A new distinctively striped species of bushynose catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Ancistrus) from the Pachitea River drainage, Pasco, Peru.

With 76 currently valid species, the bushynose catfish genus Ancistrus is the fourth most species-rich catfish genus, yet Ancistrus diversity remains underestimated, with many species still undescribed. This is especially true of the Peruvian Andean headwaters of the Amazon, which are rich in unnamed Ancistrus species but have received little recent taxonomic attention. We describe a distinctively striped new Ancistrus species from tributaries of the Palcazú River, in the Pachitea-Ucayali-Amazonas drainage basin. The new species differs from all congeners by having black, vermiculated lines covering the head and two to four distinct black, parallel, lateral body stripes from head to caudal fin (vs. body uniformly colored or with dark or light spots or blotches over head and body, or black vermiculate lines on flanks). The new species is the fifth valid species of Ancistrus described from the rich Ucayali River ichthyofauna. It has previously been recognized in the aquarium fish trade as L267.

Molecular and morphometric data provide evidence of intraspecific variation in shape and pigmentation pattern in Otocinclus cocama (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) across major river drainages.

Otocinclus cocama, a uniquely colored species of the loricariid catfish genus Otocinclus described solely from the type locality in the lower Ucayali River in northern Peru, is reported occurring in the Tigre River, a tributary to the Marañón River that drains a different section of the Andean Mountain range in the western Amazon. Both populations differ in the number of dark bars spanning the flanks of the body, and we investigated whether these morphotypes constitute distinct species. The body shapes of populations from the Tigre and Ucayali rivers were compared using geometric morphometrics. Although principal component analysis detected a broad overlap between populations, multivariate analysis of variance and linear driscriminat analysis revealed a subtle differentiation between the populations of the two hydrographic basins. Average body shape of the Ucayali River population tend to be slightly higher than that of the Tigre River, with the caudal peduncle stretched vertically in the Ucayali population. Multivariate regression of shape and centroid size revealed an allometric effect of 10.7% (p < 0.001), suggesting that the variation between Tigre and Ucayali populations was purely shape variation. Molecular data of coI, cytb, nd2, and 16S mitochondrial genes indicated a nucleotide diversity range from 0.001 to 0.003, and haplotypic diversity range from 0.600 ± 0.11 to 0.79 ± 0.07. The median-joining haplotype network for the concatenated matrix exhibited two divergent haplogroups related to the geographic area and separated by <10 mutational steps. The molecular species delimitation methods based on distance (automatic barcode gap discovery and assemble species by automatic partitioning) recovered two molecular lineages evolving independently, being one of the lineages formed by individuals from both populations. Tree-based methods (generalized mixed Yule coalescent and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson tree process) recovered similar topologies and supported single lineage recognition. Methods of molecular delimitation of species disclosed the high similarity between the two populations of Otocinclus cocama, further supported by the presence of old haplotypes common to both groups which could indicate that the populations still maintain gene flow. Although the morphological data reveal a subtle variation between both river basins, the molecular data suggest a weak population structuration based on hydrographic areas, but not different species lineages, therefore Otocinclus cocama is composed of a single lineage with two distinct morphotypes.

First report of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcI) and Trypanosoma rangeli (TrA), in Rondônia, Southwestern Brazilian Amazonia.

Triatomines are hematophagous insects of epidemiological importance as they are vectors of Chagas disease. The first report of Rhodnius stali Lent, Jurberg & Galvão, 1993 in Rondônia, Brazil, is described. The insects were captured on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus sp. Two adult male specimens of R. stali were identified and were found to be infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. The confirmation of this Rhodnius species in Rondônia increases the number of triatomines from nine to ten species in this state.

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with a sequential scheme of pentamidine and tamoxifen in an area with a predominance of Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis: A randomised, non-inferiority clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a combination of a single intramuscular (IM) dose of pentamidine (7 mg/kg) followed by oral tamoxifen 40 mg/day for 20 days is non-inferior to three IM doses of pentamidine 7 mg/kg in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with a margin of 15%. METHODS: Phase II, randomised, controlled, open-label, non-inferiority clinical trial. Primary outcome was the complete healing of the lesions 6 months after starting treatment. Secondary outcomes were healing 3 months after starting treatment and determining the presence and severity of adverse effects (AE). RESULTS: The research was concluded with 49 patients; Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis was the most frequent species isolated. In the primary outcome, 18 (72%) (95% CI: 52.4%-85.7%) of the 25 patients allocated to the intervention group and 24 (100%) (95% CI: 86.2%-100%) of the control group (p = 0.015) met the established criteria of cure. There was no AE with tamoxifen. CONCLUSION: Although a 72% cure rate presented by the combination of tamoxifen and pentamidine was lower than in the control group that achieved a 100% cure, it is still a safe and is a clinically relevant result. It indicates that the therapeutic scheme evaluated may be a promising option for populations in remote areas, however it should be further studied, in order to include a larger number of patients.

First monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in freshwater from fish farms in Rondônia state, Brazil.

The main aimed of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters, abundance and density of cyanobacteria, determine their blooms and the ecotoxicological risk of their cyanotoxins in fish ponds water. This study was conducted out in 20 fish farms in Rondônia state (Brazilian Amazon), samplings were carried out in the rainy and dry seasons. The experiment was developed in a completely randomized factorial design 20 × 3 x 3 (20 fish farms, 3 ponds and 3 replications). Regarding the composition of qualitative samples, horizontal and vertical hauls were carried out on the water surface, quantitative samples was obtained using a plankton net (50 µm mesh opening). Meanwhile, with the use of a multiparametric probe, physicochemical analyzes in fish ponds water were carried out. Furthermore, the cyanobacteria found were classified taxonomically and its blooms were recorded. Finally, blood was collected from 60 Colossoma macropomum. Concerning the higher averages in the rainy season 6.13 mg L⁻1 of dissolved oxygen, 40.02 cm of transparency, 0.35 NO31⁻ of nitrate, 0.15 NO21⁻ of nitrite, 44.55 mg L⁻1 CaCO3 of alkalinity and 50.10 mg L⁻1 CaCO3 of hardness, while higher averages of pH, phosphate and phosphorus were found in the dry season. A total of 15 families and 29 species of cyanobacteria were identified in the different seasons. The families that showed the highest densities (rainy and dry seasons) were Microcystaceae (356 and 760 cells mL⁻1), Leptolyngbyaceae (126 and 287 cells mL⁻1) and Microcoleaceae (111 and 405 cells mL⁻1). The species that showed the highest densities were Microcystis aeruginosa (356 and 697 cells mL⁻1), Planktolyngbya limnetica (98 and 257 cells mL⁻1) and Planktothrix sp. (111 and 239 cells mL⁻1). There were significant Pearson's correlations (r > 0.85; p < 0.05) between family abundances and cyanotoxin volume between physicochemical water variables and seasonality. A total of 20 cyanobacteria blooms were recorded, all of which in the dry season showed an ecotoxicological risk. Concerning the assessment mutagenicity in fish blood cells, a total of 78 abnormalities per slide were observed. In the dry season, the expected volume of cyanotoxins in the ponds from fish farms F1 and F4 were above the quantification limit (>QL). Abundance and density of cyanobacteria and their blooms and cyanotoxins can be used as bioindicators of eutrophication and/or water quality and ecotoxicological risk in fish ponds.

First evidence of microplastics in freshwater from fish farms in Rondônia state, Brazil.

The main aimed of this study was to provide information on microplastics present in the freshwater of fish farm ponds. In addition, the study showes a relationship between the seasonal, spatial distribution and the amount of microplastics found. This study was conducted in 35 fish farms located in the Rondônia state, Brazil, the sample collects were carried out in the two Amazonian hydrological seasons (dry and rainy). The study was developed in a completely randomized factorial scheme 35 × 3 x 3 (35 fish farms, 3 ponds and 3 repetitions per ponds). Microplastic sampling was performed following a modified method based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Samples of 250 mL freshwater collected, which were deionized and pre-filtered through 6.0 mm mesh granulometric sieves. The average abundances of the different hydrological seasons were compared by Student's t-test, with differences statistically significant at p < 0.05. The microplastics were morphological categorized into fibers and colors blue, red or transparent. Microplastic contamination was confirmed in freshwater of 9 fish farming, with greater abundance of blue fibers and greater quantification in the rainy season. Fish farms P3, P4 and P6 had the highest quantifications of blue fiber in the two seasons (6 and 43, 19 and 56, 11 and 88 items mL-1, respectively). Almost all fish farms had a higher abundance of microplastics in the rainy season. It is important to highlight the prominence of microplastics in the blue fiber rainy season (286 items mL-1) compared to the dry season (58 items mL-1). Fish farms P3, P4 and P6 showed a strong positive correlation between the factors distance from the nearest urban area (r = 0.94, 0.79 and 0.97, respectively) and seasonality (r = 0.98, 0.77 and 0.96, respectively). Rainfall variations influenced the abundance of microplastics, especially of blue fibers. Fish farms are supplied with fresh water by rivers or streams, so it is possible that microplastics originate outside the fish farm, perhaps they were introduced due to high soil occupation, although surface runoff (of water contaminated by sewage) caused by heavy rains the most important factor. Therefore, one factor must be considered, surface runoff and groundwater contaminated by urban, agricultural and urban effluents may have contaminated rivers and streams and then contaminated the water in the fish farm ponds.

Evaluating total mercury and methylmercury biomagnification using stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in fish from the Madeira River basin, Brazilian Amazon.

The isotopic signatures of carbon in primary consumer fish species in the Madeira River basin (Western Amazon) follow a pattern, with basal species feeding mainly on C3 (e.g., vascular plants and phytoplankton). In this study with 196 specimens of 19 fish species and six trophic guilds, significant differences were found between the two main groups of primary consumers (herbivores and detritivores) in the Madeira River basin. The mercury and δ15N data indicated that the fish specimens collected in Puruzinho and Cuniã Lakes provided greater trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for this metal than those found in the corresponding rivers. In relation to total mercury (0.09-2.07 µg g-1) and methylmercury (0.05-1.91 µg g-1) concentrations, the piscivorous/carnivorous species exceeded the values recommended by the World Health Organization, with a [MeHg:THg] ratio of about 80%. Preventive and educational practices should be adopted to reduce the possible toxic effects of Hg in the riverside population, for whom fish constitutes the main protein source. Also, biomonitoring of the fish species in the Madeira River should be conducted on an ongoing basis to detect possible alterations in mercury concentrations.

Prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases and their associated factors in adults over 39 years in riverside population in the western brazilian amazon region

Backgroung: The prevalence of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease (CND) are rocketting over the world, including in young adults. The WHO estimates that more than half of the deaths in the world are caused by CND.A cross-sectional study was carried out from june to november 2016. The researchers visited 16 communities, with a sample size of 183 adult individuals performed for convenience. The patients went through screening and verified: weight, height, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, clinical-epidemiological history and performed physical and laboratory examination. Prevalence ratios were calculated with confidence intervals of 95% and with statistical significance with p<0.05.This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CND and its associated factors in the adult riverside population of the Rio Madeira in Humaitá, Amazonas State, Western Brazilian Amazon.The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was 44.7%, 52.6% in female. Of the individuals with SAH, 77.5% did not use medication. About 51.5% of them had Grade I SAH. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 16.4%, where no patient used medication and about 40.4% of the studied population fits in the glucose intolerance range. Metabolic syndrome presented a prevalence of 24.0%, with a higher frequency in females (33.8%) (p=0.007). Concerning chronic kidney disease, a prevalence of 12.1% was observed in both sexes. The associated factors found were alcoholism, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity, and more than 45% of the patients had at least two associated factors. The population had a high prevalence of CND and associated factors, low frequency of medication use, revealing inefficiency of the local health system. Increased coverage of the Governmental Family Health Strategy (GFHS) and the increase in number of trained Community Health Assistants , together with health education actions can increase the population's health standard.

A prevalência de Doença Crônica Não Transmissível (DCNT) está elevada em todo o mundo, incluindo em adultos jovens. A OMS estima que mais da metade das mortes no mundo são causadas por DCNT.Um estudo transversal foi realizado de junho a novembro de 2016. Os pesquisadores visitaram 16 comunidades, com um tamanho de amostra de 183 indivíduos adultos, realizada por conveniência. Os pacientes passaram por triagem e verificados: peso, altura, circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial, história clínico-epidemiológica, sendo realizado exame físico e laboratorial. Razões de prevalência foram calculadas com intervalos de confiança de 95% e com significância estatística com p<0,05. Este estudo tem como objetivo estimar a prevalência de DCNT e seus fatores associados na população ribeirinha do Rio Madeira em Humaitá, Estado do Amazonas, Amazônia Ocidental, em adultos com mais de 39 anos. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) foi de 44,7%, 52,6% no sexo feminino. Dos indivíduos com HAS, 77,5% não faziam uso de medicamentos. Cerca de 51,5% deles tinham HAS grau I. A prevalência de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 foi de 16,4%, nenhum paciente fazia uso de medicamentos e cerca de 40,4% da população estudada se enquadra na faixa de intolerância à glicose. A síndrome metabólica apresentou prevalência de 24,0%, com maior frequência no sexo feminino (33,8%) (p = 0,007). Em relação à doença renal crônica, foi observada prevalência de 12,1% em ambos os sexos. Os fatores de risco associados encontrados foram etilismo, tabagismo, sedentarismo e obesidade, sendo que mais de 45% dos pacientes apresentavam pelo menos dois fatores associados. A população apresentou alta prevalência de DCNT e fatores associados, baixa frequência de uso de medicamentos, revelando ineficiência do sistema de saúde local. O aumento da cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e o aumento do número de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde capacitados, aliados a ações de educação em saúde, podem elevar o padrão de saúde da população.

New Piper species from the eastern slopes of the Andes in northern South America.

We describe four new species of Piper from the Amazonian slopes of the northern Andes. Piperhoyoscardozii is distinguished from similar climbing species, P.dryadum and P.flagellicuspe, by its longer peduncles. The Amazonian species Piperindiwasii is distinguished from P.scutilimbum from Panama and northern Colombia by the narrowly spatulate leaf base extension. Pipernokaidoyitau is characterised by the presence of larger leaves and longer spikes than similar species, P.anonifolium and P.hostmannianum. Finally, P.velae is characterised by cordulate leaf bases in all nodes, petioles 0.8-1.5 cm long and pubescent fruits, which easily distinguish it from the related species, P.holdridgeanum.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in Bolivia

ABSTRACT Background: The subfamily Triatominae, which comprises 157 species, carries the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This short communication reports for the first time the occurrence of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Bolivia. Methods: Active searches were carried out on palm trees of the genus Oenocarpus in Beni district, Bolivia. Results: Fifteen R. montenegrensis specimens were collected from a rural area of the Beni district, Bolivia, and tested positive for T. cruzi. Conclusions: This new report expands the geographic distribution of the species in Latin America. Due to their ability to transmit trypanosomatids, the species deserves the attention of vector control programs.

Evolution and biogeographic history of the Saguinus mystax group (Primates, Callithrichidae).

The Saguinus mystax group traditionally includes three species, S. mystax, S. labiatus, and S. imperator. The additional inclusion of S. inustus is argued on molecular grounds, which have an important impact on our comprehension of the phenotypical evolution and biogeography of the group. Here, we investigate the evolutionary events leading to the diversification of the S. mystax group, integrating phylogenetic, temporal, and geographic information with the current knowledge of the Amazonian paleogeographical history. The examination of 208 specimens of Saguinus resulted in 25 morphological characters, of which 13 were used for the first time in a phylogenetic analysis of the genus. Morphological characters were also combined with molecular data and analyzed using Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods. Trees resulting from morphological and combined data recovered a monophyletic S. mystax group, including S. inustus, whose inclusion was supported by two morphological synapomorphies. Molecular based age estimates place the origin of Saguinus in the middle Miocene (17.4-13 million years ago [mya]), whereas the S. mystax group originated in an interval between 12 and 6 mya. Our results also suggest that the ancestral area of Saguinus was western Amazon, from where they dispersed to their current distribution after the end of the Pebas lakes system. The diversification events in the S. mystax group are related to the Pliocene development of the modern Amazon river network associated to the uplift of Fitzcarrald Arch.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, Western Brazilian Amazon.

The aim of this study was to carry out a seroepidemiological study of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum samples from sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and identify possible risk factors associated with seropositivity. The analysis of the 616 sheep serum samples revealed animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii in the order of 52.4 % and of N. caninum of 60.6 %. Prevalence of co-infections was 33.4 %. The herd-level seroprevalence was 100 % for both the parasites. Applying of multivariate logistic regression analysis, test of the association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the potential predictors showed that feed, fetal malformation, abortion, neurological problems (lambs), presence of rodents were the significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The variables presence of rodents, cats, wild animals and main activity showed statistical association (P < 0.05) with the seroprevalence of N. caninum. Due to the high prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum found in this study, the absence of specific slaughterhouses for sheep and raw or undercooked sheep meat for human consumption we concluded that sheep can represent an important source of infection for humans.

Risk factor analysis associated with Neospora caninum in dairy cattle in Western Brazilian Amazon / Análises de fatores de risco associado a Neospora caninum em gado leiteiro na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira

Abstract Neospora caninum is considered to be one of the main causes of abortion among cattle. The present survey was conducted in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, Brazil. A questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of neosporosis was used in the analysis of risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level prevalence in dairy cattle. A total of 416 bovine blood samples were collected from 30 farms, and N. caninum antibody levels were measured by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Analysis of dairy cattle serum samples revealed the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to be 47.36% (n = 197). Risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were the management system and access locations of dogs. The results of the present survey indicated that infection of dairy cattle with N. caninum is widespread in the studied region of Western Amazon, which has implications for prevention and control of neosporosis in this region. Therefore, integrated control strategies and measures are recommended to prevent and control N. caninum infection in dairy cattle. In addition, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and wild animals, which can influence the epidemiology of neosporosis, should be investigated further.

Resumo A infecção por Neospora caninum é considerada uma das principais causas de aborto entre bovinos. Esta pesquisa foi realizada no município de Rolim de Moura, estado de Rondônia, Brasil. Um questionário que investiga os aspectos epidemiológicos da neosporose foi utilizado na análise dos fatores de risco associados à prevalência em animais e em rebanhos. Um total de 416 amostras de sangue bovino foi colhido em 30 fazendas, e os níveis de anticorpos de N. caninum foram mensurados pela reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A análise das amostras mostrou prevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum de 47,36% (n = 197). Os fatores de risco associados à infecção por N. caninum foram o sistema de manejo e os locais de acesso dos cães. Os resultados da presente pesquisa indicam que a infecção de bovinos leiteiros com N. caninum está disseminada na região estudada da Amazônia Ocidental, o que tem implicações para a prevenção e controle da neosporose nessa região. Portanto, estratégias e medidas de controle integrado são recomendadas para prevenir e controlar a infecção por N. caninum em gado leiteiro. Além disso, o contato íntimo entre gado leiteiro, cães e animais selvagens, pode influenciar a epidemiologia da neosporose e deve ser investigada mais detalhadamente.

Occurrence of triatomines (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and their natural infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) in Boca do Moa community, Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from households and by dissecting palm trees in the peri-urban areas of Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre); they were identified using a specific key and via genital analyses. Trypanosomatid infection was determined through microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In total, 116 triatomines of the species Eratyrus mucronatus, Rhodnius pictipes, R. stali, and R. montenegrensis were collected, of which 13.8% were positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: Four species of triatomines presented an infection rate above 13% in the Boca do Moa community.

Mantodea of Panguana (Insecta: Dictyoptera).

We present here the first illustrated checklist of the praying mantids (Mantodea) collected at the Panguana Field Station in Central Peru over the course of 50 years. The examination of over 430 specimens obtained mainly by light-trapping, but also other methods, revealed 44 species in 28 genera. Mantoida brunneriana, Mantoida cf. argentinae, Pseudomiopteryx cf. decipiens, Angela trifasciata, Liturgusa neblina, Cardioptera squalodon, Metriomantis cf. pilosella, Acontista festae, and Heterovates pardalina are new Peruvian records. Microphotina panguanensis n. sp. is new to science and the first species of the genus Microphotina described from the Western Amazon. The checklist of confirmed Peruvian Mantodea species is raised to 80. Thus, more than half of the currently known Peruvian Mantodea species is found at Panguana. We discuss the reasons for this diversity and comment on putative additional species which might be sampled if collection efforts are intensified. The results highlight the Conservation value of ACP Panguana for Western Amazonian Mantodea.

Venomous snakes and people in a floodplain forest in the Western Brazilian Amazon: Potential risks for snakebites.

People who live in rural or forested areas are more likely to be affected by snakebites, due to their presence in the natural habitat of snakes and due to activities such as extractivism and agriculture. To conduct an ethnobiological study regarding the knowledge related to venomous snakes, snakebites and the attitudes of people who frequent areas of floodplain forests in the Alto Juruá (Brazilian Amazon), and correlate this information with data on snakebites in the region and the ecology of the ophiofauna, 100 residents, who are actively involved in extractivism, fishing, or hunting in the forests of the region were interviewed. Boards with photographs of venomous snakes from the region were used to ask questions about their experiences. The sampling of snakes was carried on trails in a forest used by residents of the region in their extractivism activities. Four venomous species (Bothrops atrox, B. bilineatus smaragdinus, Micrurus lemniscatus and M. surinamensis) were recorded. Among the interviewees, 31% claimed that they had already suffered at least one snakebite. The B. atrox snake is the species that the inhabitants encounter most and the one that is most associated with snakebites. Bothrops b. smaragdinus was the most common snake found during the search. Regarding accident prevention, 60% of them reported wearing boots when walking in the forest. In relation to practices adopted after a bite, the majority stated that they would seek medical attention; however, many reported using first aid measures that would not be medically effective for the victim's recovery. Despite B. b. smaragdinus being the most common snake found by researchers, it is responsible for very few snakebites. This is probably due to its arboreal habits, since it is found at a higher than average height (6.3 m) which is much higher than the height of a human being. The surveyed population demonstrated knowledge of the main preventive measures against snakebites, although some inadequate and/or ineffective first aid measures are still adopted.

Mercury in fish marketed in the Amazon Triple Frontier and Health Risk Assessment.

Fish has great socioeconomic, cultural, and nutritional importance for Amazonian populations. Despite all health benefits, fish can accumulate great amounts of mercury (Hg). The entry of Hg in aquatic trophic chains is an issue of concern to animal and human health. Higher risks of human exposure are strongly related to fish consumption. Upper Solimões population has one of the highest fish consumption rates of the Amazon. This study aimed to access the concentration of total Hg (THg) in muscle, liver, and gills of 17 species of fishes marketed in the Upper Solimões Region and Health Risk Assessment. Higher concentrations were observed in Carnivores/Piscivores. The highest THg concentration was found in liver of Cichla ocellaris (4.549 µg/g) and the lowest in gills of Hoplosternum littorale (0.002 µg/g). Most species had higher THg concentrations in muscle>liver>gills, in the Ebb period, and liver>muscle>gills, in the Flood period. Hoplias malabaricus, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, Plagioscion squamosissimus, Ageneiosus inermis, and C. ocellaris presented average THg concentrations above the safe limit stablished by WHO. THg levels in C. ocellaris, H. malabaricus, P. squamosissimus, P. fasciatum, and Semaprochilodus insignis were higher than those found in fish of heavily impacted areas. Signs of bioaccumulation and biomagnifications of Hg can already be observed in this region. The Western Amazon Region urgently needs government actions to inhibit Hg release in aquatic ecosystems and to advise this population on the safe amount of fish to be eaten according to species and period of the year.

Madden-Julian Oscillation influence on sub-seasonal rainfall variability on the west of South America.

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the leading driver of intraseasonal rainfall variability in the global tropics. However, the influence of MJO on western tropical South America (WTSA) has not been a focus of research. This is not surprising since the MJO convective core becomes nondescript as it propagates across the eastern Pacific, such that its influence on the Pacific coast of tropical South America is not obvious in global analyses. In this study, we examine MJO impacts on subseasonal rainfall variability in the rainiest season for WTSA (February-April). In order to avoid confusion with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signals, only ENSO-neutral years are included in the analysis. We found that the MJO convective core reemerges when it propagates onto land in WTSA, and that it is associated with subseasonal precipitation anomalies of 20-50% relative to climatology. The MJO signal is evident in the Real-Time Multivariate MJO (RMM) index; however, the signal is clearer when a custom subseasonal index for the region based on WTSA outgoing longwave radiation is employed. Dynamically, the MJO influence is consistent with a modulation of the Pacific Ocean Walker Circulation descending branch, which is climatologically located in or near WTSA. Furthermore, MJO drives zonal and vertical motions on moisture and wind fields that influence precipitation in the region. We found that the timing of deep convection on subseasonal timescales captured by the regional index is consistent with a dominant role of the MJO convective core, rather than propagation of equatorial Rossby or Kelvin waves. However, there is evidence that equatorial Rossby waves that emerge over the tropical Atlantic Ocean also influence precipitation in WTSA on MJO timescales.

Occurrence of Ahasverus advena (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) in corn grains from the city of Plácido de Castro, state of Acre, Brazil / Ocorrência de Ahasverus advena (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) em grãos de milho provenientes de Plácido de Castro, Acre, Brasil

Ahasverus advena (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) is a secondary pest of stored grains. It is a polyphagic and cosmopolitan species, with little information about its occurrence in the northern region of Brazil. This study was conducted to report the first occurrence of A. advena in corn grains in the city of Plácido de Castro, in the state of Acre, Brazil. In June 2019, the presence of A. advena under development was observed in a mass of corn grains. The identification was made at the species level using the available dichotomous keys. Since this is the first record of A. advena in corn grains in the city of Plácido de Castro, monitoring insects in the mass of corn grains is necessary to prevent the economic damages caused by A. advena to grains.(AU)

Ahasverus advena (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) é uma praga secundária de grãos armazenados. É uma espécie polifágica e cosmopolita, com poucas informações sobre sua ocorrência na região norte do Brasil. Este estudo tem o objetivo de relatar a primeira ocorrência de A. advena em grãos de milho na cidade de Plácido de Castro, Acre, Brasil. Em junho de 2019, observou-se a presença de A. advena desenvolvendo em uma massa de grãos de milho. A identificação foi feita a nível de espécie com a utilização das chaves dicotômicas disponíveis. Como este é o primeiro registro de A. advena em grãos de milho na cidade de Plácido de Castro, o monitoramento dos insetos na massa de grãos de milho é necessário para evitar danos econômicos causados por A. advena nos grãos.(AU)

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects of epidemiological importance because they are vectors of Chagas disease. We present here the first report of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from Attalea butyracea palm trees in the municipality of Guajará. RESULTS: Two adult female R. montenegrensis specimens were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that the number of triatomine species within the Amazon has increased from 10 to 11, and the number of Brazilian states with R. montenegrensis has increased from two to three.