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Background and aims: Zephyranthes mesochloa, is a bulbous species with white flowers that inhabits the subtropical region of South America and presents different chromosome numbers. The aim of this work is to carry out the chromosome analysis of Z. mesochloa from northern Argentina, to contribute to the cytogenetic knowledge of the genus. M&M: Ploidy levels and somatic chromosome numbers were determined in individuals from 8 populations in northern Argentina using conventional staining. In addition, meiotic preparations with acetic carmine were performed on individuals from one population. Results: Seventy-five percent of the populations were diploid, with 2n = 2x = 12 and presented a karyotypic formula of 4m + 4sm + 4st. In two of the diploid populations, individuals with 2n = 13 were observed, with the presence of an additional metacentric chromosome, possibly a B chromosome. Microsporogenesis analysis, in diakinesis and metaphase I, of aneuploid cytotype (2n = 13), showed six bivalents and one univalent in all pollen mother cells analyzed. The remaining populations (25%) were tetraploids with 2n = 4x = 24 and karyotypic formula 8m + 8sm + 8st. Geographically, the distribution of cytotypes in Z. mesochloa is discontinuous. Conclusions: The duplicate karyotype formula in tetraploids regarding its con-specific diploids may indicate the origin of an autopolyploid cytotype. The available data allows us to consider the group of cytotypes as part of a polyploid complex with a basic number of x = 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for disease prevention. Argentina initiated the transition from child vaccination to family vaccination through the incorporation of an adult schedule. One of the difficulties with this last group is to assess the percentage of use (PU) of the vaccines. With the aim of determining the PU of adult vaccines in Argentina, a vaccination module was included in the National Survey of Risk Factors carried out in 2013 by the National Ministry of Health. The sampling had a stratified multistage design. A total of 32 365 people = 18 year-old were surveyed about the use of four vaccines included in the National Vaccination Calendar: hepatitis B, tetanus, influenza, and pneumococcus. The entire population was surveyed for tetanus and hepatitis B while certain groups at risk were evaluated for influenza and pneumococcus, according to current recommendations. PU varied according to the vaccine analyzed: tetanus 49.8%, hepatitis B 21.7%, influenza 51.6% and pneumococcus 16.2%. The main information sources on adult vaccination were media (television, internet, etc.) followed by health personnel (70.8% and 27.9%, respectively). The survey is a suitable tool to assess the use of vaccines by adults, identify low coverage populations, and to plan and implement strategies to improve coverage.

Introduction: Pertussis is a challenge for public health., Objectives: To describe pertussis-related morbidity and mortality and immunization coverage for the 2002-2011 period, profile of cases for 2011, and control strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Argentina., Methods: Descriptive, epidemiological surveillance study. Morbidity data were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, while mortality data were obtained from the MoH's Health Statistics and Information Department and official jurisdictional reports. Administrative immunization coverage was used based on the data provided by the MoH's jurisdictions. The Epi Info software, version 7.1.2, was used for analysis., Results: The number of reported cases of pertussis increased between 2002 and 2011, reaching its peak in 2011: an incidence of 16 x 100 000 inhabitants, and 76 deaths. Most deaths occurred in infants younger than 1 year old. Immunization coverage achieved at a national level with the third dose and the dose administered at the time of starting primary education was >90%, while the coverage achieved with the first booster dose was 80%-90%. In 2011, 2821 confirmed cases were reported (incidence of 7 x 100 000 inhabitants): 84% in infants <1 year old; 76 deaths: 97% in infants <1 year old (60.5% in infants <2 months old). Among the strategies that were deployed, a total of 906 clinical nodes and 405 laboratory nodes were consolidated; the use of the polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic method and the differential classification of cases were implemented, and additional vaccine doses were administered., Conclusions: The number of pertussis cases increased between 2002 and 2011; the highest morbidity and mortality occurred in infants younger than 1 year old; immunization coverage reached 80%-90%. . The highest number of pertussis-related deaths was recorded in 2011. The MoH strengthened the epidemiological surveillance and set guidelines for control measures.