Seroprevalence of Leptospira antibodies in dogs and cats from Santa Fe, a city in East-Central Argentina endemic for leptospirosis.

This study examines household pets as potential epidemiological links between environments contaminated with pathogenic leptospires and humans in Santa Fe, Argentina. The aims of our study were: (a) to characterize the habits and exposure to environmental sources of leptospirosis in the population of dogs and cats attending to municipal spay and neutering campaigns in Santa Fe, Argentina, (b) to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in asymptomatic dogs and cats, (c) to evaluate factors that could increase seropositivity, and (d) to identify spatial clusters of seropositive dogs and cats in the capital city of Santa Fe. From May to November 2022, a cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted during municipal spaying/neutering campaigns. Eligible household dogs and cats were over 6 months old, apparently healthy, and not vaccinated against leptospirosis in the past 6 months. We used microagglutination test (MAT) to assess anti-Leptospira antibodies using a panel of 10 reference strains. We used generalized linear mixed effects models (GLMM) to examine individual and census tract-level risk factors for seropositivity, and local Moran's I statistic for spatial clusters. Results showed higher leptospiral antibody prevalence in dogs (18.2 %) than cats (3.6 %, p = 0.002). Dogs with street access had higher likelihood of being seropositive (OR: 3.8, 95 % CI: 1.2; 11.9), and areas with chronic poverty showed an elevated risk of presenting seropositive animals (RR: 4.0, 95 % CI: 1.1; 14.4). Spatial analysis didn't reveal significant seropositivity clusters among census tracts. These findings shed light on widespread Leptospira seropositivity in pets in this endemic region. Understanding seroprevalence and risk factors can guide public and veterinary health strategies, emphasizing increased leptospirosis vaccination for dogs in vulnerable areas and promoting responsible pet care.

Pesticides detected in surface and groundwater from agroecosystems in the Pampas region of Argentina: occurrence and ecological risk assessment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of pesticides in surface and groundwater of agricultural areas of the Pampas region of Argentina and to develop an ecological risk assessment (ERA) of pesticides in freshwater ecosystems. Eight agricultural sites from south Santa Fe province, in the north of the Pampas region, were sampled seven times between 2016 and 2018. Pesticides were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-LC/MS). Twenty compounds among herbicides, insecticides and fungicides in 84% and 79% of groundwater and surface water samples, respectively, were detected. Atrazine was the most ubiquitous pesticide, following by metolachlor, acetochlor and glyphosate, with maximum concentrations of 28, 24, 77 and 111 µg/L, respectively. An ERA was performed by employing the risk quotient (RQ) method. Atrazine, azoxystrobin, pirimiphos-methyl, acetochlor and epoxiconazole posed a high and very high risk for aquatic organisms (RQ > 1) and glyphosate, metolachlor and 2,4-D exhibited negligible to medium risk. The herbicides were the major contributors to risk. This study is the first contribution on the presence and concentration of pesticides in surface and groundwater from agricultural areas of south Santa Fe province, north Pampas region, Argentina, and a starting point for pesticide ecological risk assessment.

Nuevos registros de Holochilus chacarius (Rodentia, Cricetidae) en la cuenca del río Carcarañá (Santa Fé, Argentina) y consideraciones biogeográficas / New records of Holochilus chacarius (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in the Carcarañá river basin (Santa Fé province, Argentina) and biogeographical considerations

Resumen La recolección y análisis de egagrópilas resulta un método adecuado en el estudio de presas pequeñas, debido a que permite el estudio de áreas extensas, genera gran cantidad y variedad de individuos por lote. El orden Strigiformes cuenta con el mayor número de estudios de dieta de aves rapaces a nivel mundial, destacándose los referidos a Tyto furcata con gran cantidad de contribuciones sobre el análisis de sus regurgitados. El estudio de las regurgitaciones de esta especie ha ayudado a realizar nuevas interpretaciones sobre la distribución, taxonomía y conservación de muchas especies de roedores. Aquí, se describe la presencia de Holochilus chacarius en el sur de la provincia de Santa Fe a partir de la recolección y análisis de egagrópilas de la lechuza del campanario (Tyto furcata). Estos registros amplían la distribución de H. chacarius en la provincia y contribuyen a actualizar los mapas de distribución existentes.

Abstract The collection and analysis of pellets is an adequate method in the study of small prey, because it allows the study of large areas, generates a large number and variety of individuals per lot. The order Strigiformes has the largest number of studies on the diet of birds of prey worldwide, highlighting those referring to Tyto furcata with a large number of contributions on the analysis of its regurgitates. The study of the regurgitations of this species has helped to make new interpretations about the distribution, taxonomy, and conservation of many species of rodents. Here, the presence of Holochilus chacarius is described in the south of the province of Santa Fe from the collection and analysis of pellets of the Barn Owl (Tyto furcata). These records expand the distribution of H. chacarius in the province and contribute to updating the existing distribution maps.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care in the public health subsector, province of Santa Fe, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the measures taken to lessen its impact have had side effects affecting timely care of other diseases. The aim of this paper is to quantify the impact of the pandemic on the cancer care line in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. METHOD: It is an observational cross-sectional study comparing the impact on selected variables of the pre-pandemic and intra-pandemic periods. The formula of percentage variation was used to show the differences. The positivity index was calculated and expressed as a percentage. The proportions of both periods were compared through the chi-squared test and its p-value. RESULTS: Reductions were observed in all the variables under study. However, the deeper impact was evident in screening, with 56%-87% decreases in the number of procedures carried out. A 26% reduction was seen in diagnosis. Treatment was the variable with the least impact, with a 3% decrease. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 as well as the measures taken to reduce its impact caused alterations in the cancer care line in the province, with clear differences according to the variable under study. Measures related to cancer screening were displaced, prioritising the care of patients already diagnosed and treated. CONCLUSION: Considering the new increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, it is essential to adapt the healthcare system, and design new innovative strategies to reduce long-term consequences.

Belminus santosmalletae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae): New Species from Panama, with an Updated Key for Belminus Stål, 1859 Species.

Belminus santosmalletae, a new triatomine species, is described based on a specimen from Panama, deposited in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA. Attempts failed to identify this specimen using the keys by Lent and Wygodzinsky (1979) and Sandoval et al. (2007). A comparison was made with specimens of Belminus Stål, 1859 specimens deposited at the Triatominae collection at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (CTIOC), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and with previous descriptions of Belminus species. These comparisons showed the specimen represents a new species, described in the present paper. It differs from other species of the genus mainly by the grainy tegument, scarce pilosity along the body, and the number of tubercles observed on the pronotum.

Intercropped Bt and non-Bt corn with ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) as a tool to resistance management of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

BACKGROUND: Corn intercropped with ruzigrass is common in Brazil, and it can improve the physicochemical features of soils, increase water retention, and suppress the emergence of resistant weeds and soil nematodes. As both corn and ruzigrass are hosts to Spodoptera frugiperda (the main corn pest in South America), the cultivation of both these plants in the same place at one time motivates investigation into the pest population dynamics. We hypothesize that the intercropping system influences S. frugiperda pressure and leaf injury in corn. Considering that if corn hybrids with high dose toxin expression are used, ruzigrass may be a potential host to susceptible S. frugiperda larvae, consequently an alternative refuge and be included as a tool for the resistant management of Bt corn. To test these hypotheses about the use of ruzigrass as an alternative host of S. frugiperda in an intercropping system with corn, we conducted field trials in three seasons to verify S. frugiperda population dynamics and leaf injury to crop systems. In addition to phenotypic evaluation, we also characterized molecularly S. frugiperda strains collected in corn and ruzigrass to identify strain differences. RESULTS: The insects collected in both corn and ruzigrass were identified as corn strains. Ruzigrass was used as a S. frugiperda host during all crop cycles. The intercropped system did not increase the S. frugiperda population or leaf injury on Bt corn. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the intercropped system is not prejudicial to Bt corn cultivation since high dose concept applies to all larvae instars. The results also suggest that ruzigrass may be used as a promising alternative refuge in Bt corn agroecosystems, if compliance with management strategies is followed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The failed institutionalization of "complexity science": A focus on the Santa Fe Institute's legitimization strategy.

"Complexity sciences" are an interdisciplinary and transnational domain of study that aims at modeling natural and social "complex systems." They appeared in the 1970s in Europe and the United States, but were boosted in the mid-1980s by the Santa Fe Institute (SFI) under the formula of "science of complexity." This small but famous institution is the object of the present article. According to their promissory ambitions and to the enthusiastic claims of some scientific journalists, complexity sciences were going to revolutionize all of knowledge and even private and public actors who had learned to master them. In the light of this, one would expect to observe a well-established and autonomous research and educational field, capable of reproducing itself through professional institutions. Yet this is not the case. To explain the paradox, I propose to combine different models of history and sociology of emergent and declining domains, in order to give account of the rise and failure of complexity sciences.

Three new species of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera) from Panama.

Aristotelia barriosi sp. nov. (Veraguas Province, Santa Fe NP), Agnippe tarakanovi sp. nov. (Herrera Province, Sarigua NP) and Chionodes sariguaensis sp. nov. (Herrera Province, Sarigua NP) are described from Panama. Adults and the genitalia of both sexes for all species and the habitats of two latter species are illustrated.

Can agroecological management increase functional diversity of birds in rice fields? / ¿Puede el manejo agroecológico incrementar la diversidad funcional de aves en campos de arroz?

Introduction: Recognition of the variety of ecosystem services that biodiversity performs in agroecosystems is one of the basic principles of agroecology. Because indices of functional diversity may be directly related with ecosystem services, an assessment of functional diversity can be useful for evaluating ecosystem services provided under agroecological management. Objective: We compared functional diversity of birds found in rice fields under conventional and agroecological management in the rice zone of Santa Fe Province, Argentina. Our objective was to determine whether agroecological management of rice is associated with a higher functional diversity and a different functional composition of birds than conventional management. Methods: We surveyed birds eight times, roughly every 15 days between November 2017 and March 2018, from beginning of sowing to before harvest, in both types of rice fields. Birds were sampled by a combined technique of line transects and point counts at four sites in each type of management. We calculated indices of functional diversity and composition based on morphologic and trophic attributes of birds detected in each type of field. Results: Functional richness, divergence and dispersion were higher under agroecological management. Only differences in functional richness between managements reflected differences in species richness. Community-level weighted means of trait values by sample varied between management types. An insectivorous diet, pursuit as a foraging method, and air and shrubs as foraging substrates were traits best represented under agroecological management. Conclusions: Our results suggest that agroecological management of rice crops is related with a higher functional diversity of birds than conventional practices, suggesting that agroecological management may enhance the provision of ecosystem services by birds in rice agroecosystems.

Introducción: El reconocimiento de la variedad de servicios ecosistémicos de la biodiversidad en los agroecosistemas es uno de los principios básicos de la agroecología. Debido a que los índices de diversidad funcional pueden estar directamente relacionados con los servicios ecosistémicos, la evaluación de la diversidad funcional representa una estrategia adecuada para evaluar estos servicios en agroecosistemas bajo manejo agroecológico. Objetivo: Se comparó la diversidad funcional de aves entre arroceras bajo manejo convencional y agroecológico en la zona arrocera de la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina. El objetivo fue determinar si el manejo agroecológico del arroz se asocia con una mayor diversidad funcional y con una diferente composición funcional de aves en relación con el manejo convencional. Métodos: Se muestrearon las aves mediante 8 conteos repetidos aproximadamente cada 15 días entre noviembre 2017 y marzo 2018, desde el comienzo de la siembra hasta antes de la cosecha, en ambos tipos de arroceras. Los muestreos fueron realizados mediante una técnica mixta combinando transectas de línea y puntos de conteo en cuatro sitios por tipo de manejo. Se calcularon índices de diversidad y composición funcional con base en atributos morfológicos y tróficos de las aves registradas. Resultados: La riqueza, la divergencia y la dispersión funcional fueron más altos bajo manejo agroecológico. Solamente en el caso de la riqueza funcional las diferencias reflejaron únicamente la variación de la riqueza de especies. La media ponderada a nivel de ensamble de los valores de los rasgos por muestra varió entre los tipos de manejo, estando la dieta insectívora, la persecución como método de forrajeo, y el aire y los arbustos como sustrato de forrajeo mejor representados bajo manejo agroecológico. Conclusión: Los resultados sugirieron que el manejo agroecológico del arroz se relaciona con una mayor diversidad funcional de aves que las prácticas de manejo convencional, sugiriendo que el manejo agroecológico puede mejorar la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos por aves en cultivos de arroz.

Primer reporte de un caso de ehrlichiosis monocítica canina en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina

La ehrlichiosis monocitica canina (EMC) es una enfermedad causada por la bacteria Ehrlichia canis, de distribución mundial, alta mortalidad en caninos doméstico y síntomas inespecíficos, lo que dificulta su diagnóstico clínico. Ehrlichia canis es transmitida por la garrapata Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato a un hospedador, en Argentina se reconocen dos linajes (tropical y sensu stricto) de dicha especie. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar el primer caso confirmado de EMC por E. canis en un canino de la ciudad de Rafaela, Santa Fe, área endémica de R. sanguineus s.s. El 18/02/2019 llegó a la consulta privada un canino con síntomas inespecíficos como hipertermia tarde/noche, depresión, letargia, aplasia, inapetencia y pérdida de peso; más antecedente de parasitismo por garrapatas. La mascota presentaba anemia leve (4.730.000/mm³), enzimas hepáticas aumentadas (AST/ASA/GOT=72 U/l) y esplenomegalia. El test serológico in vitro y PCR para amplificar ADN E. canis fueron positivos, por lo que la mascota recibe tratamiento para EMC con doxiciclina 10 mg/kg/día durante 30 días, antiinflamatorios durante 5 días y protector hepático. A los 60 días de iniciado el tratamiento la mascota recuperó su peso normal y a los 120 días se realiza PCR como monitoreo de la eficacia del tratamiento dando resultado negativo.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a disease caused by Ehrlichia canis bacteria. It has a globally distributed and cause high mortality in domestic canines with nonspecific symptoms, which makes clinical diagnosis difficult. Eherlichia canis is transmitted to a host by the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. In Argentina two lineages of this species are recognized (tropical and sensu stricto). The objective of this work is to report the first confirmed case of CME by E. canis in endemic area of R. sanguineus s.s from Rafaela, Santa Fe. On February 2, 2019 a canine arrived at the private clinic with non-specific symptoms such as late / night hyperthermia, depression, lethargy, aplasia, loss of appetite and weight loss, as well as, antecedent of tick parasitism. The pet had mild anemia (4,730,000/ m³), increased liver enzymes (AST/ASA/GOT = 72 U/l) and splenomegaly. The in vitro serological test and PCR to amplify E. canis DNA were positive, so the dog received treatment for CME with doxycycline 10 mg/kg/day for 30 days, anti-inflammatory for 5 days and liver protector. After 60 days of starting the treatment, the animal regained its normal weight and after 120 days the PCR have given negative result, checking the effectiveness of the treatment.

Mass School Shootings in the United States: A Novel Root Cause Analysis Using Lay Press Reports.

School shootings comprise a small proportion of childhood deaths from firearms; however, these shootings receive a disproportionately large share of media attention. We conducted a root cause analysis of 2 recent school shootings in the United States using lay press reports. We reviewed 1760 and analyzed 282 articles from the 10 most trusted news sources. We identified 356 factors associated with the school shootings. Policy-level factors, including a paucity of adequate legislation controlling firearm purchase and ownership, were the most common contributing factors to school shootings. Mental illness was a commonly cited person-level factor, and access to firearms in the home and availability of large-capacity firearms were commonly cited environmental factors. Novel approaches, including root cause analyses using lay media, can identify factors contributing to mass shootings. The policy, person, and environmental factors associated with these school shootings should be addressed as part of a multipronged effort to prevent future mass shootings.

Diagnostico de situación de Leishmaniasis en la Fe a partir de conocimientos y percepciones de veterinarios y médicos / Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis in the Faith situation based on knowledge and perceptions of veterinarians and doctors

INTRODUCCIÓN La leishmaniasis visceral es una de las zoonosis emergentes de mayor importancia en Argentina, frente a la cual la provincia de Santa Fe se considera vulnerable. Ante los posibles escenarios futuros, es importante conocer la situación y capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud a través de los actores involucrados en la prevención y control de la enfermedad. OBJETIVOS Generar un diagnóstico de situación de la leishmaniasis visceral en la ciudad de Santa Fe y alrededores a partir de los conocimientos y percepciones de médicos y veterinarios. MÉTODOS Se entrevistó a médicos que trabajaban en atención primaria de la salud y a veterinarios dedicados a la clínica de pequeños animales de la ciudad de Santa Fe y alrededores, los cuales fueron indagados sobre las percepciones y conocimientos de la enfermedad. Se calcularon frecuencias y se realizaron pruebas estadísticas utilizando Mann-Whitney para los datos ordinales y chi cuadrado para los nominales. RESULTADOS Se evidenció un bajo nivel de conocimientos generales de todas las variables estudiadas en ambos grupos de profesionales, que se refleja también en las respuestas recibidas sobre las percepciones de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, los conocimientos de los veterinarios fueron significativamente más altos que los de los médicos en las variables de situación epidemiológica (p<0,01), transmisión (p<0,01), factores asociados a la transmisión (p<0,01) y prevención y control (p=0,01). DISCUSIÓN Existen aspectos vulnerables en el sistema de atención primaria de la salud y de la salud pública veterinaria, asociados a la baja sensibilidad diagnóstica y a la falta de intersectorialidad. Ante la posible emergencia de la leishmaniasis visceral en la ciudad de Santa Fe y alrededores, el sistema de salud local no está en condiciones óptimas de enfrentar la situación, por lo que se debe sensibilizar y capacitar a los actores vinculados a la salud pública.

Current knowledge of earthworm richness and distribution in Santa Fe province, Argentina / Conocimiento actual sobre riqueza y distribución de lombrices de tierra en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina

Abstract Updated list of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricina) from Santa Fe (Argentina) is presented in this work, including current data of species richness and territorial distribution status and information collected by Ljungström and collaborators 40 years ago. Field samplings were conducted between 2012 and 2015 at 23 sites, located in 11 of the 19 districts of the province. Earthworms were collected following a standard methodology. The conservation of specimens was done with 4 % formalin solution and their identification was performed according to taxonomy keys. Richness, similarity and complementarity of species between the phytogeographic provinces were analyzed. A total of 15 earthworm species were identified and grouped into ten genera and five families: Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui, Microscolex dubius), Glossoscolecidae (Glossodrilus parecis), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Bimastos parvus, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas morrisi, Metaphire californica), Ocnerodrilidae (Eukerria saltensis, Eukerria rosae, Eukerria stagnalis). From all the species found five, G. parecis, E. saltensis, E. rosea, E. stagnalis and M. dubius, are native to South America, and the rest were introduced from Asia and Europe. The Espinal presented the greatest richness of earthworms (12), while the Pampeana showed high values of complementarity (greater than 70 %) with the Chaco Húmedo and Valle de Inundación del Río Paraná. Endogeic species were present in all environments surveyed. In particular, the exotic species A. trapezoides and A. morrisi showed a wide geographical distribution, having been found at 70 and 50 %, respectively, of the total number of the studied sites. One species, E. rosea, which is in the list, was not recorded in the sampling of 40 years ago. The results of current survey show that the number of species was lower compared to study by Ljungström and collaborators (60 % of the 23 species registered). Possibly the remarkable change in the richness and distribution of earthworms could be a process associated with changes in soil use and land management developed over 40 years. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1171-1181. Epub 2018 September 01.

Resumen En este trabajo se presenta una lista actualizada de lombrices de tierra (Oligochaeta: Lumbricina) de Santa Fe (Argentina), incluyendo datos actuales de riqueza de especies y estado de distribución territorial e información recolectada por Ljungström y colaboradores hace 40 años. Los muestreos de campo se realizaron entre 2012 y 2015 en 23 sitios, ubicados en 11 de los 19 departamentos de la provincia. Las lombrices fueron recolectadas siguiendo métodos estándar. La conservación de los especímenes se realizó con solución de formalina al 4 % y la identificación mediante claves taxonómicas. La riqueza, similitud y complementariedad de especies, se analizó entre las provincias fitogeográficas y se identificaron un total de 15 especies de lombrices en diez géneros y cinco familias: Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui, Microscolex dubius), Glossoscolecidae (Glossodrilus parecis), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Bimastos parvus, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas morrisi, Metaphire californica), Ocnerodrilidae (Eukerria saltensis, Eukerria rosae, Eukerria stagnalis). De todas las especies encontradas, cinco: G. parecis, E. saltensis, E. rosea, E. stagnalis y M. dubius, son nativas de América del Sur, y el resto introducidas desde Asia y Europa. Las especies endógeas estuvieron presentes en todos los ambientes estudiados. En particular, las especies exóticas: A. trapezoides y A. morrisi, mostraron amplia distribución geográfica, se encuentran en el 70 y 50 %, respectivamente, de los sitios estudiados. Una especie, E. rosea, que está en la lista, no fue registrada en el muestreo de hace 40 años. La zona del Espinal presentó la mayor riqueza de lombrices (12), en tanto que la Pampeana mostró valores altos de complementariedad (mayores al 70 %) con el Chaco Húmedo y el Valle de Inundación del Río Paraná. Los resultados del relevamiento actual muestran que el número de especies fue menor en comparación con el estudio de Ljungström y colaboradores (60 % de las 23 especies registradas). Posiblemente el notable cambio en la biodiversidad del paisaje de la provincia, asociado al uso de la tierra y a la gestión de los sistemas de producción desarrollados a lo largo de 40 años, podría haber influido en la distribución y riqueza de especies de lombrices.

Servicio de humanismo y bioética de la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia. Dos años de experiencia / Service of humanism and bioethics of the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota, Colombia. Two years of experience

Resumen Para dar continuidad a una serie de actividades encaminadas a promocionar el trato respetuoso y humano en la Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, se creó un Servicio de Humanismo y Bioética a partir de octubre de 2013. Este servicio busca dar respuesta a las inquietudes y dificultades que los profesionales de la salud enfrentan día a día en la atención de pacientes y familias en una institución de salud altamente tecnificada. Igualmente, complementa las actividades que se realizan en los diferentes comités institucionales, buscando estrategias que permitan construir una mejor relación entre los pacientes y los profesionales clínicos, facilitando así la toma de decisiones y la mediación en los conflictos que puedan presentarse a la cabecera del paciente. Se está trabajando inicialmente en un programa de educación y de asesoría en bioética clínica para fomentar el pensamiento bioético y para aprender a reconocer cuestiones éticas que complementen la práctica médica altamente tecnificada y redunden en una atención humana y respetuosa de los pacientes y sus familias. (Acta Med Colomb 2017; 42: 129-135).

Abstract In order to continue a series of activities aimed at promoting respectful and humane treatment at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota, a Humanism and Bioethics Service was created since October 2013. This service seeks to respond to the concerns and difficulties that Health professionals face day-to-day in the care of patients and families in a highly qualified health institution. It also complements the activities carried out in the different institutional committees, seeking strategies to build a better relationship between patients and clinicians, thus facilitating decision-making and mediation in conflicts that may arise at the patient's bedside. Initially, we are working on an educational and clinical bioethics advisory program to promote bioethical thinking and to learn to recognize ethical issues that may complement highly qualified medical practice that result in human and respectful care for patients and their families. (Acta Med Colomb 2017; 42: 129-135).

Lepra en Santa Fe: Características clínico-epidemiológicas / Leprosy in Santa Fe: Clinical-epidemiological characteristics

La lepra es una enfermedad infecto-contagiosa crónica, no hereditaria, curable y controlable, causada por el Mycobacterium leprae, que afecta principalmente la piel, mucosas y nervios periféricos. En Argentina es un problema regional y nacional, por la migración que abarca a las provincias de Formosa, Chaco, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Misiones, Santa Fe y Buenos Aires. Objetivo General: determinar el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de la lepra en la Provincia de Santa Fe, desde el 1º de Enero del año 2012 al 31 de Agosto del año 2016. Métodos y Materiales: la información se obtuvo de la revisión de las fichas epidemiológicas, de pacientes con diagnóstico de lepra en el período abarcado. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad y sexo del paciente, residencia, foco epidemiológico, condiciones ambientales y económicas, clínica, tipo de lepra, grado de discapacidad general y tratamiento. Resultados: se diagnosticaron 86 casos de lepra; 59,3% correspondieron al sexo masculino y 40, 7% al sexo femenino. El promedio de edad fue de 56 años. El 86% de los casos fueron multibacilares y la lepra lepromatosa, fue la forma clínica más frecuente. El 26,7% presentó discapacidad al momento del diagnóstico, 16,3% grado 1 y 10,5% grado 2. Conclusión: la detección de nuevos casos en la Provincia de Santa Fe, fue en promedio de 18 casos anuales, excluido el año 2016, en vigencia. Rosario fue el departamento con más casos registrados. El 60% de los casos se comunicó entre los 35 y 66 años; el sexo masculino fue el más afectado. Los casos multibacilares prevalecieron sobre los paucibacilares; la forma clínica más frecuente fue la lepra lepromatosa. Se estableció discapacidad en uno de cada cuatro pacientes.

Leprosy is a chronic disease which, despite having a variable clinic, is diagnosable and treatable when receiving a multidrug therapy (MDT) as the one proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Argentina, it is characterized by moderate endemicity and focus on certain geographic areas (provinces of northeastern, northwest and center of Argentina). General Objective: determine the clinical and epidemiological behavior of leprosy in the province of Santa Fe. Methods and Materials: the cases reported since 1º January 2012 to 31 August 2016, were retrospectively collected from the review of the epidemiological records of the Ministry of Health, Environment and Social Action of the Province of Santa Fe. The variables were: age and sex of the patient, residence, epidemiological focus, environmental and economic conditions, kind of leprosy, degree of disability and finally the treatment. Results: 86 cases of leprosy were diagnosed: 59,3% were male and 40,7% sex, were female. The average age was 56 years. 86% of cases were multibacillary and lepromatous leprosy was the most frequent clinical form. The 26,7% had disability at the moment of diagnosis, 16,3% 10,5% grade 1 and grade 2. Conclusion: in the Province of Santa Fe, the detection of new leprosy cases have been stable in the last years, with a minimun of 17 and a maximum of 29 cases per year. Rosario was the city with more registered cases, followed by: La capital, General Obligado y Nueve de Julio. The most affected patients were male, and 60% of cases reported between 35 and 66 years. Multibacillary cases prevailed over paucibacillary; the most frequent clinical form was lepromatous leprosy. One in four patients had disability at the moment of diagnosis.

Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae): nuevos registros en las provincias de Buenos Aires y Santa Fe, Argentina

En los meses de julio de 2015 y enero de 2016 se colectaron garrapatas de un gato montés (Leopardus geoffroyi) localizado en la provincia de Buenos Aires y de un canino doméstico (Canis lupus familiaris) en la provincia de Santa Fe, respectivamente. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar el primer registro de Amblyomma aureolatum en la provincia de Buenos Aires y el primer hallazgo sobre caninos domésticos de la provincia de Santa Fe. Amblyomma aureolatum presenta importancia sanitaria ya que ha sido implicada como vector de Rickettsia rickettsii, uno de los agentes causales del grupo de las fiebres manchadas en humanos, y de Rangelia vitalii, agente causal de piroplasmosis en caninos domésticos, enfermedad vulgarmente conocida como "nambiuvú”. El presente reporte es un alerta para la comunidad sobre la presencia de A. aureolatum en nuevas localidades con el fin de implementar medidas profilácticas en caninos domésticos, para prevenir la infestación por este parásito y así evitar posibles patologías asociadas.

In July of 2015 and January of 2016, ticks were recovered from a Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) in Buenos Aires province and from a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in Santa Fe province, respectively. All ticks were identified as Amblyomma aureolatum. This report is the first record of A. aureolatum in Buenos Aires province and the first record in domestic dogs of Santa Fe province. Amblyomma aureolatum is a recognized vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, a spotted fever group agent in humans, and of Rangelia vitalii, a pathogenic piroplasmid of dogs, commonly referred to as "nambiuvú”. These findings allow local people to be aware of the presence of A. aureolatum to prevent infestations in dogs, and thus avoiding the occurrence of tick-borne diseases.

[Amblyomma triste and Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) in sympatry in Santa Fe Province, Argentina]. / Amblyomma triste en simpatría con Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) en la Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina.

The aim of this communication is to report, for the first time, the occurrence of Amblyomma triste in Santa Fe province, Argentina, and to add a new isolation place for Amblyomma tigrinum. Both species of ticks are vectors of Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever group rickettsia. Ticks were recovered from tourists in August 2014 and December 2015 at the Federico Wildermuth Foundation (31° 59'S, 61° 24'O), San Martin Department, Santa Fe province. Five adult ticks were morphologically identified as A. tigrinum (3 females and 1 male) and A. triste (1 female). This is the first finding including both Amblyomma maculatum group species, A. triste and A. tigrinum, together in the same locality in Argentina. This finding suggests that this site might have favorable features for the development of both species of R. parkeri vector. Further studies including sampling of a larger number of ticks and detection of R. parkeri DNA are needed to better document the epidemiology of this rickettsia in Santa Fe.

Amblyomma triste en simpatría con Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina / Amblyomma triste and Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) in sympatry in Santa Fe Province, Argentina

El objetivo del presente trabajo es comunicar el hallazgo de Amblyomma triste por primera vez en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, y sumar una nueva localidad para Amblyomma tigrinum en la misma provincia. Ambas especies de garrapatas son reconocidos vectores de Rickettsia parkeri, agente etiológico de la fiebre manchada. Los especímenes fueron colectados durante el mes de agosto de 2014 y diciembre de 2015 a partir de turistas en la Fundación Federico Wildermuth (31° 59'S, 61° 24'O), departamento de San Martín, provincia de Santa Fe. Se colectaron 5 garrapatas adultas que fueron identificadas morfológicamente como A. tigrinum (3 hembras y 1 macho) y A. triste (1 hembra). El presente hallazgo de A. triste y A. tigrinum representa el primero en incluir a ambas especies del complejo Amblyomma maculatum en una misma localidad y permite alertar sobre la presencia de vectores de R. parkeri en la zona. Nuevos estudios que incluyan el muestreo de un mayor número de garrapatas y la detección de R. parkeri permitirán dilucidar más aspectos sobre la situación de esta rickettsia en Santa Fe.

The aim of this communication is to report, for the first time, the occurrence of Amblyomma triste in Santa Fe province, Argentina, and to add a new isolation place for Amblyomma tigrinum. Both species of ticks are vectors of Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever group rickettsia. Ticks were recovered from tourists in August 2014 and December 2015 at the Federico Wildermuth Foundation (31° 59'S, 61° 24'O), San Martin Department, Santa Fe province. Five adult ticks were morphologically identified as A. tigrinum (3 females and 1 male) and A. triste (1 female). This is the first finding including both Amblyomma maculatum group species, A. triste and A. tigrinum, together in the same locality in Argentina. This finding suggests that this site might have favorable features for the development of both species of R. parkeri vector. Further studies including sampling of a larger number of ticks and detection of R. parkeri DNA are needed to better document the epidemiology of this rickettsia in Santa Fe.

Guzmania panamensis (Bromeliaceae) - a new species from Talamanca Mountain in Veraguas province, Western Panama.

Guzmania panamensis (Bromeliaceae), a new species so far endemic to Veraguas province, Western Panama, is described and illustrated. The new species is recognized due to its peduncle much longer than the leaves and its red floral bracts, shorter than the yellow flowers. The new species is compared to morphologically similar species, namely Guzmania monostachia, Guzmania berteroniana, Guzmania elvallensis, and Guzmania skotakii.

Aislamiento de Leptospira borgpetersenii de fuentes de agua en Argentina / Isolation of Leptospira borgpetersenii in water sources in Argentina

Introducción: las especies del género Leptospira son los agentes causales de la leptospirosis, enfermedad considerada como la zoonosis de mayor distribución en el mundo.En Argentina reviste carácter endémico. La provincia de Santa Fe registra el mayor número de casos humanos. Desde mediados de la década de 1980, las especies patógenas de leptospiras aisladas de animales y humanos fueron diferenciadas sobre la base de estudios de hibridización ADN-ADN, surgiendo nuevas especies: L. interrogans, L. kirschneri, L. weilii, L. noguchii, L. borgpetersenii, L. santarosai, L. meyeri, L. inadai, L. faineri y L. alexanderi. Objetivo: aislar y caracterizar mediante métodos moleculares, leptospiras de fuentes de agua que vierten en un canal que atraviesa la ciudad de Casilda, Santa Fe, en Argentina. Métodos: se sembraron 6 muestras de agua de las vertientes al canal, previa filtración con filtros Millipore de 0,22 µm, en medios EMJH y Fletcher para aislamiento de leptospiras. Se incubaron en estufa a 30 °C durante 15 días, se observaron semanalmente mediante microscopia de campo oscuro. Se implementó la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa bajo las condiciones específicas (Sugathan, 2005), con dos juegos de cebadores (Gravekamp, 1993), que permiten detectar la presencia de ADN de leptospiras patógenas. La técnica molecular utilizada para genotipificar fue multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA). Resultados: se obtuvieron 5 aislamientos de Leptospira spp., de los cuales 2 resultaron positivos a la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, determinando que se trataba de leptospiras patógenas. Mediante la genotipificación por MLVA se pudo observar que uno de los aislamientos patógenos mostró un patrón correspondiente a la especie Leptospira borgpetersenii, no siendo identificable la otra cepa. Conclusiones: en la ciudad del estudio, que tiene alrededor de 40 000 habitantes, se logró identificar por primera vez una cepa de Leptospira borgpetersenii de fuentes de aguas urbanas, con el peligro potencial que esto representa para la población humana y animal.

Introduction: the Leptospira genus species are causative agents of leptospirosis, a disease that is considered the most widely spread zoonotic disease worldwide. In Argentina, leptospirosis is endemic and Santa Fe province has the highest number of human cases. Since mid-1980's, the pathogenic leptospira species isolated from animals and humans have been differenciated through DNA-DNA hybridization tests, resulting in new species: L. interrogans, L. kirschneri, L. weilii, L. noguchii, L. borgpetersenii, L. santarosai, L. meyeri, L. inadai, L. faineri y L. alexanderi. Objectives: to isolate and to characterize by molecular test leptospiras from water poured into a channel that runs through Casilda City in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. Methods: six samples of water from the channel were cultured after having been filtered through 0.22 µm, Millpore filtres in EMJH and Fletcher media to isolate leptospires. They were incubated at 30 °C for 15 days, and weekly observed through dark field microscopy. Polymerase chain reaction assay was used under specific conditions (Sugathan, 2005), with two sets of primers (Gravekamp, 1993), to determine whether the isolates were pathogenic. The molecular technique for genotyping was Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeats Analysis (MLVA). Results: five Leptospira spp. isolates were obtained of which 2 were positive to PCR, all of which determined that they were pathogenic leptospiras. MLVA genotyping allowed the observation of a pattern similar to that of L. borgpetersenii species in one pathogenic isolates, but the other isolate was not identified. Conclusions: in the City where the study was carried out, with a population of about 40,000 inhabitants, a L. borgpetersenii species was identified for the first time in urban water sources, with the potential risk that it may pose for human and animal populations.