[Mortality from cancer, arsenic, and nitrates in drinking water and cropland in ArgentinaMortalidade por câncer, arsênio e nitratos na água para consumo humano e em áreas semeadas na Argentina].

Objective: Cancer mortality in the central region of Argentina is among the highest in the country. Two possible environmental factors could explain this situation: agricultural activity and drinking water quality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the interaction between these variables.

[Diagnostic accuracy of serum protein electrophoresis and free light chain measurements for monoclonal gammopathies].

Background: International guidelines suggest a screening panel for monoclonal gammopathies that contains serum protein electrophoresis (SPE), free light chain (FLC) measurements and immunofixation. This combination provides the possibility of a timely accurate diagnosis.

Aim: To evaluate the sensibility of a simple screening panel (SPE + FLC).

Differential gender response to respiratory infections and to the protective effect of breast milk in preterm infants.

Objective: The protective role of breastfeeding against severe acute lung disease in infants is well established, but its mechanism is unclear. Most hypotheses assume that breastfeeding confers similar passive protection to every infant; however, a few observations have suggested that the benefits of breast milk against severe lung disease may differ according to gender. The objective of this study was to determine whether the effect of breastfeeding on susceptibility to severe acute lung disease among infants at high risk is different for girls and boys.

The impact of infection with human metapneumovirus and other respiratory viruses in young infants and children at high risk for severe pulmonary disease.

We conducted a prospective, observational study to characterize the clinical manifestations of respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and other viruses in 194 premature infants and young children with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease in Buenos Aires. Children had 567 episodes of respiratory illness and were monitored until they were 2 years old or until the completion of the study. hMPV elicited 12 infections (2%) year-round; 30% were of moderate or greater severity.

The cysteine-rich region of respiratory syncytial virus attachment protein inhibits innate immunity elicited by the virus and endotoxin.

The attachment protein (glycoprotein) of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has long been associated with disease potentiation and respiratory symptoms. The glycoprotein has a conserved cysteine-rich region (GCRR) whose function is unknown and which is not necessary for efficient viral replication. In this report, we show that the GCRR is a powerful inhibitor of the innate immune response against RSV, and that early secretion of glycoprotein is critical to modulate inflammation after RSV infection.

Involvement of antibody, complement and cellular immunity in the pathogenesis of enhanced respiratory syncytial virus disease.

In 1966, infants and children in the USA were immunized with a formalin-inactivated vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus. The vaccine was immunogenic but elicited mainly nonprotective antibody. Upon exposure to respiratory syncytial virus in the community, immunized children developed severe pulmonary disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and pneumonia.