Empathy deficits and their behavioral, neuroanatomical, and functional connectivity correlates in smoked cocaine users Baez, Sandra; Fittipaldi, María Sol; de la Fuente de la Torre, Laura Alethia; Carballo, Marcela; Ferrando, Rodolfo; García Cordero, Indira Ruth; Gonzalez Campo, Cecilia; García, Adolfo Martín; Sedeño, Lucas; Ibáñez, Santiago Agustín Reduced empathic abilities are frequently observed in drug abusers. These deficits may compromise interpersonal interactions and contribute to diminished social functioning. However, previous evidence regarding empathy and addiction is behaviorally unspecific and virtually null in terms of their brain structural or functional correlates. Moreover, no previous study has investigated how empathy is affected by drugs whose consumption is particularly characterized by counter-empathic behaviors. Here, we conducted the first assessment of neurocognitive correlates of empathy for pain in dependent users (predominantly men) of smoked cocaine (SC, coca paste, n = 37). We compared their performance in the empathy task with that of two groups matched in relevant demographic variables: 24 dependent users of insufflated cocaine hydrochloride (CC) and 21 healthy controls. In addition, we explored the structural anatomy and functional connectivity (FC) correlates of empathic impairments across groups. Our results showed that, compared to CC and controls, SC users exhibited a selective reduction of empathic concern for intentional harms. These impairments were associated with lower gray matter volumes in regions subserving social cognition (i.e., right inferior parietal lobule, supramarginal and angular gyri). Furthermore, reduced empathic concern correlated with FC within affective empathy and social cognition networks, which are also linked to cognitive changes reported in addiction (i.e., inferior frontal and orbital gyri, posterior insula, supplementary motor area, cingulate cortex). Our findings suggest that chronic consumption of SC may involve reduced empathic concern and relevant neuroanatomical and FC abnormalities, which, in turn, may result in social interaction dysfunction. These results can inform theoretical and applied developments in neuropsychopharmacology.

Gendarmería Nacional Argentina y la gestión de los conflictos y la violencia en barrios informales del sur de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires; Argentinian National Gendarmerie and management of conflicts and violence in informal neighborhoods of southern City of Buenos Aires; Gendarmaria Nacional Argentina e a gestão de conflitos e violência em bairros informais no sul da Cidade de Buenos Aires Zajac, Joaquin El objetivo del artículo es describir y analizar las intervenciones de Gendarmería Nacional Argentina (GNA) ante situaciones de conflictividad y violencia en barrios informales del sur de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires entre 2016 y 2019, el marco de política pública y las representaciones institucionales que encuadran dichas prácticas. Analizo las tensiones y dificultades que conlleva para muchos efectivos de la Gendarmería intervenir ante demandas que desbordan funciones institucionalmente ponderadas como “propias”. También, la forma en que dichas intervenciones iluminan una dimensión constructiva del “poder de policía”, así como de una particular tecnología estatal de administración de los “márgenes”, sus demandas y conflictos. El artículo se apoya en el análisis de fuentes documentales, y en un trabajo de campo etnográfico con efectivos de Gendarmería en el sur de CABA entre 2016 y 2017, y con habitantes de dichos barrios en 2019.; The aim of this article is to describe and analyze the interventions of the Argentine National Gendarmerie (GNA) in situations of conflict and violence in informal neighborhoods in southern Buenos Aires between 2016 and 2019, its public policy framework and the institutional representations involved in those practices. I analyze the tensions and difficulties that Gendarmerie has to face addressing certain demands that exceed some institutionally weighted functions as “their own”. Also, the way in which these interventions illuminate a constructive dimension of “police power”, as well as the particular technology that the state uses for governing its “margins” and their demands and conflicts. The article is based on the analysis of documentary sources, and by an ethnographic fieldwork with members of the Gendarmerie in neighborhoods of the south of CABA between 2016 and 2017, and with inhabitants of these neighborhoods in 2019.; O objetivo do artigo é descrever e analisar as intervenções da Gendarmeria Nacional Argentina (GNA) em situações de conflito e violência em bairros informais no sul da Buenos Aires entre 2016 e 2019, o marco de políticas públicas e as representações institucionais que enquadram essas práticas. Analiso as tensões e dificuldades que acompanham a Gendarmaria, intervindo diante de demandas que excedem as funções ponderadas institucionalmente como “próprias”. Além disso, a maneira pela qual essas intervenções iluminam uma dimensão construtiva do “poder policial”, bem como uma tecnologia estatal específica para a administração de “margens”, suas demandas e conflitos. O artigo é apoiado pela análise de fontes documentais e por um trabalho de campo etnográfico com membros da Gendarmeria em bairros no sul da CABA entre 2016 e 2017 e com os habitantes desses bairros em 2019.

Participación social y gestión del hábitat: formas y tipos de participación en la experiencia de América Latina; Social participation and habitat management: participation ways and types in Latin American experience Di Virgilio, Maria Mercedes La Nueva Agenda Urbana compromete a los países a la implementación de políticas de vivienda que incorporen la planificación participativa. La propuesta plantea la participación de las poblaciones en la gestión de infraestructuras y servicios urbanos, promoviendo su involucramiento en políticas urbanas inclusivas y propiciando el desarrollo urbano y territorial sostenible. En particular, promueve la participación en los procesos de gestión del hábitat y en la implementación de las políticas públicas orientadas al sector. En este marco, el trabajo reflexiona sobre los desafíos que estos lineamientos suponen para los procesos de producción de vivienda (en particular, aquella destinada a los sectores de menores ingresos) y de gestión del hábitat en las ciudades de América Latina y el Caribe. Para ello, se interroga sobre ¿cuáles son las formas de participación que se pueden observar en los procesos de gestión del hábitat popular?, ¿qué escenarios de participación se configuran en torno a la gestión del hábitat popular en los países de América Latina?, ¿ómo esos escenarios favorecen (o no) el involucramiento efectivo de las comunidades en la gestión del hábitat? Se trata de un estudio descriptivo que se apoya en la revisión bibliográfica de trabajos publicados en revistas nacionales e internacionales y en libros del área de las políticas públicas y del urbanismo. El trabajo con la bibliografía se articuló con resultados de investigaciones propias que tuvieron y/o tienen a las políticas de producción del hábitat como objeto privilegiado de análisis. La estrategia analítica se apoyó en la recuperación de casos documentados en las publicaciones con base en los cuales se reconstruyeron escenarios típicos de gestión del hábitat que incorporan componentes participativos. La mención a experiencias de países como Argentina, Chile, Ecuador o México obedece a la recurrencia con la que las mismas son tratadas en la bibliografía. De este modo, busca dar cuenta de los rasgos y las características que definen las lógicas de participación, indagando en las formas y los grados de involucramiento de los distintos actores en la implementación de las políticas públicas.; The Nueva Agenda Urbana commits countries to the implementation of housing policies that incorporate participatory planning. The proposal proposes the participation of the populations in the management of urban infrastructures and services, promoting their involvement in inclusive urban policies and promoting sustainable urban and territorial development. In particular, it promotes participation in habitat management processes and in the implementation of public policies oriented to the sector. In this framework, the work reflects on the challenges that these guidelines pose for the processes of housing production (in particular, that destined to the lower-income sectors) and of habitat management in the cities of Latin America and the Caribbean. To do this, it asks what are the forms of participation that can be observed in the popular habitat management processes? What participation scenarios are configured around popular habitat management in Latin American countries? How do these scenarios favor (or not) the effective involvement of communities in habitat management? It is a descriptive study that is based on the bibliographic review of works published in national and international journals and in books in the area of public policy and urban planning. The work with the bibliography was articulated with the results of own investigations that had and / or have habitat production policies as a privileged object of analysis. The analytical strategy was supported by the recovery of cases documented in the publications, based on which typical habitat Participación social y gestión del hábitat management scenarios that incorporate participatory components were reconstructed. The mention of experiences from countries such as Argentina, Chile, Ecuador or Mexico is due to the recurrence with which they are treated in the bibliography. In this way, it seeks to account for the features and characteristics that define the logics of participation, investigating the forms and degrees of involvement of the different actors in the implementation of public policies.

Soybean by-products and modified cassava starch for improving alveolar structure and quality characteristics of gluten-free bread Genevois, Carolina Elizabeth; de Escalada Pla, Marina Francisca There is a global trend towards assuring more sustainable application of ingredients in food development, with emphasis in the nutrients recovering from agro-industrial by-products. Soybean extruded–expelled meal (SF) was explored to take an advantage from its nutrients; and its behaviour with pregelatinised cassava starch (PGS) and hydration levels (WC) as a contribution to technological improvement in gluten-free (GF) bread-making. The aim of this work was to study the effects of different levels of SF, PGS and WC on alveolar structure and final quality characteristics of GF bread formulation. A Box–Behnken experimental design and surface response methodology were applied. The final quality of GF breads was significantly affected by the addition of SF, PGS and WC, being the SF and WC the components with major impact. Lower levels of PGS and SF showed higher specific loaf volume with a softer crumb, faster recuperation of resilience and springiness, and less susceptibility to being disintegrated. The colour intensity and the uniformity of the alveolar crumb structure were enhanced by SF addition. Optimisation carried out to improve the physical and textural characteristics of bread, rendered a formulation with PGS 15.0 g × 100 g−1, SF 6.0 g × 100 g−1 and WC 160 g × 100 g−1. A size portion of GF bread (50 g) would increase 1.4- and 3.7-fold the protein and fibre intake, respectively. The addition SF and PGS with the adequate hydration level is promising for producing GF bread with an improved technological and nutritional profile, and could be useful to add value to an industrial by-product and reduce manufacturing cost.

Self-limited epilepsy of childhood with affective seizures: a well-defined epileptic syndrome? Espeche, Alberto Antonio; Galicchio, Santiago; Cersósimo, Ricardo; Chacon, Santiago; Gamboni, Beatriz; Adi, Javier; Fasulo, Lorena; Semprino, Marcos; Fortini, Sebastian; Cachia, Pedro; Caraballo, Roberto Horacio Objective: Here we present cases of focal epilepsy with affective symptoms analyzing seizure characteristics, EEG pattern, treatment, and outcome. Methods: A multicenter, descriptive, retrospective study was conducted evaluating 18 patients with self-limited epilepsy who presented with seizures with affective symptoms seen between April 2000 and April 2018 at eight Argentinian centers. Results: Eighteen patients had focal seizures with affective symptoms; all of them had affective symptoms characterized by sudden fright or terror and screaming. Seizures started with manifestations of sudden fright or terror manifested by a facial expression of fear; consciousness was mildly impaired in 15/18 patients. Eleven of the patients also had autonomic manifestations, such as pallor, sweating, and abdominal pain. In addition, four of these 11 patients had ictus emeticus and one also presented with unilateral deviation of the eyes and head. Speech arrest, salivation, glottal noises, and chewing or swallowing movements were observed in 2/18 patients at the onset of the affective seizures. Two others also had mild asymmetric dystonic seizures involving both hands and arms. Three patients had tonic deviation of the mouth involving the lips and tongue as well pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles, resulting in anarthria and drooling. Two patients had brief hemifacial focal clonic seizures. Conclusion: Affective manifestations associated or not with motor and/or autonomic manifestations and associated with typical EEG features of the idiopathic focal epilepsies of childhood is a particular presentation of self-limited focal epilepsy in childhood.

La diferencia sexual frente al ne(cr)oliberalismo del goce Binetti, María José Este trabajo se propone pensar la diferencia sexual en tanto que diferencia ontológica radical, en sintonía con una alineación neo-realista y material de la filosofía feminista. Desde este punto de vista, la diferencia sexual designa la energía vital constitutiva de toda acción y dimensión humana: su límite negativo a la vez que su potencialidad creadora, su diferir a la vez que su unidad relacional. Con tales presupuestos, intentaremos mostrar en qué sentido la eliminación de la diferencia sexual y su sustitución por una neutralización trans-genérica, propuesta actualmente por el constructivismo y relativismo postmoderno en alianza con la maquinaria de producción capitalista, implica la pérdida de la condición humana finita y relacional.; This work aims at thinking sexual difference as a radical ontological difference, in the line of a neorealist and material feminist philosophy. From this point of view, sexual difference designates the vital energy constitutive of all human action and dimension: its negative limit as well as its creative potential, its differing as well as its relational unity. Under such assumptions, I will try to show how and why the elimination of sexual difference and its substitution by a transgender neutralization, currently proposed by postmodern constructivism and relativism in alliance with the neoliberal production machinery, implies the erasure of the finite and relational human condition.

Spatiotemporal regulation of galectin-1-induced T-cell death in lamina propria from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients Papa Gobbi, Rodrigo; Muglia, Cecilia Isabel; Rocca, Andrés; Curciarello, Renata; Sambuelli, Alicia; Yantorno, Martín; Correa, Gustavo; Morosi, Luciano Gastón; Di Sabatino, Antonio; Biancheri, Paolo; MacDonald, Thomas T.; Toscano, Marta Alicia; Mariño, Karina Valeria; Rabinovich, Gabriel Adrián; Docena, Guillermo H. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by chronic, relapsing intestinal inflammation. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is an endogenous lectin with key pro-resolving roles, including induction of T-cell apoptosis and secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Despite considerable progress, the relevance of Gal-1-induced T-cell death in inflamed tissue from human IBD patients has not been ascertained. Intestinal biopsies and surgical specimens from control patients (n = 52) and patients with active or inactive IBD (n = 97) were studied. Gal-1 expression was studied by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Gal-1-specific ligands and Gal-1-induced apoptosis of lamina propria (LP) T-cells were determined by TUNEL and flow cytometry. We found a transient expression of asialo core 1-O-glycans in LP T-cells from inflamed areas (p < 0.05) as revealed by flow cytometry using peanut agglutinin (PNA) binding and assessing dysregulation of the core-2 β 1-6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (C2GNT1), an enzyme responsible for elongation of core 2 O-glycans. Consequently, Gal-1 binding was attenuated in CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ LP T-cells isolated from inflamed sites (p < 0.05). Incubation with recombinant Gal-1 induced apoptosis of LP CD3+ T-cells isolated from control subjects and non-inflamed areas of IBD patients (p < 0.05), but not from inflamed areas. In conclusion, our findings showed that transient regulation of the O-glycan profile during inflammation modulates Gal-1 binding and LP T-cell survival in IBD patients.

¿Debería ser delito sobornar a un funcionario público? Un análisis consecuencialista; Should it be a crime to bribe a public officer? A consequentialist approach Rusca, Bruno El trabajo analiza la perspectiva que promueve la despenalización de la conducta de ofrecer sobornos -cohecho activo- como un modo de disuadir la aceptación de sobornos por parte de funcionarios públicos -cohecho pasivo-. En líneas generales, esta propuesta se apoya en el argumento de que, si el cohecho activo no constituyera un delito, ante el temor a ser denunciados por los sobornadores, desde el principio, los funcionarios se abstendrían de solicitar o aceptar el pago de sobornos. Luego de examinar diferentes estudios teóricos y empíricos sobre el problema, se argumenta que, si bien en algunos casos la despenalización del cohecho activo resulta conveniente, en otros, hay razones para suponer que sería una medida contraproducente, pues daría lugar a un incremento tanto del ofrecimiento como de la aceptación de sobornos.; The paper analyzes the approach that promotes the decriminalization of the behavior of offering bribes as a way to deter the acceptance of bribes by public officers. In general, this proposal is based on the argument that, if active bribery is not a crime, due to the fear of being reported by the bribers, from the beginning, officers would refrain from requesting or accepting the payment of bribes. After discussing different theoretical and empirical studies on the problem, it is argued that while in some cases decriminalization of active bribery is convenient, in others there are reasons to expect that it would be a counterproductive measure, since it would lead to an increase in both the offer and acceptance of bribes.

Alkyl carbonate derivatives of furanics: A family of bio-based stable compounds Sathicq, Angel Gabriel; Annatelli, Mattia; Abdullah, Iskandar; Romanelli, Gustavo Pablo; Aricò, Fabio Several alkyl carbonate derivatives of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) have been synthesized for the first time. In most cases high yields were achieved using mild reaction conditions and compounds were recovered as pure with none or minimal purification. The new HMF and BHMF derived products resulted stable over time and they are suitable monomers for new bio-based polycarbonates and polyurethanes.

Effects of glyphosate on soil fungal communities: a field study; Efecto del glifosato en las comunidades fúngicas del suelo: estudio a campo Vázquez, María Belén; Moreno, Maria Virginia; Amodeo, Martín Raúl; Bianchinotti, Maria Virginia The driving forces behind many soil processes are microorganisms and they are able to respond immediately to environmental changes. The soil microbial community impacts on many soil properties. More than one-third of the terrestrial ecosystems are covered by semiarid lands. However, a limited number of studies have been conducted to characterize soil fungal communities in semiarid grasslands, in particular those of agricultural fields. The aim of this study was to explore changes in the diversity and structure of soil fungal communities in semiarid grassland, after different doses of glyphosate were applied, under field conditions. Changes in soil fungal community were examined using different approaches including culturing, calcofluor white stain and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The different approaches complement each other and revealed different aspects of the effect of glyphosate on soil fungal communities. We demonstrate a negative effect of glyphosate on soil fungal biomass in high doses and early and transitory stimulatory effect on soil fungal biomass. We also found a negative effect of glyphosate on the species richness of cultivable fungi and changes in molecular structure of soil fungal communities after double doses or long-term glyphosate application. In summary our findings demonstrate an overall negative effect of glyphosate on soil fungal communities.Key words: Soil fungal biomass, Calcofluor white stain, PCR-DGGE, Herbicides; Los microorganismos del suelo son los responsables de llevar a cabo la mayoría de los procesos biológicos que ocurren en el suelo, y son capaces de reaccionar ante el estrés ambiental. Más de un tercio de los ecosistemas terrestres son semiáridos. Sin embargo, son escasos los estudios realizados para caracterizar las comunidades fúngicas en suelos agrícolas en ecosistemas semiáridos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar los cambios que se producen en la biomasa, la diversidad y la estructura de las comunidades fúngicas del suelo, luego de la aplicación de distintas dosis de glifosato en condiciones de campo. Se emplearon diferentes técnicas incluidas el cultivo, la tinción directa con blanco de calcoflúor y PCR acoplada a electroforesis en geles de gradiente desnaturalizante (DGGE). Las distintas metodologías empleadas se complementan entre sí al detectar cada una distintos aspectos del efecto del glifosato en las comunidades fúngicas del suelo. Se encontró que el glifosato produce un efecto negativo sobre la biomasa fúngica, también se encontró un efecto transitorio estimulante inmediatamente posterior a la aplicación del herbicida. Además, se vio un efecto negativo sobre la riqueza de hongos cultivables, así como también cambios en la estructura molecular de las comunidades luego de aplicaciones repetidas. En conclusión, se demostró un efecto negativo generalizado sobre las comunidades fúngicas del suelo.

Convergencias y especificidades en torno a las demandas por restituciones de restos humanos de comunidades mapuche y tehuelche-mapuche en las provincias de Mendoza y Chubut; Convergences and specificities regarding the demands for restitutions of human remains of Mapuche and Tehuelche-Mapuche communities in the provinces of Mendoza and Chubut; Convergências e especificidades sobre as demandas de restituição de restos humanos das comunidades mapuche e tehuelche-mapuche nas províncias de Mendoza e Chubut Stella, Valentina; Magallanes, Julieta En las últimas décadas, los reclamos por restitución de restos humanos indígenas han cobrado protagonismo en diversas regiones de Argentina y América Latina. Dentro de procesos de organización política, recuperación de territorios ancestrales y reafirmación identitaria, tales reclamos configuran un campo de relaciones y conflictos en los que intervienen agencias estatales, científicos y colectivos indígenas. En este artículo reflexionamos sobre las implicancias de las demandas de restitución de restos humanos y objetos apropiados como "patrimonio" en el marco de exploraciones del siglo XIX e investigaciones arqueológicas de variado alcance. A partir de un enfoque etnográfico, el trabajo se centra en dos trayectorias de reclamos de restos humanos y ajuares funerarios accionadas por comunidades mapuche y tehuelche-mapuche en las provincias de Mendoza y Chubut. A partir de acompañar distintas instancias de estas demandas, advertimos una serie de convergencias y especificidades que propician la puesta en diálogo de las experiencias de las comunidades como reclamantes en las referidas jurisdicciones provinciales.; In recent decades, claims for the restitution of indigenous human remains have gained prominence in various regions of Argentina and Latin America. Within processes of political organization, recovery of ancestral territories and identity reaffirmation, such claims configure a field of relationships and conflicts in which state agencies, scientists and indigenous groups intervene. In this article we reflect on the implications of claims of human remains and objects appropriated as “heritage” in the framework of 19t century explorations and archaeological investigations of varied scope. Based on an ethnographic approach, the text focuses on two trajectories of claims for the restitution of human remains and funeral trousseau brought about by Mapuche and Tehuelche-Mapuche communities in the provinces of Mendoza and Chubut. From accompanying different instances of these claim processes, we noticed a series of convergences and specificities that propitiate the dialogue between the community experiences as claimants in the aforementioned provincial jurisdictions.; Nas últimas décadas, as reivindicações pela restituição de restos mortais indígenas ganharam destaque em varias regiões da Argentina e da América Latina. No marco dos processos de organização política, recuperação de terras ancestrais e reafirmação da identidade das comunidades indígenas, essas demandas constituem um campo de relações e conflitos em que intervêmórgãos do Estado, cientistas e grupos indígenas. Neste artigo refletimos sobre as implicações das reivindicações de restituiçãode restos humanos e objetos apropriados como “patrimônio” no contexto das explorações científicas do século XIX e das investigações arqueológicas de escope diferente. A partir de uma abordagem etnográfica, este trabalho se concentra em duas reivindicações de restos mortais e pertences funerários promovidas pelas comunidades mapuche e tehuelche-mapuche nas províncias de Mendoza e Chubut. Ao acompanhar no processo de denúncia, percebemos uma série de convergências e especificidades que propiciam um diálogo entre as experiências das comunidades como demandantes nas diferentes jurisdições provinciais.

Three-dimensional stromatolites from Maastrichtian–Danian Yacoraite Formation, Argentina: modelling and assessing hydrodynamic controls on growth patterns Villafañe, Patricio Guillermo; Cónsole Gonella, Carlos Alfredo; Citton, Paolo; Díaz Martínez, Ignacio; de Valais, Silvina Stromatolites are biogenic sedimentary structures formed by the interplay of biological (microbial composition) and environmental factors (local hydrodynamic conditions, clastic inputand/or water chemistry). Well-preserved, three-dimensional (3D) fossil stromatolites arekey to assessing the environmental factors controlling their growth and resulting morphologyin space and time. Here, we report the detailed analysis of well-exposed, highly informativestromatolite build-ups from a single stratigraphic horizon within the Maastrichtian?DanianYacoraite Formation (Argentina). This study focuses on the analysis of depositional processesdriving intertidal to shallow subtidal stromatolites. Overall depositional architecture, externalmorphology and internal arrangement (mega, macro, meso and microstructures) of stromatolite build-ups were analysed and combined with 3D photogrammetric models, allowing us todecipher the links between stromatolite structure and tidal dynamics. Results suggest that external morphology and architecture of elongated and parallel clusters grew under the influence ofrun-off channels. The internal morphology exhibits columnar structures where the spacebetween columns is interpreted as recharge or discharge channels. This work supports thetheory that stromatolites can be used as a high-resolution tool in the assessment of waterdynamics, and provides a new methodological approach and data for the dynamicreconstruction of intertidal stromatolite systems through the geological record.

Quantifying the relative importance of direct and indirect effects influencing bird nestling growth Segura, Luciano Noel; Palacio, Facundo Xavier Nestling growth parameters are integral components of avian life-history strategies as they are crucial determinants of individual survival. Although many factors impact on nestling growth, the relative contribution of each one is still debated in the literature. Most studies rely on the assumption that each factor directly affects nestling growth, but indirect effects mediated by other factors are usually the rule in nature. In this study, we present a comprehensive view of both direct and indirect factors affecting nestling growth using the Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) as model system. We evaluated the relative importance of different habitat (forest structure), biotic interactions (botfly larvae ectoparasitism, number of siblings, hatching order), and temporal factors (time of breeding) on nestling growth parameters in 278 nestlings of 128 nests by using piecewise structural equation models. We found that botfly ectoparasitism had the strongest direct effect on nestling growth and, in turn, forest structure increased the probability of botfly occurrence. Besides, the interaction between the number of siblings and hatching order influenced nestling growth, indicating that the first and second nestlings had disproportionately higher growth rates in large than in small clutches. Time of breeding also showed a strong positive indirect effect on botfly occurrence, as well as a weak direct positive effect on nestling growth. Our results demonstrate that, under natural conditions, nestling growth is driven by different factors acting not only directly, but also indirectly on this essential life history trait, and that these factors weave a complex web of interrelated variables.

On the formation and stability of fermionic dark matter haloes in a cosmological framework Argüelles, Carlos Raúl; Díaz, Manuel Ignacio; Krut, Andreas; Yunis, Rafael The formation and stability of collisionless self-gravitating systems are long-standing problems, which date back to the work of D. Lynden-Bell on violent relaxation and extends to the issue of virialization of dark matter (DM) haloes. An important prediction of such a relaxation process is that spherical equilibrium states can be described by a Fermi–Dirac phase-space distribution, when the extremization of a coarse-grained entropy is reached. In the case of DM fermions, the most general solution develops a degenerate compact core surrounded by a diluted halo. As shown recently, the latter is able to explain the galaxy rotation curves, while the DM core can mimic the central black hole. A yet open problem is whether these kinds of astrophysical core–halo configurations can form at all, and whether they remain stable within cosmological time-scales. We assess these issues by performing a thermodynamic stability analysis in the microcanonical ensemble for solutions with a given particle number at halo virialization in a cosmological framework. For the first time, we demonstrate that the above core–halo DM profiles are stable (i.e. maxima of entropy) and extremely long-lived. We find the existence of a critical point at the onset of instability of the core–halo solutions, where the fermion-core collapses towards a supermassive black hole. For particle masses in the keV range, the core-collapse can only occur for Mvir 109 M starting at zvir ≈ 10 in the given cosmological framework. Our results prove that DM haloes with a core–halo morphology are a very plausible outcome within non-linear stages of structure formation.

Apellidos y estructura poblacional en la Puna de Jujuy a fines del siglo XVIII; Surnames and population structure in the Puna de Jujuy at the end of the 18th century Peña Aguilera, Daniela Consuelo; Dipierri, Jose Edgardo; Alfaro Gómez, Emma Laura A partir del Censo Virreinal de Carlos III de 1778, se caracterizó demográficamente a cuatro curatos de la Puna de Jujuy, Santa Catalina, Rinconada, Cochinoca y Yavi. Utilizando los apellidos registrados y aplicando el método isonímico, se estimó consanguinidad, diversidad, inmigración reciente, aislamiento y sedentarismo.Se registró la presencia de familias numerosas, importantes porcentajes de infantes y de personas longevas indicativos de buenas condiciones de salud en la población.Los resultados obtenidos del análisis isonímico indican que Yavi sería el curato menos consanguíneo y con mayor movilidad por ser sede del Marquesado de Tojo y por su ubicación geográfica en la frontera con Bolivia. Contrariamente, Cochinoca sería una población cerrada, con elevada consanguinidad y sedentarismo y bajos valores de inmigración reciente y diversidad de apellidos. Este aislamiento no se debería a barreras geográficas sino a su situación de población encomendada.Se presentan diferencias intersexuales en el comportamiento migratorio, el femenino es relacionado con la residencia virilocal propia del sistema de parentesco andino, mientras que el masculino puede asociarse a migraciones laborales.La fuente y metodología utilizada resultaron adecuadas al coincidir los resultados obtenidos con procesos históricos experimentados por los pobladores coloniales de la Puna Jujeña a fines del siglo XVIII.

Creer y decidir: Experiencias de abortos en mujeres de Córdoba, Argentina; Believe and decide: Abortion experiences in women from Córdoba, Argentina Vaggione, Juan Marco; Johnson, Maria Cecilia; Bard Wigdor, Gabriela Las creencias religiosas pueden ser tanto obstáculos para el derecho a decidir sobre el propio cuerpo, como generadoras de efectos nos unívocos, a partir de las articulaciones y formas de experimentar el conflicto de cada mujer en singular. Por tanto, este artículo analiza la relación entre la práctica del aborto y las creencias religiosas, a partir de relatos biográficos de mujeres que abortaron con diversas identificaciones y prácticas religiosas de Córdoba, Argentina. Reflexionamos sobre la paradojal convivencia entre marcos religiosos y marcos seculares a la hora de comprender las propias experiencias corporales con el aborto, desde la perspectiva de la religión vivida y en la contemporaneidad.; Religious beliefs can be both obstacles to the right to decide and generators of non-univocal effects, based on the articulations and ways of inhabiting each woman’s religion in the singular. Therefore, this article analyzes the relationship between the practice of abortion and religious beliefs, based on biographical narratives of women who aborted with different religious identifications and beliefs from Córdoba, Argentina. From the lived religion approach, we reflect on the paradoxical role of religious beliefs in the construction of guilt and secrecy about abortion, and at the same time, strengthening sexual and reproductive autonomy.

Erythropoietin alters the pharmacokinetics of organic anions mainly eliminated by the kidney in rats Severin, María Julia; Hazelhoff, Maria Herminia; Bulacio, Romina Paula; Mamprin, María Eugenia; Brandoni, Anabel; Torres, Adriana Mónica Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine originally used for its effects on the hematopoietic system, and is widely prescribed around the world. In the present study, the effects of EPO administration on p-aminohippurate (PAH, a prototype organic anion) pharmacokinetics and on the renal expression of PAH transporters were evaluated. Male Wistar rats were treated with EPO or saline (control group). After 42 h, PAH was administered, and plasma samples were obtained at different time points to determine PAH levels. PAH levels in renal tissue and urine were also assessed. The renal expression of PAH transporters was evaluated by Western blotting. EPO-treated rats showed an increase in PAH systemic clearance, in its elimination rate constant, and in urinary PAH levels, while PAH in renal tissue was decreased. Moreover, EPO administration increased the expression of the transporters of the organic anions evaluated. The EPO-induced increase in PAH clearance is accounted for by the increase in its renal secretion mediated by the organic anion transporters. The goal of this study is to add important information to the wide knowledge gap that exists regarding drug–drug interactions. Owing to the global use of EPO, these results are useful in terms of translation into clinical practice.; L’érythropoïétine (EPO) est une cytokine qui était utilisée au départ en raison de ses effets sur le système hématopoïétique, et qui est largement prescrite à l’échelle mondiale. Dans la présente étude, nous avons évalué les effets de l’administration d’EPO sur les propriétés pharmacocinétiques du p-aminohippurate (PAH, un prototype des anions organiques), ainsi que sur l’expression rénale des transporteurs du PAH. Nous avons administré à des rats Wistar de l’EPO ou une solution saline (groupe témoin). Après 42 heures, nous avons administré du PAH et prélevé des échantillons de plasma à divers jalons temporels en vue d’établir les taux de PAH. Nous avons aussi évalué les taux de PAH dans le tissu rénal et l’urine. Nous avons évalué l’expression des transporteurs du PAH à l’aide de l’immunobuvardage de Western. Les rats auxquels était administrée de l’EPO présentaient une augmentation de la clairance générale du PAH, de sa constante d’élimination, et des taux de PAH urinaire, tandis que les taux de PAH diminuaient dans le tissu rénal. En outre, l’administration d’EPO entraînait une augmentation de l’expression des transporteurs des anions organiques étudiés. Nous comptabilisions la hausse de la clairance du PAH engendrée par l’EPO en mesurant l’augmentation de son excrétion rénale médiée par les transporteurs des anions organiques. Cette étude a pour but de combler avec des renseignements importants l’énorme manque de connaissances sur les interactions médicamenteuses. En raison de l’utilisation de l’EPO à l’échelle mondiale, ces résultats sont utiles pour le passage à la pratique clinique.

Crises e desigualdades em tempos de Pandemias no Brasil e na Argentina Diniz, Leticia; Darling, Victoria Inés O cenário de pandemia será de extrema importância para avaliar o estado da situação socioeconômica da nossa região nos próximos anos, mas também, para fazer uma reflexão profunda sobre as desigualdades ampliadas no início do século XXI. A pandemia do COVID-19 implicou o retorno dos nacionalismos, a ausência de alternativas regionais, a proibição de entrada á migrantes, trabalhadorxs fronteiriçxs e o concomitante processo de retorno das mulheres, em muitos casos, ao âmbito doméstico. Esses são apenas alguns elementos que se destacam e que alteraram a vida de nós, homens, mulheres e diversidades, que habitamos o Mercosul. As medidas para enfrentar tamanha situação crítica têm sido diversas, mas nulas podem ser consideradas propostas de transformação estrutural. Os níveis de desemprego, subemprego, desigualdade e pobreza aumentaram notavelmente e políticas como taxação de grandes fortunas ou renda cidadã são apenas consideradas exceção.

Hormonal endogenous changes in response to the exogenous 6-benzylaminopurine application in pre and post harvesting lilium flower stalks Mantilla Alarcon, Gunther Alfredo; Lorenzo, Gabriel Antonio; Mascarini, Libertad Phyto-hormones play a key role in regulating plant responses to stress. Cytokines are a type of phyto-hormones involved in the regulation of many important biological processes related to growth, development, and response to environmental variables. The exogenous application of cytokines increases the possibility of delaying senescence; however, this is a physiological process, and, under certain conditions, degradation processes may be triggered. The effect of 6-bencilaminopurine application and the endogenous hormonal changes involved in lilies floral stalks after their cutting were studied. In order to improve vase life and quality of Lilium longiflorum ‘Brindisi' flower stalks, they were sprayed with 6-BAP, at a concentration of 300 ppm at pre-harvest, post-harvest, and pre- and postharvest stages. After that, they were compared to non-sprayed control stalks. The application of 6-BAP caused endogenous hormonal changes in abscisic acid and cytokinin levels, and the most effective treatment was pre-harvest spraying. This treatment proved to be an appropriate method to improve the stalk tolerance to post-harvest stress as it delayed the appearance of senescence symptoms and reduced the speed of chlorophyll degradation with differences of up to 10% with respect to untreated stalks. In addition, the opening of flowers was delayed by up to 2 days, although there were no significant differences in total vase life.

Silver bionanoparticles toxicity in trophoblast is mediated by nitric oxide and glutathione pathways Bustos, Pamela Soledad; Quinteros, Melisa de Los Ángeles; Gomez, Diego Sebastian; Ortega, María Gabriela; Páez, Paulina Laura; Guiñazú, Natalia Lorena Silver bionanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture supernatant have an important antibacterial activity mediated by ROS increase; however their toxicity in human cells is not known. Due to the high susceptibility of the developing tissues to xenobiotics, the aim of this study was to investigate the AgNPs effect on first trimester human trophoblasts. The HTR8/SVneo cell line was treated with AgNPs (0.3–1.5 pM), for 6 and 24 h. Cell viability, reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS and ROS) production, nitric oxide synthase expression, antioxidant defenses and biomolecule damage were evaluated. The exposure to AgNPs produced changes in HTR8/SVneo cell morphology and decreased cell viability. Alterations in redox balance were observed, with an increase in ROS and RNS levels, and NOS2 protein expression. Superoxide dismutase and catalase augmented their activity accompanied with a decreased in glutathione content and glutathione S-transferase activity. Protein oxidation and genotoxic damage were observed at concentrations greater than 0.6 pM. The pre-incubation with L-NMMA, NAC, mannitol and peroxidase demonstrated that AgNPs-induced cytotoxicity was not mediated by HO[rad] and H2O2, but nitric oxide and glutathione pathways were implicated in cell death. Since reported AgNPs microbicidal mechanism is mediated by increasing ROS (mainly HO[rad] and H2O2) without an increase in RNS, this work indicates an interesting difference in the reactive species and oxidative pathways involved in AgNPs toxicity in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Highlighting the importance of toxicity evaluation to determine the safety of AgNPs with pharmaceutical potential uses.