Abstract Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater snail native to Old World tropical areas but has invaded tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In Argentina, populations established in natural environments were reported from northeastern tropical provinces. Here we report for the first time the presence of M. tuberculata in a geothermally warmed channel in temperate Southern Pampas. We mapped its distribution in the channel, searched for its presence in five nearby basins, estimated the risk of establishment and expansion in Argentina with distribution models and analyzed shape variation through geometric morphometrics. Melanoides tuberculata was recorded exclusively in the channel in sites with temperatures between 20 and 40°C, with almost no overlap with other snails. No evidence of M. tuberculata was found in nearby basins. The distribution model predicted that only northernmost areas from Argentina are suitable for this species, where it could impact snail communities and food webs if introduction through the aquarium trade is not prevented. The absence of males indicates parthenogenetic reproduction and probably a recent invasion. Shell shape variation in this population, 15 % of which is attributable to allometry, encompasses the shapes of specimens from other South American populations, suggesting that all belong to the same lineage. world provinces M Pampas basins morphometrics 2 40C C 40 40°C snails species prevented invasion population 1 allometry lineage 4

Abstract Sexual dimorphism has often been recorded in apple snails (Caenogastropoda Ampullariidae), but reports are concentrated in a few species, either invasive or with biocontrol potential, which sugests some taxonomic bias. To find out evolutionary and ecological correlates of sexual dimorphism it is necessary to detect and quantify it but also is important to detect its absence. Our aims were to confirm or not the existence of sexual dimorphism in shell shape of Felipponea neritiniformis and Asolene platae, using Pomacea canaliculata as reference and applying the same methodology (landmark-based geometric morphometrics) and statistical power. Significant intersexual differences were only found in P. canaliculata and, in a lesser degree, in F. neritiniformis: males have larger apertures relative to body whorl and more rounded apertural outer edges than females. Female shells are larger in F. neritiniformis and P. canaliculata, but not in A. platae. Using comparable methodologies and statistical power, sexual dimorphism in shell shape is detectable in some apple snails but not in others. Interspecific variation in sexual dimorphism in the Ampullariidae is not only due to taxonomic bias and deserves more research to establish the main patterns and possible causes. Caenogastropoda Ampullariidae, , Ampullariidae) species potential absence platae landmarkbased landmark based morphometrics power P degree F females A others causes

Abstract Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease that seriously affects the swine industry. The main method of control is vaccination, which has shown variable effectiveness partly attributed to genetic variability in sows. The objective was to validate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with performance traits following PRRS vaccination in replacement sows. A population of 100 Landrace(–) / Yorkshire(¼) commercial line sows of 6 months of age, an average weight of 108 kg, and negative for PRRS virus were used. After an acclimatization stage, sows were vaccinated against PRRS (day 0). Daily weight gain (DWG) and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. A blood sample was individually collected on day 40 and used for DNA extraction and genotyping of 59 SNPs. These SNPs were previously identified through genomic analysis as associated with a vaccination response indicator. The 59 SNPs were validated in this study using a statistical mixed-effects model that included DWG or RT as response variables. From 59 SNPs, 5 of them were associated with DWG (P < 0.05), and 3 with RT (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the SNPs in the genes DENND5A (rs81409931 and rs81216494) and COL22A1 (rs329119519 and rs81381462) were associated with both DWG and RT, and they showed a higher allele contribution effect on phenotypes. These 2 genes appeared to be functionally related to DWG; therefore, their corresponding 4 SNPs are proposed as genetic markers associated with the response to PRRS vaccination in replacement sows from southern Sonora.

ABSTRACT Species of the genus Platanus are widely distributed around the globe, due to their ornamental use. Although there are 10 valid species, an undetermined number of hybrids have been generated from them. Therefore, in different cities where these taxa have been planted -including Chilean cities- the diversity and taxonomic representation of Platanus is confusing and controversial. Through a PCR -based procedure on the LEAFY gene (LFYi2), an informative gene to identify Platanus species, we analyzed the diversity of the genus in Santiago, measuring also its representation. We sampled 269 Platanus trees distributed in streets and avenues of Santiago, showing that there are at least seven taxa, including the species P. occidentalis and P. orientalis, and five hybrid taxa; one of them is P. × hispanica, while the other four have no discernible origin from Leafy-i2 (here called Platanus A, Platanus B, Platanus C and Platanus D). In terms of representation, the set of hybrid taxa accumulated 84.7% of the trees sampled; while P. orientalis and P. occidentalis together accumulated 15.3% of the trees. Of the species, P. orientalis was the most frequent (14.9%), while among the hybrids, the most frequent was Platanus A (40.8%); in contrast, P. × hispanica represented a low proportion of the sample (1.9%). These results confirm the presence of P. occidentalis, P. orientalis and P. × hispanica in Santiago; however, the cumulative representation of these three taxa (17.2%) is lower than that of undetermined hybrids (82.8%). The taxonomic recognition and representation of Platanus specimens in Santiago is an important tool for projecting future urban tree planting efforts, especially in view of the ecosystem services provided by them.

RESUMEN Las especies del género Platanus se encuentran ampliamente distribuidas en el globo, por su uso ornamental. Aunque existen 10 especies válidas, de ellas se ha generado un número no determinado de híbridos. Por ello, en distintas ciudades donde estos taxa se han plantado la riqueza y representación taxonómica de Platanus es confusa y controversial. A través de un procedimiento basado en PCR sobre el gen LFY-i2, un gen informativo para identificar especies de Platanus, analizamos la diversidad del género en Santiago, midiendo además, su representación. Para ello, muestreamos 269 árboles de Platanus distribuidos en calles y avenidas de Santiago, evidenciando que existen al menos, siete taxa, entre las que se hallan las especies P. occidentalis y P. orientalis, además de cinco taxa híbridas; uno de estos híbridos es P. × hispanica, en tanto que los otros cuatro no tienen nominación ni origen discernible a partir del gen LFY-i2. En términos de la representación, el conjunto de taxa híbridos acumuló 84,7% de los árboles muestreados; mientras que P. orientalis y P. occidentalis juntos acumularon el 15,3% de los árboles. De las dos especies, P. orientalis fue la más frecuente (14,9%), mientras que entre los híbridos, el más frecuente fue Platanus A (40,8%); en contraste, P. × hispanica representó una baja proporción de la muestra (1,9%). Estos resultados confirman la presencia P. occidentalis, P. orientalis y P. × hispanica en Santiago, no obstante, la representación acumulada de estos tres taxa (17,2%) es menor a la de híbridos no determinados (82,8%). El reconocimiento taxonómico y representación de especímenes de Platanus en Santiago es una importante herramienta para proyectar futuros esfuerzos de arborización urbana, especialmente en atención a los servicios ecosistémicos que de ellas devienen.

Abstract Objective: The objectives were to analyze the perception of the Cardiology Fellows in Training (FIT) of Spain about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their academic training and to know the adaptative changes performed by their department. Methods: A cross-sectional study performed through a digital survey platform for Cardiology FIT. Chi2 analysis and logistic regression were performed to determine the factors that influenced on the perception of an affected training. Results: A total of 180 FIT from the 17 regions of Spain participated. Third year FIT and those rotating in cardiac imaging were the most affected with statistically significant difference. The residents of the regions with a prevalence of >5 cases/1,000 inhabitants were the most likely to be displaced from their departments. Conclusions: According to the opinion of the participants, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their academic training was more negative in third year FITs and those rotating in cardiac imaging.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la percepción de los médicos internos residentes (MIR) de cardiología de España sobre el efecto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en su formación y la adaptación realizada por sus servicios. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal a través de una plataforma de encuesta digital con el objetivo de conocer la opinión individual de los MIR de cardiología sobre la influencia de la pandemia en su formación. Se realiza un análisis estadístico para determinar los factores que influyeron en la percepción de la formación afectada. Resultados: Participó un total de 180 MIR de las 17 comunidades autónomas (CA). Los MIR de tercer año fueron los más afectados, junto con los que rotaban en imagen cardíaca. Los residentes de las CA con una prevalencia >5 casos/1,000 habitantes fueron los que mayor probabilidad tuvieron de ser desplazados de sus servicios. Conclusiones: Según la opinión de los participantes, el efecto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en su formación fue más negativa en los residentes de tercer año y los que rotaban en imagen cardíaca.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safeness of a colorectal laparoscopic program in two centers form South America. Method: We retrospectively review the records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from 2012 to 2018 in two tertiary care academic centers. Surgical indication, operative time, conversion rate, lymph nodes harvested, surgical margins and complications were analyzed. This results were then compared to the open approach. Results: We collected data from 505 patients, mean age 63.4, 50.9% male. The most frequent indication was colon cancer, mean operative time was 175 minutes. Conversion rate was 9.5%, mean nodes harvested was 15.9 with free resection margins in every case. Morbidity was 35.4% at 30 days, most of them were minor complications. The leak rate was 11.7 %. The 30-day mortality was 2.5%. Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach for colorectal surgery might represent a safe and feasible option in an tertiary care hospital from a developing country.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la reproducibilidad y la seguridad de un programa de cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica en dos centros de Sudamérica. Método: Se realizó un estudio analítico-descriptivo. Se revisaron retrospectivamente los registros clínicos de pacientes sometidos a cirugía videolaparoscópica colorrectal desde el año 2012 hasta el año 2018, en dos centros académicos de tercer nivel argentinos. Se analizaron datos demográficos, indicaciones y tiempos quirúrgicos, tasa de conversión, evolución posoperatoria, morbimortalidad y resecabilidad oncológica, y se comparó con el abordaje convencional. Resultados: Se realizaron 505 cirugías. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 63.4 años y el 50.9% eran hombres. El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 175 minutos. La principal indicación fue cáncer de colon. La incidencia de conversión fue del 9.5%. El promedio de ganglios por pieza quirúrgica en patología neoplásica fue de 15.9. La morbilidad fue del 35.4%, en su mayoría complicaciones menores. La tasa de fístulas fue del 11.7%. La mortalidad a 30 días fue del 2.5%. Conclusión: La cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica podría representar una opción segura y reproducible en un centro de tercer nivel de un país en desarrollo.

Abstract The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease that decreases the reproductive performance in breeding sows and leads to economic losses to the swine industry. The objective of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated to the number of live-born piglets in the first (LBP1) and second birth (LBP2) in breeding sows exposed to PRRS virus. The study included 100 pregnant females of the Landrace(–)/ Yorkshire(¼) line, 75 of which were infected with the PRRS virus and 25 were free of PRRS. Individual blood samples (6-8 drops) were obtained and spotted onto FTA cards and subsequently processed for DNA extraction, which was genotyped using a 10,000 SNP chip for genomic profile. Resulting genotypes were analyzed using a multi-locus mixed model that detected three SNP associated to LBP1 and five SNP associated to LBP2 (P<0.001). These eight SNP were validated using an associative mixed effects model which included the terms genotype and age of dam as fixed effects, and sire as random effect. Allele substitution effects were estimated using the same model including the term genotype as covariate. The SNP rs81276080, rs81334603 and rs80947173 were associated to LBP1 (P<0.001), whereas the SNP rs81364943, rs80859829, rs80895640, rs80893794 and rs81245908 were associated to LBP2 (P<0.001). Only two SNP were in functional chromosomal regions and the remainder SNP were within an intergenic position. In conclusion, these results suggest the existence of gene variants associated with the reproductive performance of sows infected with the PRRS virus.

Resumen: El síndrome reproductivo y respiratorio porcino (PRRS) es una enfermedad viral que afecta el comportamiento reproductivo de las cerdas generando severas pérdidas económicas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar polimorfismos de nucleótido simple (SNP) asociados al número de lechones nacidos vivos al primer (LNV1) y segundo parto (LNV2) en cerdas reproductoras expuestas al virus del PRRS. El estudio incluyó 100 cerdas gestantes de la línea Landrace(–)/Yorkshire(¼), de las cuales 75 fueron infectadas con el virus del PRRS y 25 permanecieron libres de PRRS. Muestras sanguíneas individuales (6 a 8 gotas) se depositaron en tarjetas FTA y posteriormente procesadas para la extracción de ADN, el cual fue genotipado usando un dispositivo para perfil genómico con 10,000 SNP. Los genotipos resultantes se analizaron usando un modelo mixto multi-locus, el cual detectó tres SNP asociados a LNV1 y cinco SNP asociados a LNV2 (P<0.001). Los ocho SNP fueron validados utilizando un modelo asociativo de efectos mixtos, que incluyó los términos genotipo y edad de la madre como efectos fijos, y el padre como efecto aleatorio. Los efectos de sustitución alélica se estimaron con el modelo anterior incluyendo el término genotipo como covariable. Los SNP rs81276080, rs81334603 y rs80947173 se asociaron a LNV1 (P<0.001), mientras que los SNP rs81364943, rs80859829, rs80895640, rs80893794 y rs81245908 se asociaron a LNV2 (P<0.001). Sólo dos SNP se ubican en regiones funcionales y el resto tiene posición intergénica. En conclusión, estos resultados sugieren la existencia de variantes génicas asociadas al desempeño reproductivo de cerdas infectadas por el virus del PRRS.

Abstract: Fleas and sucking lice are important vectors of multiple pathogens causing major epidemics worldwide. However these insects are vectors of a wide range of largely understudied and unattended pathogens, especially several species of bacteria’s of the genera Bartonella and Rickettsia. For this reason the aim of the present work was to identify the presence and diversity of Bartonella and Rickettsia species in endemic murine typhus foci in Hidalgo, México. A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect small mammals and their associated ectoparasites during October, 2014. Samples of liver and ear of hosts, and ectoparasites were fixed in absolute ethanol and examined to identify the presence of Bartonella and Rickettsia DNA by the amplification of specific fragments of the gltA and ompB genes using conventional PCR. The recovered sequences were compared with those deposited in GenBank, and phylogenetic analyzes were carried out to identify the position of the pathogens detected with respect to the valid species previously reported worldwide. A total of 47 fleas and 172 sucking lice, belonging to five families (Ceratophyllidae, Leptopsyllidae, Ctenophtalmidae, Hoplopleuridae, Polyplacidae) and related to six species were collected from 40 rodents of four species and one shrew. Only four hosts (two P. beatae, and two R. norvergicus) were positive to Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella vinsonii and Rickettsia typhi. In the case of ectoparasites, 23 specimens of two flea species (Peromyscopsylla hesperomys and Plusaetis mathesoni) tested positive for B. vinsonii. No evidence of Bartonella or Rickettsia was detected in any lice. Our findings represent the first record of Bartonella elizabethae a confirmed zoonotic pathogen causing endocarditis in México and several new associations of Bartonella with Mexican flea species, which highlight the importance of the establishment of active entomological surveillance in wildlife.

Resumen: Las pulgas y los piojos son vectores de patógenos causantes de epidemias de importancia histórica. Sin embargo, estos insectos son vectores de una amplia gama de patógenos poco estudiados y no atendidos, especialmente varias especies de bacterias de los géneros Bartonella y Rickettsia. Por este motivo, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar la presencia y diversidad de las especies de Bartonella y Rickettsia en un foco de tifus murino en el estado de Hidalgo, México. Se realizó un estudio transversal para recolectar hospederos y sus ectoparásitos durante octubre de 2014. Las muestras de hígado y oreja de los hospederos y los ectoparásitos se fijaron en etanol absoluto y se examinaron para identificar la presencia de ADN de Bartonella y Rickettsia mediante la extracción de DNA y amplificación de fragmentos específicos de los genes gltA y ompB. Las secuencias obtenidas fueron comparadas con aquellas depositadas en GenBank y se realizaron análisis filogenéticos para identificar la posición de los patógenos detectados respecto a las especies válidas previamente reportadas a nivel mundial. Se recolectaron un total de 47 pulgas y 172 piojos chupadores, pertenecientes a seis especies de cinco familias (Ceratophyllidae, Leptopsyllidae, Ctenophtalmidae, Hoplopleuridae, Polyplacidae) asociados con 40 roedores de cuatro especies y una musaraña. Sólo cuatro hospederos (dos P. beatae, y dos R. norvergicus) resultaron positivos para Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella vinsonii y Rickettsia typhi. En el caso de los ectoparásitos, 23 ejemplares de dos especies de pulgas (Peromyscopsylla hesperomys y Plusaetis mathesoni) fueron positivos para B. vinsonii. No se detectó evidencia de ninguno de los dos patógenos en los piojos analizados. Nuestros hallazgos representan el primer registro de Bartonella elizabethae, un patógeno zoonótico confirmado que causa endocarditis en México y varias asociaciones nuevas de Bartonella con especies de pulgas mexicanas, lo cual resalta la necesidad de implementar vigilancia entomológica activa para el monitoreo de estos patógenos en animales silvestres.

Rosa rubiginosa L. seed oil has been studied for its application in skin care products, but the chemical nature of seeds, pulp and even leaves, apart from that of oil, is also relevant with a view to the application of this weed for biodiesel production. All these vegetal materials were studied by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for characterisation purposes. FTIR bands at 3005, 2924, 1740, 1654 and 1456 cm-1 were used to estimate the iodine index, suitable for biofuels, and the oxidation stability degree. From the viewpoint of the thermal stability, both the seed oil (for which pyrolysis occurs at 462ºC), the raw seeds and the rosehip pulp (with decomposition temperatures of 373ºC and 333ºC, respectively) showed potential as a biomass feedstock for conversion into biofuels.

El aceite de semillas de R. rubiginosa L. ha sido estudiado para su aplicación en productos para el cuidado de la piel, pero la naturaleza química de las semillas, pulpa y hojas, además de la del aceite, también es importante con miras a la aplicación de esta mala hierba para la producción de biodiesel. Los materiales vegetales mencionados se han estudiado mediante espectroscopía infrarroja (FTIR) y calorimetría diferencial de barrido (DSC) con fines de caracterización. Las bandas del espectro infrarrojo en 3005, 2924, 1740, 1654 y 1456 cm-1 han sido utilizadas para estimar el índice de yodo, adecuado para los biocombustibles, y el grado de estabilidad a la oxidación. Desde el punto de vista de la estabilidad térmica, tanto el aceite de semillas (para el que la pirólisis se produce a 462ºC) como las semillas crudas y la pulpa (con temperaturas de descomposición de 373°C y 333°C, respectivamente) mostraron potencial como materia prima de biomasa para su conversión en biocombustibles.

A new colony of Olrog's Gull (Larus atlanticus) was found on 29 December 2006 in the Bahía Blanca estuary, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The colony was located on a small island near the Golfada Chica channel (38°55'50"S, 62°12'26.2"W), 50 m away from the shoreline. A total of 311 empty nests and 640 fledglings were counted. Significance of this discovery for Olrog's Gull population size estimations is discussed bearing in mind its habit of changing colony location.

Se presenta el hallazgo de una nueva colonia de Gaviota Cangrejera (Larus atlanticus) en el estuario de Bahía Blanca, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. La misma fue descubierta el 29 de diciembre de 2006 en un islote ubicado sobre la margen norte del canal Golfada Chica (38°55'50"S, 62°12'26.2"O) a 50 m de la orilla. Se contaron 311 nidos activos vacíos y 640 volantones en las inmediaciones de la colonia. Debido al hábito de esta especie de cambiar de sitio de nidificación, se discute el aporte de este hallazgo a las estimaciones del tamaño poblacional de la especie.