Enhancing mass spectrometry interpretability by ComDim-ICA multi-block analysis: Geographical and varietal traceability of Brazilian Coffea canephora.

Mass spectrometry can gain analytical interpretability by studying complementarity and synergy between the data obtained by the same technique. To explore its potential in an untargeted metabolomic application, the objective of this work was to obtain organic and aqueous coffee extracts of three coffee Canephora groups produced in Brazil with distinctive aspects: geographical origin and botanical variety. Aqueous and organic extracts of roasted coffee beans were analyzed by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Due to the large number of samples, the injector of the liquid chromatography system was used to automate the analysis. The column was removed, and a peak tube was added to connect the system directly to the mass spectrometer to inject both polar and nonpolar fractions of the coffee extracts individually. The technique provided characteristic fingerprinting mass spectra that not only allowed for differentiation of geographical origins but also between robusta and conilon botanical varieties. The mass spectra of the organic and water extracts represented two separate data blocks to be analyzed by the ComDim-ICA multi-block data analysis method. While the classical ComDim is based on applying PCA to the iteratively reweighted concatenated matrices, in the ComDim-ICA, the factorization is done using independent components analysis, which promotes specific improvements since it is based on extracting components that are statistically independent of one another. The results highlighted by ComDim-ICA show that both water and organic extracts contributed with important ions to the characterization of the coffee composition. However, the results revealed a high variability of metabolomic composition within each botanical variety (Robusta Amazônico and Conilon Capixaba) and geographical provenance (Rondônia indigenous-1, Rondônia non-indigenous-2 and Espírito Santo-3). Even so, water mass spectra differentiated the botanical variety Conilon from Robusta based on significant ions related to trigonelline, caffeic acid, caffeoylquinic acid, and methylpyridinium; both water and organic mass spectra differentiated Rondônia indigenous from Rondônia non-indigenous and Espírito Santo Conilon based on significant ions related to benzoic acid, pentose, coumaric acid, caffeine in the organic extract and malonic acid, pentose, caffeoylquinic acid, methyl pyridinium, caffeine, and sucrose present in the water extract. With the proposed approach acquiring ion fingerprints of different coffee extracts and their subsequent analysis by ComDim-ICA, new complementary chemical aspects of Brazilian Coffea canephora were put in evidence.

The biogeography of the Amazonian tree flora.

We describe the geographical variation in tree species composition across Amazonian forests and show how environmental conditions are associated with species turnover. Our analyses are based on 2023 forest inventory plots (1 ha) that provide abundance data for a total of 5188 tree species. Within-plot species composition reflected both local environmental conditions (especially soil nutrients and hydrology) and geographical regions. A broader-scale view of species turnover was obtained by interpolating the relative tree species abundances over Amazonia into 47,441 0.1-degree grid cells. Two main dimensions of spatial change in tree species composition were identified. The first was a gradient between western Amazonia at the Andean forelands (with young geology and relatively nutrient-rich soils) and central-eastern Amazonia associated with the Guiana and Brazilian Shields (with more ancient geology and poor soils). The second gradient was between the wet forests of the northwest and the drier forests in southern Amazonia. Isolines linking cells of similar composition crossed major Amazonian rivers, suggesting that tree species distributions are not limited by rivers. Even though some areas of relatively sharp species turnover were identified, mostly the tree species composition changed gradually over large extents, which does not support delimiting clear discrete biogeographic regions within Amazonia.

The Study of Geographical Distribution in the Analysis of Domestication as an Evolutionary Process: Tensions in Alphonse de Candolle's Approach.

Interest in the study of domesticated plants increased near the end of the 18th century, mainly because of their economic potential. In the 19th century, there was a new focus on the historical understanding of species, their origin, changes in their distribution, and their evolutionary history. Charles Darwin developed an extended interpretation of species domestication, considering variations, reproduction, inheritance, and modification as standard processes between wild and domesticated organisms. In this context, one relatively neglected aspect was the geographical distribution of domesticated species. Alphonse de Candolle addressed and developed in detail the question of the geographical origin of cultivated plants. Since 1836 Alphonse de Candolle had been studying the topic and obtained evidence that contributed to understanding aspects such as the center of origin, dispersion, competition, selection, and time of domestication. Although Darwin himself admitted that Géographie botanique raisonnée (de Candolle, Alphonse,de. Géographie botanique raisonnée; ou, exposition des faits principaux et des lois concernant la distribution géographique des plantes de l'epoque actuelle, 2ème tome. Paris: Masson.) was of great help to him in the development of his evolutionary theory, the importance of de Candolle's contribution is seldom recognized. Our purpose is to detail the dialogue between Alphonse de Candolle and Darwin on the geography of domesticated plants, to understand some of the most critical discussions that contributed to the reinterpretation of domestication under the Darwinian proposal of modified descent.

How many animal-pollinated angiosperms are nectar-producing?

The diversity of plant-pollinator interactions is grounded in floral resources, with nectar considered one of the main floral rewards plants produce for pollinators. However, a global evaluation of the number of animal-pollinated nectar-producing angiosperms and their distribution world-wide remains elusive. We compiled a thorough database encompassing 7621 plant species from 322 families to estimate the number and proportion of nectar-producing angiosperms reliant on animal pollination. Through extensive sampling of plant communities, we also explored the interplay between nectar production, floral resource diversity, latitudinal and elevational gradients, contemporary climate, and environmental characteristics. Roughly 223 308 animal-pollinated angiosperms are nectar-producing, accounting for 74.4% of biotic-pollinated species. Global distribution patterns of nectar-producing plants reveal a distinct trend along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients, with increased proportions of plants producing nectar in high latitudes and altitudes. Conversely, tropical communities in warm and moist climates exhibit greater floral resource diversity and a lower proportion of nectar-producing plants. These findings suggest that ecological trends driven by climate have fostered the diversification of floral resources in warmer and less seasonal climates, reducing the proportion of solely nectar-producing plants. Our study provides a baseline for understanding plant-pollinator relationships, plant diversification, and the distribution of plant traits.

Characterisation and traceability of extra virgin olive oil and table olive of Azapa variety marketed in Chile using Microsatellite Molecular Markers / Caracterización y trazabilidad de aceite de oliva virgen extra y aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa comercializados en Chile mediante marcadores moleculares microsatélites

Chile has two certified origin olive products: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from Huasco valley and the Azapa variety table olive from the Azapa valley. However, efficient methodologies are needed to determine the varieties and raw materials involved in the end products. In this study, we assessed the size of alleles from ten microsatellites in 20 EVOOs and in leaves and fruits of 16 olive varieties cultivated in Chile to authenticate their origins. The identification of varieties relied on specific allele sizes derived from microsatellites markers UDO99-011 and DCA18-M found in leaves and fruit mesocarp. While most Chilean single-variety EVOOs matched the variety declared on the label, inconsistencies were observed in single-variety EVOOs containing multiple varieties. Our findings confirm that microsatellites serve as a valuable as diagnostic tools for ensuring the quality control of Geographical Indication certification for Azapa olives and EVOO with Designation of Origin from Huasco.

Chile cuenta con dos productos de oliva de origen certificado: El aceite de oliva virgen extra (AOVE) del valle del Huasco y la aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa del valle de Azapa. Sin embargo, se necesitan metodologías eficientes para determinar las variedades y materias primas involucradas en los productos finales. En este estudio, evaluamos el tamaño de los alelos de diez microsatélites en 20 AOVEs y en hojas y frutos de 16 variedades de aceituna cultivadas en Chile para autentificar sus orígenes. La identificación de las variedades se basó en los tamaños alélicos específicos derivados de los marcadores microsatélites UDO99-011 y DCA18-M encontrados en las hojas y el mesocarpio de los frutos. Aunque la mayoría de los AOVEs chilenos monovarietales coincidían con la variedad declarada en la etiqueta, se observaron incoherencias en los AOVEs monovarietales que contenían múltiples variedades. Nuestros hallazgos confirman que los microsatélites sirven como valiosas herramientas de diagnóstico para asegurar el control de calidad de la certificación de Indicación Geográfica para aceitunas de Azapa y AOVE con Denominación de Origen de Huasco.

Geographical adaptability for optimizing the recommendation of soybean cultivars in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Yield multi-location trials associated to geostatistical techniques with environmental covariables can provide a better understanding of G x E interactions and, consequently, adaptation limits of soybean cultivars. Thus, the main objective of this study is understanding the environmental covariables effects on soybean adaptation, as well as predicting the adaptation of soybean under environmental variations and then recommend each soybean cultivar to favorable environments aiming maximize the average yield. The trials were carried out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replicates over three years, in 28 locations. Thirty-two genotypes (commercial and pre-commercial) representing different maturity groups (7.5-8.5) were evaluated in each trial were covering the Edaphoclimatic Region (REC) 401, 402 and 403. The covariables adopted as environmental descriptors were accumulated rainfall, minimum temperature, mean temperature, maximum temperature, photoperiod, relative humidity, soil clay content, soil water avaibility and altitude. After fitting means through Mixed Linear Model, the Regression-Kriging procedure was applied to spacialize the grain yield using environmental covariables as predictors. The covariables explained 32.54% of the GxE interaction, being the soil water avaibility the most important to the adaptation of soybean cultivars, contributing with 7.80%. Yield maps of each cultivar were obtained and, hence, the yield maximization map based on cultivar recommendation was elaborated.

Height growth of Mexican boys by geographic region: an evaluation based on nationally representative data of ENSANUT 2012 and 2018.

Existing research on human growth in Mexico is regionally focused, creating a gap in the understanding of growth patterns of children and adolescents at national level and regional variation. The objective of the present study was to characterize the height growth curve of the Mexican population by geographic area and to cluster the states of the Mexican Republic according to their somatic maturation characteristics, based on a national representative sample of boys. Data on age, height, socioeconomic level, and geographic area of 18,219 boys were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2012 (ENSANUT) and ENSANUT 2018, carried out in 32 Mexican states. Both surveys had representative samples. Preece-Baines 1 model was applied to fit height growth curves. Biological parameters were estimated; principal component analysis and cluster analysis were performed to group Mexican states based on these biological parameters. The estimated age at peak height velocity (PHV) was 12.3 years in the sample. Significant regional differences in the timing and tempo of PHV among Mexican boys were observed. Boys in the northern region experienced PHV at an earlier age and had a shorter duration of growth compared with boys in the central and southern regions. Boys in the central region had a longer duration of growth and a later age of PHV compared with the boys in the southern region. The cluster that included the southern states of the country showed estimated lower adult height and earlier somatic maturation. A lower height was found in the low and low-middle socioeconomic levels compared with the medium-high and high socioeconomic levels. Future research in Mexico should focus on longitudinal studies to analyse the timing and tempo of growth and maturation, considering the impacts of environmental and genetic factors. Public health strategies should account for geographic variations.

Rapid discrimination of geographical origin of garlic (Allium sativum L.): A metabolomic approach applied to paper spray mass spectrometry data.

INTRODUCTION: Distinguishing and categorizing the origin of garlic are highly significant, considering its widespread use as a flavoring agent. With billions of dollars annually in global trade, garlic is frequently susceptible to fraudulent practices. METHODOLOGY: Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) was employed to quickly analyze garlic samples from distinct geographic origins: China and Brazil. The so-generated PS-MS data were treated with metabolomic multivariate approaches, and the garlic samples from these different geographic regions were easily discriminated. RESULTS: Brazilian garlic was characterized to contain higher levels of amino acids, such as arginine, proline, and valine, and organosulfur compounds, such as allicin, alliin, and l-γ-glutamil-S-allyl-l-cysteine, compared to Chinese garlic. The PS-MS data were treated employing multivariate approaches, typically used in the metabolomics field, and this protocol was promptly able to discern among both types of samples. CONCLUSION: Hence, this combined strategy holds promise not only as an effective tool for the authentication of the geographical origin of garlic but also as a powerful means for biomarker discovery.

The Andes as a semi-permeable geographical barrier: Genetic connectivity between structured populations in a widespread spider.

Geographical barriers like mountain ranges impede genetic exchange among populations, promoting diversification. The effectiveness of these barriers in limiting gene flow varies between lineages due to each species' dispersal modes and capacities. Our understanding of how the Andes orogeny contributes to species diversification comes from well-studied vertebrates and a few arthropods and plants, neglecting organisms unable to fly or walk long distances. Some arachnids, such as Gasteracantha cancriformis, have been hypothesized to disperse long distances via ballooning (i.e. using their silk to interact with the wind). Yet, we do not know how the environment and geography shape its genetic diversity. Therefore, we tested whether the Andes contributed to the diversification of G. cancriformis acting as an absolute or semi-permeable barrier to genetic connectivity between populations of this spider at opposite sides of the mountain range. We sampled thousands of loci across the distribution of the species and implemented population genetics, phylogenetic, and landscape genetic analyses. We identified two genetically distinct groups structured by the Central Andes, and a third less structured group in the Northern Andes that shares ancestry with the previous two. This structure is largely explained by the altitude along the Andes, which decreases in some regions, possibly facilitating cross-Andean dispersal and gene flow. Our findings support that altitude in the Andes plays a major role in structuring populations in South America, but the strength of this barrier can be overcome by organisms with long-distance dispersal modes together with altitudinal depressions.

Las barreras geográficas como las cordilleras montañosas impiden el intercambio genético entre poblaciones, promoviendo la diversificación. La efectividad de estas barreras para limitar el flujo genético varía entre linajes debido a los modos y capacidades de dispersión de cada especie. Nuestra comprensión de cómo la orogenia de los Andes contribuye a la diversificación de especies proviene de vertebrados y algunos artrópodos y plantas bien estudiados, descuidando a los organismos incapaces de volar o caminar grandes distancias. Se ha hipotetizado que algunas arañas, como Gasteracantha cancriformis, se dispersan a grandes distancias mediante la técnica de "ballooning" (es decir, utilizando su seda para interactuar con el viento). Sin embargo, no sabemos cómo el entorno y la geografía han dado forma a su diversidad genética. Por lo tanto, probamos si los Andes contribuyeron a la diversificación de G. cancriformis actuando como una barrera absoluta o permeable para la conectividad genética entre poblaciones de esta araña en lados opuestos de la cordillera. Muestreamos miles de loci a través de la distribución de la especie e implementamos análisis de genética de poblaciones, filogenéticos y de genética del paisaje. Identificamos dos grupos genéticamente distintos estructurados por los Andes Centrales, y un tercer grupo menos estructurado en los Andes del Norte que comparte ascendencia con los dos anteriores. Esta estructura se explica en gran medida por la altitud a lo largo de los Andes, que disminuye en algunas regiones, posiblemente facilitando la dispersión y el flujo genético a través de los Andes. Nuestros hallazgos apoyan que la altitud en los Andes juega un papel importante en la estructuración de las poblaciones en América del Sur, pero la fuerza de esta barrera puede ser superada por organismos con modos de dispersión a larga distancia junto con depresiones altitudinales.

[Trend in breast cancer mortality rate among women aged 20 years or older in Brazil, 2005-2019]. / Tendência da taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama em mulheres com 20 anos ou mais no Brasil, 2005-2019.

The aim is to analyze the trend in breast cancer mortality rates and its correlation with the socioeconomic development status in Brazil. It involved an ecological time series study carried out in the 26 units of the federation, Federal District and regions of Brazil. Data sources included the Mortality Information System (number of deaths), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (resident population) and the study of the Global Burden of Disease (Socio-demographic Index - SDI). Data from 2005 to 2019 were used. The trend was analyzed using Prais-Winsten regression models. The relationship between the mortality rate and the SDI was analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. During the study period, 207,683 deaths from breast cancer occurred. The average standardized mortality rate was 19.95 deaths per 100,000 women in Brazil. All the regions of Brazil showed an increasing trend in mortality. Of the total federative units, 22 showed an increasing trend. There was a positive relationship between the mortality rate and the SDI. The standardized mortality rate for breast cancer showed an increasing trend in Brazil, in all regions and in most states. There was a direct association between mortality and SDI, indicating a greater magnitude in more developed regions.

O objetivo é analisar a tendência da taxa de mortalidade por câncer de mama e sua correlação com o status de desenvolvimento socioeconômico no Brasil. Estudo ecológico de séries temporais realizado nos 26 estados, Distrito Federal e regiões do Brasil. As fontes de dados foram o Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (número de óbitos), o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (população residente) e o estudo da Carga Global de Doenças (socio-demographic index - SDI). Foram usados dados de 2005 a 2019. A tendência foi analisada pelos modelos de regressão de Prais-Winsten. A relação entre a taxa de mortalidade e o SDI foi analisada pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. No período do estudo ocorrerem 207.683 óbitos por câncer de mama. A taxa padronizada de mortalidade média foi de 19,95 óbitos por 100.000 mulheres no Brasil. O Brasil e todas as regiões apresentaram tendência crescente da mortalidade. Do total de estados, 22 apresentaram tendência crescente. Verificou-se relação positiva entre a taxa de mortalidade e o SDI. A taxa de mortalidade padronizada por câncer de mama apresentou tendência crescente no Brasil, em todas as regiões e na maioria das unidades da federação. Verificou-se associação direta entre mortalidade e SDI, indicando maior magnitude em regiões mais desenvolvidas.

Therapeutic itineraries in health care in Quilombola communities. / Itinerários terapêuticos no cuidado em saúde em comunidades quilombolas.

This article aimed to map therapeutic itineraries in health care within rural Quilombola communities in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is a section of a qualitative research conducted in six visited communities. The data was collected through 18 individual interviews, analyzed using the theoretical-methodological framework of Therapeutic Itineraries, and organized into three empirical themes. The narratives allowed for understanding the paths taken in health care by the Quilombola population, identifying the components of the popular subsystem (natural resources, the use of teas and home remedies), the family subsystem (transmission of knowledge and cultural heritage of care), and the professional subsystem (hospital level, medical care, primary and specialized attention). The difficulties of access are not only due to geographical distances, but also broader aspects of social determination, such as institutional racism, low availability of services, the need for payment for transportation and medical procedures. In this sense, it is necessary to have an approach and interventions from public policies to address ethnic-racial, economic, and access inequalities in health care services.

Este artigo teve como objetivo mapear os itinerários terapêuticos no cuidado em saúde em comunidades quilombolas rurais no norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Trata-se de um recorte de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada em seis comunidades visitadas. Os dados foram produzidos por meio de 18 entrevistas individuais, analisados pelo referencial teórico-metodológico dos itinerários terapêuticos e organizados em três temas empíricos. As narrativas permitiram a compreensão dos percursos trilhados no cuidado em saúde pela população quilombola, a identificação dos componentes do subsistema popular (recursos naturais, o uso de chás e remédios caseiros), do subsistema familiar (transmissão de conhecimentos e herança cultural de cuidados), e do subsistema profissional (nível hospitalar, cuidados médicos, atenção primária e especializada). As dificuldades de acesso não decorrem apenas das distâncias geográficas, envolvem aspectos mais amplos da determinação social, como o racismo institucional, a baixa oferta de serviços, a necessidade de pagamento para deslocamentos e procedimentos médicos. Nesse sentido, fazem-se necessárias uma abordagem e intervenções das políticas públicas frente às desigualdades étnico-raciais, econômicas e de acesso aos serviços de cuidado em saúde.

Puparium of Merosargus cingulatus Schiner, 1868 and Ptecticus lanei James, 1941 (Diptera: Stratiomyidae: Sarginae), with new geographical records for the species and a list of all known immatures of the subfamily.

The puparia of Merosargus cingulatus Schiner, 1868 and Ptecticus lanei James, 1941, two Neotropical species of Sarginae (Stratiomyidae), are described and illustrated based on 19 and 17 immatures of each species, respectively. The specimens were collected in rotting vegetal material in Carambe, state of Paran, Brazil. Images of reared adults of both species are provided, allowing future identifications of specimens. New distributional records include the first occurrences of M. cingulatus in the Brazilian states of Cear, Maranho, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Rio de Janeiro. With these two new descriptions, immature stages (6th instar and/or puparium) of 29 species of Sarginae are now known, with only eight species known from the Neotropical Region.

Epidemiological, clinical, and geographical characterization of Leprosy in the County of Santarém-Pará: Insights for effective control and targeted intervention.

Leprosy is an infectious disease characterized by slow and chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae and or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, an intracellular alcohol-acid-resistant (BAAR) bacillus. The objective of this study was to provide an epidemiological, clinical, and geographic characterization of leprosy in the city of Santarém-Pará during the period 2011-2020. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative approach was used, employing maps and tables to illustrate clinical and epidemiological variables, including: sex, age, race, area of residence, operational classification, clinical form, number of skin lesions, number of affected nerves, and health units. During the analyzed period, 581 cases of leprosy were diagnosed, resulting in the following cumulative incidence rates: male (60%); age over 15 years (94%); urban area (73%); multibacillary (74%); borderline form (46%); skin lesions greater than 5 (34%); and no nerves affected (68%). In the urban perimeter, a higher cumulative incidence of cases was observed in the central area with 133 cases. However, the health unit reporting the largest number of cases belonged to the southern area, specifically the Basic Health Unit of Nova República, with 48 cases. This study highlights the need to characterize the nuances of leprosy and its variability within the urban environment, according to different areas. Further research is essential to inform the implementation of public policies aimed at addressing the population with the highest vulnerability index, thereby reducing leprosy rates in Santarém.

Recent genetic, phenetic and ecological divergence across the Mesoamerican highlands: a study case with Diglossa baritula (Aves: Thraupidae).

The topographical, geological, climatic and biodiversity complexity of Mesoamerica has made it a primary research focus. The Mesoamerican highlands is a region with particularly high species richness and within-species variation. The Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer, Diglossa baritula (Wagler, 1832), is a species endemic to the Mesoamerican highlands, with three allopatric subspecies currently recognized. To characterize divergence within this species, we integrated genomics, morphology, coloration and ecological niche modeling approaches, obtained from sampling individuals across the entire geographic distribution of the species. Our results revealed a clear genomic divergence between the populations to the east versus the west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. In contrast to the genomic results, morphology and coloration analyses showed intermediate levels of differentiation, indicating that population groups within D. baritula have probably been under similar selective pressures. Our morphology results indicated that the only sexually dimorphic morphological variable is the wing chord, with males having a longer wing chord than females. Finally, ecological data indicated that there are differences in ecological niche within D. baritula. Our data suggest that D. baritula could contain two or more incipient species at the intermediate phase of the speciation continuum. These results highlight the importance of the geographical barrier of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and Pleistocene climatic events in driving isolation and population divergence in D. baritula. The present investigation illustrates the speciation potential of the D. baritula complex and the capacity of Mesoamerican highlands to create cryptic biodiversity and endemism.

Analysis of the access of pregnant women to the first programmatic dental appointment: an ecological study.

To plan and evaluate public health policies, it is important to understand the influence of social factors on the quality and access to dental care. This study aimed to verify the potential association between the indicators of pregnant women receiving dental care and the social and health care indicators of cities in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. A cross-sectional ecological study was performed with secondary data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Health Care Department of the Ministry of Health regarding the cities of Minas Gerais. The study analyzed three health care indicators (such as more than six prenatal, the proportion of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus tests, and oral health coverage) and four social indicators (average monthly wage, illiteracy rate, proportion of employed population, and rate of adequate sanitary sewerage). Bivariate analysis (Mann-Whitney test) and logistic regression were performed using Jamovi software. All of the indicators analyzed were associated with the access of pregnant women to dental care. However, in the regression models, only health care indicators remained statistically significant. Thus, although social indicators are associated with the access of pregnant women to dental appointments, access to primary health care and the teamwork of primary health care teams may overcome social inequality in the access of pregnant women to dental care.

Two New Species of Dihammaphora (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Rhopalophorini), with Taxonomical and Geographical Notes for the Genus.

Dihammaphora Chevrolat (Arc Nat 1:50-54, 1859) is one of the most diverse genera of Rhopalophorini, with 46 species. It is characterized mainly by species with antennae short and subserrated, with 10 or 11 antennomeres, prothorax cylindrical, and elytra punctuated. In this study, two new species of Dihammaphora are described and illustrated, new records are provided to 11 species, and taxonomic notes are given to six species of the genus. We examined 55 specimens and identified 16 species of the genus Dihammaphora, including Dihammaphora aurea sp. nov. from Honduras, and Dihammaphora cruzi sp. nov. from Brazil. The number of species of Dihammaphora is increased to 48, two of them in Central America, resulting in seven species for this region. In Brazil, 24 species are now recognized, being the country with the largest number of species of the genus. This study shows that there is still a deficit of knowledge about the diversity and distribution of Dihammaphora.

Cancer mortality in childhood and adolescence: analysis of trends and spatial distribution in the 133 intermediate Brazilian regions grouped by macroregions.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude, trend, and spatial patterns of childhood and adolescent cancer mortality between 1996 and 2017 in 133 Brazilian intermediate regions by using socioeconomic and healthcare services indicators. METHODS: This is an ecological study for analyzing the trend of mortality from cancer in childhood and adolescence through time series. Data on deaths were extracted from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Data on population were extracted from the 1991, 2000, and 2010 demographic censuses of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, with interpolation for intercensal years. Time series were delineated for mortality by type of cancer in each intermediate region. Such regions were grouped by macroregions to present the results. The calculation and interpretation of mortality trends use the Prais-Winsten autoregression procedure. RESULTS: Mortality rates for all neoplasms were higher in the Northern region (7.79 deaths per 100 thousand population), while for leukemias, they were higher in the Southern region (1.61 deaths per 100 thousand population). In both regions, mortality was higher in boys and in the 0-4 age group. The trend was decreasing (annual percent change [APC] - -2.11 [95%CI: -3.14; - 1.30]) for all neoplasms in the Brazilian regions and stationary (APC - -0.43 [95%CI: -1.61; 2.12]) for leukemias in the analyzed period. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate for all neoplasms showed higher values in regions with smaller numbers of ICU beds in the public healthcare system.

High climatic ancestral affinity between the lineages of the Leishmania vector Psathyromyia shannoni sensu stricto (Diptera: Phlebotominae).

Psathyromyia (Psathyromyia) shannoni sensu stricto (Dyar) is a vector of Leishmania parasite and the second sandfly of medical importance with a wide geographical but discontinuous distribution in America. Preliminary genetic structure analysis using a mitochondrial marker shows that the species integrated by at least four lineages could be the result of ecological adaptations to different environmental scenarios, but this hypothesis had never been proven. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether the genetic structure that detected Pa. shannoni ss. is associated with divergence or conservatism niche. Using Ecological Niche Models (ENMs) theory, we estimated the potential distribution for each genetic lineage, and then, we evaluated the equivalency niche for assessing whether climatic niche was more different than expected. The ENMs identify different suitable distribution areas but the same climatic or ecological conditions for the genetic lineages of Pa. shannoni (conservatism niche). Our findings allow us to speculate that other potential processes or events could be related to the genetic differentiation of Pa. shannoni. These studies are important because they allow us to identify the factors that could restrict the potential distribution of the different lineages whose vectorial competence is still unknown.

Unveiling the secrets of snakes: Analysis of environmental, socioeconomic, and spatial factors associated with snakebite risk in Paraná, Southern Brazil.

The state of Paraná is home to three out of the five medically significant snake genera in Brazil and lacks of snakebite epidemiology studies. This study aimed to ascertain the spatial, environmental, and socioeconomic factors associated with snakebite risk by analyzing notification data of cases in the state of Paraná. Notification and socioeconomic data were gathered from the online platforms of the National System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Land cover and land use maps were obtained from the Mapbiomas platform in raster format and subsequently converted into vectors using QGis software. The proportions of land use and land cover in square kilometers (km2) were then calculated. All acquired data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel 365 software. For spatial analysis, GeoDa software version 1.20 was utilized to calculate the Global and Local Moran indices, assessing spatial correlations. Between 2007 and 2021, 12,877 notifications were recorded, with an average incidence of 8.22/100,000 inhabitants in the state, 8166 (63.41%) caused by Bothrops, 1534 (11.91%) caused by Crotalus, 56 (0.43%) caused by Micrurus. 1703 (13.22%) caused by non-venomous snake species, and the remaining cases did not have the identified causative species. The incidents caused by Bothrops and Crotalus showed different distribution patterns. Spatial analysis revealed that key factors contributing to snakebite risk included the presence of native forests, mangroves, apicuns, and monospecific planted forests. The population group at the highest risk comprised rural residents and workers. Furthermore, the absence of basic sanitation and proper garbage collection and disposal exhibited positive correlations with snakebites. Conversely, intensive farming practices with substantial mechanization and pastures demonstrated negative spatial correlations. This study has enabled the identification of the primary factors associated with snakebite risk, facilitating more targeted efforts to prevent snakebite accidents among vulnerable populations.

Phylogenomics of the narrowly endemic Eurycheilichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): Sympatric species with non-sister relationships suggest mainly allopatric speciation.

Armored catfishes of the genus Eurycheilichthys are endemic to Southern Brazil and Misiones (Argentina) comprising nine species of small size, with a high degree of sympatry and species diversity distributed in two river basins. Here we use new genome-wide data to infer a species phylogeny and test species boundaries for this poorly known group. We estimate 1) the phylogenetic relationships of the species of Eurycheilichthys based on 29,350 loci in 65 individuals of nine species plus outgroups, and 2) the population structure and differentiation based on 43,712 loci and 62 individuals to estimate how geography may have acted on speciation and formation of the sympatric species groups. Analyses support the monophyly of the genus and suggest two species-inclusive clades (East and West) with high support and very recently diverged species. Western clade contains E. limulus (from upper Jacuí River basin) that is sister to Western species of the Taquari-Antas basin plus E. paucidens. The Eastern clade contains E. pantherinus (from Uruguay River basin) sister to the Eastern species of the Taquari-Antas basin E. coryphaenus, plus the central-distributed species E. planus and E. vacariensis, and the more widely-distributed species E. luisae. Eurycheilichthys luisae is not monophyletic and may contain one or more cryptic species or hybrid individuals. A stronger diversity on structure of lineages on the Taquari-Antas, when compared to upper Uruguay and Jacuí River basins, and the fact that most of the sympatrically distributed taxa have non-sister relationships suggest a scenario of mainly allopatric speciation and may indicate a more dynamic landscape with headwater capture events among these tributaries.