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In his 2009 review of New World Atteva Walker, Becker lists five species of Attevinae (= Attevidae), from Jamaica: Atteva pustulella (Fabricius), A. aurea (Fitch), A. siderea (Walsingham), A. sidereoides Becker, and A. fulviguttata (Zeller). There has been no recent collection of A. pustulella and A. siderea and their presence on the island needs reconfirming. Atteva fulvigutta has also not been found, but a similar species which is present is now recognized as A. glaucopidella Guenée, 1879, status revalidated, this name formerly being treated as synonymous with A. fulvigutta (Becker, 2009). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his 1681 Discours sur l'histoire universelle, Bossuet declared that Christianity provided the organizing thread of history, and anything that was not guided by it was irrelevant. Nine years later, in Locke's Essay Concerning Human Understanding, travel reports provided the primary source of information, above all in their demonstration of the extent of moral diversity. During the Enlightenment, reports of thoroughly "alien" worlds, notably the New World and China, began to be treated as offering wholly unprecedented perspectives on the world and our place in it. The paper surveys how interpretation of the reports changed radically between their original appearance in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and when subjected to new templates of understanding in the Enlightenment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, new wasp species and genera of Cynipidae have been described, and their species delimitation and evolutionary relationships have been supported using molecular markers. However, few studies have included comprehensive and extensive sampling of specimens across the complete distribution of a single genus. In this study, we analysed the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Amphibolips throughout its range using ultraconserved elements (UCEs). We collected 520 adult wasps from 401 sites in various geographic locations, predominantly in Mexico, and used 78 wasps for UCE analysis. Our results demonstrate that Amphibolips forms a monophyletic clade. Amphibolips can be further subdivided into four genetically well‐differentiated clades. Each clade had morphological traits that could be collectively characterised. Species delimitation using molecular sequencing highlights the taxonomic complexity involved in separating and assigning species using exclusively morphological criteria. This approach offers an opportunity to refine current morphological taxonomic criteria or propose new criteria to establish more accurate classifications. The rich diversity of host species and geographic regions in Mexico represents a biodiversity hotspot for Amphibolips. The number of undescribed species remains high. This study facilitates the determination of appropriate boundaries for putative new Amphibolips species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding morphology permits animals to adapt to changing environments and is often under strong selection. We evaluated if bill shape varies according to differences in dietary prey taken across geographical ranges (North America, Central America, South America, and Caribbean islands) in a ubiquitous, New World raptor species, the American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Specifically, we predicted that bills in geographies where kestrels consumed a larger proportion of vertebrates would be shorter and wider, with a larger tomial tooth. We reviewed the literature on kestrel diets across their range and quantified potential differences in bill shape using geometric morphometric methods for 245 museum specimens. The literature review revealed that most prey consumed by kestrels in North, South, and Central America were invertebrates (51.6–69.1%), whereas Caribbean kestrels consumed mostly vertebrates (61.4%), most of which were reptiles (77.3%). Morphometric analyses agreed with these findings; bill shape differed for island versus mainland kestrels but not among mainland regions. Bill shape on islands reflected a more robust bill with a larger tomial tooth, but had a longer hook, which we suggest is adaptive for consumption of lizard prey, more available on islands due to reduced competition with other raptors compared to mainland regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This database compiles comprehensive occurrence information, based on voucher specimens of small-eared shrews, genus Cryptotis, that occur from México to Peru. The database integrates the information obtained from four main sources: natural history museums, public databases, fieldwork and scientific literature. It contains 3,639 records from 53 species in 12 countries. Of the total, 83.54% have collecting dates, 51.36% of the specimens are sexed and 84.56% have decimal degrees coordinates. By generating this database and making it publicly available, we hope to improve the biological knowledge of this group of small mammals still poorly studied in the region. It aims to be a valuable resource for students, researchers, conservationists and decision-makers. New information: The dataset contains information on all species of the genus Cryptotis in the Neotropical Region (namely from México to Peru), incorporating the most updated taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. The database includes records in regions and countries that are poorly represented in currently available data repositories. Most records have verified temporal and spatial information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary and secondary chaetotaxy of the larval head capsule and head appendages of eight New World species of Berosus Leach (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae), are described for the first time, together with detailed illustrations of all characters. The chaetotaxy of these eight species is compared to that of other known Berosus larvae. Larval chaetotaxy of Berosus appears to be very stable and chaetotaxic characters separating species are very subtle. Those chaetotaxic characters which are informative to distinguish among species or groups of species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Slovenská Literatúra: Revue Pre Literárnu Vedu is the property of Institute of Slovak Literature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

BackgroundApproximately 50% of patients who receive anti-CD19 CAR-T cells relapse, and new immunotherapeutic targets are urgently needed. We recently described CD72 as a promising target in B-cell malignancies and developed nanobody-based CAR-T cells (nanoCARs) against it. This cellular therapy design is understudied compared with scFv-based CAR-T cells, but has recently become of significant interest given the first regulatory approval of a nanoCAR in multiple myeloma.MethodsWe humanized our previous nanobody framework regions, derived from llama, to generate a series of humanized anti-CD72 nanobodies. These nanobody binders were inserted into second-generation CD72 CAR-T cells and were evaluated against preclinical models of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in vitro and in vivo. Humanized CD72 nanoCARs were compared with parental ("NbD4") CD72 nanoCARs and the clinically approved CD19-directed CAR-T construct tisangenlecleucel. RNA-sequencing, flow cytometry, and cytokine secretion profiling were used to determine differences between the different CAR constructs. We then used affinity maturation on the parental NbD4 construct to generate high affinity binders against CD72 to test if higher affinity to CD72 improved antitumor potency.ResultsToward clinical translation, here we humanize our previous nanobody framework regions, derived from llama, and surprisingly discover a clone ("H24") with enhanced potency against B-cell tumors, including patient-derived samples after CD19 CAR-T relapse. Potentially underpinning improved potency, H24 has moderately higher binding affinity to CD72 compared with a fully llama framework. However, further affinity maturation (KD

Fourteenth-century Europe was marked by the Renaissance, the large movement of European awakening that started in Italy and encompassed scientific, political, economic, social, and cultural fields. One of the results of this movement was an unprecedented wave of explorations of the lands outside Europe, pioneered by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century. These explorations allowed Portugal to create trading posts and build castles along the West African coasts and establish sugarcane plantations on the Atlantic islands which relied on African slave labor. However, the discovery of the Americas in 1492 dramatically increased the demand for African slaves. This paper traces back the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the atrocities committed against African slaves, and it attempts to highlight the wrongs done to them for centuries in the name of economic progress dictated by the capitalist system. Résumé L’Europe du XIVe siècle a été marquée par la Renaissance qui a englobé les domaines scientifique, politique, économique, social et culturel. L’un des résultats de ce mouvement fut une vague d’explorations sans précédent des terres hors d’Europe au XVe siècle, initiée par les Portugais. Ces explorations ont permis au Portugal de créer des postes commerciaux et de construire des forts le long des côtes de l'Afrique de l'Ouest et d'établir des plantations de canne à sucre sur les îles de l'Atlantique qui reposaient sur la main-d'œuvre des esclaves africains. Cependant, la découverte des Amériques en 1492 a considérablement accru la demande d’esclaves africains.Cet article retrace l'histoire de la traite transatlantique des esclaves et des atrocités commises contre les esclaves africains, et tente de mettre en lumière les torts qui leur ont été causés pendant des siècles au nom du progrès économique dicté par le système capitaliste.

Rhodopsin is a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) critical for vertebrate vision. Research on GPCR signaling states has been facilitated using llama-derived nanobodies (Nbs), some of which bind to the intracellular surface to allosterically modulate the receptor. Extracellularly binding allosteric nanobodies have also been investigated, but the structural basis for their activity has not been resolved to date. Here, we report a library of Nbs that bind to the extracellular surface of rhodopsin and allosterically modulate the thermodynamics of its activation process. Crystal structures of Nb2 in complex with native rhodopsin reveal a mechanism of allosteric modulation involving extracellular loop 2 and native glycans. Nb2 binding suppresses Schiff base deprotonation and hydrolysis and prevents intracellular outward movement of helices five and six - a universal activation event for GPCRs. Nb2 also mitigates protein misfolding in a disease-associated mutant rhodopsin. Our data show the power of nanobodies to modulate the photoactivation of rhodopsin and potentially serve as therapeutic agents for disease-associated rhodopsin misfolding.

The article analyzes the debate on the Thomist concept of (in)vincible ignorance among the authors of the Iberian Peace School, with emphasis on professors who worked at the Universities of Coimbra and Évora throughout the second half of the 16th century and the first years of the 17th century. A topic that has long been debated within the scope of Christian theological thought, the possibility of ignorance about sin exempting the sinner from guilt resurfaced in the context of the relationship between Western Europe and the people of the New World, when it became essential to examine the degree of responsibility or not of the indigenous person given their total lack of knowledge of the Christian faith, as well as assessing whether the presumed innocence of the indigenous people, arising from an "invincible ignorance" of God, would be capable of excusing them from the "sins" committed. In this way, treatises by authors who, although not dealing directly with the topic, contributed to the affirmation of the principle that, on the one hand, ignorance, when invincible, totally excuses sin, will be analyzed, but, on the other, when intentional or easily refutable, does not exempt the subject from guilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the foundation dates of cities, we developed a spatial model of European colonization timing for the Americas, a major social-ecological event in its environmental history. Colonization occurred gradually during the past 500 years, but with two main “waves”, an early one prior to 1600, and a late one during the nineteenth century, following countries´ independence. Early-colonized areas include the Caribbean, Mexico-Mesoamerica, the Tropical Andes and adjacent Pacific coasts, and the Brazilian Atlantic coast. Recently colonized areas include the inner Amazonian region, Patagonia and high latitude North America. By combining the spatial model with a map of ecoregions and current human population, we identified areas with different combinations of colonization history and present-day human impact. Our approach provides a new perspective on the social-ecological history of the Americas, and we briefly discuss the consequences of this for ecology of the Anthropocene, and for conservation policies in the new world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spanish conquistadors drew a clear distinction between their objectives as they embarked on expeditions, with two contrasting verbs highlighting the difference: the verb poblar (to populate) involved establishing settlements and towns (pueblos), whereas the verb rescatar implied trading or even raiding the land. Founding a town meant the conquistadors started to colonize the area, relying on it as a «door» to go «deep in to the territory». Spanish colonization of the New World was marked by an important feature: any settlement was granted the status of a town and center from the outset. Any fort served as a town, a foothold for settlement in a vast unexplored area; it was the antithesis of endless and chaotic wilderness. The image of an indigenous town that conquistadors had in mind manifested itself in two forms, namely, a real town and a mythical one. While the perception of Spanish towns in the New World was unfailingly positive, an indigenous town, whether a real or mythical one, was deemed ambivalent, dangerous yet appealing.Mythical indigenous towns played a more important role in the history of Spanish exploration and conquest of the New World than real indigenous towns. It was the quest for mythical kingdoms and towns that became the main driving force behind Spanish colonization of the New World, as most major expeditions in America were launched to pursue pipe dreams. Those expeditions failed to generate wealth yet they resulted in geographical discoveries. Conquistadors’ fantasies prompted them to explore the great wilderness in a short period of time from a historical perspective.

Species of the thorny lacewing subfamily Symphrasinae (Neuroptera: Rhachiberothidae) are revised. Prior to this work, 42 species were known in the genera Anchieta Navás, 1909, Plega Navás, 1928, and Trichoscelia Westwood, 1852. Herein, the number of species is increased to 60, 23 of which are newly described. Species previously known are redescribed, and their taxonomic status is revised. Keys, diagnoses, and high-resolution images for all species are presented. The distribution range of Anchieta is now known from Costa Rica to southern Brazil with a total of 11 species, of which three are newly described. The genus Plega is known from southwestern United States to southern Brazil and includes 28 species of which 14 are described as new. Moreover, the genus Trichoscelia occurs from central and southern Mexico to Argentina, with a total of 21 species, of which six are herein newly described. A phylogenetic analysis of Symphrasinae based on morphological characters recovered the three symphrasine genera as monophyletic, with Anchieta sister to Plega + Trichoscelia. The three genera are newly diagnosed based on a cladistic framework. Within the genus Anchieta, bee-mimicking species comprise a monophyletic group, while wasp-mimicking species form a laddered sequence to that lineage. Within Plega, three lineages are recovered, the first mostly composed of South and Mesoamerican species, the second with species predominantly from Central America and central and southern Mexico, and a third clade encompassing species mostly from central and northern Mexico and southwestern United States. By contrast, relationships between species of Trichoscelia were poorly resolved because of a simplified and conserved morphology of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-week-old female llama cria was brought to the UC Davis Large Animal Hospital for evaluation of a cardiac murmur and suspected syncopal episodes. A grade IV/VI left basilar continuous murmur was present on cardiac auscultation. Echocardiography revealed a left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), mild left ventricular enlargement, scant pericardial effusion, and a suspected persistent left cranial vena cava. The PDA was successfully closed with an Amplatz canine duct occluder. Mild mitral regurgitation was present on echocardiography performed 7 d following PDA occlusion. No syncopal episodes were observed in hospital prior to or following PDA occlusion. At approximately 1 mo following PDA closure, a grade I/VI left apical systolic murmur was present and the cria's body condition was improved. Key clinical message: Patent ductus arteriosus closure is achievable in New World camelids using interventional cardiology which provides a minimally invasive treatment option for valuable or companion animals. Since interventional cardiac catheterization is commonly performed in small animal species, veterinary cardiologists are well-equipped to apply these skills to camelids.

Several plants that contain indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, are toxic to livestock, causing dysfunctional lysosomes and storage disease. Swainsonine induces a neurovisceral disease, known as locoism, in sheep, goats, and cattle, which occurs in several parts of the world, including, but not limited to, the western United States, China, and parts of Australia. In South America, locoism has been described in the Andean region of Argentina affecting sheep, cattle, and llamas. Intoxication by consumption of Astragalus punae was suspected in 4 llamas in Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. The grazing area contained abundant specimens of A. punae. The clinical course was ~15 d, and included moderate ataxia, incoordination of hindlimbs, and progressive loss of body condition. Microscopically, fine cytoplasmic microvacuolation was observed in the proximal convoluted renal tubules. Ultrastructurally, these changes consisted of severely dilated lysosomes. Swainsonine was detected in stem and leaf samples of A. punae at a concentration of 0.06%. Based on clinical history and signs, histologic and ultrastructural changes, and plant analysis, a diagnosis of swainsonine toxicosis caused by consumption of A. punae was made, which has not been reported previously, to our knowledge.

Research of the ideological foundations of Scythianism and Eurasianism underlines the conceptual affinity between these two movements, as well as their cause-and-effect relationship. These phenomena are embedded within the particular historical and social context. They are part of Russian socio-political thought during the pivotal years of the Great War and the October Revolution, and represent a medium through which we can reconstruct the prevailing "spirit of the time." Nevertheless, the focal point of this study is oriented towards the future, not the past. This is due to the fact that the ideas emanating from these movements hold a greater contemporary relevance than they did a century ago. We conclude that both Scythianism and Eurasianism are not just part of history, but rather far-reaching visions being realized before our eyes. From a contemporary perspective, the Scythians are pioneers of a "creative era" whose intuition and elan vital set Russia on a new civilizational trajectory. Their significance becomes particularly pronounced on the threshold of tectonic international changes and apocalyptic forecasts that can no longer be remedied through "political reforms", but solely through systemic changes. Similar to the period before the First World War, an avantgarde strategic culture emerges as a suitable solution, especially taking into account the dispersion of global power in the collective West.

The Lake Titicaca basin was one of the major centers for cultural development in the ancient world. This lacustrine environment is unique in the high, dry Andean altiplano, and its aquatic and terrestrial resources are thought to have contributed to the florescence of complex societies in this region. Nevertheless, it remains unclear to what extent local aquatic resources, particularly fish, and the introduced crop, maize, which can be grown in regions along the lakeshores, contributed to facilitating sustained food production and population growth, which underpinned increasing social political complexity starting in the Formative Period (1400 BCE to 500 CE) and culminating with the Tiwanaku state (500 to 1100 CE). Here, we present direct dietary evidence from stable isotope analysis of human skeletal remains spanning over two millennia, together with faunal and floral reference materials, to reconstruct foodways and ecological interactions in southern Lake Titicaca over time. Bulk stable isotope analysis, coupled with compound-specific amino acid stable isotope analysis, allows better discrimination between resources consumed across aquatic and terrestrial environments. Together, this evidence demonstrates that human diets predominantly relied on C3 plants, particularly quinoa and tubers, along with terrestrial animals, notably domestic camelids. Surprisingly, fish were not a significant source of animal protein, but a slight increase in C4 plant consumption verifies the increasing importance of maize in the Middle Horizon. These results underscore the primary role of local terrestrial food resources in securing a nutritious diet that allowed for sustained population growth, even in the face of documented climate and political change across these periods.

The following article aims to carry out a reflective and interdisciplinary analysis of the role of the church in the colonial administration based on five works published in the last fourteen years. Each one of them will attempt to identify key aspects directly related to the actions of the clergy in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of the New Kingdom of Granada. Among these elements are the juridical-institutional vision, religious practices, and power relations. In order to achieve the aforementioned, a systematic review of the bibliography on this issue will be carried out, highlighting the contributions of each author and the feasibility of possible new research horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del CEMYR is the property of Cuadernos del CEMYR (Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de La Laguna) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gamochaeta Wedd. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) is a New World genus with a center of diversity in South America. The genus is characterized by capitula usually arranged in spikes or headlike clusters; pistillate florets outnumbering the bisexual florets; truncate style branches with apical sweeping trichomes; pappus bristles connate at the base into a ring that falls as a unit; and achenes with usually globose twin trichomes. We present here the first morphometric analysis of this genus. Based upon these results, 53 species are recognized, and two are newly synonymized: G. neuquensis Cabrera under the name G. chamissonis (DC.) Cabrera, and G. impatiens G. L. Nesom under the name G. americana (Mill.) Wedd. A lectotype is newly designated for Gnaphalium spiciforme Sch. Bip. The occurrence in southern Argentina of Gamochaeta procumbens (Phil.) Cabrera is reported for the first time, and G. standleyi (Steyerm.) G. L. Nesom is new for Colombia. One species, Gamochaeta thouarsii (Spreng.) Anderb., is treated as dubious. A key to the species is provided, as well as morphological descriptions, synonymy, distribution and habitat information, distinguishing characters, taxonomic affinities, distribution maps, illustrations of the species, and additional material examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Atalanta: Revista de las Letras Barrocas is the property of Atalanta Revista de las Letras Barrocas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Intertidal ecology has been considered the cradle of modern marine ecology with insightful investigations on the biological and ecological mechanisms allowing "life between the tides". Most of the early investigations focused on macrophytes (seagrasses and macroalgae) and benthic invertebrates inhabiting emerged intertidal substrata. However, tidepools also shelter a rich fauna, including fishes, which display a wide diversity and a variety of ecological interactions and functions. Here, we review the diversity, ecology, evolution and conservation of the American tidepool fishes, from definition to trophic roles, ecological vulnerabilities and societal importance that reveal an extraordinary biodiversity and the important roles fishes play in the coastal ecosystems. Tidepool fish studies increased sharply from the mid twentieth century onwards, but many geographic gaps still exist. Tidepool fishes connect marine and terrestrial communities via substantial predation upon insects and exporting energy to land as prey for terrestrial fauna. Sea-level rise driven by climate change will reduce or eliminate current intertidal habitats, where little or no space is available for landward accommodation in the supralittoral zone. Concurrently, tidepool habitat would be 'squeezed' to a narrow intertidal stripe by 'coastal squeeze' process. Endemic, habitat-restricted, and specialist species could be particularly affected by human-induced habitat loss on the coastal stripe. Tidepool fishes provide many ecological services, such as well-being, environmental awareness, outdoor recreation, and bioinspiration for ancient and current societies. The level of intertidal rocky shore protection varies among American countries, but in most cases rocky shores are included in the least effective protection categories allowing extractive activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new invasive pest, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), has recently been detected in southern Puerto Rico. This is the first time that this species has been officially reported in the Western Hemisphere. The species was observed affecting cotton, both cultivated and wild, and eggplant. More research is needed to understand the potential impacts of this species on the island. Recientemente se ha encontrado una nueva plaga invasiva en el sur de Puerto Rico. Este es el primer registro de la especie en el hemisferio occidental. Se observó el mismo afectando líneas de algodón, berenjenas y algodón silvestre. Se necesita más investigación para comprender los impactos potenciales de A. bigutulla en la isla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranea - Ricerche Storiche is the property of Mediterranea-Ricerche Storiche and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease uncommon in Europe. We report a case of a returnee from Panama who presented with a sporotrichoid pattern of soft tissue infection on the arm. A larger ulcerated plaque developed. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and identified Leishmania panamensis. After intralesional treatment with meglumine antimoniate a complete cure was achieved. The major adverse event of treatment was pain during injection. Intralesional application seems to be more effective with less adverse events than systemic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the stridulatory structures has been empirically used as a diagnostic character for Pachycorinae, but it is also present in Hoteinae and two genera of Odontotarsinae. The stridulitrum is present mostly on sternites V–VI in Scutelleridae, associated with a plectrum on the hind tibiae. These structures have been recently analysed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM); however, only 9 of the 27 Pachycorinae genera were examined; moreover, the tibial plectra were not examined. In this work, we investigated the stridulatory device of 26 genera of Pachycorinae. The morphology of these structures was examined and described under light stereomicroscope and SEM. We report two patterns of stridulitrum: (1) smooth carinae, found in 24 genera; (2) coarse carinae, composed of many small teeth similar in size, found in 3 genera. Two main patterns were found regarding the tibial plectra: (1) rounded tubercles that were conspicuous in 3 genera and inconspicuous in 23 genera; (2) flat tubercles found in 2 genera. Our results demonstrate that the stridulatory devices have taxonomic significance within Pachycorinae and should be considered in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several hantaviruses result in zoonotic infections of significant public health concern, causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) or hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in the Old and New World, respectively. Given a 35% case fatality rate, disease-causing New World hantaviruses require a greater understanding of their biology, genetic diversity, and geographical distribution. Juquitiba hantaviruses have been identified in Oligoryzomys nigripes in Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Brazil has reported the most HCPS cases associated with this virus. We used a multiplexed, amplicon-based PCR strategy to screen and deep-sequence the virus harbored within lung tissues collected from Oligoryzomys species during rodent field collections in southern (Itapúa) and western (Boquerón) Paraguay. No Juquitiba-like hantaviruses were identified in Boquerón. Herein, we report the full-length S and M segments of the Juquitiba hantaviruses identified in Paraguay from O. nigripes. We also report the phylogenetic relationships of the Juquitiba hantaviruses in rodents collected from Itapúa with those previously collected in Canindeyú. We showed, using the TN93 nucleotide substitution model, the coalescent (constant-size) population tree model, and Bayesian inference implemented in the Bayesian evolutionary analysis by sampling trees (BEAST) framework, that the Juquitiba virus lineage in Itapúa is distinct from that in Canindeyú. Our spatiotemporal analysis showed significantly different time to the most recent ancestor (TMRA) estimates between the M and S segments, but a common geographic origin. Our estimates suggest the additional geographic diversity of the Juquitiba virus within the Interior Atlantic Forest and highlight the need for more extensive sampling across this biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary and secondary chaetotaxy of the larval head capsule and head appendages of five New World species of Enochrus Thomson are described for the first time. These species belong to three subgenera: Enochrus (Hugoscottia) tremolerasi (Knisch), E. (Lumetus) hamiltoni (Horn), E. (Methydrus) barituensis Fernández, E. (Methydrus) ochraceus (Melsheimer) and E. (Methydrus) pygmaeus (Fabricius). Morphometric characters derived from the head capsule and mouthparts are also included, together with detailed illustrations of all characters. A comparative study of the chaetotaxy of four subgenera of Enochrus yields an important number of characters useful to diagnose the larvae of these subgenera, and could be used in future phylogenetic analyses. Several characters showing variation within a subgenus are discussed; additionally, possible diagnostic characters for Enochrus and the subfamily Enochrinae are discussed. The chaetotaxy of two subgenera, Enochrus Thomson and Hydatotrephis MacLeay, still remains unknown, and should be a priority to complete the larval knowledge of the genus Enochrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanobodies (nAbs) are recombinant antigen-binding variable domain fragments obtained from heavy-chain-only immunoglobulins. Among mammals, these are unique to camelids (camels, llamas, alpacas, etc.). Nanobodies are of great use in biomedical research due to their efficient folding and stability under a variety of conditions, as well as their small size. The latter characteristic is particularly important for nAbs used as immunolabeling reagents, since this can improve penetration of cell and tissue samples compared to conventional antibodies, and also reduce the gap distance between signal and target, thereby improving imaging resolution. In addition, their recombinant nature allows for unambiguous definition and permanent archiving in the form of DNA sequence, enhanced distribution in the form of sequences or plasmids, and easy and inexpensive production using well-established bacterial expression systems, such as the IPTG induction method described here. This article will review the basic workflow and process for developing, screening, and validating novel nAbs against neuronal target proteins. The protocols described make use of the most common nAb development method, wherein an immune repertoire from an immunized llama is screened via phage display technology. Selected nAbs can then be taken through validation assays for use as immunolabels or as intrabodies in neurons. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Total RNA isolation from camelid leukocytes Basic Protocol 2: First-strand cDNA synthesis; VH H and VH repertoire PCR Basic Protocol 3: Preparation of the phage display library Basic Protocol 4: Panning of the phage display library Basic Protocol 5: Small-scale nAb expression Basic Protocol 6: Sequence analysis of selected nAb clones Basic Protocol 7: Nanobody validation as immunolabels Basic Protocol 8: Generation of nAb-pEGFP mammalian expression constructs Basic Protocol 9: Nanobody validation as intrabodies Support Protocol 1: ELISA for llama serum testing, phage titer, and screening of selected clones Support Protocol 2: Amplification of helper phage stock Support Protocol 3: nAb expression in amber suppressor E. coli bacterial strains.

Lysosomal storage diseases are inherited and acquired disorders characterized by dysfunctional lysosomes. Intracytoplasmic accumulation of undegraded substrates leads to impaired cellular function and death. Several plant species are toxic to livestock because of the presence of indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, which cause a storage disease. Swainsonine-induced nervous disease (i.e., locoism) of sheep and cattle is well recognized in several parts of the world, particularly in the western United States and in parts of Australia. Spontaneous intoxication by Astragalus garbancillo var. garbancillo was suspected in a group of 70 llamas (Lama glama) in Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. The animals grazed an area dominated by stands of A. garbancillo var. garbancillo. Clinical signs were staggering, ataxia, hypermetria, and progressive weight loss. The clinical course in individual animals was ~50 d. The main microscopic changes were Purkinje cell degeneration, necrosis, and loss, associated with intracytoplasmic vacuolation, meganeurite formation, and Wallerian degeneration. Specific positive labeling for ubiquitin was observed in axonal spheroids. Composite leaf and stem samples of A. garbancillo var. garbancillo analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography contained 0.03% swainsonine. Based on the microscopic lesions, clinical history, and plant analysis, a diagnosis was made of storage disease caused by consumption of swainsonine-containing A. garbancillo var. garbancillo.

Ulcers of the oral cavity, esophagus, and gastric compartments of South American camelids are uncommon. Multifocal-to-coalescing ulcers were identified in the oral cavity, esophagus, and/or gastric compartments of 5 alpacas submitted for postmortem examination. Fusobacterium necrophorum was isolated from the lesions in all alpacas, in combination with other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In 4 of these cases, F. necrophorum-associated lesions were considered secondary to neoplasia or other chronic debilitating conditions; in 1 case, the alimentary ulcers were considered the most significant autopsy finding. It is not known if this agent acted as a primary or opportunistic agent in mucosal membranes previously damaged by a traumatic event, chemical insult, immunodeficiency, or any other debilitating condition of the host.

This paper will focus on texts like Dryden’s that nationalized colonization and thus justified it. Nationalistic works on the conversation about the ‘New World’ left out one key group: indigenous Americans. The transposition of European ideas about the Americas is evident in Dryden’s work because of his interest in supporting or justifying the colonial ventures of the western hemisphere. The Indian Emperour itself connects to the European discourse on colonization through the dichotomy Dryden creates between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ world and the nobility of certain indigenous characters like Montezuma. The Indian Emperour most notably connects to later colonial discourse through Dryden’s placement of the English people in the play. While the English are not physically present in Mexico, Dryden refers to his own collective nationality as a necessary replacement or superior successor to the lands of the ‘New World.’ In this paper, I argue that Dryden’s idea of the necessary replacement, or the worthy colonizer, speaks heavily to later colonial themes and myths in North American literature, where various heroic figures act as intermediaries between the European ‘civilized’ world and the western frontier.

The main question that Humankind was confronted with at the beginning of the Age of Great Discoveries can be spelled out as follows: «Just how is the world shaped?» The subsequent Great Geographical Discoveries showed the true dimension and structure of the surface of the Planet, as well as the real range of diversity of the «World of Humans». And the new knowledge of the shape of the world, in turn, gave rise to the following dilemma: can we surmise any unity of this world, all the great diversity of human cultures notwithstanding, or is such a unity nothing but an illusion? The search for an answer to this question constituted one of the axes of the spiritual life of Humankind in subsequent centuries up to the present day. The crucial point in the search for an answer to the above said question was the Discovery of America. The Meeting of two Worlds brought about the most acute crisis of consciousness on both sides. In the course of ensuing attempts at overcoming the crisis, they discovered new dimensions of their own heritage and new prospects for future life. Two alternative ways of evolution of homo sapiens, essentially different and even opposed, took shape. On the one hand, it was globalization, and on the other hand, it was increased emphasis on the heterogeneity of specific human communities at different levels, being the regional civilizations the most conspicuous ones in this respect. The collision, interweaving and mutual influence of those processes predetermined the main trends of human history over the past five centuries. In Latin America, a special frontier civilizational type has developed, as different from the classical both Western and Oriental models. It embodies more patently the principle of dialogue, which is, according to M. Bakhtin, a distinctive feature of the evolution of homo sapiens in general. This type of civilisation acquires particular importance at the present stage of evolution of the human world, which, on the threshold of the XXI century has entered its new stage, that of uncertainty and instability, the frontier stage.

The escalating reports of gender issues, particularly violence against women and girls across Nigeria, through the media are worrisome. This raises further questions on the roles of Social Studies in overcoming these concerns hindering societal peace for sustainable development. The researchers adopted a descriptive design to examine the knowledge and attitudes including social skills standards gained from Social Studies to help realize a new world order on gender issues in the society. A sample size of 200 respondents was chosen through a non-probability sampling method using a purposive sampling technique. The study adopted a quantitative method approach for data collection. The findings revealed high knowledge awareness of gender issues among respondents while attitudes and social skills gained recorded only moderate level of knowledge awareness. Also, findings showed a statistically significant difference between students’ knowledge of gender issues and their social skills for emotional intelligence to deal with gender issues around them. Recommendations were made for teachers to scale up lesson emphasis towards helping students to develop required soft skills as solutions in responding to gender issues around them.

Background: Leishmania is the parasitic protozoan responsible for leishmaniases, a disease that can cause a range of cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral infections. Two subgenera L. Viannia and L. Leishmania are known to infect humans in the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. The aim of the present study was to develop a new pair of primers for the two subgenera and test in clinical samples. Methods: We designed two new pairs of primers for a PCR method from two conserved genes, cysteine proteinase B (cpb) and N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosfate deacetylase- like protein (nagA), as specific markers for those two respective subgenera. Primers were tested with 16 microscopical positive clinical samples from the Amazon region of Ecuador obtained in 2010-2020 period. Results: The cpb presented a band of 172 bp and the nagA a band of 300 bp, thus clearly differentiating L. viannia from L. leishmania. Additionally, primers identified and differentiated the clinical samples in the two subgenera. Conclusion: The new primers targeting different two genes and standardized in a PCR assay could identified and differentiated Leishmania parasites at subgenus level. This protocol could be used for Leishmania genus identification and diagnosis at the subgenus level and for determining the parasite's geographical distribution where different Leishmania subgenera are found in the same area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: Encarsia (Family Aphelinidae) is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps that target a diversity of agricultural pest insects including whiteflies and armoured scale insects. Since the genus was described in 1878, 450+ species of Encarsia have been described. Historically, it has been difficult to provide a subgeneric classification for the species of Encarsia. As a result, researchers have divided the group into numerous informal species-groups. Our work uses an alignment of ribosomal DNA sequences (sequences that code for ribosomal RNA) to construct a phylogenetic tree that shows that species of the genus Dirphys are correctly placed within Encarsia. With these results, we establish the Encarsia mexicana species-group (for the six species previously placed in Dirphys) and describe 14 new species. We also briefly discuss morphological characters that may correspond to the relationships recovered in the molecular phylogeny. With this information, we can better understand the patterns of evolution which brought about the present diversity within Encarsia and provide a more accurate classification of the genus. The genus Dirphys Howard 1914 syn. n. is synonymized with Encarsia Förster, and treated as a species-group of Encarsia, referred to henceforth as the Encarsia mexicana species-group. The monophyly of Encarsia is discussed in relation to Dirphys. The new synonymy is based on phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal 28S-D2 gene region (43 taxa, 510 bp). The Encarsia mexicana species-group is recovered as strongly monophyletic within Encarsia. All species of the Encarsia mexicana species-group are revised. The group includes six previously described species, and fourteen newly described species. All species are described (or redescribed) and illustrated. Detailed distributional data, and, where available, plant associate and host records are provided for all species. Encarsia myartsevae Kresslein and Polaszek nom. nov. is here proposed as a replacement name for Encarsia mexicana Myartseva, now preoccupied by Encarsia mexicana (Howard). A dichotomous identification key, supplemented by an online multiple-entry key, is provided for all species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leishmania is the parasitic protozoan responsible for leishmaniases, a disease that can cause a range of cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral infections. Two subgenera L. Viannia and L. Leishmania are known to infect humans in the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. The aim of the present study was to develop a new pair of primers for the two subgenera and test in clinical samples. Methods: We designed two new pairs of primers for a PCR method from two conserved genes, cysteine proteinase B (cpb) and N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosfate deacetylase-like protein (nagA), as specific markers for those two respective subgenera. Primers were tested with 16 microscopical positive clinical samples from the Amazon region of Ecuador obtained in 2010-2020 period. Results: The cpb presented a band of 172 bp and the nagA a band of 300 bp, thus clearly differentiating L. viannia from L. leishmania. Additionally, primers identified and differentiated the clinical samples in the two subgenera. Conclusion: The new primers targeting different two genes and standardized in a PCR assay could identified and differentiated Leishmania parasites at subgenus level. This protocol could be used for Leishmania genus identification and diagnosis at the subgenus level and for determining the parasite's geographical distribution where different Leishmania subgenera are found in the same area.

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is the largest brominated flame retardant which can be released to environment and cause long-term hazard. In this work, we developed a rapid and highly sensitive fluorescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (FELISA) for monitoring of TBBPA in soil samples. TBBPA specific nanobody derived from camelid was fused with alkaline phosphatase to obtain the bi-functional fusion protein, which enable the specific binding of TBBPA and the generation of detection signal simultaneously. The assay showed an IC50 of 0.23 ng g-1, limit detection of 0.05 ng g-1 and linear range from 0.1 to 0.55 ng g-1 for TBBPA in soil samples. Due to the high resistance to organic solvents of the fusion protein, a simple pre-treatment by using 40% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as extract solvent can eliminate matrix effect and obtain good recoveries (ranging from 93.4% to 112.4%) for spiked soil samples. Good relationship between the results of the proposed FELISA and that of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was obtained, which indicated it could be a powerful analytical tool for determination of TBBPA to monitor human and environmental exposure.

Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses capable of causing respiratory, enteric, or systemic diseases in a variety of mammalian hosts that vary in clinical severity from subclinical to fatal. The host range and tissue tropism are largely determined by the coronaviral spike protein, which initiates cellular infection by promoting fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Companion animal coronaviruses responsible for causing enteric infection include feline enteric coronavirus, ferret enteric coronavirus, canine enteric coronavirus, equine coronavirus, and alpaca enteric coronavirus, while canine respiratory coronavirus and alpaca respiratory coronavirus result in respiratory infection. Ferret systemic coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis virus, a mutated feline enteric coronavirus, can lead to lethal immuno-inflammatory systemic disease. Recent human viral pandemics, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and most recently, COVID-19, all thought to originate from bat coronaviruses, demonstrate the zoonotic potential of coronaviruses and their potential to have devastating impacts. A better understanding of the coronaviruses of companion animals, their capacity for cross-species transmission, and the sharing of genetic information may facilitate improved prevention and control strategies for future emerging zoonotic coronaviruses. This article reviews the clinical, epidemiologic, virologic, and pathologic characteristics of nine important coronaviruses of companion animals.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotype E is one of three serotypes that cause the preponderance of human botulism cases and is a Tier 1 Select Agent. BoNT/E is unusual among BoNT serotypes for its rapid onset and short duration of intoxication. Here we report two large panels of unique, unrelated camelid single-domain antibodies (VHHs) that were selected for their ability to bind to BoNT/E holotoxin and/or to the BoNT/E light chain protease domain (LC/E). The 19 VHHs which bind to BoNT/E were characterized for their subunit specificity and 8 VHHs displayed the ability to neutralize BoNT/E intoxication of neurons. Heterodimer antitoxins consisting of two BoNT/E-neutralizing VHHs, including one heterodimer designed using structural information for simultaneous binding, were shown to protect mice against co-administered toxin challenges of up to 500 MIPLD50. The 22 unique VHHs which bind to LC/E were characterized for their binding properties and 9 displayed the ability to inhibit LC/E protease activity. Surprisingly, VHHs selected on plastic-coated LC/E were virtually unable to recognize soluble or captured LC/E while VHHs selected on captured LC/E were poorly able to recognize LC/E coated to a plastic surface. This panel of anti-LC/E VHHs offer insight into BoNT/E function, and some may have value as components of therapeutic antidotes that reverse paralysis following BoNT/E exposures.

BackgroundThe variable domain of camelid heavy-chain antibodies (VHH) is increasingly being adapted to detect small molecules in various matrices. The insecticide carbaryl is widely used in agriculture while its residues have posed a threat to food safety and human health.ResultsVHHs specific for carbaryl were generated from an alpaca immunized with the hapten CBR1 coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the VHH C1 and the coating antigen CBR2-BSA was developed for the detection of carbaryl in cereals. This assay, using an optimized assay buffer (pH 6.5) containing 10% methanol and 0.8% NaCl, has a half-maximum signal inhibition concentration of 5.4 ng mL-1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3 ng mL-1 for carbaryl, and shows low cross reactivity (≤0.8%) with other tested carbamates. The LOD of carbaryl using the VHH-based ELISA was 36 ng g-1 in rice and maize and 72 ng g-1 in wheat. Recoveries of carbaryl in spiked rice, maize and wheat samples were in the range of 81-106%, 96-106% and 83-113%, respectively. Relative standard deviations of repeatability and intra-laboratory reproducibility were in the range of 0.8-9.2% and 2.9-9.7%, respectively.ConclusionThe VHH-based ELISA was highly effective in detecting carbaryl in cereal samples after simple sample extraction and dilution. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.