Andean Region Of South America Research Articles

Five new species of Tupiperla Froehlich, 1969 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae).

The stoneflies of the family Gripopterygidae have a Gondwanan distribution (Australian, Neotropical, and Andean regions) and include about 300 species in five recognized subfamilies. The subfamily Gripopteryginae is restricted to the Neotropics and the Andean regions of South America, including 15 genera and about 80 species. Tupiperla Froehlich, with 20 species, is the largest genus among the South American Gripopteryginae. The genus has been recorded from Brazil, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. In Brazil, Tupiperla has been recorded from southern, southeastern, and the mountainous areas of central and northeastern, primarily from streams of the Atlantic Forest. We studied specimens of Tupiperla collected from the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. Herein, five new species of Tupiperla are described: T. pinhoi sp. nov., T. serrulata sp. nov., T. pessacqi sp. nov., T. ubuntu sp. nov., and T. zwicki sp. nov.

Investigation into the underlying regulatory mechanisms shaping inflorescence architecture in Chenopodium quinoa

BackgroundInflorescence architecture is denoted by the spatial arrangement of various lateral branches and florets formed on them, which is shaped by a complex of regulators. Unveiling of the regulatory mechanisms underlying inflorescence architecture is pivotal for improving crop yield potential. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), a pseudo cereal originated from Andean region of South America, has been widely recognized as a functional super food due to its excellent nutritional elements. Increasing worldwide consumption of this crop urgently calls for its yield improvement. However, dissection of the regulatory networks underlying quinoa inflorescence patterning is lacking.ResultsIn this study, we performed RNA-seq analysis on quinoa inflorescence samples collected from six developmental stages, yielding a total of 138.8 GB data. We screened 21,610 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among all the stages through comparative analysis. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to categorize the DEGs into ten different modules. Subsequently, we placed emphasis on investigating the modules associated with none branched and branched inflorescence samples. We manually refined the coexpression networks with stringent edge weight cutoffs, and generated core networks using transcription factors and key inflorescence architecture related genes as seed nodes. The core networks were visualized and analyzed by Cytoscape to obtain hub genes in each network. Our finding indicates that the specific occurrence of B3, TALE, WOX, LSH, LFY, GRAS, bHLH, EIL, DOF, G2-like and YABBY family members in early reproductive stage modules, and of TFL, ERF, bZIP, HD-ZIP, C2H2, LBD, NAC, C3H, Nin-like and FAR1 family members in late reproductive stage modules, as well as the several different MADS subfamily members identified in both stages may account for shaping quinoa inflorescence architecture.ConclusionIn this study we carried out comparative transcriptome analysis of six different stages quinoa inflorescences, and using WGCNA we obtained the most highly potential central hubs for shaping inflorescence. The data obtained from this study will enhance our understanding of the gene network regulating quinoa inflorescence architecture, as well will supply with valuable genetic resources for high-yield elite breeding in the future.

Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anticholinesterase Activities and Phytochemical Profile of Azorella glabra Wedd.

Oxidative stress is involved in different diseases, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The genus Azorella includes about 70 species of flowering plant species; most of them are commonly used as food and in particular as a tea infusion in the Andean region of South America in folk medicine to treat various chronic diseases. Azorella glabra Wedd. aerial parts were firstly analyzed for their in vitro antioxidant activity using different complementary assays. In particular, radical scavenging activity was tested against biological neutral radical DPPH; ferric reducing power and lipid peroxidation inhibitory capacity (FRAP and Beta-Carotene Bleaching tests) were also determined. The Relative Antioxidant Capacity Index (RACI) was used to compare data obtained by different assays. Then, the inhibitory ability of samples was investigated against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in diabetes and against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes considered as strategy for the treatment of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases. Moreover, the phytochemical profile of the sample showing the highest RACI (1.35) and interesting enzymatic activities (IC50 of 163.54 ± 9.72 and 215.29 ± 17.10 μg/mL in α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition, respectively) was subjected to characterization and quantification of its phenolic composition using LC-MS/MS analysis. In fact, the ethyl acetate fraction derived from ethanol extract by liquid/liquid extraction showed 29 compounds, most of them are cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoid derivatives, and a terpene. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the evaluation of significant biological activities and phytochemical profile of A. glabra, an important source of health-promoting phytochemicals.

The Rayed Head and Stepped Platform: A Core Symbol of the Southern Andean Iconographic Series

This paper will explore various manifestations of the Rayed Head motif that is found on textiles produced by the Nasca, Sihuas, and Pucara cultures during the Early Intermediate Period (200 BCE – 600 CE), in the southern Andean region of South America. The Brooklyn Museum’s famous Nasca mangle, also known as “The Paracas Textile,” features repeating images of the Rayed Head motif on its interior cotton panel. Sihuas mantles also display distinctive manifestations of the motif in the form of a large rectangular head with highly stylized features and surrounded by radiating appendages. The late textile scholar and archaeologist Joerg Haeberli has pointed out many similarities between Sihuas and Nasca textiles such as their weaving techniques and iconography (including the Rayed Head), and has proposed that the valleys of Arequipa and the south coast were linked during the late Early Horizon and Early Intermediate Period, perhaps due to dispersed Nasca enclaves in Arequipa. Utilizing textiles in the Brooklyn Museum and other public and private collections, the author will further explore this regional relationship as well as a similar iconographic correspondence with the Rayed Head motif found on Pucara-style objects associated with the Yaya-Mama (Father-Mother) religious tradition in the Lake Titicaca of Peru and Bolivia.

The Concept of Mania in Traditional Andean Culture.

The Concept of Mania in Traditional Andean Culture.

Callus formation and production of secondary metabolites by seedling explants of Chenopodium quinoa

QUINOA (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) which is considered a pseudocereal or pseudograin, has been originated from the Andean region in South America, and is belonging to family Amaranthaceae. The highest percentage germination of seeds was achieved in MS medium with full strength in the full strength MS medium (100%). Best callus production from seedling explants was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2mg/L 2, 4-D+0.05mg/L Kin. Callus was also obtained when MS medium was fortified with 1mg/L NAA+0.5mg/L BA, 1mg/L 2, 4-D+0.5mg/L BA and 3mg/L PCIB. However, the percent culture response on these concentrations was lower. The lowest total amount of callus was found to be on MS medium containing 1mg/L PCIB. Callus of explants were grown on MS media with 2mg/L 2,4-D+0.05 mg/L Kin gave the significant highest value (22μg/g fresh wt) of tocopherols content, followed by seedling on half strength MS medium (15.6). While the lowest value (2.1) was observed with Callus obtained from seedling planted on MS medium contained 0.5mg L-1 NAA+0.05 mg L-1 BA. Protein extraction and enzymatic assay protein extraction and measurement of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) activity were performed. Enzyme activity in leaves was twofold higher than that in seeds. In callus cultures, activity was about onefold lower than in leaf extracts.

Phylogenetics of Annona cherimola (Annonaceae) and some of its closest relatives

AbstractAnnona cherimola is a woody perennial species in the Annonaceae family that produces edible fruits and has economic importance in several regions of the world with subtropical climates. Together with other 10‐12 species, A. cherimola belongs to the section Atta of the Annona genus with a center of origin in Central America and the Caribbean. Species of the section Atta produce soft skin ripe fruits with raised areoles bounded by recessed furrows. Annona cherimola is the only species of the section naturally found in the Andean region of South America. Currently, no information is available at the molecular level on the phylogenetic relationships of most of the species of Atta and closely related sections in Annona. In order to fill this gap, in this work a phylogenetic approach was performed using five coding and non‐coding plastid DNA regions, to determine the phylogenetic relationships between A. cherimola and other related species included in Atta and other sections of the genus. The results obtained support recent studies that demonstrated the likely Mesoamerican origin of A. cherimola based on biogeographical analysis with SSR markers, rather than the previously considered South American origin hypothesis. In addition, the species belonging to the Atta section did not show monophyly. Finally, A. cherimola and A. pruinosa seem to be phylogenetically close species and additional studies are needed to discern the relations between them.

Conservation Agriculture Increases Profits in an Andean Region of South America

Core Ideas Erosion is decreasing the potential for food security in the Andean region. Zero tillage would be a viable and economical practice for this region. Adding N fertilizer increased the net economic returns by 22%. These practices could potentially increase the income of 200,000 farmers. The Andean region of Ecuador is critical for the country's food security; however, cultivation of high‐slope mountainous agricultural systems that experience significant precipitation is accelerating erosion of the soils and reducing the productivity and sustainability of these systems. For 5 yr we monitored tillage and crop residue management practices using a 2 × 2 factorial randomized block (Phase 1) and a 2 × 2 factorial randomized block with split plot (Phase 2) to assess the effects of tillage, crop residue management, and N fertilization on yields and economic returns. Our study found in the initial phase that for three out of the four crops zero tillage (ZT) had higher average yields than minimum tillage, and for one of these three crops, the increase was significant. Our study found in Phase 2 that when N fertilizer was added as a treatment, compared with crops that were not fertilized, yields were significantly higher in four out of five crops. Leaving the crop residue at the surface was a practice that increased the yields of one of the five crops. The higher net economic returns for Phase 1 were with ZT and with harvesting crop residue. When N was added as a treatment in Phase 2, higher net economic returns were found with ZT and residue removed and with N fertilization. Nitrogen fertilizer, crop residue removal, and zero tillage increased net economic returns by 22, 45.1, and 31.8%, respectively. There is potential to use ZT in this region of South America.

Space-time cluster analysis to improve classical swine fever risk-based surveillance in Ecuador

Space-time cluster analysis to improve classical swine fever risk-based surveillance in Ecuador

Enhancer-Promoter Interaction of SELF PRUNING 5G Shapes Photoperiod Adaptation.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major vegetable fruit grown and consumed worldwide. Modern cultivated tomatoes are derived from their wild relative, Solanum pimpinellifolium, a short-day plant that originated from the Andean region of South America. The molecular underpinnings of the regional adaptation and expansion of domesticated tomato remain largely unclear. In this study, we examined flowering time in wild and cultivated tomatoes under both long-day and short-day conditions. Using quantitative trait locus mapping in a recombinant inbred line population, we identified SELF PRUNING 5G (SP5G) as a major locus influencing daylength adaptation in tomato. Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the genomic region harboring SP5G shows signatures of a domestication sweep. We found that a 52-bp sequence within the 3' untranslated region of SP5G is essential for the enhanced expression of this gene, leading to delayed flowering time in tomatoes through a promoter-enhancer interaction that occurs only under long-day conditions. We further demonstrate that the absence of the 52-bp sequence attenuates the promoter-enhancer interaction and reduces SP5G expression in cultivated tomatoes, making their flowering time insensitive to daylength. Our findings demonstrate that cis-regulatory variation at the enhancer region of the SP5G 3' untranslated region confers reduced photoperiodic response in cultivated tomatoes, uncovering a regulatory mechanism that could potentially be used to manipulate flowering time in tomato through novel biotechnological approaches.

Yield and Quality Characteristics of Different Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Cultivars Grown under Field Conditions in Southwestern Germany

Due to its highly nutritive compounds, the demand for quinoa, a small grain originating from the Andean region of South America, increased rapidly over the last years. However, the main producing countries Bolivia and Peru cannot cover the growing demand. Therefore, the interest of European farmers in cultivating quinoa as a profitable source of income rose very fast. Thanks to a broad genetic diversity an adaption to various climatic conditions is possible. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of agronomic performance in two consecutive growing periods (2015 and 2016) of four European quinoa cultivars (Puno, Titicaca, Jessie, Zeno), originating from different genepools to identify a suitable cultivar to grow in southwestern Germany. Measurements included grain yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), saponin content, protein content, crude fat content, amino acid profile and fatty acid profile. This study demonstrated the possibility of an economic production of quinoa under the environmental conditions in southwestern Germany, combining competitive yields (1.73–2.43 Mg ha−1) with a high grain quality regarding protein content (11.9–16.1%), essential amino acid content (20.35–30.02 g 100 g−1 crude protein), fat content (5.5–7.5%) and fatty acid profile (consists of 60% linoleic acid). Depending on cultivar, the investigated yield (TKW and protein content)-and quality ((semi-)essential amino acids)-traits varied more or less sensitive, which was attributed to lower precipitation and higher temperatures in 2015. Furthermore, best yield- and quality-characteristics were not combined in one cultivar, wherefore the selection of a specific quinoa cultivar has to be aligned with the production aim.

Automated long-term dynamic monitoring using hierarchical clustering and adaptive modal tracking: validation and applications

Historical buildings demand constant surveying because anthropogenic (e.g., use, pollution or traffic vibration) and natural or environmental hazards (e.g., environmental changes or earthquakes) can endanger their existence and safety. Particularly, in the Andean region of South America, earthen historical constructions require special attention and investigation due to the high seismic hazard of the area next to the Pacific coast. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) can provide useful, real-time information on the condition of these buildings. In SHM, the implementation of automatic tools for feature extraction of modal parameters is a crucial step. This paper proposes a methodology for the automatic identification of the structural modal parameters. An innovative and multi-stage approach for the automatic dynamic monitoring is presented. This approach uses the Data-Driven Stochastic Subspace Identification method complemented by hierarchical clustering for automatic detection of the modal parameters, as well as an adaptive modal tracking procedure for providing a clear visualization of long-term monitoring results. The proposed methodology is first validated in data acquired in an emblematic sixteenth century historical building: the monastery of Jeronimos in Portugal. After proving its efficiency, the algorithm is used to process almost 5000 events containing data acquired in the church of Andahuaylillas, a sixteenth century adobe building located in Cusco, Peru. The results in these cases demonstrate that accurate estimation of predominant modal parameters is possible in those complex structures even if relatively few sensors are installed.

MRSA infected wounds in a community hospital in rural tropical Ecuador

Introduction : Although community acquired MRSA has been well described in many areas around the globe, little information is available about the prevalence of MRSA infections in rural areas of the Andean Region of South America. This study characterizes wound infections from a rural community hospital in Ecuador. Methods : A retrospective review of 235 bacterial isolates from infected wounds that included wound type, site, gender, etc... Results : Ninety-two (39.1%) isolates were Staphylococcus aureus . Of these, forty-two (44.7%) were methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Conclusion : community acquired MRSA wound infections rates appear to warrant the use of empiric antibiotics that cover MRSA infections. If wound infections reflect a bacterial epidemiology similar to that of skin and soft tissues infections, empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic coverage is also warranted. In Ecuador, national antibiotic guidelines do not provide for such empiric coverage.

MRSA infected wounds in a community hospital in rural tropical Ecuador

<p align="justify"><em>Introduction</em>: Although community acquired MRSA has been well described in many areas around the globe, little information is available about the prevalence of MRSA infections in rural areas of the Andean Region of South America. This study characterizes wound infections from a rural community hospital in Ecuador.</p><p align="justify"><em>Methods</em>: A retrospective review of 235 bacterial isolates from infected wounds that included wound type, site, gender, etc... </p><p align="justify"><em>Results</em>: Ninety-two (39.1%) isolates were <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. Of these, forty-two (44.7%) were methicillin resistant <em>S. aureus</em> (MRSA). </p><p align="justify"><em>Conclusion</em>: community acquired MRSA wound infections rates appear to warrant the use of empiric antibiotics that cover MRSA infections. If wound infections reflect a bacterial epidemiology similar to that of skin and soft tissues infections, empiric anti-MRSA antibiotic coverage is also warranted. In Ecuador, national antibiotic guidelines do not provide for such empiric coverage. </p>

Morphology of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) embryos in the first third of pregnancy.

The breeding of South American camelids is the main economic activity of the high Andean region of South America and it, is potentially, the most profitable resource in of the Puna environmental conditions of the Puna. The duration of the gestation in alpaca is 339.7±12days. The objective of the present work was to macroscopically and microscopically describe the ontogenic development of the splanchnic cavities of the alpaca and to determine the gestational time in which the post-cranial ossification centers are observed in the embryos/fetuses of this species, from day 21 to 107 of gestation. The documentation of normal ontogenic development, which is vacant for this period, is of the utmost importance to understand the consequences of the alterations at the different gestational times, as well as for the estimation of the gestational age in the case of abortions. Forty-seven alpaca specimens of both sexes, at different times of their gestational development, collected during slaughter at local slaughterhouses of the Department of Huancavelica, Peru, were evaluated. Specimens were assigned to seven groups according to their morphological characteristics. The embryogenesis in the alpaca was characterized by a series of changes comparable to those occurring in other mammals with similar gestational periods. Despite these similarities, species differences were found in some organs as stomach, which are observed too in adult individuals.

Molecular characterization of Potato virus Y (PVY) and Potato virus V (PVV) isolates naturally infecting cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) in Antioquia, Colombia

Due to the increase of the international demand for functional fruits, cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) has become one of the crops of highest expansion in Colombia and the Andean region of South America. nfortunately, the emergence of fungal and unidentified viral diseases has slowed down the cultivation of cape gooseberry in Colombia and, particularly, in the department of Antioquia. In this work, a next-generation sequencing virome analysis of cape gooseberry plants from eastern Antioquia was performed, using leaves exhibiting symptoms such as mosaics, leaf deformation and greening of veins. The complete genomes of Potato virus Y (PVY) and Potato virus V (PVV) were obtained in the assembled data. The presence of both viruses was confirmed in the samples obtained at two commercial cape gooseberry fields by real time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) and partial Sanger sequencing of the coat protein (CP). Sequence analysis revealed significant sequence similarity between PVY and PVV isolates infecting P. peruviana to previously identified strains infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum and S. phureja) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the same geographical region. This study suggests that cape gooseberry could be an alternate host to viruses of other economically important solanaceous crops in the Andean region of South America.

The effect of seed moisture and temperature on grinding characteristics of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a native food plant of the Andean region of South America. Quinoa seeds have remarkable nutritional properties, not only from its high protein content, but also from its good amino acid balance. The aim of the study was evaluate the influence of quinoa seed moisture content (10, 12, 14, 16 and 18%) and temperature (-20, 3, 20 and 40°C, with the initial grain moisture content of 10.5%) on grinding process. Especially the particle size distributions and grinding energy indices were determined. The results showed that the increase of seed moisture content from 10 to 16% caused an increase the specific grinding energy from 6.9 to 8.3 kJ·kg-1, beside of this as the moisture increased the average particle also increased. The highest changes were observed in the fraction of coarse particles (above 1.0 mm). Interestingly, the mass fraction of fine particles (below 0.2 mm also increased). Other grinding indices also confirmed an increase the grinding energy requirements with the increase seed moisture content. The temperature of seed has little influence on quinoa grinding process. The highest grinding energy requirements were observed when the frozen seeds were ground.

Characterization of Fruits in Contrasting Environments and Germination of Tamarillo Seeds at Different Temperatures

Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav. Syn Cyphomandra betacea Cav.) Sendt is a small tree native to the subtropical Andean region of South America from Colombia to Chile, popularly known as arboreal tomato, belonging to the family Solanaceae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of fruits and the germination of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) seeds produced in the Caparao-ES and MG regions. The following procedures were performed: Fruit and peel biometrics; fruit weight; pulp and peel weight; thousand-seed weight, pulp and peel yield and fruit dry mass. In the physicochemical analysis, the following parameters were determined: pH; soluble solids; titratable acidity and ratio. For the analysis of the physiological quality of the seeds, different temperatures (20°C; 25°C; 30°C and 20°C - 30°C) were evaluated in the presence and absence of light and the following was determined: Seed moisture content; germination; germination speed index; germination mean time; shoot length; root and total seedling dry mass. Tamarillo in the region of Caparao-ES presents greater chemical characteristics of the fruits, germination and vigor, and in the region of Caparao-MG presents greater physical characteristics of the fruits. Tamarillo can germinate both in the presence and absence of light, although in the presence of light, it presents greater vigor.

PM 7/28 (2) Synchytrium endobioticum

Specific scopeThis Standard describes a diagnostic protocol for Synchytrium endobioticum.This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO diagnostic protocols.Specific approval and amendmentApproved in 2003‐09. Revision approved in 2017‐06.

The Biology and Phylogenetics of Potato virus S Isolates from the Andean Region of South America.

Biological characteristics of 11 Potato virus S (PVS) isolates from three cultivated potato species (Solanum spp.) growing in five Andean countries and 1 from Scotland differed in virulence depending on isolate and host species. Nine isolates infected Chenopodium quinoa systemically but two others and the Scottish isolate remained restricted to inoculated leaves; therefore, they belonged to biologically defined strains PVSA and PVSO, respectively. When nine wild potato species were inoculated, most developed symptomless systemic infection but Solanum megistacrolobum developed systemic hypersensitive resistance (SHR) with one PVSO and two PVSA isolates. Andean potato cultivars developed mostly asymptomatic primary infection but predominantly symptomatic secondary infection. In both wild and cultivated potato plants, PVSA and PVSO elicited similar foliage symptoms. Following graft inoculation, all except two PVSO isolates were detected in partially PVS-resistant cultivar Saco, while clone Snec 66/139-19 developed SHR with two isolates each of PVSA and PVSO. Myzus persicae transmitted all nine PVSA isolates but none of the three PVSO isolates. All 12 isolates were transmitted by plant-to-plant contact. In infective sap, all isolates had thermal inactivation points of 55 to 60°C. Longevities in vitro were 25 to 40 days with six PVSA isolates but less than 21 days for the three PVSO isolates. Dilution end points were 10-3 for two PVSO isolates but 10-4 to 10-6 with the other isolates. Complete new genome sequences were obtained from seven Andean PVS isolates; seven isolates from Africa, Australia, or Europe; and single isolates from S. muricatum and Arracacia xanthorhiza. These 17 new genomes and 23 from GenBank provided 40 unique sequences; however, 5 from Eurasia were recombinants. Phylogenetic analysis of the 35 nonrecombinants revealed three major lineages, two predominantly South American (SA) and evenly branched and one non-SA with a single long basal branch and many distal subdivisions. Using least squares dating and nucleotide sequences, the two nodes of the basal PVS trifurcation were dated at 1079 and 1055 Common Era (CE), the three midphylogeny nodes of the SA lineages at 1352, 1487, and 1537 CE, and the basal node to the non-SA lineage at 1837 CE. The Potato rough dwarf virus/Potato virus P (PVS/PRDV/PVP) cluster was sister to PVS and diverged 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. The non-SA PVS lineage contained 18 of 19 isolates from S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum but the two SA lineages contained 6 from S. tuberosum subsp. andigena, 4 from S. phureja, 3 from S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum, and 1 each from S. muricatum, S. curtilobum, and A. xanthorrhiza. This suggests that a potato-infecting proto-PVS/PRDV/PVP emerged in South America at least 5,000 years ago, became endemic, and diverged into a range of local Solanum spp. and other species, and one early lineage spread worldwide in potato. Preventing establishment of the SA lineages is advised for all countries still without them.