Species In Argentina Research Articles

A new species of Pentaceration (Paramunnidae, Isopoda, Crustacea) from the Otago region of Aotearoa New Zealand

A new paramunnid species, Pentaceration forkandbrewer sp. nov., is described from Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand (Otago region). The majority of specimens examined were collected during a “Ports of Otago” survey carried out by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd., Christchurch. Pentaceration forkandbrewer sp. nov. can be identified by the following characters: by the lack of dorsal protuberances, the reduced mid-head spine and the flattened, and calcified pereon with serrated margins. All the pereonites end in a point and are reasonably broad. Pentaceration forkandbrewer sp. nov. is most similar to the Australian species P. serrata and the Argentinian species P. pleonarietis. The new species is described, and an adapted key to the Pentaceration species of Aotearoa New Zealand is provided.LSIDurnlsid:zoobank.org:pub:138FAF76-3721-408F-AE39-C3F88F295E38.

The enigmatic Notolathrus sensitivus Remes Lenicov, 1992 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae): supplementary description and conservation status

Notolathrus sensitivus holds the distinction of being the first cave-restricted planthopper species documented in South America, and currently stands as the sole known troglobitic Fulgoromorpha species in Argentina. This paper presents a comprehensive supplementary description of N. sensitivus, incorporating newly collected male and female specimens. Notably, this study provides the first-ever description of females for this species. In addition to photographs of structural details, we include images showcasing live specimens within their natural habitat. Furthermore, we highlight the primary threats that pose risks to the species’ survival. Based on these significant findings, we strongly advocate for the inclusion of N. sensitivus on the Argentine endangered species list, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation measures.

Revisiting Molossus (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Molossidae) diversity: Exploring southern limits and revealing a novel species in Argentina

Abstract Understanding species diversity and delineating their boundaries are crucial for effective management and conservation efforts. In the case of bats, species identification holds particular importance from an epidemiological standpoint. The genus Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) encompasses 15 species distributed across the Neotropics, ranging from the southeastern United States to Argentina. This genus exhibits two contrasting patterns of variation: some species are cryptic, while others are morphologically distinct yet genetically similar. This study explores the diversity of Molossus in Argentina through a molecular phylogenetic approach. We analyzed sequences from three molecular markers (cyt b, COI, and FGB) along with morphology data obtained from a sample of 64 individuals. Uni- and multivariate analyses of external and cranial measurements were conducted, alongside comparisons of external and cranial characteristics among species. Based on molecular and morphological differences, we describe a new species within the Molossus genus. This newly discovered species exhibits a broad distribution spanning the Paraná River basin across three distinct ecoregions. It is noteworthy that this species is pseudo-cryptic with respect to similar-sized species such as M. molossus and M. melini. Additionally, it is important to mention that all species in Argentina have overlapping distribution ranges. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of Molossus bats in Argentina, employing molecular and morphological analyses. The discovery of a new species underscores the ongoing importance of comprehensive research efforts in understanding and conserving bat populations in the Neotropics.

Diversity and conservation of native Argentine species of Gratioleae (Plantaginaceae)

The tribe Gratioleae is the richest in species of the family Plantaginaceae, with 30 genera and more than 300 species growing mainly in South America, which could be considered a center of diversity. Argentina is one of the countries with the largest number of species (35 belonging to 6 genera) of the tribe. Although the Argentinean Flora and a checklist have been published, both are outdated. With this background, we presented an updated summary of the diversity of species belonging to the tribe Gratioleae in Argentina, with detailed analysis of their geographic distribution, their conservation status according to the categories established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as an exhaustive study on the distribution of their richness and threat patterns in different ecoregions of the country. In addition, an evaluation of the proportion of threatened species in relation to Argentina’s Protected Areas (PAs) was evaluated. The results showed that species of Gratioleae were present in 14 ecoregions, distributed predominantly in the Humid and Dry Chaco, and the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest. Eighteen species of the 37 Argentine taxa, including two endemic taxa, are categorized as threatened (VU, EN, or CR) (47%). Although some of these species are partially protected due to their distribution in PAs, others lack this protection. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the geographic distribution of Gratioleae within the Argentine flora, and its conservation status.

New records of Trichinella patagoniensis from Argentina

Trichinella spiralis was long considered the sole Trichinella species in Argentina. However, since 2004, various Trichinella species, including the encapsulated Trichinella patagoniensis and Trichinella britovi, as well as the unencapsulated Trichinella pseudospiralis, have been detected in the country. The present study aimed to identify Trichinella ML at the species level from cougars naturally infected from Argentina. To this end, muscle tissue samples from one cougar each from Córdoba, Neuquén, and Santa Cruz Provinces were individually analysed using the artificial digestion technique. DNA extraction and molecular identification of Trichinella species were conducted on individual muscle larvae by PCR amplification of the ESV region and subsequent PCR amplification and sequencing of the COI gene. Morphological analysis revealed muscle larvae with characteristics consistent with Trichinella genus. PCR revealed a single band of approximately 127 bp for each individual muscle larva. PCR amplification of the COI gene from each isolate generated a 309 bp band. Sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene confirmed the identity of the parasite as T. patagoniensis. The present study documents new occurrences of T. patagoniensis in Puma concolor from Argentina, including the first detection of T. patagoniensis in Puma concolor from Córdoba and Neuquén Province. These findings expand the limited knowledge of T. patagoniensis distribution in Argentina.

Redescription of the enigmatic myriapod Hanseniellachilensis (Hansen, 1903) (Symphyla, Scutigerellidae) based on scanning electron microscope images of Chilean specimens.

Hanseniellachilensis is the only myriapod of the class Symphyla known from Chile. This garden centipede, or pseudocentipede, was described more than 120 years ago based on morphologically incomplete specimens collected in central Chile, a well-known biodiversity hotspot. In this study, we redescribe this species based on morphologically complete specimens collected near the type locality using scanning electron microscope images. Our study provides the description of diagnostic characters hitherto unknown in this species such as macrochaetae of the tergites and spinnerets of the cerci. We also include a new record from central Chile and discuss the presumed presence of this species in Argentina and Madagascar.

First report of Zucchini tigré mosaic virus naturally infecting two different cucurbit species in Argentina

First report of <i>Zucchini tigré mosaic virus</i> naturally infecting two different cucurbit species in Argentina

First Quaternary fossil record of a blind snake (Scolecophidia, Serpentes) from South America (Argentina)

ABSTRACT We report and describe the first fossil of a blind snake (Scolecophidia, Serpentes) for Argentina. The fossil is a complete and isolated vertebra assigned to Epictia sp. (Leptotyphlopidae). Modern members of Leptotyphlopidae are common in South America, especially in Argentina. The fossil was recovered from the basal layer of an Early Holocene fluvial unit in Entre Ríos province, northeastern Argentina. In addition to its important contribution to the fossil record of South America, this scolecophidian specimen also represents one of the few fossils documented from the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, this study represents the first contribution to the knowledge of scolecophidian trunk vertebral morphology in Argentinian species.

Control capacity of the LPSc 1067 strain of Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) on different species of grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Melanoplinae), agricultural pests in Argentina

Grasshoppers affect agriculture worldwide, causing serious economic damage. Currently, the application of chemical insecticides against grasshoppers is the only effective strategy, even considering the significant environmental concern. This study aimed to test the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (LPSc 1067) as biocontrol agent on six harmful grasshopper species in Argentina. Significant differences were observed (DF= 5; F= 9.93; P&lt;0.0001) when considering B. bassiana pathogenicity on third-instar nymphs of the different grasshopper species. The highest mortality (100%) was registered on Trimerotropis pallidipennis and Dichroplus maculipennis nymphs while the lowest mortality (48.6 ±3.5%) was observed on Scotussa lemniscata nymphs. The lowest mean survival time (MST) was recorded for T. pallidipennis (3.5 ±0.15 days) and the highest MST was observed on Dichroplus pratensis nymphs (7.48 ±0.28 days). Results suggest that B. bassiana LPSc 1067 may constitute an excellent candidate to be further studied as biological control agent of T. pallidipennis and D. maculipennis. Highlights: Melanoplinae grasshoppers include several species considered plagues. Entomopathogenic fungi as biocontrol agents are considered excellent alternatives to chemical control. The efficacy of bassiana (LPSc 1067) on six grasshopper species of Argentina. The isolate LPSc 1067 could be considered a biological controller pallidipennis and D. maculipennis.

The last stronghold of Muñoa’s Pampas cat (Leopardus munoai) in Argentina?

The Muñoa’s Pampas cat (Leopardus munoai) is a relatively understudied species restricted to open savannas and grasslands of Southern Brazil, Uruguay and NE Argentina, that has been recently split from the broader “Pampas cat” species complex. Only three documented records of the species have been published since the year 2000 for the Argentine portion of its distribution, a situation that led to speculations regarding its conservation status in Argentina. We conducted an intensive camera-trap survey (2,067 camera-trapping stations and 15,560 camera-trapping days) to assess the presence of the Muñoa’s Pampas cat in an area of 275.3 km2 within the Iberá National Park and the adjacent Iberá National Reserve, Corrientes province, Argentina. Four records of Muñoa’s Pampas cat were obtained, representing at least two adults and one young individual. Only one camera-trapping record of this species had been previously obtained in Argentina, during a survey carried out in 2009 in the same study area, despite an important camera-trapping effort in the Corrientes province. All camera-trap records of Muñoa’s Pampas cat in Argentina are concentrated in areas of temporally flooded grasslands locally known as “Malezales”, suggesting that this habitat type is critically important for the conservation of this rare felid. The Iberá National Park and the adjacent Iberá National Reserve provide the adequate framework for the conservation of an important piece of habitat for Muñoa’s Pampas cat and constitute a stronghold for the species in Argentina.

Damage to the wood of forest species caused by the debarking of Pallas´s squirrel introduced into Argentina

Aim of study: Pallas´s squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus) is a harmful and generalist invasive mammal species that causes different problems in the forestry sector. The aim of this study was to evaluate the damage on the wood in three commercial tree species in Argentina, Eucalyptus dunnii, Populus deltoides and Pinus elliottii, due to debarking caused by this squirrel species.&#x0D; Area of study: ¨Liebres Fue¨ forest plantation, located in Luján District (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina).&#x0D; Material and methods: We analyzed affected tissues and internal defects of wood associated with debarking signs. We randomly collected 74 stems of the three forest species with (N=62) and without debarking (N=12) between October 2016 and December 2017. Transversal cuttings (N=37) and longitudinal cuttings (N=37) of the stems were analyzed.&#x0D; Main results: The defects inside the wood related to the damage due to the debarking caused by Pallas´s squirrels are described. All the damaged samples presented affected wood tissues, with unfavorable healing forming ribbed cracks and ram`s horn scars and/or presence of some internal defect (crack, crack with abnormal coloration, crack with kino/resin or crack with bark included). None of the damaged pieces, according to the rules of visual classification of sawn woods, showed the highest quality grade (Premium).&#x0D; Research highlight: Pallas´s squirrel action causes wounds on the trees, leading to different responses by the trees that are transferred internally, showing abnormalities in the wood which diminish its value from a commercial point of view.

Differential diagnosis of human Entamoeba infections: Morphological and molecular characterization of new isolates in Argentina

Entamoeba infections occur worldwide, with higher frequency in countries of low socioeconomic status and poor public health. Since Entamoeba histolytica has long been recognized as the only pathogenic species, making a differential diagnosis of other morphologically identical Entamoeba is important. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba species in two populations from Argentina, make a differential diagnosis by PCR and characterize Entamoeba isolates at the SSU rRNA gene. A total of 493 serial fecal samples were obtained from individuals in the provinces of Buenos Aires (n=210) and Misiones (n=283). Samples were examined by conventional methods (formalin–ethyl acetate and Willis flotation) and specific PCRs to differentiate Entamoeba species. Entamoeba isolates were characterized by sequencing a fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 12.4%, being more prevalent in Buenos Aires than in Misiones (14.8% vs. 10.6%). A case of E. histolytica confirmed by PCR and sequence analysis was reported for the first time in Buenos Aires. Moreover, new genetic data on Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba dispar were recorded. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a congruence between morphological characteristics and SSU rRNA gene sequences. This study increases the amount of information on the distribution of these species in Argentina and the region of the Americas.

The rising threat of intrinsically resistant Candida species in Argentina

The rising threat of intrinsically resistant Candida species in Argentina

Antimicrobial Nanoformulations Based on Schinus areira Essential Oil

The goal of this research was to create an antibacterial formulation from Scinus areira essential oil (EO) that could spread in water. To achieve this, we developed liposomal formulations of DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) or DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) that encapsulated the EO. In addition, we utilized the EO as a reducing and stabilizing agent to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The nanoformulations were characterized by determining their size and zeta potential. In the case of liposomal formulations, chemical composition, and encapsulation efficiency were also determined. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity studies against Gram-positive and Gram-negative model bacteria were carried out for both kinds of formulations. The results obtained showed the successful encapsulation of the S. areira EO in multilamellar liposomes of phosphatidylcholine with high efficiency. DPPC liposomes have proven to be a better encapsulation system, retaining more monoterpenes from the EO and therefore presenting antimicrobial activity against S. aureus with an minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 3 mg/mL of EO. On the other hand, it was also possible to obtain AgNPs by using S. areira EO, which showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli at low concentrations of EO, with MIC values of 6.68 µg/mL and 3.4 µg/mL of silver, respectively. The data obtained will contribute to enhancing the biotechnological value of natural products derived from native plant species in Argentina. This will be achieved through the generation of novel formulations with antibacterial activity and potential bioavailability.

Diagnoses and key for the larvae of Progomphus Selys, 1854 from Argentina (Anisoptera: Gomphidae), with first larval descriptions for P. aberrans Belle, 1973 and P. kimminsi Belle, 1973.

Ten species of Progomphus Selys, 1854 are known to occur in Argentina. The larval stages of only four of them are described. We here add the larval descriptions of two species: P. aberrans Belle, 1973 and P. kimminsi Belle, 1973, and diagnose and illustrate important characters for the remaining species known at the larval stage in Argentina: P. complicatus Selys, 1854, P. joergenseni Ris, 1908, P. lepidus Ris, 1911 and P. phyllochromus Ris, 1918. New geographical records for these species are presented, including new records for P. kimminsi in Bolivia, and new provincial records in Argentina: P. aberrans and P. joergenseni in San Luis, and P. kimminsi in Santiago del Estero. A key to distinguish the larval stage of Argentinean species is proposed.

Higher diversity of Brucella canis in Latin America, according to an MLVA_13 Bc analysis

Brucella canis is the main causative agent of canine brucellosis, which affects domestic and wild canids and leads to clinical signs and symptoms of the reproductive and locomotor systems. Owing to the scarce information on this pathogen, here we addressed the genetic diversity of the circulating strains of this species in Argentina by following an MVLA_13 Bc scheme. The analyzed sample set consisted of 101 strains of B. canis isolates collected between 2006 and 2020 from canines of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) and other regions of Argentina, as well as 235 isolates from North America. The analysis yielded 336 variants (Hunter–Gaston Diversity Index, HGDI equal to 1.0) showing high diversity on a global scale. The analysis of the six most variable markers also reveled high diversity and allowed further analysis regarding variant relationships. Although the diversity obtained using both schemes (all or the 6 most variable markers) was higher for the Latin American than for the North American strains, we cannot discard that this was due to biases in the sampling methodology or to the different health policies employed in these regions regarding the management of infected individuals. Altogether, the Argentine circulating strains are genetically diverse, but with no apparent geographical association. The markers used in the MLVA_13 Bc are variable and highly useful for the evaluation of outbreaks. Furthermore, the reduced panel of 6 markers (MLVA_6 Bc) proposed in this study is convenient for the study of B. canis strain diversity.

HEMATOLOGY AND PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR FREE-LIVING ADULT CHIMANGO CARACARA (MILVAGO CHIMANGO) DURING THE NONBREEDING SEASON.

Hematological and blood biochemistry values are useful in assessing the physiological, nutritional, and overall health status of captive and free-living wildlife. For the chimango caracara (Milvago chimango), the most common raptor species in Argentina, reference intervals (RIs) for hematology and blood biochemistry are lacking. For this study, 86 chimango caracaras were captured and studied in Mar del Plata and neighboring areas (Buenos Aires, Argentina) during winter (April-July) in 2018 and 2019. This is the first study to present RIs for 33 blood parameters in a large number of free-living chimango caracaras during the nonbreeding season. In addition, the variability of blood parameters according to sex and calendar year was analyzed. Overall, values for the studied parameters were similar to those described for other raptor species. There were significant differences between years for absolute monocyte counts, relative eosinophils, monocyte counts, glucose, phosphorus, and alanine aminotransferase. Only the relative count of eosinophils, aspartate aminotransferase, and calcium showed significant differences between the sexes. The values of absolute monocyte counts and the relative count of eosinophils and monocytes, glucose, phosphorus, and alanine aminotransferase were higher in 2019 than in 2018, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were higher in 2018. Relative eosinophil counts were higher for males than for females, and aspartate aminotransferase activity and calcium concentration were significantly higher for females than for males. The RIs for hematology and plasma biochemistry from this large number of chimango caracaras is of clinical relevance not only for chimango caracaras under medical care in rehabilitation centers but also in ecological studies aimed to investigate the physiological responses of this species to natural and anthropogenic changes.

Morphological and molecular analyses confirm the presence of the newly described bat species Molossus melini in the Espinal ecoregion from Argentina.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13364-023-00679-1.

Vicenin-2 and vitexin participate in the in vitromodulation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities exerted by two Urtica circularis extracts

Urtica circularisis an Argentinean species traditionally used to treat inflammation symptoms and oxidative stress-related diseases. Considering the uses in folk medicine, the purpose of this work was to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of two different U. circularisextracts. The contribution of vicenin-2 and vitexin, two compounds identified in the phytochemical analysis, in the biological activity of the extracts was evaluated. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts and the isolated compounds was tested on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, while the antioxidant activity was evaluated through the 2,2 ́ diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and 2,2 ́-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) scavenging activities. The popular uses of both extracts were validated, i.e., the use of U. circularisethanol extract for the treatment of inflammation, and the use of the aqueous extract to treat oxidative stress related-diseases. The differences in the biological activities observed between the extracts are probably due to qualitative and/or quantitative differences in the chemical composition and/or the occurrence of synergism between compounds.

Biological Evaluation of Valeriana Extracts from Argentina with Potent Cholinesterase Inhibition for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders and Their Comorbidities—The Case of Valeriana carnosa Sm. (Caprifoliaceae) Studied in Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose pathophysiology includes the abnormal accumulation of proteins (e.g., β-amyloid), oxidative stress, and alterations in neurotransmitter levels, mainly acetylcholine. Here we present a comparative study of the effect of extracts obtained from endemic Argentinian species of valerians, namely V. carnosa Sm., V. clarionifolia Phil. and V. macrorhiza Poepp. ex DC from Patagonia and V. ferax (Griseb.) Höck and V. effusa Griseb., on different AD-related biological targets. Of these anxiolytic, sedative and sleep-inducing valerians, V. carnosa proved the most promising and was assayed in vivo. All valerians inhibited acetylcholinesterase (IC50 between 1.08-12.69 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 between 0.0019-1.46 mg/mL). They also inhibited the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide, were able to chelate Fe2+ ions, and exhibited a direct relationship between antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. Moreover, V. carnosa was able to inhibit human monoamine oxidase A (IC50: 0.286 mg/mL (0.213-0.384)). A daily intake of aqueous V. carnosa extract by male Swiss mice (50 and 150 mg/kg/day) resulted in anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior and improved spatial memory. In addition, decreased AChE activity and oxidative stress markers were observed in treated mouse brains. Our studies contribute to the development of indigenous herbal medicines as therapeutic agents for AD.