From molecular variations to behavioral adaptations: Unveiling adaptive epistasis in primate oxytocin system.

OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to investigate the variability of oxytocin (OT) and the GAMEN binding motif within the LNPEP oxytocinase in primates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We sequenced the LNPEP segment encompassing the GAMEN motif in 34 Platyrrhini species, with 21 of them also sequenced for the OT gene. Our dataset was supplemented with primate sequences of LNPEP, OT, and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) sourced from public databases. Evolutionary analysis and coevolution predictions were made followed by the macroevolution analysis of relevant amino acids associated with phenotypic traits, such as mating systems, parental care, and litter size. To account for phylogenetic structure, we utilized two distinct statistical tests. Additionally, we calculated binding energies focusing on the interaction between Callithtrix jacchus VAMEN and Pro8OT. RESULTS: We identified two novel motifs (AAMEN and VAMEN), challenging the current knowledge of motif conservation in placental mammals. Coevolution analysis demonstrated a correlation between GAMEN, AAMEN, and VAMEN and their corresponding OTs and OTRs. Callithrix jacchus exhibited a higher binding energy between VAMEN and Pro8OT than orthologous molecules found in humans (GAMEN and Leu8OT). DISCUSSION: The coevolution of AAMEN and VAMEN with their corresponding OTs and OTRs suggests a functional relationship that could have contributed to specific reproductive and adaptive behaviors, including paternal care, social monogamy, and twin births, prominent traits in Cebidae species, such as marmosets and tamarins. Our findings underscore the coevolution of taxon-specific amino acids among the three studied molecules, shedding light on the oxytocinergic system as an adaptive epistatic repertoire in primates.

Contributions to Odontogryllini (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Landrevinae) with comments on its taxonomic status and description of a new species of Xulavuna de Mello & Campos, 2014.

Odontogryllini is a tribe of ground-dwelling crickets exclusive to America. After several taxonomic rearrangements, this tribe has five genera and 23 species now placed in the subfamily Landrevinae. These crickets have dorsoventrally depressed bodies and are moderately to densely covered with bristles. The males may bear tegminal, metanotal, or tergal glands. In this contribution, we discuss the taxonomic status and the morphological features of Odontogryllini and the other two tribes of Landrevinae: Landrevini and Prolandrevini. The presence of dorsal spines between the outer spurs of the hind tibia distinguishes Odontogryllini from Prolandrevini, and the straight or slightly arcuate but never S-shaped stridulum from Landrevini. We also propose the enlarged and plate-like rami as a diagnostic characteristic to distinguish Odontogryllini from Landrevini. Additionally, we describe a new species of the genus Xulavuna de Mello & Campos from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, named Xulavuna krenakore sp. nov..

Oral microbiota, co-evolution, and implications for health and disease: The case of indigenous peoples.

Evidence indicates that oral microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and disease. For instance, diseases with multifactorial etiology, such as periodontitis and caries, which cause a detrimental impact on human well-being and health, can be caused by alterations in the host-microbiota interactions, where non-pathogenic bacteria give way to pathogenic orange/red-complex bacterial species (a change from a eubiotic to dysbiotic state). In this scenario, where thousands of oral microorganisms, including fungi, archaea, and phage species, and their host are co-evolving, a set of phenomena, such as the arms race and Red or Black Queen dynamics, are expected to operate. We review concepts on the subject and revisit the nature of bacterial complexes linked to oral health and diseases, as well as the problem of the bacterial resistome in the face of the use of antibiotics and what is the impact of this on the evolutionary trajectory of the members of this symbiotic ecosystem. We constructed a 16SrRNA tree to show that adaptive consortia of oral bacterial complexes do not necessarily rescue phylogenetic relationships. Finally, we remember that oral health is not exempt from health disparity trends in some populations, such as Native Americans, when compared with non-Indigenous people.

Prevalência e fatores pessoais associados à violência autoprovocada em adolescentes / Prevalence and personal factors associated with self-harm in adolescents / Prevalencia y factores personales asociados a la violencia autoinflingida en adolescentes

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a prevalência e os fatores pessoais associados à violência autoprovocada em adolescentes. Método: estudo observacional analítico, do tipo transversal. A população foi composta pelas notificações de violência interpessoal ou autoprovocada em adolescentes no Brasil, oriundas do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Foram incluídas as notificações ocorridas entre 2009 e 2021 no Brasil, em adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos. Os dados foram analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: a prevalência de violência autoprovocada foi de 27,39% no Brasil. Adolescentes pretos aumentam a prevalência de violência autoprovocada em 3%, e os pardos e indígenas em 2%; mais de 8 anos de escolaridade constitui fator de proteção em relação à violência autoprovocada, reduzindo em 12% a prevalência de violência autoinfligida. Conclusão: os resultados indicam a necessidade de que sejam traçadas políticas e estratégias eficazes que auxiliem no cuidado a esse público.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence and personal factors associated with self-harm in adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional analytical observational study. The population consisted of notifications of interpersonal or self-harm violence in adolescents in Brazil from the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Notifications between 2009 and 2021 in Brazil were included in adolescents aged 10 to 19. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The prevalence of self-harm was 27.39% in Brazil. Black adolescents increase the prevalence of self-harm violence by 3% and brown and indigenous adolescents by 2%; more than eight years of schooling is a protective factor in relation to self-harm violence, reducing the prevalence of self-inflicted violence by 12%. Conclusion: The results indicate the need for effective policies and strategies to help care for this public.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia y los factores personales asociados a la violencia autoinfligida en adolescentes. Método: estudio observacional, analítico, transversal. La población estuvo constituida por notificaciones de violencia interpersonal o autoinfligida entre adolescentes de Brasil, provenientes del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades De Declaración Obligatoria. Se incluyeron las notificaciones ocurridas entre 2009 y 2021 en Brasil, en adolescentes de 10 a 19 años. Los datos fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: la prevalencia de violencia autoinfligida fue del 27,39% en Brasil. Los adolescentes negros aumentan la prevalencia de la violencia autoinfligida en un 3%, y los pardos e indígenas en un 2%; más de 8 años de escolaridad constituye un factor protector en relación a la violencia autoinfligida, reduciendo en un 12% la prevalencia de la violencia autoinfligida. Conclusión: los resultados indican la necesidad de diseñar políticas y estrategias efectivas para ayudar a la atención de esta población.

Insights into the evolutionary history of the most skilled tool-handling platyrrhini monkey: Sapajus libidinosus from the Serra da Capivara National Park.

Sapajus libidinosus members of the Pedra Furada group, living in the Serra da Capivara National Park, use stone tools in a wider variety of behaviors than any other living animal, except humans. To rescue the evolutionary history of the Caatinga S. libidinosus and identify factors that may have contributed to the emergence and maintenance of their tool-use culture, we conducted fieldwork seasons to obtain biological samples of these capuchin monkeys. UsingCYTBsequences, we show a discrete but constant population growth from the beginning of the Holocene to the present, overlapping the emergence of the Caatinga biome. Our habitat suitability reconstruction reports the presence of plants whose hard fruits, seeds, or roots are processed by capuchins using tools. TheS. libidinosusindividuals in the Caatinga were capable of dynamically developing and maintaining their autochthonous culture thanks to: a) cognitive capacity to generate and execute innovation under selective pressure; b) tolerance favoring learning and cultural inheritance; c) an unknown genetic repertoire that underpins the adaptive traits; d) a high degree of terrestriality; e) presence and abundance of natural resources, which makes some places "hot spots" for innovation, and cultural diversification within a relatively short time.

Peulerneca ubaira gen. et sp. nov.: A new Lernecina cricket with white and hyaline forewings from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Phalangopsidae, Luzarinae, Lernecina).

Here we describe a new genus and species of cricket belonging to Lernecina from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. It is presently known only from Ubaíra, State of Bahia, Brazil. The new genus is the only known member of this subtribe having males with a mostly white and hyaline dorsal field of the forewing (an additional genus with that condition is in the process of being described).

Studies on Neotropical crickets: Crinklyalis n. gen., a new cricket genus (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae: Paragryllinae) from the foothills of theColombian Andes.

A new genus of small phalangopsids (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae) from the foothills of the Colombian Andes is described. Crinklyalis n. gen. is distinguished from the other genera of the subtribe Strogulomorphina (Paragryllini) by the modification in the mesal region of the tegmina, apparently an acoustic chamber; reduction of wing venation; male genitalia tubular, elongated and mostly membranous, with only the distal section sclerotized. Additionally, the key for the identification of the genera of the subtribe was updated, and the morphology of the new genus was discussed, as well as distributional gaps that currently exist for the Strogulomorphina taxa.

Studies on Neotropical crickets: A new Perugryllae cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae: Gryllini: Brachytrupina) from the foothills of the Colombian Andes.

A new tiny field cricket species of the genus Laureopsis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), from the foothills of the Colombian Andes is described. With the description of Laureopsis andinus n. sp., the distribution of the Perugryllae Group expands outside the Amazon rainforest of Colombia and Peru, and is recorded for the first time in areas of Andean influence. A distribution map and a key for the identification of the species of the group are also provided. Finally, the morphology and distribution of the species of the two genera known for the Perugryllae group are discussed.

Studies on Neotropical crickets: Mellogryllus mutus n. gen. et n. sp., an intriguing new genus and species of cricket of the Miogryllae Group (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae: Gryllini: Brachytrupina) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

A new monotypic genus, Mellogryllus mutus n. gen. et n. sp., is described from the dense ombrophilous forests of the Brazilian coastal Atlantic Forest. This new genus is included within the genus-group Miogryllae due to the structure of the male genitalia. The key for the genera of the Group Miogryllae is also updated. Finally, the morphological particularities of Mellogryllus n. gen. are discussed, such as the presence or absence of tympanum in the different sexes, variation in the number of spurs on the legs, and the modification of the first pair of legs for underground life.

Taxonomic redescription, distribution and rediscovery of Plicigastra himalayana Uvarov, 1924 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Platycleidini) from Western Himalaya.

In India the genus Plicigastra is represented by single species Plicigastra himalayana Cigliano et al. (2022). Uvarov (1924) reported the species from the Punjab region of India, based on only female specimens. The authors in the present paper described both male and female. Also, SEM images of male stridulatory file are given. The dark flightless Bush-cricket species is widespread in the forested region of northern part of Kashmir, which starts from Baramulla to Bandipora, situated at an elevation of 3200 m a.s.l and is part of the Western Himalayan Mountain mixed forest Eco region.

A new species of Cephalophlugis Gorochov, 1998 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae: Phlugidini) from Southern Brazil, with bioacoustics and cytogenetics.

Cephalophlugis Gorochov, 1998 is a Neotropical genus of predatory katydids with two valid species, Cephalophlugis cephalotes (Bolvar, 1888) (from So Paulo, Brazil) and Cephalophlugis setosa Gorochov, 2012 (from Sucumbios, Ecuador). Herein, we describe a third species of the genus, Cephalophlugis gaucho sp. nov., from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This species is easily distinguished from the others by the color of the hind wings and the number of spurs on the fore and middle legs. The calling song is composed of a long phrase with a series of syllables that vary in emission rate from beginning to end, with a dominant frequency of 23.43 0.6 (22.1224.37, n=11) kHz. So far, the species sings at the lowest frequency among the Phlugidini. From the chromosomal perspective, C. gaucho sp. nov. presents the karyotype 2n=31, X0, with the complement conserved within Meconematinae.

Studies on chevron crickets: Contribution to the knowledge of Lutosinae/ini taxa (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae).

In this contribution to the study of chevron crickets, we focus on several taxa of the subfamily/tribe Lutosinae/ini. Historical background was made on the classification of this group. Lutosa is redescribed, defining the generic and specific limits, thus providing a key for identifying the species based on males and another based on females. In addition, two new species are described: Lutosa morsellii n. sp. and Lutosa quaresmai n. sp.; L. marginalis, L. cubaensis and L. goeldiana were redescribed, and L. surda n. syn., was synonymized under L. paranaensis. Other species previously allocated in Lutosa are relocated as follows: Lutosa obliqua and L. azteca are again synonymized under Licodia pallipes; Lutosa inermis is moved back to Dolichochaeta (D. inermis comb. rev.). The genus Neolutosa is studied, grouping three species N. emarginata (with new specimens that rule out its presence in Central America), N. aculeata (with additional specimens, erroneously identified in the past as L. brasiliensis) and N. horribilis n. comb. (this species is transferred from Lutosa). A key to species is also provided. Records for Apotetamenus clipeatus are reported for the Brazilian Amazon and the states of Mato Grosso and So Paulo (Brazil). Finally, the classification of the family Anostostomatidae and the subfamily / tribe Lutosinae/nini is discussed.

In vitro antifungal activity of Morinda citrifolia (noni) extract against Candida albicans.

INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans is the main agent of the most common fungal infection, Candidiasis. It is an opportunistic and dangerous pathogen, especially in immunosuppressed patients. The biological properties of Morinda citrifolia (noni) make it a potent antifungal. In this study, antifungal effect of M. citrifolia was evaluated to verify its effect on human cells. METHODOLOGY: Extract of M. citrifolia was used against strains of C. albicans (cEC 1291). Glucose consumption in C. albicans biofilm was determined at different concentrations of M. citrifolia, and germ tube formation was evaluated in the presence and absence of M. citrifolia. Fungicidal activity was determined by the kinetics of fungal cell death. THP-1 and HeLa cells were used for cell viability and apoptosis, and cell proliferation assays, respectively. RESULTS: Cells treated with M. citrifolia maintained higher concentration of glucose than the control group (p < 0.05). Germ tube formation was inhibited in cells treated with M. citrifolia (p < 0.05). M. citrifolia exerted a cytotoxic effect on C. albicans cells with 99.99% lethality after 6.82 h (1:1 and 1:2), and reduced the viability of THP-1 cells by 25% and 67% after 12 and 36 h, respectively. Annexin V expression in THP-1 increased in groups that received higher concentrations of M. citrifolia (p < 0.05), reducing the proliferation of THP-1 and HeLa cells (2.8-fold). A greater cytotoxic effect was observed in fungal cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that M. citrifolia exerts biological activity against C. albicans and reduces the viability and proliferation of human cells.

γ-Ray Flashes from Dark Photons in Neutron Star Mergers.

In this Letter we begin the study of visible dark sector signals coming from binary neutron star mergers. We focus on dark photons emitted in the 10 ms-1 s after the merger, and show how they can lead to bright transient γ-ray signals. The signal will be approximately isotropic, and for much of the interesting parameter space will be close to thermal, with an apparent temperature of ∼100 keV. These features can distinguish the dark photon signal from the expected short γ-ray bursts produced in neutron star mergers, which are beamed in a small angle and nonthermal. We calculate the expected signal strength and show that for dark photon masses in the 1-100 MeV range it can easily lead to total luminosities larger than 10^{46} ergs for much of the unconstrained parameter space. This signal can be used to probe a large fraction of the unconstrained parameter space motivated by freeze-in dark matter scenarios with interactions mediated by a dark photon in that mass range. We also comment on future improvements when proposed telescopes and midband gravitational detectors become operational.

Studies on Neotropical Pseudophyllinae: The status of the genus Brachyauchenus Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1895 and its species (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae: Platyphyllini).

In this contribution to the subfamily Pseudophyllinae in the Neotropics, we focus on reviewing the status of the genus Brachyauchenus and its four included species. After this revision, the genus remains monotypic, including only B. castaneus (type species), so it is necessary to provide a new diagnosis, since the current has characteristics of species that in the past was moved to Triencentrus, in addition to the characteristics of the species that are being excluded here. B. castaneus is redescribed to complement the characteristics of the genus, the unknown female is described, and new distribution data are provided, refuting the presence of this species in Bogot, Colombia, its type locality. Brachyauchenus festae and B. minutus are grouped into the new genus Mikrischyrum n. gen. (Platyphyllini) which is similar to Baliophyllum and Drepanoxiphus, and a key is provided to differentiate these species. Brachyauchenus varicosus is being moved to the genus Stenoschema (Pleminiini), restricting the distribution of Brachyauchenus to the center and north of the eastern slope of the Colombian Andes and the new genus in Panama and the Peruvian Amazon. A map is included with the distribution data of the species studied here. Finally, the variation of the coloration of some species and the current taxonomic panorama of the tribe Platyphyllini are discussed.

A new genus and three new species of Agraeciini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, with comments on the function of some phallic components.

This contribution describes a new genus and three new species of Agraeciini from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Warimiri madiba gen. et sp. nov., Warimiri zumbi gen. et sp. nov., and Warimiri karutasywa gen. et sp. nov.. The new genus resembles the genera Hyperomerus Redtenbacher and Dectinomima Caudell and probably is closely related to them, but the internal and external male genitalia components distinguish the three taxa. We also provide a brief comment about the function of the internal components of the phallic complexes of Warimiri gen. nov. and Hyperomerus.

In vitro biochemical characterization and genotoxicity assessment of Sapindus saponaria seed extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sapindus saponaria, also popularly known as soapberry, has been used in folk medicinal values because of its therapeutic properties and several compounds in its composition, which represent a target in potential for drug discovery. However, few data about its potential toxicity has been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: Plant proteins can perform essential roles in survival, acting as defense mechanism, as well functioning as important molecular reserves for its natural metabolism. The aim of the current study was to investigate the in vitro toxicity profile of protein extract of S. saponaria and detect protein potentially involved in biological effects such as collagen hydrolysis and inhibition of viral proteases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Protein extract of soapberry seeds was investigated for its cytotoxic and genotoxic action using the Ames test. The protein extract was also subjected to a partial purification process of a protease and a protease inhibitor by gel chromatography filtration techniques and the partially isolated proteins were characterized biochemically. RESULTS: Seed proteins extract of S. saponaria was evaluated until 100 µg/mL concentration, presenting cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in bacterial model mostly when exposed to exogenous metabolic system and causing cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in HepG2 cells. The purification and partial characterization of a serine protease (43 kDa) and a cysteine protease inhibitor (32.8 kDa) from protein extract of S. Saponaria, corroborate the idea of ​​the biological use of the plant as an insecticide and larvicide. Although it shows cytotoxic, mutagenic and genotoxic effects. CONCLUSION: The overall results of the present study provide supportive data on the potential use of proteins produced in S. saponaria seeds as pharmacological and biotechnological agents that can be further explored for the development of new drugs.

Rediscovering the poorly-known Neotropical katydid Hyperomerus crassipes Redtenbacher, 1891 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini): description of male reveals the synonymic status of Uchuca Giglio-Tos, 1898.

Hyperomerus Redtenbacher is a genus of Neotropical katydid with only one species, H. crassipes. For more than one hundred years, the only specimen known was the female holotype. Now, more three exemplars were found deposited in the Zoological Collection of the Universidade Federal do Amazonas in Brazil, including the unknown male, which reveals the congeneric status with Uchuca Giglio-Tos species and, consequently, this last genus is being made a junior synonym of Hyperomerus. Additionally, H. crassipes is redescribed, and the records of all species now included within the genus Hyperomerus are updated.

A new genus and species of Agraeciini (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) from Amazon Rainforest.

This paper describes a new genus and species of Agraeciini from the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, Wuyjugu pizai gen. et sp. nov., the 23rd species of Agraeciini recorded in Brazil. The female bears a very long and straight ovipositor, while the male has a completely membranous phallic complex, traits not seen in any of the Agraeciini genera of South-America.

Scalars Gliding through an Expanding Universe.

In this Letter, we investigate the effects of single derivative mixing in massive bosonic fields. In the regime of large mixing, we show that this leads to striking changes of the field dynamics, delaying the onset of classical oscillations and decreasing, or even eliminating, the friction due to Hubble expansion. We highlight this phenomenon with a few examples. In the first example, we show how an axionlike particle can have its number abundance parametrically enhanced. In the second example, we demonstrate that the QCD axion can have its number abundance enhanced allowing for misalignment driven axion dark matter all the way down to f_{a} of order astrophysical bounds. In the third example, we show that the delayed oscillation of the scalar field can also sustain a period of inflation. In the last example, we present a situation where an oscillating scalar field is completely frictionless and does not dilute away in time.