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Latin American party systems are characterized by a proliferation of new parties of very different sizes, backgrounds, and developmental trajectories, which poses a conceptual challenge. Historically, conceptualizations of new parties have often prioritized data accessibility over methodological and theoretical rigor. As a result, they have produced a plethora of highly heterogeneous cases that are ill-suited for theory testing. To address this problem, we propose the development of a conceptual tool aimed at identifying a subset of relevant new parties, termed “break-in parties” (bip) because of their potential impact on prevailing patterns of representation and party competition. We have identified a corpus of 24 such parties founded between 1960 and 2002 in South America. These parties exhibit sufficient similarity to facilitate meaningful attributions, while also providing variability in relevant independent and dependent variables for testing theories of party system change through the emergence and success of new parties, a topic that has received considerable attention in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this case study is to analyze the migratory flow in the Amazon region, considering cross-border migratory trends from a diachronic perspective. The evolution of the mobility of Amazonian countries by nationality and territorial entity of destination is observed, especially considering Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, based on a review of the geographical, political, and economic aspects. In the first section, we address delimitations, inaccessible territories, and cross-border, documenting it since the eighteenth century. In the second section, we give an account of the main contemporary trends, in which the difficulty of the state to populate and control remains the existing connection between their localities and the political and economic centers in the interior and exterior of each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to characterize the variability of floods in the city of Santa Lucía, Uruguay, the objective of this study is to analyze at the basin level how factors such as climate variability and changes in land use and cover influence the occurrence of this phenomenon. Specifically, it evaluates the incidence of rainfall variability and productive intensification in relation to changes in riverbed level. Rainfall and channel level stations have been selected to evaluate climatic trends between 1990 and 2021 and the Land Use and Cover Changes (LUCC) have been determined by remote sensing. The results show, for Santa Lucía, a decreasing trend in the number and duration of flood events in autumn and partially in the number of flood events in summer and spring. They also reveal an increase in the duration of warning events in winter. Two patterns can be identified: a) floods conditioned by inflows from the Santa Lucía Chico river and b) floods conditioned by inflows from the headwaters of the Santa Lucía river. An important role is played by the association between the LUCC and the climatic behavior of the spatial distribution of precipitation, but also by the management of the Paso Severino dam. The concomitant events that influence floods show the need to broaden the study variables to include the analysis of flood management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International tourism has an impact on the external constraint to growth. Therefore, the relationship between tourism and the current account balance (CAB) was analyzed for Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay by means of a cointegration analysis using autoregressive models with distributed lags. Actual output and the real effective exchange rate were used as control variables. The existence of cointegration was corroborated for Argentina and Brazil since tourism has a stable negative relationship with the CAB. In the case of Chile, there is evidence of cointegration for the set of variables, although foreign exchange flows from international tourism do not seem to affect the CAB balance. Finally, no conclusive proof of cointegration was obtained for Uruguay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several issues regarding the systematics and taxonomy of the Neotropical deer tribe Odocoileini, an assemblage of 18 recognized living species currently allocated into 7 genera, remain unclear. The few available phylogenetic analyses indicate that some genera are not monophyletic and that species richness in the group is underestimated. One genus that presents both problems are the stocky and short-legged dwarf deer, Pudu. As currently understood, it includes 2 species, the Northern pudu, Pudu mephistophiles from Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia; and the Southern pudu, P. puda , from southern Chile and nearby Argentina. Here, by means of qualitative and quantitative morphologic analysis and the assessment of genetic variation, we showed that 2 distinct species are encompassed by the current concept of P. mephistophiles. The typical form distributes north of the Huancabamba Depression from northernmost Peru to the north (Ecuador and Colombia), while the other distributes south of the Huancabamba Depression and is a Peruvian endemic. As no name is available for the last one, we describe and name it here. This is the first living cervid species described in the 21st century and the first from the New World in over 60 years. Additionally, as the Southern Pudu (the type species of Pudu) is not sister to the 2 northern pudu species, we revalidate the genus Pudella to allocate the latter 2 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Late Holocene (ca. 3,100 to 380 BP) sample of the viscacha rat genus Octomys (Octodontidae) from the Vaquerías Gruta 1 site (VQ-G1) in western Argentina is reported. Phylogenetic and morphometric comparative analyses with living octodontids support that the VQ-G1 sample is related to the desert specialists Tympanoctomys and Octomys , and is sister to the only living species of the latter, O. mimax. The estimated morphological distance to O. mimax is greater than that between pairs of congeneric octodontid species, and even greater than that between some species belonging to different genera. This suggests that the sample represents a new species, whose young age prevents interpreting it as an anagenetic ancestor of O. mimax. If the new species is the result of cladogenesis, its absence in the current fauna represents actual extinction, which among caviomorphs is added to those of † Clyomys riograndensis , † Dicolpomys fossor , † Ctenomys viarapaensis , and † Galea tixiensis —also extinct in the Late Holocene. Thus, the VQ-G1 sample provides evidence of changes in diversity and distribution undergone by small mammals in southern South America during that time. The potential contribution of the Holocene record may be key to elucidate this issue from both an evolutionary and a conservation perspective. This requires a detailed systematic approach to determine whether the taxa under study are truly independent evolutionary units, as well as geographically broad sampling efforts to distinguish the changes affecting distribution from those producing irreversible changes in diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses three sites where research on the development of some South American animals was carried out between the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries: a missionary post in the Paraguayan Chaco, a hotel located in the Sierras of Córdoba, and a livestock farm on the coast of the Río de la Plata, the latter two in Argentina. The study of how these places functioned and of the people who passed through them allows us to see how these sites served as nodes in the itineraries of the scientists and in the gathering and circulation of objects and information. This shows the variety of places for conducting scientific work and their relationship to the infrastructures that shape the formation and occupation of the territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearctic ungulates such as artiodactyls, perissodactyls, and proboscideans arrived in South America during the Great American Biotic Interchange. Among them are camelids, cervids, tayassuids, equids, tapirids and gomphotherids. A historical collection of Nearctic ungulates from Pleistocene deposits of the Pampean region in Argentina is here studied and described. The collection consists of specimens collected by Santiago Roth in the nineteenth century and brought to Europe, where they are housed in the paleontological collections of the University of Zurich and the Natural History Museum of Geneva. Among the taxa reported here are Notiomastodon platensis,Lama guanicoe, Hemiauchenia paradoxa, Tayassu pecari, Morenelaphus sp., Hippidion cf. H. principale, Equus cf. E. neogeus, and other indeterminate gomphotherids, camelids, tayassuids, cervids, and equids. The exact stratigraphic position of these fossils collected more than 130 years ago is in many cases uncertain. The historical collection is still relevant for taxonomic studies and for offering new insights into palaeobiogeography and palaeobiology of mammalian fauna of the region during the Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bi-Oceanic Road Corridor (BRC) connecting Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile is a Project designed to offer new development opportunities to peripheral regions in the Tropic of Capricorn. However, regional transformation requires more than just physical infrastructure; it particularly requires effective coordination among different actors to achieve development. The main objective of this study is to provide a detailed explanation of the actor network structure within the Bi-Oceanic Road Corridor and propose a potential governance approach that facilitates a better coordination among its participants. Using social network analysis (SNA), we explored the dynamics of participation among these actors. Our primary findings reveal a low level of private sector engagement, limited transnational links (with more interactions occurring among actors from the same country), scarce connections between national and subnational/local government actors, as well as minimal involvement of the national government in Argentina. Regarding the governance proposal, we suggest the creation of two new committees (Social and Environmental Development, and Border Security), the promotion of business missions with a regional integration approach, and the preservation of the progress made by the BRC Working Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privately protected areas (PPAs) are a potentially innovative conservation tool. Legal recognition is necessary for their success, especially where there are institutional challenges to nature conservation, such as in South America. Although PPAs have increased in South America since the early 2000s, there is a critical information gap pertaining to their legal frameworks. We analyzed the level of landowner commitment to and governmental support for PPAs across countries in South America that officially recognize PPAs. We analyzed the legal framework governing PPAs and reviewed literature on them. This process was done in English and Spanish. The information we gathered was validated by 16 conservation experts from 10 South American countries. Because Peru is 1 of only 2 South American countries where local communities create and manage PPAs, we studied Peruvian PPAs in more detail by examining official creation documents and interviewing 13 local conservation professionals. We found inadequate minimum duration of PPAs and vague guidelines for conducting economic activities within them and a lack of governmental support (e.g., financial and technical support) for PPAs. Support was limited to the exemption from rural property taxes, which are relatively low compared with countries outside South America. In Peru, PPAs run by individuals and communities needed different legal frameworks because they were created with different objectives and had different sizes and duration of commitments. The prompt improvement of legal frameworks across South America is necessary for PPAs to achieve their aim of being places for enduring nature conservation in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides basic data on Jewish newspapers published in South America since 1880. Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are mentioned, where the existence of these publications was partially documented. Jewish newspapers were published in Spanish, Portuguese, and Yiddish, but as the descendants of immigrants grew, the predominant language became Spanish or Portuguese. Jewish immigration to South America was made possible due to a change in policy in Latin American countries that facilitated the arrival of immigrants from different religions. [Extracted from the article]

It is no coincidence that far-right governments have promoted denialist health policies during the covid-19 pandemic or that these governments have disqualified the struggle for gender equality in their countries, as the field of public health is a pioneer in the debate for gender equality, reproductive rights, and female sexual emancipation. The article analyzes the Brazilian case, exploring possible connections between the foreign policy, health and gender agendas during opposing governments: Lula and Dilma’s center left, on the one hand, and Bolsonaro’s extreme right, on the other. We also analyze the foreign politics of this agenda within the scope of the external analysis which, during the pandemic, resulted in the dismantling of regional public health arrangements in favor of a conservative pro-chloroquine global alliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Bryophytes are the second most diverse group of terrestrial plants, colonizing a wide variety of ecosystems and undertaking multiple functions in them. In this work, a list of bryophytes identified in the locality of Leyes stream (Santa Fe, Argentina) is disclosed with the objective of increasing the information about the species present in the province. M&M: The study area was selected due to the fact that it is part of an area facing accelerated transformation. This implies a loss or an alteration of natural habitats, that in turn generate the disappearance of species, for which the implementation of conservation tasks is a priority. The specimens were collected during the months of September-November 2019-2021. The study of the samples was carried out following the conventional techniques for bryophytes and identified by using keys. Specimens were deposited at the herbarium of the Florentino Ameghino Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences (MFA). Results: A total of 21 species belonging to 18 genera and 13 families were identified. Amblystegium varium, Didymodon australasiae, Dimerodontium pellucidum, Forsstroemia coronata and Philonotis uncinata represent new records for Santa Fe province. Conclusions: Through this study, five new species are added to the bryophyte flora of Santa Fe, expanding its knowledge in the province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leopardus guigna (Molina, 1782) is a felid commonly called the kodkod. It is the smallest cat in the Americas—about the size of a small house cat—and is 1 of 13 species in the genus Leopardus. Leopardus guigna has the smallest distribution of any New World felid, restricted to southern Chile and Argentina where it is strongly associated with the Chilean Matorral and Valdivian Temperate Rainforest ecoregions. Leopardus guigna is listed on Appendix II of the Convention for the International Trade of Endangered Species and as "Vulnerable" (VU) by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and fragmentation, human persecution, and its declining population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil, the second cocaine consumer on the planet, is an important platform for drug exports to Europe and other continents. Part of this drug enter its territory through the borders with Bolivia and Paraguay. In the last decade, the Brazilian government has implemented security and defense policies, but such policies have encountered an obstacle in the impoverishment scenario existing in the three countries and due to the fact that Paraguay is the largest producer of marijuana in South America and Bolivia is one of the three largest producers of coca leaf. In this sense, the present paper aims to analyze the history of anti-drug policies and their impacts on the borders of Brazil with Paraguay and Bolivia. This is a qualitative research, based on bibliographic analysis, from the perspective of Political Geography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first two decades of the 21st century, South American countries have increased their public investments and multilateral integration actions, configuring a South American "new regionalism". Based on this context, this article aims to present a review and critical analysis of the interventions and plans of the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA). We based the research on the following methodological steps: documentary study, data systematization from IIRSA's Projects Portfolio, bibliographic review of academic studies, and critical analysis of territory and development conceived and adopted concepts by IIRSA. The article analyzes the contradictions between the principles of socioeconomic, local, and sustainable development declared by IIRSA and the impacts of the implementation of its projects in the territories, providing data on the Infrastructure and Planning Council (COSIPLAN) and IIRSA that can help teaching, research and practical elaboration on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the cold war, security and defense were issues that permeated social and political life on a global scale. In South America, dictatorships were installed, with the military defining the conception and application of security and the external and internal defense of each country. With the end of the cold war, this panorama changed. The aim of the present study was to analyze the convergences and divergences in the performance of the military forces with the end of the cold war. The methodological procedures used were based on historical and documental analyses as a strategy to compose an understanding of the subject in three selected countries: Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. Our findings evidence the different ways that the Armed Forces were used and provide a reflection on their role in the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main issue affecting the conservation of most pinniped species has been identified as interactions with fisheries and aquaculture. In South American waters in particular, this problem has not been well evaluated. Consequently, there is an urgent need for research and conservation measures to address the problem, particularly for species of conservation concern.In this study, we reviewed published and unpublished research and observations from the last 25 years on operational and biological interactions between pinnipeds and fisheries and salmonid aquaculture activities in South American waters, and the conservation and management implications of these interactions in the near future.Two species of pinnipeds are primarily involved in biological and operational interactions with fisheries and aquaculture in South America: the South American sea lion Otaria flavescens and the South American fur seal Arctocephalus australis. Although phocids are present in South American waters, there is no published research on conflicts between phocids and human activities.Interactions between fisheries and pinnipeds have been reported by many countries. In South American waters, interactions mostly involve male and subadult male South American sea lions. However, despite the high frequency of interactions, the estimated economic losses to fisheries and aquaculture related to sea lion depredation are generally low.Incidental capture and mortality of pinnipeds has been reported, especially in artisanal gillnet fisheries and in industrial purse seine and trawl fisheries. Mortality of sea lions in salmonid aquaculture has been reported, but the magnitude of the problem is unknown.In South America, limited progress has been made to incorporate mitigation measures, such as time‐area closures, acoustic deterrent devices, and modifications to fishing gear, into fisheries and aquaculture. This is likely to be due to our limited understanding of ecosystem complexity, the costs of modifying fishing gear or incorporating acoustic deterrent devices, and the scarcity of fishing controls. We suggest that strategies for effectively reducing conflicts between pinnipeds, fisheries, and aquaculture should involve all stakeholders in participative research to facilitate co‐management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/context: South America has undergone a process of democratization and progressive reduction of inter-state disputes since the 1980s and 1990s. The disappearance of threats traditionally faced by several states in the region, or their management within the framework of different conflict resolution mechanisms, has led to an unintended effect known as threat deficit, a strategic scenario in which the external threat perception of a State disappears or is considerably weakened. The literature argues that border conflict resolution and democratization are associated with a reduction in the size of military budget and organization. Methodology: The article is an exploratory analysis that compares the cases of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela in the period 1981-2020 and identifies how the so-called policy of bases has impacted the military organization measured in terms of the number of military bases. Conclusions: In a context of democratization and a marked reduction of inter-state conflict in South America, the number of bases has not only been maintained but, in most cases, increased. Originality: No previous works have analyzed this issue for the South American region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tropical Americas, the Orthosiinae (Apocynaceae) comprises plant species with small but intricate flowers and harbours a tremendous, still understudied diversity currently classified in four genera, Jobinia, Monsanima, Orthosia and Scyphostelma. In this study, we describe and illustrate four new species of Scyphostelma: S. bolivianum, S. gracile, S. rotorum and S. solomonii, based on specimens collected in Bolivia and Peru. Phylogenetic analysis places S. bolivianum and S. gracile in a clade with S. harlingii, a species from southern Ecuador and central Peru, together as sister clade to the rest of Scyphostelma. Due to the size of flowers and the long-filiform peduncles and pedicels, we consider the two new species S. rotorum and S. solomonii and the new combination S. erikseniae a part of the S. harlingii group, for which an identification key is presented. Furthermore, four species names are lectotypified and six new combinations in Scyphostelma are made: S. fasciculiflorum, S. jaramilloi, S. purpurascens, S. quitense, S. stenospira and S. unguiculatum. Citation: Pineda Y. M., Keller H. A., Balderrama-Torrico J. A., Meve U., Nürk N. M. & Liede-Schumann S. 2023: Phylogenetics in Scyphostelma (Apocynaceae: Orthosiinae) and description of new species. – Willdenowia 53: 83–112. Version of record first published online on 5 September 2023 ahead of inclusion in August 2023 issue. En las Américas tropicales, Orthosiinae (Apocynaceae) comprende especies de plantas con flores pequeñas pero complejas y alberga una alta diversidad, aún poco estudiada, actualmente clasificada en cuatro géneros: Jobinia, Monsanima, Orthosia y Scyphostelma. En este estudio, describimos e ilustramos cuatro especies nuevas de Scyphostelma: S. bolivianum, S. gracile, S. rotorum y S. solomonii, con base en especímenes recolectados en Bolivia y Perú. El análisis filogenético ubica a S. bolivianum y S. gracile en un clado con S. harlingii, una especie del sur de Ecuador y el centro de Perú, juntas como clado hermano del resto de Scyphostelma. Debido al tamaño de las flores y a los pedúnculos y pedicelos filiformes largos, consideramos a las dos nuevas especies S. roturum y S. solomonii y la nueva combinación S. erikseniae una parte del grupo S. harlingii, para el cual se presenta una clave de identificación. Además, se lectotipifican cuatro nombres de especies y se realizan seis nuevas combinaciones en Scyphostelma: S. fasciculiflorum, S. jaramilloi, S. purpurascens, S. quitense, S. stenospira y S. unguiculatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on an understanding of the global immigration control regime as one of legal violence. It analyses the specialist literature that reveals the existence of an economy of deportability, understood as the unequal distribution of the forms of state power in the lives and freedoms of non-nationals, with gender playing a preponderant role. Taking a gender perspective, a selection of texts from the past two decades are reviewed that analyse the deportation and anti-trafficking apparatus in Europe, the United States and South America. The literature corroborates the existence of a gendered economy of deportability that generates social suffering that, in different ways and to differing degrees, shapes the (im)migrant presence in the national order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assemblage of 22 fossil woods was collected from sandstones of the Solari/Botucatú Formation, Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, at Paraje Tres Cerros, Corrientes Province, Argentina. The preservation of most fossils is poor. However, twelve samples have radial pitting and a few cross-fields preserved. These characters allow the assignment of fossil woods to the Araucariaceae. All the fossils seem to be of the same taxonomic unit with the following main characteristics: growth ring boundaries distinct (poorly marked), intertracheary araucarian radial pitting, uni- to biseriate bordered pits, wide tracheids, araucarioid cross-field pitting, uniseriate rays, and absence of axial parenchyma and resin canals. The fossils were assigned to cf. Agathoxylon Hartig. The size of the fossil woods and the growth ring curvatures indicate that the samples were part of big trees. The width of the growth rings also indicates significant annual growth. The taxonomic assignment suggests that monospecific forests of Araucariaceae developed in the area. This is the record of the first Mesozoic fossil remains from the Corrientes Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New records of permineralized fossil woods recovered from the fluvial sediments of Ituzaingó Formation (upper Miocene) in the fossiliferous locality of Toma vieja (Entre Ríos, Argentina) are described in this work. An eco-anatomical study of the secondary xylem was performed and the fossil woods were assigned to Moraceae. A new genus and species is proposed, Helicostyloxylon paranensis, and a new record of Soroceaxylon entrerriensis Franco is described. Many anatomical features in these fossil woods are related to warm and humid conditions. Also, the vulnerability and Mesomorphy indices were calculated, both evidencing mesomorphic values, and the Nearest Living Relatives (NLRs) method was used to reveal the riparian or "gallery" forest floristic affinity of these fossil woods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnostic anatomical features of Solanumxylon paranensis were restudied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The holotype was collected from Paraná Formation (Late Miocene) in Toma Vieja fossil locality (Entre Ríos, Argentina). The taxonomic position and affinity of the Solanumxylon are discussed, and its diagnosis is extended. The following features suggest affinities with the Solanaceae: diffuse porosity, vessels solitary, and less commonly in radial multiples and in clusters, simple perforation plates, alternate intervessel pits, vessel-ray pits similar to intervessel pits and/or apparently simple, pits rounded in outline, rays 1 to 4 cells wide, all ray cells procumbent or body ray cells procumbent with one row of upright and/or square marginal cells, fibers with simple to minutely bordered pits, septate fibers present, scanty paratracheal parenchyma. This paper provides more details about the systematic assignment of Solanumxylon paranensis within the Solanaceae and its affinity with Solanum. This fossil can be used in phylogenetic studies of the family/genus, increasing our knowledge of Solanum history and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: America was the epicenter for COVID-19, suffering from 44.5% of people infected and 47.4% of deaths. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Chile are among the most affected countries. Objectives: This article has chosen these countries to analyze how the risks of COVID-19 have been communicated by governments websites to citizens. Methodology: It adopted an exploratory research method with a qualitative approach to describe and evaluate the quality of government information in three dimensions: technical, content and citizen empowerment. Results: From the risk communication perspective, this research identified the inadequacy of the messages on official web pages to the most vulnerable groups and their social specificities. This paper also highlights the absence of accessibility on the contents; the shortage of digital services to serve the population. Conclusion: Government content on COVID-19 requires a dedicated website to facilitate access and guarantee citizens' right to information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitoid wasps Clistopyga misionensis Bordera & Sääksjärvi and Hymenoepimecis pucallpina Pádua & Sääksjärvi were described recently and were known only from Peru and Argentina, respectively. The males of both species remain unknown. Here, we provide the first record of H. pucallpina for Brazil, Mato Grosso, and its male is described and illustrated for the first time. We also provide a new distribution record of C. misionensi for Brazil, Minas Gerais. A distribution map and images are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in children and adolescents younger than 19 years. An estimated 10 000 deaths are caused by this disease annually in this age group in Latin America and the Caribbean. In high-income countries, the survival of children and adolescents with neoplasms can reach 85%; however, in middle- and low-income countries, despite progress, survival rates are significantly lower (between 10% and 60%). Important inequities exist is survival from childhood cancer that need to be addressed through decisive actions from the health systems. This report describes the work of the ministries of health and the Secretariat of the Andean Health Organization (Organismo Andino de Salud -- Convenio Hipólito Unánue (ORAS-CONHU)), to develop the Andean Cancer Prevention and Control Policy, with consideration given to childhood cancers. The policy was based on analysis of the cancer situation in the six Andean countries -- Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) -- between 2015 and 2020, and it was approved in 2022. An in-depth study is currently being carried out on the situation of childhood cancer in the Andean countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To map geographic clusters of rare disorders and congenital anomalies reported in South America. Methods. Qualitative systematic review conducted in Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, and Scielo electronic databases to identify studies meeting eligibility criteria. The strategy resulted in 1 672 unique articles, from which 164 were selected for full reading by a pair of reviewers. Results. Fifty-five articles reported at least one cluster of genetic disorders or congenital anomalies in South American territory. From these papers, 122 clusters were identified, of which half (61) were related to autosomal recessive disorders. Sixty-five (53.3%) of the clusters were located in Brazil. Conclusions. The results of the review reinforce that rare diseases and congenital anomalies can occur in a non-random way in space, which is discussed in the perspective of the complex history of formation, social organization, and genetic structure of the South American population. Mapping clusters in population medical genetics can be an important public health tool, given that such places concentrate cases of rare diseases that frequently require multiprofessional, specialized care. Therefore, these results can support important agendas in public health related to rare diseases and congenital anomalies, such as health promotion and surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To identify the 2022 recommendations made by ministries of health in the 13 countries and areas of South America for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature and official documents was conducted between July 7 and October 17, 2022. The review included an initial search on official websites (e.g. ministries of health, national cancer institutes and health departments) of South American countries to identify current guidelines or recommendations for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. Results. Recommendations for HPV vaccination were found for 11 countries, with the exceptions of French Guiana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Recommendations were found for cervical cancer screening in official documents from 11 countries, with the exceptions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, where one article was found that was not an official recommendation, and Suriname, for which no documents were found on websites or in other publications. A total of 12 countries use cytology to screen for cervical cancer. Four countries (Bolivia [Plurinational State of], Colombia, Guyana and Peru) use visual inspection with acetic acid and the screen-and-treat strategy. Six countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru) are transitioning from cytology to HPV testing. Conclusions. No documents were found about a national HPV vaccination program in French Guiana and Venezuela, and no official guidelines for cervical cancer screening were found for Suriname and Venezuela; thus, it will be difficult to eliminate this public health problem in these countries. Countries in South America must update their guidelines for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening as new evidence emerges. Official websites with information about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening are important sources that can be accessed by health professionals and the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To estimate the burden of permanent productivity losses caused by acute respiratory infections in South American countries in 2019. Methods. Mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were analyzed to estimate the burden of disease attributable to acute respiratory infections. An approach based on the human capital method was used to estimate the cost of permanent productivity losses associated with respiratory diseases. To calculate this cost, the sum of the years of productive life lost for each death was multiplied by the proportion in the workforce and the employment rate, and then by the annual minimum wage or purchasing power parity in United States dollars (US$) for each country in the economically active age groups. Separate calculations were done for men and women. Results. The total number of deaths from acute respiratory infections in 2019 was 30 684 and the years of productive life lost were 465 211 years. The total cost of permanent productivity loss was about US$ 835 million based on annual minimum wage and US$ 2 billion in purchasing power parity, representing 0.024% of the region's gross domestic product. The cost per death was US$ 33 226. The cost of productivity losses differed substantially between countries and by sex. Conclusion. Acute respiratory infections impose a significant economic burden on South America in terms of health and productivity. Characterization of the economic costs of these infections can support governments in the allocation of resources to develop policies and interventions to reduce the burden of acute respiratory infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the protocols used to control infection lack attention and analysis. We present data about deposits of complete genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 in the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database made between January 2021 and May 31, 2022. We build the distribution profile of SARS-CoV-2 variants across South America, highlighting the contribution and influence of each variant over time. Monitoring the genomic sequences in GISAID illustrates negligence in the follow up of infected patients in South America and also the discrepancies between the number of complete genomes deposited throughout the pandemic by developed and developing countries. While Europe and North America account for more than 9 million of the genomes deposited in GISAID, Africa and South America deposited less than 400 000 genome sequences. Genomic surveillance is important for detecting early warning signs of new circulating viruses, assisting in the discovery of new variants and controlling pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are productive ecosystems that provide ecosystem goods and services, although human development causes stresses that deteriorate the quality of their waters. The Río de la Plata river presents geographic and socioeconomic relevance, besides areas of importance in the conservation of biodiversity. The objective of this study was to analyze some of the structural and functional characteristics of the meso and macroinvertebrate assemblage along 155 km of the freshwater intertidal zone, applying multivariate analysis and comparing the sampling sites subject to different types of anthropogenic disturbances. Fifty-eight taxa were identified whose total abundance ranged from 570 to 345000 individuals/m2. The highest values of richness, structural and functional diversity, and percentages of sensitive taxa were recorded in recreational areas that have vegetated coasts, a high degree of connectivity and a natural state of riparian habitats. The multivariate analysis organized the sampling sites along a turbidity-conductivity gradient and a eutrophication-contamination gradient. The cluster analysis revealed the following groups: 1) sites with little impact of protected and recreational areas, 2) sites with anthropogenic impact and domestic discharges, 3) sites highly impacted by industrial and sewage discharges, and 4) sites located close to the front of maximum turbidity. These results showed that the characteristics of the habitat and the water determine the assemblages of invertebrates. The structural and functional descriptors analyzed can act reliably in the evaluation of the ecological quality and the biotic integrity of the Argentinian intertidal sector of the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents pathological conditions observed in the clavicular joints of the extinct giant ground sloth Megatherium americanum. Clavicles are key for shoulders and forelimbs movements in both feeding and locomotion, two aspects largely discussed in this species. Consequently, paleopathologies of this bone are a direct proxy for understanding paleoecological issues and provide indirect evidence of the paleoenvironment of this species. Eleven clavicles of Megatherium americanum from the Pleistocene of the Pampean region (Argentina), housed in European museums, have been studied. We analyzed the external and inner structure of the bone through macroscopic observation and imaging techniques (e.g., Computed tomography scanner [CT] and 3D surface scanner) and uncovered subchondral sclerosis, exostosis, cysts, and draining sinuses in seven of the analyzed samples. Our results indicate that the clavicles showed signs of arthritis and infections and were subjected to trauma. Adduction/abduction and superior movements when standing next to trees for feeding, and compressive forces due to quadrupedal locomotion by this species, might have affected the clavicle joints. This suggests that the animals tried to reach the higher levels of arbors, and indirectly implies the presence of edible groves into the grassland Pampean landscape. Based on the paleopathologies of the clavicle, the paleoecological aspects are in line with other ecological studies performed on this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing hunter-fisher-gatherer mobility strategies in island and coastal environments is key to understanding past human–environment interaction. Seafaring communities inhabiting the inland sea of Última Esperanza (Magallanes, Chile) maintained a subsistence strategy focused on hunting, gathering, and fishing until the beginning of the twentieth century. In this work we present the new archaeological findings from Diego Portales island (Almirante Montt Gulf) and discuss subsistence and mobility strategies in the context of the regional archaeological record. The systematic survey of the northeast tip of the island allowed us to record eight archaeological shell midden sites, on both the east and west coasts. Site location was determined by geotopographic factors. The excavation of two of the sites, Bahía Easter 1 and Bahía Easter 2, has provided evidence of occupation dating to the Final Late Holocene and covering a time span of almost 2,000 years. These two sites are associated with hunter-fisher-gatherer seafaring peoples who repeatedly frequented the area. Archaeozoological and archaeobotanical studies suggest a subsistence strategy based on the exploitation of at least a dozen different species of marine and terrestrial resources. Among the latter, the archaeological remains of huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) are particularly abundant. These mid-sized deer were probably hunted at the Patagonian coast and transported to the island. The location of the island, in a transit area between the external channels and the inland sea, and between the northern archipelagos and the continent, together with resource abundance and diversity, suggest that Diego Portales was a privileged area for seafaring occupation, especially in spring and summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We updated the distribution of Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) species and human cases of leishmaniasis in the Province of Corrientes, Argentina. Evandromyia correalimai (Martins, Coutinho & Lutz, 1970) is a new record for the province, reported in the urban area of Santo Tomé. We include the currently known distribution map of Phlebotominae sandfly species in Corrientes, and the localities where they were recorded, as well as a map of vector species and reported human cases of leishmaniases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several remains of fossil phocids (i.e., true seals) have been consistently reported from the Late Miocene and Pliocene strata from the southwestern coast of South America. These fossils, along with those from fossil otariids (fur seals and sea lions), indicate that a widespread turnover from a phocid-to an otariid-dominated fauna in the Southern Hemisphere transpired during the Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene. The Neogene fossil record of phocids is primarily dominated by occurrences from southern Peru and northern Chile, with a few isolated findings from central Chile. Until now, no records of fossil seals have been documented from southern Chile, constraining our understanding of the latitudinal variability of the pinniped assemblages and the mechanisms by which their faunal turnover occurred. Here we report the fossil remains of a fossil seal (Monachinae indet.) from the Late Miocene-Pliocene sediments of Guafo Island in the south of Chile. These remains constitute the southernmost occurrence of a fossil seal from the South Pacific Ocean, expanding their geographic range in the southeastern coast of South America more than 1000 km. This finding reveals that phocids inhabited temperate and subantarctic regions in Chilean Patagonia during the late Neogene, suggesting a broader environmental tolerance than previously recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present contribution, we revisited the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships within the somuncurensis and spurcus clades of Phymaturus lizards. Based on 296 morphological characters and DNA sequences, we evaluated the taxonomic species status of each clade and of two populations sampled in a field trip. Based on this evidence, we describe two new taxa for the genus. We also studied the species recently described for Chubut province, we analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, and compared them with other Patagonian species. Here, we provide data of color in life, squamation, and measurements, and compare in detail the new taxa to other members of their respective clades. We found that the somuncurensis clade comprises nine species (plus two other candidate ones) distributed mostly peripherally to the Somuncurá plateau, and present on the margins of it in isolated creeks and small mountain chains. Recent molecular studies arrived to different conclusions about the taxonomic validity of closely related species of the spurcus clade of Phymaturus lizards. We decided to revisit this group and contribute with a more complete analysis for two reasons: none of these studies revisited carefully the overall morphology and type series, and the only article that revisited this complex of species studied only one color pattern character, without providing voucher information (matching color types-collection specimens-DNA samples-sites). We studied the type series of all species, revisited characters taken from squamation and measurements, revised the color pattern of all terminals, and performed statistical analysis. Our results discovered statistically significant characters, which provide enough morphological support to consider all species of the group as valid in congruence to the multilocus analysis that combined mitochondrial and nuclear data published recently. We also provide discrete color pattern characters that help to adequately differentiate these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Context: This article aims to explain the causes of the virtual disintegration of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) from the perspective of analytical eclecticism. It is part of the growing literature around the debate on the end of International Relations theory in which analytical eclecticism and integrative pluralism emerge as viable but contested explanatory strategies. Methodology: Based on recent historical evidence and a voluminous body of research on the object of study, we start from analytical eclecticism and sequentially analyze UNASUR from neoclassical realism, institutional liberalism, and social constructivism to comprehensively explain the case. Conclusions: While any of our three approaches can convincingly explain the reasons for UNASUR's failure, none of them by itself captures the full complexity of its demise. The explanations provided by these analytical approaches are not contradictory but complementary. The creative combination of different International Relations approaches enhances our understanding of an atypical case in the history of Latin American regionalism, generally characterized by the resilience of regional organizations. The analysis of the disintegration of UNASUR reveals structural challenges and tension factors for South American regionalism. It helps understand why PROSUR, as the supposed successor to UNASUR, has not yet taken off. Originality: Research on UNASUR and its destiny has been prolific. Rival explanations such as neoclassical realism, institutional liberalism, and social constructivism have prevailed. This article is the first to collect and integrate these explanations to provide a comprehensive response that accounts for the complex process of South American disintegration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nomenclatural study of the Arenaria names referring to the species found in Chile is presented. Three names, A. fastigiata, A. multicaulis, and A. scopulorum, are illegitimate (Arts. 53.1 and 52.1 of ICN); a new name is proposed for A. fastigiata and A. multicaulis; A. scopulorum was also nomenclaturally superfluous including the type of A. digyna (Art. 52.1 of the ICN). Arenaria digyna, A. microphylla, A. oligosperma, A. pleurantha, and A. rivularis are lectotypified, based on specimens preserved at E, HAL, K, P, and SGO (isolectotypes at B, K, P, and SGO). One epitype (at SI) was designated for A. rivularis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development in telecommunication technologies has created opportunities for health professionals to optimise healthcare delivery by adopting digital tools into rehabilitation programs (i.e., telerehabilitation). These technological advances, along with the demographic and social characteristics of each country, have made the implementation of telerehabilitation a disparate process across regions. We have gathered the experience of four countries (Australia, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia) in two different regions (Oceania and South America) to recompile the history pre- and post-Covid-19 outbreak until January of 2021, the barriers to, and facilitators of telerehabilitation, and outline the future challenges for these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: People with mental illness are highly stigmatized by populations around the world and are perceived to be a burden on society. As a result of stigma, many people with mental illness are discriminated against, which leads to limited life opportunities. Given that beliefs about mental illness can vary based on culture, religion, nationality and ethnicity, it is important to understand the different types of mental illness-related stigma experienced around the world. Materials and Methods: Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodology for integrative reviews was used to analyze 18 studies about lived experiences of mental illness-related stigma in South America. Results: Findings suggest that certain types of stigma in South America are based on gender and social norms, such as the social position of men and women in society. This leads to discrimination, isolation and violence from family, intimate partners, friends, society and health professionals. Employment is also limited for South Americans with mental illness. Other consequences, such a self-stigma, also impact the lives of people with mental illness in many South American contexts. Discussion: Family, friendship and social relationships, including health professionals, can involve processes that lead to the stigma experienced by people with mental illness. Conclusion: This integrative review highlights how mental illness related-stigma impacts individuals in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are three extant species of wild canids in Venezuela: Urocyon cinereoargenteus, Cerdocyon thous, and Speothos venaticus, excluding the feral domestic dog (Canis familiaris). However, a review of paleontological material that was published previously, along with newly reported ancient specimens, reveals a distinct historical diversity for the same region. The gray fox, U. cinereoargenteus, is the only smallsized taxon and the only Vulpini (true fox) identified to date in the fossil record of Venezuela; its presence is limited to the late Pleistocene of the Mene de Inciarte site, Zulia State. In contrast, large canids are more abundant. Aenocyon dirus (subtribe Canina), the dire wolf from the late Pleistocene, was reported from the sites El Mene de Inciarte, Muaco in Falcón State, and for the first time in El Breal de Orocual (ORS20) in Monagas State. The genus Protocyon, a native South American canid (subtribe Cerdocyonina), is recognized in the country from late Pleistocene Inciarte (Protocyon troglodytes sensu lato), and late Pliocene-early Pleistocene Orocual (ORS16) (Protocyon orocualensis sp. nov.). Finally, we report a possible genus Theriodictis from the late Pleistocene Orocual; this is a Cerdocyonina not previously mentioned for the northern region of South America. These records present broader diversity and suggest a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought for South American canids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To describe cervical cancer (CC) prevention and control strategies in the primary care setting in South America. Method. Two review steps were performed: review of documents published in governmental websites in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela; and systematic review of the literature available in LILACS, MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, and Science Direct databases. Results. Twenty-one institutional documents (plans, practice guides, and national guidelines) and 25 journal articles were included. All countries had high CC morbidity and mortality rates. Screening in primary healthcare (PHC) was mostly opportunistic, although the institutional documents indicated an intention and strategies for early diagnosis and longitudinal follow-up of suspected and confirmed cases, preferably within the public healthcare system. All countries adopted a broad view of PHC, although the stage of PHC implementation was heterogeneous in different countries, with predominance of selective PHC. Access to screening was more difficult for women from rural or remote areas and for indigenous populations. The unavailability of PHC close to households/communities was an important barrier for CC screening. Conclusions. The fragmentation of healthcare systems and the selective provision of services are barriers for the prevention and control of CC in South America. Organized CC screening programs and active search for Papanicolaou testing in primary care are needed. Intercultural practices and intersectional public policies are essential to overcome the inequities in CC control in South American countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the ongoing studies of the genus Polycarpon (Caryophyllaceae) and the preparation of its treatment for the Argentinian Flora, we here present a taxonomic note concerning the identity of the name P. apurense. A specimen preserved at P is designated as the lectotype of this name. Its identity was discussed and the synonymy with P. prostratum, recurring in the literature, was discarded on the basis of its habit and leaf shape and size. A nomenclatural change (i.e. P. tetraphyllum subsp. apurense) is proposed here on the basis of the current concept in the genus Polycarpon. Concerning the distribution of this taxon, it is excluded from Brazil and Uruguay and its presence in Peru is uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the dynamics in which the territory is thought of and interfered with, to lead to the displacement and dispossession of the population by armed or administrative means, 87 interviews with social leaders between 2019-2021 were carried out to allow for a historical analysis of processes associated with the occupation of lands in the department of Meta, under the Monster-Monstrosity relationship associated with technology from the mechanical methods of the State and / or the bioinformatics methods of the market. The results expose a territory that begins in the body, as a biopolitical and bioeconomic space of confrontation. The above is analyzed through the metaphors of the romantic cowboy, the man-eater, the land-of- the-future, and the post-organic cowboy, exposing a nomadic thought with a spirit of intellectual resistance and historical emancipation. It is concluded that the semiological character of daily life with technology allows for the empowerment, the visibility, and the political-economic reconfiguration of the territory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]