The genus Sesuvium (Aizoaceae, Sesuvioideae) in the Southern Cone

Sesuvium is a genus of 14 to 17 species of succulent plants, both annual and perennial, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Sesuvium has not yet been studied in detail in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Southern Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay), which has led to a misidentification of numerous specimens as S. portulacastrum. As part of the ongoing floristic, taxonomic and ecologic studies in Argentina, we revise the genus Sesuvium for the Southern Cone. This study is based on field investigation, examination of herbarium specimens, and revision of literature. The taxonomic treatments, maps of distribution, detailed descriptions, photographs, an illustration, a dichotomous key and a comparative table to differentiate the species of the genus Sesuvium occurring in the Southern Cone are presented. Finally, ecological, morphological, and taxonomic aspects of the species are discussed. The new combination of S. americanum (≡ Trianthema americanum Gillies ex Arn.; = S. verrucosum Raf.) is proposed. Lectotypes for three names are here designated (S. revolutifolium Vahl ex Willd.; S. revolutifolium Lam., and S. parviflorum DC.). Four species should be accepted for the Southern Cone: S. americanum, S. humifusum, S. mezianum and S. sessile. Furthermore, S. portulacastrum is excluded from the flora of the Southern Cone.

First record of Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus (Juncaceae) for the Southern Cone flora

Background and aims: Juncus is the largest and most diverse genus of Juncaceae, distributed mainly in the temperate zones of both hemispheres. The Southern Cone flora contains ca. 38 Juncus species (44 taxa including 12 infraspecific categories). Sixteen of those species belong to the section Ozophyllum. As a part of our ecologic studies in wetlands of Patagonia (Argentina) we collected specimens of Juncus that did not match any of the species currently known to the Southern Cone. The aim of this contribution is to report for the first time the presence of Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus for the Southern Cone flora. M&M: Classical methods in taxonomy were employed. Living and herbarium material, original descriptions, and type material of Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus were studied. Collected materials were deposited in the herbarium ARC of the Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Results: Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus is here described. A distribution map, photos, and a key to the Southern Cone species of Juncus belonging to the section Ozophyllum are provided. Also, some ecological and distributional features are discussed. Conclusions: The naturalization of Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus is reported here for the first time in the Southern Cone. From now on, Juncus contributes 39 species to the Southern Cone flora, and 17 to Juncus section Ozophyllum.

Going unnoticed for 40 years: about the presence of the exotic Suaeda paradoxa (Chenopodiaceae, Suaedoideae) in Argentina

As a part of ecologic studies conducted in wetlands of Patagonia, Argentina, and in the frame of taxonomic studies within Chenopodiaceae for South America, we collected specimens of Suaeda that did not match the features to any of the species currently known to the Flora of Argentina. The aim of this contribution is to report for the first time the presence of Suaeda paradoxa in Argentina, by the means of the study of living plants and herbarium material, original descriptions, type material, and complementing with a distribution map, photos, a diagnostic key, and a comparative table to the herbaceous species of Suaeda in Argentina. Also, some comments regarding ecological and distributional features are discussed. This is the first record of S. paradoxa outside its native distribution range.

HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE AND CLIMATIC FACTORS IN DAK LAK PROVINCE FROM 2012 TO 2013

Introduction: Hand-foot-mouth-disease (HFMD) is an emerging infectious disease caused by enterovirus. Based on the surveillance data of HFMD and climatic parameters, this study aims to describe the distribution of HFMD in Dak Lak in 2012-2013 and explore the influence of climatic factors on HFMD cases. Methodology: Case series and ecologic studies were used. HFMD case was defined based on MOH’s guidelines. Poisson regression was used to examine the association between the incidence of HFMD and climatic factors. Results: There were 6913 cases of HFMD in Dak Lak in 2012-2013. Mean age (SD) was 24 (17) months. The incidence of HFMD (per 100,000) was 224 in male, 165 in female, 227 in Kinh people, 119 in ethnic minority people. HFMD occurred in all districts and scattered throughout the year, but the highest incidence was in September, October and November (accounting for 43.3%). The climatic variables were related to HFMD cases. Each 1°C rising in temperature corresponded to an increased of 6.3% (RR=1.063, 95%CI=1.037-1.089) in the monthly number of HFMD cases. Similarly, an increase of each 1% in relative humidity, 50mm in rainfall or 5 hour of sunlight corresponded to an increase of 9,8% (RR=1.098, 95% CI=1.087-1.110); 1.7% (RR=1.017, 95% CI=1.005-1.029); 3.4% (RR=1.034, 95% CI=1.029-1.040) in the monthly number of HFMD cases respectively. Conclusions: HFMD occurred all the year round, peaked from September through November. The disease occurred mainly in children under 5 years of age (96%), more common in boys than in girls (ratio 1.4), in Kinh than ethnic minority people (ratio 1.9). There were HFMD cases in all districts of the province. Climatic factors (temperature, humidity, precipitation, sunshine hours) had a significant influence on occurrence and transmission of HFMD. Keywords: Hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD), climatic factors