Desde la Unidad Febril de Urgencias (UFU) del Hospital Muñiz se analizaron los resultados de laboratorio y se identificó el serotipo circulante en la Ciudad Autónoma de Bue nos Aires (CABA), la proporción de casos autóctonos, registrando sintomatología y epidemiología. El objetivo de este análisis fue determinar el incremento de casos autóctonos de dengue en CABA. Métodos : Estudio observacional y retrospectivo, entre 1 de enero y 8 de mayo de 2023, de los casos con PCR positiva para dengue. Resultados : Se atendieron 1159 pacientes con sinto matología febril, de los cuales 554 (47.7%) fueron casos probables, mientras que los restantes 542 (46.7%) fueron síndromes febriles de otra etiología. De los casos pro bables se evaluaron 162 con PCR positiva (29%), de los que 18 (11%) fueron importados y 144 (89%) autóctonos. Predominó el DENV-2 (86% de los casos confirmados). Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron: fiebre (100%), mialgias (100%), cefalea (98%), artralgias (87%), náuseas (46%), dolor retroocular (39%). Discusión : En los últimos 10 años se registró un aumento en el número de casos de dengue autóctono en CABA. Al análisis de este artículo el dengue autóc tono se presenta como un brote a nivel de la ciudad. Es importante la notificación de la clínica y epidemiología para considerar estrategias en salud pública en la lucha contra el dengue y posibles nuevos estudios relacionados con brotes y epidemias.

Abstract Introduction : Dengue is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus; this has presented a historical increase in cases in South America, which represents a public health problem. From the Febrile Emergency Unit (UFU) of Hospital Muñiz, the laboratory results were analyzed and the circulating serotype was identified at the level of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), confirming the proportion of indigenous cases, recording symptoms and epidemiology. The ob jective of this analysis is to highlight the increase in indigenous cases of dengue in CABA. Methods : An observational and retrospective study was carried out, from January 1 to May 8, 2023, of the positive PCR results for dengue. Results : 1159 patients with febrile symptoms were assisted, of which 554 (47.7%) were probable cases while the remaining 542 (46.7%) were febrile syndromes of another etiology. Of the probable cases, 162 with positive PCR results (29%) were evaluated, of which 18 (11%) were imported and 144 (89%) native. DENV-2 predominated (86% of confirmed cases). The clinical manifestations were fever (100%), my algia (100%), headache (98%), arthralgia (87%), nausea (46%), and retroocular pain (39%). Discussion : For 10 years, there has been an increase in the number of indigenous dengue cases in CABA. In the analysis of this article, autochthonous dengue ap pears as an outbreak at the city level. Notification of the clinic and epidemiology is important to consider public health strategies in the fight against dengue and pos sible new studies related to outbreaks and epidemics.

Facing and Overcoming Pain Through Scientific Evidence: The Imperative of Exposure as a Psychological Technique for Cognitive Behavioral Treatments in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On the basis of a research study on cognitive behavioral psychotherapies conducted between 2016 and 2020, this article analyzes exposure as a psychological technique focused on facing and overcoming distressing situations that interfere with everyday life and cause pain. Said psychotherapies have gained more relevance in Argentina in recent years. Their development and institutionalization continued during the first decades of the new millennium. By the late 1990s, there were social and economic transformations that modified people's lives and produced different types of suffering. In addition, that scenario was set with subjectivity models based on the importance of being autonomous and responsible in different spheres of daily life (including healthcare). Accordingly, current social imperatives such as "you can do it" or "give it another try" become values linked to personal realization that are assimilated by these psychotherapies through techniques such as exposure. In that respect, this article aims at analyzing exposure as a psychological technology with evidence-based epistemological presuppositions and problem-solving models based on the subjects' individual commitment. Unlike most social-anthropological studies that connect the notion of exposure to that of risk, from a cognitive behavioral standpoint, self-exposing and overcoming the cause of distress is associated with a successful therapeutic process. This study used a qualitative methodology, and the technique was the analysis drawn from 30 semi-structured interviews with cognitive behavioral psychologists from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Atención de enfermedades crónicas durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Un análisis de las narrativas de trabajadores de hospitales públicos del conurbano bonaerense (Argentina)

Objetivo: Analizar las narrativas de quienes trabajan en hospitales públicos del conurbano bonaerense, sobre sus experiencias en la atención y el cuidado de personas que viven con alguna enfermedad crónica no transmisible, haciendo foco en las dificultades y los obstáculos que emergen en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Metodología: Se realizaron 13 entrevistas en profundidad durante los meses de mayo y agosto del 2021, utilizando un guion de preguntas/temas y de manera virtual. En el análisis, se partió del enfoque de las narrativas para reconstruir la manera en que los actores producen, representan y contextualizan sus experiencias. Resultados: Por un lado, se delimitaron obstáculos coyunturales, como el miedo de las personas con ese tipo de enfermedad a salir a la calle y de acudir a un hospital, el cierre de los consultorios externos y la concentración de trabajadores y trabajadoras, y recursos para la atención de la pandemia por COVID-19; por otro, problemas estructurales -potenciados por la epidemia-, como la disponibilidad intermitente de la medicación, las dificultades de articular con otras instituciones/niveles de atención, el acceso o no de los pacientes al transporte público y su posibilidad o no de costear otros medios de transporte. Conclusión: Durante la pandemia, el trabajo estuvo centrado, tanto material como simbólicamente, en la contención de los casos de COVID-19. El seguimiento, el diagnóstico y la atención de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles se vieron postergados. El desafío actual es atender a la nueva realidad socioepidemiológica que se configura cuando el virus del SARS-Cov-2 disminuye su circulación y gravedad.

Objective: To analyze the narratives of those who work in public hospitals in the Buenos Aires suburbs, about their experiences in the care and care of people living with a chronic non-communicable disease, focusing on the difficulties and obstacles that emerge in the context of covid-19 pandemic. Methodology: 13 in-depth interviews were conducted during the months of May and August 2021, using a script of questions/topics and virtually. In the analysis, we started from the narrative approach to reconstruct the way in which the actors produce, represent and contextualize their experiences. Results: On the one hand, temporary obstacles were defined, such as the fear of people with this type of disease to go out and go to a hospital, the closure of outpatient clinics and the concentration of workers and workers, and resources for the care of the covid-19 pandemic; on the other, structural problems -promoted by the epidemic-, such as the intermittent availability of medication, the difficulties of articulating with other institutions/levels of care, the access or not of patients to public transport and their possibility or not of paying for other transport. Conclusion: During the pandemic, the work was focused, both materially and symbolically, on the containment of covid-19 cases. Follow-up, diagnosis and care of chronic non-communicable diseases were postponed. The current challenge is to attend to the new socioepidemiological reality that is configured when the sars-Cov-2 virus decreases its circulation and severity.

Objetivo: Analisar as narrativas de quem trabalha em hospitais públicos da periferia de Buenos Aires, sobre suas experiências no atendimento e cuidado de pessoas vivendo com doença crônica não transmissível, enfocando as dificuldades e obstáculos que surgem no contexto da pandemia do covid19. Metodologia: Foram realizadas 13 entrevistas em profundidade durante os meses de maio e agosto de 2021, utilizando um roteiro de questões/temas e virtualmente. Na análise, partimos da abordagem narrativa para reconstruir o modo como os atores produzem, representam e contextualizam suas experiências. Resultados: Por um lado, foram definidos obstáculos temporários, como o medo das pessoas com este tipo de doença de sair e ir a um hospital, o encerramento de ambulatórios e a concentração de trabalhadores e trabalhadoras, e recursos para o atendimento da pandemia de covid-19; por otro, problemas estructurales -potenciados por la epidemia-, como la disponibilidad intermitente de la medicación, las dificultades de articular con otras instituciones/niveles de atención, el acceso o no de los pacientes al transporte público y su posibilidad o no de costear otros meios de transporte. Conclusão: Durante a pandemia, o trabalho centrou-se, tanto material como simbolicamente, na contenção dos casos de covid-19. Acompanhamento, diagnóstico e atendimento de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis foram adiados. O desafio atual é atender à nova realidade socioepidemiológica que se configura quando o vírus sars-Cov-2 diminui sua circulação e gravidade.

Manejo del estado epiléptico en niños: encuesta en hospitales pediátricos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Management of status epilepticus in childhood: a survey conducted at pediatric hospitals in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El estado epiléptico constituye la emergencia neurológica más frecuente. Si bien la mortalidad en niños es baja, su morbilidad puede superar el 20 %. Objetivo. Conocer las pautas de manejo del estado epiléptico referidas por médicos pediatras que atienden esta patología en forma habitual. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal, basado en una encuesta a médicos de tres hospitales pediátricos monovalentes de gestión pública de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Resultados. Se administraron 292 encuestas (la tasa de respuesta completa alcanzó el 86 %); el 77 % se administró a pediatras y el 16 %, a especialistas en cuidados intensivos. Un 47 % de los participantes refiere indicar la primera benzodiacepina en el tiempo correcto; el 56 % utilizar diazepam intrarrectal en ausencia de un acceso intravenoso; el 95 % elige lorazepam como benzodiacepina inicial en caso de contar con acceso intravenoso; el 58 % refiere iniciar la etapa de fármacos de segunda línea en tiempo adecuado; el 84 % opta por fenitoína como fármaco inicial de segunda línea, un 33 % no cronometra el tiempo durante el tratamiento. La adherencia global a las recomendaciones internacionales fue del 17 %. Conclusiones. Nuestro estudio advierte una baja adherencia referida de los pediatras a las guías internacionales, en particular en las decisiones tiempo-dependientes. También se observó mayor heterogeneidad en las conductas terapéuticas a medida que se avanza en el algoritmo de tratamiento.

Introduction. Status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency. Although mortality in children is low, morbidity may exceed 20%. Objective. To evaluate the management of status epilepticus by pediatricians who usually treat this condition. Population and methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to physicians from 3 pediatric hospitals in the City of Buenos Aires. Results. A total of 292 surveys were administered (complete response rate as high as 86%); 77% were administered to pediatricians and 16% to intensive care specialists. Forty-seven percent of the participants reported that they administer the first dose of a benzodiazepine within the correct timeframe; 56% use intrarectal diazepam when intravenous access is not available; 95% choose lorazepam as the initial benzodiazepine if an intravenous access is available; 58% initiate the administration of a second-line drug within the correct timeframe; 84% administer phenytoin as the first-choice, second-line drug; and 33% do not measure treatment time. Overall adherence to international recommendations was 17%. Conclusions. Our study highlights poor adherence of pediatricians to international guidelines, particularly in time-dependent decisions. Greater heterogeneity was observed in treatment approaches as the treatment algorithm progressed.

The Polish Catholic Church in Martin Coronado, Buenos Aires, and its Role in the Life of the Argentinian Polish Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective of the article is to determine the role of the Catholic Church in the life of the Polish community in Argentina as exemplified by the Polish Catholic Centre in Martin Coronado during the pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus. The article presents opinions of the Polish community in Buenos Aires concerning the priestly service of the Bernardine friars during the pandemic. The research confirms that the Argentinian Polish community evaluates the work of the clergymen very highly and emphasises that thanks to their support, peace and constant contact through, inter alia, introduction of the broadcast of the masses in the Polish language, they felt the care and support of the priests, which was necessary during social isolation. The article will also present a proposal of the model of activities that Polish priests from Martin Coronado can implement during the COVID-19 pandemic so that the faithful feel even greater support and closeness to the Polish missionary centre in Argentina.

Management of status epilepticus in childhood: a survey conducted at pediatric hospitals in the City of Buenos Aires. / Manejo del estado epiléptico en niños: encuesta en hospitales pediátricos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires.

Introduction. Status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency. Although mortality in children is low, morbidity may exceed 20%. Objective. To evaluate the management of status epilepticus by pediatricians who usually treat this condition. Population and methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to physicians from 3 pediatric hospitals in the City of Buenos Aires. Results. A total of 292 surveys were administered (complete response rate as high as 86%); 77% were administered to pediatricians and 16% to intensive care specialists. Forty-seven percent of the participants reported that they administer the first dose of a benzodiazepine within the correct timeframe; 56% use intrarectal diazepam when intravenous access is not available; 95% choose lorazepam as the initial benzodiazepine if an intravenous line is available; 58% initiate the administration of a second-line drug within the correct timeframe; 84% administer phenytoin as the first-choice, second-line drug; and 33% do not measure treatment time. Overall adherence to international recommendations was 17%. Conclusions. Our study highlights poor adherence of pediatricians to international guidelines, particularly in time-dependent decisions. Greater heterogeneity was observed in treatment approaches as the treatment algorithm progressed.

Introducción. El estado epiléptico constituye la emergencia neurológica más frecuente. Si bien la mortalidad en niños es baja, su morbilidad puede superar el 20 %. Objetivo. Conocer las pautas de manejo del estado epiléptico referidas por médicos pediatras que atienden esta patología en forma habitual. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal, basado en una encuesta a médicos de tres hospitales pediátricos monovalentes de gestión pública de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Resultados. Se administraron 292 encuestas (la tasa de respuesta completa alcanzó el 86 %); el 77 % se administró a pediatras y el 16 %, a especialistas en cuidados intensivos. Un 47 % de los participantes refiere indicar la primera benzodiacepina en el tiempo correcto; el 56 % utilizar diazepam intrarrectal en ausencia de un acceso intravenoso; el 95 % elige lorazepam como benzodiacepina inicial en caso de contar con acceso intravenoso; el 58 % refiere iniciar la etapa de fármacos de segunda línea en tiempo adecuado; el 84 % opta por fenitoína como fármaco inicial de segunda línea, un 33 % no cronometra el tiempo durante el tratamiento. La adherencia global a las recomendaciones internacionales fue del 17 %. Conclusiones. Nuestro estudio advierte una baja adherencia referida de los pediatras a las guías internacionales, en particular en las decisiones tiempo-dependientes. También se observó mayor heterogeneidad en las conductas terapéuticas a medida que se avanza en el algoritmo de tratamiento.

Historia clínica electrónica: miradas críticas de médicos del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Electronic medical records: critical views of doctors in the metropolitan region of Buenos Aires, Argentina / Registro médico eletrônico: pontos de vista críticos dos médicos da área metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Resumen Los procesos de digitalización del siglo XX extendieron el uso de Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación al campo de la salud. El artículo aborda la Historia Clínica Electrónica a partir de las críticas y debilidades señaladas por especialistas en Clínica Médica, Medicina General y/o de Familia del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El diseño metodológico cualitativo incluyó 43 entrevistas realizadas entre junio de 2019 y marzo de 2020. El andamiaje teórico interpretativo articula tres campos: Comunicación y Salud; Biomedicina, Biopolítica y Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación; Subjetividad, Derechos y Género. Los principales resultados conciernen a cambios en las relaciones médico-paciente, registro y uso de datos, implicancias sobre los derechos y las subjetividades, potencialidades y problemáticas de la informatización en salud en un contexto de precaria infraestructura, desafíos en la regulación y desigualdades estructurales.(AU)

Abstract Digitalization has extended the use of information and communications technologies in the field of health. This article addresses electronic medical records drawing on the criticisms and weaknesses highlighted by clinical specialists, general practitioners, and family doctors working in the metropolitan region of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The qualitative research design included 43 interviews conducted between June 2019 and March 2020. We developed an interpretive framework structured around three categories: communications and health; biomedicine, biopolitics and information and communication technologies; subjectivity, rights and gender. The main results refer to: changes in doctor-patient relations; data recording and usage; implications for rights and subjectivities; potential and challenges of health informatization in a context of precarious infrastructure; and regulatory challenges and structural inequalities.(AU)

Resumo Os processos de digitalização do século XX estenderam o uso das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação ao campo da saúde. O artigo aborda o Registro Médico Eletrônico a partir das críticas e fragilidades apontadas por especialistas em Clínica Médica, Medicina Geral e / ou Família da Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, Argentina. O desenho metodológico qualitativo incluiu 43 entrevistas realizadas entre junho de 2019 e março de 2020. O referencial teórico interpretativo articula três campos: Comunicação e Saúde; Biomedicina, Biopolítica e Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação; Subjetividade, Direitos e Gênero. Os principais resultados referem-se a mudanças nas relações médico-paciente, registro e uso de dados, implicações em direitos e subjetividades, potencialidades e problemas de informatização em saúde em um contexto de infraestrutura precária, desafios na regulação e desigualdades estruturais.(AU)

Psychoanalysis and academia: the case of Angel Garma and the university of Buenos Aires.

The Spanish psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Ángel Garma-exiled in Argentina after the Spanish Civil War-was one of the founders and the first president of the Argentinian Psychoanalytical Association. Garma unsuccessfully tried to become a university lecturer on three occasions. His final attempt was in 1965, when he applied for a professorship in deep psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy and Literature of the University of Buenos Aires. The application he submitted for this professorship position has been located in Ángel Garma's personal archive. The aim of this article is to analyse this manuscript to search for clues about the author's relationship with his own work and to explain the priorities and interests he intended to explore in the university environment. The first part of the article analyses the content of his application for the professorship, contrasting this content with published work and reviewing the fundamental lines of Garma's psychoanalytical thought (child sexuality, psychoanalysis and psychosomatic medicine, the psychoanalytical institution, etc.). The second part suggests the main reasons why Garma failed in his attempts to become a university lecturer.

Impact of genetic ancestry on the distribution of interferon-λ4 rs12979860 polymorphism in a global population of Buenos Aires, Argentina / Impacto de la ancestría genética en la distribución del polimorfismo de interferón-λ4 rs12979860 en una población global de Buenos Aires, Argentina

ABSTRACT Human interferon-λ4 is a cytokine involved in early stages of antiviral responses. Strikingly, some allelic variants with diminished antiviral activity reduce the susceptibility to viral infections, thus they would have suffered a positive selection pressure throughout the evolutionary history of the genus Homo. An intronic variant within the IFNλ4 locus (rs12979860, T˃C) emerged as one of the main gene determinants of the response to HCV and other viruses. The rs12979860-C allele has a differential frequency in African, European and Native American populations, though South American data are scarce. Here we characterize for the first time the distribution of rs12979860 genotypes in a sample of the global population of Buenos Aires, Argentina, assessing its association with European, Native American and African parental components. The rs12979860 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP in DNA samples from donors of a blood banks of Buenos Aires (n=96), whose genetic individual ancestry (European, African or Native American) had been previously determined using molecular markers. The distribution of rs12979860-CC, CT and TT was 29.17%, 50.0% and 20.83%, respectively. A significant increase in the frequency of CC among donors with a strong European contribution and a greater impact of the Native American component among donors carrying the T allele were observed. Native American and European components were associated to the rs12979860 distribution in a sample of the global population of Buenos Aires, while no differences were directly attributable to the African ancestry. Considering interferon´s key role in antiviral responses, our results may contribute to both bioanthropological and immunogenetic studies associated with infectious diseases.

RESUMEN El interferón-λ4 humano es una citoquina involucrada en la respuesta antiviral. Algunas variantes alélicas con menor actividad antiviral, paradójicamente, reducen la susceptibilidad a infecciones virales, por lo que habrían sufrido una presión de selección positiva en la historia evolutiva del gיnero Homo. Una variante dentro del locus de IFNλ4 (rs12979860, T˃C), con distribución diferencial en poblaciones africanas, europeas y nativas americanas, surgió como uno de los principales determinantes genéticos de la respuesta al HCV y otros virus. Aquí caracterizamos por primera vez la distribución de los genotipos de rs12979860 en una muestra de la población cosmopolita de Buenos Aires, Argentina, evaluando el impacto de su ancesrtría. Se determinaron diferentes genotipos de rs12979860 por PCR-RFLP en muestras de ADN de donantes de bancos de sangre de Buenos Aires (n=96), cuya ancestría individual había sido previamente determinada mediante diferentes marcadores moleculares. La distribución global de rs12979860-CC, CT y TT fue 29,17%; 50,0% y 20,83%, respectivamente. Se observó un aumento significativo de la frecuencia del genotipo CC entre individuos con fuerte aporte europeo y un mayor impacto del componente nativo-americano entre portadores del alelo T. Los componentes nativo-americano y europeo se asociaron a la distribución rs12979860 en una muestra poblacional global de Buenos Aires, mientras que no se vieron diferencias directamente asociadas a la ancestría africana. Considerando el papel clave del interferón en la respuesta antiviral, nuestros resultados pueden contribuir a estudios con un enfoque bioantropológico así como a estudios inmunogenéticos asociados a enfermedades infecciosas.

Detection of Neorickettsia sp. in Oligoryzomys flavescens rodent from a protected urban area in Buenos Aires City (Argentina).

Rodents play an important role in vector-borne pathogens cycle. To detect Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia, Rickettsia and Borrelia species in rodents from a protected urban area in Buenos Aires City (Argentina) were analyzed 203 organ pools of Mus musculus, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Rattus norvegicus, Deltamys kempi and Scapteromys aquaticus by PCR. Only one O. flavescens (1.2%) was positive by PCR for 16S rRNA fragment for the Anaplasmataceae family and the sequence had 99.7% identity with Neorickettsia risticii. Plus, the sequence obtained for a fragment of the p51 gene for the genus Neorickettsia from positive sample had 95.3-96.1% identity with N. risticii found previously in bats Tadarida brasiliensis from Buenos Aires City. Our study presents the first finding of Neorickettsia in rodents from natural environment, but further studies are necessary about these vector-borne bacteria and the rol of rodents in its epidemiology.

A Two-Time Point Analysis of Gut Microbiota in the General Population of Buenos Aires and Its Variation Due to Preventive and Compulsory Social Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a great challenge to global public health. The extraordinary daily use of household disinfectants and cleaning products, social distancing and the loss of everyday situations that allow contact between individuals, have a direct impact on the transfer of microorganisms within the population. Together, these changes, in addition to those that occur in eating habits, can affect the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. A two-time point analysis of the fecal microbiota of 23 Metropolitan Buenos Aires (BA) inhabitants was carried out, to compare pre-pandemic data and its variation during preventive and compulsory social isolation (PCSI) in 2020. To this end, 23 healthy subjects, who were previously studied by our group in 2016, were recruited for a second time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and stool samples were collected from each subject at each time point (n = 46). The hypervariable region V3-V4 of the 16S rRNA gene was high-throughput sequenced. We found significant differences in the estimated number of observed features (p < 0.001), Shannon entropy index (p = 0.026) and in Faith phylogenetic diversity (p < 0.001) between pre-pandemic group (PPG) vs. pandemic group (PG), being significantly lower in the PG. Although no strong change was observed in the core microbiota between the groups in this study, a significant decrease was observed during PCSI in the phylum Verrucomicrobia, which contributes to intestinal health and glucose homeostasis. Microbial community structure (beta diversity) was also compared between PPG and PG. The differences observed in the microbiota structure by unweighted UniFrac PCoA could be explained by six differential abundant genera that were absent during PCSI. Furthermore, putative functional genes prediction using PICRUSt infers a smaller predicted prevalence of genes in the intestinal tryptophan, glycine-betaine, taurine, benzoate degradation, as well as in the synthesis of vitamin B12 during PCSI. This data supports the hypothesis that the microbiome of the inhabitants of BA changed in the context of isolation during PCSI. Therefore, these results could increase the knowledge necessary to propose strategic nutraceutical, functional food, probiotics or similar interventions that contribute to improving public health in the post-pandemic era.