Description of Micropygomyia (Micropygomyia) ancashensis sp. nov. and the female of Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) chavinensis Pérez & Ogusuku (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) from Ancash department, Peru

A male of a new species Micropygomyia (Micropygomyia) ancashensis sp. nov. and a female of the Lutzomyia (Helcocyrtomyia) chavinensis Pérez & Ogusuku, 1999 captured in the Antonio Raymondi province, department of Ancash, Peru are described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the cayennensis series, being closest to Mi. lewisi (Feliciangeli Ordoñez & Férnandez) though presenting highly sclerotized pseudotracheae on the labella that seem to constitute an autapomorphy among American Phlebotominae, and a clypeus almost completely covered with setae, as in Warileya. The female of Lu. chavinensis is close to those of Lu. blancasi Galati & Cáceres 1990, Lu. noguchii (Shannon, 1929), and Lu. pallidithorax Galati & Cáceres 1994.

Molecular characterization of Echinococcus granulosusfrom Peru by sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene

Echinococcus granulosus, the etiologic agent of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in humans and other animal species, is distributed worldwide. Ten intra-specific variants, or genotypes (G1-G10), have been defined based on genetic diversity. To determine the genotypes present in endemic areas of Peru, samples were collected from cattle (44), sheep (41) and humans (14) from Junín, Puno Huancavelica, Cusco, Arequipa and Ayacucho. DNA was extracted from protoscolex and/or germinal layers derived from 99 E. granulosus isolates and used as templates to amplify the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene. The resulting polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced and further examined by sequence analysis. All isolates, independent of the host, exhibited the G1 genotype. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three isolates from Ayacucho shared the same cluster with microvariant G1(4). The G1 genotype is considered the most widespread and infectious form of E. granulosusworldwide and our results confirm that the same patterns apply to this country. Therefore, these findings should be taken into consideration in developing prevention strategies and control programs for CE in Peru.

Ectoparasitic insects (Diptera: Streblidae and Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae) of bats from Iquitos and surrounding areas (Loreto, Peru)

Based on specimens collected from bats of different families, we add new species and extend the known ecological distribution and host associations of insect ectoparasites of bats in Peru. New information is provided for the distribution of 26 species of parasites (25 Diptera and 1 Siphonaptera: Ischnopsyllidae). Four species (Neotrichobius ectophyllae, Strebla galindoi, Strebla paramirabilis and Myodopsylla wolffsohni wolffsohni) are new for Peru and 16 represent new records for the department of Loreto. Also, we found 17 new host-ectoparasite relationships. Of note, we found remarkable new association between Neotrichobius delicatus and bat species from the families Molossidae and Noctilionidae and a novel association between Paradyschiria parvula and a species of Vespertilionidae. Host-ectoparasite specificity was recorded with 14 species as monoxenous, three oligoxenous, seven pleioxenous and two polyxenous.

Echinococcus granulosus genotypes circulating in alpacas (Lama pacos) and pigs (Sus scrofa) from an endemic region in Peru

The identification of the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus present in livestock and wild animals within regions endemic for cystic echinococcosis (CE) is epidemiologically important. Individual strains display different biological characteristics that contribute to outbreaks of CE and that must be taken into account in the design of intervention programs. In this study, samples of hydatid cysts due to E. granulosus were collected from alpacas (4) in Puno and pigs (8) in Ayacucho in Peru, an endemic region for CE. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA sequencing of specific regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 genes confirmed the presence of a strain common to sheep, the G1 genotype, in alpacas. Two different strains of E. granulosus were identified in pigs: the G1 and the G7 genotypes. This is the first report of the G1 genotype of E. granulosus in alpacas in endemic regions of CE in Peru.

Espécies novas e notas sobre Dianthidiini (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae) do Peru

São descritas quatro espécies novas de Dianthidiini do Peru: Duckeanthidium tarapotoense sp. nov. e Grafanthidium yurimaguasano sp. nov. de Tarapoto, Yurimaguas; Anthodioctes sanmartinensis sp. nov. e Anthodioctes shilcayensis sp. nov. de Tarapoto, Boca Toma. O macho de Anthodioctes indescriptus (Dalla Torre, 1890) é descrito pela primeira vez e são dadas novas ocorrências de Bothranthidium lauroi Moure, 1947, no Peru.

Fannia carvalhoi sp. nov.: a new species from Peru (Diptera, Fanniidae)

Fannia carvalhoi sp. nov. (Diptera, Fanniidae) from Peru is described and illustrated.

Pseudopsis monica sp. nov. from the western Andes, Peru, with a key to the South American species of Pseudopsis Newman (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pseudopsinae)

Pseudopsis Newman, 1834 is a genus of Pseudopsinae with about 46 species distributed worldwide, five of which have been reported for South America. In this paper P. monica sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Lima, Peru. A key to South American species of Pseudopsis and a catalog are also provided.

Alphus marinonii sp. nov., nova espécie para o Peru e Brasil (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)

Alphus marinonii sp. nov., new species from Peru and Brazil (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae). A new species of Alphus, A. marinonii sp. nov., from Peru and Brazil (Rondônia) is described. Key to identification and pictures for the four species of the genus are provided. Notes on distribution of A. tuberosus are included, with a new record for Peru and Brazil (Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul).

Philogenia nemesioi, a new damselfly from Peru (Odonata, Megapodagrionidae)

Philogenia nemesioi, a new damselfly from Peru (Odonata, Megapodagrionidae). Philogenia nemesioi sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on one male specimen collected on forests of the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes at 900 m. It belongs to the cristalina group, but differs from other species of the group by the structure of the anal appendage.

Bibliometria, história e geografia da pesquisa brasileira em erosão acelerada do solo

Há poucos estudos sobre a história da ciência do solo e, no Brasil, essa matéria ainda não recebeu maior atenção por parte de sua comunidade científica. Este trabalho focaliza a formação histórica da pesquisa brasileira em erosão acelerada do solo a partir de uma análise bibliométrica e geográfica, com base numa ampla compilação de artigos científicos publicados sobre o tema por autores vinculados a instituições brasileiras. A metodologia envolveu o armazenamento, em um banco de dados dimensional, estruturado especificamente para esse objetivo, de informações espaciais e bibliométricas. Indicadores quantitativos foram calculados, e a geografia da pesquisa foi mapeada por meio de consultas SQL e ferramentas de geoprocessamento. Os resultados apontaram para gênese recente da pesquisa brasileira em erosão acelerada do solo e centralização da produção científica e formação de linhas em instituições e autores do Sul e Sudeste do Brasil. Ainda, a análise dos dados temáticos indicou predominância do enfoque da erosão a partir de uma perspectiva agrícola e grande ênfase na pesquisa dos fatores do modelo USLE de estimativa de erosão.

Diagnóstico da Educação Ambiental no ensino de Geografia: Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí hidrographic basins

Este estudo objetivou buscar a integração entre a questão ambiental e o sistema educacional, detectando as potencialidades disponíveis nas escolas públicas de 1º grau, localizadas nas bacias hidrográficas dos rios Piracicaba, Capivari e Jundiaí no Estado de São Paulo, para o desenvolvimento de um processo educativo que inclua a temática ambiental. Analisando qualitativamente as atividades da chamada Educação Ambiental, faz o seu diagnóstico na rede oficial de ensino, levantando, registrando e analisando, através de questionários e entrevistas, as atividades desenvolvidas pelos professores que ensinam Geografia para detectar suas visões de crise ambiental e da própria Educação Ambiental. Procurando contribuir com a capacitação dos professores e a melhoria da qualidade de ensino, oferece sugestões para o desenvolvimento de programas interdisciplinares que permitam maior compreensão dos problemas ambientais da região, uma vez que esses envolvem tanto os aspectos do meio físico como também os socioeconômicos, políticos e culturais. Visa contribuir, sobretudo, para a construção da cidadania e a promoção de ações educativas mais adequadas à busca de soluções dos problemas ambientais das comunidades onde as escolas estão inseridas.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids of senecio sp from Peru

Six pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) (two saturated macrocyclic, three unsaturated macrocyclic and one unsaturated seco-macrocyclic) were isolated from native Peruvian Senecio species. The structures of these alkaloids were established by a complete NMR spectroscopic analysis, chemical transformations and comparison of their NMR data with those published for similar alkaloids. Three PAs were then tested for antifungal activity against Fusarium moniliforme, F. (Sheldon), F. oxysporum fs. lycopersici (Scheldt) and F. solani (Mart), no significant activity being observed.

Obstetric outcomes in the second birth of women with a previous caesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study from Peru

PURPOSE: To examine obstetric outcomes in the second birth of women who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery. METHODS: This was a large hospital-based retrospective cohort study. We included pregnant women who had a previous delivery (vaginal or cesarean) attending their second birth from 2001 to 2009. Main inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies and delivery between a gestation of 24 and 41 weeks. Two cohorts were selected, being women with a previous cesarean delivery (n=7,215) and those with a vaginal one (n=23,720). Both groups were compared and logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding variables. The obstetric outcomes included uterine rupture, placenta previa, and placental-related complications such as placental abruption, preeclampsia, and spontaneous preterm delivery. RESULTS: Women with previous cesarean delivery were more likely to have adverse outcomes such as uterine rupture (OR=12.4, 95%CI 6.8-22.3), placental abruption (OR=1.4, 95%CI 1.1-2.1), preeclampsia (OR=1.4, 95%CI 1.2-1.6), and spontaneous preterm delivery (OR=1.4, 95%CI 1.1-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with previous cesarean section have adverse obstetric outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy, including uterine rupture, and placental-related disorders such as preeclampsia, spontaneous preterm delivery, and placental abruption.

Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) from Peru and Chile

Twenty-five BVDV strains, detected in serum from persistently infected cattle from Peru (n=15) and Chile (n=10) were genetically characterized. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 5' UTR showed that all 25 strains belonged to genotype 1. Twenty-three of the strains could further be subdivided into subtype 1b, and two out of ten Chilean strains into subtype 1a. In conclusion, in total 23 out of 25 strains analyzed were of genotype 1, subtype 1b. This is the predominant BVDV subtype in many countries all over the world, including USA. The close homology with previously described strains reflects the influence of livestock trade on the diversity of BVDV circulating within and between countries and continents. Peru and Chile have imported large numbers of cattle from USA and Europe, mostly with insufficient or lacking health documentation.

Avaliação da influência de amido e carragena nas características físico-químicas e sensoriais de presunto cozido de peru

Segundo a legislação brasileira, a adição de carragena em presunto é facultativa, contudo não é permitida a adição de amido neste tipo de produto. Neste trabalho, utilizou-se um planejamento fatorial 2² com duplicata no ponto central, variando amido (0 a 2%) e carragena (0 a 1%) em presunto de peru. Tanto o amido quanto a carragena apresentaram efeitos negativos para perda por cozimento e para perda por reaquecimento, indicando que a presença destes hidrocolóides favoreceu a permanência de água nos produtos. Contudo não houve diferenças significativas de pH e na composição centesimal, tensão de cisalhamento e avaliação sensorial. Além disso, uma característica de sinergismo entre os polissacarídeos foi notada. Amostras elaboradas com 1% de carragena apresentaram formação de um exsudado gelatinoso, embora as amostras que continham 1% de carragena e 2% de amido não apresentaram este efeito, indicando que o amido reduz a formação de exsudado gelatinoso em presunto de peru com adição de carragena. A utilização de amido em presunto pode melhorar algumas características físico-químicas, reduzir defeitos e não apresentar diferenças sensoriais quando comparado ao padrão brasileiro sem adição de amido.