A potential snail host of schistosomiasis in Bolivia: Biomphalaria amazonica paraense, 1966

Biomphalaria amazonica Paraense, 1996 was collected from a permanent pond in the outskirts of the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. Identification of the collected specimens was made by comparison with the original description of the species and with topotypic material in the collection of Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that these Bolivian specimens belong to B. amazonica.

Detection of active oxalate-carbonate pathway ecosystems in the Amazon Basin: Global implications of a natural potential C sink

The oxalate-carbonate pathway (OCP) is a biogeochemical process, which has been described in Milicia excelsa tree ecosystems of Africa. This pathway involves biological and geological parameters at different scales: oxalate, as a by-product of photosynthesis, is oxidized by oxalotrophic bacteria leading to a local pH increase, and eventually to carbonate accumulation through time in previously acidic and carbonate-free tropical soils. Former studies have shown that this pedogenic process can potentially lead to the formation of an atmospheric carbon sink. Considering that 80% of plant species are known to produce oxalate, it is reasonable to assume that M. excelsa is not the only tree that can support OCP ecosystems. The search for similar conditions on another continent led us to South America, in an Amazon forest ecosystem (Alto Beni, Bolivia). This area was chosen because of the absence of local inherited carbonate in the bedrock, as well as its expected acidic soil conditions. Eleven tree species and associated soils were tested positive for the presence of carbonate with a more alkaline soil pH close to the tree than at a distance from it. A detailed study of Pentaplaris davidsmithii and Ceiba speciosa trees showed that oxalotrophy impacted soil pH in a similar way to at African sites (at least with 1 pH unit increasing). African and South American sites display similar characteristics regarding the mineralogical assemblage associated with the OCP, except for the absence of weddellite. The amount of carbonate accumulated is 3 to 4 times lower than the values measured in African sites related to M. excelsa ecosystems. Still, these secondary carbonates remain critical for the continental carbon cycle, as they are unexpected in the acidic context of Amazonian soils. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the existence of an active OCP in South America. The three critical components of an operating OCP are the presence of: i) local alkalinization, ii) carbonate accumulations, and iii) oxalotrophic bacteria, which were identified associated to the oxalogenic tree C. speciosa. If the question of a potential carbon sink related to oxalotrophic-oxalogenic ecosystems in the Amazon Basin is still pending, this study highlights the implication of OCP ecosystems on carbon and calcium biogeochemical coupled cycles. As previously mentioned for M. excelsa tree ecosystems in Africa, carbonate accumulations observed in the Bolivian tropical forest could be extrapolated to part or the whole Amazon Basin and might constitute an important reservoir that must be taken into account in the global carbon balance of the Tropics.

Changes associated with laboratory rearing in antennal sensilla patterns of Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and Rhodnius pallescens (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae)

We examined changes in the array of antennal sensilla of three species of Triatominae (Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and R. pallescens) following their establishment for different periods in laboratory culture. In each case, the laboratory colonies were compared with conspecific samples taken directly from the field, by quantitative analysis of the sensilla arrays on the three distal segments of the antenna in terms of the densities of three types of chemoreceptors (basiconics and thick and thin walled trichoids) and one type of mechanoreceptor (bristles). Sensilla densities were compared by ANOVA or non-parametric tests, and by multivariate discriminant analysis. Strains of the same species reared in different laboratories showed significant differences in their sensilla arrays, especially when compared to field-collected material from the same geographic origin. A Bolivian strain of T. infestans reared in the laboratory for 15 years and fed at monthly intervals, showed greatest differences from its conspecific wild forms, especially in terms of reductions in the number of chemoreceptors. By contrast, an Argentine strain of T. infestans reared for 25 years in the laboratory and fed weekly, showed a relative increase in the density of mechanoreceptors. A Colombian strain of R. prolixus reared for 20 years and fed weekly or fortnightly, showed only modest differences in the sensilla array when compared to its wild populations from the same area. However, a Colombian strain of R. pallescens reared for 12 years and fed fortnightly, did show highly significant reductions in one form of chemoreceptor compared to its conspecific wild populations. For all populations, multivariate analysis clearly discriminated between laboratory and field collected specimens, suggesting that artificial rearing can lead to modifications in the sensory array. This not only supports the idea of morphological plasticity in these species, but also suggests caution in the use of long-established laboratory material for experimental studies designed to extrapolate the natural behaviour and physiology of these species.

Preliminary studies investigating the occurrence of Biomphalaria cousini in Brazil

Specific genetic profiles of Brazilian Biomphalaria species were previously standardized by molecular taxonomy through the analysis of restriction fragments, which were generated by digesting the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA with the DdeI endonuclease. Biomphalaria amazonica displayed three distinct profiles. To investigate these distinct profiles, the same molecular technique, polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism, was used with different endonucleases. In addition, morphological data were also used to compare B. amazonica specimens that were collected from Brazil, Colombia and Bolivia. The morphological characters of Bolivian molluscs were similar to B. amazonica, displayed a molecular profile of five restriction fragments and morphological data, whereas the Colombian mollusc population showed morphological characters similar to Biomphalaria cousini and a molecular profile of three restriction fragments, similar to B. cousini. The Brazilian specimens showed the B. amazonica and B. cousini molecular profiles as well as a third profile, which resembled a combination of the Colombian and Bolivian molecular profiles.

Assessing the mitochondrial DNA diversity of the Chagas disease vector Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Triatoma sordida is a species that transmits Trypanosoma cruzi to humans. In Brazil, T. sordida currently deserves special attention because of its wide distribution, tendency to invade domestic environments and vectorial competence. For the planning and execution of control protocols to be effective against Triatominae, they must consider its population structure. In this context, this study aimed to characterise the genetic variability of T. sordida populations collected in areas with persistent infestations from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Levels of genetic variation and population structure were determined in peridomestic T. sordida by sequencing a polymorphic region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Low nucleotide and haplotype diversity were observed for all 14 sampled areas; π values ranged from 0.002-0.006. Most obtained haplotypes occurred at low frequencies, and some were exclusive to only one of the studied populations. Interpopulation genetic diversity analysis revealed strong genetic structuring. Furthermore, the genetic variability of Brazilian populations is small compared to that of Argentinean and Bolivian specimens. The possible factors related to the reduced genetic variability and strong genetic structuring obtained for studied populations are discussed in this paper.

New and newly illustrated Gnomidolon Thomson (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Hexoplonini) from Bolivia

Three new species of Gnomidolon Thomson, 1864 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Hexoplonini) from Bolivia are described and illustrated, and G. proseni Martins, 1962 is redefined. Photographs of G. proseni and four other Bolivian species of this genus are provided: G. bonsae Martins, 1967, G. nanum Martins, 1962, G. musivum (Erichson, 1847), and both pale and dark forms of G. wappesi Martins, 2006.

Brachylophora, a new brachypterous genus of Rhopalophorini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Brachylophora, a new brachypterous genus of Rhopalophorini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). Brachylophora auricollis (Bruch, 1918) comb. nov. = Pasiphyle auricollis Bruch, 1918, originally described from Argentina (Salta), is redescribed and illustrated. Although with reduced elytra, the genus is transferred from Rhinotragini to Rhopalophorini based on the following characters: eyes well separated in both sexes, frons between eyes depressed and lacking frontal suture; pro-, meso-, and metasternum planar; mesothorax parallel-sided, not at all declivous before mesosternal process; metasternum large, together with mesosternum twice length of prosternum, metepisternum very wide, entire suture separating it from metasternum clearly visible when viewed from below; female ovipositor shortened with short cylindrical styles; and, more generally, structural features of hind legs, and surface ornamentation. Habitus similar to Coremia group. Bolivian specimens were netted as they visited flowers of Croton sp. (Euphorbiaceae).

Chagas Disease among the Latin American Adult population attending in a primary care center in Barcelona, Spain

Background/Aims: The epidemiology of Chagas disease, until recently confined to areas of continental Latin America, has undergone considerable changes in recent decades due to migration to other parts of the world, including Spain. We studied the prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin American patients treated at a health center in Barcelona and evaluated its clinical phase. We make some recommendations for screening for the disease. Methodology/Principal Findings: We performed an observational, cross-sectional prevalence study by means of an immunochromatographic test screening of all continental Latin American patients over the age of 14 years visiting the health centre from October 2007 to October 2009. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological methods: conventional in-house ELISA (cELISA), a commercial kit (rELISA) and ELISA using T cruzi lysate (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics) (oELISA). Of 766 patients studied, 22 were diagnosed with T. cruzi infection, showing a prevalence of 2.87% (95% CI, 1.6-4.12%). Of the infected patients, 45.45% men and 54.55% women, 21 were from Bolivia, showing a prevalence in the Bolivian subgroup (n = 127) of 16.53% (95% CI, 9.6-23.39%). All the infected patients were in a chronic phase of Chagas disease: 81% with the indeterminate form, 9.5% with the cardiac form and 9.5% with the cardiodigestive form. All patients infected with T. cruzi had heard of Chagas disease in their country of origin, 82% knew someone affected, and 77% had a significant history of living in adobe houses in rural areas. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of T. cruzi infection in immigrants from Bolivia. Detection of T. cruzi¿infected persons by screening programs in non-endemic countries would control non-vectorial transmission and would benefit the persons affected, public health and national health systems.

La juventud ante la ciudadanía

En este artículo se presenta los resultados de un trabajo por encuesta realizado para el estudio de la ciudadanía con alumnado de educación secundaria obligatoria. Trata, en concreto, de la elaboración de un cuestionario para identificar los elementos que constituyen el concepto de ciudadanía del alumnado de secundaria. En primer lugar se presenta la fundamentación teórica y el modelo de ciudadanía del que se parte, en base a la cual se concretan los objetivos, el contenido, y la estructura interna del cuestionario. Tras un estudio piloto del mismo y, una vez realizadas las modificaciones oportunas, se construye el cuestionario a aplicar. El cuestionario, que aparece en el anexo del articulo, se ha aplicado a una muestra de 333 personas de seis centros de educación secundaria obligatoria con población multicultural. Finalmente, se presentan los resultados obtenidos en el estudio, así como las evidencias de las características técnicas del instrumento elaborado.

La juventud ante la ciudadanía

En este artículo se presenta los resultados de un trabajo por encuesta realizado para el estudio de la ciudadanía con alumnado de educación secundaria obligatoria. Trata, en concreto, de la elaboración de un cuestionario para identificar los elementos que constituyen el concepto de ciudadanía del alumnado de secundaria. En primer lugar se presenta la fundamentación teórica y el modelo de ciudadanía del que se parte, en base a la cual se concretan los objetivos, el contenido, y la estructura interna del cuestionario. Tras un estudio piloto del mismo y, una vez realizadas las modificaciones oportunas, se construye el cuestionario a aplicar. El cuestionario, que aparece en el anexo del articulo, se ha aplicado a una muestra de 333 personas de seis centros de educación secundaria obligatoria con población multicultural. Finalmente, se presentan los resultados obtenidos en el estudio, así como las evidencias de las características técnicas del instrumento elaborado.

Cap a una ciutadania intercultural. Un tema emergent a la recerca educativa

En aquest article oferim una aproximació a l'estudi de la ciutadania intercultural des de l'investigació educativa. Per això, hem resumit en primer lloc, els nous plantejaments de la ciutadania que fonamentnen la investigació realitzada pel GREDI en aquests darrers anys. El nostre model recull, com trets claus de la ciutadania que pretenim es desenvolupi des de l'educació, el fet de ser, alhora, activa i responsable, crítica i intercultural; desenvolupada en l'àmbit local però oberta a nivells més amplis. Posteriorment, l'article sintetitza algunes de les investigacions dutes a terme en aquest camp. La segona part d'aquest article ofereix un resum d'una de les investigacions realitzades pel GREDI i que ha permès diagnosticar els elements que configuren el contepcte i la pràctica de la ciutadania en els joves de 14 a 16 anys a Barcelona. Es conclou assenyalant els elements significatius que poden trobar-se en les invesetigacions presentades i que permeten dibuixar les línees de progrés per a qui desitja endinsar-se en la investigació en aquesta àrea temàtica.

Risc i seguretat en el context educatiu: un debat necessari en el marc d'una educació orientada al desenvolupament de la ciutadania

En aquest article se profunditza en torna a les repercusions dels nous escenaris teòrics relacionats amb el desenvolupament del concepte de risc en la segona modernitat. Les tradicions d'anàlisi de la violència escolar o de la gestió positiva del conflicte, han constituït-del fet encara avui dia constitueixen- referents importants per a l'anàlisi de la seguretat en els centres educatius, però el desenvolupament d'un nou concepte de seguretat humana sorgit a partir dels Programes de les Nacions Unides pel Desenvolupament (PNUD) proporciona un marc de reflexió més ampli. Partint d'aquesta perspectiva, se pretèn operativitzar un model que permeti comprendre com es construeix la percepció de risc en el context escolar.

La participació ciutadana: dimensió clau de l'educació per a la ciutadania

Aquest article té l'objectiu d'exposar les bases pedagògiques que fonamenten l'educació per a la ciutadania. Es parteix d'un model ampli de ciutadania proposat des del Grup de Recerca en Educació Intercultural (GREDI) que inclou el sentiment de pertinença a una comunitat, les competències ciutadanes i la participació activa. Partint d'aquests elements es plantegen propostes educatives (programes d'activitats i l'estratègia pedagògica d'aprenentatge-servei). L'article acaba amb una reflexió entorn de la formació per a una ciutadania paritària a les escoles, el nucli central formatiu de la qual al·ludeix a l'element de la participació de les dones en igualtat de condicions.

Educació política: democràcia i ciutadania

Educar ciutadans és una demanda present avui en els textos de convencions internacionals, en els discursos dels polítics, en les aportacions dels més reconeguts pedagogs, en les conclusions de molts treballs de sociòlegs i psicòlegs de l"educació, i també en els mitjans de comunicació. En aquest sentit, la institució educativa s"ha estat plantejant durant les últimes dècades la seva responsabilitat enfront d"aquesta demanda, encetant una nova línia de reflexió i d"acció a l"entorn dels valors de la ciutadania en una societat democràtica.

Les paiements pour services environnementaux de la Fondation Natura Bolivia entre logiques réciprocitaires, redistributives et marchandes

La diffusion internationale des paiements pour services environnementaux (PSE) a été interprétée en 2010 par le gouvernement bolivien d'Evo Morales comme une réponse strictement néolibérale à la nécessité d'assurer une gestion durable des ressources naturelles. Supposée amener à terme à l'éviction de toute régulation autre que marchande - qu'elle s'applique à la nature ou aux rapports entre personnes -, la mise en place de PSE n'a pas été encouragée par les autorités nationales boliviennes. Des projets de PSE ont toutefois été lancés, dont les Acuerdos Reciprocos por el Agua (ARA), issus d'un partenariat public-privé dans le département de Santa Cruz. En analysant leur conception et leur fonctionnement au prisme du référentiel polanyien, nous montrons que, contrairement aux craintes gouvernementales, ces PSE ne font pas abstraction des logiques organisationnelles réciprocitaires et redistributives, ajustant au contexte local un objet global. The international dissemination of payments for ecosystem services (PES) has been interpreted in 2010 by the Bolivian government of Evo Morales as a strictly neo-liberal response to the need to ensure a sustainable management of natural resources. Supposed to contribute to the crowding-out of any other regulation than market - applied to the nature or the relationship between people - the implementation of PES was not encouraged by the Bolivian national authorities. However some PES projects stemming from a public-private partnership have been initiated at local level, as the Acuerdos Reciprocos por el Agua (ARA), in the department of Santa Cruz. Analysing their design and operating through the Polanyian framework, we show that, contrary to the government fears, these PES do not ignore the reciprocal and redistributive organisational logics, adjusting a global object to the local context.