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To contribute to the knowledge of the role of small mammals in the transmission cycle of tegumentary leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis, we studied the small mammal community and its temporal and spatial association with phlebotominae, as well as small mammal infection by Leishmania spp. by PCR-RFLP analyses in an endemic area of northeastern Argentina. Ten small mammal samplings were conducted (2007-2009, 7506 Sherman trap nights and 422 cage trap nights). In two of these samplings, 16 capture stations each one consisting of a CDC light trap to capture phlebotominae, two to four Sherman traps and two cage traps were placed. We found co-occurrence of phlebotominae and small mammal captures in four stations, which were all the stations with small mammal captures and yielded 97% (2295 specimens, including 21 gravid females) of the total phlebotominae captures, suggesting that small mammals may provide a potential source of blood for phlebotominae females. One Didelphis albiventris and two Rattus rattus were associated with high captures of Nyssomyia whitmani, vector of L. braziliensis in the study area. The PCR-RFLP analyses confirm the presence of L. braziliensis in two sigmodontine small mammals (Akodon sp. and Euryoryzomys russatus) for the first time in Argentina, to our knowledge.

Balaenidae (right and bowhead whales) are a key group in understanding baleen whale evolution, because they are the oldest surviving lineage of crown Mysticeti, with a fossil record that dates back ∼20 million years. However, this record is mostly Pliocene and younger, with most of the Miocene history of the clade remaining practically unknown. The earliest recognized balaenid is the early Miocene Morenocetus parvus Cabrera, 1926 from Argentina. M. parvus was originally briefly described from two incomplete crania, a mandible and some cervical vertebrae collected from the lower Miocene Gaiman Formation of Patagonia. Since then it has not been revised, thus remaining a frequently cited yet enigmatic fossil cetacean with great potential for shedding light on the early history of crown Mysticeti. Here we provide a detailed morphological description of this taxon and revisit its phylogenetic position. The phylogenetic analysis recovered the middle Miocene Peripolocetus as the earliest diverging balaenid, and Morenocetus as the sister taxon of all other balaenids. The analysis of cranial and periotic morphology of Morenocetus suggest that some of the specialized morphological traits of modern balaenids were acquired by the early Miocene and have remained essentially unchanged up to the present. Throughout balaenid evolution, morphological changes in skull arching and ventral displacement of the orbits appear to be coupled and functionally linked to mitigating a reduction of the field of vision. The body length of Morenocetus and other extinct balaenids was estimated and the evolution of body size in Balaenidae was reconstructed. Optimization of body length on our phylogeny of Balaenidae suggests that the primitive condition was a relatively small body length represented by Morenocetus , and that gigantism has been acquired independently at least twice (in Balaena mysticetus and Eubalaena spp.), with the earliest occurrence of this trait in the late Miocene-early Pliocene as represented by Eubalaena shinshuensis ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

A case of cavitary pulmonary sporotrichosis without mucocutaneous involvement caused by Sporothrix schenckii is reported in a sexagenarian woman with a long smoking history. The patient was hospitalized for septic shock with multiorgan failure from a respiratory focus. The diagnosis was delayed due to the fungal etiological agent was not initially considered in the differential diagnosis. A good clinical and radiological evolution was obtained with the antifungal therapy. Occasional cases of primary pulmonary sporotrichosis have been reported in the literature. Due to its low incidence, this is a less-known and underestimated clinical form. Both clinical suspicion and microbiological studies are needed to reach pulmonary sporotrichosis diagnosis.

Alcohol use disorders are modulated by genetic factors, but the identification of specific genes and their concomitant biological changes that are associated with a higher risk for these disorders has proven difficult. Alterations in the sensitivity to the motivational effects of ethanol may be one way by which genes modulate the initiation and escalation of ethanol intake. Rats and mice have been selectively bred for high and low ethanol consumption during adulthood. However, selective breeding programs for ethanol intake have not focused on adolescence. This phase of development is associated with the initiation and escalation of ethanol intake and characterized by an increase in the sensitivity to ethanol's appetitive effects and a decrease in the sensitivity to ethanol's aversive effects compared with adulthood. The present study performed short-term behavioral selection to select rat lines that diverge in the expression of ethanol drinking during adolescence. A progenitor nucleus of Wistar rats (F 0 ) and filial generation 1 (F 1 ), F 2 , and F 3 adolescent rats were derived from parents that were selected for high (STDRHI) and low (STDRLO) ethanol consumption during adolescence and were tested for ethanol intake and responsivity to ethanol's motivational effects. STDRHI rats exhibited significantly greater ethanol intake and preference than STDRLO rats. Compared with STDRLO rats, STDRHI F 2 and F 3 rats exhibited a blunted response to ethanol in the conditioned taste aversion test. F 2 and F 3 STDRHI rats but not STDRLO rats exhibited ethanol-induced motor stimulation. STDRHI rats exhibited avoidance of the white compartment of the light-dark box, a reduction of locomotion, and a reduction of saccharin consumption, suggesting an anxiety-prone phenotype. The results suggest that the genetic risk for enhanced ethanol intake during adolescence is associated with lower sensitivity to the aversive effects of ethanol, heightened reactivity to ethanol's stimulating effects, and enhanced innate anxiety., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: A prospective international multicentre surveillance study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and amphotericin B susceptibility of Aspergillus terreus species complex infections., Methods: A total of 370 cases from 21 countries were evaluated., Results: The overall prevalence of A. terreus species complex among the investigated patients with mould-positive cultures was 5.2% (370/7116). Amphotericin B MICs ranged from 0.125 to 32 mg/L, (median 8 mg/L)., Conclusions: Aspergillus terreus species complex infections cause a wide spectrum of aspergillosis and the majority of cryptic species display high amphotericin B MICs., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The distribution of Aspergillus species in soil has been widely studied all over the world. The aim of this study was the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of species Aspergillus belonging to section Fumigati present in soils from two Argentinian semi-desert areas having different geological conditions. Altogether, 23 isolates belonging to Aspergillus section Fumigati were recovered and identified using a polyphasic approach including phenotypic and molecular identifications. Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto and Aspergillus fumigatiaffinis had the highest frequency, of occurrence while isolates closely related to Aspergillus udagawae and Aspergillus felis were rarely observed. A. fumigatiaffinis and isolates closer to A. udagawae were isolated for the first time from Argentinian soils and this is the first report on the occurrence of species belonging to the A. felis clade in South America. Recent scientific interests in biodiversity, as well as the increasing importance of aspergilli as causative agents of human and animal diseases increase the need to understand the diversity and occurrence of these fungi in nature., (Copyright © 2017 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Human protothecosis is a rare infection caused by algae of the genus Prototheca. Prototheca wickerhamii has been recognized as the main species that causes infection in immunocompromised hosts with deficits in innate or cellular immunity. We report a case of persisting subcutaneous protothecosis in a patient with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia, who also presented a history of disseminated histoplasmosis., (Copyright © 2017 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Gastroliths are highly calcified structures formed in the cardiac stomach wall of crustaceans for the temporary storage of amorphous CaCO 3 (ACC). The gastrolithic ACC is stabilized by the presence of biomolecules, and represents a novel model for research into biomineralization. For the first time, an in vitro biomimetic retrosynthesis of scaffolds of gastrolithic matrices with CaCO 3 is presented. With the help of synthetic polyacrylic (PAA) and phytic (PA) acids, amorphous precursor particles were stabilized in double (DD) and gas (GD) diffusion crystallization assays. The presence of these synthetic molecules as efficient inhibitors of nucleation and growth of CaCO 3 , and the use of biological gastrolith scaffolds as confined reaction environments determined the kinetics of crystallization, and controlled the morphogenesis of CaCO 3 . The formation of ACC particles was demonstrated and their crystallization was followed by light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and electron diffraction., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Understanding the ecological processes that are involved in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens by small mammals may aid adequate and effective management measures. Few attempts have been made to analyze the ecological aspects that influence pathogen infection in small mammals in livestock production systems. We describe the infection of small mammals with Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., Trichinella spp. and Cysticercus fasciolaris and assess the related intrinsic and extrinsic factors in livestock production systems in central Argentina at the small mammal community, population and individual levels., Methodology/principal Findings: Ten pig farms and eight dairy farms were studied by removal trapping of small mammals from 2008 to 2011. Each farm was sampled seasonally over the course of one year with cage and Sherman live traps. The 505 small mammals captured (14,359 trap-nights) included three introduced murine rodents, four native rodents and two opossums. Leptospira spp., anti-Brucella spp. antibodies and Trichinella spp. were found in the three murine rodents and both opossums. Rattus norvegicus was also infected with C. fasciolaris; Akodon azarae and Oligoryzomys flavescens with Leptospira spp.; anti-Brucella spp. antibodies were found in A. azarae. Two or more pathogens occurred simultaneously on 89% of the farms, and each pathogen was found on at least 50% of the farms. Pathogen infections increased with host abundance. Infection by Leptospira spp. also increased with precipitation and during warm seasons. The occurrence of anti-Brucella spp. antibodies was higher on dairy farms and during the winter and summer. The host abundances limit values, from which farms are expected to be free of the studied pathogens, are reported., Conclusions/significance: Murine rodents maintain pathogens within farms, whereas other native species are likely dispersing pathogens among farms. Hence, we recommend preventing and controlling murines in farm dwellings and isolating farms from their surroundings to avoid contact with other wild mammals.

Background: Recent studies support the use of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma although insufficient data are available on prognostic and predictive markers of response to treatment., Objective: The objective of this study is to identify treatment response markers in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma., Materials and Methods: This is an observational, retrospective, and multicenter study. Sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected. Cox regression models were applied to determine associations., Results: In total, 39 patients were included; 23.1% presented locally advanced pancreatic cancer and 76.9% metastatic disease. They received a mean of 6 ± 3 treatment cycles; 59% required dose reduction, 59% treatment delay, and 20.5% switched to a biweekly regimen. The overall response rate was 23% and the disease control rate was 81%. Median progression-free survival was 9 months and median overall survival (OS) was 15 months. A higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly associated with lower OS. We reported Grades 1-4 nonhematological and hematological toxicities., Conclusion: NLR is a useful prognostic factor for OS in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Moreover, we suggest that a biweekly regimen is an option for certain groups of patients.

This study considered the physiological modulation of liver proteins due to the supplementation with fish oils under two dietary backgrounds: standard or high in fat and sucrose (HFHS), and their combination with grape polyphenols. By using a quantitative proteomics approach, we showed that the capacity of the supplements for regulating proteins depended on the diet; namely, 10 different proteins changed into standard diets, while 45 changed into the HFHS diets and only scarcely proteins were found altered in common. However, in both contexts, fish oils were the main regulatory force, although the addition of polyphenols was able to modulate some fish oils' effects. Moreover, we demonstrated the ability of fish oils and their combination with grape polyphenols in improving biochemical parameters and reducing lipogenesis and glycolysis enzymes, enhancing fatty acid beta-oxidation and insulin signaling and ameliorating endoplasmic reticulum stress and protein oxidation when they are included in an unhealthy diet., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The lamina cribrosa thickness (LCT) could be affected by dynamic changes in its structure. Using Spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), we have studied the behaviour of the laminar region in 14 young subjects over 24h. Significant changes in LCT were observed, depending on the time at which the measurement was taken, with the maximum thickness being observed at 7.30 p.m., and the minimum at 7.30 a.m. This finding could suggests a circadian pattern in the LCT thickness in healthy subjects, which could have implications for the classification, diagnosis and prognosis of both normal and glaucomatous subjects.

All Malassezia species are lipophilic; thus, modifications are required in susceptibility testing methods to ensure their growth. Antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia species using agar and broth dilution methods has been studied. Currently, few tests using disc diffusion methods are being performed. The aim was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of Malassezia yeast against antifungal agents using broth microdilution and disc diffusion methods, then to compare both methodologies. Fifty Malassezia isolates were studied. Microdilution method was performed as described in reference document and agar diffusion test was performed using antifungal tablets and discs. To support growth, culture media were supplemented. To correlate methods, linear regression analysis and categorical agreement was determined. The strongest linear association was observed for fluconazole and miconazole. The highest agreement between both methods was observed for itraconazole and voriconazole and the lowest for amphotericin B and fluconazole. Although modifications made to disc diffusion method allowed to obtain susceptibility data for Malassezia yeast, variables cannot be associated through a linear correlation model, indicating that inhibition zone values cannot predict MIC value. According to the results, disc diffusion assay may not represent an alternative to determine antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia yeast., (© 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Biominerals are inorganic-organic hybrid composites formed via self-assembled bottom up processes under mild conditions. Biominerals show interesting physical properties, controlled hierarchical structures and robust remodeling or repair mechanisms. Biological processes associated with biominerals remain to be developed into practical engineering processes. Therefore, the formation of biominerals is inspiring for the design of materials, especially those fabricated at ambient temperatures. The study described herein involves the influence of chicken outer eggshell membrane on the type of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) polymorph deposited on the shell of the land snail Helix aspersa during the repair process after an injury. A piece of snail shell was removed by perforating a hole from the largest body whorl. The operated area was left either uncovered or covered with either a thermoplastic flexible polyolefin-based film Parafilm® or a piece of chicken eggshell membrane. The repaired shells of control and experimental animals were analyzed using SEM, EDS, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies. We found that in the presence of eggshell membrane, the polymorph deposited on the substratum during the first hours resembles calcite, the polymorph present in eggshell normal formation, but at 24 and 48h, when snail mantle cells produced their normal organic matrix (mainly β-chitin plus proteins and proteoglycans), the polymorph deposited is aragonite, the characteristic polymorph of Helix shell. Therefore, the eggshell membrane influences the type of polymorph, but only in the initial stages of biomineral deposition, before an organic matrix layer is deposited by the snail., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Anxiety disorders are more likely to occur in women than in men, usually emerge during adolescence and exhibit high comorbidity with alcohol use disorders (AUD). Adolescents with high levels of anxiety or heightened reactivity to stress may be at-risk for developing AUD. An approach to analyze if high levels of inborn anxiety predict greater ethanol drinking is to assess the latter variable in subjects classified as high- or low-anxiety responders. The present study assessed ethanol drinking in adolescent, female Wistar, rats classified as high-, low- or average-anxiety responders and exposed or not to restraint stress (RS, Exp. 1). Classification was made through a multivariate index derived from testing anxiety responses in an elevated plus maze and a light-dark box tests. RS was applied after animals had been initiated to ethanol drinking. Intake of sweetened ethanol was unaffected by level of anxiety response. Adolescents with high levels of inborn anxiety exhibited significantly higher intake of unsweetened ethanol than counterparts with standard levels of anxiety, yet this effect was inhibited by RS exposure. Experiment 2 assessed FOS immunoreactivity after RS. Stress induced a significant increase in FOS immunoreactivity at the paraventricular nucleus, yet this effect was unaffected by level of anxiety response. Female adolescents with high levels of basal anxiety may be at-risk for exhibiting increased predisposition for ethanol intake and preference. The study also indicates that stress may exert differential effects on adolescent ethanol intake as a function of the level of anxiety response., (Copyright © 2016 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The sudden change in vision is a medical emergency that must be evaluated immediately to rule out important institutions as systemic vasculitis or ischemic stroke. Its association with hypertensive crisis makes it necessary to rule out accelerated-malignant hypertension, which is accompanied by other retinal disorders (exudates and hemorrhages) and adrenal involvement. Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is another entity to consider, as is it not uncommon in the young (12.7% in a series of 848 cases). Its association with hypertension has been described in 32% of cases., (Copyright © 2016 SEH-LELHA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the major causes of cancer-associated mortality. Risk for developing VTE increases when in chemotherapy, mainly in the outpatient setting. Current risk scores for predicting chemotherapy-associated VTE have low/moderate discrimination capacity. These models use clinical parameters. ThromboinCode (TiC) is a new tool for VTE risk prediction using an algorithm that combines a genetic risk score (GRS) with subject's VTE clinical risk parameters (cancer type and cancer disease status "CDS", included)., Aims: To evaluate whether TiC predicts better the risk for chemotherapy-associated VTE than Khorana score., Methods: A prospective, observational study including 251 patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer (colon, stomach, pancreas and lung) receiving systemic outpatient chemotherapy. Patients are followed-up for 6 months. Three predictive models were compared: a) Khorana score; b) Khorana score plus CDS and c) TiC. Genetic variants included in TiC are FVL, PT, F5 rs118203906 and rs118203905, F12 rs1801020, F13 rs5985, SERPINC1 rs121909548, SERPINEA10 rs2232698 and A1 blood group rs8176719, rs7853989, rs8176743, rs8176750. Clinical risk factors in TiC are age, sex, family history of VTE, BMI, smoking, diabetes, type of cancer and CDS. Prediction capacity of each model was assessed in terms of the discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC)., Results: The incidence of VTE at 6 months was 23.11%. Korana score had an AUC of 0.550 (95% CI 0.485-0.613, p=0.2162), sensitivity 64.41, specificity 46.56, positive likelihood ratio of 1.21, negative likelihood ratio of 0.76. Khorana score+CDS prediction model had an AUC of 0.609 (95% CI 0.545-0.670, p=0.008), sensitivity 70.69, specificity 50.53, positive likelihood ratio of 1.25, negative likelihood ratio of 0.67. Discrimination increased significantly with TiC (AUC: 0.70; 95% CI 0.636 - 0.753, p<0.0001), sensitivity 79.31, specificity 55.44, positive likelihood ratio of 1.78, negative likelihood ratio of 0.37. The discrimination with TiC was significantly higher than with the other two predictive models (p<0.05)., Conclusions: We conclude that TiC predicts chemotherapy-associated VTE risk significantly better than Khorana score with CDS., (© 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Adolescents are sensitive to the anxiolytic effect of ethanol, and evidence suggests that they may be more sensitive to stress than adults. Relatively little is known, however, about age-related differences in stress modulation of ethanol drinking or stress modulation of ethanol-induced sedation and hypnosis. We observed that chronic restraint stress transiently exacerbated free-choice ethanol drinking in adolescent, but not in adult, rats. Restraint stress altered exploration patterns of a light-dark box apparatus in adolescents and adults. Stressed animals spent significantly more time in the white area of the maze and made significantly more transfers between compartments than their non-stressed peers. Behavioral response to acute stress, on the other hand, was modulated by prior restraint stress only in adults. Adolescents, unlike adults, exhibited ethanol-induced motor stimulation in an open field. Stress increased the duration of loss of the righting reflex after a high ethanol dose, yet this effect was similar at both ages. Ethanol-induced sleep time was much higher in adult than in adolescent rats, yet stress diminished ethanol-induced sleep time only in adults. The study indicates age-related differences that may increase the risk for initiation and escalation in alcohol drinking., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus stores calcium ions, easily mobilizable after molting, for calcifying parts of the new exoskeleton. They are chiefly stored as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) during each premolt in a pair of gastroliths synthesized in the stomach wall. How calcium carbonate is stabilized in the amorphous state in such a biocomposite remains speculative. The knowledge of the microstructure at the nanometer level obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Raman and X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy gave relevant information on the elaboration of such an ACC-stabilized biomineral. We observed nanogranules distributed along chitin-protein fibers and the aggregation of granules in thin layers. AFM confirmed the nanolevel structure, showing granules probably surrounded by an organic layer and also revealing a second level of aggregation as described for other crystalline biominerals. Raman analyses showed the presence of ACC, amorphous calcium phosphate, and calcite. Elemental analyses confirmed the presence of elements like Fe, Na, Mg, P, and S. P and S are heterogeneously distributed. P is present in both the mineral and organic phases of gastroliths. S seems present as sulfate (probably as sulfated sugars), sulfonate, sulfite, and sulfoxide groups and, in a lesser extent, as sulfur-containing amino acids.

Background: Preeclampsia affects up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide and is one of the main causes of fetal morbidity and mortality. Although it has been linked to developmental delay, its long-term effects on neurologic development in children have yet to be sufficiently quantified., Objectives: To evaluate whether preeclampsia's severity and its obstetric management correlate to the degree of disability in these infants., Materials and Method: This is an observational and descriptive study performed on a population of 96 women who were diagnosed with preeclampsia at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón between 2007 and 2014, and their 111 children. To evaluate the mother, we gathered data pertaining to her medical history, renal function markers, and medical management of the preeclampsia. To assess the children, we collected fetal growth measurements, acute fetal distress markers and main diagnoses at birth. We used the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory in its computerized adaptive test version (PEDI-CAT) to study performance in the relevant areas, and the TNO-AZL Preschool children Quality of Life (TAPQOL) to estimate health-related quality of life., Results: PEDI-CAT percentiles were consistently lower in the social/cognitive domain than in other areas. Lower social/cognitive percentiles were associated to both lower maternal IgG levels and presence of necrotizing enterocolitis during the neonatal period., Conclusions: A connection between preeclampsia and poor social/cognitive outcomes exists that warrants further research.

The performance of two light-emitting diode traps with white and black light for capturing phlebotomine sand flies, developed by the Argentinean Leishmaniasis Research Network (REDILA-WL and REDILA-BL traps), were compared with the traditional CDC incandescent light trap. Entomological data were obtained from six sand fly surveys conducted in Argentina in different environments. Data analyses were conducted for the presence and the abundance of Lutzomyia longipalpis, Migonemyia migonei, and Nyssomyia whitmani (106 sites). No differences were found in presence/absence among the three types of traps for all sand fly species (p>0.05). The collection mean of Lu. longipalpis from the REDILA-BL didn´t differ from the CDC trap means, nor were differences seen between the REDILA-WL and the CDC trap collection means (p>0.05), but collections were larger from the REDILA-BL trap compared to the REDILA-WL trap (p<0.05). For Mg. migonei and Ny. whitmani, no differences were found among the three types of traps in the number of individuals captured (p>0.05). These results suggest that both REDILA traps could be used as an alternative capture tool to the original CDC trap for surveillance of these species, and that the REDILA-BL will also allow a comparable estimation of the abundance of these flies to the CDC light trap captures. In addition, the REDILA-BL has better performance than the REDILA-WL, at least for Lu. longipalpis., (© 2015 The Society for Vector Ecology.)

Janus particles present an important class of building blocks for directional assembly. These are compartmentalized colloids with two different hemispheres. In this work we consider a three-dimensional model of Janus spheres that contain one hydrophobic and one charged hemisphere. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the morphology of these particles when confined in a channel-like environment. The interplay between the attractive and repulsive forces on each particle gives rise to a rich phase space where the relative orientation of each particle plays a dominant role in the formation of large-scale clusters. The interest in this system is primarily due to the fact that it could give a better understanding of the mechanisms of the formation of polar membranes. A variety of ordered membranelike morphologies is found consisting of single and multiple connected chain configurations. The helicity of these chains can be chosen by simply changing the salt concentration of the solution. Special attention is given to the formation of Bernal spirals. These helices are composed of regular tetrahedra and are known to exhibit nontrivial translational and rotational symmetry.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling plays an important role in the fetal development of cardiovascular organs and in the repair mechanisms of the heart. Hence, inhibitors of the TGF-β signaling pathway require a careful identification of a safe therapeutic window and a comprehensive monitoring of the cardiovascular system. Seventy-nine cancer patients (67 glioma and 12 solid tumor) enrolled in a first-in-human dose study and received the TGF-β inhibitor LY2157299 monohydrate (LY2157299) as monotherapy (n = 53) or in combination with lomustine (n = 26). All patients were monitored using 2D echocardiography/color and Spectral Doppler (2D Echo with Doppler) every 2 months, monthly electrocardiograms, thorax computer tomography scans every 6 months, and monthly serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin I, cystatin C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Administration of LY2157299 was not associated with medically relevant cardiovascular toxicities, including patients treated ≥6 months (n = 13). There were no increases of troponin I, BNP, or hs-CRP or reduction in cystatin C levels, which may have been considered as signs of cardiovascular injury. Blood pressure was generally stable during treatment. Imaging with echocardiography/Doppler showed an increase in mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation by two grades of severity in only one patient with no concurrent clinical symptoms of cardiovascular injury. Overall, this comprehensive cardiovascular monitoring for the TGF-β inhibitor LY2157299 did not detect medically relevant cardiac toxicity and hence supports the evaluation of LY2157299 in future clinical trials.

Comparative analyzes of biomineralization models have being crucial for the understanding of the functional properties of biominerals and the elucidation of the processes through which biomacromolecules control the synthesis and structural organization of inorganic mineral-based biomaterials. Among calcium carbonate-containing bioceramics, egg, mollusk and echinoderm shells, and crustacean carapaces, have being fairly well characterized. However, Thoraceca barnacles, although being crustacea, showing molting cycle, build a quite stable and heavily mineralized shell that completely surround the animal, which is for life firmly cemented to the substratum. This makes barnacles an interesting model for studying processes of biomineralization. Here we studied the main microstructural and ultrastructural features of Austromegabalanus psittacus barnacle shell, characterize the occurrence of specific proteoglycans (keratan-, dermatan- and chondroitin-6-sulfate proteoglycans) in different soluble and insoluble organic fractions extracted from the shell, and tested them for their ability to crystallize calcium carbonate in vitro. Our results indicate that, in the barnacle model, proteoglycans are good candidates for the modification of the calcite crystal morphology, although the cooperative effect of some additional proteins in the shell could not be excluded., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Trypanosoma cruzi calreticulin (TcCRT), a 47-kDa chaperone, translocates from the endoplasmic reticulum to the area of flagellum emergence. There, it binds to complement components C1 and mannan-binding lectin (MBL), thus acting as a main virulence factor, and inhibits the classical and lectin pathways. The localization and functions of TcCRT, once the parasite is inside the host cell, are unknown. In parasites infecting murine macrophages, polyclonal anti-TcCRT antibodies detected TcCRT mainly in the parasite nucleus and kinetoplast. However, with a monoclonal antibody (E2G7), the resolution and specificity of the label markedly improved, and TcCRT was detected mainly in the parasite kinetoplast. Gold particles, bound to the respective antibodies, were used as probes in electron microscopy. This organelle may represent a stopover and accumulation site for TcCRT, previous its translocation to the area of flagellum emergence. Finally, early during T. cruzi infection and by unknown mechanisms, an important decrease in the number of MHC-I positive host cells was observed., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)

The antifungal susceptibilities of 40 clinical and environmental isolates of A. terreus sensu stricto to amphotericin B, terbinafine, itraconazole, and voriconazole were determined in accordance with CLSI document M38-A2. All isolates had itraconazole and voriconazole MICs lower than epidemiologic cutoff values, and 5% of the isolates had amphotericin B MICs higher than epidemiologic cutoff values. Terbinafine showed the lowest MICs. No significant differences were found when MICs of clinical and environmental isolates were compared., (Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.)

The nasal region of the skull has undergone dramatic changes during the course of cetacean evolution. In particular, mysticetes (baleen whales) conserve the nasal mammalian pattern associated with the secondary function of olfaction, and lack the sound-producing specializations present in odontocetes (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises). To improve our understanding of the morphology of the nasal region of mysticetes, we investigate the nasal anatomy, osteology and myology of the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, and make comparisons with other mysticetes. In E. australis external deflection surfaces around the blowholes appear to divert water off the head, and differ in appearance from those observed in balaenopterids, eschrichtiids and cetotherids. In E. australis the blowholes are placed above hypertrophied nasal soft tissues formed by fat and nasal muscles, a pattern also observed in balaenopterids (rorqual mysticetes) and a cetotherid (pygmy right whale, Caperea marginata). Blowhole movements are due to the action of five nasofacial muscles: dilator naris superficialis, dilator naris profundus, depressor alae nasi, constrictor naris, and retractor alae nasi. The dilator naris profundus found in E. australis has not been previously reported in balaenopterids. The other nasofacial muscles have a similar arrangement in balaenopterids, with minor differences. A novel structure, not reported previously in any mysticete, is the presence of a vascular tissue (rete mirabile) covering the lower nasal passage. This vascular tissue could play a role in warming inspired air, or may engorge to accommodate loss of respiratory space volume due to gas compression from increased pressure during diving., (© 2014 Anatomical Society.)

A hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the presence of extracellular amyloid deposits in the islets of Langerhans. These deposits are formed by the human islet amyloid polypeptide, hIAPP (or amylin), which is a hormone costored and cosecreted with insulin. Under normal conditions, the hormone remains in solution but, in the pancreas of T2DM individuals, it undergoes misfolding giving rise to oligomers and cross-β amyloid fibrils. Accumulating evidence suggests that the amyloid deposits that accompany type 2 diabetes mellitus are not just a trivial epiphenomenon derived from the disease progression. Rather, hIAPP aggregation induces processes that impair the functionality and viability of β-cells and may lead to apoptosis. The present review article aims to summarize a few aspects of the current knowledge of this amyloidogenic polypeptide. In the first place, the physicochemical properties which condition its propensity to misfold and form aggregates. Secondly, how these properties confer hIAPP the capacity to interfere with some signaling of the pancreatic β-cell, interact with membranes, form channels or affect natural ion channels, including calcium channels. Finally, how misfolded hIAPP cytotoxicity results in apoptosis. A number of pathophysiological changes of the T2DM islet can be related to the amyloidogenic properties of hIAPP. However, in a certain way, the in vivo aggregation of the polypeptide also reflects a failure of chaperones and, in general, of cellular proteostasis, supporting the view that T2DM may also be considered as a conformational disorder., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We studied the in vitro activity of fluconazole (FCZ), ketoconazole (KTZ), miconazole (MCZ), voriconazole (VCZ), itraconazole (ITZ) and amphotericin B (AMB) against the three major pathogenic Malassezia species, M. globosa, M. sympodialis, and M. furfur. Antifungal susceptibilities were determined using the broth microdilution method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute reference document M27-A3. To support lipid-dependent yeast development, glucose, peptone, ox bile, malt extract, glycerol, and Tween supplements were added to Roswell Park Memorial Institute RPMI 1640 medium. The supplemented medium allowed good growth of all three species studied. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were recorded after 72 h of incubation at 32ºC. The three species showed different susceptibility profiles for the drugs tested. Malassezia sympodialis was the most susceptible and M. furfur the least susceptible species. KTZ, ITZ, and VCZ were the most active drugs, showing low variability among isolates of the same species. FCZ, MCZ, and AMB showed high MICs and wide MIC ranges. Differences observed emphasize the need to accurately identify and evaluate antifungal susceptibility of Malassezia species. Further investigations and collaborative studies are essential for correlating in vitro results with clinical outcomes since the existing limited data do not allow definitive conclusions., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

This study aimed to analyse changes in the spatial distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis in Posadas, an urban area located in northeastern Argentina. Data were obtained during the summer of 2007 and 2009 through two entomological surveys of peridomiciles distributed around the city. The abundance distribution pattern for 2009 was computed and compared with the previous pattern obtained in 2007, when the first human visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported in the city. Vector abundance was also examined in relation to micro and macrohabitat characteristics. In 2007 and 2009, Lu. longipalpis was distributed among 41.5% and 31% of the households in the study area, respectively. In both years, the abundance rates at most of the trapping sites were below 30 Lu. longipalpis per trap per night; however, for areas exhibiting 30-60 Lu. longipalpis and more than 60 Lu. longipalpis, the areas increased in both size and number from 2007-2009. Lu. longipalpis was more abundant in areas with a higher tree and bush cover (a macrohabitat characteristic) and in peridomiciles with accumulated unused material (a microhabitat characteristic). These results will help to prioritise and focus control efforts by defining which peridomiciles display a potentially high abundance of Lu. longipalpis.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent progenitor cells localized in the stromal compartment of the bone marrow (BM). The potential of MSC for mesenchymal differentiation has been well documented in different animal models predominantly on rodents. However, information regarding bovine MSC (bMSC) is limited, and the differentiation potential of bMSC derived from fetal BM remains unknown. In the present study we sought to isolate bMSC from abattoir-derived fetal BM and to characterize the multipotent and differentiation potential under osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic conditions by quantitative and qualitative analyses., Results: Plastic-adherent bMSC isolated from fetal BM maintained a fibroblast-like morphology under monolayer culture conditions. These cells expressed high levels of MSC surface markers (CD73, CD90, and CD105) and low levels of hematopoietic surface markers (CD34 and CD45). Culture of bMSC under osteogenic conditions during a 27-day period induced up-regulation of the osteocalcin (OC) gene expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) activity, and promoted mineralization of the matrix. Increasing supplementation levels of ascorbic acid to culture media enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bMSC; whereas, reduction of FBS supplementation compromised osteogenesis. bMSC increased expression of cartilage-specific genes aggrecan (ACAN), collagen 2A1 (COL2A1) and SRY (sex-determining region Y) box 9 (SOX9) at Day 21 of chondrogenic differentiation. Treatment of bMSC with adipogenic factors increased levels of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (AP2) mRNA and accumulation of lipid vacuoles after 18 days of culture. NANOG mRNA levels in differentiating bMSC were not affected during adipogenic culture; however, osteogenic and chondrogenic conditions induced higher and lower levels, respectively., Conclusions: Our analyses revealed the potential multilineage differentiation of bMSC isolated from abattoir-derived fetal BM. NANOG mRNA pattern in differentiating bMSC varied according to differentiation culture conditions. The osteogenic differentiation of bMSC was affected by ascorbic acid and FBS concentrations in culture media. The simplicity of isolation and the differentiation potential suggest that bMSC from abattoir-derived fetal BM are appropriate candidate for investigating MSC biology and for eventual applications for regenerative therapy.

The incidence of onychomycosis due to non-dermatophyte moulds (NDM) is increasing. Aspergillus terreus is relatively undocumented as an agent of this fungal infection. The aim of this work is to show the prevalence of onychomycosis caused by A. terreus and to describe its clinical features. Nail samples were collected for microscopic examination and culturing in selective media. All cases of onychomycosis due to NDM were confirmed by a second sample. Aspergillus terreus isolates were identified through their morphological characteristics and using molecular methods. A total of 2485 samples were obtained. Positive cultures were obtained in 1639 samples. From 124 NDM confirmed cultures, 23 were identified as A. terreus (18.5%). Superficial white onychomycosis was the most frequent clinical pattern. A high percentage was found in fingernails. The prevalence of A. terreus in this study considerably exceeded the percentages reported by other authors. Onychomycosis due to A. terreus presents similar clinical patterns to those caused by dermatophytes, but is difficult to eradicate and is associated with less predictable treatment outcomes. Better knowledge of the aetiology of A. terreus may be important for accomplishing more accurate and effective treatment., (© 2013 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

We describe irregularly calcified egg and eggshell morphologies for the first time in nests of the broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris. Research is based on detailed descriptions of 270 eggs from a total sample of 46,800 collected between 2005 and 2011 in Santa Fe Province, Argentina, and encompasses animals from both natural habitats and held in captivity. We discuss possible reasons for the occurrence of eggs with different mineralisation patterns in our extensive C. latirostris field sample and its conservation significance; the chemistry of egg laying in amniotes is sensitive to environmental contamination which, in turn, has biological implications. Based on our egg sample, we identify two caiman eggshell abnormalities: (1) regularly calcified eggs with either calcitic nodules or superficial wrinkles at one egg end and (2) irregularly calcified eggs with structural gaps that weaken the shell. Some recently laid clutches we examined included eggs with most of the shell broken and detached from the flexible membrane. Most type 1 regularly calcified eggs lost their initial calcified nodules during incubation, suggesting that these deposits do not affect embryo survival rates. In contrast, irregularly calcified caiman eggs have a mean hatching success rate of 8.9% (range 0-38%) across our sample compared to a mean normal success of 75%. Most irregularly calcified caiman eggs probably die because of infections caused by fungi and bacteria in the organic nest material, although another possible explanation that merits further investigation could be an increase in permeability, leading to embryo dehydration.

We report the first evidence for a nesting colony of mesozoic birds on Gondwana: a fossil accumulation in Late Cretaceous rocks mapped and collected from within the campus of the National University of Comahue, Neuquén City, Patagonia (Argentina). Here, Cretaceous ornithothoracine birds, almost certainly Enanthiornithes, nested in an arid, shallow basinal environment among sand dunes close to an ephemeral water-course. We mapped and collected 65 complete, near-complete, and broken eggs across an area of more than 55 m(2). These eggs were laid either singly, or occasionally in pairs, onto a sandy substrate. All eggs were found apparently in, or close to, their original nest site; they all occur within the same bedding plane and may represent the product of a single nesting season or a short series of nesting attempts. Although there is no evidence for nesting structures, all but one of the Comahue eggs were half-buried upright in the sand with their pointed end downwards, a position that would have exposed the pole containing the air cell and precluded egg turning. This egg position is not seen in living birds, with the exception of the basal galliform megapodes who place their eggs within mounds of vegetation or burrows. This accumulation reveals a novel nesting behaviour in Mesozoic Aves that was perhaps shared with the non-avian and phylogenetically more basal troodontid theropods.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by yeast species of Cryptococcus genus, particularly Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex. The knowledge of the cryptococcosis casuistic in northeastern Argentina is scarce and there is no information about the molecular types circulating in this area. The aim of this study was to genotyping C. neoformans/C. gattii complex clinical isolates obtained at Hospital "Dr. Julio C. Perrando", Resistencia city (Chaco, Argentina), in order to determine species, variety and molecular type. During two years and one month 26 clinical isolates were studied. Using conventional and molecular methods one isolate was identified as C. gattii VGI type, and 25 isolates as C. neoformans var. grubii; 23 of these belonged to VNI type and two belonged to VNII type. This data is a contribution to the knowledge of cryptococcosis epidemiology in Argentina and the first report about C. neoformans/ C. gattii complex molecular types from clinical isolates in northeastern Argentina.

Mourasuchus is a Miocene alligatorid endemic to South America, and is represented by four species. Together with the closely related Purussaurus, it is a peculiar crocodylian taxon of neogene Caimaninae and one of the most bizarre forms among eusuchian crocodiles. The phylogenetic relationships between Mourasuchus species have not been explored, and detailed skull descriptions are scarce. The goal of this study is to provide new data on skull morphology and cranial recesses in Mourasuchus nativus, including a new tomography analysis (3D modeling). We observed that several diagnostic characters of Purussaurus, such as lack of contact between the nasal and lacrimal, separation of the nasal and frontal by the prefrontals, and the posterior dorsal margin of the skull table, are shared with Mourasuchus. M. nativus is characterized by the presence of solid transverse squamosal eminences, large posttemporal fenestrae, and a quadrate laterocaudal bridge separating V(2) -V(3) trigeminal openings. Compared with other crocodylians, the endocast of M. nativus is similar in shape but quite sigmoid in lateral view, the canal of the supraorbital ramus of V(2) is more vertically oriented, the thick tympanic branch canal opens in a large foramen aligned with trigeminal foramen, and the canal of the vagal (X) tympanic ramus is also very wide. Contrary to extant alligatorids, the median pharyngeal recess remains paired throughout its course and only connects its opposite fellow near the external ventral opening. The knowledge of the internal skull anatomy of Mourasuchus contributes to the understanding of the general morphology of alligatorids, Caimaninae, and their variation., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of erlotinib plus capecitabine for metastatic pancreatic cancer., Patients and Methods: This was a multicenter, uncontrolled, phase II trial. Patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer received oral capecitabine at 1,000 mg/m(2) twice daily on days 1-14, of a 21-day treatment cycle; and oral erlotinib at 150 mg daily., Results: Thirty-two patients were enrolled. The overall response rate (ORR) was 6%, with a median time to treatment failure of 2.1 months. The median follow-up was 7.6 months. The median progression-free survival was 2.1 months and median overall survival was 4.3 months. The one-year survival rate was 22%. Major grade 1 and 2 non-hematological toxicities were skin rash (34%), asthenia (31%) and diarrhea (31%). Grade 3 hematological toxicity was <13%. No grade 4 toxicities were detected. None of the patients died due to treatment toxicity., Conclusion: The combination of capecitabine with erlotinib is an active regimen with a favorable safety profile for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Crustaceans have to cyclically replace their rigid exoskeleton in order to grow. Most of them harden this skeleton by a calcification process. Some decapods (land crabs, lobsters and crayfish) elaborate calcium storage structures as a reservoir of calcium ions in their stomach wall, as so-called gastroliths. For a better understanding of the cyclic elaboration of these calcium deposits, we studied the ultrastructure of gastroliths from freshwater crayfish by using a combination of microscopic and physical techniques. Because sugars are also molecules putatively involved in the elaboration process of these biomineralizations, we also determined their carbohydrate composition. This study was performed in a comparative perspective on crayfish species belonging to the infra-order Astacidea (Decapoda, Malacostraca): three species from the Astacoidea superfamily and one species from the Parastacoidea superfamily. We observed that all the gastroliths exhibit a similar dense network of protein-chitin fibers, from macro- to nanoscale, within which calcium is precipitated as amorphous calcium carbonate. Nevertheless, they are not very similar at the molecular level, notably as regards their carbohydrate composition. Besides glucosamine, the basic carbohydrate component of chitin, we evidenced the presence of other sugars, some of which are species-specific like rhamnose and galacturonic acid whereas xylose and mannose could be linked to proteoglycan components.

The distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis is heterogeneous with a pattern of high abundance areas (HAAs) embedded in a matrix of low abundance areas (LAAs). The objective of this study was to describe the variability in the abundance of Lu. longipalpis at two different spatial levels and to analyse the relationship between the abundance and multiple environmental variables. Of the environmental variables analysed in each household, the condition that best explained the differences in vector abundance between HAA-LAA was the variable "land&#95;grass", with greater average values in the peridomestic environments within the LAA, and the variables "#sp tree", "#pots" and "dist&#95;water" that were higher in the HAA. Of the environmental variables analysed in the patches, the variable "unpaved&#95;streets" was higher in the LAAs and the variable "prop&#95;inf&#95;dogs" was higher in the HAAs. An understanding of the main environmental variables that influence the vector distribution could contribute to the development of strategies for the prevention and control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This is the first work in which environmental variables are analysed at the micro-scale in urban areas at the southern edge of the current range of Lu. longipalpis. Our results represent a significant contribution to the understanding of the abundance of the vector in the peridomestic habitats of the region.

The adhesive properties of gastroliths from a freshwater crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) were quantified by colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) between heavily demineralized gastrolith microparticles and gastrolith substrates of different composition. Combined AFM and transmission electron microscopy studies demonstrated that the sequential detachment and large adhesion energies that characterise the adhesive behaviour of a native gastrolith substrate are dominated by sacrificial bonds between chitin fibres and between chitin fibres and CaCO(3). The sacrificial bonds were shown to be strongly related to the gastrolith proteins and when the majority of these proteins were removed by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), the sequential detachment disappeared and the adhesive energy was reduced by more than two orders of magnitude.

The use of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules from tissues is an interesting way to induce specific responses of cells grown onto composite scaffolds to promote adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. There have been several studies on the effects on cell proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells cultured onto composites, either adding some ECM molecules or grown in the presence of growth factors. Other studies involve the use of osteoblasts cultured on a three-dimensional (3D) matrix, enriched with ECM molecules produced by the same cells grown previously inside the composite. Here, the effect of enrichment of a novel multilayered chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite with ECM molecules produced by osteoblasts, or the addition of 25 or 50 µg/ml fibronectin to the composite, on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts cultured on these composites was studied. The results showed an increase in the number of osteoblasts from day 1 of culture, which was higher in the group grown onto composites enriched with the highest concentration of fibronectin or with ECM molecules produced naturally by osteoblasts cultured previously on them, when compared with the control group. However, this increment tended to decline in all groups after day 7 of culture, the day when they reached the highest peak of proliferation. Differentiation expressed as alkaline phosphatase activity followed the proliferation pattern of the cells cultivated on the scaffolds. The results demonstrate the potential offered by these enriched 3D multilayered composites for improving their ability as bone grafting material., (Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Phlebotominae sand flies have been involved as vectors of Leishmania. In Argentina, Nyssomyia neivai and Nyssomyia whitmani are involved as the main vectors of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL). In the northeastern border of the country, an outbreak of ATL during 2004-2005 was associated with deforestation and subsequent settlement of farmers close to the edge of the forest. The aim of this work was to study the community composition of sand flies along time in farms located near primary and secondary forest in two environments: houses and pigsties. The association of abundance with temperature and precipitation was also evaluated for the most prevalent species. A total of 23,659 Phlebotominae belonging to the genera Nyssomyia, Migonemyia, Pintomyia, Evandromyia, Micropygomyia, Sciopemyia, Dampfomyia, Psathyromyia and Brumptomyia were captured. Ny. whitmani, which was the most abundant species, and Migonemyia migonei, which was the second most abundant species, were present throughout the year. Both species were positively associated with temperature, mostly up to 31-47 days, and with precipitation at 31 days before the sampling day. The abundance was higher in pigsties than in houses, but the time pattern was positively associated between both environments. These results confirm that Ny. whitmani is the dominant species in the study area and its presence throughout the year indicates a potential long period of ATL transmission. The presence of Mg. migonei as the second species in abundance is relevant, because it has been described as a secondary vector of the parasites of ATL and a putative vector of the agent of American Visceral Leishmaniasis. We discuss the role of the pigsty as the environment that attract more sandflies, taking into account the number of sand flies captured there, the distance from the home, and the association of sand fly abundance with each of the two environments., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

During the Mesozoic, one of the most significant evolutionary processes was the secondary adaptation of tetrapods to life in water. Several non-related lineages invaded from the terrestrial realms and from the oceans of the entire world. Among these lineages, ichthyosaurs were particularly successful. Advance parvipelvian ichthyosaurs were the first tetrapods to evolve a fish-shaped body profile. The deep skeletal modifications of their bodies, as well as their biology, depict advance ichthyosaurs as the paradigm of secondary adaptation of reptiles to marine life. Functional inferences point to them as off-shore cruising forms, similar to a living tuna, and some of them were capable of deep diving. Bone histology of some genera such as Temnodontosaurus, Stenopterygius, Ichthyosaurus, and Caypullisaurus, characterized by overall cancellous bone, is consistent with the idea of a fish-shaped ichthyosaurs as fast and far cruisers. Here, we provide histological examination of the ribs of the Middle Jurassic parvipelvian Mollesaurus. Contrasting with the bone histology of other parvipelvian, Mollesaurus ribs are characterized by a compact and thick cortex. Our data indicate that the rib cage was heavy and suggest that not all advanced ichthyosaurs were fast cruisers. The compact and dense ribs in these parvipelvian show that advance ichthyosaurs were ecologically more diverse than previously thought and that the lightening of the skeleton reversed, as also occurred in the evolution of cetacean, at least once along the evolutionary history of ichthyosaurs.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the anatomy and optics of the visual system of cetaceans. However, much of the new information has been focused on odontocetes, and relatively little is known about the visual anatomy of baleen whales. The aim of this study was describe the eye anatomy of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis). Eye samples were collected from 26 calves, four adults with known body length, as well as two specimens of unknown body length that had stranded near their nursery ground at Península Valdés, Argentina, over 6 years. We provide anatomical descriptions of the eyeball and extraocular structures, as well as quantitative data in the form of eyeball, corneal, scleral, and lens measurements. To explore the sensitivity of the eye to light, the f-number was estimated in one specimen. We found that the eyes of the calves differed from those of the adults in having less periorbital fat surrounding the eyeball. We also observed variations in the abundance of periorbital fat among the adult specimens. The regression analysis revealed a correlation between body length and eyeball size. By contrast, the dimensions of the cornea were only weakly correlated with body length. The estimated f-number suggests that the optical sensitivity of the Eubalaena australis eye is relatively low. However, caution had to be taken in interpreting f-number as a proxy of eye sensitivity because it depends on the lens size, which can be affected by the fixation methods used., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The spatial-temporal analysis of the abundance of insects, vectors of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), was performed in Argentina using spatial-temporal increasing scales. In the microscale (microfocal), the effect of the primary vegetation-crop interface in vector abundance was observed, and also how the shelters, food sources, and other environmental characteristics contribute to habitat microheterogeneity and so to a microheterogeneous vector distribution. In the mesoscale (locality or epidemic focus), the results from different foci of TL (rural and periurban) and VL (urban) suggested a metapopulation structure determined partially by quantifiable habitat variables that could explain the increase of risk associated to an increase of vector-human contact due to climatic or anthropogenic changes. In the macroscale (regional), captures of vectors and records of human cases allowed the construction of risk maps and predictive models of vector distribution. In conclusion, in order to obtain valid results transferrable to control programs from spatial studies, special attention should be paid in order to assure the consistency between the spatial scales of the hypotheses, data, and analytical tools of each experimental or descriptive design.

Background: Dakosaurus and Plesiosuchus are characteristic genera of aquatic, large-bodied, macrophagous metriorhynchid crocodylomorphs. Recent studies show that these genera were apex predators in marine ecosystems during the latter part of the Late Jurassic, with robust skulls and strong bite forces optimized for feeding on large prey., Methodology/principal Findings: Here we present comprehensive osteological descriptions and systematic revisions of the type species of both genera, and in doing so we resurrect the genus Plesiosuchus for the species Dakosaurus manselii. Both species are diagnosed with numerous autapomorphies. Dakosaurus maximus has premaxillary 'lateral plates'; strongly ornamented maxillae; macroziphodont dentition; tightly fitting tooth-to-tooth occlusion; and extensive macrowear on the mesial and distal margins. Plesiosuchus manselii is distinct in having: non-amblygnathous rostrum; long mandibular symphysis; microziphodont teeth; tooth-crown apices that lack spalled surfaces or breaks; and no evidence for occlusal wear facets. Our phylogenetic analysis finds Dakosaurus maximus to be the sister taxon of the South American Dakosaurus andiniensis, and Plesiosuchus manselii in a polytomy at the base of Geosaurini (the subclade of macrophagous metriorhynchids that includes Dakosaurus, Geosaurus and Torvoneustes)., Conclusions/significance: The sympatry of Dakosaurus and Plesiosuchus is curiously similar to North Atlantic killer whales, which have one larger 'type' that lacks tooth-crown breakage being sympatric with a smaller 'type' that has extensive crown breakage. Assuming this morphofunctional complex is indicative of diet, then Plesiosuchus would be a specialist feeding on other marine reptiles while Dakosaurus would be a generalist and possible suction-feeder. This hypothesis is supported by Plesiosuchus manselii having a very large optimum gape (gape at which multiple teeth come into contact with a prey-item), while Dakosaurus maximus possesses craniomandibular characteristics observed in extant suction-feeding odontocetes: shortened tooth-row, amblygnathous rostrum and a very short mandibular symphysis. We hypothesise that trophic specialisation enabled these two large-bodied species to coexist in the same ecosystem.

Vector-borne diseases closely associated with the environment, such as leishmaniases, have been a usual argument about the deleterious impact of climate change on public health. From the biological point of view interaction of different variables has different and even conflicting effects on the survival of vectors and the probability transmission of pathogens. The results on ecoepidemiology of leishmaniasis in Argentina related to climate variables at different scales of space and time are presented. These studies showed that the changes in transmission due to change or increase in frequency and intensity of climatic instability were expressed through changes in the probability of vector-human reservoir effective contacts. These changes of contact in turn are modulated by both direct effects on the biology and ecology of the organisms involved, as by perceptions and changes in the behavior of the human communities at risk. Therefore, from the perspective of public health and state policy, and taking into account the current nonlinear increased velocity of climate change, we concluded that discussing the uncertainties of large-scale models will have lower impact than to develop-validate mitigation strategies to be operative at local level, and compatibles with sustainable development, conservation biodiversity, and respect for cultural diversity.

Background: The Middle Jurassic was a critical time in the evolutionary history of ichthyosaurs. During this time interval, the diverse, well-studied faunas of the Lower Jurassic were entirely replaced by ophthalmosaurids, a new group that arose sometime prior to the Aalenian-Bajocian boundary and by the latest middle Jurassic comprised the only surviving group of ichthyosaurs. Thus, the Middle Jurassic Aalenian-Bathonian interval (176-165 million years ago) comprises the time frame during which ophthalmosaurids not only originated but also achieved taxonomic dominance. However, diagnostic ichthyosaur remains have been described previously from only a single locality from this interval, from the Bajocian of Argentina., Methodology/principal Findings: In this paper, we describe a new species of ichthyosaur based on a partial articulated specimen from the Middle Jurassic of southwestern Germany. This specimen was recovered from the Opalinuston Formation (early Aalenian) and is referable to Stenopterygius aaleniensis sp. nov. reflecting features of the skull and forefin. The genus Stenopterygius is diverse and abundant in the Lower Jurassic of Europe, but its presence has not previously been confirmed in younger (Middle Jurassic) rocks from the northern hemisphere., Conclusions/significance: This specimen represents the only diagnostic ichthyosaur remains reported from the Aalenian. It bears numerous similarities in size and in morphology to the Lower Jurassic species of the genus Stenopterygius and provides additional evidence that the major ecological changes hypothesized to have occurred at the end of the Toarcian took place sometime after this point and most likely did not occur suddenly. There is currently no evidence for the presence of ophthalmosaurids in the northern hemisphere during the Aalenian-Bathonian interval.