Estimated Loss of Productivity Attributed to Cardiovascular Diseases in South America. / Estimativa de Produtividade Perdida Atribuída a Doenças Cardiovasculares na América do Sul.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have significant health and economic burdens. In South America, the loss of productivity related to these diseases has not yet been well explored. OBJECTIVE: Estimate the potentially productive years of life lost (PPYLL) and loss of productivity related to premature mortality associated with CVD in South America, in 2019. METHODS: Mortality data available from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study were used to estimate the burden of disease attributable to CVD. For monetary calculations of productivity loss, a proxy of the human capital approach was used. Data were stratified by sex, in working age groups. RESULTS: The total number of deaths due to CVD in South America in 2019 was 754,324, and the total number of PPYLL was 2,040,973. The total permanent loss of productivity was approximately US$ 3.7 billion and US$ 7.8 billion in purchasing power parity, equivalent to 0.11% of the gross domestic product. The cost per death was US$ 22,904, and the ratio between men and women for the cost per death was 1.45. The variation in scenarios indicates that the estimates are robust, even with important differences between countries. CONCLUSIONS: CVD impose a significant economic burden on countries in South America. The characterization of this burden can support governments in the allocation of resources for the planning and execution of health policies and interventions in promotion, prevention, and recovery.

FUNDAMENTO: As doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) têm ônus sanitário e econômico significativos. Na América do Sul (AS), a perda de produtividade relacionada a estas enfermidades ainda não foi bem explorada. OBJETIVO: Estimar os anos de vida produtiva perdidos (AVPP) e a perda de produtividade relacionados a mortalidade prematura associada as DCV na AS, em 2019. MÉTODOS: Empregou-se dados de mortalidade disponíveis no Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 na estimativa da carga de doença atribuível a DCV. Para os cálculos monetários da perda da produtividade usou-se uma proxy da abordagem de capital humano. Estratificou-se por sexo, nas faixas etárias de trabalho. RESULTADOS: O número total de mortes por DCV na AS no ano de 2019 foi de 754.324 e os AVPP foram 2.040.973. A perda permanente de produtividade total foi de aproximadamente US$ 3,7 bilhões e US$ 7,8 bilhões em paridade do poder de compra, equivalente a 0,11% do produto interno bruto. O custo por morte foi de US$ 22.904, e a razão desse custo por óbito, entre homens e mulheres foi 1,45. A variação dos cenários aponta robustez nas estimativas, mesmo com diferenças importantes entre os países. CONCLUSÕES: As DCV impõem um ônus econômico significativo a este bloco de países. A caracterização deste fardo pode amparar os governos na alocação de recursos destinados ao planejamento e execução de políticas e intervenções sanitárias, sejam de promoção, prevenção ou recuperação.

Trends in tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer attributed to smoking in South America: Global Burden of Disease analysis 1990-2019

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To investigate the burden of tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer due to tobacco exposure in the last 30 years in 12 South American countries. Methods. We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 exposure-response function to analyze the total tobacco, smoking, and secondhand smoke exposure-related TBL cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), for 12 South American countries, between 1990 and 2019. Metrics were described as abso- lute numbers or rates per 100 000 individuals. The relative change in burden was assessed by comparing the 1990-1994 to 2015-2019 periods. Results. In 2019, the all-ages number of TBL cancer deaths and DALYs associated with tobacco expo- sure in South America was 29 348 and 658 204 in males and 14 106 and 318 277 in females, respectively. Age-adjusted death and DALYs rates for the region in 2019 were 182.8 and 4035 in males and 50.8 and 1162 in females, respectively. In males, 10/12 countries observed relative declines in TBL death rates attributed to tobacco exposure while only 4 countries reduced their mortality in females. Conclusion. While significant efforts on tobacco control are under place in South America, substantial bur- den of TBL cancer persists in the region with significant sex-specific disparities. Increased country-specific primary data on TBL cancer and tobacco exposure is needed to optimize healthcare strategies and improve comprehension of regional trends.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Investigar la carga del cáncer de tráquea, bronquios y pulmón por exposición al tabaco en los últi- mos 30 años en 12 países de Sudamérica. Métodos. Se utilizó la función de relación entre exposición y respuesta de la carga mundial de morbilidad del 2019 para analizar las muertes por cáncer de tráquea, bronquios y pulmón asociadas a la exposición total al tabaco, al tabaquismo activo y al tabaquismo pasivo, así como los años de vida ajustados en función de la discapacidad (AVAD), en 12 países de Sudamérica, entre 1990 y el 2019. Los resultados se presentaron en forma de número absoluto o de tasa por 100 000 personas. Se evaluó el cambio relativo de la carga mediante la comparación de los períodos 1990-1994 y 2015-2019. Resultados. En el 2019, el número de muertes por cáncer de tráquea, bronquios y pulmón y los AVAD aso- ciados a la exposición al tabaco para todas las edades en Sudamérica fueron de 29 348 y 658 204 en los hombres y de 14 106 y 318 277 en las mujeres, respectivamente. La tasa de mortalidad y los AVAD ajustados por la edad correspondientes al 2019 en la región fueron de 182,8 y 4035 en los hombres y de 50,8 y 1162 en las mujeres, respectivamente. En el caso de los hombres, en 10 de los 12 países se observaron disminuciones relativas de la tasa de mortalidad por cáncer de tráquea, bronquios y pulmón atribuido a la exposición al tabaco, mientras que en el caso de las mujeres solo en 4 países hubo una reducción de la mortalidad. Conclusión. Aunque en Sudamérica se están llevando a cabo iniciativas importantes para el control del tabaco, en esta región persiste una carga considerable de cáncer de tráquea, bronquios y pulmón, con diferencias significativas en función del sexo. Es preciso contar con más datos primarios específicos de cada país sobre el cáncer de tráquea, bronquios y pulmón, así como sobre la exposición al tabaco, para optimizar las estrategias de atención de salud y mejorar la comprensión de las tendencias regionales.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Investigar a carga de câncer de traqueia, brônquios e pulmão (TBP) decorrente da exposição ao tabaco nos últimos 30 anos em 12 países da América do Sul. Métodos. A função de exposição-resposta do estudo Carga Global de Doença (GBD, na sigla em inglês) 2019 foi usada para analisar o número de mortes e de anos de vida ajustados por incapacidade (AVAI) por câncer de TBP relacionado à exposição total ao tabaco e ao tabagismo e ao fumo passivo em 12 países da América do Sul entre 1990 e 2019. Os índices foram descritos em números absolutos ou taxas por 100 mil pessoas. A variação relativa da carga foi avaliada comparando-se os períodos de 1990 a 1994 e de 2015 a 2019. Resultados. Em 2019, os números de mortes e de AVAI por câncer de TBP associado à exposição ao tabaco na América do Sul, em todas as idades, foram, respectivamente, 29.348 e 658.204 em homens e 14.106 e 318.277 em mulheres. As taxas de mortalidade e os AVAI ajustados por idade na região foram, respecti- vamente, 182,8 e 4.035 em homens e 50,8 e 1.162 em mulheres em 2019. Em homens, 10 dos 12 países registraram uma diminuição relativa das taxas de mortalidade por câncer de TBP atribuído à exposição ao tabaco, mas somente 4 países obtiveram uma redução da mortalidade em mulheres. Conclusão. Apesar dos consideráveis esforços atuais para o controle do tabaco na América do Sul, ainda há uma expressiva carga de câncer de TBP na região, com disparidades significativas entre os sexos. É necessário dispor de mais dados primários sobre câncer de TBP e exposição ao tabaco específicos para cada país para aprimorar as estratégias de atenção à saúde e melhorar a compreensão das tendências regionais.

South American Archaeological Isotopic Database, a regional-scale multi-isotope data compendium for research.

The South American Archaeological Isotopic Database (SAAID) is a comprehensive open-access resource that aggregates all available bioarchaeological stable and radiogenic isotope measurements, encompassing data from human individuals, animals, and plants across South America. Resulting from a collaborative effort of scholars who work with stable isotopes in this region, SAAID contains 53,781 isotopic measurements across 24,507 entries from individuals/specimens spanning over 12,000 years. SAAID includes valuable contextual information on archaeological samples and respective sites, such as chronology, geographical region, biome, and spatial coordinates, biological details like estimated sex and age for human individuals, and taxonomic description for fauna and flora. SAAID is hosted at the PACHAMAMA community within the Pandora data platform and the CORA repository to facilitate easy access. Because of its rich data structure, SAAID is particularly well-suited for conducting spatiotemporal meta-analyses. It serves as a valuable tool for addressing a variety of research topics, including the spread, adoption, and consumption intensification of food items, paleo-environmental reconstruction, as well as the exploration of mobility patterns across extensive geographic regions.

A review of emerging health threats from zoonotic New World mammarenaviruses.

Despite repeated spillover transmission and their potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality in human hosts, the New World mammarenaviruses remain largely understudied. These viruses are endemic to South America, with animal reservoir hosts covering large geographic areas and whose transmission ecology and spillover potential are driven in part by land use change and agriculture that put humans in regular contact with zoonotic hosts.We compiled published studies about Guanarito virus, Junin virus, Machupo virus, Chapare virus, Sabia virus, and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus to review the state of knowledge about the viral hemorrhagic fevers caused by New World mammarenaviruses. We summarize what is known about rodent reservoirs, the conditions of spillover transmission for each of these pathogens, and the characteristics of human populations at greatest risk for hemorrhagic fever diseases. We also review the implications of repeated outbreaks and biosecurity concerns where these diseases are endemic, and steps that countries can take to strengthen surveillance and increase capacity of local healthcare systems. While there are unique risks posed by each of these six viruses, their ecological and epidemiological similarities suggest common steps to mitigate spillover transmission and better contain future outbreaks.

A revisited history of cacao domestication in pre-Columbian times revealed by archaeogenomic approaches.

Humans have a long history of transporting and trading plants, contributing to the evolution of domesticated plants. Theobroma cacao originated in the Neotropics from South America. However, little is known about its domestication and use in these regions. In this study, ceramic residues from a large sample of pre-Columbian cultures from South and Central America were analyzed using archaeogenomic and biochemical approaches. Here we show, for the first time, the widespread use of cacao in South America out of its native Amazonian area of origin, extending back 5000 years, likely supported by cultural interactions between the Amazon and the Pacific coast. We observed that strong genetic mixing between geographically distant cacao populations occurred as early as the middle Holocene, in South America, driven by humans, favoring the adaptation of T. cacao to new environments. This complex history of cacao domestication is the basis of today's cacao tree populations and its knowledge can help us better manage their genetic resources.

Rhabdoviral Endogenous Sequences Identified in the Leishmaniasis Vector Lutzomyia longipalpis Are Widespread in Sandflies from South America.

Sandflies are known vectors of leishmaniasis. In the Old World, sandflies are also vectors of viruses while little is known about the capacity of New World insects to transmit viruses to humans. Here, we relate the identification of RNA sequences with homology to rhabdovirus nucleocapsids (NcPs) genes, initially in the Lutzomyia longipalpis LL5 cell lineage, named NcP1.1 and NcP2. The Rhabdoviridae family never retrotranscribes its RNA genome to DNA. The sequences here described were identified in cDNA and DNA from LL-5 cells and in adult insects indicating that they are transcribed endogenous viral elements (EVEs). The presence of NcP1.1 and NcP2 in the L. longipalpis genome was confirmed in silico. In addition to showing the genomic location of NcP1.1 and NcP2, we identified another rhabdoviral insertion named NcP1.2. Analysis of small RNA molecules derived from these sequences showed that NcP1.1 and NcP1.2 present a profile consistent with elements targeted by primary piRNAs, while NcP2 was restricted to the degradation profile. The presence of NcP1.1 and NcP2 was investigated in sandfly populations from South America and the Old World. These EVEs are shared by different sandfly populations in South America while none of the Old World species studied presented the insertions.

Phenogenetic profile and agronomic contribution of Azospirillum argentinense Az39T, a reference strain for the South American inoculant industry.

Azospirillum sp. is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria largely recognized for its potential to increase the yield of different important crops. In this work, we present a thorough genomic and phenotypic analysis of A. argentinense Az39T to provide new insights into the beneficial mechanisms of this microorganism. Phenotypic analyses revealed the following in vitro abilities: growth at 20-38 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 6.8), and in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl; production of variable amounts of PHB as intracellular granules; nitrogen fixation under microaerophilic conditions; IAA synthesis in the presence of L-tryptophan. Through biochemical (API 20NE) and carbon utilization profiling (Biolog) assays, we proved that A. argentinense Az39T is able to use 15 substrates and metabolize 19 different carbon substrates. Lipid composition indicated a predominance of medium and long-chain saturated fatty acids. A total of 6 replicons classified as one main chromosome, three chromids, and two plasmids, according to their tRNA and core essential genes contents, were identified. Az39T genome includes genes associated with multiple plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits such as nitrogen fixation and production of auxins, cytokinin, abscisic acid, ethylene, and polyamines. In addition, Az39T genome harbor genetic elements associated with physiological features that facilitate its survival in the soil and competence for rhizospheric colonization; this includes motility, secretion system, and quorum sensing genetic determinants. A metadata analysis of Az39T agronomic performance in the pampas region, Argentina, demonstrated significant grain yield increases in wheat and maize, proving its potential to provide better growth conditions for dryland cereals. In conclusion, our data provide a detailed insight into the metabolic profile of A. argentinense Az39T, the strain most widely used to formulate non-legume inoculants in Argentina, and allow a better understanding of the mechanisms behind its field performance.

A new genus and four new species of Darnini (Hemiptera: Membracidae) from South America.

The new genus Polyodontotrochus is described and illustrated with four new species: P. auriculatus from French Guiana, P. elevatus (type species) from Ecuador, P. extentapalaestrus from French Guiana, and P. inpa from Brazil, the genus differs from all other membracids in having the inner sides of their metathoracic trochanters developed into apposed, sclerotized studlike, flattened plates distributed throughout. Their metathoracic tibiae have cucullate setal rows II and III incomplete, row I missing. A key to all species is provided.

A new dwarf gecko of the genus Pseudogonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from the eastern slope of the Andean Cordillera de Mrida in northern South America.

Pseudogonatodes is a poorly known genus of small bodied, diurnal, ground-dwelling geckos widely distributed in northern South America. No additional species have been described in over two decades. Herein we describe a new species from the eastern slope of the Cordillera de Mrida in the Venezuelan Andes. The new species is readily diagnosable morphologically from the other seven recognized species of Pseudogonatodes by having a single postnasal scalea putative autapomorphy. Furthermore, it is characterized by a unique combination of phenotypic characters that includes granular dorsal scales, three large postrostrals, five to six loreals, mental U-shaped, four to six postmentals, 2629 ventrals between anterior levels of fore- and hind limbs, third lamella under fourth toe not distinctly enlarged, and subcaudal pattern 11. In addition to characterizing the external morphology, we present a description of the skull, based on 3D digital models reconstructed from high resolution computed microtomography scans. The discovery of this new species highlights the still underestimated diversity of this group of Neotropical dwarf geckos and underscores the need for further studies on its systematics and taxonomy.

Identification of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and South American crops introduced during early settlement of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), as revealed through starch analysis.

Starch residue analysis was carried out on stone tools recovered from the bottom layer of the Anakena site on Rapa Nui (Easter Island). These deposits have been dated to AD 1000-1300 AD and so far, represent the earliest evidence of human settlement on this island. Twenty obsidian tools were analyzed. Analysis of 46 starch grains recovered from 20 obsidian tools from the earliest dated level of the Anakena site on Rapa Nui provides direct evidence for translocation of traditional crop plants at initial stages of the colonization of this island. The analysis of starch grains was based mainly on statistical methods for species identification but was complemented by visual inspection in some cases. Our results identify taxons previously unknown to have been cultivated on the island, such as breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), Zingiber officinale (ginger), and starch grains of the Spondias dulcis and Inocarpus fagifer tropical trees. Additionally, starch grains of Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Dioscorea sp. (yam), both common species in Pacific agriculture, were identified. Furthermore, the presence of four American taxa Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato), Canna sp. (achira), Manihot esculenta (manioc), and Xanthosoma sp., was detected. The occurrence of Canna sp., M. esculenta, and Xanthosoma sp. starch grains suggests the translocation of previously not described South American cultivars into the Pacific. The detection of I. batatas from this site in Rapa Nui constitutes the earliest record of this cultigen in the Pacific. Our study provides direct evidence for translocation of a set of traditional Polynesian and South American crop plants at the initial stages of colonization in Rapa Nui.

Foveavelia, a new South American genus of Veliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae).

Background: Semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) are distributed worldwide and play fundamental roles in limnic ecosystems. They are the most successful group of organisms to occupy the air-water interface, are important models to study ecology and evolution, and can be relevant tools in biomonitoring. Veliidae is the second most speciose family of semiaquatic bugs, but its internal classification, including subfamilies and genera, is artificial and based on symplesiomorphies. One of these non-monophyletic entities is Paravelia Breddin, 1898, the largest genus in the subfamily Veliinae. Results: In an effort to better classify the Veliinae, we describe Foveavelia to hold five South American species previously placed in Paravelia. The new genus is characterized by the following combination of features: unusual coarse cuticular punctures throughout the thorax and abdomen; a pair of small, frosty, pubescent areas formed by a very dense layer of short setae on the anterior lobe of the pronotum; fore tibial grasping comb present only in males; middle tibia with a row of elongate dark-brown trichobothria-like setae on the distal third, decreasing in size distally; macropterous specimens with the apical macula of the forewings elongate and constricted at mid-length, reaching the wing apex; and the male proctiger with a pair of anterodorsal projections. Besides the description, a key to the species of Foveavelia is provided, accompanied by illustrations and a species distribution map.

First record of Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) in the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus, Fischer, 1814) (Carnivora: Canidae).

Dioctophyme renale (Goeze 1782) has not previously been reported in the pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) (Fisher 1814), the most abundant canid of southern South America. A wild adult pampas fox female was found dead due to unknown causes in Santa Fe province, Argentina. Post-mortem examination revealed three red worms measuring 10, 11 and 15 cm long, each with an approximate width of 5 mm. All of them were found free in the abdominal cavity. The worms were all male and were identified through morphological examination and molecular analysis as D. renale. No worm was found in the kidneys. This study reports the first case of dioctophymatosis in the pampas fox in Argentina, increasing the range of wild aberrant host species infected by the giant kidney worm in the Neotropical region.

High toxicity of agro-industrial wastewater on aquatic fauna of a South American stream: Mortality of aquatic turtles and amphibian tadpoles as bioindicators of environmental health.

The aim of this study was to characterize an aquatic system of Santa Fe province (Argentina) receiving wastewater from agro-industrial activities (mainly dairy) by in situ assessment (fauna mortality, physicochemical, microbiological, and pesticide residues measurement), and ecotoxicity bioassays on amphibian tadpoles. Water and sediment samples were obtained from the Los Troncos Stream (LTS), previous to the confluence with the "San Carlos" drainage channel (SCC), and from the SCC. Biological parameters (mortality and sublethal biomarkers) were used to evaluate ecotoxicity during 10-day exposure of Rhinella arenarum tadpoles to LTS and SCC samples. Nine pesticides were detected in both LTS and SCC. Chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and coliform count recorded in SCC greatly exceeded limits for aquatic life protection. At SCC and LTS after the confluence with SCC, numerous dying and dead aquatic turtles (Phrynops hilarii) were recorded. In the ecotoxicity assessment, no mortality of tadpoles was observed in LTS treatment, whereas total mortality (100%) was observed in SCC treatments in dilution higher than 50% of water and sediment. For SCC, median lethal concentration and the 95% confidence limits was 18.30% (14.71-22.77) at 24 h; lowest-observed and no-observed effect concentrations were 12.5% and 6.25%, respectively. Oxidative stress and neurotoxicity were observed in tadpoles exposed to 25% SCC dilution treatment. In addition, there was a large genotoxic effect (micronuclei test) in all sublethal SCC dilution treatments (6.25%, 12.5%, and 25%). These results alert about the high environmental quality deterioration and high ecotoxicity for aquatic fauna of aquatic ecosystems affected by agro-industrial wastewater. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Great mortality of turtles was observed in a basin with a high load of agro-industrial wastewater. San Carlos Channel (SCC), where effluents are spilled, is environmentally deteriorated. The water-sediment matrix of SCC caused 100% lethality in tadpoles. SCC dilutions caused neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity on tadpoles.

Wastewater sequencing as a powerful tool to reveal SARS-CoV-2 variant introduction and spread in French Guiana, South America.

The origin of introduction of a new pathogen in a country, the evolutionary dynamics of an epidemic within a country, and the role of cross-border areas on pathogen dynamics remain complex to disentangle and are often poorly understood. For instance, cross-border areas represent the ideal location for the sharing of viral variants between countries, with international air travel, land travel and waterways playing an important role in the cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Unfortunately, monitoring the point of entry and the evolutionary dynamics of viruses in space and time within local populations remain challenging. Here we tested the efficiency of wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping in monitoring Covid-19 epidemiology and SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics in French Guiana, a tropical country located in South America. Our results suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping are powerful tools to monitor variant introduction and disease evolution within a tropical country but the inclusion of both clinical and wastewater samples could still improve our understanding of genetic diversity co-circulating. Wastewater sequencing also revealed the cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variants within the country. Interestingly, we found some amino acid changes specific to the variants co-circulating in French Guiana, suggesting a local evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 variants after their introduction. More importantly, our results showed that the proximity to bordering countries was not the origin of the emergence of the French Guianese B.1.160.25 variant, but rather that this variant emerged from an ancestor B.1.160 variant introduced by European air plane travelers, suggesting thus that air travel remains a significant risk for cross-border spread of infectious diseases. Overall, we suggest that wastewater-based epidemiology and genotyping provides a cost effective and non-invasive approach for pathogen monitoring and an early-warning tool for disease emergence and spread within a tropical country.

Exploring the range of Culex mosquitoes in Western Argentinean Patagonia, unveiling the presence of Culex pipiens bioform pipiens in South America.

Culicids in Argentinean Patagonia are characterized by low species diversity and adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, yet few studies have been conducted in the region. To further assess the occurrence of Culicidae in Western Patagonia, and in particular the presence of Culex pipiens bioforms at the southernmost extent of their distribution, immature and adult specimens were collected aboveground across various land uses located in shrubland, steppe, and deciduous forest between 38.96 and 46.55°S. Mosquitoes were reported at 35 of the 105 inspected sites. Five species from the genus Culex were identified, all of which were present in the steppe and the forest, while only Cx. apicinus and members of the Cx. pipiens complex were collected in the shrubland. Within the latter, a total of 150 specimens were molecularly identified by PCR amplification of Ace-2 and CQ11 loci. The first-to-date occurrence of bioform pipiens in South America is reported, along with the first records of Cx. quinquefasciatus signatures in Patagonia. In addition, the distribution of Cx. acharistus and Cx. dolosus as south as Santa Cruz province is expanded, and the first record of Cx. eduardoi in Río Negro province is provided. Immature specimens of Cx. pipiens were conspicuous in human-made aquatic habitats (both containers and in the ground), while Cx. acharistus was more prominent in artificial containers and Cx. eduardoi was mainly in ground habitats, either natural or human-made. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and ecological roles of these mosquito species in a region of extreme environmental conditions.

Understanding the sources of marine litter in remote islands: The Galapagos islands as a case study.

Determining the sources of marine litter is necessary to mitigate this increasing global problem. Plastic bottles are useful tracers of marine litter and constitute the main item (24%) stranding on remote beaches in the Galapagos Islands. The aim of this study was to estimate the abundance of plastic bottles in remote beaches and inferred their sources. To do so, we collected plastic bottles at 60 remote Galapagos Island beaches from 2018 to 2022. 76% of beaches were qualified as badly polluted, with >34 bottles·100 m-1. Most identified bottles came from Peru (71%), followed by China (17%) and Ecuador (9%). Although most locally-sold products are made in Ecuador, they contribute little to beach litter loads. Polyethylene terephthalate bottles with lid (necessary for litter dispersal) represented 88% of all bottles, demonstrating that most of the litter reaching the Galapagos comes from distant sources, mainly from South America. However, bottle ages indicate that at least 10% of Peruvian, 26% of Ecuadorian, and all Chinese bottles likely were dumped from ships. Reducing marine litter reaching the Galapagos Islands requires tackling litter leakage from land-based sources in South America and better compliance with regulations banning the dumping of plastics and other persistent wastes from ships.

Mycorrhizas in South American Ericaceae.

Mycorrhizal symbioses (mycorrhizas) of Ericaceae, including ericoid mycorrhiza (ErM), have been mainly studied in the Northern Hemisphere, although the highest diversity of ericaceous plants is located in the Southern Hemisphere, where several regions remain largely unexplored. One of them is South America, which harbors a remarkably high diversity of Ericaceae (691 species and 33 genera) in a wide range of environmental conditions, and a specific mycorrhizal type called cavendishioid. In this review, we compile all available information on mycorrhizas of Ericaceae in South America. We report data on the mycorrhizal type and fungal diversity in 17 and 11 ericaceous genera, respectively. We show that South American Ericaceae exhibit a high diversity of habitats and life forms and that some species from typical ErM subfamilies may also host arbuscular mycorrhiza. Also, a possible geographical pattern in South American ErM fungal communities is suggested, with Sebacinales being the dominant mycorrhizal partners of the Andean clade species from tropical mountains, while archetypal ErM fungi are common partners in southern South America species. The gathered information challenges some common assumptions about ErM and suggests that focusing on understudied regions would improve our understanding of the evolution of mycorrhizal associations in this intriguing family.

Under the hood: Phylogenomics of hooded tick spiders (Arachnida, Ricinulei) uncovers discordance between morphology and molecules.

Ricinulei or hooded tick-spiders are a cryptic and ancient group of arachnids. The order consists of around 100 highly endemic extant species restricted to the Afrotropics and the Neotropics along with 22 fossil species. Their antiquity and low vagility make them an excellent group with which to interrogate biogeographic questions. To date, only four molecular analyses have been conducted on the group and they failed to resolve the relationships of the main lineages and even recovering the non-monophyly of the three genera. These studies were limited to a few Sanger loci or phylogenomic analyses with at most seven ingroup samples. To increase phylogenetic resolution in this little-understood and poorly studied group, we present the most comprehensive phylogenomic study of Ricinulei to date leveraging the Arachnida ultra-conserved element probe set. With a data set of 473 loci across 96 ingroup samples, analyses resolved a monophyletic Neotropical clade consisting of four main lineages. Two of them correspond to the current genera Cryptocellus and Pseudocellus while topology testing revealed one lineage to likely be a phylogenetic reconstruction artefact. The fourth lineage, restricted to Northwestern, Andean South America, is consistent with the Cryptocellus magnus group, likely corresponding to the historical genus Heteroricinoides. Since we did not sample the type species for this old genus, we do not formally re-erect Heteroricinoides but our data suggest the need for a thorough morphological re-examination of Neotropical Ricinulei.

Neurovascular description in the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus (Chinchilloidea, Caviomorpha). A study involving evolutionarily related species of Caviomorpha and Muroidea.

Oxygenated blood is required for the adequate metabolic activity of the brain. This is supplied by the circle of Willis (CoW) and the vertebrobasilar and carotid systems. The CoW ensures blood flow in case of arterial stenosis or occlusion. Different animal models have been explored for the CoW morphological and functional study. This work aims to characterize the vascular architecture of the CoW of the plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus (Suborder: Hystricomorpha), and to compare it with evolutionarily related species of Caviomorpha and Muroidea. The blood supply in adult plains vizcachas was studied using latex cerebrovascular casts and angiography. A caudo-rostral flow direction was determined, beginning in the spinal and vertebral arteries and converging in the basilar artery which bifurcates in the carotid-basilar communication in the caudal communicating arteries. In the first third of its course, the caudal cerebral arteries project laterally, and the middle and rostral cerebral arteries bifurcate from their rostral terminal segment, supplying the temporo-parietal and frontal cortex. The CoW architecture is mainly conserved between rodent species. Likewise, the small neurovascular variations observed could be considered phylogenetic morphological variations more than evolutionary adaptations. The absence of the rostral communicating artery that generates the rostral open architecture of the CoW in the vizcacha as in the other analyzed species, supports the need for a revision of the CoW classical function as a security system. Finally, this work supports the importance of expanding our understanding of brain anatomy among species, which may contribute to a better understanding of functional neuroanatomy.

Amazons Are Back: Absence of Males in a Praying Mantis from Uruguayan Savannas.

With a broad distribution throughout South America, Brunneria subaptera (Saussure) (Coptopterygidae) is the most abundant praying mantis species in Uruguay, mostly associated with grassland vegetation. Their body coloration can vary between green or brown sepia. The recent catalog of Uruguayan mantids showed that all specimens of B. subaptera from the collections in Uruguay were females, suggesting an absence of males in natural populations. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of female-only populations of B. subaptera in Uruguay. Moreover, we analyzed the genetic variation and estimated the time of the most recent common ancestor of the species. We performed bimonthly samplings in two localities in Uruguay for 1 year and we sexed the individuals. We extracted DNA from the abdominal tissue of adult females and sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cox1 gene to assess the genetic diversity and to estimate diversification times. We did not find any males in either of the studied localities. The age estimates revealed a recent origin of the species (2.33 Ma), and there was no genetic differentiation between the individuals from Uruguayan localities. This absence of males of B. subaptera documented in the sampled locations suggests that the species reproduces by thelytokous parthenogenesis. This study opens promising venues for future research into reproductive strategies and polymorphism in South-American praying mantises that inhabit one of the largest areas of grasslands in the world, currently under dramatic deterioration and reduction.