Frogs and toads of the Pedra Azul–Forno Grande Biodiversity Corridor, southeastern Brazil

We conducted a long-term amphibian survey at the biodiversity corridor Pedra Azul-Forno Grande, in the mountain region of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Sampling was conducted from April 2004 to October 2009 and we registered 43 species. Two species (Dendropsophus ruschii and Megaelosia apuana) are included in the state list of threatened species and Scinax belloni is included in the IUCN/GAA list. We provide color photographs for most species found in the region

Intrinsic symmetry groups of links with 8 and fewer crossings

We present an elementary derivation of the "intrinsic" symmetry groups for knots and links of 8 or fewer crossings. The standard symmetry group for a link is the mapping class group \MCG(S^3,L) or \Sym(L) of the pair $(S^3,L)$. Elements in this symmetry group can (and often do) fix the link and act nontrivially only on its complement. We ignore such elements and focus on the "intrinsic" symmetry group of a link, defined to be the image $\Sigma(L)$ of the natural homomorphism \MCG(S^3,L) \rightarrow \MCG(S^3) \cross \MCG(L). This different symmetry group, first defined by Whitten in 1969, records directly whether $L$ is isotopic to a link $L'$ obtained from $L$ by permuting components or reversing orientations. For hyperbolic links both \Sym(L) and $\Sigma(L)$ can be obtained using the output of \texttt{SnapPea}, but this proof does not give any hints about how to actually construct isotopies realizing $\Sigma(L)$. We show that standard invariants are enough to rule out all the isotopies outside $\Sigma(L)$ for all links except $7^2_6$, $8^2_{13}$ and $8^3_5$ where an additional construction is needed to use the Jones polynomial to rule out "component exchange" symmetries. On the other hand, we present explicit isotopies starting with the positions in Cerf's table of oriented links which generate $\Sigma(L)$ for each link in our table. Our approach gives a constructive proof of the $\Sigma(L)$ groups.Comment: 72 pages, 66 figures. This version expands the original introduction into three sections; other minor changes made for improved readabilit

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Sistemática filogenética de Hylodidae (Amphibia: Anura)

Hylodidae is composed of 46 species distributed in three genera: Crossodactylus (14 spp), Hylodes (25 spp), and Megaelosia (7 spp). These torrent-frogs are diurnal and associated with riverine habitats throughout the Atlantic Rain Forest. The high degree of habitat specificity observed in this group seems to be associated with an extremely conservative external morphology; however, other sources of evidence have been proved useful to distinguish species. My study was designed to review the status of the current hylodid systematics, performing a total evidence analysis that represents as many species (and populations) as possible; confirm the monophyly of currently valid nominal taxa; investigate the evolutionary history of some morphological characters; and reconstruct biogeographical changes in the distribution of hylodids. My total evidence analysis included morphological (293 characters) and molecular data (four mitochondrial and five nuclear genes) for up to 371 hylodid terminals plus 45 outgroups, and resulted in 713 most parsimonious trees. I recovered Hylodidae and its compounding genera as monophyletic, and recognized 58 lineages within this family. Three synapomorphies were identified for Hylodidae based on vocal sac morphology (external double vocal sac, internal double vocal sac, and opening of the m. interhyoideus through which the diverticulum passes). Analysis of the distribution of hylodids revealed the origin of this frog family in the East Atlantic river basin, with subsequent allopatric speciation in adjacent basinsHylodidae é composta por 46 espécies distribuídas em três gêneros: Crossodactylus (14 spp), Hylodes (25 spp) e Megaelosia (7 spp). Essas rãs-de-corredeiras são diurnas e associadas à ambientes encachoeiradas ao longo da Mata Atlântica. O alto nível de especificacidade à esses habitats observado nesse grupo parece estar relacionado com a morfologia externa extremamente conservada; entretanto, outras fontes de evidências tem provado ser úteis para distinção de espécies. Meu estudo foi designado para revisar o status atual da sistemática dos hilodídeos através de uma análise de evidência total que representa o máximo de espécies (e populações) possíveis; confirmar o monofiletismo dos taxa válidos atualmente; avaliar a história evolutiva de alguns caracteres; e reconstruir mudanças biogeográficas na distribuição de Hylodidae. Minha análise de evidência total incluiu dados morfológicos (293 caracteres) e moleculares (quatro genes mitocondriais e cinco genes nucleares) para 34371 terminais de hilodídeos mais 45 terminais de grupo externo, resultando em 713 árvores mais parcimoniosas com 32.405 passos. Eu recuperei Hylodidae e todos os seus gêneros como monofiléticos e reconheci 59 linhagens dentro da família. Três sinapomorfias putativas foram identificadas para Hylodidae baseadas na morfologia do saco vocal (saco vocal externo duplo, saco vocal interno duplo e abertura no m. interhyoideus por onde o divertículo passa). Análises da distribuição dos hilodídeos revelaram a origem de Hylodidae na bacia Atlântico Leste com subsequentes especiações alopátricas em bacias subjacente

La place du bibliothécaire intégré dans la perspective d’approche-programme adoptée par les facultés d’éducation québécoises

L’approche-programme est l’un des changements touchant l’enseignement supérieur, notamment pour les programmes de formation à l’enseignement. Si le Comité d’agrément des programmes de formation à l’enseignement (CAPFE) offre certaines balises (2012), il semble que le rôle du bibliothécaire dans la formation des futurs enseignants soit incertain ; or celui-ci peut avantageusement se positionner et contribuer à l’amélioration de la formation des étudiants. En prenant le cas des collections de littérature jeunesse disponibles dans les didacthèques pour les étudiants au baccalauréat en enseignement primaire et éducation préscolaire, nous explorons comment le bibliothécaire, en adoptant une posture de bibliothécaire intégré et en s’arrimant aux principes qui influencent la pédagogie de l’enseignement supérieur, peut participer à l’approche-programme implantée.L’approche-programme est l’un des changements touchant l’enseignement supérieur, notamment pour les programmes de formation à l’enseignement. Si le Comité d’agrément des programmes de formation à l’enseignement (CAPFE) offre certaines balises (2012), il semble que le rôle du bibliothécaire dans la formation des futurs enseignants soit incertain ; or celui-ci peut avantageusement se positionner et contribuer à l’amélioration de la formation des étudiants. En prenant le cas des collections de littérature jeunesse disponibles dans les didacthèques pour les étudiants au baccalauréat en enseignement primaire et éducation préscolaire, nous explorons comment le bibliothécaire, en adoptant une posture de bibliothécaire intégré et en s’arrimant aux principes qui influencent la pédagogie de l’enseignement supérieur, peut participer à l’approche-programme implantée

La place du bibliothécaire intégré dans la perspective d’approche-programme adoptée par les facultés d’éducation québécoises

L’approche-programme est l’un des changements touchant l’enseignement supérieur, notamment pour les programmes de formation à l’enseignement. Si le Comité d’agrément des programmes de formation à l’enseignement (CAPFE) offre certaines balises (2012), il semble que le rôle du bibliothécaire dans la formation des futurs enseignants soit incertain ; or celui-ci peut avantageusement se positionner et contribuer à l’amélioration de la formation des étudiants. En prenant le cas des collections de littérature jeunesse disponibles dans les didacthèques pour les étudiants au baccalauréat en enseignement primaire et éducation préscolaire, nous explorons comment le bibliothécaire, en adoptant une posture de bibliothécaire intégré et en s’arrimant aux principes qui influencent la pédagogie de l’enseignement supérieur, peut participer à l’approche-programme implantée

The vocal sac of Hylodidae (Amphibia, Anura): Phylogenetic and functional implications of a unique morphology

Anuran vocal sacs are elastic chambers that recycle exhaled air during vocalizations and are present in males of most species of frogs. Most knowledge of the diversity of vocal sacs relates to external morphology; detailed information on internal anatomy is available for few groups of frogs. Frogs of the family Hylodidae, which is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and adjacent Argentina and Paraguay, have three patterns of vocal sac morphology—that is, single, subgular; paired, lateral; and absent. The submandibular musculature and structure of the vocal sac mucosa (the internal wall of the vocal sac) of exemplar species of this family and relatives were studied. In contrast to previous accounts, we found that all species of Crossodactylus and Hylodes possess paired, lateral vocal sacs, with the internal mucosa of each sac being separate from the contralateral one. Unlike all other frogs for which data are available, the mucosa of the vocal sacs in these genera is not supported externally by the mm. intermandibularis and interhyoideus. Rather, the vocal sac mucosa projects through the musculature and is free in the submandibular lymphatic sac. The presence of paired, lateral vocal sacs, the internal separation of the sac mucosae, and their projection through the m. interhyoideus are synapomorphies of the family. Furthermore, the specific configuration of the m. interhyoideus allows asymmetric inflation of paired vocal sacs, a feature only reported in species of these diurnal, stream-dwelling frogs.Fil: Elías Costa, Agustín Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Montesinos, Rachel. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Grant, Taran. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Faivovich, Julián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentin

On the stream-dwelling Crossodactylus timbuhy (Anura, Hylodidae): taxonomy, natural history, and geographic distribution

Lacerda, João Victor A., Montesinos, Rachel, Zocca, Cássio, Guimarães, Carla S., Santana, Diego J., Ferreira, Rodrigo B. (2022): On the stream-dwelling Crossodactylus timbuhy (Anura, Hylodidae): taxonomy, natural history, and geographic distribution. Zootaxa 5155 (4): 564-580, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5155.4.

A new Tropidurus (Tropiduridae) from the semiarid Brazilian Caatinga : evidence for conflicting signal between mitochondrial and nuclear loci affecting the phylogenetic reconstruction of South American collared lizards. (American Museum novitates, no. 3852)

66 pages : illustrations (some color), color maps ; 26 cm.Tropidurus Wied, 1825, is one of the most ubiquitous lizard genera distributed in open habitats of tropical and subtropical South America. Nevertheless, the broad representation of specimens of this group in scientific collections is hardly reflected in our knowledge of its taxonomic diversity. Most species currently assigned to Tropidurus began to be uncovered in the early 1980's and additional populations in need of formal taxonomic treatment have been cataloged ever since. Herein, we name Tropidurus sertanejo, n. sp., a new species of the T. torquatus group endemic to the semiarid Brazilian Caatinga. Tropidurus sertanejo, n. sp., is currently known from two isolated populations in the municipalities of Caetité and Ibotirama, State of Bahia, Brazil. This is the only species of the T. torquatus group lacking granular mite pockets on the lateral neck, and it is also diagnosable by having a conspicuous bronze-colored head, a light-brown dorsal body with small pale salmon spots, and small body size in comparison with most congeners. Phylogenetic analyses recovered a paraphyletic Tropidurus, but firmly supported T. sertanejo, n. sp., as member of a monophyletic T. torquatus species group. Trees generated by independent analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data conflicted with our total evidence phylogenetic hypotheses. Since topological disagreements were detected among phylogenetic trees resulting from maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML) reconstructions, and MP analyses do not require distinct evolutionary models or partition schemes to be defined prior to conduction of phylogenetic reconstruction, these factors were considered unlikely to explain all the variation in the observed results, favoring the interpretation of conflicting phylogenetic signal. Because detailed information on the distribution, population size, and ecological requirements of T. sertanejo, n. sp., are currently unavailable, we recommend the species to be listed as "data deficient" following the rules proposed by IUCN

Expansion of wastewater-based disease surveillance to improve health equity in Californias Central Valley: sequential shifts in case-to-wastewater and hospitalization-to-wastewater ratios.

INTRODUCTION: Over a third of the communities (39%) in the Central Valley of California, a richly diverse and important agricultural region, are classified as disadvantaged-with inadequate access to healthcare, lower socio-economic status, and higher exposure to air and water pollution. The majority of racial and ethnic minorities are also at higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Central Valley Together established a wastewater-based disease surveillance (WDS) program that aims to achieve greater health equity in the region through partnership with Central Valley communities and the Sewer Coronavirus Alert Network. WDS offers a cost-effective strategy to monitor trends in SARS-CoV-2 community infection rates. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated correlations between public health and wastewater data (represented as SARS-CoV-2 target gene copies normalized by pepper mild mottle virus target gene copies) collected for three Central Valley communities over two periods of COVID-19 infection waves between October 2021 and September 2022. Public health data included clinical case counts at county and sewershed scales as well as COVID-19 hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions. Lag-adjusted hospitalization:wastewater ratios were also evaluated as a retrospective metric of disease severity and corollary to hospitalization:case ratios. RESULTS: Consistent with other studies, strong correlations were found between wastewater and public health data. However, a significant reduction in case:wastewater ratios was observed for all three communities from the first to the second wave of infections, decreasing from an average of 4.7 ± 1.4 over the first infection wave to 0.8 ± 0.4 over the second. DISCUSSION: The decline in case:wastewater ratios was likely due to reduced clinical testing availability and test seeking behavior, highlighting how WDS can fill data gaps associated with under-reporting of cases. Overall, the hospitalization:wastewater ratios remained more stable through the two waves of infections, averaging 0.5 ± 0.3 and 0.3 ± 0.4 over the first and second waves, respectively