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En este estudio se caracteriza el ensamble de macroinvertebrados en bañados de desborde fluvial de cuatro arroyos pampeanos bonaerenses con diferentes actividades en el uso del suelo (intensa horticultura y ganadería extensiva) desde un punto de vista estructural y funcional. Se aplicaron índices bióticos, ecológicos, análisis multivariados y se analizaron los ensambles de oligoquetos y quironómidos. Los mayores valores diversidad y riqueza taxonómica de macroinvertebrados correspondieron al bañado de Chubichaminí (H´= 1,9; S=19,25). Este arroyo presentó aguas ligeramente poluídas, siendo aceptable en términos de calidad del agua. El análisis multivariado ordenó a los sitios de los bañados Del Gato y Carnaval con la mayor carga de nutrientes vinculados a los taxa más tolerantes como los dípteros Stratiomyidae, Ephydridae y nematodes, oligoquetos y gasterópodos Physidae. La mayor diversidad y riqueza de oligoquetos se registró en los bañados del Cajaravillas y Chubichaminí en los meses cálidos y las diferencias encontradas se debieron principalmente a Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparède, 1862. El ensamble de quironómidos estuvo conformado por 24 taxones pertenecientes a Chironominae, Orthocladiinae y Tanypodinae. El género Chironomus Meigen fue más abundante en el A° Del Gato, correspondiendo principalmente a C. calligraphus Goeldi, asociado a ambientes con evidente impacto antrópico. Los sitios estudiados mostraron diferentes patrones en la proporción de grupos funcionales alimentarios sin una clara relación con el uso del suelo. Los índices aplicados en el ensamble de macroinvertebrados resultaron efectivos para evaluar el estado ecológico de los bañados analizados., In this study, the assemblage of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the riverine wetlands (RW) of four streams in the Pampean region of Buenos Aires with different activities in land use (intensive horticulture and extensive livestock) is characterized from a structural and functional point of view. Biotic and ecological indices and multivariate analyses were applied, and the assemblages of oligochaetes and chironomids were analyzed. The highest values of diversity and taxonomic richness of macroinvertebrates corresponded to the Chubichaminí RW (H´= 1.9; S = 19.25). This RW showed slightly polluted waters, being acceptable in terms of water quality. The multivariate analysis ordered the sites of Del Gato and Carnaval RWs with the highest nutrient load associated with more tolerant taxa such as the dipterans Stratiomyidae, Ephydridae, nematodes, oligochaetes and Physidae gastropods. The greatest diversity and richness of oligochaetes were recorded in the Cajaravillas and Chubichaminí RW in the warm months being the differences mainly due to Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparède, 1862. The chironomid assemblage consisted of 24 taxa belonging to Chironominae, Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae. The genus Chironomus Meigen was more abundant in Del Gato RW, corresponding mainly to C. calligraphus Goeldi, associated with environments with evident anthropic impact. The RWs studied showed different patterns in the proportion of functional feeding groups without a clear relation with land use. The indexes applied to the macroinvertebrate assemblage were effective in evaluating the ecological status of the analysed RWs, Instituto de Limnología "Dr. Raúl A. Ringuelet"

The matrix protein gene was cloned and sequenced for several recent isolates of avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1). Specifically, isolates from pigeons and doves, members of the Columbidae family were examined. APMV-1 is the causative agent of Newcastle disease and the virus is associated with disease among a diverse number of avian species. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates from pigeons have also been classified as pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1). Matrix protein gene sequences for PPMV-1 isolates clustered together as a group relative to isolates from other species phylogenetically. However, there were also isolates from pigeons or doves that grouped with APMV-1 isolates from other species. This indicates that PPMV-1 may be circulating among Columbidae members as a distinct lineage, but that these avian species may also harbor other NDV strains as well. Of particular interest was a dove isolate from Europe that had an aberrant fusion protein cleavage site and was an outlying member phylogenetically between the two major groups of APMV-1 isolates.

This study examined Hsp70 accumulation and the subcellular characteristics of liver and lung when exposed to ethanol (EtOH), with and without l -carnitine protection. Female Sprague-Dawley rats, 150–200 g body weight, were randomized into four groups: Control (CON), Alcohol (ALC), l -carnitine (CAR) and Alcohol- l -carnitine (ALC-CAR). EtOH was administered per os at a dose of 4 g/kg body weight (1 ml) daily for 4 weeks. Before alcohol intake, an oral dose of 500 mg/kg body weight of l -carnitine was also administered to the ALC-CAR group. The liver and lung samples were subjected to Hsp70 Western blot and ultrastructural analysis. The Hsp70 accumulation was higher in the liver than in the lung samples. Hepatic Hsp70 accumulation was similar for all groups in contrast to lung, where the Hsp70 accumulation depends on the group studied. The ultrastructural results showed lung but not liver alterations, evidencing a stressful condition and subsequent cellular injury for lung tissue but not for liver. The ALC-CAR group showed less lung damage than the non-protected group and resembles the general appearance of the CON and CAR groups. EtOH intoxication induced differential cellular response in liver and lung in a dose and tissue dependent manner. l -carnitine seems to reduce lung EtOH-induced subcellular damage. The promotion of heat shock or stress proteins might represent one of the mechanisms involved that need to be further investigated.

Background: The ECLAMC (Estudio Colaborativo Latinoamericano de Malformaciones Congenitas) is an epidemiological surveillance program for congenital defects that operates in Chile since 1969. Aim: To communicate the frequency of disabling congenital defects in Chile in the period 1982-1997. Material and methods: A review of the ECLAMC registry, choosing 12 congenital defects: amelia, limb amputations, limb reductions, arthrogryposis, hip luxation and subluxation, spina bifida, hydrocephaly, microcephaly, cephalocele, talipes equinovarus, Down syndrome and multiple abnormalities. Results: In the study period, 283,403 births occurred and 7,917 newborns were malformed (7,654 born alive and 263 stillbirths). The congenital defects prevalence rates appeared higher in Chile than in other Latin American countries, specially among stillbirths. Among the studied maternity hospitals, the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile, showed the higher prevalence of congenital defects. Rancagua and the Navy Hospital in Valparaiso have a high frequency of Down syndrome. Global rates in Chile and in the rest of ECLAMC for specific defects, do not have significant differences, except for hip subluxation, that has a lower incidence in Chile. Conclusions: The ECLAMC allows to have a good knowledge of the prevalence of congenital malformations in Latin America (Rev Med Chile 2001; 129: 67-74).