Integrando los datos. Las prácticas de las personas a través de las evidencias lítica, antracológica y zooarqueológica recuperadas en el Sector B del sitio ADR (Córdoba, Argentina)

This paper presents the integration of lithic technology, anthracological and zooarchaeological analyzes in sector B of the site Alero Deodoro Roca, located in the Sierras Pampeanas Australes, Córdoba, Argentina. It aims to compare the assemblages recovered in ADR to infer about the practices that connected people to these materials during the ca. 2970 years AP. Statistical tools were used to analyze the ubiquity, taxonomic richness and spatial distribution of material culture in the excavated sectors. Our results allow us to infer about general strategies of gathering and use of firewood, a hunting practice focused in guanacos and the presence of lithic material associated with the hunting and processing of other materials (like bones and woods). The quantitative integration of these lines of evidence together with the analysis of intrasite spatial distribution allows us to have a more complete view of the possible activities carried out in the ADR at a particular moment.En esta contribución se presenta la integración de resultados a partir análisis de la tecnología lítica, antracología y zooarqueología en el sector B del sitio Alero Deodoro Roca, localizado en las Sierras Pampeanas Australes, Córdoba, Argentina. Se tiene por objetivo comparar, los registros recuperados en ADR para profundizar en la discusión acerca de las prácticas que conectaban las personas a estas materialidades durante el período de ca. 2970 años AP. Se utilizaron herramientas estadísticas para analizar la ubicuidad, la riqueza taxonómica y la distribución espacial de la cultura material en los sectores excavados. Nuestros resultados nos permiten inferir sobre estrategias generalistas de recolección y uso de leñas, así como de una práctica especializada en la cacería de guanacos y la presencia de material lítico asociado a la cacería y procesamiento de otros materiales (como huesos y maderas). La integración cuantitativa de estas líneas de evidencia conjuntamente con los análisis de distribución espacial intrasitio nos permite tener una visión más completa de las posibles actividades llevadas a cabo en el ADR en un momento particular del tiempo

Modo de habitar cazador recolector en el valle de Ongamira (ca. 4500-1900 AP)

The objective of this research is to deepen the knowledge of the way in which hunter-gatherer groups inhabited the Ongamira Valley during the Holocene (ca. 4500-1900 BP), based on the understanding of the way in which they organized the technological activities linked to the lithic instruments produced by knapping. To this end, surveys, collections and excavations were carried out that allowed the identification of 21 archaeological sites in the mountain area that delimits the valley. The taphonomic, techno-morpho-functional and non-typological analysis of the lithic assemblages contributed to understanding the organization and distribution of technological activities. And the use of spatial analysis tools to correlate the distribution of technological activities in the sites with geomorphological and environmental characteristics of the study area contributed to expanding our understanding of the way in which these human groups inhabited the Ongamira Valley. It is proposed that the episodic distributions and concentrations of people in space, the redundancy of the occupation of sites, the distribution and articulation of activities in and between the sites, possibly simultaneous, were the way of articulating a network of places of identity, relational and historical, increasing the density of life in groups with low population density.El objetivo de esta investigación es profundizar el conocimiento del modo en que los grupos cazadores recolectores habitaron el valle de Ongamira durante el Holoceno (ca. 4500-1900 AP), a partir de la comprensión de la forma en que organizaron las actividades tecnológicas vinculadas al instrumental lítico producido mediante talla. A tal fin, se realizaron prospecciones, recolecciones y excavaciones que permitieron identificar 21 sitios arqueológico en el área serrana que delimita el valle. El análisis tafonómico, tecno-morfo-funcional y no tipológico de los conjuntos líticos, contribuyeron a comprender la organización y distribución de las actividades tecnológicas. Y la utilización de herramientas de análisis espacial para correlacionar la distribución de las actividades tecnológicas en los sitios, con características geomorfológicas y ambientales del área de estudio contribuyeron a ampliar nuestra comprensión del modo en que estos grupos humanos habitaron el valle de Ongamira. Se propone que las episódicas distribuciones y concentraciones de las personas en el espacio, la redundancia de la ocupación de sitios, la distribución y articulación de actividades en y entre los sitios, posiblemente simultáneas, fueron el modo de articular una red de lugares de identidad, relacionales e históricos, incrementando la densidad de la vida en grupos con escasa densidad poblacional

Three Trocars Laparoscopic Resection of Angiomyolipoma of the Liver

Angiomyolipoma of the liver (AML) is an infrequent neoplasm composed of three tissues (adipose, muscle and vessels). In spite of advances in radiology, preoperative correct diagnosis is difficult. Clasically, a conservative management strategy was adopted in patients with asymptomatic tumors less than 5 cm with undoubtful diagnosis. But after publishing some few cases of malignant angiomyolipoma a more radical has been advocated. Laparoscopic resection of liver tumors is becoming a excellent approach for operating on benign liver tumors. Usually is performed using five trocars but in some cases a less invasive technique with three trocars could be used. We present a laparoscopic resection of liver angiomyolipoma in a 65 year-old male using only three trocars and also discuss the optimal management of AML and technical tips of three-trocar technique

Estudio tafonómico comparativo de materiales líticos en sitios en alero y al aire libre en el valle de Ongamira, Córdoba, Argentina: Un aporte a la interpretación de los procesos de formación de sitios en las Sierras Pampeanas Australes

The aim of this paper is to compare the taphonomic results from several case studies of quartz archaeological lithic assemblages -from the Southern Pampean Hills in Argentina- to improve the interpretations of the archaeological record in the studied area, where this raw material is predominant. To this goal, the comparative taphonomic analysis of lithic materials from archaeological sites located in the Ongamira Valley (Córdoba, Argentina) is addressed. The region is characterized by the aridity of the Chaco mountain forest. The studied contexts correspond to three depositional environments: 1) rockshelters at the bottom of the valley where sites with dense stratigraphy are recorded (Deodoro Roca Rockshelter, sector B); 2) sedimentary areas at the bottom of streams with surface and/or subsurface open air sites (Arroyo Roca 1); 3) high altitude grassland with the presence of quartz outcrops and superficial and/or subsuperficial sites on tops and mountain slopes (La Mesa 3). The methodologies and the recognition of specific variables to analyse weathering were carried out based on the classifications proposed by Borrazzo (2004, 2006), the state of the surface of the artifacts (sensu Balirán, 2019), and the analysis of fractures (Aschero, 1975, 1983; Weitzel, 2010).Este trabajo se propone principalmente comparar resultados tafonómicos de varios casos de estudio de conjuntos líticos arqueológicos de cuarzo del área serrana del centro de Argentina para contribuir a la mejora de las interpretaciones del registro arqueológico en el área de estudio, donde esta materia prima es predominante. A tal fin, se aborda el análisis tafonómico comparativo de materiales líticos procedentes de sitios arqueológicos localizados en el valle de Ongamira (Córdoba, Argentina), una región caracterizada por la aridez del bosque chaqueño serrano. Los contextos se corresponden a tres ambientes de depositación: 1) aleros rocosos en el fondo de valle en los que se registran sitios con estratigrafía densa (Alero Deodoro Roca sector B); 2) áreas sedimentarias en el fondo de quebradas con sitios superficiales y/o someros al aire libre (Arroyo Roca 1); 3) pastizal de altura con presencia de afloramientos de cuarzo y sitios superficiales y/o someros en cimas y faldeos serranos (La Mesa 3). Las metodologías utilizadas y el reconocimiento de variables específicas para analizar el estado de meteorización se realizaron a partir de las clasificaciones propuestas por Borrazzo (2004, 2006), el estado de la superficie de los artefactos (sensu Balirán, 2019), y el análisis de las fracturas (Aschero, 1975, 1983; Weitzel, 2010).

The Role of Respiratory Viruses in Children with Ataxia-Telangiectasia

Background: The impact of respiratory virus infection in patients diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) has not been well studied. Methods: A prospective case control study was performed at a National Reference Unit for Primary Immunodeficiency in Spain (from November 2018 to July 2019), including patients younger than 20 years. Symptom questionnaires and nasopharyngeal swabs from multiple respiratory viruses' polymerase chain reaction were collected monthly, and between visits in case of symptoms. Results: Twenty-two individuals were included (11 patients; 11 controls); 164 samples were obtained (81 patients; 84 controls). Patients presented respiratory symptoms more frequently compared with controls (26.5% vs. 3.5%; p < 0.01). Viral detection was observed in 23 (27.3%) episodes in patients and in 15 (17.8%) episodes in controls (p = 0.1). Rhinovirus was the most frequent virus in patients and controls (60% and 53.3%, respectively). Episodes with positive viral detection had associated symptoms in 54% of patients and 18% of controls (p = 0.07). However, patients with A-T presented a similar rate of symptoms during episodes with positive and negative viral detection (26% vs. 27%). The median points given for each questionnaire during symptomatic episodes with negative viral detection were 13/23 points, and during symptomatic positive detection, 7.5/23 points (p = 0.1). In the control group, all but two were asymptomatic during positive viral episodes (score: 2/23 and 3/23 points). Symptomatic episodes, with either positive or negative viral detection, were associated with lower IgA and higher IgM titers and higher CD8+ counts (p < 0.05), particularly when these episodes were moderate/severe. Conclusions: Patients with A-T more frequently present symptomatic viral infections than controls, especially those with lower IgA and higher IgM titers and higher CD8+ counts.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation—Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and Fondos FEDER of the EU, Grant No. PI18CIII/00372 (Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias—Spanish Health Research Fund (ISCIII)).S

Anastomotic leak in colorectal cancer surgery: Contribution of gut microbiota and prediction approaches

Aim: To monitor prospectively the occurrence of colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) in patients with colon cancer undergoing resectional surgery, characterizing the microbiota in both faeces and mucosal biopsies of anastomosis. In a second stage, we investigated the ability to predict CAL using machine learning models based on clinical data and mi crobiota composition. Method: A total of 111 patients were included, from whom a faecal sample was obtained, as well as biopsy samples from proximal and distal sites in the healthy margins of the tu mour piece. The microorganisms present in the samples were investigated using microbial culture and 16S rDNA massive sequencing. Collagenase and protease production was determined, as well as the presence of genes responsible for expressing enzymes with these activities. Machine learning analyses were developed using clinical and microbio logical data. Results: The incidence of CAL was 9.0%, and CAL was associated with collagenase/ protease-producing Enterococcus. Significant differences were found in the microbiota composition of proximal and distal biopsy samples, but not in faecal samples, among pa tients who developed CAL. Clinical predictors of CAL were 5-day C-reactive protein and heart disease, whereas 3-day C-reactive protein and diabetes were negative predictors. Conclusion: Biopsy samples from surgical margins, rather than faecal samples, are the most appropriate samples for exploring the contribution of the intestinal microbiota to CAL. Enterococci are only enriched in the anastomosis after surgery, and their colla genases and proteases are involved in the degradation of the anastomotic scar. KEYWORDS anastomotic leakage, collagenase, colorectal cancer, Enterococcus, gut microbio

Characterization and physical properties of aluminium foam−polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposite hybrid structures

This article reports on the fabrication and characterisation of hybrid structures prepared by impregnating an open-cell aluminum foam with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or PDMS reinforced with graphene oxide, GO (PDMS nanocomposite). The effect of the PDMS and the GO on the mechanical, thermal, acoustic absorption and fire retardancy properties of the resulting hybrid structures were evaluated and compared to the individual components (PDMS, PDMS nanocomposite, open-cell aluminium foams). Results demonstrate that the use of the PDMS cured at 65 °C, as an void filler of the open-cell aluminium foams, changes mechanical and deformation performance, from a rubbery to brittle behaviour, however attaining a higher level of strength (quasi-static: ∼5 MPa; dynamic: > 15 MPa) in the resulting hybrid structures. This change is due to the low chain mobility of the polymer and effective adhesion with struts of the open-cell aluminium foams. Furthermore, these hybrid structures are extremely sensitive to strain-rate testing, exhibiting a maximum compressive stress increase of more than 300 % and 200 %, respectively. The presence of the GO within the PDMS improves significantly the non-flammability of the hybrid structures and increases the sound absorption coefficient.publishe

Genetically modified microorganisms for agricultural use: an opportunity for the advancement of risk assessment criteria in Argentina

The development and use of biologicals in agriculture is of growing interest globally. The potential of these tools to increase and protect yield complementing other tools has stimulated the interest of developers. Agricultural countries like Brazil and Argentina in Latin America have extensive experience with the use of biologicals for biocontrol and as seed inoculants. The last decade has seen the number of bio-based startups grow in the region, many of those dedicated to the development of microbial based bio-inputs. The potential for improving the efficacy and functionality of these products by means of gene technologies is very promising; however, the regulatory oversight of these innovations needs adaptation to become fit for purpose. The Biotechnology Working Group at ICCAS identified the need for a science-based discussion on this matter and considered alternatives to the current paradigm, developed over 30 years ago for transgenic plants

RET Fusion Testing in Patients With NSCLC: The RETING Study

Introduction: RET inhibitors with impressive overall response rates are now available for patients with NSCLC, yet the identi fication of RET fusions remains a dif ficult challenge. Most guidelines encourage the upfront use of next -generation sequencing (NGS), or alternatively, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) when NGS is not possible or available. Taken together, the suboptimal performance of single-analyte assays to detect RET fusions, although consistent with the notion of encouraging universal NGS, is currently widening some of the clinical practice gaps in the implementation of predictive biomarkers in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: This situation prompted us to evaluate several RET assays in a large multicenter cohort of RET fusion -positive NSCLC (n 1 / 4 38) to obtain real -world data. In addition to RNA -based NGS (the criterion standard method), all positive specimens underwent break -apart RET FISH with two different assays and were also tested by an RT-PCR assay. Results: The most common RET partners were KIF5B (78.9%), followed by CCDC6 (15.8%). The two RET NGSpositive but FISH -negative samples contained a KIF5B(15)RET(12) fusion. The three RET fusions not identi fied with RT-PCR were AKAP13(35)-RET(12) , KIF5B(24)-RET(9) and KIF5B(24)-RET(11) . All three false -negative RT-PCR cases were FISH -positive, exhibited a typical break -apart pattern, and contained a very high number of positive tumor cells with both FISH assays. Signet ring cells, psammoma bodies, and pleomorphic features were frequently observed (in 34.2%, 39.5%, and 39.5% of tumors, respectively). Conclusions: In-depth knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the different RET testing methodologies could help clinical and molecular tumor boards implement and maintain sensible algorithms for the rapid and effective detection of RET fusions in patients with NSCLC. The likelihood of RET false -negative results with both FISH and RT-PCR reinforces the need for upfront NGS in patients with NSCLC. (c) 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)