South America Research Articles

Upscaling the contribution of crab burrows to mangrove ecosystem functioning in French Guiana (South America)

Burrow characteristics and bioturbation activities of benthic organisms play a key role in mangrove ecosystem biogeochemical and sedimentary functioning. In this study, we aimed to understand how small-scale topographic variations in a mud bank might influence burrow morphology and distribution in a French Guiana pioneer mangrove system (Sinnamary estuary), and to upscale spatial patterns using remote sensing. We used burrow resin casting and sediment conductivity measurements to depict subsurface 3D burrow structures. We found that the spatial heterogeneity of burrow sizes (small, medium, large) and morphologies (simple I- and J-shape, complex geometries) depended on the geomorphic units within mudflats (platform, channel, depression). The aperture areas of burrow casts were used to predict the volume and complexity of each burrow type, enabling us to use drone-derived burrow opening distribution maps to calculate burrow volumes and complexity at the mudflat scale. There are clear associations between tidal channels and depressions and voluminous, multi-aperture, complex and multi-species burrows. In contrast, simple I- and J-shaped burrows inhabited by single species were mainly found on platforms. These relationships lead to a comparatively large volume of tidal-irrigated and deeply aerated sediments connected to channels and depressions compared to platform areas. We suggest that, depending on their morphology and connectivity with the topography, burrows may exhibit differences in biogeochemical functioning depending on the geomorphic unit. We warn against generalizing the functioning of mangrove ecosystems across geomorphic units where impacts may differ. Further studies are needed to understand how different burrow morphologies and life cycles may alter hydrological, sedimentary and biogeochemical functioning.

Wave Energy Potential and the Role of Extreme Events on South America's Coasts. A Regional Frequency Analysis

This study examines wave energy potential and generation capacity from extreme waves along South America's Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Utilizing the Regional Frequency Analysis (RFA) method and the WAVERYS wave reanalysis model, 27 homogeneous regions with distinct wave patterns were identified. There's a notable southward increase in median and average wave heights and energy. Unlike previous studies, this research emphasizes the significant role of extreme wave events, which contribute up to 33 % of the total energy—a critical factor often overlooked in regional energy assessments. In the Pacific, three main zones were delineated, with energy peaks reaching 120 kW/m south of 50°S, while the Atlantic identified two zones with energy values ranging from 10 kW/m to 30 kW/m. Zones between 10°S to 40°S in the Pacific and 30°S to 60°S in the Atlantic stand out as particularly promising for energy harvesting. A comprehensive statistical methodology enabled predictions of wave heights and energy for 50 and 100-year return periods, predominantly utilized generalized Pareto and Gumbel distributions. The study affirms the efficacy of the RFA in improving the understanding of wave dynamics and highlights the necessity of integrating extreme events in energy assessments. This research provides a foundation for advancing wave energy initiatives and coastal risk mitigation in South America.

Distribution patterns of Calonectria (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) species complexes related to diseased leaves and soil habitats during leaf blight outbreak season in Eucalyptus plantations in southern China

Calonectria leaf blight caused by Calonectria species is one of the most important diseases associated with Eucalyptus plantations in Asia and South America. This study aimed to clarify the distribution patterns of Calonectria species residing in different species complexes associated with diseased trees and soils during leaf blight outbreak season in Eucalyptus plantations in southern China. In this study, 482 Calonectria isolates obtained from diseased Eucalyptus trees and soils under these trees in eight sampling sites in three provinces were identified by DNA sequence analyses of tef1, tub2, cmdA, and his3 gene regions. Six species residing in three species complexes were identified: Calonectria pseudoreteaudii and C. acaciicola in the Calonectria reteaudii species complex; C. hongkongensis, C. aconidialis, and C. chinensis in C. kyotensis species complex; and C. auriculiformis in C. cylindrospora species complex. The habitats of Calonectria in different species complexes differed, C. reteaudii species complex inhabits in both diseased trees and soils, C. kyotensis species complex only in soils. The Calonectria leaf blight in the sampled regions was caused by species in the C. reteaudii species complex but not by the species in the C. kyotensis species complex. These findings suggest that the species in the C. reteaudii species complex should receive more attention in disease management, as they are the primary cause of the disease in the sampled regions.

Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of Su‘ad Kūfī (Cyperus rotundus L.): An Insight

Background: Cyperus rotundus, an important medicinal plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family, is therapeutically used in many traditional systems of medicine, such as Unani medicine, Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy, Chinese medicine, etc. Aim: The prime goal of this review is to provide a scientific basis and classical references for clinical use and further scientific exploration of Cyperus rotundus. Materials and Methods: This systemic review was carried out after searching Unani classical and other ethnobotanical literature and published research work available on PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. Results: Cyperus rotundus L. is the accepted botanical name of Su'ad Kūfī, Nagarmotha, or Nutgrass as referred in Unani and other traditional medicines. It is grown in India, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, South America, Africa, the Middle East, North America, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Usually, the rhizome of this important medicinal plant is therapeutically used for various ailments, including indigestion, constipation, dysentery, neurogenic gastralgia, skin diseases, mental weakness, cardiac weakness, nervine weakness, palpitation, weakness of stomach, flatulence, retention of urine, amenorrhea, dribbling of urine, etc. It contains many important secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, sitosterol, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, essential oils, sugar, protein, amino acids, etc., which have been reported to possess antibacterial, anti-tumour, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antimalarial, anti-obesity, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective pharmacological activities. Conclusion: It is concluded that abundant bioactive compounds identified and separated from Cyperus rotundus possess potential medicinal values on different systems of the body.

Identification and characterization of a novel Pavlovskyella (Acari: Argasidae) from Chile, parasite of the culpeo fox (Lycalopex culpaeus).

Soft ticks (Argasidae) of the subgenus Pavlovskyella Pospelova-Shtrom are worldwide distributed parasites of medical importance. However, the systematics of the subgenus are currently under debate because genetic data shows that the group is paraphyletic. Meanwhile, species of Pavlovskyella continue to be discovered. In this study a novel species of the subgenus is described from specimens collected on a fox in central Chile. The larva of this new species differentiates from other Pavlovskyella spp. by having the following combination of characters: subpyriform dorsal plate; 15 pairs of setae, 7 anterolateral, 3 central, and 5 posterolateral, and hypostome with denticles in the distal third. Nymphs and adults of the species lack cheeks, eyes or bulging structures on the flank, but exhibit dorsoventral grooves, and humps on tarsi I, II, and III. Moreover, a patch of glabrous integument appears on the distal portion of coxal folds. A phylogenetic analysis using the mitogenome indicates a monophyletic group composed by Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) brasiliensis Aragão, Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) furcosus Neumann, Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) improvisus Muñoz-Leal & Venzal, and Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) rostratus Aragão. Interestingly, a phylogeny using 18S-28S rDNA sequences shows that South American Pavlovskyella spp. are paraphyletic, as depicted in previous studies. Adding species of the subgenus from the Neotropical region to phylogenetic analyses could aid to solve this paraphyly. Furthermore, this is the fifth species of Pavlovskyella described in South America, and the second in Chile.

Review of Lyme Borreliosis in Africa—An Emerging Threat in Africa

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is more common in the Northern Hemisphere. It is endemic mainly in North America, where the vectors are Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus, and in Eurasia, where the vectors are Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus. Both tick-borne diseases and LB are influenced by climate change. Africa and South America are crossed by the equator and are situated in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In Africa, the LB is present on the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean coasts. Borrelia lusitaniae is prevalent in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt. Ticks were detected in the Ixodes Ricinus, which are carried by migratory birds and the Ixodes inopinatus and captured by the Psammodromus algirus lizards. The Borreliae Lyme Group (LG) and, in particular, Borrelia garinii, have been reported in countries bordering the Indian Ocean, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, transported by migratory birds from North African countries, where the vector was identified as Hyalomma rufipes ticks. This review aims to document the presence of Borreliae LG and LB in Africa.

Time Series approach to map areas of Agricultural Plastic Waste generation

Abstract. The escalating presence of plastics in agriculture has raised concerns regarding Agricultural Plastic Waste (APW). Hitherto, a lack of comprehensive plasticulture data impedes effective waste management strategies, potentially resulting in plastic pollution and contributing to microplastic formation. APW locations and quantities are pivotal for territorial planning and the formulation of public policies on waste management and land use. Remote detection of agri-plastics has garnered increased consideration, particularly in mapping plastic-mulched farmlands (PMFs) dispersed in extensive regions. This study investigates whether the use of satellite image time series can map PMFs accurately. We assessed pixel-based classification using a 16-day composite time series of Sentinel-2 imagery (S2-16D) obtained from the Brazil Data Cube project. The Plastic-Mulched Landcover Index (PMLI) was joined into S2-16D bands because it is an index focused on PMF detection. Four classifiers (RF, MLP, L-TAE, and TCNN) were compared through agreed classification metrics. The most promising outcome showed an overall accuracy of 100% employing L-TAE but with visible noise in the map. The time series enhanced accuracy while minimizing background confusion, offering a viable solution for PMF detection. The PMF map presented herein represents an initial stride toward fostering circularity in plasticulture throughout South America.

An Abrupt Decline in Global Terrestrial Water Storage and Its Relationship with Sea Level Change

AbstractAs observed by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow On (GRACE-FO) missions, global terrestrial water storage (TWS), excluding ice sheets and glaciers, declined rapidly between May 2014 and March 2016. By 2023, it had not yet recovered, with the upper end of its range remaining 1 cm equivalent height of water below the upper end of the earlier range. Beginning with a record-setting drought in northeastern South America, a series of droughts on five continents helped to prevent global TWS from rebounding. While back-to-back El Niño events are largely responsible for the South American drought and others in the 2014–2016 timeframe, the possibility exists that global warming has contributed to a net drying of the land since then, through enhanced evapotranspiration and increasing frequency and intensity of drought. Corollary to the decline in global TWS since 2015 has been a rise in barystatic sea level (i.e., global mean ocean mass). However, we find no evidence that it is anything other than a coincidence that, also in 2015, two estimates of barystatic sea level change, one from GRACE/FO and the other from a combination of satellite altimetry and Argo float ocean temperature measurements, began to diverge. Herein, we discuss both the mechanisms that account for the abrupt decline in terrestrial water storage and the possible explanations for the divergence of the barystatic sea level change estimates.

The Role of Salicylic Acid in Salinity Stress Mitigation in Dizygostemon riparius: A Medicinal Species Native to South America

Salicylic acid (SA) is a bioregulator well-known for mitigating salinity damage in plants. However, no studies have examined the interaction between SA and salinity in Dizygostemon riparius, a species rich in bioactive molecules. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of SA application on Dizygostemon riparius under different salinity levels. A completely randomized experiment was conducted in a 2 × 3 factorial design (two SA concentrations of 0 and 100 µM and three salinity concentrations of 0, 200, and 400 mM NaCl) with five replicates. At 400 mM NaCl, leaf temperature increased by 11%, while relative water content and total soluble carbohydrates decreased by 30% and 35%, respectively, leading to reduced biomass accumulation. Notably, the SA application mitigated these effects by restoring relative water content under 400 mM NaCl and improving carboxylation efficiency and intrinsic water-use efficiency under 200 mM NaCl. Additionally, dry biomass was maintained under both 200 and 400 mM NaCl with SA treatment. These findings suggest that SA has a promising potential to alleviate salt stress in Dizygostemon riparius. Our results could inform cultivation practices, opening new perspectives on the use of SA as an attenuator of salinity stress.

Ticks and hemoplasma screening in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Somalia.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are small pleomorphic bacteria that parasitize the surface of red blood cells of mammals. Hemoplasmas have been described in different species from the Camelidae Family, such as llamas and alpacas (South American camelids), but data on dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are limited to a few reports. Somalia has one of the world's largest dromedary camel populations, and studies on hemoplasmas and tick-borne pathogens are lacking. Accordingly, this study aimed to screen dromedaries from Somalia for hemoplasmas by PCR-based assays. A total of 155 dromedary camel blood samples from 2 different areas of Mogadishu (n = 104) and the Lower Shabelle Region (n = 51) of the country were collected. All blood DNA samples were screened for hemoplasmas using a SYBR Green Universal Real-Time PCR (qPCR), nested PCR (nPCR), and conventional PCR (cPCR) assays targeting the 16S rRNA gene of hemoplasmas. Five out of 155 animals (3.23%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-7.33%) were positive for hemoplasmas. A total of 346 (228 M, 117 F, and 1 nymph) ticks were collected from 79/155 (50.9%; 95% CI: 42.8-59.1%) dromedary camels with a mean of 4.4 ticks per animal. Ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus pulchellus (174/346; 50.3%), Hyalomma dromedarii (103/346; 29.8%), Hyalomma rufipes (35/346; 10.1%), Hyalomma marginatum (16/346; 4.6%), Rhipicephalus humeralis (14/346; 4.0%), Amblyomma lepidum (2/346; 0.6%), Amblyomma gemma (1/346; 0.3%), and Ornithodoros sp. (1/185; 0.5). This is the first study on the molecular screening for hemoplasmas in dromedary camels from Somalia and the first report of A. lepidum and R. humeralis in Somali dromedary camels.

Risk factors for schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT In this review, I describe the progress in a study that focused on the risk factors for schistosomiasis around the globe for the purposes of the review. Human schistosomiasis affects 229 million people; at least 90% are in sub-Saharan Africa, and 54% are school-aged children. Schistosoma haematobium infects 112 million people, Schistosoma japonicum infects 3.1 million people, and Schistosoma mansoni infects 54 million people. Schistosomiasis can occur in endemic and non-endemic areas. A high risk of schistosomiasis can occur in, for example, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and workers in endemic schistosomiasis areas. These people make contact with infested freshwater day by day. In addition, environmental factors and socioeconomic factors can affect the transmission of schistosomiasis. Various factors can cause the transmission of schistosomiasis, for example, climate changes and proximity to infested freshwater bodies. People with high risks for schistosomiasis need great attention for treatment and/or prevention programs. Risk factors for schistosomiasis, for example, human behavior and socioeconomic status, can affect the transmission of schistosomiasis. Many developing countries in Africa, Asia, and South America are at risk of this disease. High-risk people need special attention in programs for schistosomiasis elimination.

Description and phylogenetic position of an unusual genus and species of allocreadiid trematode from a characid freshwater fish in South America

The worldwide distributed family Allocreadiidae Looss, 1902 is predominantly parasitic in freshwater fish and occasionally in amphibians and reptiles. It contains 15 genera, of which only Allocreadium, Creptotrema, Wallinia and Creptotrematina have been reported in Argentina. The records of Allocreadium species still require further verification. The discovery of an allocreadiid digenean parasitizing Pseudocorynopoma doriae led us to erect a new genus for which the name Martorellia n. gen is proposed. It is characterized by poorly developed ventrolateral muscular lobes and a transversely elongated ovary, with the most characteristic feature being the presence of vitelline follicles in two fields (one anterior at level of ventral sucker and one posterior to the testis), which are not confluent in the middle. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed with 28S rDNA sequences placed the new genus as the sister taxa of Creptotrematina. Although both genera are separated by a small genetic distance, it is comparable with those separating other allocreadiid genera. The discovery of Martorellia liciae gen et sp. nov. provides further evidence of the great diversity of Allocreadiidae in South America. The analysis of new samples from different South American hosts with an integrative taxonomic approach as the one used here allows a better understanding of the evolutionary history and biogeography of allocreadiids in the Americas.

Off‑label and unapproved pediatric drug utilization: A meta‑analysis.

Despite legislative enforcement on authorized drugs, off-label and unapproved pediatric drug use is prevalent. The present study aimed to assess the global prevalence of off-label and unlicensed prescriptions among hospitalized children via meta-analysis. A comprehensive examination of articles published between 1990 and 2023 from the PubMed, Scopus, Excerpta Medica Database, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Key word-based advanced searches were executed using the aforementioned databases. A total of 45 studies that reported the prescriptions of off-label and unlicensed drugs to pediatric patients were included. The global prevalence of off-label and unlicensed drug prescriptions to children in pediatrics or neonatal departments was 56%. Patient sample sizes varied from 40-13,426, with a range of 240-8,891 total prescriptions issued. Of the 45 studies examined, 22 studies originated from Europe, 13 from Asia, 3 from South America, 3 from Africa, and 2 each from North America and Australia. Africa had the highest prevalence rate at 66%, followed by Asia, South America, North America, Australia and Europe. The present meta-analysis demonstrated that the prevalence of off-label and unlicensed drug prescriptions given to pediatric patients was notably high and geographically diverse. Therefore, drug authorities should standardize pediatric prescription practices in future.

Jamie Macpherson's Fiddle: Decolonisation, and Representing Gypsy/Traveller Communities in the Clan Macpherson Museum

This article examines the representation of Gypsy/Travellers in Scottish museums using a decolonial perspective. Focusing on a case study of Jamie Macpherson’s fiddle and its re-interpretation at the Clan Macpherson Museum in 2021, this article explores the value of using decolonial ideas to frame and interpret Scottish Gypsy/Traveller experience. It argues that, both historically and in the present, Scottish Gypsy/Travellers have been subject to racism and discrimination that are the product of colonialism and its continuing legacies. This theoretical framework of coloniality informed a collaborative project to re-interpret Jamie Macpherson’s fiddle at the Clan Macpherson Museum, where the authors worked with activists and members of the Gypsy/Traveller community. The focal point of this re-interpretation was a piece of creative writing by Maggie McPhee, a Scottish Traveller, whose ‘Heartbreak Through Her Eyes’ re-imagined the story of Jamie Macpherson – hanged at Banff in 1700 for being an ‘Egiptian’ (Gypsy) – from the perspective of his mother. Centering the experience of both women and Gypsy/Travellers, Maggie McPhee’s story demonstrated different ways of knowing the past. Drawing on recent feminist work in South America on the epistemologies of the South, we argue that storytelling such as Maggie’s can become an act of decolonial resistance – a form of ‘poetic knowledge’ that can be an important part of broader efforts to decolonise museums. The enduring coloniality of anti-Gypsy/Traveller racism is challenged by the powerful and beautiful words of Maggie McPhee, centring the Gypsy/Traveller voice in ways that change our understanding of the past and fight racism in the present.

Antiviral Potential and Chemical Composition of Wild Baccharis crispa Spreng. Populations (Asteraceae) from Córdoba, Argentina: Perspective on Population Variability

Medicinal plants have been explored worldwide as potential alternatives for the prevention and treatment of different diseases, including viral infections. Baccharis crispa Spreng. (Asteraceae) is a native medicinal species widely used in South America. Given the influence of genetic and environmental factors on secondary metabolites biosynthesis and accumulation, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of four wild populations of B. crispa from Córdoba, Argentina, and assess the variability in their bioactivity and chemical composition. The cytotoxicity of chloroform, ethanol, and aqueous extracts from aerial parts was evaluated by the neutral red uptake method. Antiviral and virucidal activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were assessed via plaque-forming unit (PFU) reduction assay. Phytochemical analyses of the extracts were conducted using HPLC-ESI- MS/MS. The Puesto Pedernera population showed the strongest antiviral activity, with inhibition rates of 82% for CHIKV and 79% against HSV-1, as well as potent virucidal effects, reducing PFU formation by up to 5 logarithms for both viruses. Remarkably, ethanol extract exhibited the least toxicity and strongest inhibitory activity. Villa del Parque population was inactive. We identified 38 secondary metabolites, predominantly phenolic acids (12) and flavonoids (18), in varying proportions. Delphinidin and delphinidin-3-glucoside are described for the first time in the species. Differences in phytochemical profiles were observed among extract types and populations. Key phenolic compounds showed moderate positive correlations with the evaluated bioactivities, emphasizing the complexity of phytochemical properties and interactions. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of B. crispa extracts against viral infections and underscore the importance of considering the geographical source of plant material in bioactivity evaluations.

Prevalence of human Schistosoma mansoni infection in endemic regions (2010–2024): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Schistosoma mansoni infection poses a substantial public health challenge globally, and the World Health Organization (WHO) aims for the elimination of schistosomiasis by 2030. This study aimed to assess the current prevalence of human S.mansoni infection in endemic regions worldwide between 2010 and2024. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases as well as other public sources from 1 January 2010 to 15 July 2024. Population-based studies reporting the prevalence of S.mansoni infection were eligible. We undertook a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in WHO-defined regions and assessed potential risk factors associated with S.mansoni infection. The protocol for this study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023438455). We identified a total of 542 eligible studies involving 1,163,866 individuals who had been tested for S.mansoni infection in 38 countries. The overall, pooled global prevalence of S.mansoni infection in endemic region was 14.8% (95% CI, 13.5%-16.1%). The pooled prevalences (95% CI) in specific regions were: 15.3% (13.9-16.8%) in sub-Saharan Africa, 12.4% (8.9-16.4%) in South America and 9.5% (5.4-14.6%) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. There was a 52.6% decrease in prevalence of S.mansoni infection and a 37% decrease in high-intensity infection for studies conducted between 2010 and 2014 compared to those conducted between 2020 and 2023. The present analysis revealed that factors including male gender, bathing or swimming in natural water bodies, crossing rivers or lakes, and engaging in water irrigation activities such as fishing, working in rice paddies or maintaining irrigation canals were significantly associated with S.mansoni infection. The findings of this investigation revealed that, despite a decline in prevalence and high-intensity infection, 7-12% of people in endemic regions, notably in sub-Saharan Africa, remained affected by schistosomiasis mansoni between 2020 and 2024. This study provides data of relevance to policymakers to support efforts to eliminate this disease. This study received no funding.

Comparative RNA-seq analysis reveals transposable element-mediated transcriptional reprogramming under phosphorus-starvation stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Phosphorus (P) deficiency hinders crop productivity of 50 % of the rice grown in Asia, Africa, and South America. About 90 % of the phosphate in fertilizers applied to the crops gets fixed in the soil, reducing its availability to plants. This necessitates increased use of phosphatic fertilizers leading to higher cost of cultivation and environmental pollution. Although molecular mechanisms of P-deficiency tolerance in rice are being deciphered, the role of transposable elements (TEs) in transcriptional reprogramming under P-starvation/deficiency stress has not yet been reported. To investigate the role of Pup1 QTL in controlling TE-mediated reprogramming of gene expression, a pair of contrasting rice [Pusa-44 and its Near-Isogenic Line (NIL)-23] genotypes were grown hydroponically under control and stressed (0 ppm Pi) conditions. Comparative RNA-seq analysis of root and shoot tissues from 45-day-old plants of the rice genotypes revealed TE-mediated transcriptional reprogramming affecting biological processes and cellular components. Significantly up-regulated expression of several TEs under P-starvation stress, controlled by Pup1 QTL, particularly in shoots of NIL-23 indicates their crucial role in P homeostasis. Moreover, comparative physio-biochemical analyses confirmed the stress tolerance of NIL-23. Several biological processes including DNA replication/repair, metabolism, signaling, and phosphorylation were modulated through differential (mainly up-regulated) expression of TEs (controlled by Pup1 QTL) in shoots of NIL-23 under P-starvation. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneer study on the role of TEs in reprogramming biological processes/molecular functions/cellular components involved in P-use efficiency in rice under stress. The findings advance our understanding of the functions of Pup1 to improve the P-use efficiency/productivity of rice in P-deficient soils.

Reemergence of Oropouche Virus in the Americas and Risk for Spread in the United States and Its Territories, 2024.

Oropouche virus has recently caused outbreaks in South America and the Caribbean, expanding into areas to which the virus was previously not endemic. This geographic range expansion, in conjunction with the identification of vertical transmission and reports of deaths, has raised concerns about the broader threat this virus represents to the Americas. We review information on Oropouche virus, factors influencing its spread, transmission risk in the United States, and current status of public health response tools. On the basis of available data, the risk for sustained local transmission in the continental United States is considered low because of differences in vector ecology and in human-vector interactions when compared with Oropouche virus-endemic areas. However, more information is needed about the drivers for the current outbreak to clarify the risk for further expansion of this virus. Timely detection and control of this emerging pathogen should be prioritized to mitigate disease burden and stop its spread.

Global, regional, and national prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite significant reductions in mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission risks due to the advancements and scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the global burden of HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children and adolescents remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of HIVDR in these populations globally, regionally, and at the country level. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies reporting HIVDR in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children and adolescents from inception to June 28, 2024. Eligible studies reported at least ten successfully genotyped cases. We excluded studies where drug resistance was not reported separately for children and adults or for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced populations. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed, and random-effect models were used for meta-analysis to determine the pooled overall and regimen-specific prevalence of one or more HIVDR mutations in these populations globally, regionally, or at the country level. This study is registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42023424483. Of 2282 records identified, 136 studies (28,539 HIV-1-infected children from 52 countries) were included for analysis. The overall prevalence of HIVDR is 26.31% (95% CI, 20.76-32.25) among treatment-naive children and 74.16% (95% CI, 67.74-80.13) among treatment-experienced children (p<0.0001). HIVDR varied widely across subregion with the highest prevalence in Southern Africa (37.80% [95% CI, 26.24-50.08]) and lowest in South America (11.79% [95% CI, 4.91-20.84]) for treatment-naive children while highest in Asia (80.85% [95% CI, 63.76-93.55]) and lowest in Europe (54.39% [95% CI, 28.61-79.03]) for treatment-experienced children. The proportion of viral failure (VF) presented positive correlation with DR prevalence for treatment-experienced children, which increased from 61.23% (95% CI, 47.98-73.72) in proportion of VF<50%-81.17% (95% CI, 71.57-89.28) in proportion of 100%. Meta-regression analysis for both groups showed that only age (naive: p=0.0005; treated: p<0.0001) was the sources of heterogeneity. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistances were the most seen mutations among the treatment-naive group, with the HIVDR prevalence more than 10% in Southern Africa, Western and Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Asia, and North America. Both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and NNRTI resistances were commonly seen among the treatment-experienced group, varying from 36.33% (95% CI, 11.96-64.93) in North America to 77.54% (95% CI, 62.70-89.58) in South America for NRTI and from 39.98% (95% CI, 13.47-69.97) in Europe to 68.86 (95% CI, 43.91-89.17) in Asia for NNRTI, respectively. This study underscores the significant burden of HIVDR among children and adolescents worldwide, particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa and low-income countries. It emphasizes the critical importance of surveillance in all HIV-1-infected children and advocates for the adoption of dolutegravir (DTG) or other optimal formulations as first-line ART in settings where NNRTI resistance exceeds the WHO's 10% threshold. DTG's high resistance barrier, potent antiviral efficacy, and favorable safety profile makes it a superior choice for managing drug-resistant HIV-1, surpassing traditional antiretroviral therapies. This work was supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Committee of Shenzhen Municipality (No. JCYJ20220531102202005) and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2024A1515012118).

Behavioral Observations of Free-Living Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) in Costa Rica, to Inform Ex Situ Management

The scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is a charismatic species that is native to Central and South America and commonly housed in captivity. Gaps in knowledge about these birds’ behavioral ecology in the wild hinders both in situ and ex situ management and conservation efforts for this species. We conducted seventeen days of observations of free-living scarlet macaws in two locations in Costa Rica, in February 2022, with the aims of (1) advancing our knowledge of this species’ natural behavioral ecology, and (2) generating data for comparison with captive macaws to help to inform their ex situ management (e.g., enclosure design and enrichment). Routes were walked within two locations—Bosque Escondido (BE), release area for captive-bred reintroduced individuals and no extant wild population, and Punta Leona (PL), an area of natural habitat within a resort inhabited by wild scarlet macaws—and focal interval sampling of multiple scarlet macaws in a group was used to record behavior and space use. The macaws at both locations were generally active, spent most of their time high in the tree canopy, relied on climbing to move within it, and used a wide variety of supports. The macaws at PL spent significantly more time feeding and locomoting, and less time perching, than those at BE, possibly due to differences in resource availability, rearing conditions, and age. Furthermore, the wild scarlet macaws at PL exhibited a variety of foraging strategies to acquire and manipulate food items within the tree canopy, including frequent use of their feet during manipulation. Despite limitations caused by a small sample size, a short period of observations, and differences between the two populations observed, this study provides insights into the behavioral ecology of scarlet macaws in the wild, which can be used for behavioral assessments of captive macaws while informing their ex situ management, with applications to animal welfare and captive breeding programs.