South America Research Articles

Impact of Climate Change on Adolescents' Health Outcomes: An Evidence Gap Map Review.

The evolving impact of climate change on adolescents' health is a pressing global concern. Climate change's effects on their physical, mental, and social well-being worsen unique developmental challenges for adolescents. This study aims to map existing evidence, identify gaps, and highlight research and intervention needs. Following Campbell standards, an evidence gap map (EGM) review was conducted. We searched for global studies on adverse climate events and adolescents aged 10-19 using five databases such as Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, and Scopus from September 1946 to June 01, 2023. Two independent reviewers completed the screening using Covidence software, and a critical appraisal of all included studies. EGM was developed using EPPI Mapper software, which presents a comprehensive overview of climate events and their impact on adolescents' health outcomes. This study protocol was registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (INPLASY) (# INPLASY202410119). We included 44 studies that explored the impact of climate change on adolescents' health. Most included studies were from Asia (35), with limited evidence from Africa, Australia, and South America (one study each). Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes were the major climate events impacting adolescents' health and well-being globally (37 studies). However, wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat got less attention. Most studies reported climate change's impact on adolescents' mental health (44), with few studies reporting the effect on physiological and psychosocial aspects of adolescents' health and well-being (10). The systematic examination reveals significant evidence gaps, particularly in Africa, Australia, and South America, and in climate events like wildfires, droughts, and extreme heat. Most studies focus on mental health, with limited research on physiological and psychosocial aspects. These gaps highlight key areas for future research and targeted interventions at the intersection of adolescent health and climate change.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the USDA-GRIN Germplasm Collection

The genetic diversity and population structure of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were investigated to support breeding strategies and germplasm conservation. A total of 276 accessions from the USDA-GRIN collection were analyzed using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated through genotyping by sequencing (GBS). After stringent filtering, 5162 high-quality polymorphic SNPs were retained for analysis. Population structure analysis revealed three distinct genetic groups (Q1, Q2, and Q3) among the accessions. Accessions from the USA, Asia, and Central and South America were assigned to all three groups, while accessions from Europe and Oceania were predominantly clustered within Q2. Genetic diversity indices, including major allele frequency, heterozygosity, and polymorphism information content (PIC), indicated moderate-to-high levels of genetic variation. These findings provide essential insights into the genetic diversity and population structure of tomato, offering valuable information for breeding programs aimed at improving traits such as yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. The results further underscore the role of global germplasm exchange in shaping the genetic landscape of tomato accessions.

A new species of Pelidnocoris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

In this work a new species, Pelidnocoris paradisicola sp. nov., of the genus Pelidnocoris Stål, 1868 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea: Pentatomidae: Discocephalinae) is described from the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. An up-to-date diagnosis of the genus and its species is provided, comparing them with similar-looking Discocephalini genera. This is the first record of the genus for the Atlantic Forest, in southeastern South America, and increases the number of species in Pelidnocoris to four. The other species of Pelidnocoris are distributed from southern North America to northern South America, with records from Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, and northern Brazil. Photographs from the citizen science platform iNaturalist indicate the genus is also distributed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, as well as in Belize, Ecuador and Peru, all representing new records. An identification key to the species of the genus is included, based on characters of general morphology and external male genitalia. Identification of the genus and its species from photographs in online repositories and databases is addressed.

Gender and geographical bias in the editorial decision-making process of biomedical journals: a case-control study.

To assess whether the gender (primary) and geographical affiliation (post-hoc) of the first and/or last authors are associated with publication decisions after peer review. Case-control study. Biomedical journals. Original peer-reviewed manuscripts submitted between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2019. Manuscripts accepted (cases) and rejected for publication (controls). Of 6213 included manuscripts, 5294 (85.2%) first and 5479 (88.1%) last authors' gender were identified; 2511 (47.4%) and 1793 (32.7%) were women, respectively. The proportion of women first and last authors was 48.4% (n=1314) and 32.2% (n=885) among cases and 46.4% (n=1197) and 33.2% (n=908) among controls. After adjustment, the association between the first author's gender and acceptance for publication remained non-significant 1.04 (0.92 to 1.17). Acceptance for publication was lower for first authors affiliated to Asia 0.58 (0.46 to 0.73), Africa 0.75 (0.41 to 1.36) and South America 0.68 (0.40 to 1.16) compared with Europe, and for first author affiliated to upper-middle country-income 0.66 (0.47 to 0.95) and lower-middle/low 0.69 (0.46 to 1.03) compared with high country-income group. It was significantly higher when both first and last authors were affiliated to different countries from same geographical and income groups 1.35 (1.03 to 1.77), different countries and geographical but same income groups 1.50 (1.14 to 1.96) or different countries, geographical and income groups 1.78 (1.27 to 2.50) compared with authors from similar countries. The study funding was independently associated with the acceptance for publication (when compared with no funding, 1.40; 1.04 to 1.89 for funding by association & foundations, 2.76; 1.87 to 4.10 for international organisations, 1.30; 1.04 to 1.62 for non-profit & associations & foundations). The reviewers' recommendations of the original submitted version were significantly associated with the outcome (unadjusted 5.36; 4.98 to 5.78 for acceptance compared with rejection). Gender of the first author was not associated with reviewers' recommendations (adjusted 0.96, 0.87 to 1.06). We did not identify evidence of gender bias during the editorial decision-making process for papers sent out to peer review. However, the under-representation in manuscripts accepted for publication of first authors affiliated to Asia, Africa or South America and those affiliated to upper/lower-middle and low country-income group, indicates poor representation of global scientists' opinion and supports growing demands for improving equity, diversity and inclusion in biomedical research. The more diverse the countries and incomes of the first and last authors, the greater the chances of the publication being accepted.

Precipitation Forecasting and Drought Monitoring in South America Using a Machine Learning Approach

Climate forecasting is essential for energy production, agricultural activities, transportation, and civil defense sectors, serving as a foundation for decision-making and risk management. This study addresses the challenge of accurately predicting extreme droughts in South America, a region highly vulnerable to climate variability. By employing a supervised neural network (NN) within a machine learning framework, we developed a methodology to forecast precipitation and subsequently calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for predicting drought conditions across the continent. The proposed model was trained with precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) for the period 1983–2023. It provided monthly drought forecasts, which were validated against observational data and compared with predictions from the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME). Key findings indicate the neural network’s ability to capture complex precipitation patterns and predict drought conditions. The model’s architecture effectively integrates precipitation data, demonstrating superior performance metrics compared to traditional approaches like the NMME. This study reinforces the relevance of using machine learning algorithms as a robust tool for drought prediction, providing critical information that can assist in decision-making for sustainable water resource management.

Using uniparental genetic profiles to unravel the complexity of Argentine admixed populations.

Latin American countries are distinguished by their highly admixed populations, characterized by a significant preservation of Native American matrilineal ancestry. This contrasts with the paternal lineages, which exhibit different patterns due to pronounced sex-biased mating practices during the colonial period. Uniparental genetic markers have been instrumental in population genetics, facilitating the reconstruction of human settlement histories and serving forensic identification purposes. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the diversity and structure of lineage markers in Argentina and compare them with other admixed populations in South America. For this study, we analyzed Y-STR and mtDNA haplotypes from 5202 unrelated individuals, providing a detailed description of the observed variability in both markers. Additionally, we conducted a genetic distance analysis, incorporating data from bibliographic sources across Argentina and South America. In pairwise comparisons among provinces, higher FST values were found in mtDNA haplotypes than in Y-STR haplotypes. This allows for more provinces to be grouped by similarity when using Y-STR data. These differences were also evident in the multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis between South American countries. Y-STR haplotypes showed greater similarity to European haplotypes, whereas mtDNA haplotypes exhibited greater dispersion. Thus, the comprehensive compilation of haplotypes in this study, including those integrated from our research and those cited in existing literature, provides an in-depth understanding of the inherent genetic complexities within Argentina.

Booster Vaccination against Yellow Fever in Gambian children-(BoVY) -a Phase 3 clinical trial to establish safety and immunogenicity of repeated YF vaccination in healthy Gambian children of different ages

Background Yellow fever (YF) is a mosquito-borne and recently re-emerging viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and South America. A highly effective vaccine against YF is licensed and recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation as a single dose at 9 months. Recent observational data demonstrate waning immunity following single primary vaccination and suggest that children in endemic areas may require booster vaccination. Methods This open-label, non-randomised clinical vaccine trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05332197, registered on 31 March 2022, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05332197) will assess the safety and immunogenicity of a booster dose of the licensed 17D YF vaccine in Gambian children. The trial will recruit 750 children in three cohorts of different ages (250 each). All children were vaccinated with the 17D YF vaccine at 9–10 months of age as part of clinical trials run by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia, and are thus well-characterised, including basic clinical, anthropometric, and post-primary immunogenicity data. The children will receive booster doses at 15 months, 4 years, or 8.5 years. Serum samples will be taken before and 28 days after the booster, with additional sampling for exploratory endpoints in subgroups. Adverse events are solicited for the first three days following vaccination and recorded throughout the study period. The primary objective of the trial is to describe the safety and immunogenicity of the booster in the different age cohorts. Secondary objectives are to characterise the rate of sero-reversion (change from seropositive to seronegative) over a period of 9 months to 8 years following single primary vaccination and to profile the immune response to the booster to explore underlying mechanisms for the longevity of vaccine-induced antibody. Discussion The results of this trial are likely to directly impact WHO recommendations on whether booster vaccination is required for children in endemic areas, and if so, the optimal timing of such a booster.

Adherence in Evidence-Based Neurotrauma Guidelines: A Worldwide Survey.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) management guidelines vary across regions and there is limited research on real-world adherence to these guidelines. We conducted a global survey to assess the adherence of neurosurgeons to TBI guidelines and evidence-based medicine (EBM). A 24-item survey was created using Google Forms, covering demographic information, neurotrauma training, basic knowledge of EBM, surgical and in-hospital management. Responses were collected from 233 neurosurgeons across 53 different countries. Approximately 45% of respondents reported not staying up to date with Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) guidelines, and 48% indicated a preference for relying on their own experience over EBM guidelines. Neurosurgeons from Asia and Africa were more likely to rely on personal experience, while those from Europe, North/Central and South America leaned towards EBM (p=0.021). Additionally, 56% of respondents reported that their neurotrauma management at least sometimes diverged from recommended guidelines. Specifically, 58% never or rarely managed epidural hematoma of 30cm³ conservatively, and 45% sometimes, often, or always treated subdural hematomas conservatively, even when EBM recommended surgery. Moreover, 24% at least sometimes managed patients conservatively despite a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 9 or a decrease of two or more points. In cerebellar hematomas, 46% sometimes opted for external ventricular drainage alone. Neurosurgeons from Europe, North/Central and South America tend to follow EBM guidelines more closely, while those from Asia and Africa often favor individual decision-making approaches.

METHOD OF MEASURING OZONE CONCENTRATION DURING DRYING OF WALNUTS IN A VIBRATORY DRYER

From a botanical point of view, walnuts belong to the genus Juglans, which has more than 20 different species. The name of this genus comes from the Latin phrase "iovis glans", which translates as "Jupiter's acorn". Walnut kernels are used in many industries - in medicine, food and perfume industries. With the addition of hard fruit shells, the technological process of tanning leather is carried out. The pericarp, due to its high iodine content, is used to dye fabrics in various shades of brown, as well as for medical purposes. Walnut shells are used to make activated carbon, grinding stones, linoleum, etc. Currently, Ukraine occupies the sixth-eighth position in the world ranking in terms of walnut cultivation, production and export. Over the past 30 years, an average of almost 90,000 tons of nuts have been produced per year. China is the world's leading producer and exporter of walnuts in shell, with over 705,000 tons per year. The top three countries are the United States and Iran, with over 405,000 tons and 256,000 tons respectively. Turkey, Burkina Faso and Mexico are also among the world's leading producers of walnuts. Almost 60% of walnuts in shell are grown and produced in Asia, 25.5% in South and North America. Europe produces 14.4%, Africa 3% [1-3]. Based on the results of previous studies, which established the prospects for using vibration effects on the processed medium during drying, as well as ozone during dehumidification of various agricultural raw materials, we developed the idea of combining vibration technologies and ozonation, which we implemented in a vibration dryer for processing walnuts with an ozone-air mixture.

Different functional responses in populations of Polylepis quadrijuga (Rosaceae) as a consequence of anthropogenic disturbance

The monodominant forests of Polylepis quadrijuga, endemic to the páramos of the eastern cordillera in the Colombian Andes, are among the most threatened in South America due to fragmentation and anthropogenic degradation. Despite their role in regulating water flow and forming biodiverse, endemic biotic communities, there are few studies on their functional responses to stress caused by anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. In this study, we evaluate how six different populations of P. quadrijuga with distinct levels of anthropogenic disturbance (low and high) change 11 foliar, stem, and root functional traits. Also, the physicochemical properties of the soils were analyzed, and mycorrhizal colonization was quantified to evaluate how each population responds to the stress conditions. The results indicated that populations with lower disturbance levels exhibit a conservative leaf trait configuration, whereas those with higher disturbance levels adopt an acquisitive strategy, potentially making them more vulnerable. Additionally, we found no functional coordination between above- and belowground traits. The results also highlight a lower percentage of arbuscular mycorrhizarl fungi (AMF) colonization in sites with a high level of disturbance. Our findings show P. quadrijuga’s sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance and its resilience, demonstrated by high plasticity in aboveground traits. Conservation efforts for this endangered species should focus on fragmented populations and those under stress from grazing or agriculture, aiming to create connectivity and promote its establishment

Structure Diversity and Properties of Some Bola-like Natural Products.

In their shapes, molecules of some bipolar metabolites resemble the so-called bola, a hunting weapon of the South American inhabitants, consisting of two heavy balls connected to each other by a long flexible cord. Herein, we discuss the structures and properties of these natural products (bola-like compounds or bolaamphiphiles), containing two polar terminal fragments and a non-polar chain (or chains) between them, from archaea, bacteria, and marine invertebrates. Additional modifications of core compounds of this class, for example, interchain and intrachain cyclization, hydroxylation, methylation, etc., expand the number of known metabolites of this type, providing their great structural variety. Isolation of such complex compounds individually is problematic, since they usually exist as mixtures of regioisomers and stereoisomers, that are very difficult to be separated. The main approaches to the study of their structures combine various methods of HPLC/MS or GC/MS, 2D-NMR experiments and organic synthesis. The recent identification of new enzymes, taking part in their biosynthesis and metabolism, made it possible to understand molecular aspects of their origination and some features of evolution during geological times. The promising properties of these metabolites, such as their ability to self-assemble and stabilize biological or artificial membranes, and biological activities, attract additional attention to them.

Knowledge Gaps on the Effectiveness of Seed Dispersal by Mammals and the Effect of Human Disturbances: A Review

Seed dispersal by frugivorous mammals is crucial for plant reproduction, but anthropogenic disturbances can disrupt this process. However, there is a lack of research on mammalian seed dispersal in anthropogenic habitats, with few systematic literature reviews available. In order to address this gap, a review of scientific literature published since 1990 was conducted. A total of 275 articles from 52 countries, predominantly from South America, were found for the review. These articles contained information on 764 mammal species from 54 families, with Canidae being the most studied. The studies focused on various aspects of seed dispersal, including animal visitation rates (60%), seed quantity in faeces (78.9%), seed viability (49.1%), germination (49.5%), and seedling recruitment. However, only a small percentage of the studies examined the impacts of human disturbance on seed dispersal (5.8%), particularly the quantity of seeds dispersed. There is a need for further studies that integrate the analysis of seed dispersal effectiveness by mammals while considering the effects of human disturbances, particularly in areas with high plant and mammal diversity threatened by human activities.

Women in Physical Education and their Career Development: Current Trends and Issues

Participation in physical education (PE) is a fundamental right for every student (UNESCO, 2012). The quality of learning in PE depends on several factors, including access to facilities, learning opportunities, well-designed curricula, and effective teaching by qualified professionals. While PE teaching is a career open to both genders and protected by policies that ensure equal working opportunities, female professionals often face unique challenges in pursuing and advancing in this field. This study examines the career choices of female PE professionals, focusing on the social constraints they encounter and their implications for women pursuing careers in the field. It also investigates gender-specific perceptions of Quality Physical Education (QPE) to identify differences across key dimensions of QPE. This study draws on data from a global survey on QPE conducted between 2020 and 2021. Using a 49-item questionnaire developed by the International Society for Physical Education and Sport (ISCPES) research team, the study engaged 5,680 professionals comprising 2,431 women and 3,249 men. Respondents were primarily from Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, with fewer participants from Europe and Africa. This study employed the boundary concept and compromising practice framework to analyse trends in women’s career choices, social and professional challenges, and prospects in PE careers. Findings revealed that both genders exhibited similar attitudes toward QPE development, with no significant differences in the overall score by gender. Nevertheless, women expressed more positive perceptions of QPE at the primary level than men.

Checklist of the Cretaceous gymnospermous wood (updated December 2024)

A list of all known fossil wood taxa recorded from the Cretaceous, up to December of 2024, is given. The list contains 57 genera and 317 species of gymnospermous wood described from 48 countries across seven continents. 39 genera and 165 species were reported from Asia, 28 genera and 67 species from Europe, 33 genera and 48 species from Africa, 20 genera and 48 species from North America, 13 genera and 35 species from South America, 4 genera and 4 species from Australia and 5 genera and 12 species from Antarctica. 54 genera and 171 species were documented from the Lower Cretaceous, and 26 genera and 76 species from the Upper Cretaceous. Systematically, 1 genus and 2 species belong to Cycadales, 1 monotypic genus belongs to Bennettitales, 2 genera and 3 species belong to Ginkgoales, 52 genera and 306 species are of Coniferales, and 1 genus and 3 species are incertae sedis.

Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma associated with gastric ulcers in alpacas.

In pathological examinations, gastric ulcers are often detected in South American camelids. The aetiology cannot be clarified in every case. However, tumour-related gastric ulcers are observed repeatedly. This study reports clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in six alpacas, three each with adenocarcinoma- and squamous cell carcinoma-associated gastric ulcers. Clinically they were presented with general symptoms like emaciation, anorexia and recumbency. Laboratory findings of these animals were non-specific. All animals were at least nine years old. The adenocarcinomas as well as the squamous cell carcinomas were metastasised in various organs, especially in the lymph nodes. Two adenocarcinoma-associated gastric ulcers were perforated. In summary, squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas can lead to ulcerative lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Although neoplasms are rare overall, they should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in the case of non-specific symptoms. In particular, older animals seem to be affected more frequently.

Stable isotope evidence for pre-colonial maize agriculture and animal management in the Bolivian Amazon.

Over the past decade, multidisciplinary research has seen the Amazon Basin go from a context perceived as unfavourable for food production and large-scale human societies to one of 'garden cities', domestication, and anthropogenically influenced forests and soils. Nevertheless, direct insights into human interactions with particular crops and especially animals remain scarce across this vast area. Here we present new stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data from 86 human and 68 animal remains dating between CE ~700 and 1400 from the Llanos de Mojos, Bolivia. We show evidence of human reliance on maize agriculture in the earliest phases before a reduction in the dietary importance of this crop between CE 1100 and 1400. We also provide evidence that muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata), the only known domesticated vertebrate in the South American lowlands, had substantial maize intake suggesting intentional feeding, or even their domestication, from as early as CE 800. Our data provide insights into human interactions with Amazonian ecosystems, including direct evidence for human management of animals in pre-colonial contexts, further enriching our understanding of human history in what was once considered a 'counterfeit paradise'.

Assessment of the Diversity, Abundance and Range of Invasive Alien Plant Species in Córdoba, a Mediterranean Urban Area

Invasive species are a major driver of environmental change and pose a significPant threat to native biodiversity due to their ability to invade and establish themselves in natural or semi-natural ecosystems. This study analyzed the presence, abundance, and distribution of invasive alien plant species in a Mediterranean urban area, the municipality of Córdoba (Andalusia region, southern Spain). It includes an important historic city center, urbanized areas but also peri-urban natural and semi-natural sites around. A detailed review of bibliography and computerized botanical databases was conducted prior to an extensive fieldwork and GIS analysis carried out during 2021, 2022, and 2023. Our research identified 227 populations of 17 invasive plant species from 10 different families. These species represent 35% of the invasive plant species reported in the Andalusia region and 27% of those reported in Spain. In total, 53% of the species were introduced from America, especially South America, but no alien invasive species from other European regions were detected. The highest concentrations were found in ruderal areas, followed by abandoned fields, but also in urbanized areas, including the UNESCO World Heritage historic city center. Seven invasive herbaceous species were identified (perennial herbs), compared to 10 invasive tree species, with phanerophytes being the most abundant life form. This likely reflects the predominant use of alien woody species for ornamental and reforestation purposes, as well as the greater resilience of woody and perennial species to the increasingly warm and dry conditions of the Mediterranean climate—a phenomenon exacerbated in recent years by climate change. Our findings suggest that the use of non-native species as ornamentals is the primary driver of the establishment, spread, and ecological impact of invasive plants in the study area. This study provides valuable insights into the current situation and the potential future trajectory of invasive species, facilitating the development of management strategies and restoration efforts to address the growing issue of biological invasions in the Mediterranean region.

MET Exon 14 Skipping and Novel Actionable Variants: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications in Latin American Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

Targeted therapy indications for actionable variants in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have primarily been studied in Caucasian populations, with limited data on Latin American patients. This study utilized a 52-genes next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel to analyze 1560 tumor biopsies from NSCLC patients in Chile, Brazil, and Peru. The RNA sequencing reads and DNA coverage were correlated to improve the detection of the actionable MET exon 14 skipping variant (METex14). The pathogenicity of MET variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) was assessed using bioinformatic methods, based on their predicted driver potential. The effects of the predicted drivers VUS T992I and H1094Y on c-MET signaling activation, proliferation, and migration were evaluated in HEK293T, BEAS-2B, and H1993 cell lines. Subsequently, c-Met inhibitors were tested in 2D and 3D cell cultures, and drug affinity was determined using 3D structure simulations. The prevalence of MET variants in the South American cohort was 8%, and RNA-based diagnosis detected 27% more cases of METex14 than DNA-based methods. Notably, 20% of METex14 cases with RNA reads below the detection threshold were confirmed using DNA analysis. The novel actionable T992I and H1094Y variants induced proliferation and migration through c-Met/Akt signaling. Both variants showed sensitivity to crizotinib and savolitinib, but the H1094Y variant exhibited reduced sensitivity to capmatinib. These findings highlight the importance of RNA-based METex14 diagnosis and reveal the drug sensitivity profiles of novel actionable MET variants from an understudied patient population.

Spatial effects with missing data

Abstract In recent years, there has been an increased attention and interest in quantitative and statistical models of language contact and language diffusion in space. This article presents an improved model, multivAreate 2, to estimate spatial and contact relations between languages and dialects based on work by Guzmán Naranjo and Mertner ((2022). Estimating areal effects in typology: A case study of african phoneme inventories. Journal of Linguistic Typology 27(2), 455–80) and Ranacher et al. ((2021). Contact-tracing in cultural evolution: A Bayesian mixture model to detect geographic areas of language contact. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 18(181), 1–15). We test our model on three different datasets: Balkans, South America (Ranacher et al. (2021). Contact-tracing in cultural evolution: A Bayesian mixture model to detect geographic areas of language contact. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 18(181), 1–15), and the Americas (Urban et al., (2019). The areal typology of western middle and south america: Towards a comprehensive view. Linguistics 57(6), 1403–63). We show that this new model can address shortcomings found in previous models, and it offers some useful tools for researchers working on contact and areal linguistics.

Can Aluminum Affect Social Behavior and Cortisol Plasma Profile in the Neotropical Freshwater Teleost Astyanax lacustris (Teleostei: Characidae)?

Aluminum (Al) can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic animals, but assessments of animal social behavior in neotropical teleost fish species with importance for Brazilian aquaculture have still not been addressed so far, which can further complete this ecotoxicological knowledge. In order to evaluate the social behavior and plasma cortisol concentration of fish exposed to Al, we performed a 1 h acute exposure with Astyanax lacustris couples in three different experimental groups: control in neutral pH (CTL/n group), acid pH (pH/ac group), and aluminum in acid pH (Al/ac group; 2.0 mg L-1). An ethogram of social interactions between males and females and swimming activities were performed. Furthermore, the cortisol plasma concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and the gonadal maturation stage of the animals was evaluated by histology. Adult and mature females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups were more aggressive and active than mature males, including several attacks on the male. Moreover, males did not present attack behavior in these groups at any time, but did show submission behavior and constant avoidance of female attacks. In the Al/ac, females did not attack males, couple decreased swimming activity, a repetitive movement toward the aquarium surface, and high mucus production were observed, making the water cloudy. Regarding cortisol plasma concentration, males had higher cortisol plasma concentrations than females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups, which was not observed in the Al/ac group. Therefore, Al in addition to being described in the literature as an endocrine disruptor, it can be considered as behavioral disrupter in A. lacustris in this important freshwater species cultivated in South America.