Abstract: We analyze mining and ritual activities during the Inca occupation of the Ratones basin, puna de Salta, Northwest Argentina (NOA). From the archaeological evidence of the sites Cueva Inca Viejo and Abra de Minas, indicators about the link between these activities are presented. We also emphasize that Cueva Inca Viejo is the first documented source with evidence of turquoise exploitation in prehispanic contexts of NOA. The results obtained by SEM-EDX and XRD allowed the detection of this mineral in the rock walls of the cave and in stratigraphy. New EDX analyses of archaeological samples from Cueva Inca Viejo are presented in this paper. The existence of a turquoise mine explains the intense Inca occupation in this sector of the Puna. Likewise, the modification of previous occupations based on mining work and the construction of roads and architectural structures is noteworthy. In this regard, the presence of a ceremonial structure with staircase and platform at the entrance of Cueva Inca Viejo is highlighted. This evidence, among others, indicates the link between mining and ritual practices, and allows us to discuss the control of both activities by the Inca Empire.

Resumen: A partir de la evidencia arqueológica de los sitios Cueva Inca Viejo y Abra de Minas, se analizan las actividades mineras y rituales durante la ocupación incaica en la cuenca de Ratones, puna de Salta, Noroeste de Argentina (NOA). Se destaca que Cueva Inca Viejo es la primera fuente documentada con indicadores de explotación minera de turquesa en contextos prehispánicos del NOA. Los resultados obtenidos mediante MEB-EDX y DRX permitieron detectar este mineral en la roca de caja de la cueva y en capa. En este trabajo, se presentan nuevos análisis de MEB-EDX sobre muestras arqueológicas de Cueva Inca Viejo. La existencia de esta mina de turquesa explicaría la intensa ocupación incaica en Ratones. Al respecto, se observa una modificación notable del registro de ocupaciones previas por parte de los incas, teniendo en cuenta el trabajo minero y la construcción de caminos y estructuras arquitectónicas. Entre estas últimas, sobresale una estructura ceremonial con escalera y plataforma en la entrada de Cueva Inca Viejo. Esta evidencia, entre otras, es indicativa del vínculo entre minería y prácticas rituales, y permite discutir el control de ambas actividades por parte del Imperio inca.

Utilizou-se o modelo experimental de paracoccidioidomicose, em camundongos, induzida pela inoculação endovenosa de suspensão de formas cerebriformes do P. brasiliensis (cepa Bt2; 1x10(6) formas viáveis/animal), para avaliar, após 2, 4, 8, 16 e 20 semanas: 1. A presença de imunoglobulinas e C3 nos granulomas pulmonares, por imunofluorescência direta; 2. A resposta imune humoral (imunodifusão) e celular (teste do coxim plantar), e 3. A histopatologia das lesões. Os camundongos apresentaram resposta imunocelular positiva desde a 2a. semana, com depressão transitória na 16a. semana, e anticorpos desde a 4a. semana, com pico na 16a. semana. Os granulomas pulmonares foram epitelióides, com numerosos fungos e microabscesses; a extensão das lesões foi progressiva até a 16a. semana, com regressão discreta na 20a. semana. Desde a 2a. semana, houve deposição de IgG e C3 na parede dos fungos no interior dos granulomas e a presença de células IgG positivas no halo linfomononuclear periférico; estes achados foram máximos entre a 4a. e 16a. semanas. Não se detectou depósito de IgG e C3 no interstício dos granulomas. IgG e C3 parecem exercer papel precoce e importante na defesa do hospedeiro contra o P. brasiliensis, contribuindo possivelmente para a destruição dos fungos e bloqueando a difusão de antígenos para fora dos granulomas.

The experimental model of paracoccidioidomycosis induced in mice by the intravenous injection of yeast-forms of P. brasiliensis (Bt2 strain; 1 x 10(6) viable fungi/animal) was used to evaluate sequentially 2, 4, 8, 16 and 20 weeks after inoculation: 1. The presence of immunoglobulins and C3 in the pulmonary granuloma-ta, by direct immunofluorescence; 2. The humoral (immunodiffusion test) and the cellular (footpad sweeling test) immune response; 3. The histopathology of lesions. The cell-immune response was positive since week 2, showing a transitory depression at week 16. Specific antibodies were first detected at week 4 and peaked at week 16. At histology, epithelioid granulomas with numerous fungi and polymorphonuclear agreggates were seen. The lungs showed progressive involvement up to week 16, with little decrease at week 20. From week 2 on, there were deposits of IgG and C3 around fungal walls within the granulomas and IgG stained cells among the mononuclear cell peripheral halo. Interstitital immunoglobulins and C3 deposits in the granulomas were not letected. IgG and C3 seen to play an early an important role in. the host defenses against P. brasiliensis by possibly cooperating in the killing of parasites and blocking the antigenic diffusion.