Exploration of the Parameter Space of an Ion Channel Kinetic Model by a Markov-Chain-Based Methodology.

In this work, we propose a methodology based on Monte Carlo Markov chains to explore the parameter space of kinetic models for ion channels. The methodology allows the detection of potential parameter sets of a model that are compatible with experimentally obtained whole-cell currents, which could remain hidden when methods focus on obtaining the parameters that provide the best fit. To show its implementation and utility, we considered a four-state kinetic model proposed in the literature to describe the activation of the voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1), , , 1564.

Immunity acquired by a minority active fraction of the population could explain COVID-19 spread in Greater Buenos Aires (June-November 2020).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an uneven development in different countries. In Argentina, the pandemic began in March 2020 and, during the first 3 months, the vast majority of cases were concentrated in a densely populated region that includes the city of Buenos Aires (country capital) and the Greater Buenos Aires (GBA) area that surrounds it. This work focuses on the spread of COVID-19 between June and November 2020 in GBA.

Non-mandatory immunization and its potential impact on pertussis epidemiology.

In this study, we performed a quantitative analysis of the potential short-term consequences on pertussis of the draft bill on Informed Consent for Immunization proposed in Argentina in 2017, which considers a non-mandatory immunization schedule for minors. We used a mathematical model of pertussis transmission, which had been previously developed by our group. It is considered that the mere presentation of the project causes a reduction in coverage because it creates suspicion on the benefits of immunization.

Pertussis epidemiology in Argentina: TRENDS after the introduction of maternal immunisation.

Data on the impact of the recently recommended maternal pertussis vaccination are promising, but still insufficient to universalise this approach. We thus compared the epidemiological data prior to the implementation of this vaccination strategy in Argentina (2012) with the figures reported after 2012. During that 2010-2016 period, two outbreaks occurred, one in 2011 and another in 2016.

Potential Impact of Changes in the Schedule for Primary Diphtheria-Tetanus Toxoids-Pertussis Immunization as Control Strategy for Pertussis.

Background: Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable respiratory disease that may cause death mainly in infants. The schedules for primary pertussis vaccination are set in each country by the local health authorities. Several different schedules meet World Health Organization recommendations, 2-4-6 months, 6-10-14 weeks, 2-3-4 months and 3-4-5 months being the most commonly used worldwide.