Search

Acting as a goalkeeper in a video-game, a participant is asked to predict the successive choices of the penalty taker. The sequence of choices of the penalty taker is generated by a stochastic chain with memory of variable length. It has been conjectured that the probability distribution of the response times is a function of the specific sequence of past choices governing the algorithm used by the penalty taker to make his choice at each step. We found empirical evidence that besides this dependence, the distribution of the response times depends also on the success or failure of the previous prediction made by the participant. Moreover, we found statistical evidence that this dependence propagates up to two steps forward after the prediction failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to provide an overview, under the axiological-normative approach, of the theme of administrative morality, aiming to characterize and analyze the performance of the Ethical Management System of the Federal Executive Branch (SGEPEF), established by Decree 6029 of 2007, correlating it to the protection of the public res.Methodologically, bibliographic research was used on the theme State, democracy and res publica, from the formation of the modern State to the emergence of the Brazilian Democratic State of Law. In addition, a qualitative analysis of the meeting minutes of the 2000s was carried out to 2021 of the Public Ethics Commission - central body of SGEPEF, observing the main topics submitted for analysis by the collegiate. The results obtained led to the conclusion of the importance of the role of the SGEPEF in the protection of the res publica, lending effectiveness to the normative framework related to administrative morality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review the Atractus snethlageae species complex based on the examination of 330 specimens throughout its entire distribution, including its type series. We redefine A. snethlageae and recognize four new species previously assigned to it in the literature and natural history collections. Two of them are diagnosed through both phenotypic (meristic, morphometric, color pattern, and male genital structure) and molecular (phylogeny) evidence, while the other two are recognized on the basis of morphological characters only. We show that some Amazonian lowland species have more restricted ranges. The area covering the eastern portion of the state of Pará and western portion of the state of Maranhão in Brazil harbors restricted endemism for Atractus. This biogeographically important region is also the most threatened within Amazonia. Finally, we discuss the expected changes in the taxonomy of ground snakes with more robust hypotheses based on well‐sampled phylogenies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attentional bias is the allocation of attentional resources to irrelevant stimuli during a task. It is assumed that patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) presents attentional bias toward threatening stimuli. In order to describe OCD's neurobiological findings of attentional bias towards a threat, it was performed a systematic review of experimental studies with neurobiological assessment in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS. Four studies with control group are described in this review, all presenting statistically significant differences in brain activity associated with attention in patients. The neurobiological findings of the studies included in the review suggest allocation of attentional resources to irrelevant stimuli, regardless of the emotional valence in OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the taxonomic status of snakes from the Atractus emmeli species complex (composed by A. boettgeri, A. emmeli, A. paravertebralis, and A. taeniatus) on the basis of concordance between quantitative (meristics and morphometrics) and qualitative (pholidosis, color pattern, and hemipenis) analyses of morphological characters, in combination with ecological niche modeling and niche overlapping. We synonymize A. boettgeri, A. paravertebralis, and A. taeniatus with A. emmeli based on the congruent analytical results. We also describe a new species to accommodate the Brazilian populations from the state of Mato Grosso mainly based upon some unique states of morphological characters, including hemipenial morphology, color pattern, and meristics. We found that the new species has a distinct ecological niche compared with A. emmeli and some level of niche overlapping with A. albuquerquei. We found great differences in ecological niches of species occurring in the Cerrado versus those occurring in the Western Amazon–Andean foothills, suggesting a putative niche evolution in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakes of the genus Boa are outstanding elements of the New World biota with a broad sociological influence on pop culture. Historically, several taxa have been recognized in the past 300 years, being mostly described in the early days of binomial nomenclature. As a rule, these taxa were recognized based on a suite of phenotypic characters mainly those from the external morphology. However, there is a huge disagreement with respect to the current taxonomy and available molecular phylogenies. In order to reconcile both lines of evidence, we investigate the phylogenetic reconstruction (using mitochondrial and nuclear genes) of the genus in parallel to the detailed study of some phenotypic systems from a geographically representative sample of the cis-Andean mainland Boa constrictor. We used cyt-b only (744bp) from 73 samples, and cyt-b, ND4, NTF3, and ODC partial sequences (in a total of 2305 bp) from 35 samples, comprising nine currently recognized taxa (species or subspecies), to infer phylogenetic relationships of boas. Topologies recovered along all the analyses and genetic distances obtained allied to a unique combination of morphological traits (colouration, pholidosis, meristic, morphometric, and male genitalia features) allowed us to recognize B. constrictor lato sensu, B. nebulosa, B. occidentalis, B. orophias and a distinct lineage from the eastern coast of Brazil, which we describe here as a new species, diagnosing it from the previously recognized taxa. Finally, we discuss the minimally necessary changes in the taxonomy of Boa constrictor complex; the value of some usually disregarded phenotypic character system; and we highlight the urgency of continuing environmental policy to preserve one of the most impacted Brazilian hotspots, the Atlantic Forest, which represents an ecoregion full of endemism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the cephalic myology of snakes provide a series of relevant data on their biology and systematics. Despite the great amount of descriptive studies currently available for the group, much of the knowledge remains obscure for most scolecophidian taxa. This study aimed to describe in detail the cephalic (head and neck) myology of members of the tribe Epictinae, Leptotyphlopidae. We provide the first report of the presence of extrinsic ocular muscles, and a double Musculus pterygoideus acessorius in Leptotyphlopidae. A well-developed M. levator anguli oris is exclusive to the subtribes Renina and Epictina, being reduced in Tetracheilostomina species. Both inter- and intraspecific variations are reported for the head and neck muscles, and such results provide additional data and raise an interesting discussion on the neck-trunk boundaries in snakes. We also provide a discussion on the terminology of a few head muscles in Leptoyphlopidae in comparison to the other lineages of ´Scolecophidia´ (Anomalepididae and Typhlopoidea). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe herein a new polychromatic species of the snake genus Atractus from the cloud forests of the northeastern Andes of Colombia. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by having an exclusive combination of phenotypic characters, such as: dorsal scale rows 17, loreal long, seven to ten maxillary teeth, ventrals 156–174 in females and 153–169 in males, subcaudals 20–30 in females and 23–30 in males, dorsum with variable coloration, changing from dark green to orange or red with a black nuchal band (three to four scales long) connected to a black vertebral line and two black dorsolateral continuous stripes from the occipital region to tip of the tail, venter with irregular black blotches, relatively small body size, small tail length in females and moderately long in males, hemipenis moderately bilobed, semicapitate and semicalyculate. We compared the new species with all congeners occurring along the Cordillera Oriental in Colombia, Sierra de Perijá in the Colombia/Venezuela frontier and Cordillera de Mérida in Venezuela. We discussed aspects related to polychromatism and its implication toward a robust taxonomy for the genus Atractus. Describimos una nueva especie de serpiente policromática del género Atractus para los bosques nublados del noreste de los Andes de Colombia. La nueva especie se distingue de todos los congéneres por tener una combinación exclusiva de caracteres fenotípicos, como: escamas dorsales en 17 hileras, loreales largas, siete a diez dientes maxilares, ventrales 156–174 en hembras y 153–169 en machos, subcaudales 20–30 en hembras y 23–30 en machos, dorso con coloración variable, cambiando de verde oscuro a naranja o rojo con una banda nucal negra (largo de tres o cuatro escamas) conectada a una línea vertebral negra y dos franjas continuas dorsolaterales negras desde la región occipital hasta la punta de la cola, superficie ventral del cuerpo con manchas irregulares negras, tamaño corporal relativamente pequeño, longitud de la cola pequeña en las hembras y moderadamente larga en los machos, hemipene moderadamente bilobado, semicapitado y semicaliculado. Comparamos las nuevas especies con todos los congéneres que ocurren a lo largo de la Cordillera Oriental en Colombia, Sierra de Perijá en la frontera de Colombia/Venezuela y la Cordillera de Mérida en Venezuela. Discutimos aspectos relacionados con el policromatismo y su implicación hacia una taxonomía sólida para el género Atractus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guiana Shield harbours one of the best preserved and largest extents of tropical forest on Earth and an immense biodiversity. The herpetofauna of this region remains poorly known. The species-rich snake genus Atractus contains ∼140 species, many with complicated taxonomic histories, including A. schach. Examination of specimens in museums and newly collected material from French Guiana has allowed the illustration of hemipenial morphology for the first time and an expanded diagnosis. Concatenated molecular phylogenetic (mitochondrial and nuclear genes) and phenotypic (morphometrics, external and hemipenial morphology) analyses confirm non-monophyly of the A. flammigerus group and indicate that A. schach is a species complex with three new species described here. The geographic distribution of A. schach sensu stricto is restricted to Guiana, Surinam, and French Guiana north of Tumucumaque massif. Populations tentatively assigned to A. schach from the east from French Guiana in the Roura lowlands to Almeirim, and from central Amazonia between the Negro and Trombetas rivers in Brazil are also recognized as new species. Our results suggest that populations from south of the Amazon River are not conspecific with those from the Guiana Shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subfamily Epictinae contains about 75 currently recognized species of strictly fossorial snakes distributed along the Neotropics (subtribe Renina) and Equatorial Africa (subtribe Rhinoleptini). Although several studies have addressed some internal phenotypic characters complexes for the taxa included in this subfamily, most of the available data are limited to skull morphology and visceral topology. Additionally, many studies, when reporting glandular information, do not provide comparative data obtained through of a replicable methodology. In this study, we aimed to describe in detail the macrostructure of the cephalic glands for the members of the subfamily Epictinae. We provide herein the first report of a rictal gland for the infraorder Scolecophidia, as well as the first report of an infralabial accessory gland for the family Leptotyphlopidae. We highlight the utility of glandular qualitative characters for the systematics and even alpha taxonomy of this group of snakes that frequently exhibits a conserved external morphology. Furthermore, we also discuss possible functional aspects related to the Harderian gland in association to the M. adductor externus superficialis based on macrostructure observations of Epictinae specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractus flammigerus was described on the basis of two specimens from Java (in error). Subsequently, its lectotype was designated and the type locality restricted to Paramaribo in Suriname. Although this species has been repeatedly recorded throughout western Amazonia (mainly from Brazil and Peru), all of these records were erroneously assigned to A. flammigerus because of a considerable level of confusion with two widespread congeners ( A. snethlageae and A. torquatus). To date, only nine individuals of A. flammigerus (sensu stricto) are reported in the literature on the basis of vouchered specimens. During the examination of scientific collections and fieldwork we found 12 additional specimens of this poorly known snake, expanding our knowledge on its morphological variability and distribution. In this paper, we report new localities and data on meristic, morphometric, color pattern in life and, after preservation, macro- and micro-ornamentation of dorsal scales, cranial osteology, and hemipenis morphology of A. flammigerus. We provide new diagnostic features and additional data for detailed comparisons with morphologically similar and sympatric congeners, and update the species boundaries of A. flammigerus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes to think about the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) religious services offerings from the merger of imaginary features representations of it time and context. While many are in charge to found new paths, Edir Macedo envisioned in already crystallized pedagogy of mental images and people representations his great discursive / theological contribution. Therefore, it was with the demonization of Umbanda and the management of sympathies, rites, blessings and exorcisms converted into sacred liturgies and confrontation with their wichcrafts, to the transformation of their temples and services in major therapeutic/ spiritual spaces. From the mystical and religious imagery to the psychoanalytic rationalizing imaginary, the UCKG remain prosperous and professional in provide feedback on the imagination of its customers from the representations present in their own time setting. In a flexible way, the religious services of the UCKG are always in line with the demands of certain social groups, more precisely to those who are more sensitive to the use of the popular imagination outline as a complementary substance in the plausibility of everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We redescribe Atractus punctiventris based on the examination of its holotype, two topotypes, and two additional specimens recently collected. We describe two new species of Atractus with 15 dorsal scale rows, previously confused with Atractus insipidus, from the eastern and western portions of Brazilian Amazonia, respectively. The new species are recognized on the basis of unique combinations of morphological characters. We compare Atractus punctiventris and the two new species with all congeners from most lowland provinces of cis-Andean South America. We discuss potential affinities of the three species, mainly by sharing exclusive hemipenial traits with congeners placed in different phenetic groups, and allocate them to distinct species groups of Atractus. Redescrevemos Atractus punctiventris baseado no exame de seu holótipo, dois topótipos e dois exemplares adicionais recentemente coletados. Descrevemos duas novas espécies de Atractus com 15 séries de escamas dorsais, previamente confundidas com Atractus insipidus, respectivamente para as porções leste e oeste da Amazonia brasileira. As novas espécies são reconhecidas com base em combinações únicas de caracteres morfológicos. Comparamos Atractus punctiventris e as duas novas espécies com os congêneres da maior parte das províncias de terras baixas da América do Sul cis-Andina. Discutimos as afinidades das três espécie, sobretudo por compartilharem feições exclusivas em relação a morfologia hemipeniana com congêneres alocados em diferentes grupos fenéticos, e designamos estas espécies para distintos grupos de espécies de Atractus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the consolidation path of the Fountain of Life Church, a religious group that took the strategy to achieve those who come from the underground class division in Brazil: the "C" class. With a modality of religious services aimed at suppression of life contingencies by the way of individual empowerment, the closer relations with the political and the media was essential for its maintenance in competitor Brazilian religious market. The Fountain of Life Church, despite its more significant presence in the south central region of the country, already occupies a significant share of the Pentecostal Brazilian customers. This paper presents theoretical and empirical data in order to illustrate the course of the Fountain of Life Church and how this trajectory influenced the formation of its theological and market identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review the taxonomic status of the snakes belonging to the genus Atractus from the Pantepui region on the basis of morphological characters (meristic, morphometric, color pattern, and hemipenis). We redescribe and illustrate the holotype of A. insipidus, correcting the elevation of the type locality and providing its exact coordinates. We report the third known specimen of A. riveroi on the basis of an individual collected in the Sierra Parima close to the Venezuela/Brazil border. We report the geographical variation of A. steyermarki, expanding its known distribution on the basis of specimens collected in Guyanese tepuis, and consider the species a senior synonym of A. guerreroi. We also report the geographical variation in meristic, morphometric, color pattern, and hemipenial characters of A. tamessari on the basis of the discovery of new specimens. Finally, we provide a key to the Atractus of the Guiana Shield and discuss on the evolution of some particular features of hemipenial morphology in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Rhabdosoma microrhynchum (now Atractus microrhynchus) was originally described based on a single specimen collected by the Orton Expedition at “Guayaquil,” in the Guayas province on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. The holotype is currently lost and all specimens previously referred to this species were misidentified on the basis of material from Peruvian Amazonia. While examining museum collections and conducting fieldwork in the Pacific lowlands of Ecuador and Peru, we found specimens assignable to A. microrhynchus. In this study, we report the morphological variation in these new specimens of A. microrhynchus and evaluate the taxonomic status of the Amazonian species previously confused with it. We restrict the concept of A. microrhynchus to the Pacific lowland populations from Ecuador and Peru, and we designate a neotype for the species. Based on the examination of the types of A. emersoni and A. natans from Amazonia, we found that there is wide overlap in the internal and external characters of both taxa. Therefore, A. emersoni is relegated to the synonymy of A. natans. Furthermore, we compared A. microrhynchus with all congeners and discuss its affinities with the A. multicinctus species group based on shared, exclusive hemipenial features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptophis santamartensis, known only from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, is one of the more poorly known species of the genus Leptophis. The characters used for its diagnosis largely overlap with those of other Leptophis, mainly with Leptophis ahaetulla occidentalis, the only other Leptophis known to occur in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A detailed comparison of L. a. occidentalis with the two known specimens of L. santamartensis leads to the conclusion that the latter should be relegated to the synonymy of the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examines the distribution, morphology and natural history of Caaetebioa amarali in Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Researchers found that C. amarali is poorly represented in herpetological collections due to apparent rarity in nature or undersampling of its secretive habitat. It states that Hemidactylus mabouia is frequently associated with human habitations and well-known for utilizing areas around artificial light sources as hunting grounds. It suggests that C. amarali might be active in forage and twilight in arboreal environment.

A new species of Atractus, previously reported as a disjunct population of A. zidoki south of the Amazon River, differs from all congeners in having an undivided sulcus spermaticus. Herein, we restrict the concept of A. zidoki to populations north of the Amazon River, provide a detailed description of its everted hemipenis, and describe a new species to accommodate the population occurring to the south of the Amazon River. Additionally, we briefly discuss intraspecific variation and the systematic value of the hemipenis structure in snakes, mainly with respect to the genus Atractus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revised the taxonomic status of Atractus species occurring in the eastern slopes of Central Cordillera, Magdalena Valley, and west slopes of Eastern Cordillera of Colombia on the basis of morphological characters (meristics, morphometrics, color patterns, and hemipenes). A lectotype is designated for Atractus obtusirostris. Additional specimens of A. melanogaster are reported for the first time and a neotype is designated for the species. The status of A. werneri is restricted to include only specimens from the western slopes of the Eastern Cordillera. Three new species are described from the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera. Additionally, we provided a key for species distributed from the eastern Central to the western Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia, and propose a new species group for Atractus based on the sharing of exclusive morphological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomic status of Atractus occipitoalbus is revised on the basis of concordance between quantitative and qualitative analyses of morphological characters (meristic, morphometric, color pattern, and hemipenis). Atractus duboisi and A. orcesi are herein resurrected based on the number of ventral and subcaudal scales, number of postocular scales, head shape in lateral view, relative tail length, distinct color patterns, and hemipenial morphology. Additionally, a new species, closely related to A. occipitoalbus, is described from the Andean piedmont of Colombia. The new species, represented by a single female, is diagnosed from the A. occipitoalbus female populations on the basis of number of subcaudals, number postocular scales, and dorsal and ventral color patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atractus bocki was described based on a single specimen from the Cochabamba region in Bolivia, and since its original description, there have been no further records for the species. During the examination of Argentinean and Bolivian collections, we found four additional specimens of this poorly known snake. In this paper, we describe these individuals and report new data on meristic and morphometric variation for A. bocki. We also evaluate the taxonomic status of Atractus canedii and propose its synonymy with A. bocki. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arboreal boa Corallus caninus is widely distributed across northern South America (the Guianas and Amazonia). We examined geographic variation based on examination of 192 specimens from throughout the range, and revised its taxonomy on the basis of quantitative and qualitative analyses of morphological characters (meristics, morphometrics, and color patterns). Based on the high number of lateral blotches on the body and the high number of scales across the snout, populations south of the Rio Amazonas and west of the Rio Negro are identified as a species (or, potentially, a species complex) separate from C. caninus, and the name Corallus batesii is resurrected for those populations. The distribution of Corallus caninus is restricted to the Guiana Shield (north of the Rio Amazonas and east of the Rio Negro). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Atractus are described from the northern Cordillera Central of Colombia. The new species, previously confused with older names, are easily distinguished from any currently recognized Atractus by unique combinations of morphological characters. Additionally, we provide comments on the Atractus diversity and distribution pattern in the Colombian Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Atractus are described from Venezuela uplands and highlands on two northern Andean cordilleras. Atractus acheronius, known only from Sierra de Perijá, can be distinguished from congeners by having 17 dorsal scale rows, presence of preocular scales, seven upper and lower labials, seven maxillary teeth, 166 ventrals in the single female, 23 subcaudals, dorsum brown with small dark brown dots, large body size, huge body diameter, and small tail size. Atractus multidentatus, known only from north versant of the Cordillera de Mérida, can be distinguished from congeners by having 17 dorsal scale rows, eight upper and lower labials, 18 maxillary teeth, 153 ventrals in the single female, nine subcaudals, dorsum reddish brown with five longitudinal dark brown stripes, small body size, small body diameter, and small tail size. Additionally, a discussion concerning the species description of Atractus based on unique specimens is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT.-A new species of Atractus is described from Serra do Surucucu, a mountain slope at 1,000 m in the Guyana Shield, State of Roraima, Brazil. This species, only known by females, is diagnosed from all congeners by the following combination of characters: 17/17/17 smooth dorsal scale rows, without apical pits; 200-207 ventral scales; 25-26 subcaudal scales; moderate sized loreal, contacting second and third supralabials; seven supralabials, third and fourth contacting orbit; seven infralabials, first three contacting chinshields; moderate size, 222-388 mm SVL; short tail (7.7-8.8% snout-vent length); dorsal color pattern, in preservative, uniform chocolate to dark brown, with two conspicuous light paraventral lines, and a light incomplete occipital collar; venter immaculate creamish-white; tail uniform black; five maxillary teeth. We compared the new species with all currently recognized cis-Andean Atractus, and its affinities with Atractus alphonsehogei, Atractus caxiuana, Atractus collaris, Atractus gaigeae, Atractus limitaneus, and Atractus zidoki are discussed on the basis of putative morphological synapomorphies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which examined the taxonomic status of the Atractus sanctaemartae and A. nebularis snakes on the basis of qualitative and quantitative analysis of meristic, morphometric, colour pattern and hemipenial characters. Analysis of variance (NOVA) using segmental counts and measurements were employed in order to assess the presence or absence of sexual dimorphism within each taxon. The male sanctaemartae featured a dorsum of head black or dark brown, with brown blotches eventually above internasals and is the only species of its genus to show strong sexual dichromatism.

The Epicrates cenchria complex is endemic to the Neotropical region, occurring in mainland portions of Central and South America. The taxonomic status of the nine currently recognized subspecies (E. c. alvarezi, E. c. assisi, E. c. barbouri, E. c. cenchria, E. c. crassus, E. c. gaigei, E. c. hygrophilus, E. c. maurus, and E. c. polylepis), were evaluated based on external morphology, osteology, and hemipenis characters. Results obtained through quantitative and qualitative analyses support the recognition of E. alvarezi, E. assisi, E. cenchria, E. crassus, and E. maurus as distinct species based on statistically robust delimitation of species boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Atractus is described from Serra de Baturité, an Atlantic Forest enclave in the semiarid Caatinga of the state of Ceará, northeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of 17 dorsal scale rows at midbody, long loreal, two postoculars, seven upper and lower labials, first four infralabials in contact with chinshields, seven maxillary teeth, moderate body and tall sizes, slightly bilobed and semicapitate hemipenis with lateral-tip projections, light dorsal color pattern uniformly scattered with small dark brown dots, and ventral color pattern uniformly creamish white. The new species shares most of the external morphology and hemipenis characters with A. pantoslictus, differing from this taxon by general color pattern and number of subcaudal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Leptotyphlops dulcis group is described from the central Brazilian Cerrado, which is diagnosed by rostral shape, general colour pattern, and number of middorsal and subcaudal scales. This taxon has been commonly misidentified as L. koppesi in some Brazilian collections and by some authors. Leptotyphlops koppesi was described from the municipality of Terenos, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, based on a single specimen. Since its original description, only three subsequent records appear in the literature reporting additional specimens of L. koppesi. We redescrib the holotype of Leptotyphlops koppesi, defining its geographic range and diagnose this from all species of L. dulcis group. Data on morphometric and meristic variation are reported for the new species and L. koppesi as well. Comparisons are made between the new species and all other South American species of the L. dulcis group. The hemipenis of the new species has a narrow basal portion and a series of lateral flounces. This general hemipenial morphology is unique among Neotropical leptotyphlopids, otherwise known only from Atlantic Rainforest species L. salgueiroi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dipsadine snake Leptognathus incertus was originally described from French Guiana and subsequently was restricted to the Atlantic Rain Forest in southeastern and south Brazil. We compare its original description with available data for Leptognathus alternans as well as with species of the genus Dipsas occurring in French Guiana. Leptognathus alternans is revalidated in the combination Dipsas alternans, representing the populations occurring in the Atlantic Rain Forest of southeastern and south Brazil. The neotype of L. alternans is designated and described. The taxonomic status of L. incertus is revised and, in the interest of stabilizing the nomenclature of this species, Dipsas copei is synonymized with L. incertus in the combination Dipsas incerta, corresponding to populations of the Guianan region. The holotype of L. copei is designated as the neotype of L. incertus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of diseases with animal resources or their derivatives is a traditional practice worldwide, representing a wide field of research for the elaboration of strategies of management and conservation of the fauna, and contributing to the search for sustainable therapy alternatives. This study presents the therapeutic applications of animal fats to the treatment of several diseases in Pimenteiras do Oeste, state of Rondonia, Brazil. Twelve animals including: mammals, fishes, reptiles and birds are reported as a source of medicinal lard for the treatment of respiratory illnesses (asthma, flu, bronchitis, cough), rheumatism, earache and as a healing agent (dislocation and wounds). The ethnopharmacological focus of the study was on Green-anaconda (Eunectes murinus) fat, which stands out for its frequent local use and the lack of previous chemical studies. The chemical composition of E. murinus fat was analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography, both coupled to mass spectrometry. The main fatty acids identified were oleic, linoleic and palmitic acids, which were also predominant in the composition of the triglycerides. Pharmacological analysis of Green-anaconda fat showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect, which is related to its use by traditional communities. Having confirmed the pharmacological potential of Greenanaconda fat, its fatty acid composition was used as a parameter in the search for vegetable oils from the Amazon Region with a similar composition. This comparative analysis can be of help by proposing therapeutic alternatives for the Amazonian population. The use of plant sources can contribute to the conservation of the aforementioned species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of highways is responsible for access to previously protected areas, resulting in changes in landscape and dynamics of the animal populations that live in these areas. These enterprises are the major responsible for the mortality of wild animals, surpassing hunting and even the trafficking of animals. The objective of this study was to make a list that reflects the diversity of amphibians and reptile’s road-killed along the BR-040, a highway that crosses the threaten lowland Atlantic Forest in Southeastern region of Brazil, including the use of microhabitats, lifestyle, activity pattern, reproductive cycles, and possible rare or endangered species. The study area consists of 180,4 km of highways. Monitoring began in 2006 and continues to the present day. A total of 1,410 individuals from 60 species were recorded in this study. The reptiles were more frequent in number of individuals and species. The commonest species recorded were Crotalus durissus and Dipsas mikanii. We have registered a single endangered species: Ranacephala hogei. The highest rates of road-kill were recorded during the wet season. Road-kills of fauna is a major threat to species, studies are of great importance to define plans that seek to mitigate the effects generated by these enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying species interactions in nature often requires elaborated logistics and intense fieldwork. The difficulties in such task might hinder our ability to answer questions on how biotic interactions change with the environment. Fortunately, a workaround to this problem lies within scientific collections.For some animals, the inspection of preserved specimens can reveal the scars of past antagonistic encounters, such as predation attempts. A common defensive behaviour that leaves scars on animals is autotomy, the loss of a body appendage to escape predation. By knowing the collection site of preserved specimens, it is possible to assess the influence of organismal biology and the surrounding environment in the occurrence of autotomy.We gathered data on tail loss for 8189 preserved specimens of 33 snake and 11 amphisbaenian species to investigate biological and environmental correlates of autotomy in reptiles. We applied generalized linear mixed effect models to evaluate whether body size, sex, life‐stage, habitat use, activity pattern, biome, tropicality, temperature and precipitation affect the probability of tail loss in limbless reptiles.We observed autotomy in 23.6% of examined specimens, with 18.7% of amphisbaenian and 33.4% of snake specimens showing tail loss. The probability of tail loss did not differ between snakes and amphisbaenians, but it was higher among large‐sized specimens, particularly in adults and females. Chance of tail loss was higher for diurnal and arboreal species, and among specimens collected in warmer regions, but it was unaffected by biome, precipitation, and tropicality.Autotomy in limbless reptiles was affected by size‐dependent factors that interplay with ontogeny and sexual dimorphism, although size‐independent effects of life‐stage and sex also shaped behavioural responses to predators. The increase in probability of tail loss with verticality and diurnality suggests a risk‐balance mechanism between species habitat use and activity pattern. Although autotomy is more likely in warmer regions, it seems unrelated to seasonal differences in snakes and amphisbaenians activity. Our findings reveal several processes related to predator–prey interactions involving limbless reptiles, demonstrating the importance of scientific collections to unveil ecological mechanisms at different spatio‐temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Atractus is described from cloud forests of the extreme northern Ecuadorian Andes, Tulcán County, Carchi Province. Atractus savagei sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by the combination of 17 dorsal scale rows, long loreal, six supralabials (third and fourth contacting orbit), seven infralabials (first four contacting chinshields), 5-8 maxillary teeth, 161-165 ventrals in females and 149-154 in males, 23-26 subcaudals in females and 28-33 in males, a brown dorsum with black specks on the margins of scales, two black longitudinal stripes on each side of the body, yellow ventral color of head gradually changing to orange and red toward the back of the body, venter with lateral and median series of black blotches arranged in conspicuous longitudinal stripes, moderate body size, a long tail in males, and a moderately bilobed, barely capitate, and slightly calyculate hemipenis. Based on shared morphological characters, especially hemipenial features, we propose to tentatively allocate the new species to the A. paucidens group. Se describe una nueva especie de Atractus de los bosques nublados del extremo norte de los Andes ecuatorianos, Cantón Tulcán, Provincia de Carchi. Atractus savagei sp. nov. se distingue de otras especies del género por la combinación de 17 filas de escamas dorsales, loreal larga, 6 supralabiales (tercera y cuarta contactando la órbita), 7 infralabiales (primeras cuatro en contacto con las geneiales), 5-8 dientes maxilares, 161-165 ventrales en hembras y 149-154 en machos, 23-26 subcaudales en hembras y 28-33 en machos, dorso café con manchas negras en los márgenes de las escamas, dos líneas longitudinales negras en cada lado del cuerpo, color ventral de la cabeza amarillo que cambia gradualmente a naranja y rojo hacia atrás del cuerpo, vientre con series laterales y medias de manchas negras dispuestas en líneas longitudinales conspicuas, tamaño del cuerpo moderado, cola larga en machos, y un hemipene moderadamente bilobular, muy poco capitado y un poco caliculado. Con base en caracteres morfológicos compartidos, especialmente asociados a los hemipenes, se propone incluir tentativamente a esta nueva especie en el grupo A. paucidens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive lack of knowledge on the morphological aspects of South American watersnakes includes a poor understanding of phenotypic parameters, intraspecific variation, and conservation of the trans-Andean Helicops species, Daniel's Keelback (Helicops danieli Amaral, 1937). For the first time, we provide a multidisciplinary view using key features (e.g., morphology and niche modeling) to improve the taxonomic recognition of this species, as well as describing ontogenetic color changes, allometry, sexual dimorphism, and the conservation status of this poorly studied snake. First, we emended the morphological diagnosis of H. danieli with 23 characters and detected that juvenile tail length is positively related to allometric growth, and that juveniles differ from adults through the presence of the white nuchal collar. Females are larger than males for snout–vent length, whereas males showed proportionally longer tails and smaller head length growth. Suitable areas for H. danieli are restricted to the trans-Andean regions from the Magdalena drainage to the Caribbean coast, which also showed high values of anthropic impacts. Our multidisciplinary approach provided new insights into this South American watersnake's morphology, intraspecific variation, and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of the highly diversified and species-rich snake genus Atractus was assessed in search for endemism areas. The dataset of 6000 museum specimens was used to run an Endemicity Analyses in order to identify areas of biogeographic relevance for the genus Atractus. By using distinct methodological approaches and modifying the size and shape of grid cells we obtained a better adjustment to each species range, taking into account species distributed along the Andean and Atlantic Forest mountain ranges or certain vegetation constraints. Three scales of endemism were observed: micro endemic areas, represented by three different regions; intermediate sized endemic areas, represented by nine different regions; and macro-endemic areas, represented by four different provinces. Although most assessed regions corroborate well-defined biogeographic units according to the scientific literature, some, mainly located in the Colombian Andes, are not regularly considered in biogeographic syntheses carried out for vertebrates. Methodological approaches, along with a well curated database and taxonomic accuracy, may significantly influence the recovery of endemism areas, mainly considering mountain topography and local niche structure. The results present herein highlight the relevance of three Colombian Cordilleras, in order to completely understand Neotropical biota patterns of distribution. It is important to note that a well-resolved taxonomy represents both the framework and the first step toward a comprehensive biographical synthesis reducing Wallacean shortfalls in biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: RESILIENT is a prospective, multicenter, randomized phase III trial to test the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy as compared to medical treatment alone in patients treated under the less than ideal conditions typically found in the public healthcare system of a developing country. Methods: Subjects must fulfill the following main inclusion criteria: symptom onset ≤8 h, age ≥18 years, baseline NIHSS ≥8, evidence of intracranial ICA or proximal MCA (M1 segment) occlusion, ASPECTS ≥6 on CT or >5 on DWI-MRI and be either ineligible for or unresponsive to intravenous alteplase. The primary end-point is the distribution of disability levels (on the modified Rankin Scale, mRS) at 90 days under the intention-to-treat principle. Randomization: Randomization is performed under a minimization process using age, baseline NIHSS, intravenous alteplase use, occlusion site and center. Design: The trial is designed with an expectation of a 10% difference in the proportion of favorable outcome (mRS 0–2 at 90 days) common odds ratio of 1.615. Primary outcome: Projected sample size is 690 subjects with pre-planned interim analyses at 174, 346, and 518 subjects. Secondary outcomes: Secondary end-points include: 90-day functional independence (mRS ≤2), mRS shift stratified for treatment with IV rt-PA at 90 days, infarct volume on 24 h CT or MRI, early dramatic response (NIHSS 0–2 or improvement ≥8 points) at 24 h, vessel recanalization evaluated by CTA or MRA at 24 h, and the post-procedure rate of successful reperfusion (defined as a modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction 2b or greater). Safety variables are mortality at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 24 h and procedure-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable identification and delimitation of species is an essential pre-requisite for many fields of science and conservation. The Neotropical herpetofauna is the world's most diverse, including many taxa of uncertain or debated taxonomy. Here we tackle one such species complex, by evaluating the taxonomic status of species currently allocated in the snake genus Xenopholis (X. scalaris, X. undulatus, and X. werdingorum). We base our conclusions on concordance between quantitative (meristic and morphometric) and qualitative (color pattern, hemipenes and skull features) analyses of morphological characters, in combination with ecological niche modeling. We recognize all three taxa as valid species and improve their respective diagnosis, including new data on color in life, pholidosis, bony morphology, and male genitalia. We find low overlap among the niches of each species, corroborating the independent source of phenotypic evidence. Even though all three species occur in the leaf litter of distinct forested habitats, Xenopholis undulatus is found in the elevated areas of the Brazilian Shield (Caatinga, Cerrado and Chaco), whereas X. scalaris occurs in the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests, and X. werdingorum in the Chiquitanos forest and Pantanal wetlands. We discuss the disjunct distribution between Amazonian and Atlantic Forest snake species in the light of available natural history and ecological aspects. This study shows the advantages of combining multiple data sources for reliable identification and circumscription of ecologically similar species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on new voucher specimens of Epicrates cenchria to the meridional limits of its distribution in the Atlantic Forest. We provide data on the meristic, morphometric and hemipenial morphology features for this southernmost population. We review the recent published record of E. cenhria for the locality of Ipiguá, state of São Paulo, Brazil, and reidentify it specimen herein to as E. crassus. Finally, we comment on the niche models available to E. cenchria and other congeners, suggesting outstanding issues that require additional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors driving the spatial configuration of centres of endemism have long been a topic of broad interest and debate. Due to different eco‐evolutionary processes, these highly biodiverse areas may harbour different amounts of ancient and recently diverged organisms (paleo‐ and neo‐endemism, respectively). Patterns of endemism still need to be measured at distinct phylogenetic levels for most clades and, consequently, little is known about the distribution, the age and the causes of such patterns. Here we tested for the presence of centres with high phylogenetic endemism (PE) in the highly diverse Neotropical snakes, testing the age of these patterns (paleo‐ or neo‐endemism), and the presence of PE centres with distinct phylogenetic composition. We then tested whether PE is predicted by topography, by climate (seasonality, stability, buffering and relictualness), or biome size. We found that most areas of high PE for Neotropical snakes present a combination of both ancient and recently diverged diversity, which is distributed mostly in the Caribbean region, Central America, the Andes, the Atlantic Forest and on scattered highlands in central Brazil. Turnover of lineages is higher across Central America, resulting in more phylogenetically distinct PE centres compared to South America, which presents a more phylogenetically uniform snake fauna. Finally, we found that elevational range (topographic roughness) is the main predictor of PE, especially for paleo‐endemism, whereas low paleo‐endemism levels coincide with areas of high climatic seasonality. Our study highlights the importance of mountain systems to both ancient and recent narrowly distributed diversity. Mountains are both museums and cradles of snake diversity in the Neotropics, which has important implications for conservation in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematics of Leptotyphlopidae is historically controversial mostly due to their conserved external morphology in comparison with other snakes. However, recent studies have stressed that anatomical data might be informative for clarifying the leptotyphlopid taxonomy and evolution. We erect a new genus to accommodate Leptotyphlops collaris based on evidence from osteology, hemipenial morphology, and molecular data. We also provide expanded data regarding the intraspecific variation based on additional specimens collected in field trips and literature data, performing detailed comparisons among the new genus and all other New World leptotyphlopids. The new genus is distinguished from other leptotyphlopids by its unique hemipenial morphology and its exclusive combination of osteological and external morphology characters, with molecular data also supporting the new generic arrangement. We also provide a comprehensive discussion of the hemipenial morphology for the subfamily Epictinae based on literature and novel data gathered herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare entity, although it is the most frequent location of visceral pseudoaneurysms. Trauma or previous pancreatitis (where the proteolytic pancreatic enzymes lead to the formation of pseudoaneurysm, as a result of enzymatic injury to the splenic artery wall) (Amico and Alves in Pancreatology 14: 144-145, 2014) is the most frequent causes. A high degree of suspicion is required for the accurate diagnosis. The authors present a case of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm in a middle-aged man who came to the emergency department with several days of abdominal pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation We generated a novel database of Neotropical snakes (one of the world's richest herpetofauna) combining the most comprehensive, manually compiled distribution dataset with publicly available data. We assess, for the first time, the diversity patterns for all Neotropical snakes as well as sampling density and sampling biases. Main types of variables contained We compiled three databases of species occurrences: a dataset downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a verified dataset built through taxonomic work and specialized literature, and a combined dataset comprising a cleaned version of the GBIF dataset merged with the verified dataset. Spatial location and grain Neotropics, Behrmann projection equivalent to 1° × 1°. Time period Specimens housed in museums during the last 150 years. Major taxa studied Squamata: Serpentes. Software format Geographical information system (GIS). Results The combined dataset provides the most comprehensive distribution database for Neotropical snakes to date. It contains 147,515 records for 886 species across 12 families, representing 74% of all species of snakes, spanning 27 countries in the Americas. Species richness and phylogenetic diversity show overall similar patterns. Amazonia is the least sampled Neotropical region, whereas most well-sampled sites are located near large universities and scientific collections. We provide a list and updated maps of geographical distribution of all snake species surveyed. Main conclusions The biodiversity metrics of Neotropical snakes reflect patterns previously documented for other vertebrates, suggesting that similar factors may determine the diversity of both ectothermic and endothermic animals. We suggest conservation strategies for high-diversity areas and sampling efforts be directed towards Amazonia and poorly known species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report additional specimens of Atractus titanicus from three municipalities in the western slope of the Central Cordillera of Colombia. Our reports fill a distribution gap of about 200 km (airline) between Sonsón and Tuluá. This findings support the previous suggestion that A. titanicus is apparently endemic of the western versant of the Central Cordillera and reinforce the idea that boundaries of elevation ranges may constitute an effective barrier to vertical dispersal of some Andean Atractus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]