Anthropometric Similarities and Differences in Children of Aymara and Non-Aymara Descent in Northern Chile: Implications for Health and Development / Similitudes y Diferencias Antropométricas en Niños de Etnia Aymara y Ascendencia No-Aymara en el Norte de Chile: Implicaciones para la Salud y el Desarrollo

SUMMARY: This study aims to assess the nutritional status of Aymara and non-Aymara children in Arica, comparing anthropometric measurements of boys and girls aged 4-10 to inform interventions for child health and development. We conducted a non-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional study in Arica, Chile. The sample included 458 children, with equal representation of Aymara and non-Aymara children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Trained research assistants collected anthropometric data using standardized techniques. IBM SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis, including Student's t-test and the Levene test. Both Aymara and non-Aymara children showed high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Boys had a meso-endomorph somatotype, while girls had an endomorph somatotype. Among 8-year-olds, non-Aymara children had a slightly higher mean body weight (35.87, SD 4.50) compared to Aymara children (32.27, SD 4.31), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, 10-year-old Aymara girls had a significantly higher mean body mass index (22.34, SD 4.21) than non-Aymara girls (20.10, SD 3.58) (p=0.05). Regarding body fat percentage, 10-year- old non-Aymara girls had a slightly higher mean (31.01, SD 5.64) than Aymara girls (26.12, SD 5.63), but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The study found high levels of overweight and obesity in children from northern Chile, increasing with age for both Aymara and non-Aymara groups. The somatotype patterns were consistent across both groups. Although the differences between Aymara and non-Aymara children were not statistically significant, the Aymara group showed slightly higher levels of overweight and obesity. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results and identify potential trends. Efforts should focus on promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity to address the growing problem of overweight and obesity in this region.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el estado nutricional de los niños Aymaras y no Aymaras en Arica, comparando las medidas antropométricas de niños y niñas de 4 a 10 años para informar las intervenciones para la salud y el desarrollo infantil. Realizamos un estudio no experimental, cuantitativo, de corte transversal en Arica, Chile. La muestra incluyó a 458 niños, con igual representación de niños Aymaras y no Aymaras de diversos estratos socioeconómicos. Asistentes de investigación capacitados recolectaron datos antropométricos utilizando técnicas estandarizadas. Se utilizó el software estadístico IBM SPSS para el análisis de datos, incluyendo la prueba t de Student y la prueba de Levene. Tanto los niños Aymaras como los no Aymaras presentaron una alta prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad. Los niños tenían un somatotipo meso-endomorfo, mientras que las niñas tenían un somatotipo endomorfo. Entre los niños de 8 años, los niños no Aymaras tenían un peso corporal medio ligeramente superior (35,87, DE 4,50) en comparación con los niños Aymaras (32,27, DE 4,31), pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05). Sin embargo, las niñas Aymaras de 10 años tenían un índice de masa corporal medio significativamente mayor (22,34, SD 4,21) que las niñas no Aymaras (20,10, SD 3,58) (p=0,05). En cuanto al porcentaje de grasa corporal, las niñas no Aymaras de 10 años tuvieron una media ligeramente superior (31,01, DE 5,64) que las niñas Aymaras (26,12, DE 5,63), pero la diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa (p>0,05). El estudio encontró altos niveles de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños del norte de Chile, aumentando con la edad tanto para los grupos Aymaras como para los no Aymaras. Los patrones de somatotipo fueron consistentes en ambos grupos. Aunque las diferencias entre los niños Aymaras y no Aymaras no fueron estadísticamente significativas, el grupo Aymara mostró niveles ligeramente más altos de sobrepeso y obesidad. Se necesita más investigación con un tamaño de muestra más grande para confirmar estos resultados e identificar tendencias potenciales. Los esfuerzos deben centrarse en promover una nutrición saludable y la actividad física para abordar el creciente problema del sobrepeso y la obesidad en esta región.

Looking for the mechanism of arsenate respiration of Fusibacter sp. strain 3D3, independent of ArrAB.

The literature has reported the isolation of arsenate-dependent growing microorganisms which lack a canonical homolog for respiratory arsenate reductase, ArrAB. We recently isolated an arsenate-dependent growing bacterium from volcanic arsenic-bearing environments in Northern Chile, Fusibacter sp. strain 3D3 (Fas) and studied the arsenic metabolism in this Gram-positive isolate. Features of Fas deduced from genome analysis and comparative analysis with other arsenate-reducing microorganisms revealed the lack of ArrAB coding genes and the occurrence of two arsC genes encoding for putative cytoplasmic arsenate reductases named ArsC-1 and ArsC-2. Interestingly, ArsC-1 and ArsC-2 belong to the thioredoxin-coupled family (because of the redox-active disulfide protein used as reductant), but they conferred differential arsenate resistance to the E. coli WC3110 ΔarsC strain. PCR experiments confirmed the absence of arrAB genes and results obtained using uncouplers revealed that Fas growth is linked to the proton gradient. In addition, Fas harbors ferredoxin-NAD+ oxidoreductase (Rnf) and electron transfer flavoprotein (etf) coding genes. These are key molecular markers of a recently discovered flavin-based electron bifurcation mechanism involved in energy conservation, mainly in anaerobic metabolisms regulated by the cellular redox state and mostly associated with cytoplasmic enzyme complexes. At least three electron-bifurcating flavoenzyme complexes were evidenced in Fas, some of them shared in conserved genomic regions by other members of the Fusibacter genus. These physiological and genomic findings permit us to hypothesize the existence of an uncharacterized arsenate-dependent growth metabolism regulated by the cellular redox state in the Fusibacter genus.

Soil Microbiome Influences on Seedling Establishment and Growth of Prosopis chilensis and Prosopis tamarugo from Northern Chile.

Prosopis chilensis and Prosopis tamarugo, two woody legumes adapted to the arid regions of Chile, have a declining distribution due to the lack of new seedling establishment. This study investigated the potential of both species to establish in soil collected from four locations in Chile, within and outside the species distribution, and to assess the role of the root-colonizing microbiome in seedling establishment and growth. Seedling survival, height, and water potential were measured to assess establishment success and growth. 16S and ITS2 amplicon sequencing was used to characterize the composition of microbial communities from the different soils and to assess the ability of both Prosopis species to recruit bacteria and fungi from the different soils. Both species were established on three of the four soils. P. tamarugo seedlings showed significantly higher survival in foreign soils and maintained significantly higher water potential in Mediterranean soils. Amplicon sequencing showed that the four soils harbored distinct microbial communities. Root-associated microbial composition indicated that P. chilensis preferentially recruited mycorrhizal fungal partners while P. tamarugo recruited abundant bacteria with known salt-protective functions. Our results suggest that a combination of edaphic properties and microbial soil legacy are potential factors mediating the Prosopis establishment success in different soils.

Evaluation of surface water quality in basins of the Chilean Altiplano-Puna and implications for water treatment and monitoring.

Water quality characterization and assessment are key to protecting human health and ecosystems, especially in arid areas such as northern Chile, where water resources are scarce and rich in pollutants. The objective of this study was to review and assess available official water quality data in the Chilean Altiplano-Puna basins for a 10-year period (2008-2018), including water treatment systems. Within the 43,600 km2 of Chilean Altiplano-Puna territory, only 16 official water quality monitoring stations had up-to-date data, and the sampling frequency was less than 3 per year. Most of the water samples collected at the evaluated stations exceeded the drinking and irrigation water Chilean standards for arsenic, boron, and electrical conductivity. Moreover, the characteristics of the Altiplano-Puna affect water quality inside and beyond the area, limiting water usage throughout the Altiplano-Puna basins. Drinking water treatment plants exist in urban and rural settlements; however, the drinking water supply in rural locations is limited due to the lack of adequate treatment and continuity of service. Wastewater treatment plants operate in some urban locations but rarely exist in rural locations. Limited data impede the proper assessment of water quality and thus the evaluation of the need for treatment systems. As such, the implementation of public policies that prioritize water with appropriate quantity and quality for local communities and ecosystems is imperative.

Processes explaining the origin and evolution of groundwater composition in the Andean Precordillera and Altiplano of the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile.

In the arid area of northern Chile, groundwater resources in the Andean formations are essential for native populations, ecological services, mining, and other human activities. Validated conceptual hydrogeological models are required for current and future water and land management. This work aims to explain the processes controlling the origin and distribution of recharge and groundwater composition in the Andean Precordillera and Altiplano of the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile, using major solutes in spring, river, and well water, and the stable and radioactive isotopes of water oxygen, hydrogen, and dissolved inorganic carbon. The waters are mainly of the Na-Ca-SO4 type. Processes controlling the chemical evolution of waters are atmospheric dust contribution, evapo-concentration, and enhanced volcanic rock weathering, as well as halite dissolution in some locations. The isotopic composition of Precordillera eastern flank water samples follows an evaporation line, while those in the western flank, in the Altiplano, follow a line that is parallel to the local meteoric line, suggesting unsaturated zone evaporation processes of infiltrated rainfall. δ13CDIC contents (-2 to -27‰) indicate mixing processes, volcanic CO2 in the Altiplano, and calcite dissolution in some sectors. In the western depression, the only recharge is due to water infiltration in creek channels. In the highland areas, 5-25% of precipitation produces recharge. The estimated groundwater renewal time in the Precordillera was 3-14 kyr. The piezometric elevation in the Precordillera due to low-permeability intrusive rocks and local recharge prevents the east-west groundwater transfer from the Altiplano to the western depression and explains why the volcanic CO2 in the Altiplano basins is not observed on the western flank. These results provide new insights for the evolution of water quality in volcanic aquifers in arid environments and provide considerations for estimating groundwater residence times using radiocarbon in areas influenced by volcanic CO2.

Hydrochemical characterization, spatial distribution, and geochemical controls on arsenic and boron in waters from arid Arica and Parinacota, northern Chile.

The livelihood of inhabitants from rural agricultural valleys in the arid Arica and Parinacota Region, northernmost Chile, strongly depends on water from high altitude rainfall and runoff to lower elevation areas. However, elevated arsenic, boron, and other potentially harmful elements compromise water quality, especially in rural areas. Samples (n = 90) of surface, underground, cold, geothermal springs, and treated and raw tap water were studied to assess water quality and to determine the main geochemical controls on water composition, origin, and geochemical evolution along dominant flowpaths. Water from major river basins across the region (Lluta, San Jose, Codpa-Chaca, Camarones and Altiplanicas) were collected for hydrogeochemical analysis of a suite of major and trace elements, δD and δ18O. Our new dataset was supplemented by hydrochemical data (n > 1500 data points) from secondary sources. Results show that 72% of the collected samples had As >10 µg/L (WHO drinking water provisional guideline) and affected 44% of the studied waters used for drinking (n = 32). Based on Chilean irrigation guidelines, elevated salinity (EC > 0.75 mS/cm) affected 80% of sampled waters, which were also impacted by high B (89% > 0.75 mg/L), and As (31% > 50 µg/L). Water composition was strongly controlled by geothermal water and freshwater mixing in high altitude areas. Magnitude and fate of As and B concentration was determined by the geothermal input type. Highest As (~21 mg/L) was associated with circum-neutral Na-Cl waters in Camarones basin, while lower As (~5 mg/L) with acid SO4 waters in Lluta basin. Additionally, evaporative concentration and sediment-water interactions were shown to control the level of As in surface and groundwaters downstream. This works provides a comprehensive analysis and a conceptual model of geochemical controls on regional water compositions, contributing to better understanding the geochemical processes underpinning the water quality challenges in northern Chile.

A solution to the enigma of the type locality of Telmatobiushalli Noble, 1938 (Anura, Telmatobiidae), a frog lost for 86 years.

For 80 years, there were no sightings of the Andean frog, Telmatobiushalli, due to the ambiguity with which its type locality was described ("warm spring near Ollagüe", northern Chile). The type specimens were collected during the International High Altitude Expedition to Chile (IHAEC) in 1935 and were subsequently described in 1938. In 2018 and 2020, two studies independently reported the rediscovery of the species, but they reached different conclusions about its identity and geographic distribution. In fact, the populations identified as T.halli in those studies are more phylogenetically related to other species than to each other, so they clearly do not belong to the same taxon. Although the study of 2020 is more in line with the geographic information of the description, it does not consider some bibliographic details and the transport limitations of the IHAEC. Here, based on a detailed analysis of the chronicles of the IHAEC and other bibliographic sources, I first refute the proposals of the 2018 and 2020 studies and then provide a possible solution. The combined information from the chronicles indicates that the type locality of T.halli is found at the sources of the Loa River, a different place from those identified in the two previous studies. By also incorporating geographic information of the time, I conclude that its true type locality is Miño, an abandoned mining camp located near the origin of the Loa River, where currently no populations of the genus have been described.

Relationship between eating disorders and internalized problems in chilean adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (ED) are associated with internalized problems (INTP), such as depression and anxiety. Evidence shows that ED and INTP are associated with comorbidities. The relationship between these variables has not been the focus of studies on young people from Northern Chile. Children and adolescents are considered as an at-risk group, since they have been found to experience greater vulnerability to psychological problems than other age groups within the population and given the scarcity of studies in Chile, it is necessary to study the relationship between these variables. METHODS: This study analyzed the relationship between ED and INTP in Chilean high school students aged 12 to 18 years using Pearson's correlation. This is a non-experimental and transactional correlational study. We included 2277 students belonging to the public, government-subsidized, and private educational establishments in Northern Chile. The Child and Adolescent Evaluation System [Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA)] was used to detect a range of INTP, as well as ED. The Brief Self-Control Scale was used in this study. RESULTS: A strong and direct correlation of the eating disorder variable with depression and anxiety was found. Additionally, significant differences were observed with sex, highlighting females with a higher presence of INTP and ED. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to establish strategies in the school setting for detecting frequent symptomatology in adolescents with INTP and ED to achieve a timely and accessible intervention. Since the symptomatology of ED is more prevalent in adolescents, this research evaluated relationships between ED and INTP in young people from Northern Chile. This research is relevant because the evidence on this topic in Chile is scarce and the relationships found could be the first research on the subject and serve to design an intervention plan at the school level in the medium and long terms. It is a non-experimental and transactional correlational study because all variables were measured at a single moment, and it sought to establish relationships between variables without assuming causality. The sample of secondary school students consisted of 2277 students, belonging to the public, subsidized, and private schools. Strong relationships were observed between INTP and ED, the strongest correlations being with the variables depression and anxiety. In addition, female participants presented greater problems in ED and INTP.

In vitro screening for growth inhibition activity on cancer cell lines of northern Chile highlands shrubs / Triagem in vitro da atividade de inibição do crescimento em linhagens celulares de câncer em arbustos das montanhas do norte do Chile

ABSTRACT: Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many chemotherapeutics from plants have been tested in cancer, such as vinblastine and paclitaxel. The north of Chile, Arica & Parinacota region, is characterized by its vegetal biodiversity due to its unique geographical and climatological conditions, offering an unexplored and unique source of naturally-derived compounds. The present research has considered a screening of 26 highland herbs using an in vitro growth inhibition model in a panel of six cancer cell lines from different tissues. 5 of the 26 studied ethanolic extracts shows strong activity at least in one cell line when tested at 10 µg mL-1. We present a group of plants worthy to be evaluated as promissory extracts. This work is part of the systematic attempt to find new candidates to be used in cancer therapies.

RESUMO: O câncer ainda é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo. Muitos quimioterápicos de plantas foram testados em câncer, como vinblastina e paclitaxel. O norte do Chile, região de Arica e Parinacota, caracteriza-se por sua biodiversidade vegetal devido às suas condições geográficas e climatológicas únicas, oferecendo uma fonte inexplorada e única de compostos de origem natural. A presente pesquisa considerou uma triagem de 26 ervas das terras altas usando um modelo de inibição de crescimento in vitro em um painel de seis linhas celulares de câncer de diferentes tecidos. Cinco, dos 26 extratos etanólicos estudados, mostram forte atividade pelo menos em uma linhagem celular quando testados a 10 µg mL-1. Apresentamos um grupo de plantas dignas de serem avaliadas como extratos promissórios. Este trabalho faz parte da tentativa sistemática de encontrar novos candidatos para serem usados ​​em terapias contra o câncer.

Rapid Domoic Acid Depuration in the Scallop Argopecten purpuratus and Its Transfer from the Digestive Gland to Other Organs.

Domoic acid (DA), the main toxin responsible for Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, frequently affects the marine resources of Chile and other countries across the South Pacific, thus becoming a risk for human health. One of the affected resources is the scallop Argopecten purpuratus. Even though this species has a high commercial importance in Northern Chile and Peru, the characteristics of its DA depuration are not known. In this work, the DA depuration was studied by means of two experiments: one in controlled (laboratory) and another in natural conditions. All organs of A. purpuratus depurated the toxin very quickly in both experiments. In some organs, an increase or a very small decrease of toxin was detected in the early depuration steps. Several models were used to describe this kinetics. The one that included toxin transfer between organs and independent depuration from each organ was the model that best fit the data. It seems, therefore, that the DA in this species is quickly transferred from the digestive gland to all other organs, which release it into the environment. Physiological differences in the two experiments have been shown to have some effect on the depuration from each organ but the actual reasons are still unknown.

Rediscovery of the enigmatic Andean frog Telmatobius halli Noble (Anura: Telmatobiidae), re-description of the tadpole and comments on new adult's characters, type locality and conservation status.

We report the rediscovery of Telmatobius halli (Hall's water frog), which had not been found since its description (over 80 years) since its type locality was not clearly established. "Aguas Calientes" near Ollagüe is hypothesized as the original type locality where Frank Gregory Hall collected the type material in 1935. The tadpole is re-described, and new data on the external and internal morphology of adults is provided. These new morphological data are compared with Telmatobius spp. inhabiting geographically close to T. halli in Chile and Bolivia. In addition, comments on its ecology, conservation, and taxonomic status in relation with other Telmatobius spp. inhabiting nearby areas in Ascotán and Carcote salt pans are provided. No evidence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Ranavirus infection was found in T. halli and a sympatric amphibian species. Our work supports the validity of T. halli and suggests this species should be considered as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List assessment until taxonomic issues are resolved.

Treponematosis in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer male from Antofagasta (1830 ± 20 BP, Northern Coast of Chile).

OBJECTIVE: This paper reports a new case of treponemal disease in a pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer inhabiting the desert coast of South America. MATERIALS: A well-preserved adult male skeleton from the "Vertedero Municipal" archaeological cemetery, located near the city of Antofagasta (Northern Chile). METHODS: The skeleton was radiocarbon dated, and isotopic analyses were performed to assess diet and mobility. Lytic and proliferative lesions identified were evaluated macroscopically and radiologically. RESULTS: A radiocarbon date of 1830 ± 20 BP and isotopic values indicating a marine diet and coastal residence were obtained. The cranium shows reactive changes as focal superficial cavitation, radial scarring and nodular cavitation, while the ribs, sternum, clavicles, and scapulae exhibit multiple lytic and proliferative lesions. The right femur has a node while both tibiae show mild anterior cortical thickening with a narrowed medullary cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Cranial lesions are pathognomonic for treponemal disease while postcranial changes are typical, and highly consistent with this pathology. SIGNIFICANCE: The type, morphology, and pattern of lesions make this case a good candidate for venereal syphilis. The case is relevant to the origin of venereal syphilis due to the lifestyle, temporal and ecological context of the individual. LIMITATIONS: Diagnosis of venereal syphilis is based on skeletal lesions; thus, it must be confirmed by molecular analysis. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: A comprehensive review of cases of pre-Columbian treponemal disease in South America as well as molecular studies are needed to confirm the presence of venereal syphilis in the New World before European contact.

Discriminación percibida en escolares migrantes en el Norte de Chile / Perceived discrimination in migrant schoolchildren in Northern Chile

Resumen La migración en Chile ha trascendido enormemente, siendo la educación uno de los principales focos de atención en miras de la transformación. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la discriminación percibida por escolares migrantes de la ciudad de Arica al Norte de Chile, analizando además la relación entre esta última y el estrés por aculturación. Participaron 678 estudiantes de ambos sexos entre Cuarto Básico a Cuarto Medio, entre los 8 y 19 años. Se utilizó la Escala de Discriminación en la Vida Cotidiana (eds) y la Escala de fuentes de estrés por aculturación (feac). Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la discriminación percibida entre escolares migrantes y no migrantes con una puntuación más alta en los migrantes en todas las edades. Se observa también una relación significativa entre discriminación percibida y estrés por aculturación. Se discuten los resultados y sus implicaciones, para el mejoramiento políticas públicas en el ámbito escolar.

Abstract Migration in Chile has transcended enormously, with education being one of the main focuses of attention in the face of transformation. The aim of this study is to describe the perceived discrimination by migrant school students from the city of Arica in the North of Chile, also analyzing the relationship between the latter and acculturation stress. 678 schoolchildren of both sexes participated between the Fourth grade to senior year at High School, with ages between 8 and 19. The Everyday Discrimination Scale (eds) and the Acculturation Stress Source Scale (feac) were used. Significant differences were found in perceived discrimination between migrant and non-migrant schoolchildren with a higher score among migrants at all ages. There is also a significant relationship between perceived discrimination and acculturation stress. The results and their implications are discussed, for the improvement of public policies in the school environment.

Etnobotánica y territorio en el pastal de Mulluri (Norte de Chile): las enseñanzas del pastoreo aymara / Ethnobotany and territory in Mulluri ́s pasture (Northern Chile): the teachings of aymara pastoralism

A partir de un trabajo etnográfico centrado en las memorias territoriales de la comunidad aymara de Mulluri (Región de Arica y Parinacota, Norte de Chile) se propone que el pastoreo, un modo de vida tradicional de origen prehispánico, tiñe fuertemente la percepción del espacio de sus habitantes y la clasificación que elaboran en relación al mundo de las plantas. Se realizaron entrevistas y observación participante guiadas por un enfoque etnobotánico y espacial orientado a relevar sistemas clasificatorios y manejos ganaderos. Se analizaron las categorías "cordillera", "costa" y "valle" usadas por los comuneros para nombrar las distintas regiones geográficas o pisos ecológicos de la gradiente occidental andina, definidas por ellos a partir de variables climáticas, ecológicas, simbólicas y prácticas. Simultáneamente, al interior de estas macro regiones los comuneros reconocen zonas específicas según las asociaciones botánicas existentes. Éstas fueron conceptualizadas por los comuneros como "etapas de pasto", coincidiendo con los pisos vegetacionales definidos por la botánica. En relación a las plantas, se registraron categorías genéricas de acuerdo a sus formas de crecimiento ("pastos del champeal", "pajas" o wichu, t ́olas, "montes", "pastos de lluvia" y otros) así como nomenclaturas específicas por especie.

From an ethnographic work focused on the territorial memories of the Aymara community of Mulluri (Region of Arica and Parinacota, Northern Chile) it is proposed that pastoralism, as a traditional way of life of prehispanic origin, strongly colors the perception and systematic of space and of the world of plants. Interviews and participant observation were conducted guided by an ethnobotanical and spatial approach aimed at relieving classification systems and livestock management. The categories "cordillera", "costa" and "valle" used by the comuneros were analyzed to name the different geographical regions or ecological zones of the western Andean gradient, which are defined by them from climatic, ecological, symbolic and practice variables. Simultaneously, within these macro-regions the comuneros recognize specific zones according to the existing botanical associations. These were conceptualized by the comuneros as "pasture stages", coinciding fully with the vegetational areas defined by botany. In relation to the plants, generic categories were registered according to their growth forms ("pastos del champeal", "pajas" o wichu, t ́olas, "montes", "pastos de lluvia", among others) as well as specific nomenclatures by species.

Hydrochemical and environmental isotope analysis of groundwater and surface water in a dry mountain region in Northern Chile.

This case study examines the geological imprint and land use practices on water quality in the arid Huasco Valley against the backdrop of ongoing water conflicts surrounding competing demands for agriculture and mining. The study is based on a detailed analysis of spatial and temporal variations of monthly surface and bi-monthly groundwater quality samples measured during the Chilean summer of 2015/16. Additional information on source regions and river-groundwater interactions were collected using stable water isotopes. Regarding the geological impact on water quality, high concentrations of Ca2+, SO42- and HCO3- indicate a strong influence of magmatic rocks, which constitute this high mountain basin, on the hydrochemistry. Piper and Gibbs-diagrams revealed that all samples show a homogenous distribution dominated by rock-water interactions. Measured NO3- concentrations in surface water are generally low. However, groundwater aquifers exhibit higher concentrations. Mn is the only heavy metal with elevated concentrations in surface water, which are possibly related to mining activities. The results illustrate that both surface and groundwater can be classified as suitable for irrigation. In addition, groundwater has been found to be suitable as drinking water. High similarities in isotopic signatures indicate a strong connection between surface and groundwater. Isotopic analyses suggest a strong influence of evaporation. This combined approach of hydrogeochemical and isotopic analysis proved to be a helpful tool in characterizing the catchment and can serve as a basis for future sustainable water management.

Scurvy at the agricultural transition in the Atacama desert (ca 3600-3200 BP): nutritional stress at the maternal-foetal interface?

Studies of contemporary populations have demonstrated an association between decreased dietary diversity due to resource scarcity or underutilization and an increase in diseases related to poor micronutrient intake. With a reduction of dietary diversity, it is often the women and children in a population who are the first to suffer the effects of poor micronutrient status. Scurvy, a disease of prolonged vitamin C deficiency, is a micronutrient malnutrition disorder associated with resource scarcity, low dietary diversity, and/or dependence on high carbohydrate staple-foods. The aim of this paper is to assess the potential impact of nutritional transition on the prevalence of diseases of nutritional insufficiency in an archaeological sample. Here, we report palaeopathological findings from an Early Formative Period transitional site located in coastal Northern Chile (Quiani-7). The subadult cohort from this site is composed of four perinates who exhibit a number of non-specific skeletal changes suggestive of a systemic pathological condition. One of these is associated with an adult female exhibiting diagnostic skeletal lesions of scurvy. We argue that the lesions exhibited by these perinates may represent maternal transmission of vitamin C deficiency but acknowledge that there are difficulties in applying current diagnostic criteria for scurvy to individuals this young.

Maize (Zea mays) consumption in the southern andes (30°-31° S. Lat): Stable isotope evidence (2000 BCE-1540 CE).

OBJECTIVES: The timing and dietary role of maize agriculture is central to archaeological discussions in the Andean region. In the semi-arid region of northern Chile (SARNC), archaeological models propose that maize was adopted during the Early Ceramic period in tandem with pottery and sedentism. Through stable isotope (SI) analyses, of bone collagen and apatite, this study assesses the timing of maize introduction, diachronic changes (2,000 BCE to 1,540 CE.), and synchronic dietary variability in the prehistoric SARNC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two prehistoric individuals from SARNC were analyzed for δ13 Cap , δ13 Ccol, and δ15 N. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the results by period and location (inland and coast). Between-periods (ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests), and synchronic comparisons (inland vs. coast; Student's t-tests), were conducted. A SIAR model was run to further evaluate dietary changes. Dietary interpretations are based on food web data. RESULTS: Coastal groups show significant changes in the diet during the Middle (900-1,000CE; enrichment in δ13 C), and Late Intermediate periods (100-1450CE; when the Δ13 Cap-col is above 5.2‰). In the inland, significant changes in SI occurred in the Late Intermediate period (δ13 C enrichment). In the Late period, the inland diet became enriched for δ15 N. Synchronic comparisons showed coastal individuals to have higher δ15 N. DISCUSSION: The popularization of maize in the SARNC was not associated with the appearance of pottery and/or sedentism, and its role as a dietary staple was a late phenomenon (c.a. 1,000CE). The results obtained in this study show that the adoption and consumption of maize varied dramatically in the Southern Andes.

Social Well-Being Among Colombian and Peruvian Immigrants in Northern Chile.

In recent years, northern Chile has received a large number of immigrants attracted mainly by mining and related services. The last population census revealed that 70.5 % of foreigners in Chile came from South America, and were mainly Peruvians (30.5 %), Argentines (16.8 %), and Colombians (8.1 %). The aim of this cross-sectional study is to describe the social well-being levels reported by Colombian and Peruvian immigrants in northern Chile, as well as their connection to socio-demographic and relational factors. The Spanish version of the Scale of Social Well-being (Keyes in Soc Psychol Q 61:121-140, 1998) was administered to 431 men and women over 18 years old, with a minimum residence of 6 months in the city of Antofagasta. The highest-rated aspect was Social Contribution, and the lowest-rated aspect was Social Acceptance. The relational variables that show statistically significant differences in both populations relate to who the subject lives with, the degree of contact that the subject has with people from Chile, and the subject's relationship status. There are no differences that indicate a higher level of social well-being in one population more than the other; however, it appears that the Peruvian population has a greater perception of Social Coherence, while Colombians show a greater perception of Social Contribution.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm in a pre-Columbian (210 BC) inhabitant of Northern Chile: Implications for the origins of syphilis.

The aim of this work is to report a probable first case of a thoracic aortic aneurysm in the remains of a pre-Columbian individual from South America and to explore the relationship of this case to the only other paleopathological case previously described. We also consider the implications of both cases for the origins of syphilis. This study is based on the macroscopical analysis of human remains recovered during excavation of the Chiu Chiu 273 prehistoric cemetery, in the Antofagasta Region of Northern Chile. Ceramic sherds from the grave have a thermoluminescence date of 2160±100 A.P. or 210 B.C. The skeletal remains of an adult individual display resorptive lesions in both the sternum and the first two thoracic vertebrae, which are suggestive of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. The lesions observed in the case described are clearly compatible with the development of an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta (ascending portion and arch). We suggest that this aneurysm has a syphilitic etiology, considering the vascular segments compromised, the type of lesions observed, and the prevalent etiology of this kind of cardiovascular pathology in pre-penicillin times. Since the only two cases of thoracic aortic aneurysms reported to date have been found in the Americas and are clearly pre-Columbian, it can be suggested that venereal syphilis was present in the Americas in times before European contact.

Validation of daily microincrement deposition in otoliths of juvenile and adult Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens.

Wild adult specimens of the Peruvian anchovy Engraulis ringens were captured and reared to validate the daily periodicity of otolith microincrement formation. The postcapture stress generated spontaneous spawning, making it possible to conduct a rearing trial on larvae first in an artificial nutrient-enriched system (ANES) for 52 days followed by an artificial feeding regime in a culture tank until day 115 post-hatch. Microincrements of the sagittal otoliths of sacrificed juveniles [mean ± S.D. total length (LT ) = 5·13 ± 0·37 cm, range 5-6 cm; c.v. = 7·5%] showed very distinct light and dark zones. The slope of the relationship between the total number of increments after the hatch check and days elapsed after hatching was not significantly different from 1. The transfer from ANES to the artificial feeding regime induced a mark in the sagittal otoliths. The number of microincrements after this induced mark coincided with the number of days elapsed after the transfer date. In parallel experiments, adult E. ringens (mean ± S.D. LT = 14·92 ± 0·55 cm, range 13-16 cm) were exposed to one of two fluorescent marking immersion treatments with either alizarin red S (ARS; 25 mg l(-1) per 6 h) or oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC; 200 mg l(-1) per 10 h). The microincrements between fluorescent bands were distinct, ranging from 0·89 to 2·75 µm (mean ± S.D. =1·43 ± 0·28 µm; c.v. = 32%) and from 0·71 to 2·89 µm (1·53 ± 0·27 µm; c.v. = 35%) for ARS and OTC, respectively. The relationship between the number of microincrements between marks and the number of elapsed days for ARS and OCT treatments indicated that there was a significant correspondence between the number of increases observed and the number of days. Hence, daily microincrements of otoliths of E. ringens are likely to be formed in juveniles and adults under natural conditions.