Kinrentius Wei, Dietrich & Webb, 2010 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae): description of two new species and taxonomic key to the genus.

Two new species of the South American genus Kinrentius are described and illustrated. Kinrentius catuaba sp. nov. from Brazil (Acre, Amazonas and Rondnia states) can be distinguished by the male pygofer with multidentate anteroventral and posteroventral processes with short dentiform processes between them and aedeagus with dorsal projection forming a distinct process and apex with paired apical processes, each subrectangular, with apical margin irregularly serrated in caudal view. Kinrentius peruvianus sp. nov. from Peru (Cusco and Madre de Dios departments) has short male pygofer posteroventral processes and aedeagus more robust and parallel sided in dorsal view, with paired apical processes, each subquadrate, with apical portion weekly sclerotized, and apical margin approximately straight and slightly serrate in caudal view. A taxonomic key to males and a distribution map of all four species of the genus are provided.

Possible Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from Humans to Captive Non-Human Primates in the Peruvian Amazon.

Human-to-animal transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) have been reported in both domestic and wild species worldwide. Despite the high rates of contagion and mortality during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Diseases 2019) pandemic in Peru, no instances of natural virus infection have been documented in wild animals, particularly in the Amazonian regions where human-wildlife interactions are prevalent. In this study, we conducted a surveillance investigation using viral RNA sequencing of fecal samples collected from 76 captive and semi-captive non-human primates (NHPs) in the Loreto, Ucayali, and Madre de Dios regions between August 2022 and February 2023. We detected a segment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of SARS-CoV-2 by metagenomic sequencing in a pooled fecal sample from captive white-fronted capuchins (Cebus unicolor) at a rescue center in Bello Horizonte, Ucayali. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the retrieved partial sequence of the RdRp gene matched the SARS-CoV-2 genome. This study represents the first documented instance of molecular SARS-CoV-2 detection in NHPs in the Peruvian Amazon, underscoring the adverse impact of anthropic activities on the human-NHP interface and emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance for early detection and prediction of future emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in animals.

Elevated mercury exposure in bird communities inhabiting Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining landscapes of the southeastern Peruvian Amazon.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) represents a significant source of anthropogenic mercury emissions to the environment, with potentially severe implications for avian biodiversity. In the Madre de Dios department of the southern Peruvian Amazon, ASGM activities have created landscapes marred by deforestation and post-mining water bodies (mining ponds) with notable methylation potential. While data on Hg contamination in terrestrial wildlife remains limited, this study measures Hg exposure in several terrestrial bird species as bioindicators. Total Hg (THg) levels in feathers from birds near water bodies, including mining ponds associated with ASGM areas and oxbow lakes, were analyzed. Our results showed significantly higher Hg concentrations in birds from ASGM sites with mean ± SD of 3.14 ± 7.97 µg/g (range: 0.27 to 72.75 µg/g, n = 312) compared to control sites with a mean of 0.47 ± 0.42 µg/g (range: 0.04 to 1.89 µg/g, n = 52). Factors such as trophic guilds, ASGM presence, and water body area significantly influenced feather Hg concentrations. Notably, piscivorous birds exhibited the highest Hg concentration (31.03 ± 25.25 µg/g, n = 12) exceeding known concentrations that affect reproductive success, where one measurement of Chloroceryle americana (Green kingfisher; 72.7 µg/g) is among the highest ever reported in South America. This research quantifies Hg exposure in avian communities in Amazonian regions affected by ASGM, highlighting potential risks to regional bird populations.

Seroprevalence of reproductive and infectious diseases in cattle: the case of Madre de Dios in the Peruvian southeastern tropics.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of reproductive and infectious diseases in tropical cattle in the Tambopata and Tahuamanu Provinces in the department of Madre de Dios, Peru. SAMPLE: 156 bovines from 7 cattle farms were sampled. These farms used exclusive grazing for food and natural mating for reproduction and did not have sanitary or vaccination programs. METHODS: The serum of blood samples was subjected to ELISA with commercial kits for the detection of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP), Leptospira interrogans, pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus-1, retrovirus bovine leukemia virus (BLV), orbivirus bluetongue virus (BTV), and herpesvirus bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV). The data were analyzed by means of association tests with χ2 (P < .05) and Spearman rank correlation (P < .05) in the SPSS v.15.0 software (IBM Corp). RESULTS: A low prevalence of antibodies to L interrogans, N caninum, M avium subsp paratuberculosis, bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 was found, but it was high to BTV, BLV, and BHV (100%, 53.85%, and 72.44%, respectively). The presence of BLV and BHV was higher in the Las Piedras District, bovines less than 5 years old, and cattle with breed characteristics of zebu and crossbred (P < .01). In addition, there was a significant correlation between both infections, showing 83.3% of BLV positivity that were also BHV positive (P < .01). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high prevalence of antibodies to BTV, BHV, and BLV could be due to livestock management practices, direct contact with infected animals, and variation of the presence of vectors and natural reservoirs in the context of climate change in the tropics.

Two new species of dactylogyrids (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) infecting the gill filaments of fishes in the southern Peruvian Amazon.

Two new dactylogyrid species were found infecting the gill filaments of two freshwater fishes collected in the Amazon River basin around Madre de Dios, Peru, namely, Demidospermus wilveri n. sp. from Loricaria sp. (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), and Notozothecium agusti n. sp. from Brycon amazonicus (Spix & Agassiz) (Characiformes: Bryconidae). Demidospermus wilveri n. sp. is characterized by having the following combination of characteristics: (1) a male copulatory organ (MCO) with 1½ rings and a spoon-shaped distal end, (2) an accessory piece with expanded distal end, (3) dorsal and ventral bars with broadly V-shaped and expanded ends, and (4) hooks similar in size. Notozothecium agusti n. sp. differs from its ten congeners by the following combination of characteristics: (1) a coiled MCO with 1½ rings and a sinuous accessory piece with kidney-shaped distal end, (2) an rod-shaped and straight dorsal bar, (3) and anchors with robust superficial roots. Demidospermus wilveri n. sp. represents the thirty-second species in the genus, the eighth from Peru and the fifth parasitising a loricariid catfish from the Peruvian Amazon. Notozothecium agusti n. sp. is the second species of the genus described in Peru and the first species infecting a bryconid host.

Emergence of Oropouche fever in Latin America: a narrative review.

Since its discovery in 1955, the incidence and geographical spread of reported Oropouche virus (OROV) infections have increased. Oropouche fever has been suggested to be one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Latin America. However, both literature on OROV and genomic sequence availability are scarce, with few contributing laboratories worldwide. Three reassortant OROV glycoprotein gene variants termed Iquitos, Madre de Dios, and Perdões virus have been described from humans and non-human primates. OROV predominantly causes acute febrile illness, but severe neurological disease such as meningoencephalitis can occur. Due to unspecific symptoms, laboratory diagnostics are crucial. Several laboratory tests have been developed but robust commercial tests are hardly available. Although OROV is mainly transmitted by biting midges, it has also been detected in several mosquito species and a wide range of vertebrate hosts, which likely facilitates its widespread emergence. However, potential non-human vertebrate reservoirs have not been systematically studied. Robust animal models to investigate pathogenesis and immune responses are not available. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, transmission cycle, cross-protection from infections with OROV reassortants, and the natural history of infection remain unclear. This Review identifies Oropouche fever as a neglected disease and offers recommendations to address existing knowledge gaps, enable risk assessments, and ensure effective public health responses.

Spatio-temporal trends of mercury levels in alluvial gold mining spoils areas monitored between rainy and dry seasons in the Peruvian Amazon.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Amazon has degraded tropical forests and escalated mercury (Hg) pollution, affecting biodiversity, ecological processes and rural livelihoods. In the Peruvian Amazon, ASGM annually releases some 181 tons of Hg into the environment. Despite some recent advances in understanding the spatial distribution of Hg within gold mine spoils and the surrounding landscape, temporal dynamics in Hg movement are not well understood. We aimed to reveal spatio-temporal trends of soil Hg in areas degraded by ASGM.,. We analyzed soil and sediment samples during the dry and rainy seasons across 14 ha of potentially contaminated sites and natural forests, in the vicinities of the Native community of San Jacinto in Madre de Dios, Peru. Soil Hg levels of areas impacted by ASGM (0.02 ± 0.02 mg kg-1) were generally below soil environmental quality standards (6.60 mg kg-1). However, they showed high variability, mainly explained by the type of natural cover vegetation, soil organic matter (SOM), clay and sand particles. Temporal trends in Hg levels in soils between seasons differed between landscape units distinguished in the mine spoils. During the rainy season, Hg levels decreased up to 45.5% in uncovered soils, while in artificial pond sediments Hg increased by up to 961%. During the dry season, uncovered degraded soils were more prone to lose Hg than sites covered by vegetation, mainly due to higher soil temperatures and concomitantly increasing volatilization. Soils from natural forests and degraded soil covered by regenerating vegetation showed a high capacity to retain Hg mainly due to the higher plant biomass, higher SOM, and increasing concentrations of clay particles. Disturbingly, our findings suggest high Hg mobility from gold mine spoil to close by sedimentary materials, mainly in artificial ponds through alluvial deposition and pluvial lixiviation. Thus, further research is needed on monitoring, and remediation of sediments in artificial to design sustainable land use strategies.

Evaluación a los procesos de vacunación en comunidades y localidades indígenas del Perú. Seguimiento a la vacunación contra el COVID-19 / Evaluation of vaccination processes in indigenous communities and localities of Peru. Monitoring of vaccination against COVID-19

La presente publicación contiene los resultados de la supervisión efectuada, en el último trimestre del 2022, a microrredes de salud de 11 departamentos (Amazonas, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huánuco, Junín, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martín, Pasco, Puno, y Ucayali) que atienden a pueblos indígenas, habiéndose efectuado visitas de campo a los departamentos de Loreto y Amazonas. Asimismo, la supervisión de las dificultades y retos de los procesos de vacunación en las comunidades e impulsar el cumplimiento de las obligaciones del Estado en estas zonas a fin de cautelar el derecho a la salud de la población. Los resultados de la supervisión permiten afirmar que los problemas estructurales de los servicios de salud en las comunidades y localidades indígenas persisten, y continúan generando una vulneración sistemática a sus derechos. Así, se advierten carencias presupuestales y logísticas, la falta de disponibilidad de personal de salud, de equipos médicos, medicamentos y la ausencia de servicios públicos básicos. A ello, se suma la necesidad de que el servicio cuente con pertinencia cultural y lingüística para el adecuado relacionamiento con la población y combatir la desconfianza hacia el Estado, los hallazgos, conclusiones y recomendaciones que se presentan en este documento, están orientados a que el Estado peruano agote los máximos esfuerzos para atender los desafíos identificados y adopte mejoras estructurales del servicio de salud, lo que permitirá mejorar los procesos de vacunación regular en la población indígena a nivel nacional, a partir de la experiencia vivida durante el proceso de vacunación contra el COVID-19 en las comunidades indígenas

Análisis de 27 marcadores STR del cromosoma Y en poblaciones de la selva del Perú / Analysis of 27 STR markers of the chromosome Y in the population of the jungle from Peru

Introducción: los marcadores de repeticiones cortas en tándem del cromosoma Y (Y-STR) se ubican en la región no recombinante del cromosoma Y, su herencia es por vía paterna, no son detectables en el ADN femenino. Estas propiedades hacen de los Y-STR una herramienta útil en las investigaciones forenses, como las agresiones sexuales, paternidades y otros delitos violentos; asimismo son útiles en estudios genealógicos y evolutivos. El objetivo de la investigación es ampliar la evidencia científica de la distribución por regiones o país de los haplotipos del cromosoma sexual Y, estudios similares en poblaciones peruanas son escasas debido al número menor de polimorfismos Y-STR de uso frecuente en genética forense y de poblaciones. Material y métodos: en la investigación se analizaron 141 muestras de ADN de la selva del Perú, de las que 104 muestras corresponden a la región de Iquitos (Loreto), 29 muestras son Awajun (Amazonas) y 8 muestras de Tambopata (Madre de Dios). Las muestras fueron procesadas empleando PCR directa con el kit Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification para 27 STR, los productos amplificados fueron analizados por electroforesis capilar en el Applied Biosystem™ 3500XL Genetic Analyzer y los datos obtenidos se importaron al software GeneMapper® ID-X v1.5 para generar los perfiles genéticos. Con los resultados obtenidos se realizó el análisis estadístico y la estructura poblacional. Resultados: de las 141 muestras se obtuvieron 106 haplotipos únicos. La diversidad genética para cada marcador Y-STR estuvo entre 0,317 y 0,919. La diversidad haplotípica para la muestra total fue de 0,9906. El estudio registra que los haplotipos Y-STR estudiados presentaron elevado polimorfismo en la población analizada y, por lo tanto, son de gran utilidad en estudios forenses de identificación humana, así como en genética de poblaciones cuando se investigan grupos o individuos de América Latina. (AU)

Y-chromosome-specific short tandem repeat (Y-STR) markers reside on the non-recombinant portion of the Y chromosome, their inheritance is paternal, they are not detectable in female DNA. These properties make Y-STRs a useful tool in forensic investigations such as sexual assault, parenting, and other violent crimes; likewise they are also useful in genealogical and evolutionary studies. The objective of the research is to expand the scientific evidence of the distribution by region or country of the Y sex chromosome haplotypes. Similar studies in Peruvian populations are scarce due to the smaller number of Y-STR polymorphisms frequently used in Forensic and Population Genetics. Material and method: In the investigation, 141 DNA samples from the jungle of Peru were analyzed, of which comprised of 104 samples from Iquitos region (Loreto), 29 samples from Awajun (Amazonas) and 8 samples from Tambopata (Madre de Dios). The samples were processed using direct PCR with the Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification kit for 27 STRs, the amplified products were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis on the Applied Biosystem™ 3500XL Genetic Analyzer, and the data obtained was imported into the GeneMapper® ID-X v1.5 software to generate the genetic profiles. With the results obtained, the statistical analysis and the population structure were carried out. Results: Of the 141 samples, 106 unique haplotypes were observed. Gene diversities for each Y-STR marker ranged from 0.317 to 0.919. The haplotype diversity for the total sample was 0.9906. This study supports that the Y-STR haplotypes in this population are highly polymorphic in the analyzed population and, therefore, are very useful in forensic studies of human identification, as well as in population genetics when investigating groups or individuals from Latin America. (AU)

Plan de salud integral y el fortalecimiento de servicios de salud con enfoque intercultural en ámbito de los pueblos indígenas u originarios para el año 2024 / Comprehensive health plan and the strengthening of health services with an intercultural approach in the area of ​​indigenous or native peoples for the year 2024

El documento contiene el plan para contribuir a mejorar la salud de los pueblos indígenas u originarios ante enfermedades prevalentes mediante el fortalecimiento de los servicios de salud con enfoque intercultural, en los departamentos de Loreto, San Martín, Madre de Dios, Ucayali, Amazonas, Cusco, Junín, Huánuco, Pasco, Cajamarca y Ayacucho.

Mercury bioaccumulation in bats in Madre de Dios, Peru: implications for Hg bioindicators for tropical ecosystems impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining.

Mercury (Hg) endangers human and wildlife health globally, primarily due to its release from artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM). During gold extraction, Hg is emitted into the environment and converted to highly toxic methylmercury by microorganisms. In Madre de Dios (MDD), Peru, ASGM dominates the economy and has transformed rainforests into expansive deforested areas punctuated by abandoned mining ponds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of bats as bioindicators for mercury pollution intensity in tropical terrestrial ecosystems impacted by ASGM. We collected 290 bat fur samples from three post-ASGM sites and one control site in Madre de Dios. Our results showed a wide Hg distribution in bats (0.001 to 117.71 mg/kg) strongly influenced by feeding habits. Insectivorous and piscivorous bats from ASGM sites presented elevated levels of Hg surpassing the mercury small mammal threshold for small mammals (10 mg/kg). We observed the highest reported fur mercury concentrations for insectivorous Neotropical bats reported to date (Rhynchonycteris naso, 117 mg/kg). Our findings further confirm that Hg emissions from ASGM are entering local food webs and exposing wildlife species at several trophic levels to higher levels of Hg than in areas not impacted by mining. We also found that three bat genera consistently showed increased Hg levels in ASGM sites relative to controls indicating potential usefulness as bioindicators of mercury loading in terrestrial ecosystems impacted by artisanal and small-scale gold mining.

[Spatial analysis of hypertension in Peruvian adults, 2022]. / Análisis espacial de la hipertensión arterial en adultos peruanos, 2022.

Objectives: To perform a spatial analysis of arterial hypertension in the Peruvian adult population to identify geographic patterns with a higher concentration of cases. Materials and methods: A spatial analysis was conducted using data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) 2022. A sample of 29,422 adults was included, and the global Moran's index and Getis-Ord Gi* analysis were used to evaluate spatial autocorrelation and cluster concentration. Results: The age-standardized prevalence of arterial hypertension was 19.2%. Clusters with a high concentration of arterial hypertension were observed in departments along the Peruvian coast such as Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Ancash, and Lima, as well as in the northern regions of the Highlands. Clusters were also found in the regions of Loreto and Madre de Dios in the Peruvian jungle. Conclusions: This study revealed geographic patterns of arterial hypertension in Peru, with a higher concentration of cases along the Peruvian coast and in certain regions of the Highlands and Jungle. These findings highlight the need to develop strategies for the prevention and control of the disease, especially in the areas identified as high-prevalence clusters.

High rates of rock organic carbon oxidation sustained as Andean sediment transits the Amazon foreland-floodplain.

The oxidation of organic carbon contained within sedimentary rocks ("petrogenic" carbon, or hereafter OCpetro) emits nearly as much CO2 as is released by volcanism, thereby playing a key role in the long-term global C budget. High erosion rates in mountains have been shown to increase OCpetro oxidation. However, these settings also export unweathered material that may continue to react in downstream floodplains. The relative importance of OCpetro oxidation in mountains versus floodplains remains difficult to assess as disparate methods have been used in the different environments. Here, we investigate the sources and fluxes of rhenium (Re) in the Rio Madre de Dios to quantify OCpetro oxidation from the Andes to the Amazon floodplain using a common approach. Dissolved rhenium concentrations (n = 131) range from 0.01 to 63 pmol L-1 and vary depending on lithology and geomorphic setting. We find that >75% of the dissolved Re derives from OCpetro oxidation and that this proportion increases downstream. We estimate that in the Andes, OCpetro oxidation releases 11.2+4.5/-2.8 tC km-2 y-1 of CO2, which corresponds to ~41% of the total OCpetro denudation (sum of oxidized and solid OCpetro). A Re mass balance across the Rio Madre de Dios shows that 46% of OCpetro oxidation takes place in the Andes, 14% in the foreland-lowlands, and 40% in the Andean-fed floodplains. This doubling of OCpetro oxidation flux downstream of the Andes demonstrates that, when present, floodplains can greatly increase OCpetro oxidation and CO2 release.

In Utero Exposure to Metals and Birth Outcomes in an Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Birth Cohort in Madre de Dios, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Few birth cohorts in South America evaluate the joint effect of minerals and toxic metals on neonatal health. In Madre de Dios, Peru, mercury exposure is prevalent owing to artisanal gold mining, yet its effect on neonatal health is unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether toxic metals are associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age independently of antenatal care and other maternal well-being factors. METHODS: Data are from the COhorte de NAcimiento de MAdre de Dios (CONAMAD) birth cohort, which enrolled pregnant women in Madre de Dios prior to their third trimester and obtained maternal and cord blood samples at birth. We use structural equation models (SEMs) to construct latent variables for the maternal metals environment (ME) and the fetal environment (FE) using concentrations of calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium, mercury, lead, and arsenic measured in maternal and cord blood, respectively. We then assessed the relationship between the latent variables ME and FE, toxic metals, prenatal visits, hypertension, and their effect on gestational age and birth weight. RESULTS: Among 198 mothers successfully enrolled and followed at birth, 29% had blood mercury levels that exceeded the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention threshold of 5.8µg/L and 2 mothers surpassed the former 5-µg/dL threshold for blood lead. The current threshold value is 3.5µg/dL. Minerals and toxic metals loaded onto ME and FE latent variables. ME was associated with FE (ß=0.24; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.45). FE was associated with longer gestational age (ß=2.31; 95% CI: -0.3, 4.51) and heavier birth weight. Mercury exposure was not directly associated with health outcomes. A 1% increase in maternal blood lead shortened gestational age by 0.05 d (ß=-0.75; 95% CI: -1.51, -0.13), which at the 5-µg/dL threshold resulted in a loss of 3.6 gestational days and 76.5g in birth weight for newborns. Prenatal care visits were associated with improved birth outcomes, with a doubling of visits from 6 to 12 associated with 5.5 more gestational days (95% CI: 1.6, 9.4) and 319g of birth weight (95% CI: 287.6, 350.7). DISCUSSION: Maternal lead, even at low exposures, was associated with shorter gestation and lower birth weight. Studies that focus only on harmful exposures or nutrition may mischaracterize the dynamic maternal ME and FE. SEMs provide a framework to evaluate these complex relationships during pregnancy and reduce overcontrolling that can occur with linear regression. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10557.

El desarrollo psicomotor en niños menores de 5 años con cardiopatía congénita, Madre de Dios-Perú

A nivel mundial, la cardiopatía congénita en los niños es la malformación más común que puede tener un bebé al nacer. Objetivo. Analizar el comportamiento del desarrollo psicomotor de los niños menores a 5 años con cardiopatía congénita en la región de Madre de Dios, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se consideró un enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo observacional analítica con diseño de cohorte prospectivo, con muestreo no probabilístico y una muestra de 6 infantes a quienes se aplicó el instrumento de recolección de información "observación del desarrollo psicomotor en niños con cardiopatía congénita". Resultados. El género del paciente varón en promedio es de 33.33%, la edad en promedio de los pacientes con cardiopatía congénita es de 2 años; el tipo de cardiopatía congénita de los pacientes es atresia pulmonar y estenosis aortica, mostrando un desarrollo psicomotor promedio de nivel medio; el tipo de cirugía desarrollado en el paciente en promedio es de tipo definitivo; alcanzando de esta manera una estancia hospitalaria de 16 a 30 días en promedio y alcanzando un estado nutricional promedio de desnutrición severa. Además, la relación entre el tipo de cardiopatía congénita con el desarrollo psicomotor es positiva, toda vez que, ante un incremento del desarrollo psicomotor de los pacientes, entonces los casos de cardiopatía congénita incrementan (ρ de Pearson =0.6919). Conclusiones. Se determinó que, en los pacientes estudiados el desarrollo psicomotor es de nivel medio; la misma que está relacionado por el tipo de cardiopatía congénita que tiene, donde el 33.33% de los pacientes presentan atresia pulmonar y el 16.67% tiene estenosis aortica; lo que demuestra que la relación entre el tipo de cardiopatía congénita con el desarrollo psicomotor es positiva o directa.

Worldwide, congenital heart disease in children is the most common malformation that an infant may have at birth. Objective. To analyze the behavior of psychomotor development in children under 5 years of age with congenital heart disease in the region of Madre de Dios, Peru. Materials and methods. A quantitative, analytical observational approach with prospective cohort design was considered, with non-probabilistic sampling and a sample of 6 infants to whom the data collection instrument "observation of psychomotor development in children with congenital heart disease" was applied. Results. The average gender of the male patient is 33.33%; the average age of the patients with congenital heart disease is 2 years; the type of congenital heart disease of the patients is pulmonary atresia and aortic stenosis, showing an average psychomotor development of medium level; the type of surgery developed in the patient on average is of definitive type; thus reaching a hospital stay of 16 to 30 days on average and reaching an average nutritional status of severe malnutrition. In addition, the relationship between the type of congenital heart disease and psychomotor development is positive, since, with an increase in the psychomotor development of the patients, the cases of congenital heart disease increase (Pearson's ρ =0.6919). Conclusions. It was determined that, in the patients studied, psychomotor development is of medium level; the same is related to the type of congenital heart disease they have, where 33.33% of the patients present pulmonary atresia and 16.67% have aortic stenosis; which shows that the relationship between the type of congenital heart disease and psychomotor development is positive or direct.

Em todo o mundo, a doença cardíaca congênita em crianças é a malformação mais comum que um bebê pode ter ao nascer. Objetivo. Analisar o comportamento do desenvolvimento psicomotor em crianças com menos de 5 anos de idade com cardiopatia congênita na região de Madre de Dios, no Peru. Materiais e métodos. Foi considerada uma abordagem observacional quantitativa e analítica, com um projeto de coorte prospectivo, amostragem não probabilística e uma amostra de 6 bebês aos quais foi aplicado o instrumento de coleta de dados "observação do desenvolvimento psicomotor em crianças com cardiopatia congênita". Resultados. O sexo médio do paciente masculino é de 33,33%, a idade média dos pacientes com cardiopatia congênita é de 2 anos; o tipo de cardiopatia congênita dos pacientes é atresia pulmonar e estenose aórtica, apresentando um desenvolvimento psicomotor médio de nível médio; o tipo de cirurgia desenvolvida no paciente é, em média, do tipo definitiva; atingindo, assim, uma permanência hospitalar de 16 a 30 dias, em média, e atingindo um estado nutricional médio de desnutrição grave. Além disso, a relação entre o tipo de cardiopatia congênita e o desenvolvimento psicomotor é positiva, pois, com o aumento do desenvolvimento psicomotor dos pacientes, aumentam os casos de cardiopatia congênita (ρ de Pearson = 0,6919). Conclusões. Foi determinado que, nos pacientes estudados, o desenvolvimento psicomotor é de nível médio; isso está relacionado com o tipo de cardiopatia congênita que eles têm, onde 33,33% dos pacientes têm atresia pulmonar e 16,67% têm estenose aórtica; o que mostra que a relação entre o tipo de cardiopatia congênita e o desenvolvimento psicomotor é positiva ou direta.

Emergence of a New Strain of DENV-2 in South America: Introduction of the Cosmopolitan Genotype through the Brazilian-Peruvian Border.

Dengue virus 2 (DENV-2) seriously contributes to dengue-related mortality. It includes five nonsylvatic genotypes, with cosmopolitan being the most widespread with a significant contribution to the total number of DENV-2 cases globally. In South America, the cosmopolitan genotype was first recorded in 2019 in Madre de Dios, Peru, and then in Goiás (Midwest Brazil) in November 2021. In this study, we tested 163 human serum samples from Acre (Northern Brazil) collected during a DENV outbreak between 2020 and 2021 for all DENV genotypes by RT-qPCR. Of the 163 samples, 139 were positive for DENV-2, and 5 were positive for DENV-1. Five DENV-2-positive samples from early 2021 were sequenced, and the sequences clustered with the three other DENV-2 cosmopolitan genotype sequences already recorded on the continent. These results create a geographical link, suggesting the possible route of introduction of the DENV-2 cosmopolitan genotype into Brazil through the border with Peru, from which it may have dispersed to Midwest Brazil.

Four new species of Anenterotrema Stunkard, 1938 (Digenea: Dicrocoellidae) infecting phyllostomid bats in the Peruvian Amazon.

During a research of digeneans (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) infecting leaf-nosed bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from the Kawsay Biological Station in Madre de Dios, southeastern Peru, four new species were described based on light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM): Anenterotrema paramegacetabulum n. sp. from the seba's short-tailed bat Carollia perspicillata Linnaeus, A. hastati n. sp., A. kawsayense n. sp., and A. peruense n. sp. from the greater spear-nosed bat Phyllostomus hastatus (Pallas). Anenterotrema paramegacetabulum n. sp. differs from all congeners by having a terminal oral sucker, a transversely elongated ventral sucker without clamp-shaped, and by having the testes located immediately posterior to ventral sucker. Anenterotrema hastati n. sp. is easily differentiated from the other congeneric species by having an almost clamp-shaped oral sucker, well-developed cirrus sac, a bilobulated seminal receptacle, and a group of well-developed unicellular glands located anterolateral to cirrus sac. Anenterotrema kawsayense n. sp. is characterized by possessing protuberances on the anterior margin of the oral sucker. Anenterotrema peruense n. sp. is mainly characterized by having the testes located principally anterior to ventral sucker and the cirrus sac located perpendicular to midline of the body. The present finding brings to 12, the number of known species of Anenterotrema. A key to the species of Anenterotrema Stunkard, 1938 is provided.

Local intensity of artisanal gold mining drives mercury accumulation in neotropical oxbow lake fishes.

Driven by surges in global gold prices and additional socio-economic factors, artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Global South is increasing and driving emissions of significant quantities of mercury (Hg) into the air and freshwater. Hg can be toxic to animal and human populations and exacerbate the degradation of neotropical freshwater ecosystems. We examined drivers of Hg accumulation in fish that inhabit oxbow lakes of Peru's Madre de Dios, a region with high biodiversity value and increasing human populations that depend on ASGM. We hypothesized that fish Hg levels would be driven by local ASGM activities, by environmental Hg exposure, by water quality, and by fish trophic level. We sampled fish in 20 oxbow lakes spanning protected areas and areas subject to ASGM during the dry season. Consistent with previous findings, Hg levels were positively associated with ASGM activities, and were higher in larger, carnivorous fish and where water had lower dissolved oxygen levels. In addition, we found a negative relationship between fish mercury levels associated with ASGM and the occurrence of the piscivorous giant otter. The link between fine-scale quantification of spatial ASGM activity and Hg accumulation, as indicated by the result that in the lotic environment, localized effects of gold mining activities are stronger drivers (77 % model support) of Hg accumulation than environmental exposure (23 %) constitutes a novel contribution to a growing body of literature on Hg contamination. Our findings provide additional evidence of high Hg exposure risks to neotropical human and top carnivore populations subject to the impacts of ASGM, which depend on freshwater ecosystems undergoing gradual degradation. The documented spatial variation in Hg accumulation and increased Hg levels in carnivorous fish should serve as a warning to human communities in Madre de Dios to avoid the proximity of high-intensity gold mining areas and minimize local carnivorous fish consumption.

Biotransformation and oxidative stress responses in fish (Astyanax aeneus) inhabiting a Caribbean estuary contaminated with pesticide residues from agricultural runoff.

The estuarine ecosystem of Madre de Dios Lagoon (MDL), in the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, is exposed to contamination with pesticide residues coming from the upstream agricultural areas. Biomarkers can provide a better indication of the fitness of biota in real mixture exposure scenarios than traditional lethal dose toxicity measurements. Here, we measured biomarkers of biotransformation, oxidative stress, and neurotoxicity on Astyanax aeneus, an abundant fish species in MDL. Glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), catalase activity (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and cholinesterase activity (ChE) were measured in fish collected during seven sampling campaigns, carried out between 2016 and 2018. Pesticide residues were analyzed in surface water samples collected every time fish were sampled. Residues of 25 pesticides, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, were detected. The biomarkers measured in A. aeneus varied along the sampling moments, with biotransformation and oxidative stress signals showing a coupled response throughout the assessment. Furthermore, significant correlations were established between three biomarkers (GST, LPO, and CAT) and individual pesticides, as well as between GST and LPO with groups of pesticides with shared biocide action. Among pesticides, insecticide residues had a major influence on the responses observed in fish. This work demonstrates the chronic exposure to pesticide residues in MDL and how such exposure is related to physiological responses in fish that can affect their health and potentially, the trophic networks. This early warning information should be considered to improve the protection of estuarine ecosystems in the tropics.